I started crying when I saw the title.Thank you so much for covering Amy’s case!!!! Amy was my friend and this broke our community. There hasn’t been coverage in so many years! Thank you so much much Kendall!!!!
Im sorry for your loss 😔 obviously I hope advances in technology solve every cold case but this is one I’m really hoping will benefit from it! Amy and her loved ones deserve justice.
I. AM. SHAKING. Dean Runkle was my 8th grade science teacher in Amherst, OH in the mid-1990s. I knew the name seemed so eerily familiar. He was honestly one of the most passionate, involved, respectable, unassuming teachers I’d ever known- or so it seemed. Back then, he would have been the kind of man any little girl would trust. I’m going to lose sleep over this story. Kendall, thank you so much for bringing light to this case. Rest in peace, sweet Amy.
It’s so interesting to hear your take on him!! Especially because Amy inherently seemed to trust him on the phone (even though she thought it was a coworker of her mother’s) and that other kids who saw them at the plaza thought he could have been her father. That’s exactly the kind of interaction a seasoned teacher might have with a child 😕
The thing about this that sickens me the most, is the fact this man used the love children have for their mothers as a lure… something about THAT make it more repulsive and absolutely evil…
It broke my heart hearing what her mother said. She told her to avoid strangers but her love for her mother was so strong that it was worth the risk for her. So gross
The fact the police officer even said "if it was a 16 year old probably not" just kills me. it feels like when you get older they don't take it as serious until your body is found.
I know what you’re saying, but I took off so many times between 15 and 17 (in the 90’s) that it would have been a huge waste of resources for the cops to track me down every time. Unfortunately, because of people like me there are girls in real danger who don’t get the attention they need when they go missing. :(
It breaks my heart that Amy’s mom died of a broken heart. She basically drank herself to death. I struggle with alcoholism as an escape, so I can’t imagine what she went through.
She also had lupus which is a tough disease, a person with lupus can be in constant physical pain throughout their body, upcers in their mouth, skin rashes etc and theres no cure.. not sure how severe hers was but along with the alcoholism maybe she was using it to cope. either way, she didnt deserve any of it, it breaks my heart as well
pls try psychedelic therapy; break your bad habit, you can do it! My dad died from alcoholism too and I cured my own anxiety with small doses of mushrooms,
One of my best friends died from alcoholism last year at 37, I'm sober and I smoke small amounts of weed once a week (Friday nights) to help with anxiety. Just know you are not alone. ❤💚❤💚❤
Dean is so suspicious. He answered questions in riddles, failed his polygraph test, and was in the area? That’s all suspicious. He shouldn’t be out and about. He should be monitored in some way. Rest In Peace to Amy and her mother. I hope answers can be found soon and her family can have peace and justice.
@@fsheld5058 she was 10… the 80s were a very different time. And as someone who grew up not far from bay village it is a unique little town. Even today people call it “the bubble” because it tends to feel and seem like it’s own little safe and secure world.
So, I am close to Amy's age, and there was a man that called my house several times, he was trying to get me to stay after school and meet him, he said that he would be able to get me better grades in my classes, and how proud of me my mom would be. He said he would drive me home before my mom got home from work. I was to scared to do this, not because I thought there was any danger involved but I was afraid of getting into trouble. Thank God I was to scared!!! Wow! This really hits home!!!
@Beverly Marsh no I did not, I thought I would get into trouble for talking to him. My mamaw asked me once who I was talking to, and he told me to tell her that it was a friend from school. I really wondered at first if it could have been the same guy, but I lived in Northern KY, and I was older than Amy as well
i agree i even stated in my comment if they arrested dean for the murder granted its all circumstantial its the best circumstantial evidence the police will ever have in any case
I'm sorry but Dean was the one who murdered Amy. Everything Dean has said to police was such a RED FLAG, the composite sketches witnesses gave to the police looked EXACTLY like him AND his car matched the car interior police was looking for. Like that is NO accident and he is GUILTY. Justice for Amy and Amy's family!!!
@@elizabethcoopersings Yes, but that is a statement from someone close to 30 years after the fact when there was no expectation that it would have been on the news to begin with, especially then the local news did not start until 11pm. There are still some dots to connect on this - who was he related to that attended BMS, did he pick her phone number out of the directory and just randomly try?
Dean sounds like the right fit. It's a shame they couldn't get together enough evidence to try him so they would have the potential to draw out anything more directly confirming. I feel bad for her family, especially her mom, as it seems she wasn't ever able to deal with her grief.
Yes it's so frustrating. He looks identical to the composites, closer than most, was placed at the crime and taunted the police. I feel that every inch of his belongings should be checked in that locker, and wonder what evidence they did find.
Seeing Amy’s brother talk broke my heart. Especially hearing how they were really becoming close when she disappeared. I hope this case is solved one day, she deserves justice.
@@elizabethcaraballo3012 same 😭 never getting to see her grow up and have nieces and nephews… so awful. He seemed like a great guy and loving brother 💔
Jason broke my heart watching an interview of him, I believe it was on the Lake Erie Murders programmes. He stated that he was supposed to go to the same place Amy went that day. However, he saw some kids there who bullied him, so he went home. He then said he still wonders what would have happened if he had gone that day.Just heartbreaking, to hear him make that statement.
As soon as a picture of Dean came on screen I was so shocked as he looks identical to the police sketches! I don't understand why his ex kept quiet all that time if she had her suspicions?! I couldn't sleep next to someone thinking they may have possibly killed a little girl! But hopefully he will get arrested and poor Amy will get justice. I mean, I don't know how much more evidence they need, that's absolutely mind boggling to me!!
Dean - his car was in the area - his car matched the description police were looking for - he worked at the science centre - his family worked at the mall - he used to visit the area where Amy was found - his ex girlfriend said he didn't come home that night - he said he met Amy's mum
Her body was found literally less than 2 mins from my childhood house. I just got James’ book and it’s awesome to see you cover this! She and her family deserve justice
Imagine sitting in a police interview and responding to every question with, "It's possible. I mean, anything's possible. We could all be hallucinating this conversation right now." Like, dude, you're not some kind of clever fae creature who speaks in riddles, you're suspicious as hell.
Yup, you can tell he is a narcissist by just this behavior. He uses this vague and out of touch language to seem smart and like he’s a deep thinker or something.
I highly recommend listening to the Podcast: “Amy Should Be 40.” It’s really well research and presented and you’ll get to hear from Amy’s family and friends.
honestly i believe that even though its all circumstantial i believe it would b enough to charge him in the case bc all the pieces fall into place. dean had family working in the area she was abducted, the cars interior matched what police was looking for, also he fits the description exactly to the composit sketches the police has also not 1 but 2 people have positively identified dean as the guy who was seen with amy in the area she was abducted from.
I was born in 1990. My mom must have heard about this case, because when she went over the whole "stranger danger" thing with me, she told me I was supposed to say no even if the stranger said they knew my parents. She was very insistent on this point; I specifically remember her running scenarios with me when I was maybe 5 or 6. Horrible case, the fact that this man preyed on the kindness of these children is disgusting. I've been watching true crime content for 2 years now and I still don't understand how anyone can be this evil.
This makes me think of something my mom used to say. When I was younger, she would tell me there is a reason she doesn’t have those stick figure family stickers on the car with everyone’s name. Someone could knock on the door and use such a small amount of info such as the names of the children and parents in order to establish trust with the child and pretend to know their family. Like saying “Hey Tommy, Hi Ashley! Your mom Diane told me to come get you right away. There’s an emergency!” or something like that. And kids are generally trusting. They are taught to stay away from strangers, but what about people who they vaguely know or predators who know how to build that trust and take advantage of it? It was such a different time then. Thanks Kendall for everything you do, and for bringing attention to this case again. For Amy, her family, and her mother who passed with no closure, I will be wishing them all of the peace and happiness in the world.
I’ve always thought that too about those car decals. My parents told me that if anyone ever approached me I was to make it clear that my parents are down the street on their way to pick me up and they know exactly where I am right now.
I was a little more than 3 years older than Amy. I was a latch key kid, locked out and I did go with a lady who worked with my Mom and I knew her. I got in so much trouble when my Mom got home. Fast forward a year I had a school sweater with my name on it. Locked out again, this time was playing with friends. A guy approached us and called to me and said My sister hurt her ankle again and wanted me to go behind the church and help her get home. I didn't know him, friends and I ran to their house and their Grandma called the police. All I remember after that is my Mom cutting up my favorite sweater. I was in 2nd grade. It's scary how gullible kids can be. I hope Amy gets justice.
I saw a tip where you can ask the person for the code word to know if they really are there for them. Although I would personally never send someone they never met to pick them up. But at least if they ask for a code word, the predator would be thrown off? I don’t know people are sick nowadays so it’s really hard. All you can do is prepare your children as much as you can🥺
When we were kids we had a code word. If anyone outside my gradparents came to pick me up somewhere they would tell me the password. "Mickey Mouse" we were a big Disney family! I wasn't supposed to ask for it, they were supposed to say "The code word is Mickey Mouse" Then we knew it was safe to go.
