Anyone unfamiliar with the full Yuba County 5 story (or perhaps you just need a refresher). I'll put the links to my two-part series below. It definitely helps to have some additional background when watching this talk. The link to Tony's book is in the description. Part 1 - th-cam.com/video/I7DTCak0DOo/w-d-xo.html Part 2 - th-cam.com/video/IweN7uLhGRc/w-d-xo.html
@TheMissingEnigma's two-part series on the Yuba County 5 tragedy is the highest quality and most comprehensive study on the case to be found anywhere. It truly should be the first stop for anyone unfamiliar with the case - or for those who have been misinformed by less accurate videos.
This channel is SUPERB. You have done an exemplary job in demystifying the Missing 411 aspect but also just bringing a lot of facts about this sad case! I am definitely interested in reading this book-this case has always interested me.
2 different people I met, entirely unrelated to each other across a couple year span, told me they were almost kidnapped by groups of people in Chico while they were visiting the area. Both were men and they said the creepy thing was how the locals seemingly worked together pursuing them, and neither were involved in drugs or anything. It was extremely bizarre, like something out of a movie. Hearing that the national forest area has a lot of dangerous and unwelcoming people and a reputation like that just further reinforces my hunch something very weird goes on in that area of California and maybe the boys were fleeing the same way the 2 guys I met ended up having to flee to get away from these creepy people who randomly went after them.
Missing Enigma is one of the few "Missing 411," focused channels that actually does the research rather than immediately jumping to paranormal explantions. Respect.
David never says it's paranormal. He has no idea what has happened to any of the cases. Anything strange that happens. Were you there to say nothing strange happened? But Paulides never says, "so, and so happened".
If I had an intellectual disability, I would want to be living the kind of life the "boys" had. Tragedies happen and internet psychics blaming the families for letting them live their lives is insane to me.
So many pearl-clutchers are doing that. It’s ridiculous. These guys were in their mid-20s to early 30s. How long were they supposed to be in lockdown for?
They were living their lives as they should have been. Some of them were known to be pretty high functioning and seemed to really look after the ones who needed more support. It's sickening that anyone would be blaming their families.
@glorifiedlungfish…my main question is why the five men thought it was a good idea to walk into the snow covered forest? That shows the men were under duress. This could explain why they were on that lonely mountain road in the first place. If the men were chased, the perpetrator(s) were probably behind the five men when they exited the car. The 1970’s Spielberg movie “Duel” comes to mind.
I don’t want to speculate on the causes for this case…….but I do want to pay deep respect for the love between these friends. How they took care of each other is very humbling.
@@fluffystarafinawhat? People were kind to these types back then. Anyone labeled the r word was treated with decency. No generation treated one another as disrespectfully as this one. You people today are not only cruel to one another, you are cruel to yourselves. We treated people the way they treated others. We didn't cry and isolate because of words someone might have said. Smh
@phillipstroll7385 Jackie's family themselves believe that they were bullied on the day they went missing, which directly or indirectly caused thier deaths. They also report that the local press treated them as ' dumb' and said they got lost because of thier cognitive difficulties. This delayed serious investigation and led the public to believe that they were incapable. I have no reason to disbelieve Jackie's family.
Saturday unfolds beautifully with the unwrapping of a new post by The Missing Enigma. Discussing the Yuba 5 with a definitive author on the subject? Priceless. Thanks Nick.
Live here in Yuba County for 38 years. Very familiar with the story and place. Hunt and fish these area several times a year. Thanks for sharing on what you do.
Is it true that people in that area are dangerous/unwelcoming? I know 2 different men who don't know each other at all who both told me stories of locals in Chico trying to abduct them.
I've driven to the spot where their car was found (my tribe is from that exact area). I have no theories, but I know two things for sure: 1) You don't drive up that road thinking it's Highway 99 or 70. You wouldn't even drive through Oroville and think you were headed home. The speed limit is much lower, the road curves and winds through town, then you cross TWO bridges along a lake.... 2) You don't drive up that road in the dead of winter to "check the snow line." Schons is very unreliable.
@@johnscanlon2598I can’t say for certain about the condition of the road back then, but I’m pretty positive it would have still been a two-lane road with a small should in that section.
My great uncle had a heart attack and sat down and waited 5 hours for his wife to come home. He had never been in the hospital (born at home) and didn't want to go by himself. Heart was damaged but he lived another 20+ years.
Ive been following the YC5 for a very long time and Ive seen countless documentaries, articles and just overall coverage. Today’s interview and your previous videos of this case are so detailed and informative, I do believe that short of solving it, you’ve done the best of anyone in terms of accuracy, detail and information. I find that anything you cover on your channel you can take the bank and I really appreciate that in a content creator. Especially a true crime creator, because there are just so many and i don’t believe that everyone does the meticulous and articulate research you deliver with every topic. Thanks so much for your amazing contribution, not only to getting one step closer to solving YC5, but in every case you profile. I am a true fan 😊
My dad had a heart attack in the early 2000s while he was managing a silicon chip prototype shop. He took an aspirin, and kept working. He didn't mention it to a doctor until a cardiologist detected the damage while giving he a pre-surgery work up over 10 years later.
I've a family friend who had a heart attack over 3 days before it was discovered. He has surprised the professionals somewhat, to be fair! But these oddities DO happen.
He had to have thought something for it to pop into his head when the doctor asked him when he had his heart attack! Here's your sign! Relax snowflakes, it's called a joke
Thank you so much for the work you’ve done on the Yuba County 5 Nick and thank you for this conversation. This is an interesting case and I’m glad you and others are talking about it so it gets more exposure. Keep up the great work and take care!
Perhaps Matthias, Weiher, and Huett all made it to the trailer. Madruga and Sterling died on the way - but they were not left behind by the others. I agree with Tony that it's hard to imagine leaving anybody behind to freeze to death. Madruga and Sterling stayed in the car while the other three continued to the intended destination on foot. This explains the careful driving and lack of sludge on the undercarriage of the Montego. Madruga was driving 'his baby' carefully on the rutted road, but when he saw the snow line up ahead he refused to go further, so Matthias, Weiher, and Huett got out and continued on foot. When Madruga and Sterling realised the others weren't coming back, they decided to follow on foot. Maybe this is why the window was partially down and the doors left unlocked - Madruga and Sterling were sort of freaking out by this point. But was later and colder when they started, and they died on the way to the trailer. Matthias left the trailer to seek help, perhaps on the same night or early the next morning, but perished in the elements. Huett stayed with his ailing 'big brother' and did the best he could to care for him. This explains why nobody discovered the warm clothes, extra food, the heating system in the trailer. Matthias would have figured all this out, but not Huett. When Weiher died, Huett wrapped him up in sheets, left the trailer, and soon perished in the elements.
Why is Schons' story so inconsistent? Why was his car abandoned 30ft uphill of the Montego? Why didn't the boys and Schons interact if they were in the same place at the same time?
@@RossKempOnYourMum01Yeah, not so sure about the reliability of Schons' various accounts. He was in the general area at the time, but I'm not sure he actually saw anything useful.
I prefer this gentlemans narration to Mr Ballen ANY day. So much repetition and insane hand waving I have trouble concentrating. But not with MISSING ENIGMA videos!❤💪
I think they’re trying to do two different things… Mr.Ballen is shooting for entertainment/campfire style stories.. where ME is definitely going at it from an investigative perspective, lots of research into each video..
Mr. Ballen leaves info out for the sake of entertainment to make things seem more mysterious. I still enjoy some of it if I'm not super invested in trying to find every single detail. Plus I enjoy the like button bits lol
I appreciate that both of you called out the casual ableism of drive-by Internet commenters and content creators as well as the authorities who investigated this case. The five young men who disappeared certainly had vulnerabilities due to their disabilities, but not like some assume. I’ve watched yours and several others’ videos on this case and read a few recent journalistic follow-ups by different NorCal newspapers (but not Mr Wright’s book, which I’ll add to my list), and it still baffles me. I think we should consider the possibility that this was a hate crime at least to the extent that the “Boys” were chased up the road into the mountains by someone or some group of people who threatened them. I don’t know if that was Joseph Schons or someone else though. I think the prior firebombing of Gateway Projects and the murder of its founder may provide key context.
@@eduardocolella I totally agree it was a hate crime. The people of Yuba City who were around at the time probably know exactly who is responsible for the demise of the men (most likely a group of local bullies/POS) but they are afraid to speak up because the person/people responsible have connections. It’s just a matter of encouraging the right person to speak up, maybe offer them protection if the people are still around, and then you corner the bullies in a corner and grill them about why they did it before springing upon them that it’s time to pay for their crimes. Which reminds me I should give my warning. To those responsible for the demise of the Yuba County 5 know this: your time for hiding is running out. The Furies, Forseti and Themis are coming for you. You may sleep at night but know that your dreams will be haunted by nightmares of what punishments await you. For justice is a dish best served frozen and your actions have consequences. There is a saying: whatever action you choose will come back threefold and your actions, your desire to harm those young men, they will bite you in the butt. Best you go to the local police station and confess. Maybe you’ll get a lighter sentence in light of your current ages but don’t count on it.
Known him for a long time. I found his channel from a thumbnail I caught out of the corner of my eye. Saw plaid flannel and realized what I was seeing.
What is so chilling about this story, and so heartbreaking, is that there is an unmistakable shadow of evil throughout it. The events that we know about HAD to involve a persistent and deliberate threat being directed at the boys. All of the holes in the story leave us with the silhouette of somebody truly terrible, somebody with time on his hands, and with an evil, sadistic soul, who decided to menace a carload of harmless young men and then harrow them to their eventual deaths. It is infuriating and profoundly disturbing to think that, not only did somebody stoop to such diabolical behavior, but also that he did so and was never brought to any kind of justice. The specter of gun-wielding thugs and persistent headlights looming behind them in the rear-view mirror is an unavoidable mental image when one imagines the lads as they frantically drove deeper and deeper into the wilderness seeking an escape that never came... and that is why this sad, sad story is such a difficult case to contemplate, and such an impossible nightmare to forget. Thank you both for your tireless research and your excellent presentation of the facts. It is at least comforting to see that people remember those poor boys with respect and sympathy, and that their tragic demise hasn't been forgotten. (Personally, I can't help thinking it was the drunk guy. I think everybody probably thinks that he had to be the piece of shit responsible.)
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he did it when he saw Mathias due to drunken vile rage cause Mathias had a short history of house robbing prior to him receiving treatment and was a menace due to his illness. Once he started talking care of himself with help from doctors, friends and family he changed for the better. Wouldn’t be surprised if the drunk saw him and wanted revenge no matter how much time had passed if he was slighted problem is how would he have encountered the boys and drove them up the mountain? Wasn’t his car in front of them?
And the saddest part to me is the boys remained there starving and freezing for weeks but whoever frightened and chased them that night went home to their warm house and resumed their normal life the next day.
@@victory8928that’s the thing about this case , you think you answered a question but you really just asked 5 more unanswerable questions like why were they even in the area , def agree something drive them from that car
Well said. Schon's changed his story several times. What are the odds that he put himself at the Madruga, on a remote mountain road in the dead of night, then all the occupants of that car immediately become missing and are later found dead? No, Mathias was never found. But he too went missing, has never been found, and is presumed dead. If Schon's wasn't involved in the circumstances that led to or contributed to the Yuba Five's demise, then I wouldn't just be surprised, I would be absolutely shocked.
