He Walked Into the Desert. She Left Her Apartment. Neither Were Seen Again: The Disappearances of Catherine Hammel and Christopher Saunders Artwork

Box in the Basement

"Box in the Basement" is a compelling new podcast created by Arlene, a woman whose life was forever changed by a family tragedy. The unsolved murder of her Uncle Leon Laurales serves as the catalyst for this investigative series. Disturbed by the lackluster investigation and the mystery that still surrounds his case, Arlene dives deep into the details of her uncle's story, uncovering the many problems that plagued the investigation. Her journey doesn't stop there, as she expands her focus to other unsolved cases in Central Texas. Each episode of "Box in the Basement" promises to shed light on the overlooked and forgotten mysteries in her local community, hoping to find answers and justice for those who have been silenced.

All Episodes

Box in the Basement

He Walked Into the Desert. She Left Her Apartment. Neither Were Seen Again: The Disappearances of Catherine Hammel and Christopher Saunders

April 02, 2025 • Episode 63

Two Texans. Two timelines. Two lives vanished without a trace.

In 2017, Chris Sanders walked away from his RV in Monahans, Texas, into thin air. With no ID, phone, or confirmed sightings, the 40-year-old father disappeared. Despite public appeals and tireless efforts from his family, Chris remains missing, his case as dry and vast as the West Texas land he left behind.

Now rewind to 1998—Catherine Hammel, just 25 years old, was last seen at a Houston apartment complex. A mother, a daughter, a young woman full of life—gone. Her car was later found abandoned. No witnesses. No clues. And, like Chris, no trace.

What happened to Chris and Catherine? Did they leave on their own? Were they silenced by someone they trusted—or a stranger passing through?

Join Leah and Arlene as they examine timelines, clues, and suspects, and seek your help finding these two missing Texans.

Show Notes:

Missing Pieces: What Happened to Catherine Hammel?

Catherine Hammel – The Charley Project

Vernon Mom Haunted by Daughter's Disappearance

Mom Prays for Daughter Who Vanished in Houston

10 Women Still Unaccounted for from the '90s

Mother Keeps Case of Missing Daughter Alive

Disappearance of Catherine Hammel

Catherine Hammel – The Doe Network

Christopher Lynn Sanders – The Charley Project