New Columbia, PA graces the eastern precinct of Union County, a petite enclave known intimately as "Newky" to its inhabitants. A locale where familiarity weaves a tapestry, an assertion that crumbled on the morning of October 12, 1986. The tranquility believed to reside within the less-than-a-thousand populace was shattered, leaving residents to question the safety of their haven and their understanding of neighbors.
In that bygone year, Deb Wise, a resident of New Columbia, shared her dwelling with her two progenies. Co-residing at the abode on Second Street was Alberta Sones, a fellow parent with two children. The preceding day unfolded in customary fashion for the roommates, orchestrating the bedtime ritual for their four children. David and Samantha, aged four and two, found repose on the second-floor bedroom, joined by Deb's four-year-old daughter, Niia. Meanwhile, Corey, a two-year-old cherub, slumbered in Deb's front bedroom on the same floor.
Around 11 p.m., Deb verified the children's somnolent state, finding them undisturbed. Subsequently, settling in front of the television with Alberta, a sudden craving for pizza gripped them around midnight. With no late-night establishments in New Columbia, Deb opted to traverse to Milton, the neighboring township with a convenience store. Her intent was to remain vigilant in case the children stirred from their slumber.
The nocturnal temperature, earlier hovering around 50 degrees, plummeted below freezing during Deb's brief sojourn. Returning by 12:40 a.m., she was disconcerted to discover the front door ajar. Absence of nocturnal gusts precluded any wind-induced intrusion. Alberta, engrossed in televised entertainment, seemed oblivious to the open door. Her recounting affirmed an absence of audible indications that would suggest the children's wakefulness. Ascending to inspect, Deb discovered Corey's absence, a baffling occurrence that neither disturbed the other children nor aroused Alberta's awareness.
At 1:10 a.m., recognizing Corey's absence, Deb promptly summoned the police. Due to Corey's tender age, law enforcement swiftly mobilized. Initially entertaining the notion of Corey venturing solo, skepticism arose given the brief 30-minute interim. It was apparent Corey hadn't strayed far. Over 30 officers and volunteer firefighters commenced an extensive search, cognizant of the dire cold and Corey's scantily clad state. Canine units, regrettably, failed to trace Corey's scent.
Proximity to the Susquehanna River sparked concern, prompting searches along the riverbank. Absence of tracks or signs discounted a waterborne mishap. An expansion of the search ensued as Corey remained elusive. By 5 a.m., the town united, shock resonating through New Columbia. Media inquiries ensued but garnered no responses from Deb or Alberta.
With Corey's likely abduction crystallizing, investigative efforts intensified. Probing Corey's familial background was paramount. Born to Joyce and James Edkin, Corey's parents' amicable post-divorce relationship ruled out James as a suspect. Deb's alibi, validated by store surveillance, exonerated her. The focus shifted to Alberta, the sole adult present during Corey's disappearance.
Alberta's narrative mirrored Deb's, but skepticism prompted a polygraph request, to which she consented. Surprisingly, she passed, mirroring the confusion permeating the investigation. A truck driver's unverified sighting and ransom calls compounded the mystery. Tracers on Debbie's phone failed to unveil the caller's identity. Corey's fate remained elusive over 30 years, sparking myriad theories but yielding no closure.
The conjecture of familial involvement waned as polygraph results and witness accounts collided. Alberta's credibility and the alleged ransom calls lingered as perplexities. In 2015, renewed optimism emerged from the Pennsylvania State Police, hinting at familial involvement. Despite forensic advancements, the case endures, beckoning for information, buoyed by a $10,000 reward.
Corey James Edkin, forever etched at two years old with light blonde hair and blue eyes, remains an enigma. If you possess insights, contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Milton at 570-524-2662.
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