The hollow tap that toppled a nineteen‑year alibi

A utility lineman taps a seawall in Caldwell Cove and hears a hollow knock - how did that hollow tap expose her story? The hollow tap that toppled a nineteen‑year alibi In this episode, we follow the discovery in a tidal seawall that reopened a long‑closed missing‑person case. The episode covers the scene at Pier Four, the sealed bowling bag with a monogram, the original investigation’s assumptions, and the questions that kept Heather Smith’s sister searching for answers. Person: Heather Smith Date: September 4, 2022 (seawall tapped); last seen September 10, 2003 Location: Pier Four, Caldwell Cove harbor, Maine Status: Missing since 2003; remains found in seawall cavity in 2022 Investigator: Gary Lawson (retired Maine State Police cold‑case detective, took case pro bono) - Kevin Meyer, a utility lineman, tapped the seawall with an inspection mallet and heard a hollow sound that prompted further inspection. - Tom Greer, the harbormaster, and his crew cut into the seawall the same afternoon and found a perfectly sealed cavity. - Inside the cavity: bones identified as Heather Smith and a dry blue‑green plaid bowling bag with a monogrammed zipper reading "H.S." - Original 2003-2004 investigation ruled accidental drowning despite no body, no witnesses, no verified route from the bowling alley, and Heather’s car left in the parking lot overnight. - Diane Smith, Heather’s sister, pushed police for years and identified the bag in 2022; retired detective Gary Lawson reopened the file and noted critical gaps the original detectives never asked. To listen to this podcast ad-free and access premium episodes, try our subscription with a 14-day free trial at obomedia.com. © 2026 OBOMEDIA. All rights reserved. This episode and its content (audio, text, and related materials) are the exclusive property of OBOMEDIA and are protected by applicable copyright laws. Reproduction, distribution, editing, or commercial use, in whole or in part, without prior written permission from OBOMEDIA is prohibited. For permissions, licensing, and business inquiries: [email protected].