10 Unsolved Mysteries from the 80s and 90s – Still Unresolved
The “Unsolved Mysteries” TV series is well-known for its eerie, disturbing and downright terrifying subject matter. The show is often remembered as a pop culture phenomenon that inspired nightmares and scared the heck out of young (and old) audiences. A show with the creepiest theme music any of us had ever heard.
However pervasive its impact on viewers was, it’s important not to loose track of the impact each unsolved mystery had on victims, families, investigators, and sometimes on whole communities.
As a teen in the mid 90s, I was able to watch the show and it was mesmerizing. I couldn’t believe the things that could happen to ordinary people. Or the pain and loss that so many victim’s families experienced while cases remained unsolved.
Many of the 1300 mysteries featured on the show were shared in hopes of solving crimes. Victims, their families, friends, and investigators held out hope for a resolution to incidents that haunted their nightmares.
Unsolved Mysteries’ website claims that tips phoned in by its viewers are responsible for solving more than 260 of the cases it covered. That’s an impressive figure and the show should be commended for the role it played in helping solve that many mysteries.
Despite Solving a Number of Cases, Many Mysteries Remain Unresolved
Unfortunately though, the majority of unsolved mysteries still remain unsolved to this very day.
In this article, we’re looking back at 10 unsolved mysteries from the 80s and 90s, that despite being featured on the show, still remain unresolved. Each of these cases presents a unique mystery that has puzzled investigators, family members, and the public for decades.
These stories have stayed with us over the years, as we always wondered whether they were ever solved. Thanks to the magic of the modern day internet, looking for case updates is much easier than it was back when the original series was on air.
Don’t take it for granted, that by reading up on these cases, you might have information that could help solve a mystery. The Unsolved Mysteries website allows you to send tips in electronically at: unsolved.com/tips . Or please contact your local authorities to find out the best way to share any tips that you may have about any of these mysteries.
1) The Mysterious Death of Aileen Conway (1986)
Original air date: November 29, 1987
On a serene afternoon in April 1986, the small town of Lawton, Oklahoma, was shaken by a perplexing incident that would later be featured on the TV show “Unsolved Mysteries.” Aileen Conway, a devoted wife and mother, met a tragic and mysterious end. Her car was found ablaze on a remote country road, and tragically, Aileen’s body was discovered inside, leading to more questions than answers.
The circumstances surrounding her death were fraught with puzzling details. Her car’s driver-side door was left open. The front seat was pushed back far beyond her driving position. And her personal belongings, including her glasses and purse, were found at home, suggesting she had left in a hurry.
What transformed this from a tragic accident into an enduring mystery were the peculiarities discovered at her home. The garden hose was left running, her bathwater was drawn, and the iron was left on, painting a picture of a sudden departure. These elements led her family and investigators to consider foul play. A theory that was further complicated by reports of Aileen planning to meet someone unknown on the day of her death.
Aileen Conway’s Death Remains a Mystery
Despite extensive investigations and the case being featured on “Unsolved Mysteries,” Aileen Conway’s death remains unsolved. Leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew her.
Over the years, there have been no significant updates or leads that conclusively explain what happened on that fateful day. Ms. Conway’s disappearance continues to baffle the public and law enforcement.
Tragically, Aileen’s husband passed away on August 20, 2013, at the age of eighty-one. Never uncovering the real reasons behind Aileen’s passing. In 2018, their son Fred passed away, at just fifty-six years old. The respect and remembrance for Aileen and her family’s quest for answers endures. As does the hope that one day, the truth will be uncovered.
There’s currently a reward available for anyone who can provide information that results in a conviction related to this case.
2) The Disappearance of Angela Hammond (1991)
Original air date: February 5, 1992. It was also featured on “The Maury Povich Show.”
