8. The Mysterious Disappearance of Brian Shaffer
02/01/25 • 37 min
On the night of March 31, 2006, 27-year-old Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer walked into the Ugly Tuna Saloona, a popular Columbus bar, with friends. By the early hours of April 1, he had vanished without a trace. Despite extensive surveillance footage, no images show him leaving the bar.
Brian’s disappearance remains one of Ohio’s most puzzling mysteries, sparking countless theories, from foul play to voluntary disappearance. In this episode, we’ll explore the timeline, investigation, and theories surrounding this baffling case.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are based on the information available to me at the time of recording. While I strive for accuracy, I encourage listeners to do their own research and form their own conclusions.
Source Material:
- Kirk Pepi, A Guy Walks Into A Bar - and Is Never Seen Again (Mel Magazine, 2018)
- Ava Boldizar, Unsolved Ohio: Ohio State student who disappeared at bar still missing 18 years later (NBC News, 2024)
- The Brian Shaffer Mystery (The Ohio Missing Dispatch, 2015) MagCloud
- Brian Shaffer Missing Person Poster (FBI.gov)
- "Missing Medical Student" Dateline NBC Brian Shaffer reporting
- Kelly Bruce, Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive Chapter Three: The Inside Track (Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive Podcast, 2019)
If you or anyone you know has information that could help solve Brian’s case, please contact:
- Columbus Police Department: 614-645-4545
- Crime Stopper Anonymous Tip Line: 614-461-8477
--
Hey there weekend detectives - Share your thoughts and theories on this case with us at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @redstringspod
On the night of March 31, 2006, 27-year-old Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer walked into the Ugly Tuna Saloona, a popular Columbus bar, with friends. By the early hours of April 1, he had vanished without a trace. Despite extensive surveillance footage, no images show him leaving the bar.
Brian’s disappearance remains one of Ohio’s most puzzling mysteries, sparking countless theories, from foul play to voluntary disappearance. In this episode, we’ll explore the timeline, investigation, and theories surrounding this baffling case.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are based on the information available to me at the time of recording. While I strive for accuracy, I encourage listeners to do their own research and form their own conclusions.
Source Material:
- Kirk Pepi, A Guy Walks Into A Bar - and Is Never Seen Again (Mel Magazine, 2018)
- Ava Boldizar, Unsolved Ohio: Ohio State student who disappeared at bar still missing 18 years later (NBC News, 2024)
- The Brian Shaffer Mystery (The Ohio Missing Dispatch, 2015) MagCloud
- Brian Shaffer Missing Person Poster (FBI.gov)
- "Missing Medical Student" Dateline NBC Brian Shaffer reporting
- Kelly Bruce, Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive Chapter Three: The Inside Track (Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive Podcast, 2019)
If you or anyone you know has information that could help solve Brian’s case, please contact:
- Columbus Police Department: 614-645-4545
- Crime Stopper Anonymous Tip Line: 614-461-8477
--
Hey there weekend detectives - Share your thoughts and theories on this case with us at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @redstringspod
Previous Episode
7. The Mysterious Death of Ellen Greenberg Part 2
The case we're diving into today dates back to 2011, but the fight to determine the true cause of death is still ongoing in the courts. This is Part 1 of the perplexing and heartbreaking case of Ellen Greenberg.
Ellen was a 27-year-old first-grade teacher found dead in her apartment on a snowy evening in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on January 26, 2011. She had been stabbed 20 times, and her death was shockingly ruled a suicide—despite the violent nature of her injuries. This ruling sparked a 13-year battle for her family, who have relentlessly fought to have her cause of death reclassified as a homicide.
Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics like suicide and domestic abuse, which may be upsetting to some listeners.
The National Suicide Prevention Talk Line
Offers help in over 150 languages.
Call 1- 800-273-8255or text HELLO to 741741
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call 800.799.SAFE (7233) or text STOP to connect with live advocates who can help you with domestic violence issues. You can also find local providers and resources on their website.
Source Material:
- Andrea Cavallier, She died from 20 stab wounds, but it was ruled a suicide. Ellen Greenberg’s parents are fighting for justice (Independent, 2023)
- Stephanie Farr, Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office investigation report on Ellen Greenberg, DocumentCloud
- Leigh Egan, New information suggests young fiancée found stabbed 20 times did NOT search online for suicide (CrimeOnline, 2021)
- Gavin Fish Website
- Crime Timelines Website
- Joe Brandt, Pennsylvania Supreme Court to hear arguments over 2011 death of Philadelphia teacher Ellen Greenberg (CBS News, 2024)
- Ashley Flowers, MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF: Ellen Greenberg (Crime Junkies Podcast) - 911 Audio Source
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are based on the information available to me at the time of recording. While I strive for accuracy, I encourage listeners to do their own research and form their own conclusions.
Hey there weekend detectives - Share your thoughts and theories on this case with us at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @redstringspod
Next Episode
9. The Mysterious Disappearance of Brandon Swanson
Imagine you're on the phone with your child when suddenly, you hear a startled yell—then silence. No goodbye, no explanation. Just... gone. And despite your desperate attempts to call back, you never hear their voice again.
This unimaginable nightmare became a reality for Annette and Brian Swanson.
In today’s episode, we dive into the chilling details of Brandon Swanson’s disappearance and the lingering mystery that has haunted his family for over 17 years as of 2025.
Disclaimer: All opinions expressed in this podcast are my own and are based on the information available to me at the time of recording. While I strive for accuracy, I encourage listeners to do their own research and form their own conclusions.
Source Material:
- Brandon Swanson Case Map. Google Maps (not created by me)
- Immelman, Aubrey. Brandon Swanson. ( site )
- Hasse, Jeff. “Missing Person Case Study -- Brandon Swanson.” Wikiversity
- HLN. Brandon Swanson’s Mom Speaks Out on HLN. YouTube, 24 June 2021 ( video )
- "Brandon Victor Swanson: Missing Person Case.” Uncovered
- Grace, Nancy. “Cold Case: Brandon Swanson.” CNN, 18 Jan. 2010 ( site )
- "Brandon’s Law Aims to Help Families of Missing Adults.” Minnesota House of Representatives, 2009 ( site )
- “Missing in Minnesota: The Case of Brandon Swanson.” Lost Souls of America, 26 Jan. 2022 ( site )
If you or anyone you know has information that could help solve Brandon's case, please contact:
- Lincoln County Sherrif: 507-694-1664
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: 651-793-7000
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Hey there weekend detectives - Share your thoughts and theories on this case with us at:
- Email: [email protected]
- Twitter: @redstringspod
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