Replay: Barbara Cotton Part 2 - A Tangled Web
The Vanished Podcast
Deep Dive
Why is Barbara Cotton's disappearance so difficult to piece together?
Barbara Cotton's disappearance is difficult to piece together due to conflicting stories, missing pieces of the puzzle, and the passage of time, which has made it hard to verify accounts. Most of the known information comes from her mother, Louise, and there are discrepancies in her statements.
Why are there multiple versions of Barbara's last movements?
There are multiple versions of Barbara's last movements, including her being seen at Cakes and Cones, walking into Recreation Park with Stacy Werder, and attending a party around 10 p.m. These conflicting accounts come from various sources and have evolved over time, making it challenging to confirm the timeline.
Why is Stacy Werder considered a person of interest in Barbara's case?
Stacy Werder is considered a person of interest because he was allegedly seen with Barbara the night she disappeared, and he committed suicide in jail three months later, which has raised suspicions. However, no one besides Louise Cotton can confirm that Stacy was in Williston or that he was Barbara's boyfriend.
Why is Frank Della Pena a controversial person of interest?
Frank Della Pena is a controversial person of interest because he was in Williston around the time Barbara disappeared, and he later committed a double homicide in Wyoming, using tactics that could have been similar to those he might have used to abduct Barbara. However, there is no concrete evidence linking him to her disappearance.
Why does Kathy suspect her brother Frank in Barbara's disappearance?
Kathy suspects her brother Frank because of his history of inappropriate behavior, including molesting young girls, and the sudden change in their mother's behavior after Frank's death. Kathy also believes that their mother could have been covering up for Frank.
Why is Louise Cotton's credibility questioned in the investigation?
Louise Cotton's credibility is questioned because she provided most of the information about Barbara's last movements, including her being with Stacy Werder. There are discrepancies in her statements and behaviors that suggest she might have been hiding or protecting someone, possibly her son Frank.
Why is the community's renewed interest in Barbara's case important?
The community's renewed interest in Barbara's case is important because it has helped uncover new leads and secrets from the past. This increased attention and engagement are crucial for solving the mystery and finding Barbara.
Why does Sandy believe a stranger abducted Barbara?
Sandy believes a stranger abducted Barbara because she was often at Barb's house and didn't see any signs of her dating Stacy Werder. She also thinks that if Barb was harmed, her body should have been found in the vast, uninhabited areas around Williston.
Why is the true crime community significant in the search for Barbara?
The true crime community is significant because it provides a platform and resources for families of the missing to share information and support each other. This community has helped Lisa and others in their efforts to find Barbara by comparing notes and bouncing ideas off each other.
Why does Lisa remain uncertain about what happened to Barbara?
Lisa remains uncertain about what happened to Barbara because the evidence is inconclusive and the information is fragmented. She has many theories but lacks the concrete evidence to favor one over the others, leaving the possibilities endless.
Shownotes Transcript