Angela Hammond, a young and vibrant 20-year-old, who was abducted on the night of April 4, 1991, in Clinton, Missouri became the focus of an unsolved mystery following her abduction on the night of April 4, 1991, in Clinton, Missouri. This heart-wrenching case was featured on the February 5, 1992 broadcast of the series. It has haunted both the community and Angela’s family for decades, leaving a lingering quest for answers and justice.
Angela was four months pregnant and engaged to be married when she disappeared. The night she went missing, she was on a payphone, talking to her fiancé, Rob Shafer, sharing a light-hearted conversation. Suddenly, the tone shifted dramatically. Angela told Rob about a suspicious man in a pickup truck circling the parking lot. Moments later, Rob heard a scream over the phone before the line went dead.
In a frantic attempt to locate her, Rob drove towards the payphone, which was located at the corner of Second and Jefferson Street. En route he passed a pickup truck going in the opposite direction matching the description of the suspicious vehicle Angela had told him about. Rob heard Angela call out to him from th e truck and he threw his car in reverse, inadvertently damaging his transmission.
He briefly followed the truck He turned around and pursued the truck for a couple miles before his vehicle broke down. Rendering him helpless as the truck and Angela vanished into the night. That chilling detail is what most people remember about Angela’s episode.
Angela Hammond’s Abduction Remains Unsolved
At the time, the abductor was described as a filthy Caucasian man wearing overalls and glasses. He also had a beard and a moustache. He drove an older late 60s or early 70s model two-tone green Ford pickup truck. The truck had a mural of a fish jumping out of water on the back window.
The mysterious circumstances of Angela’s abduction, the chilling phone call, and the failed pursuit by her fiancé have made this case particularly haunting. Despite extensive investigations and the widespread attention the case received, Angela Hammond has never been found. Her abductor remains unidentified.
There have been no significant updates or breakthroughs in the investigation since it originally aired on “Unsolved Mysteries.” The lack of closure continues to weigh heavily on her family, who are still seeking answers and justice for Angela and her unborn child. Sadly, Angela’s mother, Marsha Cook passed away in May 2021, without ever finding closure regarding her daughter’s disappearance.
A reward is being offered for leads in this case. The community and law enforcement remain hopeful that new information will eventually surface, bringing resolution to this deeply troubling case. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Clinton Police.
3) The Disappearance of Cynthia Anderson (1981)
Original air date: January 3, 1990.
Cynthia Anderson’s disappearance in the summer of 1981 remains one of the most perplexing cases featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” Cynthia, a 20-year-old legal secretary from Toledo, Ohio, vanished without a trace from her workplace. Leaving behind her car, keys, and purse. Her disappearance sparked a massive investigation, intertwining fear, mystery, and speculation within the community and her grieving family.
On the morning of August 4, 1981, Cynthia did not return from her lunch break, prompting concern from her colleagues. The office was found locked from the inside. A novel that Cindy was reading was found inside the office and it was left open to a particularly distressing part of the story. Some believe this detail might have been a premonition or a message related to her disappearance. Prior to her vanishing, Cynthia had reported receiving unsettling phone calls, further deepening the mystery surrounding her case.
Despite exhaustive searches and numerous theories ranging from abduction to witness protection, Cynthia has never been found. Suspects were considered, including individuals linked to a drug ring she was rumoured to be testifying against. However, no conclusive evidence has ever been brought to light.
Since the case was featured on “Unsolved Mysteries,” there have been no significant breakthroughs or updates. Cindy’s mother Margaret passed away in February of 83, many years prior to the case being featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” Her father Michael passed away in January 2, 2008 without ever finding an answer to his daughter’s disappearance.
The lack of concrete evidence and leads has left her family and investigators in a state of perpetual searching. Hoping for any information that might unravel the mystery of Cynthia’s fate.
The enduring question of what happened to Cynthia Anderson continues to haunt those who remember her case.
4) The Murders of Don Henry and Kevin Ives (1987)
Original air date: October 12, 1988.
