...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Unlikely Connection to Idaho Murder Suspect
In light of recent events, Stacey Anne, sister of the missing Pennsylvania woman, Dana Smithers, has voiced her belief that Idaho murder suspect Bryan Kohberger is probably not linked to her sister’s disappearance, regardless of his parents being summoned to testify.
Dana Smithers, aged 45, vanished on May 28, 2022.
Nearly a year later, on April 27, 2023, her remains were discovered in a woodland area in Stroudsburg – a mere 30 miles away from the home of Kohberger’s family in Albrightsville.
However, Anne emphasizes that evidence suggests Kohberger wasn’t in the area at the time her sister went missing.
Internet Sleuths and Official Investigation
In a surprising turn of events, Kohberger’s parents were recently subpoenaed by a grand jury investigating Smithers’ case.
This development occurred after the Smithers’ family notified the police of a potential connection between Kohberger and Dana’s disappearance, a possibility brought to their attention by online detectives.
Despite this, the Stroud Area Regional Police Department confirmed they have no evidence tying Dana Smithers’ disappearance to Bryan Kohberger.
Anne’s insistence on the lack of connection between Kohberger and her sister’s case supports the police department’s statement.
Family’s Hope for Justice and Community’s Support
Stacey Anne took to her Facebook page, ‘Finding Dana,’ on January 2, expressing gratitude for those who reached out about the possibility of a connection between the Idaho suspect and her sister’s disappearance.
Despite her belief in Kohberger’s non-involvement, she urges everyone to continue seeking justice for her sister.
CNN first broke the news, stating that the mother of the accused murderer has already given evidence to the grand jury, and his father is set to testify soon.
This evidence could potentially be shared with Idaho prosecutors if deemed relevant.
A Brief Account of Dana Smithers’ Final Days
Dana Smithers, mother of three, had attended a festival in Stroudsburg with her youngest daughter and the child’s father on the day of her disappearance.
Although Smithers was no longer romantically involved with the father, they maintained an amicable relationship.
Later in the evening, Smithers visited a friend and neighbor, Tara Cioni, who noticed that something seemed to be bothering Smithers.
Dana, who had a history of substance abuse, was last seen around 11 pm on Cioni’s Ring camera footage.
Smithers was reported missing a few days later, a distressing occurrence since her family asserted she would never voluntarily stay away from her youngest daughter for an extended period.
Her cellphone, wallet, and daily medications were later found at her home. The cause of her death remains undetermined.
The Idaho Murder Case
Meanwhile, Bryan Kohberger, a 28-year-old criminology major, has been charged with the gruesome murders of University of Idaho students Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin in November of the previous year.
Kohberger, initially expected to plead not guilty, opted for Idaho’s ‘standing silent’ plea, essentially not pleading either way but remaining eligible for trial.
Despite Anne’s insistence on the lack of connection, the tragic circumstances surrounding Dana Smithers’ disappearance and eventual death have led to public speculation about a possible link to Kohberger, mainly due to the proximity of the areas involved.
This speculation, although understandable, reiterates the importance of proper investigations and respectful speculation in these grave matters.
