Back in the Summer of '89 Artwork

Back in the Summer of '89

In June 1989, 18 year old Melissa Koontz disappeared on her drive home through rural central Illinois. Her abandoned car was found along a country road. A week later, her body was discovered in a nearby cornfield. Two men are serving life sentences for her murder.

Decades later, questions still remain.


Back in the Summer of '89 is an independent documentary podcast examining the Melissa Koontz case through original records, timelines, witness statements, investigative reports, and historical context.


Hosted by Nicole Riley.

Back in the Summer of '89