Release Date: July 18, 2025
Host: Amanda Morgan
Podcast: New York’s Dark Side
Location: Saratoga Springs, New York

Episode Summary:

On April 29, 1986, 13-year-old Tammie Anne McCormick of Saratoga Springs, New York, vanished without a trace. Despite decades of investigation, leads, rumors, and persons of interest, her case remains unsolved.

In this episode, Amanda unpacks the chilling mystery surrounding Tammie's disappearance. From that fateful morning in 1986 to modern theories and forensic searches, we explore what happened to this bright, spirited young girl—and the many unanswered questions still haunting those who knew and loved her.

🔍 What We Cover in This Episode

• Tammie’s background and life in Saratoga Springs

• The morning she disappeared—and what her family remembers

• Conflicting stories from friends and witnesses

• Alleged plans to run away to Florida

• The chilling connections to corrections officer Arthur Mason Slaybaugh

• The role of known predator Lewis Lent Jr.

• The Reddit theory that potentially linked Tammie to the 2021 “Rails to Trails Jane Doe” and the update to that case.

• The latest investigative efforts in the search for Tammie and why this case still matters

🧩 Key Facts About Tammie Anne McCormick

• Age at Disappearance: 13

• Current Age: 39

• Date Missing: April 29, 1986

• Location: Geyser Crest neighborhood, Saratoga Springs, NY

• Height/Weight: Approx. 5'3", 105 lbs

• Hair: Long, light brown

• Eyes: Hazel

• Distinguishing Marks: Homemade tattoo or scar of initials TAM on upper left arm

• Clothing:

  • Denim jacket

  • Yellow striped shirt

  • Black corduroy pants (worn)

  • Beige boots

  • Shoulder bag

• Other: Ears pierced

📞 Do You Have Information?

If you or someone you know has any information about the disappearance of Tammie Anne McCormick, please contact:

Saratoga Springs Police Department
📞 518-584-1800

Even the smallest tip could help bring answers to Tammie’s family.

Dhammi, S. (2022, September 27). Saratoga Springs mom still has no closure in daughter’s 1986 disappearance. Retrieved from News Channel 13: https://wnyt.com/top-stories/saratoga-springs-mom-still-has-no-closure-in-daughters-1986-disappearance/

Gullo, J. (2017, November 7). Police say search connected to 1986 missing person's case turned up empty .Retrieved from News 10: https://www.news10.com/news/police-say-search-connected-to-1986-missing-persons-case-turned-up-empty/

Hornbeck, L. (2022, February 15). New twists in hung for Tammie. Retrieved from Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/local/article/New-twists-in-hunt-for-Tammie-1014236.php

Joly, A. (2025, February 13). Man arrested in cold case now accused of murdering girlfriend. Retrieved from WIVB: https://www.wivb.com/news/crime/man-arrested-in-cold-case-now-accused-of-murdering-girlfriend/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwY2xjawLR9_xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFwTUVWQUEzcnlCZDJOZjFqAR5YdK_onMVrA6rHYU2mimfT82Q

Kk6nj. (2023, August 21). r/gratefuldoe Tammie McCormick. Retrieved from Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/gratefuldoe/comments/15xf6z7/tammie_mccormick/

Kovar, H. (2017, November 8). Police wrap excavations in Fulton Co. in '86 cold case. Retrieved from CBS 6 Albany: https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/police-wrap-excavations-in-fulton-co-in-86-cold-case

Masters, E. (2017, November 8). Police digging in Fulton Co. for Tammie McCormick's remains. Retrieved from Times Union: https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Police-digging-in-Mayfield-in-connection-to-12339238.php

Mills, S. (2023, August 18). 'I think he knows exactly where she is' - Authorities continue to press Sara Anne Wood's killer for information in bid to give family some closure. Retrieved from Rome Sentinel: https://www.romesentinel.com/news/sara-anne-wood-lewis-lent-herkimer-county-case/article_c10d0042-3c45-11ee-9a4d-b33fb47f50b4.html

Schmidt, J. (2020, April 29). Saratoga Springs Girl Still Missing 34 years Later. Retrieved from Patch: https://patch.com/new-york/new-york-city/saratoga-springs-girl-still-missing-34-years-later

WNYT News Channel 13. (2020, July 14). Tammie McCormick. Retrieved from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXwMbDE8QdI