Woman searching for her biological father solves a 50-year-old unsolved case
The Frog Boy
In the summer of 1971, the small picturesque town of Englewood in Coos County, Oregon, was enveloped in an atmosphere of discovery and mystery. Instead of the usual summer heat, three children near Snedden Creek made a shocking discovery. Hidden by Mother Nature were human remains that sparked years of speculation and rumors in the community.
In a remote corner, the mortal remains of a young man were found. His exact identity remained a mystery for a long time, but he was given an unusual and unforgettable nickname: "Frog Boy". This name, simple as it may sound, conveyed the mystery that surrounded this mysterious person.
Many questions
Some locals tactlessly referred to the finding as "The Frog Boy". This name dehumanized the victim and revealed nothing about his true identity. Who was this boy? Did he have a family that missed him? And under what circumstances did he disappear? But the truth remained hidden from the community for many years.
The astonishing details of this case did not immediately come to light. However, as Lori Merriam delved deeper into the complex web of this mystery, she brought significant parts of the eerie story of Frog Boy to light. Her dedication shed light on a story that had been forgotten for many years.
A positive adoption story
In the shadow of the enigmatic "Frog Boy", Lori came into the world. A baby with a complicated past. Just a few weeks after her birth, she was adopted by a loving family from Idaho. Although adoption stories often have their challenges, Lori's story was mainly positive, thanks to the love of her new family.
Lori's adoptive parents always treated her with great affection and never hid the truth about her origins. In a poignant interview with the show "Dateline," Lori said, "I knew about my biological parents and why I came to a different family even as a little girl."
Never quite fit in
As Lori grew up, she felt a certain distance from her adoptive family. She often wondered, "Why do I behave, speak, or think differently from the rest of my family?" These thoughts sparked a deep curiosity in her to learn more about her biological roots.
Lori often thought about her appearance, which was noticeably different from that of her adoptive family. She would say, "With my red hair and fair skin, I always felt a little out of place in my family." And over the years, her desire to understand her roots grew.
Encouraged to search
Lori couldn't suppress the need to learn more about her heritage. From a young age, she began searching for the truth about her biological family. Instead of feeling threatened, her adoptive parents supported her and became her strongest allies.
Lori's father always stood by her side and encouraged her to seek answers. As Lori often recounted, "At the age of 12, I started this journey of self-discovery, driven by unwavering curiosity." Over time, this search led to astonishing discoveries.
Working at the library
With tireless dedication, Lori searched through archives, registers, and old books at the local library. Her efforts paid off when she found documents that pointed to the possible whereabouts of her biological family. "From what I found, it seems they were no more than 150 miles away from Boise, my birthplace."
Among Lori's most valuable possessions were her adoption papers. They provided information about her biological mother, her age, and even the number of siblings she had. Through them, Lori learned that her mother came from a more rural area.
Mr. X on the case
However, Lori had to endure a heartbreaking loss. The sudden death of her adoptive father in a plane crash cast a dark shadow of grief over her life. This tragic event only intensified her desire to find her biological roots. But the previously promising leads turned out to be dead ends.
Despite her determination, Lori encountered many obstacles. But luck smiled upon her when a distant relative presented a solution. He introduced her to a fascinating individual, a private detective known as "Mr. X".
Quick results
Enter Mr. X into Lori's life, a character one might view skeptically. Nevertheless, Lori decided to trust him – and it paid off. Within a short period, he found information about Lori's biological mother, a revelation that deeply moved Lori.
The detective's ability to solve mysteries greatly impressed Lori. In reflection, she said on "Dateline," "I never thought it would all happen so quickly. I was prepared to wait weeks, even months."
An immediate connection
Lori was impressed by Mr. X's skills. She eagerly contacted Kaye, who turned out to be her biological mother. The emotions were overwhelming as they met for the first time. Soon, Lori stood face to face with the woman who gave birth to her.
The reunion with her biological mother was magical for Lori. She recalled that special moment, saying, "Our embrace spoke more than a thousand words. It felt like a puzzle finally being complete. It's hard to put into words the feelings I had in that moment."
Finding the truth
Her search finally led Lori to her biological mother. She learned that Kaye became pregnant as a teenager and was sent to a home for unwed mothers.
It was precisely in that place where Lori's story began and where she was separated from her mother. With a hint of nostalgia, Lori said, "She had always dreamt of raising me. But fate had other plans."