As a son of an alcoholic, Schons having a regular routine that inconveniences others is very much on brand for an alcoholic. My dad was usually able to manage to walk home after the train commute and only passed out on there once. But Schons story overall comes off textbook alcoholic especially if had other ailments. I will need to see how far walking he would be doing since I lived about 3 blocks away from the train station but I think in winter, on bad terrain and while drunk sends so many doubts in my mind with him. Especially given his reputation of dishonesty
Totally agree! Schons movements actually make sense when you look at it within the lense of alcoholism. He gets drunk - perhaps blackout (poor decision making), drives up the mountain. Has diarrhea and vomiting - both happen with heavy alcohol consumption. Maybe he has a minor heart attack, maybe he doesn't. I had an alcoholic have a heart attack the night before and still came to group therapy the next day, and ended up calling an ambulance. So then Schons maybe sleeps, sobers up and walks back down to the bar. He gets a ride home which is usual for him after getting his car stuck. None of this sounds unusual to me in that lense. The only other piece is - did he see "the boys" or did he just want the money (an alcoholic needs money to drink). I have heard much wilder things from addicts in treatment, like getting high in Florida and "coming to" in San Francisco.
@@hellolacey226 Plausible. BUT the boys abandoned their car 30 feet away from Schons' vehicle while he was supposedly sitting in it. On a deserted mountain road that is an extraordinary coincidence. It doesn't make sense for them not to have interacted.
Such a sad case. Teds grave made me tear up (it reads "we love you Teddy bear", i can picture his parents leaving flowers and speaking to him there) The boys were truly loved. I cant imagine how the parents must have felt learning about their fate combined with all the uncertainty. Theres a photo of Wills father sitting on the road with a friend trying to comfort him after he learned what happened to his son.
As someone who has CP, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Misophonia it makes my blood boil when people underestimate ANY disabled person. Our disabilities don’t make us weak, it’s takes a special kind of strength to live with any disability no matter how mild it is!
Yes. Explanations saying that they took a wrong turn and got hopelessly lost seem ridiculous to me, and seem to be based on negative, inaccurate stereotypes. They did not simply get lost.
Nick, everything you do is just spectacular! Thank you for putting so much effort in and always being respectful towards the people you talk about and interview!
I ordered Tony's book from Amazon and got it yesterday. So far so good. Looks like a good read and well written and researched. Tony Wright put a lot of effort into giving us a deeper understanding of who these five men were.
Thank you so much. Have what i guess is an eye infection and just listening to this in absolutely dark baseement is absolute bliss One to remember, love your channel and while Bedtime Stories kinda brought me here you have blossemed into something else ❤
That's the part that has always puzzled me the most. Joe Schons might have been a drunk and a liar and gave an inconsistent version of events, and it was odd that he just happened to be up that same remote stretch of mountain road...but it still doesn't explain why Jack Madruga's car was up there on the highway and the Boys were all dead miles beyond that spot (presumably including Gary Mathias). If they were compelled to travel that direction, so far out of their way, when did that happen? It had to have been after they visited Behr's Market in Chico...but when and how?
My theory is that Schons was not alone in this setup. He coordinated his efforts with someone else - someone who encountered the boys in between Behr’s market and the initial road home. Someone who may or may not drive a red pick up truck that threatened the boys and basically forced and tailgated them to take that turn into the mountain road. I don’t think it’s far-fetched to believe Schons was associated to some unsavory people and to me, the fact that he has a intellectually/developmentally challenged daughter strikes me as an unsubstantiated connection to the boys in some way.
The more I listen to you two the more I think the 5 were intimidated and hiding from someone. Fear is the only thing that explains everything. "can't go back to the car they'll get us...run! Trailer! Hide!"
listening to interviews with living relatives of these men, they seem to be in agreeance with that hypothesis. they make several mentions of a sort of "town bully" with ties to law enforcement and other prominent figures in the area. they don't have any way to prove it, but they believe that he was involved.
@@JSwanKilowJ Wow. That's the only thing that makes sense. Everything else like the drunk with the heart attack, cloud the issue. I appreciate the information. Thanks for your time.
Your part 2 of the Yuba 5 series had some quality moments that were phrased and delivered like you're an experienced coroner. It's so refreshing hearing you speak to the likelihoods and probabilities, weighed carefully against the available, valid and reliable evidence etc. There's a chance the boys accidentally pulled over and stepped onto a haunted bloody carnival trebuchet and were flicked 7 miles into the forest, but that chance is roughly less than about 1 in 100 million. The evidence overall points to some unknown yet nefarious altercation that went a little south, then it went 'really' south.
One of the people interviewed in the Mopac Audio Podcast (which is absolutely worth a listen, as they have a lot of interview audio) said that there were eleven toes found in the trailer while Ted Wehir had only lost five. That suggests that at least one other person had suffered from severe frostbite on their feet. I don't know if that information is corronorated elsewhere, though.
On VW Bugs. I have driven many Bugs of various years and conditions and know enough about cars to state some facts. -A running engine creates heat. -An air cooled engine not moving creates a lot of heat because there is no air moving over the engine to cool it. Even in very cold environments an air cooled engine is very likely to OVERHEAT when stationary for to long. -The engine in a Bug is in the rear and the cabin essentially sits over the heat source. Bugs get very warm in the interior even if the "Heater" is not working. It's very likely you would have to shut the car off after running for an hour or so, so the engine wouldn't overheat and cause the engine to seize up. I live in northern NH and have driven Bugs in the winters. VW Bugs can get cozy even with the "heater not working.
😂no, the engine doesn’t overheat and seize up idling. That’s not how air-cooled VW work. Only if it is tuned up incorrectly, it isn’t a general feature of the car. Otherwise everyone sitting in traffic in VW bug would constantly break on major highways in a rush hour. I am sorry, but your assessment is wrong.
Great interview! I live in the area and know the locations well. I have followed the case for years and have my own idea about what happened, but it's no better (or worse) than anyone else's' idea. Tony Wright's book is an excellent resource. It's very well researched and I would definitely consider it "must reading" for anyone interested in the case. The whole case is sad; the young men seemed like really nice guys that had what we would now call functional autism (except for Mathias who suffered from Schizophrenia, but was med compliant at the time). That area of California is a lot rougher and dangerous than many people would think; I believe that there are definitely people up there to this day that know what happened
@@eduardocolella Hi Eduardo. There is another book called "Out of Bounds: What Happened to the Yuba County Five?" by Drew Hurst Beeson. It's a smaller book, but Beeson fills in some of the other peripheral characters that Tony Wright glosses over in passing. I recommend it. To be tactful, I would say that people not familiar with that area would be surprised how much the residents out there value their privacy and seclusion. Those small mountain towns east of Oroville do not like strangers at all. And I do stress AT ALL. I don't think that Gary Mathias was directly responsible for the death of the others, though his actions several weeks prior to the night of the basketball game in Chico may likely have initiated the chain of events that led to the death of the others. As I said before, I have my opinion, but it's no more insightful than anyone else's. I do strongly feel that there are people that know what happened and who did it, but will take that information to their graves
After going through all the information I coud find about this case, this interview included, I truly believe that the 'getting lost' and 'random freakout' scenario should be discarded although to me it didn't make sense in the first place. If they were threatened with a gun and forced into the forest then the question still remains why they took this road in the first place. I don't think they were chased up there by another vehicle since the underside of Madrugas car was supposedly in pristine condition which means he was driving very slowly and methodically. If they only fled a perceived danger then what made them leave the car? Some surrounding details of the case are still murky however. While Lt. Ayers was seemingly deeply involved that case and felt a personal connection to these men, the boys parents complained about the police work and how they just treated the whole situation as a group of 'ret*rds' going missing. They talk about it in the mopac yuba podcast which is the most extensive online source for this case in my opinion. Jackies dad claimed that he saw his sons initials in the trailer which he was known to write down at other places. He also claimed that the number of toes on the floor didn't match Weihers frostbite injuries. Gary Mathias sister (I think) reported seeing little snippets of motivational christian quotes by Gary in the trailer. It was a habit he picked up in drug counseling. She said they contained no information about what happened but they were unmistakenly written by Gary. According to her they were taken by police and she never saw them again nor were they mentioned in reports. Even though people often tend to lend more credence to police reports and detective statements, I think we should take those statements from family members seriously. They were on the scene afterall and it seems quite obvious that police were biased with regards to the boys.
Bought the book after watching this. I have seen so many YT videos on this story and I'm still at a loss as to what happened. Tony's theory makes sense for sure.
I’ve always been amazed at the distance these dudes hiked, 12 miles in the snow with no equipment/clothing for the weather is actually crazy. It’s a physical feat for sure. Damn
This is excellent! Seriously, THE BEST missing and mystery channel I have ever stumbled across and I have watched a ton. Thank you for this and all the work you do! I really am inclined to believe the story Schon's told to the Robinsons about how a car was following to closely behind him. That just seems more plausible then the others he told. The real mystery is, why were the boys there to begin with? That, sadly, we will never know.
My pet theory is someone grabbed Gary and the boys followed, or a 2nd person jumped in their car made them follow or go to that road. At same time Joseph Schons was tanked (again) and kept fading in and out of consciousness but did see some kind of 2nd vehicle and other people. The boys told to get to the cabins at end of the road and stay there until told they can come back or they wouldn't see Gary again, but were given Gary's shoes as insurance he'd be there when they got back. Then possibly a warning shot was fired which woke Joseph who only noticed everything got quiet as the boys ran before he soon passed out again from the booze. But Gary was driven away and disposed of elsewhere.
That part of the road is closed right now due to snow. Will be for a while because it is still forest without a house near and no body hardly goes up there.
Wildfires burned through this area so its likely much different now. Although I can't confirm the damage. Check out the Google Street view and satellite
@@sebastianwhalin743 the scar from that fire is huge. I have to go up there once a week. There's something spectacular about the place with the huge mountains even without all of the forest. I also don't think it's as dangerous as it once was back then in the 70s but I still wouldn't want to be up there in the dark by myself.
@@sf9145 Ok thank you for confirming! Also, I live in the mountains of CO and I know what you mean. I do agree that an on site video would be cool no matter what the state of the land is now. It would just help some of us picture it better since we haven't been there
Just my 2 cents but I believe he was old and on his last leg and just wanted to go out on his own terms in the woods with his family, hence the late start to the hunt. They could’ve sworn to keep it a secret and when his wife found out she was fairly calm about the ordeal which could mean it was something he told her was going to happen and even though she could not say what happened, her reaction is a good clue as to who knew what.
Great follow up to your original coverage of this case. The Yuba 5 is one of two cases I wish could be resolved. Meanwhile, I've ordered Tony's book and am looking forward to reading it. Keep up the good work!
Thoroughly fascinating. And i want to read "Things Aren't Right". Surprised that there was scant mention of Mathias here. Toward the end, somewhat. But, his disappearance intrigues me the most. Guess, I gotta read it.....