You really don't realize how much is affected when someone's life is taken. Her brother never got to build that relationship with her, never got to be an uncle to her possible future children. Her parents marriage didn't make it. Her mother fell into alcoholism. Trauma on top of trauma. And for what? Because a sick person decided her life wasn't of importance. It just breaks my heart and I can't even begin to imagine how her family feels/felt. I hope she gets her justice.
i haven't gotten a chance to watch the video bc i'm about to sleep so i'm not sure what she said about her brother, but my mom was acquaintances/friends with him and when it happened, and she just said he broke down and really struggled a lot and she said it was really sad watching him fall apart. i know that much for sure through my mom, and everything else that has been shown about the family. it's just so sad and i really hope they get justice, it's sad to see this case yearly with her death since i live really close to bay, and they deserve answers
Makes me even more sick that so many times all this pain & trauma is inflicted cuz some sicko thinks getting his rocks off is more important than women & little girl's lives, it's sooo often the motive & it makes me so angry & breaks my heart. I know Kendall said they weren't positive if she was sexually assaulted, but we all know that's why she was kidnapped.
Did they ever look into who the girls gave their numbers and information to when passing out babysitter fliers? The killer could have gotten her number that way.
If they were giving their numbers out, and someone was calling them, id assume the police thought of that. But if they were just randomly handing out flyers, they'd need dozens and dozens of witnesses who remembered seeing who they gave them to, there's no other way to track that
Kendall, You and your husband have this amazing gift of taking a flat missing person’s photo and creating a tangible 4D life. It’s difficult to imagine these thousands of missing children as real people sometimes, thank you for speaking for them.
This hurts my heart. Cannot imagine losing my child. The pain would be excruciating. She deserves justice and so does her family. Devastating that her mom passed without any answers or closure. I think Dean did it!!! And it’s awesome that James is dedicated to this case. What a great guy. Thank you as always Kendall for your videos and for the compassion you show for these victims and their families! ♥️
Oh my goodness, neither could I. My heart aches when I hear stories like this and I just hold my babies(figuratively, they're 9&11)a little tighter each time💔
As a mother of one child, I couldn’t even go on if something happened to my daughter. I worry all the time. Especially since she is a teenager and driving now. She is my life.
I'm from northeast Ohio and I remember how sad and horrible this case was/is. It rocked the entire area. Amy was a year older than me. I pray one day her kidnapper and murderer will be found and brought to justice. Amy is proof that no matter how smart our kids are, predators are very convincing and they can fall victim. Teach your kids and keep reiterating that no matter what they are told by anyone NEVER talk to or go anywhere to meet a stranger. And never be afraid to tell you about any strange phone calls or other contact anyone tries to make with them.
I remember Dean Runkle as a science teacher in Amherst OH! I remember this case thank you for covering it! I had him as a science teacher about 2 years after she went missing and frankly he was a little creepy but we as his students we just laughed it off that he was the eccentric science teacher. So crazy to think he may have done this and after was educating kids around the same age!
My mom waved to the jogger that found her just seconds before they found her…the feeling of dread I get when passing the road makes me sick to my stomach. She deserves justice:(
Dean did it. Come on!! I don’t give the ex-girlfriend any credit whatsoever for bring this up decades later. She covered up what she knew for so many years and the only reason she came forward later is to get back at him I would imagine. What a piece of work. Covering up for this terrible man.
Right! It’s possible she didn’t know (there’s been stories of killers having spouses or family members who didn’t know, being so naive) but if she did, and she only came forward when it benefited her, that’s just disgusting. Dean should suffer for what he did.
Yes, I think the girlfriend mentioned that she did suspect him at the time, but never came forward, which is so frustrating. Most of these unsolved kidnapping and murder cases could be solved if the people close to the perpetrators would get their heads out of the sand and say something sooner.
@@Mchris24 honestly tho when it’s someone close to you it’s hard to believe they would do something like that. Hindsight 20/20 looking back and for us, looking at all the facts laid out in front of us we can make that connection but for her getting random tidbits of information here and there WHILE living and loving the person it’s hard to make that connection.
If you expect someone you live with of murdering someone yet alone a child, she wasn’t safe to tell anybody. He could’ve killed her too. Also, if it is someone you’ve been intimate with you may give them the benefit of the doubt and may second guess yourself.
I’m sad to hear her mother died, but I’m so happy for her because she finally saw and is with her little girl again. All of her questions are answered. ❤️
In the 80s a guy called my house acting like he knew me and he knew information about my school and my teacher (my school used to have directories with each student's name, teacher, grade and school event schedule). He asked if my mommy was home and I said "no but my dad is" and he immediately hung up 😳
@@elizabethcaraballo3012 he was talking to me like he knew me and my parents so definitely thankful my dad was there! My parents complained to the school and they stopped doing the directory
If he is responsible for Amy’s death, which I feel like he most likely is, then I would think there would probably be more victims. I wonder if the police are tracking additional missing children reports around where he lived and worked. I can’t help but think that this wasn’t a one time event, especially with the calls and planning put into getting her to meet him at the mall.
Exactly! My mom lived in Lancaster at the time (quite a ways away from Bay Village), but one of her sisters lived in Elyria. Elyria is just a stone’s throw from Bay Village, and there was a missing child report that was never solved from that area. It was a bit after this (1993 I believe), but it definitely raises some red flags.
They sould also look into missing children around the area he lives now when he is homeless...the fact he was calling other girls indicates that he was or probably was going to turn into a serial killer...who says he stopped there? He might as well been killing girls his whole life just changing the m.o.
One of my earliest memories is seeing the posters of Amy and the kidnapper at a local store. I asked my mom about it, and she explained that a bad man took a local girl, Amy. We had a talk about stranger danger, and I remember seeing the aerial footage of the field where she was found months later. My 5-year-old self couldn't put together what had happened. "Amy is dead? How? Why?" I still feel a lot of emotions about this years later, anger and helplessness. Thank you, Kendall, for covering this case. I hope it blows up on TH-cam and that somehow leads to the police finally solving the case.
I remember this case as a young child and how this specific case opened up the stranger danger convo for me too. I have followed this case since a young girl and am hoping that some how some way they can get the evidence they need to close the case.
I live in Bay and the town always does a memorial for her. We bought our house here but are not originally from the area so it was confusing at first. But it speaks volumes about the community that people still come together to remember her every year, in my opinion. Glad to see the case getting some coverage.
I can't believe how this woman , "the woman" can live with herself. Imagine if she had spoken about this back in the day. How could someone do that, not telling the police about this knowing that a little girl was abducted and murdered, knowing how Amy's parents specially her mother was hurting. She knew about it... why wait 30 years to tell the police!!!! That man Dean did it, but the woman for me is as guilty for not telling. I'm not the type of person who wishes bad things for people but on this case...I wish she feels guilty. I wish she feels awful for the rest of her life
@@CC_Reads yes i know. That is something I'll never know but the fact that her boyfriend didn't come home the night Amy was murdered and the fact that he asked about Amy BEFORE it was on the news. Come on! She knew or at least she suspected. She should have done the right thing. The day Amy was murdered this woman didn't talk to the police because she knew his boyfriend was in trouble and that tells me she knew or like I said at least she suspected. She wanted to protect him and sure, I can understand that but i could never justify it.
she was with him and in love with him when he committed the crime so she kept it a secret. years later they’re now exes so obviously she told the police out of spite. she doesn’t care about amy honestly. she’s a piece of shit just like dean unfortunately.
It's so interesting that the kidnapper/murderer/rapist/etc's personality can be pieced together. The creation of the personality always turns out to be accurate, interesting.
It’s my dream to be a crimson profiler. But my passion right now is music. I have a degree in music and half of one in psychology with an emphasis in criminology.
I was thinking about that! I was like these profiles are typically accurate. It’s just amazing to see how much they can put together for a personality without even knowing the person.
I wonder at what point deans life went from him being a teacher, to being homeless (and assuming without work). Does it line up with Amy’s case at all? If you are looking for changes in behaviour this is fairly significant.
I highly appreciate that too❤ I cant watch other true crime TH-cam rs for this reason.. they start their video so cheerfully as if they're about to do a product review or a what's in my bag video. I knooow they don't mean it, but I just feel it's something weird to start a video so happily when you're about to talk about someone being brutally murdered or something 🥺
@@leilanyx It’s still disrespectful to the victims. If you can’t handle sensitive topics in a respectful manner, then you shouldn’t be talking about it in the first place.
Kendall’s story telling talent is outstanding! the way she talks about cases, stories and so on, is beyond incredible. My mind really sinks in and understands every detail that is being said. No one can honestly do it better than kendall! thank you for another video; we appreciate your support, care, dedication and effort. ❤️
I can’t watch any other true crime youtubers because it never feels like they actually care about these people and respect the families. Its so easy to forget that these are real people and not “a case”. Kendall is so respectful and you can tell she never forgets these are people! And yes amazing immersive storytelling!
I agree. My mind immediately imagined a kid in one of those 80s movies, riding a bike down the middle of the road, leaves crunching under the wheels, as the camera pans back to view their street. Not only did I imagine it, I felt it. She really captures the time period and the person's life and personality.
This is why I continue to listen to her! She's so good at what she does. And I've only been here a year but I can tell that she has grown after watching her old videos compared to her new ones.