An inevitably sad story
It is heartbreaking to imagine a young mother being separated from her child. The emotional scars of such a separation run deep and are indelible. In this tale of loss and pain, the poignant reunion of Lori and Kaye became a symbol of resilience and strength. But the mystery of Lori's father remained.
One question stood out: Where was he all these years? Lori knew nothing about her biological father; even her birth certificate omitted this information. As she uncovered more about her mother, Lori hoped to learn more about her father as well. She knew the path would be long.
A familial resemblance
Over time, Lori became determined to learn more about her mother's side. She spent special moments with her extended family during Christmas, forming deeper bonds. In a touching moment, she received a photo of her biological father, a key piece in her journey of discovery.
Upon seeing the photo, Lori immediately recognized a resemblance. Her red hair and freckles matched those of the man in the picture. Soon, she learned the name behind that face: Winston Arthur Maxey III, better known as Wint.
Unwavering Determination
This photo reignited Lori's determination. If she could find her mother, why not her father? With renewed hope, she began to research thoroughly, always hoping for an answer.
Lori never gave up; her determination to uncover more about her past was impressive. In an interview with "Dateline," she said, "I was so curious about my biological father. I always wondered if I had siblings or how his life had turned out."
A missing person
However, finding her father, Wint, proved to be much more challenging than she had anticipated. It seemed as if Wint had simply vanished without a trace. Lori wondered if Kaye knew more, but she soon discovered that even she was in the dark.
The information Kaye disclosed, as quoted by Oregon Live, raised more questions than answers. She confessed, "I told Lori everything I knew about him. All I knew was that he left, but I didn't know where."
Hearing absurd rumors
But Lori didn't give up. She managed to contact relatives of Wint. Even when she hit dead ends, she collected stories and details that helped her better understand the mystery of her father.
There were many rumors about what Wint had done after his departure: some said he joined a circus, while others believed he had been involved in rodeos. As Lori said on "Dateline," "The stories were as varied as they were numerous."
Wanting to forge her own path
Marla Poindexter, Wint's sister, was an invaluable source of information about their shared childhood. She spoke fondly of their large family, consisting of eight siblings, and shared stories of the nomadic times they had experienced. It was evident how much she cherished their shared memories.
In the family's recollection, Wint was a standout figure. Marla described him as someone who "always danced to his own tune. He was a brother you remembered and loved."
Clashes with their mother and father
Although Marla had fond memories of Wint, she couldn't overlook how often he clashed with their parents. She revealed that Wint constantly felt overwhelmed by the family's expectations, as if he could never carve out his own path.
While Wint always had a free and independent nature that often led him to questionable acquaintances, it was not uncommon for him to distance himself from the family from time to time. But one day, he disappeared without a trace, leaving everyone perplexed.
On the brink of patience
In 1971, his relationship with his parents deteriorated dramatically. It seemed they were planning to send Wint to a distant ranch, hoping to "get him back on the right track." This plan reflected his parents' desperation and lack of understanding.
They hoped that once Wint distanced himself from the family, he would continue to grow and develop. But at around the age of 15 or 16, he made the surprising decision to sever all family ties and forge his own path. It was a bold step that surprised many.
Saying Goodbye
Before embarking on this uncertain fate, Wint had a heart-wrenching farewell moment with his youngest sister, Marla. She remembers with a mix of sadness and affection, "He came to me, informed me of his impending departure, held me tight, and then simply disappeared from my sight."
Marla always waited for Wint's return. It was his habit to come back again and again, but this time, it was different. The days without him grew longer, and a void seemed to be unfilled.
Not going to the police
What was particularly confusing about this disappearance was the apparent inaction of his family. It is hard to imagine that no missing person report was filed. Marla shed some light and said, "Our parents always claimed he had chosen this path willingly."
Reflecting on past times, Marla said, "Every time he left us, we would try to bring him back. But his independent spirit could not be tamed. After his last disappearance, the efforts to find him ceased."
Rumors begin to circulate
In small communities, rumors spread quickly, and Wint's sudden disappearance did not go unnoticed. There were whispers that Wint might have been involved in something dark before he vanished. Marla heard these stories but was never sure what to make of them.
Days turned into months, months turned into years, and any sign of Wint seemed to vanish like mist. The lack of information only worsened the uncertainty about his whereabouts. And although Marla carried on with her life, his absence weighed heavily on her heart.
Still hopeful
The void left by Wint's absence weighed heavily on Marla. She often thought to herself, "I always hoped that one day he would just come back." But days turned into years, and there was no trace of him.
