The disappearance of 18-year-old Denise Pflum on March 28, 1986, has haunted her family, friends, and the Connersville, Indiana, community for nearly four decades. Her case remains unsolved, and despite numerous efforts to uncover the truth, Denise's fate remains a mystery. In this post, we will delve deep into the details of Denise's case, explore various theories that have emerged over the years, and look at recent developments in the investigation.
The Night Denise Disappeared
Denise Pflum was an 18-year-old high school senior living in Connersville, Indiana, a small town about 50 miles east of Indianapolis. She had attended a party with friends the night before her disappearance and, after returning home, realized she had forgotten her purse at the party. On the morning of March 28, 1986, Denise decided to drive back to retrieve it. She left her house, got into her car, and drove off.
Denise's car, a cream-colored 1981 Buick Regal, was later found abandoned on a rural road—Tower Road—several miles from her home. The car was locked, and there were no signs of distress. The scene appeared calm, yet Denise was nowhere to be found. No witnesses came forward, and her belongings, including her purse, were never located. It was as if she had simply vanished into thin air.
The Initial Investigation
Authorities initially faced challenges with the investigation. Denise’s disappearance was treated as a missing person’s case, but the lack of physical evidence made it difficult to form any solid leads. Over the years, a few pieces of evidence were found that may have been connected to the case—such as a red handkerchief discovered at the scene—but these never provided concrete answers.
Another crucial issue was the mishandling of evidence, such as the fingerprints found inside Denise’s car. These were not processed properly, leaving investigators without valuable clues. Some believe that if the investigation had been handled differently from the start, the case might not have remained cold for as long as it has.
Theories Surrounding Denise’s Disappearance
As with many unsolved cases, a number of theories have emerged regarding what happened to Denise that fateful day. Let’s examine some of the most prominent ones:
1. The Abduction Theory
One theory suggests that Denise was abducted by a stranger. The location of her car on a rural road, away from the busy areas of town, could point to a targeted abduction. Denise may have unknowingly come into contact with a person who had ill intentions.
There is no direct evidence linking anyone to this theory, but the thought of a stranger taking Denise without any obvious struggle has persisted. The lack of physical signs at the scene—no blood, no signs of forced entry, and no witnesses—makes this theory a difficult one to prove. However, it cannot be ruled out completely, as many details of her disappearance remain shrouded in mystery.
2. The Ex-Boyfriend Theory
Perhaps the most prominent theory involves Denise’s ex-boyfriend, Shawn McClung. In 2020, after years of investigation, McClung was arrested in connection with Denise’s disappearance. Prior to the arrest, he had given several conflicting accounts of his involvement with Denise and her disappearance. In 2017, McClung returned to Connersville from Arizona, and by 2020, after further questioning, he admitted to being involved in her death. However, he refused to elaborate on the circumstances of how he allegedly killed Denise or where her body might be.
McClung’s confession raised more questions than answers. He passed away shortly after his arrest, preventing any further interrogation or investigation into his involvement. It is still unclear whether McClung’s confession was genuine, or if it was fabricated. His sudden death has made it incredibly difficult for authorities to piece together the truth.
3. Mishandling of Evidence and Lack of Progress
Over the years, many have criticized the investigation for its mishandling of crucial evidence. As mentioned earlier, fingerprints found in Denise’s car were not processed correctly, leading to missed opportunities for identifying potential suspects. Additionally, the red handkerchief found at the scene was never conclusively tied to Denise’s case.
Theories surrounding the mishandling of evidence have fueled speculation that the case could have been solved much earlier. Without properly processed evidence, the investigation faltered, and the case grew colder with time.
4. The Stranger Theory Revisited
There is also the possibility that someone who knew Denise was involved in her disappearance. While the theory of a stranger abduction seems far-fetched, some believe that Denise may have been targeted by someone from her past. It’s possible that someone who was familiar with her, perhaps a classmate or acquaintance, took advantage of the situation. Without solid evidence linking any individual to the crime, this theory remains speculative.
Recent Developments in the Case
In recent years, the case of Denise Pflum has received renewed attention, particularly through a 2020 documentary that revisited the cold case. This documentary shed new light on the emotional toll her disappearance has had on her family and the community of Connersville. It also brought attention to the continued efforts by law enforcement to crack the case and find the truth.
Despite this renewed focus, no new major leads have emerged. However, the Pflum family remains hopeful that the passage of time, coupled with new forensic techniques and the persistence of the Indiana State Police, will eventually lead to answers. The case continues to be an active investigation, and authorities are not giving up on solving the mystery of Denise’s disappearance.
Conclusion
The disappearance of Denise Pflum remains one of Indiana’s most perplexing cold cases. While numerous theories have been proposed, none have definitively answered the question of what happened to her. Denise’s story is one of loss, frustration, and unanswered questions that continue to haunt her family and the community.
As we continue to reflect on the case, it’s important to remember that the search for justice is ongoing. The Pflum family deserves answers, and Denise deserves to be found. In a world where justice is often delayed, the hope remains that the truth will eventually come to light. Anyone with information about this case, please call:
Indiana State Police
District Investigative Commander
9022 South SR 67
Pendleton, IN 46064
1-765-778-2121 or 1-800-527-4752
Thank you for reading Echoes of The Unsolved. If you want to stay updated on more true crime stories and ongoing investigations, be sure to subscribe to my blog. I’d also love to hear your thoughts on the Denise Pflum case—feel free to share your opinions or any insights in the comments below. Until next time, stay safe.
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