As soon as they showed Dean's picture, I was like "oh wow he definitely resembles the police sketch". I don't think Harold had anything to do with it. I think about Home Alone how the kids made that older guy who shoveled snow into a boogieman-type; but he was really just a quiet, nice old man who's family abandoned him. So to me, from what little was said about Harold, I don't think there was any reason to be afraid of him... Just children's vivid imaginations
I grew up in Cleveland during this time and can distinctly remember seeing all the missing Amy posters and billboards throughout the city and all the suburbs (if people say they are from Cleveland Ohio, they are really from one of the suburbs). It's the first missing child case I remember, because I was a kid myself at the time. I think they even talked about it in our elementary classes. This story was so big I even remembered her name all these years later. I hope it gets solved one day. Amy deserves justice.
Yep! I live in a suburb about 15 minutes east of Cleveland. Lol. It’s never miles. Always minutes. 😂 I know this isn’t the best post to make that joke 😐😕
Dean is 100% the more likely suspect. You explained how witnesses/friends of Amy said that she seemed comfortable with the man in the car. If the other suspect scared them she wouldn’t have been nearly as comfortable. Also as a teacher he would have had experience making younger children feel comfortable with him
My dad was questioned by the FBI the week of this abduction. He was seen with a little girl getting into his car at the mall and someone wrote down his license plate number and reported it to the cops. So the local police called him and asked, "Where you at the mall earlier this week? He said, "No-- I havent been to the mall in years." The FBI showed up to our house and questioned him for about a half hour. The thing is... a few days earlier my mom made him pick up my little sister at a restaurant whose parking lot happen to spill over into the mall's parking lot. This is why he flatly denied ever being "at the mall." Well, the FBI made him show a picture with him and my sister together and they even interviewed her alone: "Is this man really your father?"
The fact that Amy’s family and loved ones still haven’t received the justice that they have been so desperately seeking all of these years is heartbreaking. 💔 This case has been etched into my mind and I really hope that one day, Amy’s loved ones will finally receive closure and justice. Rest in peace Amy. 🌹
@@fsheld5058 I truly, genuinely, hope this happens to you one day. If you even have a family who loves you.. which I HIGHLY doubt. No one would miss you 😏
Absolutely one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever heard, as a mother of 2 I couldn't ever imagine the pain that mother must of felt, so tragic. 💔
My college roommate lived near the road area where her body was found, it’s highly speculated who did it in that area… I’m glad this case is being highlighted again, I hope Amy can rest well and gets the justice she deserves
my mom was in high school as well at the time and knew jason personally, she said it was devastating for everyone and really sad to see what the family went through. the case being so relevant today is sad and also terrifying that he is still out there. hoping for justice soon
I was in elementary school in Shaker Heights when this happened and I just commented to someone how any kid from NE Ohio was truly affected by this one. For YEARS after, anytime I balked at my parents being overprotective all they had to say was “Amy.”
I lost my none verbal autistic child for 15 minutes and almost died from the panic so i can only imagine what her parents was going through still going through to this day may God cover them with peace I too suffer from Lupus so i understand the strain and worry must have been unbearable for her mom. I'm so heart broken for this family
I was 12 years old when this happened, and I followed this story every night on the local news and wanted her found alive so bad. Growing up in the 80's I worried about being kidnapped. My Grandma lived in senior apartments in Bay Village close to the shopping center she was taken from so I knew the area. I lived just outside Nova, Ohio in Ashland County and was SHOCKED when her body was found about 2 or 3 miles from our house. Every time after when we drove down that road I be gripped with overwhelming sadness and anxiety as we approached the area she was found.
I feel like the earrings could be something to be able to help close the case, they would be something that could be easily taken and kept as a “token” and they’re unique earrings, not plain enough to mix up with other earrings. Killers tend to take things from their victims to remind them of the crime. Dean literally fits the composite sketch and has everything that fits to the crime, why haven’t they come after him harder ? Why haven’t they searched all of his belongings, if they could find her earrings that would pin him easy !
@@ViridianKomorebi why would a notebook be worth anything, especially if it had been used by a 5th grader? Same with one singlular child’s earring. They don’t really make children’s earrings out of precious metals and I would imagine that if he pawned one single and unique earring in the area, then a pawn shop would have stepped forward, given they released what the earring looked like. But in any case, I don’t think Amy had anything of value on her, so the killer probably did take those things or destroyed them when he realized they were left behind.
@@ViridianKomorebi he's homeless, but apparently still makes it a priority to keep a storage unit, wonder what's in there 🤔 & nah those lil earrings are unique, but I doubt would make more than a couple bucks, if anything, by pawning them, ditto for the notebook. Plus pawn shops hold onto reciepts & you have to show ID to pawn, even being homeless now, be obvs would know this stuff enough to avoid detection. Him pawning any of her items would directly tie him to her, with paper trails to prove it.
I remember this case so well. I was close to Amy's age when this happened. I lived in Vermilion, Ohio at the time which is only about 20 miles West of Bay Village. Her suspected killer Dean Runkle taught biology at my middle school. My sister and cousin had him as a teacher. I did not. But he used to power walk past my house every single day in the summer in a pair of green, cut-off jean shorts and no shirt. I would see him every day when outside playing. He was known to be odd and a little creepy. My heart breaks for this family 💔
This is heartbreaking... She really just wanted to buy her mom a present. I remember my parents along with telling me about stranger danger, they also always told me that if anyone I don't know ever came up to me and says they know my parents that they are lying and to walk away.
I find it interesting how a lot of the places dubbed “the safest places to live” had high profile kidnappings shortly after (referencing South Lake Tahoe and the Jaycee Dugard case)
Thank you Kendall for all the content you upload. I’m a huge fan of mile higher, lights out, and the sesh. Thank you all for everything you do!! You’ve helped me get through so much by uploading ❤️❤️❤️ Merry Christmas 🎄 keep up the great work
When it looks and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Dean kept showing up during this, his car logged as a car that was by the scene, the car fibers, his ex girlfriends statements, him being picked out twice in a line up! I mean come on it’s him.
My question goes back to the promotion. How would Dean know this? And has anyone looked at people the mother worked with? It just is hard to overlook this detail since it is what was used to lure this baby to the evil she encountered that day.
@@karmena001 So did the mother know at that time she was getting the promotion ? This one really has some questions that need to really be followed up.
This was a question I had while watching. Were her coworkers questioned and investigated? She would have spoken about her kids, her coworkers would have found access to her contact number and would’ve known about the promotion. I’m surprised nothing was said about her coworkers
@@Katsandkatsandkats yes and I’m not sure how I feel about him (besides that he’s a bad guy). Delphi has been my pet case from the beginning and I so badly want justice for those poor girls and their loved ones.
Kendall, I've been watching your channel since you had less than 1k subscribers and did fashion stuff and it has been so amazing and mind blowing to see you grow over the years. Ever since the first video about Casey Anthony when you started following your dreams, you continue to grow and impress and I'm so glad you get to persue your passions. 💜💜💜
So evil! She went there because she wanted to do something nice for her mom. Whoever did this is evil and my heart breaks for Amy and her family. Sick of this pain people inflict on people. Just cruel.
My grandfather was the Chief of Police in Bay Village at the time. I asked him about it a few times over the last 15 years or so when I became aware of the case. From what I gathered, he did the best that he could with the resources he had available at the time. He was really pissed off with the contaminated DNA on the blanket Amy was wrapped in & was never the type of person to want to be interviewed by the media or anything.
Did he ever mention anyone he thought could have done it? I'm guessing not considering he was the Chief of Police and probably still keeps details tight, but I had to ask out of curiosity.
I STILL remember the day the found her. I live in Cleveland Ohio and this case is a case I think about all the time. I was 2 yrs older then her. I'm glad they r still investigating this case. RIP Amy. Your not forgotten
I feel like it's so painfully obvious who did this to Amy, and it's a shame that his dna won't be tested because of cost. I'm sure Amy wasn't his only victim.
It's not a cost issue. It's a concern that if they test it now, and it comes back false, the evidence is destroyed and can't be used on future tests. Hence, the wait on better technology.
I was thinking about that too. No way that Amy is Dean's first victim! He had to have done this before to be so comfortable calling these multiple young girls.
I’m so confident that Dean did this!! Such a heartbreaking case, I hope her brother and father and the rest of her family get some peace of mind. RIP Amy 💔
I love your content. You seem so down to earth and genuine. Your personality shines through and I appreciate that! I have unsubcribed from a lot of people because I don't like how they've become through "TH-cam fame", but you seem to want to help people form year to year! I really appreciate that
I was tearing up multiple times through this. A child and a mother dead and the person who did this not rotting in jail. My heart goes out to Amy's dad and brother as they manage living without a daughter and a sister. 😞
This case breaks my heart. This poor little girl thought she was going to do something special for her mom... god people are evil and scary. I hope soon with all the technology that her case can be solved. Amy and her family deserve it.
The way she was took advantage of is so sickening, i can’t believe theres people like this guy roaming the earth freely because theres not enough sufficient evidence too arrest him.
Have a wonderful day Kendall and everyone reading this. I enjoyed this story and hope the family can find some closure. A beautiful soul that was taken too soon.