It is also known as the “Boys on the Tracks” case and is the subject of a book by that name, written by Mara Leveritt, published by Bird Call Press in 1999.
The tragic case of Don Henry and Kevin Ives, two teenagers whose lives were cut short under mysterious circumstances, remains one of the most haunting stories featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” On the night of August 23, 1987, near the small town of Alexander, Arkansas, Don and Kevin were found deceased on railroad tracks. Leading to an initial ruling of accidental death by the authorities. This conclusion was met with immediate skepticism, prompting further investigation and outcry for justice from their families.
The boys were reportedly out hunting before their deaths. But the circumstances leading to their demise suggested something far more sinister. The initial autopsy suggested they had fallen asleep on the tracks under the influence of marijuana. However, this explanation was widely disputed, leading to a second autopsy which revealed that Kevin suffered a crushed skull before they were placed on the tracks, and Don was stabbed. This evidence pointed towards foul play, overturning the initial ruling and suggesting a deliberate act to cover up the true cause of their deaths.
The Murders of Don Henry and Kevin Ives Remain Shrouded in Mystery
Over the years, theories have surfaced involving drug smuggling and a cover-up by local authorities. However no conclusive evidence has been brought forward to solve the case definitively. In a strange development back in January 2018, ex-wrestler Billy Jack Haynes injected himself in the investigation. Haynes confessed that he’d seen Kevin and Don’s murder take place.
He stated that at the time, he got roped in by some shady politician from Arkansas to flex some muscle during a drug deal. According to him, that’s when he saw the murders happen. But he is considered an unreliable witness, and there has been no evidence to corroborate his claim.
Despite the efforts of their families and several investigative journalists, the truth behind the deaths of Don Henry and Kevin Ives remains shrouded in mystery. Since the case was featured on “Unsolved Mysteries,” there have been no significant updates or breakthroughs. Both of the boys parents have since passed away.
The lack of closure continues to haunt their families and the community. Leaving a lingering call for justice and answers in one of Arkansas’s most baffling unsolved cases. The enduring hope is that new information will someday emerge to provide the much-needed resolution and peace for Don and Kevin’s loved ones.
This case has a lot of shady characters attached to it, and I encourage you to read more about it, if you aren’t familiar with it. If you listen to podcasts, “The Trail Went Cold” podcast covered the case over the course of 2 of its episodes.
5) The Disappearance of Jeremy Bright (1986)
Original air date: January 18, 1989.
Jeremy Bright, a 14-year-old teenager from Myrtle Point, Oregon, became the centre of an unsolved mystery following his disappearance in the summer of 1986. Jeremy was last seen at the Coos County Fair on August 14. A place he had gone to enjoy the festivities which was a tradition for many local families. His sudden vanishing turned a day of joy into an never-ending nightmare for his family.
He had gone to the fair with his younger sister and friends, planning to meet his stepfather later that day, but he never appeared. The case is particularly mysterious due to the lack of concrete evidence and the varying accounts of Jeremy’s last known movements.
There were unconfirmed sightings of him at the fair after he was reported missing. Jeremy’s wallet was later found at the family’s home. The initial search efforts were hampered by the fair’s chaos and the delay in realizing Jeremy was missing.
Since the airing of the episode on “Unsolved Mysteries,” there have been no significant updates or breakthroughs in Jeremy’s case. Over the years, rumours and theories have circulated regarding possible suspects and scenarios. Including foul play and accidental harm. Yet none have been substantiated with solid evidence. The local community and law enforcement have continued to keep the case open, hoping for new information that could unravel the mystery of Jeremy’s disappearance.
Jeremy Bright’s Disappearance Remains a Mystery
A number of individuals linked to the mystery of Jeremy’s disappearance have passed away over the years. His one-time babysitter, Terry Steinhoff, met his end via a drug overdose in 2007 in jail, where he was doing time for killing a woman from Coos Bay. That murder was not connected to this case.