Marla's efforts to find her brother were evident in everything she did. She was determined to solve the puzzle and explored every possibility, even the idea that he might have changed his identity voluntarily. Thoughtfully, she said, "I always wondered if he might have changed his name to remain unrecognized."
Delivering a message
As an adult, Marla considered reaching out to the Social Security Administration. She hoped that even if she couldn't get any concrete information, she might receive a clue or direction.
Although the police couldn't directly help, they gave Marla a glimmer of hope. They advised her to send a letter to her brother's last known address. If fate played its part and he was there, he would receive the message, and the next step would be up to him.
It didn't work out
Given these circumstances, Marla wrote a heartfelt letter to Wint, hoping that if he made contact with the Social Security Administration, he would receive this letter. She remembers, moved, "I left the letter there and anxiously waited for a response." But the ensuing silence was deafening.
Writing this letter, filled with hope and longing, marked the end of Marla's tireless search. She looked into an uncertain future and contemplated the remaining possibilities. With a tinge of melancholy, she confessed, "My need to know never ceases. I really want to understand what happened."
Another person in the case
But then, the story took a surprising turn. Lori, Wint's daughter, whom he never knew existed, decided to solve the mystery. Driven by insatiable curiosity and the desire to know her own story, she was determined to find out where her father was.
Lori, burning with the desire to locate her biological father, left no stone unturned. She tried everything, even placing ads in local media, hoping that someone might have the crucial information.
Looking Bleak
Inspired by her aunt Marla's persistence, Lori began her own search, using various means to find clues. But at every step, it seemed like she was hitting a wall. She wondered if Wint had perhaps assumed a new identity.
The search often felt like an endless struggle, like climbing a steep mountain in the midst of a storm. Sometimes, the darkness of despair seemed to overwhelm her. But as the saying goes, after the darkest night, there's always a morning. Lori held onto this hope and believed that her story would eventually turn for the better.
The Search Continues
Driven by the desire to uncover the truth about her heritage, Lori sent a DNA sample to a reputable genealogical company in 2016. She hoped for a clue, any hint that could bring her closer to the answers. But to her disappointment, she found no familial matches in the company's extensive database.
With the rise of social media and an understanding of the power of the internet, Lori created a Facebook page. It was her way of reaching out for answers in the digital world. She knew it was a bold move but was willing to do whatever it took. Even though she sought police assistance, the investigation was challenging due to the lack of specific information.
Facing Insurmountable Obstacles
In her efforts to find any information about Wint, Lori tried inputting details about him into two of the main missing persons databases. However, the absence of an official missing person report on Wint posed another hurdle in her search. It was as if he had simply evaporated, making Lori's task even more difficult.
One could feel how emotionally burdened Lori was. With each new attempt, it seemed like another hurdle stood in her way. It felt like she was being held back by something or someone with every step she took, complicating her search even further.
Finally, a Turn of Events
But as an old saying reminds us time and again, after the storm comes the calm. After years of relentless searching, a glimmer of light finally appeared at the end of the tunnel for Lori. Technological advancements offered new hope with tools that helped authorities identify previously unidentified human remains.
Meanwhile, the Coos County Sheriff's Office was constantly on the lookout for breakthroughs. They saw new forensic methods as a ray of hope. They firmly believed that these techniques could solve the mystery of Niño Rana. But to do so, they would have to make a difficult decision: to excavate the remains and extract a sample.
Beginning the Process
The tension was palpable. A crucial sample was quickly sent to Parabon Labs, a renowned genetics laboratory collaborating with the Coos County Sheriff's Office. There was hope that this collaboration could finally bring the long-awaited answers.
Parabon, known in forensic genetics, had often worked with law enforcement. Leading their operations was CeCe Moore, a respected genealogist. When she learned about the Niño Rana case, she was determined to personally contribute.
A Case Hard to Solve
Reflecting on the complexity of this case, Moore, a key investigator, shared his perspective with the Dateline show. He talked about the unprecedented challenges of the case, saying, "Decrypting the genetic puzzles of this case was monumental. Compared to other cases in Oregon, this one has occupied and baffled me for an unusually long time."
The days seemed endless as Moore delved deeper into the case. The tension and anticipation reached immeasurable levels. But Moore's determination was unwavering. And against all expectations, she managed to do what many believed to be impossible: she discovered the identity of Nino Rana.
Establishing the Connection
In a completely unexpected turn of events, the man known as "Frog Boy" was identified as Winston Arthur Maxey III, better known as "Wint." The discovery was groundbreaking: Wint was actually Lori's missing father. This astonishing connection was revealed only through the meticulous genetic detective work of Cece Moore.
