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Others actually think he's not the most likely culprit. On December 3rd, 1998, Shel's mom ends up writing a letter to
Steven in prison telling him that she believes he's innocent. Let me read it for you. To tell you the truth, I really
believe you have been made someone's scapegoat. I do not trust the Markley's at all and feel they are behind this
whole mess. I talked to the sheriff. She's talking about Alier a few days ago and he said he feels I am 100% correct.
So there's that. Listen, she goes on to say that the Markleys have done a lot to
their side of the family like keeping them from seeing the kids. Cuz after Shelley and John disappeared, Jon and
Shel's families sort of turn on one another. I think in large part because of the lack of answers in this case. I
mean, they don't know what happened to their loved ones and without answers to fill in the gaps, it leaves a lot of
room for you to try and fill them in yourselves. And I've seen this in more than one case where like when a couple
goes missing, like there just ends up being this huge divide. Now, when we asked former Sheriff Altier if he ever
investigated members of the Markley family, he told us that he checked out a few theories, but that nothing came of
that, at least while he was on the case. So when Shel's mom says that Steven is innocent, is she thinking like of
everything? In her mind, yes. And for the time at least, John's family begins to suspect
someone else entirely. They begin to suspect that the person behind this all is Shelly.
I'm sorry, what? I know. And they suspect this after learning that her marriage to John may
not have been as solid as they all thought.

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Brief Summary

Shelley's mother believes Steven is innocent, while John's family suspects Shelley after questioning her marriage stability.

Key points

Shel's Mom Believes Steven is Innocent. In a heartfelt letter, Shel's mom expresses her belief in Steven's innocence, suggesting he is a scapegoat.
Shocking Suspicions. John's family begins to suspect Shelly may be involved in the disappearance.

Episode quotes

I really believe you have been made someone's scapegoat.

Shel's mom's letter to Steven.

0:17WatchJul 13, 2025

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