Around 1988, a tragic car crash claimed the lives of four of Jeremy’s buddies. Another friend, Johnny, passed away in January 2011. Jeremy’s stepdad, Olie, left this world in 2003 when he was 66. His grandma on his mom’s side died in December 1988, and his dad, Joe Flaherty, passed in December 2008.
The cops have their eyes on Terry Steinhoff and his cousin David, tagging them as persons of interest. Rumour has it, Jeremy was last seen chilling in a car with Terry, and David was spotted drenched in blood not long after Jeremy vanished.
Attempts to grill Terry about the incident hit a wall before he died. Despite searching the Steinhoff’s land, detectives haven’t found a trace of Jeremy. Diane, holding on to hope, thinks his remains might still be out there in Coos County.
Convinced he’s no longer alive, Jeremy’s family commemorated his life with a memorial service in August 2011, marking 25 years since he went missing.
Jeremy Bright’s family remains dedicated to finding answers, holding onto hope that one day the truth will surface. The mysterious circumstances of his vanishing continue to evoke questions and a desire for closure. Not only among those who knew him but also within the wider public captivated by his story.
6) The Disappearance of Michaela Garecht (1988)
Original air date: January 18, 1989.
This high-profile case was also profiled on “Dateline,” “The Maury Povich Show,” “Larry King Live,” and “Nancy Grace.” It was the subject of a “America’s Most Wanted” episode, serving as the first missing child case to be featured on that show.
Michaela Garecht’s abduction on the morning of November 19, 1988, in Hayward, California, remains one of the most disturbing and enduring mysteries featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” Michaela, only nine years old at the time, was kidnapped outside a local supermarket after she and a friend had ridden their scooters there.
The circumstances of her disappearance are particularly harrowing because she was taken in broad daylight from a public place. The incident was witnessed by her friend.
A man, described as white, in his twenties, with long, dirty blonde hair, was seen dragging Michaela into a car after she had gone to retrieve her scooter, which had been moved to the parking lot’s rear.
This case gripped the nation, leaving a community in fear and a family in perpetual search for answers. Despite the immediate and extensive search efforts, and the circulation of the kidnapper’s sketch, Michaela was never found. No suspect was ever conclusively identified.
Michaela Garecht’s Abduction Remains a Mystery
Over the years, several potential suspects have been investigated and ruled out. Advancements in technology have provided new avenues for analysis, yet the mystery of Michaela’s disappearance remains unsolved. The case has seen renewed interest at various times, with law enforcement following up on new leads and tips, yet no definitive breakthrough has been achieved.
One particularly ominous detail about the case is that just a week before her abduction, Michaela wrote a poem about individuals being kidnapped and imprisoned. Michaela’s mother is of the opinion that Michaela experienced a foreboding psychic premonition regarding her own kidnapping.
Since the case was featured on “Unsolved Mysteries,” Michaela’s family has remained dedicated to her memory. Holding onto hope that advancements in forensic science and public awareness might one day lead to answers.
Case Update
On December 21, 2020, authorities announced charges against 59-year-old David Emery Misch for the murder of Michaela, under circumstances of kidnapping and with a previous murder conviction. Misch, imprisoned since 1989 for murdering Margaret Ball in Hayward, was also charged in 2018 for the 1986 killings of Michelle Xavier and Jennifer Duey in Fremont. With DNA evidence linking him to these crimes. He was awaiting trial for these charges when he was implicated in Michaela’s case.
In 2020, Fremont police identified Misch as a suspect in Michaela’s abduction after his fingerprints matched those found on her scooter. Witnesses also identified him as a man seen near the abduction site. Misch’s lawyer refutes the DNA evidence and technology used to obtain a match of prints on Michaela’s scooter to Misch. However, Mich also matches the abductor’s description.
At the time of writing this article, Michaela’s remains are still missing, and Misch still awaits trial and potentially the death penalty for the multiple murders. Misch has not confessed to being involved in Michaela’s abduction.
