On November 25, 2016, just after 3:00 a.m. in Benson, North Carolina, 22-year-old Christopher “Cole” Thomas was reported missing by two coworkers. Their story is that he panicked, pulled over, jumped out of the car… and disappeared into the night .But that story kept changing. In this episode, Ashley Flowers and Brit Prawat break down a case where the only witnesses may also be the ones hiding the truth. They explore,  Cole Thomas’ last known movements between Mount Olive and Benson, North Carolina on November 24–25, 2016 the shifting accounts from Julian Valles Jr. and Jeremy Carpenter, the surveillance footage that proves Cole was not alone when he left the vehicle, the drug deal that may have set everything in motion, and the phone data that suggests Cole didn’t disappear where everyone said he did. Investigators uncovered evidence that Cole’s phone was left behind, then later moved, connections to additional individuals, including Rudolfo “Rudy” DeLeon Jr. and Anthony “TJ” James Jr., testimony suggesting Cole may have been taken from the area, and a pattern of incomplete stories, contradictions, and withheld information. Despite arrests for obstruction and concealment…no one has ever been charged in connection with Cole Thomas’ disappearance. And his family is still searching for answers. If you know something, you can contact the Benson Police Department at 919-894-2091 or at info@bensonpd.org or you can call the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation at 919-779-8188. -------- Follow Crime Junkie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crimejunkiepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CrimeJunkiePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/CrimeJunkiePod Crime Junkie is created and hosted by Ashley Flowers. About Ashley Flowers Ashley Flowers is the top female podcaster in the U.S. and the host of Crime Junkie, the #1 podcast among women and the #1 true crime podcast globally. As the Founder of Audiochuck, she has built a top-tier podcast production company that has garnered over 2.6 billion downloads, captivating audiences with its gripping storytelling through 10+ chart topping podcasts. Ashley and her team are dedicated to creating responsible true crime content that respects victims and their families. Follow Ashley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ASHLEYFLOWERS/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ash_flowers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleyflowerscrimejunkie Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleyflowers.af/ Check out these other great crime channels: @annieelise Still Missing at Sea, 48 Stab Wounds & Family Annihilation Plot https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmigMs0toIk @KendallRae Craiglist, Cyberstalking & Catfishing: The Story Of Michelle Hadley https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDkIhnTpkCM @bellafiori The Case of Russell Stager https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C0LoFOvK358 @48hours Justice Prevails | "48 Hours" Full Episodes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpGy29QYIkQ