Great interview! I just watched the Netflix series "Files of The Unexplained" episode about the Yuba County 5, and the one thing that stood out was there was not one mention of Schoens and his role in the case. I thought that was odd. Other than that it's pretty good. It was nice to hear from the family members of these men.
58:14 I’ve studied this case exhaustively. Here’s what I think drove the boys from the Montego. They were driving home on 99. They stopped to get snacks. As the guest suggested they randomly encountered ne’er do wells who either had “unfinished business” or bullies who took chiding “retards” (please note I intentionally chose nomenclature used at that time and in that era; zero offense to the developmentally challenged or learning disabled) They were pressed or chased into the Plumas. Here’s what no one else ever speculates: the Montego was abandoned because upon getting trapped in the snow, snowpack or ice, or both, blocked the exhaust and killed the engine. Remember the infamous banana in the tailpipe in Beverly Hills Cop? This explains why the boys left the vehicle. I believe they were duressed or chased into the Plumas and to their perception “the bad guys” were downhill. Ergo they fled uphill. Perhaps the guy who Gary popped in the mouth and nose at the party a couple weeks earlier just happened to bump into the boys while just happening to have a pistol? Or just happening to have several buddies? I too think a gun might’ve been what freaked the 5 into fleeing into freezing, dark, uphill. I’ll leave my partial hypothesis here and perhaps someone else might care to step in and hypothesize as to how such a possibility interplays with “Mister Heart Attack” (who saw the truck, the lady, the baby et al.) PS: do heart attack victims walk 7 miles in freezing weather? Maybe it was he who did the chasing? That opens a lot of possibilities and potential answers as to why getting his car off that road took priority over getting to hospital (aka going on record) He was a known drunk. Known to be easily irritated and overly aggressive. Known to instigate traffic altercations. Didn’t he also have a heated exchange with Doc’s father a few days after the missing persons report was filed & Montego discovered? Also remember (back to my “banana in the tailpipe” theory) when Butte County Rangers removed the Montego it started right up. Why? Because the asphalt was wet but visibly free of snow. 🚙💨 My only criticism of this interview is that as an on again off again research hobbyist of this case I found myself too often talking to my iPhone saying “don’t forget to mention _____.” Either the guest needed to shade details in greater number or the interview needed another half hour. Why? Because there are dozens of retellings of this case on youtube and it isn’t until we shift gears to speculation that the story and engagements get attention grabbing. And casual listeners need a tad more before they can jump start their “what if” engines. If ever a part 2 were in order this is it. Do a part 2 that devotes 30 minutes to details and 30 more to speculation. It is, afterall, our combined brain power that could potentially find new leads in a 46 year old case. Nonetheless great episode 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
It's also been my thought that they ran into some bad characters at the game in Chico or shortly afterwards. That could explain what happened. But it raises lots of questions. They were followed or harassed by someone or a group of people for 30, 40 miles or more? That's the part that doesn't work for me. That's a lot of driving. Someone was THAT determined to get them? No cop or state patrol vehicle saw anything going on? It's possible but it seems a bit extreme. Plus, why didn't they drive home where they knew they had family to protect them? Or stop at a police station or anyplace where someone could have helped them? I'm not saying your theory is wrong. I think I've had the same general thought, but I have a hard time imagining they were chased for that long of a distance. So maybe they stopped somewhere further south closer to home where they ran into someone? So, what role does Schons play in this, if any? He seems like such a fishy character and it's hard to believe he was telling the full truth about what happened. This case is so frustrating.
VW Bug had a fine heater, as long as the rpm's were up and the heater boxes (heat exchangers) didn't have holes it worked great. My 1969 VW bug had great heat, but you keep your foot slightly on the accelerator. My 1973 VW Super Beetle had better heat but still sourced from the same air cooled system. VW Heat is not a problem unless the vehicle has not been maintained. I drove many trips from Denver to Durango year round, usually requiring heat and I often rolled the windows down a bit to vent the heat out.
Thought your last coverage of YB5 was best thorough coverage I'd seen. And, while hearing many theories, I agreed with yours, Nick. Nice of you to have new author on, thanks.
Schons had to be involved in some way. When it comes to cases like this, there are no coincidences. To what degree or in what way, one can only speculate, but Schon changing his story (several times) and putting himself at the scene of Madruga's abandoned car raises several questions and red flags. In my opinion, it is rather obvious that Schon wasn't telling the truth; he was hiding something.
100%. His car was abandoned 30 feet uphill/in front of the Montego. So two abandoned cars on the same night, on the same road, at the same time and they didn't interact? Hmm - no.
I think so too, but I don't think he harmed the boys in any way, or intended to cause what ultimately happened. Reason for this line of thinking is if you look at the timeline of his actions and words. At first, when he walked into the Mountain House, he said the infamous line "I should've done this 4 years ago". I don't claim to know what he meant, but it's clear this remark is self incriminating. Also what he talked about when he was driven home sounded aggressive and annoyed towards the boys. Again, this is self incriminating. But we have to understand, at this moment he had not heard what happened to the boys. Or what will happen, since at that point their struggle was ongoing. I doubt he'd be making these claims if he knew he was directly involved. Later on, his testimonies change and include other people to throw the blame to. At that point, he knows he's in deep shit, maybe for a crime he ultimately didn't commit. This would explain the hysteric crying too. I think he caused a scene with the boys, maybe pulled a gun on them. He was annoyed by their driving and himself for getting his car stuck. The boys exited the car and fled, and he didn't think too much about it. He assumed they would return and drive away, but something, maybe their disabilities or lack of social confrontation of this kind, caused the boys to be far more rattled at this scene than he had anticipated. They continued their escape until they ultimately perished.
@@alhoon6173 just to contradict myself a bit having thought about it a little more: 1 - the biggest bit of exculpatory evidence for Schons is that nothing he did explains why the Yuba boys were on that road that night. Schons can't be responsible for them being so far off course - unless he's part of some grand conspiracy (which seems ridiculous) 2 - I've said their presence in the same place is TOO unlikely to be coincidence BUT remember Schons had essentially crashed into the snow line and could go no farther. If two cars are going up that road that night they're going to run out of road at roughly the same point. This would facilitate their coincidental interaction OR non interaction and abandonment of their vehicles
@alhoon6173 perhaps. But how many times in modern history has someone "caused a scene with a group of boys" and "maybe even pulled a gun on them" (in the middle of nowhere) just minutes prior, in the exact place, at the exact time that said boys go "missing" and start the long walk to their inevitable deaths? To be involved in ANY incident, for ANY reason, on a remote mountain road after 11pm is a one in a million chance occurrence. But for that very rare incident to also be the same incident in which the boys were last seen alive, makes it a one in a billion chance occurrence if ya ask me..
I really appreciate that you try to get to the truth no matter how normal or abnormal the situation is & that you have guests on that are credited I’ve learned so much, thank you !!!
Ive always followed this case. I cant thank both of these guys for all their hard work. This is beyond top notch investigating ,, writing and videos. I agree with the guy up there. His story never made sense at all and I always thought the cops needed to investigate him way more.
Im excited for this. I just reached the end of relevant information on the case and listened to Tony on the Yuba 5 Podcast. Great to see that this is still being discussed. Its a shame the fire burned the whole area
The first guys that found the trailer likely went back to help their friends who were moving slower. When they went back they must have found friends in poor condition or deceased. If it snowed that night or the next their bodies and even the road may have been covered in snow and tougher to trace their path and friend their friends. Some may have gone back and gotten lost trying to find their way back to the trailer. It seems they exited the highway toward Oroville for a reason. If it is known where they filled up with gas and the distance to the basketball game, the store, and back to Oroville- how much gas was left in the tank? This may tell if they traveled somewhere else than the obvious path. If they stopped in Oroville, it would be midnight or so? What would be open, where could they stop to use the restroom? Guys can simply go in the woods Thank you for this! What a heartbreaking story of these young men, their friendships, and ultimate end to their lives, as well as a compelling mystery.
My theory is this: Shoanes had a daughter who was also intellectually disabled in some way. I believe she also had a baby roughly 2 years previous to the disapearences. #1 could this have been what Shoanes was referring to the following morning (I should have done this 2 years ago) which referred to luring them up there to then chase them further up the mountain at gunpoint most likely? I am also thinking that Mattias had a hand in getting them up there. Perhaps he was bribed in some way or even tricked and then became a victim himself. I just think that Shoanes has a key role in this and theres a history between one of the men and his daughter.
So many years have come and gone. I am glad that this year we have a new book to help bring the case back into public view. I don't want this one to disappear. Thank you for the excellent content. Your two-part series on this case was very well done. I was born only a day before the boys disappeared and their story was often told in my family. Though in later years if definitely felt more like myth and rumor. It wasn't until later in my adult life that I started to learn the details. I still live in the area and travel between Yuba City and Chico often. I've lost count of how many times I've driven up to the forest trying to grasp what made them take that route. I plan on taking a drive up to the site where the Montego was discovered as soon as the roads open. Part of the route is still closed during winter months.
It's good you start with a description if the boys and a little bit about them. This is a mystery, but it's also a human tragedy. Real people who lost their lives in an apparently horrible way. Such a strange and sad story
I had hypothesized in the original 2 part series you made on the Yuba County 5 was that after they had stopped at the convenient store that they had been carjacked and the hostile party drove the car to the location where it was found in order to sell it. I had thought this because I missed that the car keys were found on the remains. But it's nice knowing that Mr Wright has a similar hypothesis. About the only thing I would modify based on the conversion in this video is that perhaps 4 of the 5 were transferred to another vehicle but that Madruga was being held at gunpoint and instructed to drive to where the Montego was found. Once there all 5 were instructed to leave. They did but the selling of the car never happened because Schons unexpectedly (or realizing they no longer had the keys) revealed himself causing the car thieves to abandon everything (Or heck, he might have even been the intended buyer). I might have to give Wright's book a shot because it's very difficult for me to understand how the 5's personalities were as well as what one would expect of them while under duress. Learning disabilities and mental disabilities can make people behave in ways under stress that the rest of us wouldn't expect. I know since a relative of mine was born with mental disabilities (enough to be unable to work 999/1000 jobs) and when I was around him it was like being around a grenade. Nice most of the time but you were always on edge in case something he didn't like would make him freak out.
Hm that's an interesting thought about shones being the intended buyer. I can see that. But would there be room in the car for a 6th person to be sat in the car holding a gun
I ordered the book today because this case always fascinated me but one thing I can't get over, being a car guy, is the car on the cover is Chevrolet Impala front with a Chevelle/Malibu rear quarter panel not a Mercury Montego. Just to do all the research and put the wrong car on the cover is something I don't understand.
This is a true bizzare mystery. There are really 2 main questions , why did they go off route and stop where they did and why did they leave the safety of the car. They could have easily stayed warm all night in the car and at sunrise try to get back home. We will never know unless there is someone out there that has the answer and is willing to talk. Very sad for the families not knowing what really happened.
Something I haven't heard anyone talk about: Why didn't they fingerprint the trailer to determine who had been there? Matthias's fingerprints would have been on file with the Army as well as the other person who had been in the Army (Madrugo, I think). No one has even hinted at the finger prints.
