They were seen that day buying gas and leaving a restaurant, but never returned home. Their house was left exactly as they’d left it, with unfinished chores and plenty of money in the bank.

In February 1959, tire tracks leading to the Columbia River were found. In May, something heavy and metallic, possibly their car, was snagged by a river drilling rig but broke free before it could be retrieved. Days later, Susan and Virginia’s bodies were found; they had drowned. Virginia had a head wound, but the cause of death was unclear due to decomposition. Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie were never found.

Police considered two possibilities: an accident where the car plunged into the river, or foul play. The lead detective, Walter Graven, suspected foul play. He focused on the family’s oldest son, Donald, who was in the Navy at the time. A bloodstained gun linked to Donald was found near the scene, but never properly investigated. Donald had a strained relationship with his family and his behavior after their disappearance was considered suspicious.

Despite attempts to further investigate, a diving accident halted underwater searches, and the case eventually went cold. Graven and Donald are both deceased; Kenneth, Barbara, and Barbie remain missing.