Strangest Disappearances: Disturbing Trail Left Behind, Mad Ruler of Egypt & More

The “Mad Caliph” of Egypt was known for his cruelty, but also his eccentricity. Did Al-Hakim’s disappearance mark the first bad fortune of Friday the 13th? Joan Risch vanished in 1961, leaving behind a trail of blood, a crying baby, and a mystery. Did she fake her own death, start a new life, or get abducted?

From famous disappearances to the weirdest ones you’ve never heard before, this Edge of Wonder episode collected the surprising stories of strange disappearances in history. In this episode: the “Nero of Egypt,” Al-Hakim; missing college student Brian Shaffer; suburban mom Joan Risch, Hitler’s escape to Argentina; and the lost colony of Roanoke.