MISSING: Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr.
At a busy campsite one summer night, Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr. says goodnight and zips up his tent. By sunrise, he’s gone. No Bubba. Just a borrowed flashlight, a phone that pings but is never found, and stories that don’t make much sense. Did Bubba wander off…or did something more sinister happen in the dark?
Listen in the Crime Junkie Fan Club
Crime Junkie Fan Club members get access to exclusive episodes and content. Join today to listen to this episode and many more!
Listened to this episode? Let us know what you think here.
Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr.
Credit: Arizona Motor Vehicle Division
A photo of Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr. on the camping trip.
Courtesy: Michaelyn Memoli
The last photo of Bubba taken on the camping trip with Allie and Ernie.
Courtesy: Jayna Johnson
Bubba with one of his grandchildren.
Courtesy: Jayna Johnson
Bubba with one of his grandchildren.
Courtesy: Jayna Johnson
A segment of a map showing Conchas Lake State Park with the location of the campsite marked by an X.
Credit: New Mexico State Police
A missing persons flyer for Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr.
Timeline
Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr., 67, travels from Phoenix, Arizona, to Conchas Lake State Park in New Mexico to attend a birthday camping trip.
Between 11 p.m. and 12 a.m.: Alejandra “Allie” Diaz checks on Bubba in his tent and he says he is fine and is going to sleep.
12:30am
Bubba is seen at a nearby campsite borrowing a flashlight and walking along the lake shoreline before heading back toward his own camp.
7:00am
Bubba is discovered missing from the campsite. He left his bag behind, but his wallet and phone are gone with him.
12:28pm
New Mexico State Police respond to the missing person report at Conchas Lake State Park.
2:23pm
Bubba’s phone records show a final ping near the campsite. The phone is never recovered.
Around 2:00am
Bubba’s son, Darrel Johnson Jr., arrives at the campsite after driving overnight from Phoenix and says he doesn’t see the camping group.
Conchas Lake State Park
The location of the camping trip and the last confirmed sighting of Bubba.
Please contact the authorities if you have any information about this case:
New Mexico State Police
If you know anything about the disappearance of Darrel “Bubba” Johnson Sr., please call the New Mexico State Police dispatch at 505-841-9256.
Suggested Episodes
MURDERED: Mary Yoder Part 2
In July 2015, Mary Yoder, a healthy 60-year-old chiropractor, went to work as usual. Later that day, she began feeling sick. Within 48 hours, she was dead.
At first, her sudden decline seemed like a medical mystery. But investigators soon uncovered evidence of poisoning, launching a murder investigation that divided her family and the community.
MURDERED: Mary Yoder
In the summer of 2015, Mary Yoder, a healthy 60-year-old chiropractor, went to work as usual. Later that day, she began feeling sick. Within two days, she was dead. At first, her sudden decline seemed like a medical mystery. But investigators soon uncovered evidence of poisoning, launching a murder investigation that divided her family and the community.
MURDERED: Helen Sebastian
In February 1983, 52-year-old Helen Sebastian puts a roast in the oven and walks out the door, and that’s the last time anyone in her family ever sees her.
Join our Fan Club to listen to this episode and more!
Unlock all of the exclusive benefits and dynamic listening experience as a Crime Junkie Fan Club member.
Join the Fan Club now to reap the rewards!