I’m so you did her case. I remember when this happened right down the street from me and I’m similar age. It was so scary that this could happen and so surreal as a kid. We all still pray here in Cleveland that her case will be solved.
This sounds so similar to a case that happened in my hometown in Trois-Rivières, Québec. A little girl named Cedrika was outside at a park and a man asked for her help finding a dog. She disappeared and her body was found years later :( A lot of evidence points to a man in particular (including his car make) but despite all of it police was never able to formally accuse him
I live in Québec and the amount of alerts that I get about missing children in the area is really disturbing and terrified me when I was younger and still does today.
I live right on the boarder of Bay Village and Westlake, and this case has always weighed heavy on my heart. The city does an annual walk to honor her memory, because this truly was a nightmare of an event that happened in a safe town, and nothing like it has happened since. I pray this case is solved in my lifetime, and Amy and her loved ones can have justice.
I really hope this is a case that gets solved. What an evil man. The horror this child suffered. It makes me sick. Its good to see the search, and what police did in this case. Dean definitely screams guilty - it all points to him. Side note: love your hair kendal, reminds me of Jennifer Aniston
I’m from Shaker Heights, and I remember Amy’s case vividly. We were the same age. One time my dad called me into the kitchen and asked “if someone calls here asking for your address what do you say? I proudly rattled off my address. My dad was terrified. “You tell them ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! That’s how they took that Amy girl!”
You thought he was gonna be proud that you remembered the house address. You probably had a confused look on your face when he gave you that shocked look! 😨
@@anniegreenwind971 I was shaken to my core! I just never thought about something like that. I doubt any kid from Northeast Ohio was quite the same after Amy 😥
I will never understand how there isn’t enough evidence to arrest this man or look further into it when he clearly had something to do with it. It always blows my mind when there’s blaring evidence that somebody did something or someone was involved, just like Casey Anthony, and yet nothing is done about it. This dude has lived his whole life scot free while this family has been suffering in this little girl had to die. Hopefully, something is done soon, an arrest or whatever can be made so this family can finally have peace, and Amy can finally have justice.
Because nothing actually links him with the murder, other than people saying they saw him and the police connecting him with the sanctuary etc - as Kendall said this is circumstantial evidence. If you try to charge someone on circumstantial evidence and it falls through, it weakens your case even if you eventually get usable evidence. I think even if they found something of hers in his storage lockup, a good lawyer would get him scot-free. They need to be finding his car and looking for blood stains, even a murder weapon, or pulling DNA evidence from somewhere, to charge him successfully. It really is maddening because it’s obvious he’s done it.
the fact were thus far with dna technology and the experimental type of mitochondrial would “cost too much” for amys case breaks my heart. someone in the DNA community needs to stand up and offer their services
It’s not just about the cost - it’s experimental so it likely wouldn’t be admissible in court and if it were it would easily be attacked by the defense if not thrown out entirely. It makes more sense for all of the money be spent advancing the technology so that in the future it could be used in this case when it’s well established and generally accepted as reliable and exact
Don't forget that since it's in its infancy stages, you don't want to destroy DNA whilst testing it. Better to wait until it's advanced and they can get a definite answer
Such a tragic story. It's terrible. I lost my cat for a week and I was so sad waiting. I can't imagine losing a child, talk about heartbreaking. Thank you for your respectful report. By the way, your voice is very soothing.
The way the evidence & witness information so painstakingly shows that it was Dean but legally there's not enough evidence to arrest :( Kendall, another great and informative video albeit sad.
I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life and never heard about this case until James was on your podcast. I’ve shared it with some of my family since they would have been alive when this happened.
I started crying when I saw the title.Thank you so much for covering Amy’s case!!!! Amy was my friend and this broke our community. There hasn’t been coverage in so many years! Thank you so much much Kendall!!!!
How old are you?
Omg 🥺
I'm so sorry for your loss, it must have been devastating.
@@interndana5599 if she was friends with Amy then she'd be in her late 30's or early 40's
Im sorry for your loss 😔 obviously I hope advances in technology solve every cold case but this is one I’m really hoping will benefit from it! Amy and her loved ones deserve justice.
I. AM. SHAKING.
Dean Runkle was my 8th grade science teacher in Amherst, OH in the mid-1990s. I knew the name seemed so eerily familiar. He was honestly one of the most passionate, involved, respectable, unassuming teachers I’d ever known- or so it seemed. Back then, he would have been the kind of man any little girl would trust.
I’m going to lose sleep over this story. Kendall, thank you so much for bringing light to this case. Rest in peace, sweet Amy.
It’s so interesting to hear your take on him!! Especially because Amy inherently seemed to trust him on the phone (even though she thought it was a coworker of her mother’s) and that other kids who saw them at the plaza thought he could have been her father. That’s exactly the kind of interaction a seasoned teacher might have with a child 😕
A sheep is wolfs clothing perhaps. Idk if we will ever truly know 🤷🏻♀️😔
Omg!!!
That's so bone chilling to think about...
Literally got the chills just thinking about him being a teacher 😣
The thing about this that sickens me the most, is the fact this man used the love children have for their mothers as a lure… something about THAT make it more repulsive and absolutely evil…
Right! Its making my blood boil.
Exactly! It’s heartbreaking anyway what happened to her, but this sweet child was just trying to make her Mom happy with the gift 💔☹️
It broke my heart hearing what her mother said. She told her to avoid strangers but her love for her mother was so strong that it was worth the risk for her. So gross
It breaks my heart. Her mom probably feels so much guilt because of it too. Though it's not her fault, but I know that's how I'd feel...
use correct grammar pls
Makes my heart hurt so badly that she was “picking out a gift” for her mom and this all happened… so so sad
It took everything in me too not start crying, it’s so heartbreaking.
Sooo so sad 💔 she just wanted to make her mommy happy & someone took this baby’s life. So heartbreaking..
Ik🥺 that's exactly what I thought
@@ko7477 ik🥺
I was shopping for a card for my Dad to tell him I loved him and that I thought he was the better parent, when he got in his car accident. :(
The fact the police officer even said "if it was a 16 year old probably not" just kills me. it feels like when you get older they don't take it as serious until your body is found.
I know what you’re saying, but I took off so many times between 15 and 17 (in the 90’s) that it would have been a huge waste of resources for the cops to track me down every time. Unfortunately, because of people like me there are girls in real danger who don’t get the attention they need when they go missing. :(
I found that very devastating too
@@fralea422 honestly shouldn’t matter your still a child at that age who is at risk of danger
@@gatesrioux9536 you're not a cop.
@@KamalasFakePolls who cares
It breaks my heart that Amy’s mom died of a broken heart. She basically drank herself to death. I struggle with alcoholism as an escape, so I can’t imagine what she went through.
She also had lupus which is a tough disease, a person with lupus can be in constant physical pain throughout their body, upcers in their mouth, skin rashes etc and theres no cure.. not sure how severe hers was but along with the alcoholism maybe she was using it to cope. either way, she didnt deserve any of it, it breaks my heart as well
pls try psychedelic therapy; break your bad habit, you can do it! My dad died from alcoholism too and I cured my own anxiety with small doses of mushrooms,
One of my best friends died from alcoholism last year at 37, I'm sober and I smoke small amounts of weed once a week (Friday nights) to help with anxiety. Just know you are not alone. ❤💚❤💚❤
Whiskey lullaby 😔
i hope you’re okay ❤️
Dean is so suspicious. He answered questions in riddles, failed his polygraph test, and was in the area? That’s all suspicious. He shouldn’t be out and about. He should be monitored in some way. Rest In Peace to Amy and her mother. I hope answers can be found soon and her family can have peace and justice.
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
@@fsheld5058 she was 10 years old
@@fsheld5058 I hope you don’t ever have kids.
@@fsheld5058 tell me… how does it feel to be a total piece of sh*t?
@@fsheld5058 she was 10… the 80s were a very different time. And as someone who grew up not far from bay village it is a unique little town. Even today people call it “the bubble” because it tends to feel and seem like it’s own little safe and secure world.
So, I am close to Amy's age, and there was a man that called my house several times, he was trying to get me to stay after school and meet him, he said that he would be able to get me better grades in my classes, and how proud of me my mom would be. He said he would drive me home before my mom got home from work. I was to scared to do this, not because I thought there was any danger involved but I was afraid of getting into trouble. Thank God I was to scared!!! Wow! This really hits home!!!
Oh my God 😳 did you ever tell your mom about this? Or the school?
So scary 😳
@Beverly Marsh no I did not, I thought I would get into trouble for talking to him. My mamaw asked me once who I was talking to, and he told me to tell her that it was a friend from school. I really wondered at first if it could have been the same guy, but I lived in Northern KY, and I was older than Amy as well
@@theresashay2088 these predators are everywhere 😫 so glad you didnt listen to him and were OK!!
@Beverly Marsh thank you, me too!
Gosh, it seems like people have been charged with murders with far less evidence. Praying this is solved and gives Amy's family closure.
i agree i even stated in my comment if they arrested dean for the murder granted its all circumstantial its the best circumstantial evidence the police will ever have in any case
I'm sorry but Dean was the one who murdered Amy. Everything Dean has said to police was such a RED FLAG, the composite sketches witnesses gave to the police looked EXACTLY like him AND his car matched the car interior police was looking for. Like that is NO accident and he is GUILTY. Justice for Amy and Amy's family!!!
