31 Years of Searching for the 'Springfield Three'

Thirty-one years have passed since the women known as the 'Springfield Three' vanished from a Missouri home, leaving behind a mystery that has deeply affected their community. Loved ones and law enforcement have been left puzzled as they continue to seek answers in the mysterious disappearance.

The Night of the Disappearance

The evening of June 6, 1992, was one of celebration that ended in a haunting mystery. Sherill Levitt, her daughter Suzanne Streeter, and Streeter's friend Stacy McCall disappeared from Levitt's home shortly after the two young women had celebrated their high school graduation. Despite the festive occasion, their belongings were left behind, indicating they did not plan to leave for long.

The Investigation Begins

The investigation into the disappearance of Levitt, Streeter, and McCall began almost immediately. When the authorities arrived at the home on June 7, 1992, they found an unsettling scene. The house at 1717 E. Delmar St. was largely undisturbed. Personal belongings, including the women's vehicles, jewelry, and money, were all left behind, and there were no obvious signs of a struggle inside the home. The only thing out of place was a shattered porch light, which suggested a possible disturbance.

Police were baffled by the lack of evidence. Despite the presence of personal items, the women were gone, and the family dog was found unharmed inside the house. The unlocked front door hinted at a sudden departure or abduction. Early on, the investigation considered various theories, including the possibility that the women had been abducted by someone they knew or that they had left voluntarily, though the latter seemed unlikely given the circumstances and the absence of any note or message.

Primary Suspect

One of the primary suspects was Robert Craig Cox, a convicted felon with a history of violent crime. Before the Springfield Three disappeared, Cox had been convicted of killing a woman in Florida, although his conviction was later overturned due to insufficient evidence. At the time of the women's disappearance, Cox was living in Springfield, Missouri. His criminal background and proximity to the crime scene made him a person of interest. Despite providing an alibi through his girlfriend, she later admitted that her statement was false, which further implicated Cox.

In 1996, Cox, serving a life sentence in Texas for an unrelated robbery, was interviewed by a reporter about the Springfield Three. During this interview, he claimed to know that the women were dead but refused to provide any additional details. His refusal to elaborate left investigators frustrated and unable to move forward with charges related to the disappearance. Although Cox remains a suspect, there has not been enough evidence to formally charge him in connection with the case.

Continuing Search and Community Impact

The years have not eased the determination of the families and the community; instead, they have strengthened their resolve to find the truth. McCall's mother, Janis, exemplifies this perseverance, actively engaging in efforts to find her daughter and others who have disappeared. This enduring hope highlights the profound impact the case has had on the Springfield community.

The Springfield Police Department and FBI continue to seek information that might resolve the case, offering a reward for any leads that could bring closure. The public's assistance remains crucial, as new technologies and fresh eyes may yet uncover clues missed in previous years.

As the years turn into decades, the resolve to uncover the fate of the Springfield Three remains steadfast, driven by a community's enduring hope and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement.

Reference: It's Been 31 Years Since the 'Springfield 3' Went Missing — Here's Everything to Know About The Case