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On this special edition episode of Pop Culture Archives, we dig deep into the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, a vibrant 20-year-old Indiana University student who vanished from our hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 — exactly 15 years ago today. Known for her kindness, generosity, and deep Jewish faith, Lauren’s story has haunted Bloomington and beyond for over a decade.

Until recently, details available to the public pertaining to Lauren's case have been few and far between. In 2024, Shawn Cohen a journalist and one of the first on the case, published his book, College Girl, Missing bringing to light an abundance of information never released to the public and while what happened to Lauren remains one of true crime's biggest mysteries we now have a more precise timeline than ever of the hours leading up to her disappearance.

This part 1 episode unpacks the newly revealed timeline in the book, inconsistencies in the accounts of some of the key players from the night she disappeared, and the aftermath of the following morning as Lauren's friends and boyfriend frantically search for her.

Return next week for part two in which we cover the investigation, the Spierer family's lawsuit against the persons of interest, the many tips and theories that have emerged over the past 15 years, our own thoughts and opinions as to what could have happened, as well an exclusive interview with a friend who was an eyewitness in the case and saw Lauren the night she disappeared.

This is a case we lived in real time as young girls in Bloomington not much older than Lauren. We have thought and talked about it often year after year as Lauren remains missing and theories have developed. We want more than anything for her family to have answers and closure.

If you know anything regarding this case or any of the key players please call in tips to the Bloomington Police Department, Bloomington Indiana as this is very much still an ongoing investigation. The smallest detail could be the break in the case that brings Lauren home.

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