Still Missing: The Disappearance of Corey James Edkin and the Search for Truth
On October 12, 1986, two-year-old Corey James Edkin vanished from his home in New Columbia, Pennsylvania, under circumstances that have puzzled investigators for decades. Despite extensive searches and numerous leads, Corey has never been found. Recent developments, however, suggest that the case may finally be approaching resolution.NCMEC+7The Charley Project Blog+7Forensic Mag+7
The Night Corey Disappeared
Corey lived with his mother, Debbie S. Derr (also known as Debbie Mowery), his sister, and a roommate, Alberta Sones, along with Sones's two young children. On the night of his disappearance, Debbie left Corey asleep in her upstairs bedroom around 12:10 a.m. to go to a nearby convenience store to purchase a pizza. Sones was awake, watching television, while the children slept. When Debbie returned approximately 30 minutes later, she found the front door open and Corey missing. Sones reported that she neither saw nor heard anything unusual during Debbie's absence. Authorities confirmed Debbie's trip to the store, and Sones passed a polygraph test. The case was classified as a non-family abduction due to a lack of evidence pointing to a family member's involvement at the time .WNEP+6Cold Case Kids+6northcentralpa.com+6The Charley Project BlogCold Case Kids+2northcentralpa.com+2northcentralpa.com+2
Initial Investigation and Search Efforts
Following Corey's disappearance, a massive search was launched involving family members, community volunteers, and law enforcement. Bloodhounds were used to search the surrounding area, including the nearby Susquehanna River, but no trace of Corey was found. His image was widely circulated, appearing on milk cartons and gas bills, generating tips from across the country. Despite these efforts, the case went cold, with no significant leads emerging for years .northcentralpa.com+7northcentralpa.com+7The Charley Project Blog+7Forensic Mag+2northcentralpa.com+2northcentralpa.com+2
Ransom Calls and Lingering Questions
In the years following Corey's disappearance, several family members received ransom calls. Notably, Corey's grandmother reported receiving a call from an unidentified woman in January 1991. The caller demanded a ransom, but her identity and the veracity of her claims were never established. These calls added to the mystery surrounding the case but did not lead to any breakthroughs .Cold Case Kids+1WNEP+1
Renewed Investigations and Forensic Advances
In 2020, Pennsylvania State Police announced significant progress in the case, citing new information from individuals and advancements in forensic technology. Investigators expressed confidence that those responsible for Corey's disappearance would be brought to justice. They also offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, indicating that they believed a family member was involved in the abduction .Websleuths+6Forensic Mag+6The Charley Project Blog+6WNEP+3northcentralpa.com+3northcentralpa.com+3
The Involvement of Henry Gust Bush
In August 2023, Henry Gust Bush, a man who had spent considerable time with Debbie Mowery around the time of Corey's disappearance, was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice. Bush admitted to lying to investigators about his relationship with Debbie and his whereabouts during the critical period. A grand jury report revealed that a burn barrel in Debbie's backyard contained partially burned children's clothing and a jersey belonging to Bush. Bush claimed he had gotten grease on the jersey while working on Debbie's car, but the presence of these items raised suspicions .Forensic Mag+3WNEP+3northcentralpa.com+3northcentralpa.comnorthcentralpa.com
Sentencing and Ongoing Efforts
In March 2024, Bush pleaded no contest to the obstruction charge and was sentenced to one year of probation. While this charge did not directly implicate him in Corey's disappearance, it marked a significant development in the case. Investigators continue to pursue leads, and the $10,000 reward remains in place for information that could solve the case .WNEP
Conclusion
The disappearance of Corey James Edkin remains an open case, but recent developments have provided renewed hope for resolution. Advancements in forensic technology and the persistence of investigators have brought the case closer to closure. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police at 717-742-8761 or Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-8477.Cold Case Kids+2northcentralpa.com+2Websleuths+2
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