In her tireless search, Lori surfed through the often turbulent sea of the internet, hoping to find more clues about Wint. During her research, she stumbled upon the Facebook page she once created. It seemed like everything was finally falling into place for her.
Devastating News
Fully aware of the magnitude of this discovery, Moore knew she had to approach Lori with sensitivity and understanding. Delivering the news that her father had been found, but unfortunately was already deceased, was an overwhelming task. Moore expressed the complexity of the situation and showed deep compassion for what Lori was about to face.
Now armed with all the necessary information, Moore was aware of the tremendous responsibility she carried. In August 2021, she made the decision to contact Lori and reveal everything to her. Moore vividly remembers that moment: "Our first conversation was intense and emotional. We discussed Lori's feelings and the next steps."
Crushed and Numb
However, simply believing Moore's words was not enough. It was crucial to have concrete evidence connecting "Frog Boy" to Lori. Therefore, new DNA tests were conducted. After an agonizing wait, the results unequivocally confirmed the familial connection between them.
Discovering the truth can bring both relief and pain. For Lori, the realization that her father had been identified but had been gone for a long time was heart-wrenching. She shared her feelings, saying, "There was so much to process. I found myself in a whirlwind of emotions and felt a deep emptiness."
Making it Official
This revelation was a devastating blow for Lori. She contemplated the tragic fate of her father and how different their lives had turned out. Emotionally, she expressed, "While his life ended tragically, I continue to live mine." She also conveyed how overwhelming this discovery was for her, while Moore recognized that there were still more questions to be answered.
For the identification to be legally valid, a genetic match with a close relative of Wint had to be established. Once they could confirm this connection through DNA with one of Wint's siblings, the identification was made official.
A Question Mark Hangs Over Everything
However, knowing Wint's identity didn't bring closure to this emotional chapter. A burning question remained: What led to Wint's premature death? The mystery of his tragic ending still lingered in the air, like a dark cloud refusing to dissipate.
With deep conviction in her heart, Lori believes that her father's demise was tragic and deliberate. Now that the puzzle of his identity is solved, she seeks justice. She continues her online appeals, hoping to unravel what truly happened in that distant time.
Finding Some Closure
For fifty long years, Wint's fate remained a mystery. And while many details about his end are still unknown, a sad truth is clear: Wint is no longer with us. For those who loved him, this harsh reality brought a form of closure.
Lori's extensive search came to an end when she found her father, albeit not in the way she had hoped. But despite the rollercoaster of emotions, she found solace in finally solving the puzzle of where he had been.
Making it Official
This revelation was a devastating blow for Lori. She contemplated the tragic fate of her father and how different their lives had turned out. Emotionally, she expressed, "While his life ended tragically, I continue to live mine." She also conveyed how overwhelming this discovery was for her, while Moore recognized that there were still more questions to be answered.
For the identification to be legally valid, a genetic match with a close relative of Wint had to be established. Once they could confirm this connection through DNA with one of Wint's siblings, the identification was made official.
A Question Mark Hangs Over Everything
However, knowing Wint's identity didn't bring closure to this emotional chapter. A burning question remained: What led to Wint's premature death? The mystery of his tragic ending still lingered in the air, like a dark cloud refusing to dissipate.
With deep conviction in her heart, Lori believes that her father's demise was tragic and deliberate. Now that the puzzle of his identity is solved, she seeks justice. She continues her online appeals, hoping to unravel what truly happened in that distant time.
Finding Some Closure
For fifty long years, Wint's fate remained a mystery. And while many details about his end are still unknown, a sad truth is clear: Wint is no longer with us. For those who loved him, this harsh reality brought a form of closure.
Lori's extensive search came to an end when she found her father, albeit not in the way she had hoped. But despite the rollercoaster of emotions, she found solace in finally solving the puzzle of where he had been.
Moving Forward
In remembrance of her father and in recognition of her own journey, Lori founded the Winston Arthur Maxey Foundation. With a noble purpose in mind, the foundation is on a mission to help Oregon residents find their missing loved ones. Lori, who has experienced the feeling of uncertainty herself, has become an invaluable ally to those in similar situations.
Looking back on the long road she has traveled, Lori has a message to share. She says, "Searching for the truth requires incredible inner strength. No matter how long the journey is or how many obstacles arise, we must never give up. I searched for my father for 50 years. Even if the ending isn't what we hoped for, every search has its conclusion."
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