I think they didn't print the trailer because I think the police didn't care. It had been reported in the paper that is was 5 retarded men lost. I think the police took the attitude that these 5 men got lost and died because of it. Reminds me of how many police react when prostitutes and homeless people end up dead or missing. The police don't seem to investigate as thoroughly as they normally would.
It is intriguing to consider the possibility that the individual diagnosed with schizophrenia among the Yuba County boys may have experienced a psychotic episode. In such a scenario, it raises questions about whether the others could have been influenced or persuaded by his state of mind. It is conceivable that during a psychotic break, he might have exhibited behaviors or beliefs that led the others to follow him, whether out of concern for his well-being or due to a shared delusion. However, without concrete evidence or testimony, this remains speculative and warrants further investigation into the events surrounding their disappearance. Thank you for all you do.
Considering a huge symptom of schizophrenia is paranoia, and the men showed signs they were afraid of something, this does cross my mind. I lean against this theory, I think foul play is more likely, but I can’t entirely dismiss it.
This case has always fascinated me since I first heard about it. I also assumed when people talk about the Boys starting a fire it was indoors to warm the trailer. I've heard people say over the years "There were books they could've used for a fire.". With all the ink in the books that fire would be nasty especially if there was no proper fireplace for the smoke to travel up. We're not talking about a few pages of newspaper to help get the fire going.
Great discussion! This is such a sad and frustrating case. It's a shame that Shones is such an unreliable witness. Understandable to think he played some role in making this tragedy happen. But how did the Yuba 5 end up in this isolated area in the first place?
I agree with Tony, I think the boys exited to use the restroom or something and encountered someone that wanted to do them harm and it escalated from there….unfortunately we will probably never know the exact circumstances and it remains a very sad mystery….I pray that the boys will forever RIP ❤
He was a weed dealer. He may have been meeting for a sale or maybe he used that as a ruse. That’s one of my theories. He lured Gary up there for a weed buy or something but had other intentions along with accomplices. Maybe.
I believe so, but I don't think he was 'meeting' The Boys. When you look into his daughter and realize she was going to the same Gateway dances, events, bowling events that 'The Boys' were, and was 18, having been 16 two years prior; in a locale full of weed growers, drug dealing, corrupt officials, firebombing of people's cars and murders (none of which were fully investigated, with no arrests or convictions) and Gary's sister getting her own car firebombed after a messy breakup..... Shones was also a 'retired' drug counsellor, so he 100% knew The Boys not only by reputation but I am convinced, personally. I believe that his daughter probably had time kind of relations with one of them, possibly voluntarily or perhaps unfortunately not and Shones organized a form of payback, which is why he was there. This is drawing from the "should have done things 2 years ago" comment, given how implausible, irrational and contradictory the rest of his 'evidence' is. There are so many other pieces of his statements which contradict (his car was fogged up so much that people who poked around with flashlights couldn't see in - yet other times he could see people & cars 'in his rear view mirror', he was cold, yet had windows open, he lay low & his yet at others times called out to BOTH parties he saw park up behind - breaking down & bawling in hospital 2 days later - puking and shitting next to his car in the snow - this is more than just a drunk a-hole's behaviour, this is someone suffering shock and yet trying to cover something up). 'Coincidentally' a red pickup was driven by "Gary's friends" in Forbestown. They were also pot farmers, highly armed and suspicious of outsiders. Jackie Huett's sister went down there as she suspected their involvement and was warned off with guns. Also coincidentally said she heard a baby crying when she went to the "friends" property. One of Shones' claims was that he saw a woman carrying a baby, by the rusty red pickup, which he later claimed he 'hallucinated'. I believe therefore there are too many coincidences to say there was not foul play in getting those men into the mountains and probably chasing them off into the woods. I also believe that Shones was instrumental, given his attempts to join in the pot farming business which Gary's Forbestown friends and his firebombing sister's-ex (you will hear about "the priest/town bully" - same guy...) were all involved in weed farming and dealing, with Gary also being an addict. Shones being a former counsellor, The Gateway projects having been subject to harassment and firebombing some 5 years prior, Shones daughter having a developmental disorder and attending events, likely at the same time as the others, Gary's own violent and sexual assaults in his past (prior to treatment) there are WAY too many connections to believe that in any way these 5 simply 'got lost on their way home'. The lack of a coordinated search, the cabins being left for so long, Gary not being found suggests very much that Gary was targeted by his sister's ex & Shones and probably assisted by those from Forbestown. Accusations of assault, particularly of a minor are easy to make and hard to disprove. Whether true or not, they make great motivators if you want someone troublesome to you taken care of.
@@OsellaSquadraCorse would you have any sources for this info about Shones (Schons)? I do firmly believe that there is no way its simple coincidence that a man with a disabled daughter gets stuck on that mountain, in front of and ahead of these 5 disabled men, conveniently has a heart attack rendering anything he says about his time there as a "hallucination", but can still walk back to the bar in the morning, and mumbles "should have done this two years ago". I believe he led those men up there, got his car stuck thus screwing up whatever plan he had even if it was as simple as ditching them on some back road screwing up their plan for the game the next day, he flipped out on the men and one or more of them rabbited, forcing the rest of them to follow each other to their collective doom. The only way the car got up the mountain without damage is because Madruga was driving it without panic or carelessness and he was simply following a dangled carrot up there. No kidnapping or anything that would have someone else driving it or has him driving it in a panicked state because one of his friends was being held captive in another car or something. Following a man you may recognize, or who knows you and your crew and is acting friendly on the face is the only way they would have went up there. Half a smile and a "follow me" from someone in their greater circle of life would get them there rather simply.
After consuming all the information on this case put out by Missing enigma and Lore lodge, my most likely conclusion is that the boys were intimidated/followed by some unsavory characters after the game. As a response, perhaps the driver was afraid they would be followed home, and chose to head in another direction. They wound up lost in the woods, eventually pulling off and stopping. My guess is they were confronted by the people following them there, and panic ensued. The boys end up running, lost, in the dark. I believe that is who the mysterious “red truck” is. The instigator of this mystery.
So many questions that are never going to be answered. If they had scratched a few words on a wall of the trailer we would not be wondering about this today
I use to own a 68 VW bug . Good tires on it. Specially winter time with studded winter tires on it. It would go in the winter snow to the point of pushing the snow with the front bumper. I took it off-road a lot. Engine in rear over trans axle set up what the most common name for it. All weight was in the rear. I would put 50+# extra weight in front end over steering axle during winter time to give it little more grip for icy roads, Heater depends on exhaust system upkeep. Before every winter make sure all the duct work was in real good shape & exhaust was too. The engine is air cooled engine No Anti Freeze needed & heater temp depends on the exhaust temperature at that given time. You had controls between front seats next to emergency brake lever. 1 of very best most dependable vehicles I ever owned. I wish I keep it now. Yes I ended up as a Cert. Diesel Mechanic & Cert Welder for huge heavy equipment retired now after 40 + years. So I do know a little of that basic equipment on that fine automobile. 1 best I ever owned if not the best.
![[Full] 4 ต่อ 4 Celebrity EP.920 | 3 พ.ย. 67 | one31](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KwiW2M_kAg4/mqdefault.jpg)
Anyone unfamiliar with the full Yuba County 5 story (or perhaps you just need a refresher). I'll put the links to my two-part series below. It definitely helps to have some additional background when watching this talk. The link to Tony's book is in the description.
Part 1 - th-cam.com/video/I7DTCak0DOo/w-d-xo.html
Part 2 - th-cam.com/video/IweN7uLhGRc/w-d-xo.html
@TheMissingEnigma's two-part series on the Yuba County 5 tragedy is the highest quality and most comprehensive study on the case to be found anywhere. It truly should be the first stop for anyone unfamiliar with the case - or for those who have been misinformed by less accurate videos.
@@glamdolly30Agree, it kinda soared majestically over the rest 🦅
@@Celticobrienmoan the hoops
This channel is SUPERB. You have done an exemplary job in demystifying the Missing 411 aspect but also just bringing a lot of facts about this sad case! I am definitely interested in reading this book-this case has always interested me.
2 different people I met, entirely unrelated to each other across a couple year span, told me they were almost kidnapped by groups of people in Chico while they were visiting the area. Both were men and they said the creepy thing was how the locals seemingly worked together pursuing them, and neither were involved in drugs or anything. It was extremely bizarre, like something out of a movie. Hearing that the national forest area has a lot of dangerous and unwelcoming people and a reputation like that just further reinforces my hunch something very weird goes on in that area of California and maybe the boys were fleeing the same way the 2 guys I met ended up having to flee to get away from these creepy people who randomly went after them.
Missing Enigma is one of the few "Missing 411," focused channels that actually does the research rather than immediately jumping to paranormal explantions. Respect.
Thats the thing. There’s no such thing as The Missing 411. MissingEnigma debunks it.
@@JM1701ABCDhence the quotes.
bang on. though he approaches missing persons cases with a sense of rigour and compassion, that few other channels have@@JM1701ABCD
Honestly what I love about this channel so pure and honest.
David never says it's paranormal. He has no idea what has happened to any of the cases. Anything strange that happens. Were you there to say nothing strange happened? But Paulides never says, "so, and so happened".
A follow-up to the best coverage of the Yuba County 5 on the platform? Yes please
Agreed! Missing Enigma covered it the very best way hands down.
He's the best "mystery" youtuber as far as doing deep dives and not pushing sensationalism. Plus, FLANNEL ! 😆
Exactly!
Literally! TME is the gold standard for YC5. Now to read the book!
I'm looking forward to part 4....great channel.
If I had an intellectual disability, I would want to be living the kind of life the "boys" had. Tragedies happen and internet psychics blaming the families for letting them live their lives is insane to me.
Amen
yes, exactly!
So many pearl-clutchers are doing that. It’s ridiculous. These guys were in their mid-20s to early 30s. How long were they supposed to be in lockdown for?
They were living their lives as they should have been. Some of them were known to be pretty high functioning and seemed to really look after the ones who needed more support. It's sickening that anyone would be blaming their families.
@glorifiedlungfish…my main question is why the five men thought it was a good idea to walk into the snow covered forest? That shows the men were under duress. This could explain why they were on that
lonely mountain road in the first place. If the men were chased, the perpetrator(s) were probably behind the five men when they exited the car. The 1970’s Spielberg movie “Duel” comes to mind.
I don’t want to speculate on the causes for this case…….but I do want to pay deep respect for the love between these friends. How they took care of each other is very humbling.
Especially considering the era, I doubt society was kind to them but they had each other. Bless them ❤
@@fluffystarafinawhat? People were kind to these types back then. Anyone labeled the r word was treated with decency. No generation treated one another as disrespectfully as this one. You people today are not only cruel to one another, you are cruel to yourselves.
We treated people the way they treated others. We didn't cry and isolate because of words someone might have said. Smh
@phillipstroll7385 Jackie's family themselves believe that they were bullied on the day they went missing, which directly or indirectly caused thier deaths. They also report that the local press treated them as ' dumb' and said they got lost because of thier cognitive difficulties. This delayed serious investigation and led the public to believe that they were incapable. I have no reason to disbelieve Jackie's family.