There were two very different composite sketches provided by two classmates
The sketches looked exactly like that photo
AND he asked his girlfriend if Amy was on tv when he called her later that night! Like he wasn’t even trying to hide it!
@@elizabethcoopersings
Yes, but that is a statement from someone close to 30 years after the fact when there was no expectation that it would have been on the news to begin with, especially then the local news did not start until 11pm.
There are still some dots to connect on this - who was he related to that attended BMS, did he pick her phone number out of the directory and just randomly try?
@@cxa340 she was giving out her info and phone number for the baby sitting club, so could've been that.
Wow i love how she gets into it straight away without the BS love her channel
Yes!!
Ditto!
Same.
Deans photo fit was uncanny! Pic next to drawing....identical!
Same here
Dean sounds like the right fit. It's a shame they couldn't get together enough evidence to try him so they would have the potential to draw out anything more directly confirming. I feel bad for her family, especially her mom, as it seems she wasn't ever able to deal with her grief.
Yes it's so frustrating. He looks identical to the composites, closer than most, was placed at the crime and taunted the police. I feel that every inch of his belongings should be checked in that locker, and wonder what evidence they did find.
Seeing Amy’s brother talk broke my heart. Especially hearing how they were really becoming close when she disappeared. I hope this case is solved one day, she deserves justice.
A tear came out when he said he would have love to have nieces and nephews 😪
literally tears!
@@elizabethcaraballo3012 same 😭 never getting to see her grow up and have nieces and nephews… so awful. He seemed like a great guy and loving brother 💔
I mean, in a way it kinda is solved, it had to have been Dean. I hope he suffers for what he did.
Jason broke my heart watching an interview of him, I believe it was on the Lake Erie Murders programmes. He stated that he was supposed to go to the same place Amy went that day. However, he saw some kids there who bullied him, so he went home. He then said he still wonders what would have happened if he had gone that day.Just heartbreaking, to hear him make that statement.
As soon as a picture of Dean came on screen I was so shocked as he looks identical to the police sketches! I don't understand why his ex kept quiet all that time if she had her suspicions?! I couldn't sleep next to someone thinking they may have possibly killed a little girl! But hopefully he will get arrested and poor Amy will get justice. I mean, I don't know how much more evidence they need, that's absolutely mind boggling to me!!
Dean
- his car was in the area
- his car matched the description police were looking for
- he worked at the science centre
- his family worked at the mall
- he used to visit the area where Amy was found
- his ex girlfriend said he didn't come home that night
- he said he met Amy's mum
The two witnesses picked out his picture from the line of photos
@@reematiq , no. they didnt.
@@dogma9609 Yes, they did. Rewatch the video.
Maybe enough evidence for an indictment but a conviction probably wouldn't happen,there's room for reasonable doubt
Her body was found literally less than 2 mins from my childhood house. I just got James’ book and it’s awesome to see you cover this! She and her family deserve justice
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
@@fsheld5058 how? how is it ever the victims fault?
@@kinziface yeah, a 10 yo "fault" how "smart" some people are.... F sh ?
@@fsheld5058 dude, u serious....
@@fsheld5058 wtf? She was 10!!!!
Imagine sitting in a police interview and responding to every question with, "It's possible. I mean, anything's possible. We could all be hallucinating this conversation right now." Like, dude, you're not some kind of clever fae creature who speaks in riddles, you're suspicious as hell.
The answers were such leakage.
🪚🚬💚
He either was actually cleaver enough to get away with this crime all these yrs or the cops were just naive
@@ashleykathleen85 they just didn’t have enough evidence to bring it to court
Yup, you can tell he is a narcissist by just this behavior. He uses this vague and out of touch language to seem smart and like he’s a deep thinker or something.
I highly recommend listening to the Podcast: “Amy Should Be 40.” It’s really well research and presented and you’ll get to hear from Amy’s family and friends.
Thank you! I will!
How do I listen to the podcast? Isn't there an app that I can download?
@@carriethompson84 Spotify
Can't seem to find it on Spotify
I can’t locate it either 😔 definitely interested
It’s so frustrating when the answer is so obvious but there just isn’t enough evidence in court
Ellen Rae Greenberg -- another infuriating case.
@@iWantToBelieve... omg Yes!
honestly i believe that even though its all circumstantial i believe it would b enough to charge him in the case bc all the pieces fall into place. dean had family working in the area she was abducted, the cars interior matched what police was looking for, also he fits the description exactly to the composit sketches the police has also not 1 but 2 people have positively identified dean as the guy who was seen with amy in the area she was abducted from.
I was born in 1990. My mom must have heard about this case, because when she went over the whole "stranger danger" thing with me, she told me I was supposed to say no even if the stranger said they knew my parents. She was very insistent on this point; I specifically remember her running scenarios with me when I was maybe 5 or 6. Horrible case, the fact that this man preyed on the kindness of these children is disgusting. I've been watching true crime content for 2 years now and I still don't understand how anyone can be this evil.
I grew up in the 80s and we had a code word. If someone saying they knew my parents tried to talk to me or pick me up, they had to give the code word.
I doubt it was because of this case. That tactic is used in a lot of abductions.
This makes me think of something my mom used to say. When I was younger, she would tell me there is a reason she doesn’t have those stick figure family stickers on the car with everyone’s name. Someone could knock on the door and use such a small amount of info such as the names of the children and parents in order to establish trust with the child and pretend to know their family. Like saying “Hey Tommy, Hi Ashley! Your mom Diane told me to come get you right away. There’s an emergency!” or something like that. And kids are generally trusting. They are taught to stay away from strangers, but what about people who they vaguely know or predators who know how to build that trust and take advantage of it? It was such a different time then. Thanks Kendall for everything you do, and for bringing attention to this case again. For Amy, her family, and her mother who passed with no closure, I will be wishing them all of the peace and happiness in the world.
I’ve always thought that too about those car decals. My parents told me that if anyone ever approached me I was to make it clear that my parents are down the street on their way to pick me up and they know exactly where I am right now.
I was a little more than 3 years older than Amy. I was a latch key kid, locked out and I did go with a lady who worked with my Mom and I knew her. I got in so much trouble when my Mom got home. Fast forward a year I had a school sweater with my name on it. Locked out again, this time was playing with friends. A guy approached us and called to me and said My sister hurt her ankle again and wanted me to go behind the church and help her get home. I didn't know him, friends and I ran to their house and their Grandma called the police. All I remember after that is my Mom cutting up my favorite sweater. I was in 2nd grade. It's scary how gullible kids can be. I hope Amy gets justice.
I saw a tip where you can ask the person for the code word to know if they really are there for them. Although I would personally never send someone they never met to pick them up. But at least if they ask for a code word, the predator would be thrown off? I don’t know people are sick nowadays so it’s really hard. All you can do is prepare your children as much as you can🥺
Oh man I hate those car decals
When we were kids we had a code word. If anyone outside my gradparents came to pick me up somewhere they would tell me the password. "Mickey Mouse" we were a big Disney family! I wasn't supposed to ask for it, they were supposed to say "The code word is Mickey Mouse" Then we knew it was safe to go.
You really don't realize how much is affected when someone's life is taken. Her brother never got to build that relationship with her, never got to be an uncle to her possible future children. Her parents marriage didn't make it. Her mother fell into alcoholism. Trauma on top of trauma. And for what? Because a sick person decided her life wasn't of importance. It just breaks my heart and I can't even begin to imagine how her family feels/felt. I hope she gets her justice.
Whenever you kill someone, it's not just one life you take. You also kill a part of everyone that ever knew and loved that person.
All for a moment of sick pleasure. How can someone think a moment for themselves is worth a lifetime of another? Awful.
Exactly. It’s like a domino effect
i haven't gotten a chance to watch the video bc i'm about to sleep so i'm not sure what she said about her brother, but my mom was acquaintances/friends with him and when it happened, and she just said he broke down and really struggled a lot and she said it was really sad watching him fall apart. i know that much for sure through my mom, and everything else that has been shown about the family. it's just so sad and i really hope they get justice, it's sad to see this case yearly with her death since i live really close to bay, and they deserve answers
Makes me even more sick that so many times all this pain & trauma is inflicted cuz some sicko thinks getting his rocks off is more important than women & little girl's lives, it's sooo often the motive & it makes me so angry & breaks my heart. I know Kendall said they weren't positive if she was sexually assaulted, but we all know that's why she was kidnapped.
Wow . She waited THIRTY YEARS!!!!! To give that information. How sad She could have given that family peace. Shame on her
Do you know if she broke up with him or did he leave her what made her come forth now 🤔.
Did they ever look into who the girls gave their numbers and information to when passing out babysitter fliers? The killer could have gotten her number that way.
Omg!!! I never would have thought of that!!
When I heard that they did that I was immediately like oh god that can't be good. Those were different times indeed.
Great idea, but they probably posted them rather than just handing them out. :( Poor sweet baby.
