The mysterious disappearance and eventual discovery of the Jamison family in Oklahoma is one of the most chilling unsolved cases in recent American history.
On 8 October 2009, Bobby Jamison (44), his wife Sherilynn (40) and their six-year-old daughter Madyson vanished while exploring a remote area near Red Oak, Oklahoma. The family had planned to purchase a 40-acre plot of land in the region.
Despite massive search efforts, their remains were not found until four years later. To this day the details surrounding their deaths remain unclear and deeply troubling.
Background and Mental Health Concerns
The Jamisons lived in Eufaula, Oklahoma. Both Bobby and Sherilynn were unemployed and survived on disability benefits. Bobby had suffered chronic back pain after a car accident in 2003 while Sherilynn struggled with depression and bipolar disorder. According to CBS News, these mental health issues were sometimes left untreated.
They had a daughter, Madyson and Sherilynn had a son from a previous relationship who stayed with his father. Though they were not financially stable, the Jamisons owned a lakeside house and several timeshares.
Sherilynn’s mother, Connie Kokotan, voiced concerns about her daughter’s condition, saying, “She was very depressed and had bipolar disorder. She would go off her medication sometimes.”
Strange Behavior and Vanishing
On the day they disappeared, the Jamisons were captured on their home’s surveillance camera acting oddly.
The footage showed the couple going back and forth between their house and vehicle in a “trancelike” state, placing belongings into the truck.
One notable item was a brown briefcase carried by Sherilynn which has never been recovered. According to the Lad Bible, former Sheriff Israel Beauchamp commented, “They were certainly a family obsessed with death.”
Discovery of the Truck
On 17 October 2009, hunters came across the Jamisons’ abandoned truck in Latimer County, close to where they were planning to buy land. Inside the locked truck were their wallets, IDs, mobile phones, GPS, about $32,000 in cash and their dog, Maisie who was still alive but severely malnourished.
There were no signs of struggle or violence. Sheriff Beauchamp told The Oklahoman, “I think they were forced to stop and got out of the truck to meet with someone they recognize. And I think they either left willingly or by force.”
Search efforts involved over 400 volunteers using horses, drones, cadaver dogs and ATVs. The dogs picked up scents near a water tower that was later drained but no evidence was found, reported Journal News.
Discovery of Remains
In November 2013, skeletal remains were found by hunters about 2.7 miles from where the truck was located. In July 2014, those remains were confirmed to be Bobby, Sherilynn and Madyson. The condition of the remains was so poor that medical examiners could not determine how they died.
Jack Jamison, Bobby’s uncle expressed heartbreak to CBS News, saying, “It brings a closure. Not knowing – especially the little girl – she did nothing to cause something like that.”
Theories and Speculation
Several disturbing theories have been proposed over the years:
- Murder-Suicide: An 11-page letter written by Sherilynn expressing anger toward Bobby was found in the truck. But with no weapon found and inconclusive autopsies, this theory lacks evidence.
- Drug Activity: The $32,000 in cash raised suspicions of drug involvement. However, investigators found no signs of drug use or dealing in the Jamison home or truck.
- Cult Involvement: Sherilynn’s mother believed the family was murdered by a cult. She said, “I think somebody killed them. There’s just no way that Bobby and Sherilyn would ever let anything happen to Madyson unless something had been done to them.”
- Paranormal Beliefs: According to Wikipedia, the Jamisons told their pastor that they saw spirits in their house and Bobby had been reading from The Satanic Bible.
- Family Conflicts: Before the disappearance, Bobby had filed a protective order against his father, Bob Dean Jamison claiming threats and abuse. Bobby alleged his father was involved in criminal and meth-related activities. The protective order stated, “He is a very dangerous man who thinks he is above the law.” However, Bob Dean was in a nursing home at the time and was not considered a suspect, as noted by The Daily Beacon.
Even after years of investigation, no one knows exactly what happened to the Jamison family. The combination of bizarre behavior, unexplained evidence and unanswered questions continues to puzzle both authorities and the public. The case remains open with investigators hoping that new technology or information may one day reveal the truth.