The Death Valley Germans

In 1996, four German tourists, two adults, and two children disappeared in California's Death Valley. Investigators found a rented minivan with three flat tires but no sign of anyone. The rented car was quickly traced to German tourist 34-year-old Egbert Rikmus. Traveling with Egbert was his 11-year-old son Georg, his 28-year-old girlfriend Cornelia, and Cornelia's four-year-old son Max. Investigators worked hard to search for the four tourists and to track their movements in the United States. But, they were unable to find the group. Join Mike and Morf as they discuss the mysteries surrounding the disappearance of the group that became known as the Death Valley Germans. Many years went passed without any luck in finding the tourists. But, one man, Tom Mahood, was fascinated with the case and just couldn't let it go. He worked tirelessly on his own investigation and some of his theories proved to be correct when Egbert's remains were finally identified in 2010. But, there are still a number of mysteries that remain in this case. What exactly happened to four tourists trying to have an idyllic vacation in the United States? You can help support the show at patreon.com/criminology An Emash Digital production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices