Leah Toby Roberts, a 23-year-old woman from Durham, North Carolina, had a distinctive Southern charm, standing at 5 feet tall, weighing 130 pounds, and always speaking in her thick Southern accent. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of her parents and a near-fatal car accident, Leah remained resilient. In 2000, she mysteriously disappeared after an abrupt decision to embark on a journey, leaving her previous life behind.
Leah's life took a turn after she inherited money from her father. Instead of completing her college degree, she chose a more unconventional path, focusing on writing, playing guitar, and photography. Her fascination with the writings of Jack Kerouac, particularly "The Dharma Bums," fueled her desire to visit Desolation Peak in Washington State. Her sudden disappearance, marked by a cryptic note with a drawing of the Cheshire Cat, hinted at a deeper meaning, echoing the mysterious disappearances in "Alice in Wonderland."
On March 9, 2000, Leah loaded her belongings, including her cat, into her Jeep Cherokee, withdrew $3,000, and vanished. Despite sightings along her route to Washington, where she was last seen at a gas station in Brooks, the trail went cold. The discovery of her wrecked Jeep near Desolation Peak raised more questions than answers. Although the crash seemed severe, there was no sign of Leah, and the circumstances surrounding the wreck were puzzling.
As investigators delved into the case, they uncovered peculiar details, such as the manipulated engine cover and the presence of a mechanic acquaintance from a diner Leah visited. The search for Leah's DNA in her clothing led to the discovery of an unidentified man's DNA, adding an unsettling layer to the mystery.