Saturday unfolds beautifully with the unwrapping of a new post by The Missing Enigma. Discussing the Yuba 5 with a definitive author on the subject? Priceless. Thanks Nick.
Couldnt ask for more!
Live here in Yuba County for 38 years. Very familiar with the story and place. Hunt and fish these area several times a year. Thanks for sharing on what you do.
I'm from Red bluff. I'm not extremely familiar, but have been there many times over the years.
Is it true that people in that area are dangerous/unwelcoming? I know 2 different men who don't know each other at all who both told me stories of locals in Chico trying to abduct them.
@@angelmartin7310 a lot of meth.
I'm high-functioning autistic/Asperger's Syndrome.
I wonder with dread how strangers would talk about me if I went missing.
@@angelmartin7310I have some property in butte county. I definitely wouldint advice to wonder around the outskirts of the city
I've driven to the spot where their car was found (my tribe is from that exact area). I have no theories, but I know two things for sure:
1) You don't drive up that road thinking it's Highway 99 or 70. You wouldn't even drive through Oroville and think you were headed home. The speed limit is much lower, the road curves and winds through town, then you cross TWO bridges along a lake....
2) You don't drive up that road in the dead of winter to "check the snow line." Schons is very unreliable.
Is the road wide enough for the boys' car to have passed Schons' bug?
@@RossKempOnYourMum01 Yes, it would be wide enough to pass.
@@Younticahad to have been , it was a logging road correct ? Gotta be wide enough for semis
Yep and yep. Unreliable. In my opinion, unbelievable
@@johnscanlon2598I can’t say for certain about the condition of the road back then, but I’m pretty positive it would have still been a two-lane road with a small should in that section.
Every time you upload I stop what I’m doing. Your work is special.
My great uncle had a heart attack and sat down and waited 5 hours for his wife to come home. He had never been in the hospital (born at home) and didn't want to go by himself. Heart was damaged but he lived another 20+ years.
Was he from Kentucky ;)
Yes! Tony Wright, Drew Beeson and The Missing Enigma are the absolute best Yuba 5 researchers!
Your investigation on the Yuba 5 is still the best on YT, ME. This was an excellent follow up vid, thanks !
Ive been following the YC5 for a very long time and Ive seen countless documentaries, articles and just overall coverage. Today’s interview and your previous videos of this case are so detailed and informative, I do believe that short of solving it, you’ve done the best of anyone in terms of accuracy, detail and information. I find that anything you cover on your channel you can take the bank and I really appreciate that in a content creator. Especially a true crime creator, because there are just so many and i don’t believe that everyone does the meticulous and articulate research you deliver with every topic. Thanks so much for your amazing contribution, not only to getting one step closer to solving YC5, but in every case you profile. I am a true fan 😊
My dad had a heart attack in the early 2000s while he was managing a silicon chip prototype shop. He took an aspirin, and kept working. He didn't mention it to a doctor until a cardiologist detected the damage while giving he a pre-surgery work up over 10 years later.
I've a family friend who had a heart attack over 3 days before it was discovered. He has surprised the professionals somewhat, to be fair! But these oddities DO happen.
Hearts and Prayers to you 🙏
it definitely happens
Did your dad know at the time he was having a heart attack?
He had to have thought something for it to pop into his head when the doctor asked him when he had his heart attack! Here's your sign!
Relax snowflakes, it's called a joke
Thank you so much for the work you’ve done on the Yuba County 5 Nick and thank you for this conversation. This is an interesting case and I’m glad you and others are talking about it so it gets more exposure. Keep up the great work and take care!
The only channel that I Like before even watching the video. ❤
Perhaps Matthias, Weiher, and Huett all made it to the trailer. Madruga and Sterling died on the way - but they were not left behind by the others. I agree with Tony that it's hard to imagine leaving anybody behind to freeze to death. Madruga and Sterling stayed in the car while the other three continued to the intended destination on foot. This explains the careful driving and lack of sludge on the undercarriage of the Montego. Madruga was driving 'his baby' carefully on the rutted road, but when he saw the snow line up ahead he refused to go further, so Matthias, Weiher, and Huett got out and continued on foot. When Madruga and Sterling realised the others weren't coming back, they decided to follow on foot. Maybe this is why the window was partially down and the doors left unlocked - Madruga and Sterling were sort of freaking out by this point. But was later and colder when they started, and they died on the way to the trailer. Matthias left the trailer to seek help, perhaps on the same night or early the next morning, but perished in the elements. Huett stayed with his ailing 'big brother' and did the best he could to care for him. This explains why nobody discovered the warm clothes, extra food, the heating system in the trailer. Matthias would have figured all this out, but not Huett. When Weiher died, Huett wrapped him up in sheets, left the trailer, and soon perished in the elements.
Impressive
But what compelled them to be near this trailer?
@@tuftedtitmouse2330 Yeah, that’s the head scratcher. Where the hell did they think they were going - the night before the big basketball tournament?
Totally agree. I think. So confusing.@@tuftedtitmouse2330
Why is Schons' story so inconsistent? Why was his car abandoned 30ft uphill of the Montego? Why didn't the boys and Schons interact if they were in the same place at the same time?
@@RossKempOnYourMum01Yeah, not so sure about the reliability of Schons' various accounts. He was in the general area at the time, but I'm not sure he actually saw anything useful.
What i like about Nick's reviews of these cases is the cold logic.
I prefer this gentlemans narration to Mr Ballen ANY day. So much repetition and insane hand waving I have trouble concentrating. But not with MISSING ENIGMA videos!❤💪
How can you betray mister ballan?
I think they’re trying to do two different things… Mr.Ballen is shooting for entertainment/campfire style stories.. where ME is definitely going at it from an investigative perspective, lots of research into each video..
Mr. Ballen leaves info out for the sake of entertainment to make things seem more mysterious. I still enjoy some of it if I'm not super invested in trying to find every single detail. Plus I enjoy the like button bits lol
The 2 are night and day why compare ?
I appreciate that both of you called out the casual ableism of drive-by Internet commenters and content creators as well as the authorities who investigated this case. The five young men who disappeared certainly had vulnerabilities due to their disabilities, but not like some assume.
I’ve watched yours and several others’ videos on this case and read a few recent journalistic follow-ups by different NorCal newspapers (but not Mr Wright’s book, which I’ll add to my list), and it still baffles me. I think we should consider the possibility that this was a hate crime at least to the extent that the “Boys” were chased up the road into the mountains by someone or some group of people who threatened them. I don’t know if that was Joseph Schons or someone else though. I think the prior firebombing of Gateway Projects and the murder of its founder may provide key context.
I believe it was.
@@eduardocolella I totally agree it was a hate crime. The people of Yuba City who were around at the time probably know exactly who is responsible for the demise of the men (most likely a group of local bullies/POS) but they are afraid to speak up because the person/people responsible have connections. It’s just a matter of encouraging the right person to speak up, maybe offer them protection if the people are still around, and then you corner the bullies in a corner and grill them about why they did it before springing upon them that it’s time to pay for their crimes. Which reminds me I should give my warning.
To those responsible for the demise of the Yuba County 5 know this: your time for hiding is running out. The Furies, Forseti and Themis are coming for you. You may sleep at night but know that your dreams will be haunted by nightmares of what punishments await you. For justice is a dish best served frozen and your actions have consequences. There is a saying: whatever action you choose will come back threefold and your actions, your desire to harm those young men, they will bite you in the butt. Best you go to the local police station and confess. Maybe you’ll get a lighter sentence in light of your current ages but don’t count on it.
Nick reminds me of Rod Serling with a dash of lumberjack.
Known him for a long time. I found his channel from a thumbnail I caught out of the corner of my eye. Saw plaid flannel and realized what I was seeing.
LOL so accurate
With a little guy next door mixed in.
wow, you're good at this! lol
He’s way better looking than Rod Serling!🥰❤️
What is so chilling about this story, and so heartbreaking, is that there is an unmistakable shadow of evil throughout it. The events that we know about HAD to involve a persistent and deliberate threat being directed at the boys.
All of the holes in the story leave us with the silhouette of somebody truly terrible, somebody with time on his hands, and with an evil, sadistic soul, who decided to menace a carload of harmless young men and then harrow them to their eventual deaths. It is infuriating and profoundly disturbing to think that, not only did somebody stoop to such diabolical behavior, but also that he did so and was never brought to any kind of justice.
The specter of gun-wielding thugs and persistent headlights looming behind them in the rear-view mirror is an unavoidable mental image when one imagines the lads as they frantically drove deeper and deeper into the wilderness seeking an escape that never came... and that is why this sad, sad story is such a difficult case to contemplate, and such an impossible nightmare to forget.
Thank you both for your tireless research and your excellent presentation of the facts. It is at least comforting to see that people remember those poor boys with respect and sympathy, and that their tragic demise hasn't been forgotten.
(Personally, I can't help thinking it was the drunk guy. I think everybody probably thinks that he had to be the piece of shit responsible.)
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if he did it when he saw Mathias due to drunken vile rage cause Mathias had a short history of house robbing prior to him receiving treatment and was a menace due to his illness. Once he started talking care of himself with help from doctors, friends and family he changed for the better. Wouldn’t be surprised if the drunk saw him and wanted revenge no matter how much time had passed if he was slighted problem is how would he have encountered the boys and drove them up the mountain? Wasn’t his car in front of them?
And the saddest part to me is the boys remained there starving and freezing for weeks but whoever frightened and chased them that night went home to their warm house and resumed their normal life the next day.
@@victory8928that’s the thing about this case , you think you answered a question but you really just asked 5 more unanswerable questions like why were they even in the area , def agree something drive them from that car
Well said. Schon's changed his story several times. What are the odds that he put himself at the Madruga, on a remote mountain road in the dead of night, then all the occupants of that car immediately become missing and are later found dead? No, Mathias was never found. But he too went missing, has never been found, and is presumed dead. If Schon's wasn't involved in the circumstances that led to or contributed to the Yuba Five's demise, then I wouldn't just be surprised, I would be absolutely shocked.
As a son of an alcoholic, Schons having a regular routine that inconveniences others is very much on brand for an alcoholic. My dad was usually able to manage to walk home after the train commute and only passed out on there once. But Schons story overall comes off textbook alcoholic especially if had other ailments. I will need to see how far walking he would be doing since I lived about 3 blocks away from the train station but I think in winter, on bad terrain and while drunk sends so many doubts in my mind with him. Especially given his reputation of dishonesty
Totally agree! Schons movements actually make sense when you look at it within the lense of alcoholism. He gets drunk - perhaps blackout (poor decision making), drives up the mountain. Has diarrhea and vomiting - both happen with heavy alcohol consumption. Maybe he has a minor heart attack, maybe he doesn't. I had an alcoholic have a heart attack the night before and still came to group therapy the next day, and ended up calling an ambulance. So then Schons maybe sleeps, sobers up and walks back down to the bar. He gets a ride home which is usual for him after getting his car stuck. None of this sounds unusual to me in that lense. The only other piece is - did he see "the boys" or did he just want the money (an alcoholic needs money to drink). I have heard much wilder things from addicts in treatment, like getting high in Florida and "coming to" in San Francisco.