If they were giving their numbers out, and someone was calling them, id assume the police thought of that. But if they were just randomly handing out flyers, they'd need dozens and dozens of witnesses who remembered seeing who they gave them to, there's no other way to track that
@Meghan M. he made that story up to get Amy to go with him
Kendall,
You and your husband have this amazing gift of taking a flat missing person’s photo and creating a tangible 4D life.
It’s difficult to imagine these thousands of missing children as real people sometimes, thank you for speaking for them.
@~I STAND OUT~ search the Mile Higher Podcast.
They cover true crime together. Josh is just as compassionate, well spoken, and intelligent as Kendall.
It's so frustrating when the obvious answer to who committed the crime is right there, but nothing is done about it
OMG yes!!! So sad for the family!
This hurts my heart. Cannot imagine losing my child. The pain would be excruciating. She deserves justice and so does her family. Devastating that her mom passed without any answers or closure. I think Dean did it!!! And it’s awesome that James is dedicated to this case. What a great guy. Thank you as always Kendall for your videos and for the compassion you show for these victims and their families! ♥️
Oh my goodness, neither could I. My heart aches when I hear stories like this and I just hold my babies(figuratively, they're 9&11)a little tighter each time💔
As a mother of one child, I couldn’t even go on if something happened to my daughter. I worry all the time. Especially since she is a teenager and driving now. She is my life.
I really hope the investigation team is able to gather all the evidence and finally arrest Dean.
@@sleepygirl8005 I’m sure she felt guilty even though it wasn’t her fault. So sad ): I wish evil didn’t exist
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
I'm from northeast Ohio and I remember how sad and horrible this case was/is. It rocked the entire area. Amy was a year older than me. I pray one day her kidnapper and murderer will be found and brought to justice. Amy is proof that no matter how smart our kids are, predators are very convincing and they can fall victim. Teach your kids and keep reiterating that no matter what they are told by anyone NEVER talk to or go anywhere to meet a stranger. And never be afraid to tell you about any strange phone calls or other contact anyone tries to make with them.
Anyone remember Carrie Culberson?
@@brittanyholtgreven4106 who’s she?
He will be brought to justice if not in this life immediately when he enters the next life.
There is a special place in hell for that guy
@@brittanyholtgreven4106 who dat?
I remember Dean Runkle as a science teacher in Amherst OH! I remember this case thank you for covering it! I had him as a science teacher about 2 years after she went missing and frankly he was a little creepy but we as his students we just laughed it off that he was the eccentric science teacher. So crazy to think he may have done this and after was educating kids around the same age!
Someone else commented this as well.
@@NattieD911 Probably one of their classmates.
@@NattieD911 lmb
That’s why he’s a science teacher to fill his obsession with anatomy and the body ! How creeeepy
My mom waved to the jogger that found her just seconds before they found her…the feeling of dread I get when passing the road makes me sick to my stomach. She deserves justice:(
Dean did it. Come on!! I don’t give the ex-girlfriend any credit whatsoever for bring this up decades later. She covered up what she knew for so many years and the only reason she came forward later is to get back at him I would imagine. What a piece of work. Covering up for this terrible man.
Right! It’s possible she didn’t know (there’s been stories of killers having spouses or family members who didn’t know, being so naive) but if she did, and she only came forward when it benefited her, that’s just disgusting.
Dean should suffer for what he did.
Yes, I think the girlfriend mentioned that she did suspect him at the time, but never came forward, which is so frustrating. Most of these unsolved kidnapping and murder cases could be solved if the people close to the perpetrators would get their heads out of the sand and say something sooner.
@@Mchris24 honestly tho when it’s someone close to you it’s hard to believe they would do something like that. Hindsight 20/20 looking back and for us, looking at all the facts laid out in front of us we can make that connection but for her getting random tidbits of information here and there WHILE living and loving the person it’s hard to make that connection.
If you expect someone you live with of murdering someone yet alone a child, she wasn’t safe to tell anybody. He could’ve killed her too. Also, if it is someone you’ve been intimate with you may give them the benefit of the doubt and may second guess yourself.
Bruh if my bf killed someone I wouldn't tell either. I'd be scared he'd kill me
I’m sad to hear her mother died, but I’m so happy for her because she finally saw and is with her little girl again. All of her questions are answered. ❤️
Your so right 🙏🏼❣️ God Bless You
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
@@fsheld5058 are you by any chance her killer? Or an accomplice? Stop saying that of a little girl.
@@fsheld5058 you really have no chill or remorse. How is it her fault? Ignorance.
@@fsheld5058 don’t be ignorant.
In the 80s a guy called my house acting like he knew me and he knew information about my school and my teacher (my school used to have directories with each student's name, teacher, grade and school event schedule). He asked if my mommy was home and I said "no but my dad is" and he immediately hung up 😳
Thank God your dad was there!!!
@@elizabethcaraballo3012 he was talking to me like he knew me and my parents so definitely thankful my dad was there! My parents complained to the school and they stopped doing the directory
Smh that’s some sick shit for a random man to do that I’m very happy your dad was there
If he is responsible for Amy’s death, which I feel like he most likely is, then I would think there would probably be more victims. I wonder if the police are tracking additional missing children reports around where he lived and worked. I can’t help but think that this wasn’t a one time event, especially with the calls and planning put into getting her to meet him at the mall.
Exactly! My mom lived in Lancaster at the time (quite a ways away from Bay Village), but one of her sisters lived in Elyria. Elyria is just a stone’s throw from Bay Village, and there was a missing child report that was never solved from that area. It was a bit after this (1993 I believe), but it definitely raises some red flags.
They sould also look into missing children around the area he lives now when he is homeless...the fact he was calling other girls indicates that he was or probably was going to turn into a serial killer...who says he stopped there? He might as well been killing girls his whole life just changing the m.o.
Preying on a child’s love for their parent. How much more disgusting can you be??
Glad this case is getting more coverage. I think it may get solved one day.
One of my earliest memories is seeing the posters of Amy and the kidnapper at a local store. I asked my mom about it, and she explained that a bad man took a local girl, Amy. We had a talk about stranger danger, and I remember seeing the aerial footage of the field where she was found months later. My 5-year-old self couldn't put together what had happened. "Amy is dead? How? Why?"
I still feel a lot of emotions about this years later, anger and helplessness. Thank you, Kendall, for covering this case. I hope it blows up on TH-cam and that somehow leads to the police finally solving the case.
I remember this case as a young child and how this specific case opened up the stranger danger convo for me too. I have followed this case since a young girl and am hoping that some how some way they can get the evidence they need to close the case.
These stories always make me so sad but I'm glad these victims are not forgotten. Thanks Kendall.
I live in Bay and the town always does a memorial for her. We bought our house here but are not originally from the area so it was confusing at first. But it speaks volumes about the community that people still come together to remember her every year, in my opinion. Glad to see the case getting some coverage.
I can't believe how this woman , "the woman" can live with herself. Imagine if she had spoken about this back in the day. How could someone do that, not telling the police about this knowing that a little girl was abducted and murdered, knowing how Amy's parents specially her mother was hurting. She knew about it... why wait 30 years to tell the police!!!! That man Dean did it, but the woman for me is as guilty for not telling. I'm not the type of person who wishes bad things for people but on this case...I wish she feels guilty. I wish she feels awful for the rest of her life
she may not have put the pieces together until later on, you never know
@@CC_Reads yes i know. That is something I'll never know but the fact that her boyfriend didn't come home the night Amy was murdered and the fact that he asked about Amy BEFORE it was on the news. Come on! She knew or at least she suspected. She should have done the right thing. The day Amy was murdered this woman didn't talk to the police because she knew his boyfriend was in trouble and that tells me she knew or like I said at least she suspected. She wanted to protect him and sure, I can understand that but i could never justify it.
because she only did it to spite her ex boyfriend.
she was with him and in love with him when he committed the crime so she kept it a secret. years later they’re now exes so obviously she told the police out of spite. she doesn’t care about amy honestly. she’s a piece of shit just like dean unfortunately.
she might have been scared, if she thought right then that meant her partner was a killer and who’s to say he wouldn’t have killed her too.
It's so interesting that the kidnapper/murderer/rapist/etc's personality can be pieced together. The creation of the personality always turns out to be accurate, interesting.
You might like the show Criminal Minds!
@@dream-nz9yb I thought the same thing profiling is very interesting
It’s my dream to be a crimson profiler. But my passion right now is music. I have a degree in music and half of one in psychology with an emphasis in criminology.
I was thinking about that! I was like these profiles are typically accurate. It’s just amazing to see how much they can put together for a personality without even knowing the person.
I wonder at what point deans life went from him being a teacher, to being homeless (and assuming without work). Does it line up with Amy’s case at all? If you are looking for changes in behaviour this is fairly significant.
Agreed. I noticed that too.
I agree
Yes! More likely that was his karma …
Agreed, but you know what… what goes around comes around and life has its own way of returning the favor. RIP to Amy 🙏🏼
very good point
You're always so empathetic and respectful with your delivery of these stories Kendall! Thank you for that 💜
THAT. You can tell that she truly cares.
