Bigfoot Encounters in the Hoosier National Forest

Explicit content warning

10/07/23 • 38 min

River City Mystery - Exploring the darker corners of Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky

This episode delves into reported Bigfoot or Sasquatch encounters in the Southern Indiana region, focusing on the Hoosier National Forest area. The episode features firsthand accounts from individuals who claim to have experienced an encounter.

Here's a summary of the key encounters discussed:

Introduction to Southern Indiana Bigfoot Sightings: The episode begins by referencing reported sightings documented on the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) website, setting the stage for personal encounter stories. [ 01:11], [01:21]
Angela's Interstate 64 Encounter (June 2022):
- Location: Angela recounts her experience while driving eastbound on Interstate 64, near Turkey Run within the Hoosier National Forest. [02:44], [03:02]
- Description: She observed a large, solid black figure, estimated to be at least 8 feet tall, standing in the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The figure had a distinct body shape with a head, shoulders, back, rump, and legs. [03:32], [04:05]
- Interaction: The figure noticed her approaching car and remained still until she was very close. It then took a single step into the treeline and disappeared. [04:40]
- Key Details: Angela emphasized the figure's immense thickness, blocking any view of the trees behind it. She was certain it was not a person in a ghillie suit due to its solid black color. The encounter occurred around 6:30 AM in clear, sunny conditions with no other traffic. [05:43], [06:11], [06:37]
Bill's Multiple Encounters (2017-2019):
- First Encounter (2017): Bill and his fiance heard an unusual howl-like sound ending in a squeal, unlike any animal sound he had ever heard before, despite his rural upbringing. Two days later, he observed a bush-like figure moving on a windless hillside. Upon closer inspection with his truck lights, he saw a squatting figure with a white patch on its chest, estimated to be around seven feet tall when standing. [07:38], [09:03]
- Second Encounter (Mid-Spring 2018): While squirrel hunting, Bill heard two distinct sounds of rocks being smacked together, both in front and then behind him, suggesting the presence of two creatures. Feeling flanked, he fled, later seeing a gorilla-like silhouette grasping a tree on a ridge line. The figure then turned, revealing broad shoulders, no visible neck, and proportionate legs. [20:13]
- Third Encounter (April/May 2019): While stargazing at Flat Rock with his pregnant fiance and her child, they noticed a significant police presence. After the police left, all natural night sounds ceased, and they heard heavy footsteps descending a hillside. The heavy steps would pause for about 15 seconds between each step. They also heard a sound described as similar to a chimpanzee being beaten up. [26:16]
- BFRO Report: Bill mentioned reporting his second encounter to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. [22:58]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/14

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Links mentioned in episode:

Bill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@billthreet1022

Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization: https://bfro.net/

Washington County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=65589

Martin County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=60871

Indiana Bigfoot Researchers Organization Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IBROrganization/

Map of the Turkey Fork area of Interstate 64 (88 mile marker) where Angela had her encounter:

Here's a summary of the key encounters discussed:

Introduction to Southern Indiana Bigfoot Sightings: The episode begins by referencing reported sightings documented on the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) website, setting the stage for personal encounter stories. [ 01:11], [01:21]
Angela's Interstate 64 Encounter (June 2022):
- Location: Angela recounts her experience while driving eastbound on Interstate 64, near Turkey Run within the Hoosier National Forest. [02:44], [03:02]
- Description: She observed a large, solid black figure, estimated to be at least 8 feet tall, standing in the median between the eastbound and westbound lanes. The figure had a distinct body shape with a head, shoulders, back, rump, and legs. [03:32], [04:05]
- Interaction: The figure noticed her approaching car and remained still until she was very close. It then took a single step into the treeline and disappeared. [04:40]
- Key Details: Angela emphasized the figure's immense thickness, blocking any view of the trees behind it. She was certain it was not a person in a ghillie suit due to its solid black color. The encounter occurred around 6:30 AM in clear, sunny conditions with no other traffic. [05:43], [06:11], [06:37]
Bill's Multiple Encounters (2017-2019):
- First Encounter (2017): Bill and his fiance heard an unusual howl-like sound ending in a squeal, unlike any animal sound he had ever heard before, despite his rural upbringing. Two days later, he observed a bush-like figure moving on a windless hillside. Upon closer inspection with his truck lights, he saw a squatting figure with a white patch on its chest, estimated to be around seven feet tall when standing. [07:38], [09:03]
- Second Encounter (Mid-Spring 2018): While squirrel hunting, Bill heard two distinct sounds of rocks being smacked together, both in front and then behind him, suggesting the presence of two creatures. Feeling flanked, he fled, later seeing a gorilla-like silhouette grasping a tree on a ridge line. The figure then turned, revealing broad shoulders, no visible neck, and proportionate legs. [20:13]
- Third Encounter (April/May 2019): While stargazing at Flat Rock with his pregnant fiance and her child, they noticed a significant police presence. After the police left, all natural night sounds ceased, and they heard heavy footsteps descending a hillside. The heavy steps would pause for about 15 seconds between each step. They also heard a sound described as similar to a chimpanzee being beaten up. [26:16]
- BFRO Report: Bill mentioned reporting his second encounter to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. [22:58]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/14