@@hellolacey226
Plausible. BUT the boys abandoned their car 30 feet away from Schons' vehicle while he was supposedly sitting in it. On a deserted mountain road that is an extraordinary coincidence. It doesn't make sense for them not to have interacted.
@@RossKempOnYourMum01 He very well might have! It all sounds very plausible to me.
Along with Bedtime Stories, Lazy Masquerade and Beyond Creepy, The Missing Enigma is up there as one of my favourite channels.
Check out Windigoon, Lore Lodge, and Roanoke Tales.
The Paranormal Scholar too
Such a sad case. Teds grave made me tear up (it reads "we love you Teddy bear", i can picture his parents leaving flowers and speaking to him there)
The boys were truly loved. I cant imagine how the parents must have felt learning about their fate combined with all the uncertainty.
Theres a photo of Wills father sitting on the road with a friend trying to comfort him after he learned what happened to his son.
As someone who has CP, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Misophonia it makes my blood boil when people underestimate ANY disabled person. Our disabilities don’t make us weak, it’s takes a special kind of strength to live with any disability no matter how mild it is!
Very VERY accurate statement!
The question is can you operate a can opener.
@@Leone_510__the question is what McDonald’s will you choose to work at?
@@llamabot9889 you obviously haven't seen videos about the yuba 5 before.
Yes. Explanations saying that they took a wrong turn and got hopelessly lost seem ridiculous to me, and seem to be based on negative, inaccurate stereotypes. They did not simply get lost.
Nick, everything you do is just spectacular! Thank you for putting so much effort in and always being respectful towards the people you talk about and interview!
What a treat for a Saturday afternoon! Absolutely fascinating case! Definitely will be getting that book. Bravo, guys!
Nick great show and awesome interview with Tony 👍🏼
Hi
I ordered Tony's book from Amazon and got it yesterday. So far so good. Looks like a good read and well written and researched. Tony Wright put a lot of effort into giving us a deeper understanding of who these five men were.
How does this channel not have more subs!? So in-depth, so thoughtful. Great job.
Its fantastic that you got someone on who knows this case very well .🙂
Thank you so much. Have what i guess is an eye infection and just listening to this in absolutely dark baseement is absolute bliss
One to remember, love your channel and while Bedtime Stories kinda brought me here you have blossemed into something else
❤
The only thing that makes sense is that they were fleeing a threat or perceived threat.
Yep.
That's the part that has always puzzled me the most. Joe Schons might have been a drunk and a liar and gave an inconsistent version of events, and it was odd that he just happened to be up that same remote stretch of mountain road...but it still doesn't explain why Jack Madruga's car was up there on the highway and the Boys were all dead miles beyond that spot (presumably including Gary Mathias). If they were compelled to travel that direction, so far out of their way, when did that happen? It had to have been after they visited Behr's Market in Chico...but when and how?
Yes. Something more terrifying than facing a winter wilderness without preparations.
My theory is that Schons was not alone in this setup. He coordinated his efforts with someone else - someone who encountered the boys in between Behr’s market and the initial road home. Someone who may or may not drive a red pick up truck that threatened the boys and basically forced and tailgated them to take that turn into the mountain road. I don’t think it’s far-fetched to believe Schons was associated to some unsavory people and to me, the fact that he has a intellectually/developmentally challenged daughter strikes me as an unsubstantiated connection to the boys in some way.
@@moxxyiedefinitely plausible
The more I listen to you two the more I think the 5 were intimidated and hiding from someone. Fear is the only thing that explains everything. "can't go back to the car they'll get us...run! Trailer! Hide!"
listening to interviews with living relatives of these men, they seem to be in agreeance with that hypothesis. they make several mentions of a sort of "town bully" with ties to law enforcement and other prominent figures in the area. they don't have any way to prove it, but they believe that he was involved.
@@JSwanKilowJ Wow. That's the only thing that makes sense. Everything else like the drunk with the heart attack, cloud the issue. I appreciate the information. Thanks for your time.
I agree, that makes the most sense.
investigators also found shell-casings at the spot where they left their car. They very well could've been fleeing someone with a gun.
@american_cosmic thanks for that information. I appreciate it
Fascinating conversation. Two intelligent people discussing a very mysterious case. Thanks for this,.
Awesome as always thanks ❤ as someone with a physical disability don't underestimate anyone because they are different please!
Best missing persons content on TH-cam hands down. Keep at it man
Your part 2 of the Yuba 5 series had some quality moments that were phrased and delivered like you're an experienced coroner. It's so refreshing hearing you speak to the likelihoods and probabilities, weighed carefully against the available, valid and reliable evidence etc.
There's a chance the boys accidentally pulled over and stepped onto a haunted bloody carnival trebuchet and were flicked 7 miles into the forest, but that chance is roughly less than about 1 in 100 million. The evidence overall points to some unknown yet nefarious altercation that went a little south, then it went 'really' south.
Incredible interview by you, and looking forward to reading the book.
One of the people interviewed in the Mopac Audio Podcast (which is absolutely worth a listen, as they have a lot of interview audio) said that there were eleven toes found in the trailer while Ted Wehir had only lost five. That suggests that at least one other person had suffered from severe frostbite on their feet.
I don't know if that information is corronorated elsewhere, though.
On VW Bugs. I have driven many Bugs of various years and conditions and know enough about cars to state some facts.
-A running engine creates heat.
-An air cooled engine not moving creates a lot of heat because there is no air moving over the engine to cool it. Even in very cold environments an air cooled engine is very likely to OVERHEAT when stationary for to long.
-The engine in a Bug is in the rear and the cabin essentially sits over the heat source. Bugs get very warm in the interior even if the "Heater" is not working.
It's very likely you would have to shut the car off after running for an hour or so, so the engine wouldn't overheat and cause the engine to seize up. I live in northern NH and have driven Bugs in the winters. VW Bugs can get cozy even with the "heater not working.
This is what I like about the comment section, people how know stuff from real life share their wisdom and knowledge with us others.
Thank you!
@@DEATH-THE-GOATexcept this gentleman is completely wrong
😂no, the engine doesn’t overheat and seize up idling. That’s not how air-cooled VW work. Only if it is tuned up incorrectly, it isn’t a general feature of the car. Otherwise everyone sitting in traffic in VW bug would constantly break on major highways in a rush hour. I am sorry, but your assessment is wrong.
@@Mileva_Jen_Harp interesting
@@Mileva_Jen_Harp he's not talking about sitting in traffic, though, he's talking about running the car for hours....
Great interview! I live in the area and know the locations well. I have followed the case for years and have my own idea about what happened, but it's no better (or worse) than anyone else's' idea. Tony Wright's book is an excellent resource. It's very well researched and I would definitely consider it "must reading" for anyone interested in the case. The whole case is sad; the young men seemed like really nice guys that had what we would now call functional autism (except for Mathias who suffered from Schizophrenia, but was med compliant at the time). That area of California is a lot rougher and dangerous than many people would think; I believe that there are definitely people up there to this day that know what happened
Would you mind to elaborate a little further, please? I mean, regarding you opinion and about these people you mention, who could know something.
@@eduardocolella Hi Eduardo. There is another book called "Out of Bounds: What Happened to the Yuba County Five?" by Drew Hurst Beeson. It's a smaller book, but Beeson fills in some of the other peripheral characters that Tony Wright glosses over in passing. I recommend it. To be tactful, I would say that people not familiar with that area would be surprised how much the residents out there value their privacy and seclusion. Those small mountain towns east of Oroville do not like strangers at all. And I do stress AT ALL. I don't think that Gary Mathias was directly responsible for the death of the others, though his actions several weeks prior to the night of the basketball game in Chico may likely have initiated the chain of events that led to the death of the others. As I said before, I have my opinion, but it's no more insightful than anyone else's. I do strongly feel that there are people that know what happened and who did it, but will take that information to their graves
After going through all the information I coud find about this case, this interview included, I truly believe that the 'getting lost' and 'random freakout' scenario should be discarded although to me it didn't make sense in the first place.
If they were threatened with a gun and forced into the forest then the question still remains why they took this road in the first place.
I don't think they were chased up there by another vehicle since the underside of Madrugas car was supposedly in pristine condition which means he was driving very slowly and methodically. If they only fled a perceived danger then what made them leave the car?
Some surrounding details of the case are still murky however. While Lt. Ayers was seemingly deeply involved that case and felt a personal connection to these men, the boys parents complained about the police work and how they just treated the whole situation as a group of 'ret*rds' going missing. They talk about it in the mopac yuba podcast which is the most extensive online source for this case in my opinion. Jackies dad claimed that he saw his sons initials in the trailer which he was known to write down at other places. He also claimed that the number of toes on the floor didn't match Weihers frostbite injuries.
Gary Mathias sister (I think) reported seeing little snippets of motivational christian quotes by Gary in the trailer. It was a habit he picked up in drug counseling. She said they contained no information about what happened but they were unmistakenly written by Gary. According to her they were taken by police and she never saw them again nor were they mentioned in reports.
Even though people often tend to lend more credence to police reports and detective statements, I think we should take those statements from family members seriously. They were on the scene afterall and it seems quite obvious that police were biased with regards to the boys.
Bought the book after watching this. I have seen so many YT videos on this story and I'm still at a loss as to what happened. Tony's theory makes sense for sure.
I’ve always been amazed at the distance these dudes hiked, 12 miles in the snow with no equipment/clothing for the weather is actually crazy. It’s a physical feat for sure. Damn
This is excellent! Seriously, THE BEST missing and mystery channel I have ever stumbled across and I have watched a ton. Thank you for this and all the work you do!
I really am inclined to believe the story Schon's told to the Robinsons about how a car was following to closely behind him. That just seems more plausible then the others he told. The real mystery is, why were the boys there to begin with? That, sadly, we will never know.
My pet theory is someone grabbed Gary and the boys followed, or a 2nd person jumped in their car made them follow or go to that road. At same time Joseph Schons was tanked (again) and kept fading in and out of consciousness but did see some kind of 2nd vehicle and other people. The boys told to get to the cabins at end of the road and stay there until told they can come back or they wouldn't see Gary again, but were given Gary's shoes as insurance he'd be there when they got back. Then possibly a warning shot was fired which woke Joseph who only noticed everything got quiet as the boys ran before he soon passed out again from the booze. But Gary was driven away and disposed of elsewhere.
i mean, that's a pretty good theory!
Okay but who is the 2nd car and why do they follow them up the road?
@@almightysosa3007 The bully Gary had problems with, OR people from the basketball game who were chasing them.
yup, this sounds kinda plausible ngl. Although I still believe Schons had something to do with this
Please do an on location video for this my boy Enigma
A lot has changed in the area. Bucks Lake Rd is now paved and Bear Fire cleared out a lot of everything up there. 😢
That part of the road is closed right now due to snow. Will be for a while because it is still forest without a house near and no body hardly goes up there.
Wildfires burned through this area so its likely much different now. Although I can't confirm the damage. Check out the Google Street view and satellite
@@sebastianwhalin743 the scar from that fire is huge. I have to go up there once a week. There's something spectacular about the place with the huge mountains even without all of the forest. I also don't think it's as dangerous as it once was back then in the 70s but I still wouldn't want to be up there in the dark by myself.