I highly appreciate that too❤ I cant watch other true crime TH-cam rs for this reason.. they start their video so cheerfully as if they're about to do a product review or a what's in my bag video. I knooow they don't mean it, but I just feel it's something weird to start a video so happily when you're about to talk about someone being brutally murdered or something 🥺
r tht r
@@OzmaOfOzz some people do that to cope with the dark topics of the case, i think.
@@leilanyx It’s still disrespectful to the victims. If you can’t handle sensitive topics in a respectful manner, then you shouldn’t be talking about it in the first place.
I rode horses with Amy when I was a child and spent a lot of weekends playing with her. Thank you for giving her the coverage.
Kendall’s story telling talent is outstanding! the way she talks about cases, stories and so on, is beyond incredible. My mind really sinks in and understands every detail that is being said. No one can honestly do it better than kendall! thank you for another video; we appreciate your support, care, dedication and effort. ❤️
I can’t watch any other true crime youtubers because it never feels like they actually care about these people and respect the families. Its so easy to forget that these are real people and not “a case”. Kendall is so respectful and you can tell she never forgets these are people! And yes amazing immersive storytelling!
@@luizag123 I couldn’t agree more with you! :)
I agree. My mind immediately imagined a kid in one of those 80s movies, riding a bike down the middle of the road, leaves crunching under the wheels, as the camera pans back to view their street. Not only did I imagine it, I felt it. She really captures the time period and the person's life and personality.
This is why I continue to listen to her! She's so good at what she does. And I've only been here a year but I can tell that she has grown after watching her old videos compared to her new ones.
I agree w/u!
As soon as they showed Dean's picture, I was like "oh wow he definitely resembles the police sketch". I don't think Harold had anything to do with it. I think about Home Alone how the kids made that older guy who shoveled snow into a boogieman-type; but he was really just a quiet, nice old man who's family abandoned him. So to me, from what little was said about Harold, I don't think there was any reason to be afraid of him... Just children's vivid imaginations
I was literally just looking for something to watch and this pops up in my notifications! Yessss!! 🎉🎉🎉
Mega Dittos!
Me too ✋
You won’t be disappointed.
Same
Same!
I grew up in Cleveland during this time and can distinctly remember seeing all the missing Amy posters and billboards throughout the city and all the suburbs (if people say they are from Cleveland Ohio, they are really from one of the suburbs). It's the first missing child case I remember, because I was a kid myself at the time. I think they even talked about it in our elementary classes. This story was so big I even remembered her name all these years later. I hope it gets solved one day. Amy deserves justice.
Yep! I live in a suburb about 15 minutes east of Cleveland. Lol. It’s never miles. Always minutes. 😂 I know this isn’t the best post to make that joke 😐😕
Dean is 100% the more likely suspect. You explained how witnesses/friends of Amy said that she seemed comfortable with the man in the car. If the other suspect scared them she wouldn’t have been nearly as comfortable. Also as a teacher he would have had experience making younger children feel comfortable with him
My dad was questioned by the FBI the week of this abduction. He was seen with a little girl getting into his car at the mall and someone wrote down his license plate number and reported it to the cops. So the local police called him and asked, "Where you at the mall earlier this week? He said, "No-- I havent been to the mall in years." The FBI showed up to our house and questioned him for about a half hour. The thing is... a few days earlier my mom made him pick up my little sister at a restaurant whose parking lot happen to spill over into the mall's parking lot. This is why he flatly denied ever being "at the mall." Well, the FBI made him show a picture with him and my sister together and they even interviewed her alone: "Is this man really your father?"
Oh wow this is crazy!
I definitely think it’s Dean. This case broke my heart. So frustrating. Justice and Peace for Amy and her family 😖
He looks exactly like the sketch and he drives the right type of car
@@noodlesauce2553 - I agree, I think it's Dean.
Same. I hope he didn't touch another child after Amy.
@@A__Mina Ugh 😣 I hope not
The fact that Amy’s family and loved ones still haven’t received the justice that they have been so desperately seeking all of these years is heartbreaking. 💔 This case has been etched into my mind and I really hope that one day, Amy’s loved ones will finally receive closure and justice. Rest in peace Amy. 🌹
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
@@fsheld5058 I truly, genuinely, hope this happens to you one day. If you even have a family who loves you.. which I HIGHLY doubt. No one would miss you 😏
@@fsheld5058 are you kidding? She was TEN YEARS OLD. Smfh
@@fsheld5058 all her fault that there are sick and twisted people in the world? You fucking idiot 😂🤦🏻♀️
I have unashamedly submitted this case to you more than once literally cannot wait to hear your thoughts!!
Absolutely one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever heard, as a mother of 2 I couldn't ever imagine the pain that mother must of felt, so tragic. 💔
My college roommate lived near the road area where her body was found, it’s highly speculated who did it in that area… I’m glad this case is being highlighted again, I hope Amy can rest well and gets the justice she deserves
This case always stays with me…I hope DNA advances or someone doing the right thing results in some justice for Amy
She should've been more careful of her surroundings. It's all her fault.
@@fsheld5058 😔she was a child
@@fsheld5058 come off it , I hope your not an adult passing judgement on a child ? Hope you never find yourself in this predicament.
@@fsheld5058 Yeah, nothing to do with the guy that lured and murdered her. Merry Christmas…
You can tell a story in a way that is truly captivating. Which is awesome you chose to tell these kinds of stories that need to be told.
I was a senior in high school in NE Ohio when this happened- any "kids" my age and younger STILL talk about this case. Very scary and sad.
my mom was in high school as well at the time and knew jason personally, she said it was devastating for everyone and really sad to see what the family went through. the case being so relevant today is sad and also terrifying that he is still out there. hoping for justice soon
I was in elementary school in Shaker Heights when this happened and I just commented to someone how any kid from NE Ohio was truly affected by this one. For YEARS after, anytime I balked at my parents being overprotective all they had to say was “Amy.”
I lost my none verbal autistic child for 15 minutes and almost died from the panic so i can only imagine what her parents was going through still going through to this day may God cover them with peace I too suffer from Lupus so i understand the strain and worry must have been unbearable for her mom. I'm so heart broken for this family
I was 12 years old when this happened, and I followed this story every night on the local news and wanted her found alive so bad. Growing up in the 80's I worried about being kidnapped. My Grandma lived in senior apartments in Bay Village close to the shopping center she was taken from so I knew the area. I lived just outside Nova, Ohio in Ashland County and was SHOCKED when her body was found about 2 or 3 miles from our house. Every time after when we drove down that road I be gripped with overwhelming sadness and anxiety as we approached the area she was found.
although her mother passed before ever finding out what happened, i like to think they are together again. back with her little shadow 🖤
I'm sure they are 💗
I feel like the earrings could be something to be able to help close the case, they would be something that could be easily taken and kept as a “token” and they’re unique earrings, not plain enough to mix up with other earrings.
Killers tend to take things from their victims to remind them of the crime.
Dean literally fits the composite sketch and has everything that fits to the crime, why haven’t they come after him harder ? Why haven’t they searched all of his belongings, if they could find her earrings that would pin him easy !
@@ViridianKomorebi why would a notebook be worth anything, especially if it had been used by a 5th grader? Same with one singlular child’s earring. They don’t really make children’s earrings out of precious metals and I would imagine that if he pawned one single and unique earring in the area, then a pawn shop would have stepped forward, given they released what the earring looked like.
But in any case, I don’t think Amy had anything of value on her, so the killer probably did take those things or destroyed them when he realized they were left behind.
@@ViridianKomorebi he's homeless, but apparently still makes it a priority to keep a storage unit, wonder what's in there 🤔 & nah those lil earrings are unique, but I doubt would make more than a couple bucks, if anything, by pawning them, ditto for the notebook. Plus pawn shops hold onto reciepts & you have to show ID to pawn, even being homeless now, be obvs would know this stuff enough to avoid detection. Him pawning any of her items would directly tie him to her, with paper trails to prove it.
I remember this case so well. I was close to Amy's age when this happened. I lived in Vermilion, Ohio at the time which is only about 20 miles West of Bay Village. Her suspected killer Dean Runkle taught biology at my middle school. My sister and cousin had him as a teacher. I did not. But he used to power walk past my house every single day in the summer in a pair of green, cut-off jean shorts and no shirt. I would see him every day when outside playing. He was known to be odd and a little creepy. My heart breaks for this family 💔
This is heartbreaking... She really just wanted to buy her mom a present. I remember my parents along with telling me about stranger danger, they also always told me that if anyone I don't know ever came up to me and says they know my parents that they are lying and to walk away.
I know right? It hurts my heart so much to think about it. I have 3 baby girls and could not imagine the pain Amy’s parents felt 😭
I told my kid's this all the time!
I find it interesting how a lot of the places dubbed “the safest places to live” had high profile kidnappings shortly after (referencing South Lake Tahoe and the Jaycee Dugard case)
Yeeeeep like an advert!
@@briannecaylie2402 Good point! I never thought about it that way.
Thank you Kendall for all the content you upload. I’m a huge fan of mile higher, lights out, and the sesh. Thank you all for everything you do!! You’ve helped me get through so much by uploading ❤️❤️❤️ Merry Christmas 🎄 keep up the great work
❤️❤️❤️❤️ thank you! 🎄❄️
Was the Fox Finn or Dixie Doo from Save a fox?😍🥰
When it looks and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. Dean kept showing up during this, his car logged as a car that was by the scene, the car fibers, his ex girlfriends statements, him being picked out twice in a line up! I mean come on it’s him.