Michaela’s mother, Sharon, who had been actively keeping her memory alive through a blog, sadly passed away in May 2022 from breast cancer prior to Michaela’s case going to court.
7) The Disappearance of Justin Burgwinkel (1993)
Original air date: May 12, 1995.
Justin Burgwinkel, a 20-year-old Army private stationed at Fort Ord in California, mysteriously disappeared in 1993. Leaving behind a trail of peculiar clues and unanswered questions that continue to puzzle investigators and his family.
Before his disappearance, Justin was reportedly fascinated with the world of intelligence and espionage. A passion that his family believes may have led to his vanishing.
In the months leading up to his disappearance, Justin’s behaviour became increasingly erratic. He dropped out of the Army’s Ranger program and started working in a less demanding position. All the while immersing himself in a secretive project he refused to discuss.
The mystery deepened on the night of June 12, 1993, when Justin’s car was found abandoned in a hotel parking lot near Monterey Bay. Inside the vehicle were his wallet and identification, but there was no sign of Justin himself.
Prior to his disappearance, Justin had told his girlfriend about plans to meet with individuals who, he hinted, were connected to his secret project. After his disappearance, investigators discovered a motel room booked under Justin’s name. There they found cryptic notes and documents suggesting he was engaged in some form of covert activity.
The Mystery of What Happened to Justin Burgwinkel Remains Unsolved
Despite extensive investigations and the case being featured on “Unsolved Mysteries,” no significant updates have emerged. Justin Burgwinkel’s fate remains a mystery.
The lack of concrete evidence and clear motive has left both law enforcement and his family grappling with theories ranging from his voluntary disappearance to cover up running away from the military, to foul play and a military coverup.
The mystery of what happened to Justin Burgwinkel continues to linger. A somber reminder of a young life that vanished without a trace and a family left searching for answers.
Not all mysteries featured on “Unsolved Mysteries involved crime. Some included the unexplained and the paranormal. We’re sharing the following 3 mysteries as a bit of a respite from all of the cases of true crime covered so far and the tragic effects of each incident on victims, families, friends, investigators and communities.
8) The Unexplained Case of the Guardian UFO
Original air date: February 3, 1993
The Guardian UFO case remains one of the most intriguing and debated unsolved mysteries ever featured on the show. This event unfolded in Carp, Ontario, Canada, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, captivating UFO enthusiasts and skeptics alike.
The mystery centres around a series of alleged UFO sightings and the mysterious figure known only as “Guardian,” who sent packages containing documents, photos, and a videotape to various media outlets and UFO researchers. These packages claimed to show evidence of UFO activity and a cover-up by authorities.
The most notable piece of evidence was a video that purportedly depicted a UFO landing in a field at night. Its grainy footage shows strange, flashing lights and silhouettes of unidentified figures near the alleged alien craft.
The authenticity of this video and the accompanying documents has been the subject of much debate. Skeptics have dismissed the Guardian UFO as a hoax. While others believe it to be credible evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.
This case was more like something out of an episode of the X-Files, yet for some it was proof that we are not alone in the universe.
Since the case was aired on “Unsolved Mysteries,” there have been no significant updates or revelations that conclusively prove or disprove the claims made by the Guardian. The identity of the Guardian remains unknown, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
The Guardian UFO incident continues to be a topic of discussion and speculation within the UFO community. It embodies the enduring fascination with the unknown and the unexplained that characterizes so many of the mysteries featured on the show.
Without concrete evidence or a confession from the individual behind the Guardian, the truth about this case remains as elusive as ever.
9) Acton Campground’s Lingering Resident Saves Man
Original air date: May 3, 1996.
The extraordinary case of Robert Davidson, who survived a near-fatal lightning strike in June 1980, remains one of the most mysterious episodes ever featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” While riding his motorcycle on I-74 near Acton, Indiana, Davidson was caught in a sudden thunderstorm and pulled over to don his rain gear, only to be struck by lightning.