@@sf9145 Ok thank you for confirming! Also, I live in the mountains of CO and I know what you mean. I do agree that an on site video would be cool no matter what the state of the land is now. It would just help some of us picture it better since we haven't been there
I thought I was over this story when I recently got sucked into the Delphi murders story. You have brought me back.
I'll never get tired of the Yuba County 5 related videos, the case is fascinating. Thanks for this
I would love an episode on Tom Messick! I would love to hear the facts and ur opinion.
Just my 2 cents but I believe he was old and on his last leg and just wanted to go out on his own terms in the woods with his family, hence the late start to the hunt. They could’ve sworn to keep it a secret and when his wife found out she was fairly calm about the ordeal which could mean it was something he told her was going to happen and even though she could not say what happened, her reaction is a good clue as to who knew what.
Great follow up to your original coverage of this case. The Yuba 5 is one of two cases I wish could be resolved. Meanwhile, I've ordered Tony's book and am looking forward to reading it. Keep up the good work!
Thoroughly fascinating. And i want to read "Things Aren't Right". Surprised that there was scant mention of Mathias here. Toward the end, somewhat. But, his disappearance intrigues me the most. Guess, I gotta read it.....
New episode! What a treat!
Can't wait to watch this! Spoiling us with uploads!
Great interview! I just watched the Netflix series "Files of The Unexplained" episode about the Yuba County 5, and the one thing that stood out was there was not one mention of Schoens and his role in the case. I thought that was odd. Other than that it's pretty good. It was nice to hear from the family members of these men.
I was all excited but realized I already watched this on Patron. 😂 might as well rewatch it.
I always watch TME several times.😂
58:14 I’ve studied this case exhaustively. Here’s what I think drove the boys from the Montego. They were driving home on 99. They stopped to get snacks. As the guest suggested they randomly encountered ne’er do wells who either had “unfinished business” or bullies who took chiding “retards” (please note I intentionally chose nomenclature used at that time and in that era; zero offense to the developmentally challenged or learning disabled) They were pressed or chased into the Plumas. Here’s what no one else ever speculates: the Montego was abandoned because upon getting trapped in the snow, snowpack or ice, or both, blocked the exhaust and killed the engine. Remember the infamous banana in the tailpipe in Beverly Hills Cop? This explains why the boys left the vehicle. I believe they were duressed or chased into the Plumas and to their perception “the bad guys” were downhill. Ergo they fled uphill. Perhaps the guy who Gary popped in the mouth and nose at the party a couple weeks earlier just happened to bump into the boys while just happening to have a pistol? Or just happening to have several buddies? I too think a gun might’ve been what freaked the 5 into fleeing into freezing, dark, uphill.
I’ll leave my partial hypothesis here and perhaps someone else might care to step in and hypothesize as to how such a possibility interplays with “Mister Heart Attack” (who saw the truck, the lady, the baby et al.)
PS: do heart attack victims walk 7 miles in freezing weather? Maybe it was he who did the chasing? That opens a lot of possibilities and potential answers as to why getting his car off that road took priority over getting to hospital (aka going on record) He was a known drunk. Known to be easily irritated and overly aggressive. Known to instigate traffic altercations. Didn’t he also have a heated exchange with Doc’s father a few days after the missing persons report was filed & Montego discovered? Also remember (back to my “banana in the tailpipe” theory) when Butte County Rangers removed the Montego it started right up. Why? Because the asphalt was wet but visibly free of snow. 🚙💨
My only criticism of this interview is that as an on again off again research hobbyist of this case I found myself too often talking to my iPhone saying “don’t forget to mention _____.” Either the guest needed to shade details in greater number or the interview needed another half hour. Why? Because there are dozens of retellings of this case on youtube and it isn’t until we shift gears to speculation that the story and engagements get attention grabbing. And casual listeners need a tad more before they can jump start their “what if” engines. If ever a part 2 were in order this is it. Do a part 2 that devotes 30 minutes to details and 30 more to speculation. It is, afterall, our combined brain power that could potentially find new leads in a 46 year old case. Nonetheless great episode 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
It's also been my thought that they ran into some bad characters at the game in Chico or shortly afterwards. That could explain what happened. But it raises lots of questions. They were followed or harassed by someone or a group of people for 30, 40 miles or more? That's the part that doesn't work for me. That's a lot of driving. Someone was THAT determined to get them? No cop or state patrol vehicle saw anything going on? It's possible but it seems a bit extreme. Plus, why didn't they drive home where they knew they had family to protect them? Or stop at a police station or anyplace where someone could have helped them? I'm not saying your theory is wrong. I think I've had the same general thought, but I have a hard time imagining they were chased for that long of a distance. So maybe they stopped somewhere further south closer to home where they ran into someone? So, what role does Schons play in this, if any? He seems like such a fishy character and it's hard to believe he was telling the full truth about what happened. This case is so frustrating.
VW Bug had a fine heater, as long as the rpm's were up and the heater boxes (heat exchangers) didn't have holes it worked great. My 1969 VW bug had great heat, but you keep your foot slightly on the accelerator. My 1973 VW Super Beetle had better heat but still sourced from the same air cooled system. VW Heat is not a problem unless the vehicle has not been maintained. I drove many trips from Denver to Durango year round, usually requiring heat and I often rolled the windows down a bit to vent the heat out.
Thought your last coverage of YB5 was best thorough coverage I'd seen. And, while hearing many theories, I agreed with yours, Nick. Nice of you to have new author on, thanks.
Schons had to be involved in some way. When it comes to cases like this, there are no coincidences. To what degree or in what way, one can only speculate, but Schon changing his story (several times) and putting himself at the scene of Madruga's abandoned car raises several questions and red flags. In my opinion, it is rather obvious that Schon wasn't telling the truth; he was hiding something.
100%. His car was abandoned 30 feet uphill/in front of the Montego. So two abandoned cars on the same night, on the same road, at the same time and they didn't interact? Hmm - no.
@@RossKempOnYourMum01 well said. Yep
I think so too, but I don't think he harmed the boys in any way, or intended to cause what ultimately happened. Reason for this line of thinking is if you look at the timeline of his actions and words.
At first, when he walked into the Mountain House, he said the infamous line "I should've done this 4 years ago". I don't claim to know what he meant, but it's clear this remark is self incriminating. Also what he talked about when he was driven home sounded aggressive and annoyed towards the boys. Again, this is self incriminating. But we have to understand, at this moment he had not heard what happened to the boys. Or what will happen, since at that point their struggle was ongoing. I doubt he'd be making these claims if he knew he was directly involved.
Later on, his testimonies change and include other people to throw the blame to. At that point, he knows he's in deep shit, maybe for a crime he ultimately didn't commit. This would explain the hysteric crying too.
I think he caused a scene with the boys, maybe pulled a gun on them. He was annoyed by their driving and himself for getting his car stuck. The boys exited the car and fled, and he didn't think too much about it. He assumed they would return and drive away, but something, maybe their disabilities or lack of social confrontation of this kind, caused the boys to be far more rattled at this scene than he had anticipated. They continued their escape until they ultimately perished.
@@alhoon6173 just to contradict myself a bit having thought about it a little more:
1 - the biggest bit of exculpatory evidence for Schons is that nothing he did explains why the Yuba boys were on that road that night. Schons can't be responsible for them being so far off course - unless he's part of some grand conspiracy (which seems ridiculous)
2 - I've said their presence in the same place is TOO unlikely to be coincidence BUT remember Schons had essentially crashed into the snow line and could go no farther. If two cars are going up that road that night they're going to run out of road at roughly the same point. This would facilitate their coincidental interaction OR non interaction and abandonment of their vehicles
@alhoon6173 perhaps. But how many times in modern history has someone "caused a scene with a group of boys" and "maybe even pulled a gun on them" (in the middle of nowhere) just minutes prior, in the exact place, at the exact time that said boys go "missing" and start the long walk to their inevitable deaths? To be involved in ANY incident, for ANY reason, on a remote mountain road after 11pm is a one in a million chance occurrence. But for that very rare incident to also be the same incident in which the boys were last seen alive, makes it a one in a billion chance occurrence if ya ask me..
Wendigoon, Nexpo & missing enigma ARE THE 3 TOP CREATORS (CHANNELS) WHO HAVE DONE AMAZING VODEOS on the infamous Yuba county missing 5
I really appreciate that you try to get to the truth no matter how normal or abnormal the situation is & that you have guests on that are credited I’ve learned so much, thank you !!!
"When you run across the wrong person, it's gonna be rough."
I see the plot of a movie.
That seriously needs to be expounded upon though, I want to know exactly what he's heard about the locals
@@angelmartin7310 his book
Deliverance.
Just bought Tony's book a few hours ago. Looking forward to getting into it.
This is so sadly-mysterious...
Ive always followed this case. I cant thank both of these guys for all their hard work. This is beyond top notch investigating ,, writing and videos. I agree with the guy up there. His story never made sense at all and I always thought the cops needed to investigate him way more.
Im excited for this. I just reached the end of relevant information on the case and listened to Tony on the Yuba 5 Podcast. Great to see that this is still being discussed. Its a shame the fire burned the whole area
like nick said, nobody runs up a mountain unless you’re being chased ✌️
The first guys that found the trailer likely went back to help their friends who were moving slower. When they went back they must have found friends in poor condition or deceased. If it snowed that night or the next their bodies and even the road may have been covered in snow and tougher to trace their path and friend their friends. Some may have gone back and gotten lost trying to find their way back to the trailer.
It seems they exited the highway toward Oroville for a reason. If it is known where they filled up with gas and the distance to the basketball game, the store, and back to Oroville- how much gas was left in the tank? This may tell if they traveled somewhere else than the obvious path.
If they stopped in Oroville, it would be midnight or so? What would be open, where could they stop to use the restroom? Guys can simply go in the woods
Thank you for this!
What a heartbreaking story of these young men, their friendships, and ultimate end to their lives, as well as a compelling mystery.
Good stuff frens, very informative video. Thanks for your very detailed coverage, and thanks to Tony as well. You never disappoint.
My theory is this: Shoanes had a daughter who was also intellectually disabled in some way. I believe she also had a baby roughly 2 years previous to the disapearences. #1 could this have been what Shoanes was referring to the following morning (I should have done this 2 years ago) which referred to luring them up there to then chase them further up the mountain at gunpoint most likely? I am also thinking that Mattias had a hand in getting them up there. Perhaps he was bribed in some way or even tricked and then became a victim himself. I just think that Shoanes has a key role in this and theres a history between one of the men and his daughter.
i agree, something happened between one or more of the boys and Schones' daughter, and led to this.
@@markjackson3531 And I think if this was really thoroughly investigated it would actually solve the crime. I am that sure.
"I believe she also had a baby roughly 2 years previous to the disapearences."
This sounds very interesting. But what's your source?
So many years have come and gone. I am glad that this year we have a new book to help bring the case back into public view. I don't want this one to disappear.
Thank you for the excellent content. Your two-part series on this case was very well done. I was born only a day before the boys disappeared and their story was often told in my family. Though in later years if definitely felt more like myth and rumor. It wasn't until later in my adult life that I started to learn the details.