It's right there!!!! People have gone to jail for less and you're telling me they're not gonna arrest him?! So frustrating!!!
I am so glad you covered this case! My husband grew up in Bay Village and knew her brother. It really shook their community.
This story is heartbreaking. Hope they found answers. Love your story's that keep us all aware of the evils of people
My question goes back to the promotion. How would Dean know this? And has anyone looked at people the mother worked with? It just is hard to overlook this detail since it is what was used to lure this baby to the evil she encountered that day.
@@karmena001 So did the mother know at that time she was getting the promotion ? This one really has some questions that need to really be followed up.
I agree. I also would like to know what Dean’s motives were.
Yes, I wonder the same, were the mom's co-workers ever questioned? it would be strange if they weren't.
This was a question I had while watching. Were her coworkers questioned and investigated? She would have spoken about her kids, her coworkers would have found access to her contact number and would’ve known about the promotion. I’m surprised nothing was said about her coworkers
@@MISSYMINX261 it would have to be someone who was involved in her office. Why else would they know about her promotion
Cases like these are always so sad because you know it can be solved but there’s just nothing to give that push.
YES. I often look back on the Delphi Case and feel the same way.
@@gram5963 They are getting close in the Delphi case. Have you seen the info on Kegan Kline?
@@Katsandkatsandkats yes and I’m not sure how I feel about him (besides that he’s a bad guy). Delphi has been my pet case from the beginning and I so badly want justice for those poor girls and their loved ones.
@@Katsandkatsandkats is that the case about those girls that posted on snapchat a man following them on train tracks?
@@mikeymadisons Yes it is
Kendall, I've been watching your channel since you had less than 1k subscribers and did fashion stuff and it has been so amazing and mind blowing to see you grow over the years. Ever since the first video about Casey Anthony when you started following your dreams, you continue to grow and impress and I'm so glad you get to persue your passions. 💜💜💜
So evil! She went there because she wanted to do something nice for her mom. Whoever did this is evil and my heart breaks for Amy and her family. Sick of this pain people inflict on people. Just cruel.
My grandfather was the Chief of Police in Bay Village at the time. I asked him about it a few times over the last 15 years or so when I became aware of the case. From what I gathered, he did the best that he could with the resources he had available at the time. He was really pissed off with the contaminated DNA on the blanket Amy was wrapped in & was never the type of person to want to be interviewed by the media or anything.
Bay Village is an amazing place with amazing people.
Did he ever mention anyone he thought could have done it? I'm guessing not considering he was the Chief of Police and probably still keeps details tight, but I had to ask out of curiosity.
The fact that dean hasn’t been arrested is beyond me! All the evidence is clearly there!
I needed your soothing voice telling me a terribly disturbing story right about now. Highlight of my day 🖤🖤
I’ve been a subscriber for years and I still get so excited when I see you’ve uploaded!
Right!!!
I remember this case. Our own daughter Amy was around the same age, and this story literally made me sick. What a horrific tragedy.
I STILL remember the day the found her. I live in Cleveland Ohio and this case is a case I think about all the time. I was 2 yrs older then her. I'm glad they r still investigating this case. RIP Amy. Your not forgotten
That story really hurts my heart. I could not imagine what it would be like to lose and family member that tragically. I hope they solve the case.
I feel like it's so painfully obvious who did this to Amy, and it's a shame that his dna won't be tested because of cost. I'm sure Amy wasn't his only victim.
It's not a cost issue. It's a concern that if they test it now, and it comes back false, the evidence is destroyed and can't be used on future tests. Hence, the wait on better technology.
Capitalism ruins all justice.
this is such a great point
I was thinking about that too. No way that Amy is Dean's first victim! He had to have done this before to be so comfortable calling these multiple young girls.
Let's tell them that if they love one got killed sorry It cost to much DNA come back later.
I’m so confident that Dean did this!! Such a heartbreaking case, I hope her brother and father and the rest of her family get some peace of mind. RIP Amy 💔
I love your content. You seem so down to earth and genuine. Your personality shines through and I appreciate that! I have unsubcribed from a lot of people because I don't like how they've become through "TH-cam fame", but you seem to want to help people form year to year! I really appreciate that
I was tearing up multiple times through this. A child and a mother dead and the person who did this not rotting in jail. My heart goes out to Amy's dad and brother as they manage living without a daughter and a sister. 😞
Thanks for delivering these cases with the utmost respect. We love you Kendall 💜
This case breaks my heart. This poor little girl thought she was going to do something special for her mom... god people are evil and scary. I hope soon with all the technology that her case can be solved. Amy and her family deserve it.
The way she was took advantage of is so sickening, i can’t believe theres people like this guy roaming the earth freely because theres not enough sufficient evidence too arrest him.
Have a wonderful day Kendall and everyone reading this. I enjoyed this story and hope the family can find some closure. A beautiful soul that was taken too soon.
I’m so you did her case. I remember when this happened right down the street from me and I’m similar age. It was so scary that this could happen and so surreal as a kid. We all still pray here in Cleveland that her case will be solved.
This sounds so similar to a case that happened in my hometown in Trois-Rivières, Québec. A little girl named Cedrika was outside at a park and a man asked for her help finding a dog. She disappeared and her body was found years later :( A lot of evidence points to a man in particular (including his car make) but despite all of it police was never able to formally accuse him
I live in Québec and the amount of alerts that I get about missing children in the area is really disturbing and terrified me when I was younger and still does today.
I live right on the boarder of Bay Village and Westlake, and this case has always weighed heavy on my heart. The city does an annual walk to honor her memory, because this truly was a nightmare of an event that happened in a safe town, and nothing like it has happened since. I pray this case is solved in my lifetime, and Amy and her loved ones can have justice.
Dean. I just can’t imagine it not being him. Thanks for covering this one. This case haunts me and I hope one day we will bring someone to justice.
I really hope this is a case that gets solved. What an evil man. The horror this child suffered. It makes me sick. Its good to see the search, and what police did in this case. Dean definitely screams guilty - it all points to him.
Side note: love your hair kendal, reminds me of Jennifer Aniston
@@theLatestkraze how can you be such a cruel heartless human being??? Like honestly
@@Ky-de7fm what? I don’t even know what the original comment was but it wasn’t this. Chill the hell out
@@theLatestkraze I think she was referring to Dean, like agreeing with OP
I’m from Shaker Heights, and I remember Amy’s case vividly. We were the same age. One time my dad called me into the kitchen and asked “if someone calls here asking for your address what do you say? I proudly rattled off my address. My dad was terrified. “You tell them ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! That’s how they took that Amy girl!”
You thought he was gonna be proud that you remembered the house address. You probably had a confused look on your face when he gave you that shocked look! 😨
@@anniegreenwind971 I was shaken to my core! I just never thought about something like that. I doubt any kid from Northeast Ohio was quite the same after Amy 😥
I will never understand how there isn’t enough evidence to arrest this man or look further into it when he clearly had something to do with it. It always blows my mind when there’s blaring evidence that somebody did something or someone was involved, just like Casey Anthony, and yet nothing is done about it. This dude has lived his whole life scot free while this family has been suffering in this little girl had to die. Hopefully, something is done soon, an arrest or whatever can be made so this family can finally have peace, and Amy can finally have justice.
Because nothing actually links him with the murder, other than people saying they saw him and the police connecting him with the sanctuary etc - as Kendall said this is circumstantial evidence. If you try to charge someone on circumstantial evidence and it falls through, it weakens your case even if you eventually get usable evidence.
I think even if they found something of hers in his storage lockup, a good lawyer would get him scot-free.
They need to be finding his car and looking for blood stains, even a murder weapon, or pulling DNA evidence from somewhere, to charge him successfully.
It really is maddening because it’s obvious he’s done it.
Definitely think he’s got more victims too. I bet they’re looking at all missing and murdered cases everywhere he’s lived.
the fact were thus far with dna technology and the experimental type of mitochondrial would “cost too much” for amys case breaks my heart. someone in the DNA community needs to stand up and offer their services
It’s not just about the cost - it’s experimental so it likely wouldn’t be admissible in court and if it were it would easily be attacked by the defense if not thrown out entirely. It makes more sense for all of the money be spent advancing the technology so that in the future it could be used in this case when it’s well established and generally accepted as reliable and exact
Don't forget that since it's in its infancy stages, you don't want to destroy DNA whilst testing it. Better to wait until it's advanced and they can get a definite answer
Such a tragic story. It's terrible. I lost my cat for a week and I was so sad waiting. I can't imagine losing a child, talk about heartbreaking. Thank you for your respectful report. By the way, your voice is very soothing.
The way the evidence & witness information so painstakingly shows that it was Dean but legally there's not enough evidence to arrest :( Kendall, another great and informative video albeit sad.
This case just makes me sobbing every time. Amy and her family deserve justice, thank you for covering her story 💕
I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life and never heard about this case until James was on your podcast. I’ve shared it with some of my family since they would have been alive when this happened.
Thank you for your dedication to helping solve these crimes.