Then They Found the Phones

On the kitchen counter sat Rebecca’s cell phone.

Upstairs, investigators later found another phone charging beside the bed.

It belonged to the couple’s 22-year-old daughter, Emily.

A third phone was plugged into an outlet near the living room sofa.

That belonged to their 19-year-old son, Caleb.

Thomas Morgan’s phone was missing.

Police checked every room.

Nobody was home.

The First Question Was Simple

Where did four people go without their cars?

Officers checked the garage.

Two bicycles remained hanging on the wall.

Shoes were lined near the entrance.

Rebecca’s purse sat on a kitchen chair.

Her wallet was inside.

Emily’s backpack was upstairs.

Caleb’s jacket remained by the front door.

There was nothing suggesting the family had planned to leave.

Neighbors hadn’t seen anyone walking away.

Nobody had called for a ride.

And according to the home’s security system:

The front door hadn’t opened since 6:13 p.m.

Police Sealed the House

Within an hour, Willow Creek Drive looked completely different.

Patrol cars lined the street.

Yellow police tape surrounded the driveway.

Crime-scene technicians photographed the interior.

Portable lights illuminated the backyard.

Small evidence markers appeared near the rear entrance.

Neighbors stood behind curtains watching.

Several came outside.

One asked:

“Did something happen to the Morgans?”

Police didn’t answer.

Because they didn’t know.