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Links mentioned in episode:

Bill's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@billthreet1022

Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization: https://bfro.net/

Washington County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=65589

Martin County BFRO report: https://bfro.net/GDB/show_report.asp?id=60871

Indiana Bigfoot Researchers Organization Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/IBROrganization/

Map of the Turkey Fork area of Interstate 64 (88 mile marker) where Angela had her encounter:

Previous Episode

The Murder of Troy DeWayne Smith

This episode investigates the murder of 50-year-old Troy DeWayne Smith, who was found dead in his Evansville, Indiana, apartment on May 24, 2020.

Here's a summary of the key details discussed:

The Discovery: Learn about the discovery of Troy's body by his brother, TaRon, and the initial misclassification of the death as an overdose. [01:04], [01:12], [01:37]
TaRon's Account: Hear TaRon's emotional account of receiving a concerning call from Troy's acquaintances, finding his brother, and his suspicions about the individuals who contacted him. [02:54], [04:03], [05:39]
The Investigation Unfolds: Understand how the case was eventually recognized as a murder after an autopsy revealed a gunshot wound to the back of Troy's head. [05:23]
Detective Involvement: Learn about the initial detective on the case and the subsequent involvement of a new detective who confirmed the case remains open after pressure from Troy's family. [07:11], [08:05]
Potential Suspects: TaRon shares his suspicions about a specific individual who had a prior altercation with Troy, believing this person may be responsible for the murder. [10:04]
Troy's Life: Gain insight into Troy's character as a quiet man who may have struggled with drug issues and associated with a dangerous crowd. [13:37]
Call for Information and Reward: The episode concludes with an appeal to the public for any information related to Troy's murder. Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a successful prosecution. [15:04]

If you have any information that could help solve this case, please contact the Evansville Police Department at 812-436-4025, or leave an anonymous tip at 800-78-CRIME. A $5,000 reward is being offered by Troy’s mother for information leading to a successful prosecution.

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/13

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord

Troy's obituary

Smith Family Offering Reward to Catch Killer

Reward being offered for info in Spring 2020 homicide case

Next Episode

Where is Zac?

This episode discusses the disappearance of 38-year-old Zac Carey, who was last seen on May 30, 2023.

Key points discussed in the episode include:

Family Interviews: The episode features interviews with Zac's mother, Gina, and his sister, Cecilia, who provide crucial insights into Zac's life and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance. [22:08], [07:07]
Last Known Sighting: Zac was last seen being dropped off by a friend, Chris, at the welcome sign for Lynnville, Indiana. [04:29]
Uncharacteristic Absence: The family expresses deep concern over Zac's prolonged absence, as it is highly unusual for him to be out of contact for such an extended period. [04:47]
Background Information: Learn about Zac's background, including his struggles with schizophrenia and the impact of losing his job. [06:27]
Love for Nature and Survival Skills: The episode explores Zac's passion for nature and his survivalist tendencies, which initially led his family to believe he was in the woods. [08:16]
Discovery of Cell Phone: Find out about the discovery of Zac's cell phone near the Lynnville sign. [11:13]
Suspicious Behavior: The family discusses the uncooperative behavior of Zac's friend, Chris, raising questions about his involvement. [14:14]
Possible Sightings: The episode shares information regarding potential sightings of Zac. [20:03]
Call for Information: The family makes a heartfelt plea to the public for any information that could lead to Zac's safe return. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Warrick County Sheriff's Department at 812-897-6180. [31:04]

Show Notes: https://www.rivercitymystery.com/15

Join the River City Mystery Discord channel to meet others from the tri-state area who are into true crime and the paranormal. https://www.rivercitymystery.com/discord