The strike was so powerful it blew off his boots and sent 200,000 volts through his body, leaving him in critical condition, seemingly beyond hope of recovery.
Paramedics arrived quickly but faced inexplicable challenges, including the complete failure of every power circuit in the ambulance. A situation that defied explanation due to the presence of backup batteries.
Amidst this chaos, a mysterious woman dressed in black, reminiscent of the 1800s and carrying a Bible, appeared on the scene. She insisted on touching Davidson, engaging in prayer and chanting, and striking her Bible against the ground. Behaviours that bewildered the first responders.
After her departure, which was as mysterious as her arrival, the ambulance’s power returned, and Davidson’s vital signs miraculously improved.
This case is marked by supernatural undertones. Notably the involvement of the “Lady in Black,” believed by some to be a ghost from the historical Acton Campground. The divide among eyewitnesses, with some denying her presence, adds to the enigma. Davidson’s recovery, defying medical expectations, further compounds the mystery.
Since its airing in May 1996, there have been no updates or explanations for the unexplainable events surrounding Davidson’s survival. The identity of the “Lady in Black,” her origins, and her impact on Davidson’s miraculous recovery remain unsolved. Leaving a lasting impression of mystery and speculation about the intersection of the natural and the supernatural.
10) Nostradamus’s Foretelling of Events including Y2K
Original air date: May 28, 1999.
While not about an event that occurred in the 80s or 90s, this story had significant relevance at the time to the looming uncertainty around Y2K.
The segment on Nostradamus from “Unsolved Mysteries” delved into the enigmatic predictions of the 16th-century French astrologer and physician, Michel de Nostredame, known by the Latinized name Nostradamus.
Among his many prophecies, those related to the year 2000 (Y2K), sparked significant interest and debate as the new millennium approached.
Nostradamus’s quatrains—four-line verses—are notoriously cryptic. Leading to wide-ranging interpretations about potential disasters and significant events.
The mystery surrounding Nostradamus’s predictions includes interpretations that suggested catastrophic events, technological breakdowns, and major changes in governance and society at the turn of the millennium.
His writings, compiled in the book “Les Prophéties,” have been analyzed and linked to numerous historical events. But the ambiguity of his language and the symbolic nature of his predictions make them subject to widespread speculation.
As Y2K approached, some believed Nostradamus had predicted technological chaos would ensue due to the computer glitch known as the Y2K bug. Potentially leading to mass hysteria, panic, and societal breakdowns.
However, the anticipated global catastrophe did not materialize. Extensive preparations and updates to computer systems largely prevented significant issues as the calendar rolled over to January 1, 2000.
The Meaning and Validity of Nostradamus’s Writings Remain a Mystery
Since the original airing of the Nostradamus episode there have been no new revelations or updates specifically related to his Y2K predictions.
The passage of the year 2000 without major incident has led to a reevaluation of how these prophecies were interpreted. Nostradamus’s work continues to be a subject of fascination though. With scholars and enthusiasts alike examining his writings for insights into future events. Despite the complexities and controversies surrounding their interpretation.
The Legacy of Unsolved Mysteries
Unsolved Mysteries and its viewers have helped to solve a number of otherwise unsolvable cases since the show first went on air back in 1987.
The resolved cases have assisted in victims, families, friends, investigators, and communities to find some measure of closure. They’ve also contributed to ensuring that people responsible for heinous crimes were brought to justice.
Unsolved Mysteries has been rebooted a few times since the 80s and 90s. At the time of writing, fans are anxiously awaiting Season 3 of the most recent reboot. Which will be released as a streaming series on Netflix.
As is evident with the case of Michaela Garecht, whose 1988 abduction was aired over 35 years ago, and may soon be resolved pending the outcome of the trial of a prime suspect, there is still reason to hope that any of these mysteries will be solved.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.