I still live in the area and travel between Yuba City and Chico often. I've lost count of how many times I've driven up to the forest trying to grasp what made them take that route. I plan on taking a drive up to the site where the Montego was discovered as soon as the roads open. Part of the route is still closed during winter months.
Excellent podcast! This is such a fascinating case and both of you gentlemen presented a phenomenal case study!
It's good you start with a description if the boys and a little bit about them. This is a mystery, but it's also a human tragedy. Real people who lost their lives in an apparently horrible way. Such a strange and sad story
I had hypothesized in the original 2 part series you made on the Yuba County 5 was that after they had stopped at the convenient store that they had been carjacked and the hostile party drove the car to the location where it was found in order to sell it. I had thought this because I missed that the car keys were found on the remains. But it's nice knowing that Mr Wright has a similar hypothesis. About the only thing I would modify based on the conversion in this video is that perhaps 4 of the 5 were transferred to another vehicle but that Madruga was being held at gunpoint and instructed to drive to where the Montego was found. Once there all 5 were instructed to leave. They did but the selling of the car never happened because Schons unexpectedly (or realizing they no longer had the keys) revealed himself causing the car thieves to abandon everything (Or heck, he might have even been the intended buyer).
I might have to give Wright's book a shot because it's very difficult for me to understand how the 5's personalities were as well as what one would expect of them while under duress. Learning disabilities and mental disabilities can make people behave in ways under stress that the rest of us wouldn't expect. I know since a relative of mine was born with mental disabilities (enough to be unable to work 999/1000 jobs) and when I was around him it was like being around a grenade. Nice most of the time but you were always on edge in case something he didn't like would make him freak out.
Hm that's an interesting thought about shones being the intended buyer.
I can see that.
But would there be room in the car for a 6th person to be sat in the car holding a gun
I ordered the book today because this case always fascinated me but one thing I can't get over, being a car guy, is the car on the cover is Chevrolet Impala front with a Chevelle/Malibu rear quarter panel not a Mercury Montego. Just to do all the research and put the wrong car on the cover is something I don't understand.
This is a true bizzare mystery. There are really 2 main questions , why did they go off route and stop where they did and why did they leave the safety of the car. They could have easily stayed warm all night in the car and at sunrise try to get back home.
We will never know unless there is someone out there that has the answer and is willing to talk. Very sad for the families not knowing what really happened.
family members believe they were chased up there by a notorious town bully and his gang.
@@JSwanKilowJThat is the most credible explanation. Has that bully been investigated by the police?
@dragonmartijn not at all. Pretty sure he has family in law enforcement too
@@JSwanKilowJ Thanks for your response. They will get what they deserve. Jesus doesn’t like bullying. Happy Easter by the way.
@dragonmartijn happy Easter 🙌
This is so sad. I really hope against all odds this gets solved. These guys deserve justice. They did not deserve to die this way.
The best channel of it's kind.Brilliant.Surpasses the rest.
Something I haven't heard anyone talk about: Why didn't they fingerprint the trailer to determine who had been there? Matthias's fingerprints would have been on file with the Army as well as the other person who had been in the Army (Madrugo, I think). No one has even hinted at the finger prints.
I think they didn't print the trailer because I think the police didn't care. It had been reported in the paper that is was 5 retarded men lost. I think the police took the attitude that these 5 men got lost and died because of it. Reminds me of how many police react when prostitutes and homeless people end up dead or missing. The police don't seem to investigate as thoroughly as they normally would.
Yet again, a great video. Looking at what we know and talking about the facts. Really appreciate the work you put into these.
That doc you mentioned about this case appears to be coming to Netflix next week.
It is intriguing to consider the possibility that the individual diagnosed with schizophrenia among the Yuba County boys may have experienced a psychotic episode. In such a scenario, it raises questions about whether the others could have been influenced or persuaded by his state of mind. It is conceivable that during a psychotic break, he might have exhibited behaviors or beliefs that led the others to follow him, whether out of concern for his well-being or due to a shared delusion. However, without concrete evidence or testimony, this remains speculative and warrants further investigation into the events surrounding their disappearance. Thank you for all you do.
This is what I believed all along.
Considering a huge symptom of schizophrenia is paranoia, and the men showed signs they were afraid of something, this does cross my mind. I lean against this theory, I think foul play is more likely, but I can’t entirely dismiss it.
Awesome interview and excellent work being an archivist!!
This case has always fascinated me since I first heard about it. I also assumed when people talk about the Boys starting a fire it was indoors to warm the trailer. I've heard people say over the years "There were books they could've used for a fire.". With all the ink in the books that fire would be nasty especially if there was no proper fireplace for the smoke to travel up. We're not talking about a few pages of newspaper to help get the fire going.
Just finished ur last, thanks so much!
Nothin like pulling up them blankets as a new TME guides me to dream time
Awesome definitely listening to this while making dinner. 😊
Had to pause the video five minutes to go order the book! Can't wait to read it!
Great discussion! This is such a sad and frustrating case. It's a shame that Shones is such an unreliable witness. Understandable to think he played some role in making this tragedy happen. But how did the Yuba 5 end up in this isolated area in the first place?
I agree with Tony, I think the boys exited to use the restroom or something and encountered someone that wanted to do them harm and it escalated from there….unfortunately we will probably never know the exact circumstances and it remains a very sad mystery….I pray that the boys will forever RIP ❤
I always wondered if Shones was meeting someone up there and the snowline was a baloney cover story...
He was a weed dealer. He may have been meeting for a sale or maybe he used that as a ruse. That’s one of my theories. He lured Gary up there for a weed buy or something but had other intentions along with accomplices. Maybe.
@@rockstarofredondoI have the same theory
I believe so, but I don't think he was 'meeting' The Boys. When you look into his daughter and realize she was going to the same Gateway dances, events, bowling events that 'The Boys' were, and was 18, having been 16 two years prior; in a locale full of weed growers, drug dealing, corrupt officials, firebombing of people's cars and murders (none of which were fully investigated, with no arrests or convictions) and Gary's sister getting her own car firebombed after a messy breakup.....
Shones was also a 'retired' drug counsellor, so he 100% knew The Boys not only by reputation but I am convinced, personally.
I believe that his daughter probably had time kind of relations with one of them, possibly voluntarily or perhaps unfortunately not and Shones organized a form of payback, which is why he was there.
This is drawing from the "should have done things 2 years ago" comment, given how implausible, irrational and contradictory the rest of his 'evidence' is. There are so many other pieces of his statements which contradict (his car was fogged up so much that people who poked around with flashlights couldn't see in - yet other times he could see people & cars 'in his rear view mirror', he was cold, yet had windows open, he lay low & his yet at others times called out to BOTH parties he saw park up behind - breaking down & bawling in hospital 2 days later - puking and shitting next to his car in the snow - this is more than just a drunk a-hole's behaviour, this is someone suffering shock and yet trying to cover something up).
'Coincidentally' a red pickup was driven by "Gary's friends" in Forbestown. They were also pot farmers, highly armed and suspicious of outsiders.
Jackie Huett's sister went down there as she suspected their involvement and was warned off with guns.
Also coincidentally said she heard a baby crying when she went to the "friends" property.
One of Shones' claims was that he saw a woman carrying a baby, by the rusty red pickup, which he later claimed he 'hallucinated'.
I believe therefore there are too many coincidences to say there was not foul play in getting those men into the mountains and probably chasing them off into the woods.
I also believe that Shones was instrumental, given his attempts to join in the pot farming business which Gary's Forbestown friends and his firebombing sister's-ex (you will hear about "the priest/town bully" - same guy...) were all involved in weed farming and dealing, with Gary also being an addict.
Shones being a former counsellor, The Gateway projects having been subject to harassment and firebombing some 5 years prior, Shones daughter having a developmental disorder and attending events, likely at the same time as the others, Gary's own violent and sexual assaults in his past (prior to treatment) there are WAY too many connections to believe that in any way these 5 simply 'got lost on their way home'.
The lack of a coordinated search, the cabins being left for so long, Gary not being found suggests very much that Gary was targeted by his sister's ex & Shones and probably assisted by those from Forbestown.
Accusations of assault, particularly of a minor are easy to make and hard to disprove. Whether true or not, they make great motivators if you want someone troublesome to you taken care of.
@@OsellaSquadraCorse would you have any sources for this info about Shones (Schons)?
I do firmly believe that there is no way its simple coincidence that a man with a disabled daughter gets stuck on that mountain, in front of and ahead of these 5 disabled men, conveniently has a heart attack rendering anything he says about his time there as a "hallucination", but can still walk back to the bar in the morning, and mumbles "should have done this two years ago".
I believe he led those men up there, got his car stuck thus screwing up whatever plan he had even if it was as simple as ditching them on some back road screwing up their plan for the game the next day, he flipped out on the men and one or more of them rabbited, forcing the rest of them to follow each other to their collective doom. The only way the car got up the mountain without damage is because Madruga was driving it without panic or carelessness and he was simply following a dangled carrot up there. No kidnapping or anything that would have someone else driving it or has him driving it in a panicked state because one of his friends was being held captive in another car or something. Following a man you may recognize, or who knows you and your crew and is acting friendly on the face is the only way they would have went up there. Half a smile and a "follow me" from someone in their greater circle of life would get them there rather simply.
@@OsellaSquadraCorse I was just wondering if there was a connection between the daughter and the boys
This channel continues to grow in Quality and popularity
You continue to do a great job and I appreciate your hard work.
After consuming all the information on this case put out by Missing enigma and Lore lodge, my most likely conclusion is that the boys were intimidated/followed by some unsavory characters after the game. As a response, perhaps the driver was afraid they would be followed home, and chose to head in another direction. They wound up lost in the woods, eventually pulling off and stopping. My guess is they were confronted by the people following them there, and panic ensued. The boys end up running, lost, in the dark.
I believe that is who the mysterious “red truck” is. The instigator of this mystery.
So many questions that are never going to be answered. If they had scratched a few words on a wall of the trailer we would not be wondering about this today
Just bought the book!
I use to own a 68 VW bug . Good tires on it. Specially winter time with studded winter tires on it. It would go in the winter snow to the point of pushing the snow with the front bumper. I took it off-road a lot. Engine in rear over trans axle set up what the most common name for it. All weight was in the rear. I would put 50+# extra weight in front end over steering axle during winter time to give it little more grip for icy roads, Heater depends on exhaust system upkeep. Before every winter make sure all the duct work was in real good shape & exhaust was too. The engine is air cooled engine No Anti Freeze needed & heater temp depends on the exhaust temperature at that given time. You had controls between front seats next to emergency brake lever. 1 of very best most dependable vehicles I ever owned. I wish I keep it now. Yes I ended up as a Cert. Diesel Mechanic & Cert Welder for huge heavy equipment retired now after 40 + years. So I do know a little of that basic equipment on that fine automobile. 1 best I ever owned if not the best.
I have a like green vw bug and it’s my favorite car I’ve ever owned I Frickin love it
I would be very interested in finding out what Tony thinks about the person known alternately as "the town bully" or "the preacher".