MISSING: Michelle Eason – Part 2
When the bodies of eight missing sex workers are found in the home of a serial killer in Poughkeepsie, New York, one woman is noticeably absent: Michelle Eason. Decades after closing the case against Kendall Francois, police are still looking for Michelle – and they think there’s a good chance someone else may be responsible for her disappearance.
For our friends in the Deaf and Signing community, you can view an ASL version of this episode.
The eight women found in Kendall Francois’ home, from top left, in order they were reported missing: Wendy Meyers, Gina Barone, Kathleen Hurley, Catherine Marsh, Mary Healey Giaccone, Sandra French and Catina Newmaster. Audrey Pugliese – no photo available
Photo Source: City of Poughkeepsie Police Department (collage by audiochuck staff)
Michelle Eason in 1998
Photo Source: City of Poughkeepsie Police Department
Page 1 of a letter police found in Kendall Francois’ house addressed to a woman named Michelle
Photo Source: Records request, City of Poughkeepsie Police Department
A billboard police put up for Michelle Eason in the City of Poughkeepsie
Photo Source: City of Poughkeepsie Police Department
Kendall Francois in February 2014, about seven months before his death
Photo Source: New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision
Please contact the authorities If you have any information about the following:
If you have any information about Michelle Eason, call the City of Poughkeepsie Police at 845-451-7577.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233); for TTY: 1-800-787-3224
Text “START” to 88788
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
We’d love to speak with you and see how we can support.
If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:
Episode Source Material
- Original reporting by Nina Schutzman
- Michelle Eason case files from City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, Audiochuck staff public records request
- South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division records
- Poughkeepsie Journal: Suspected killer indicted, by Larry Fisher-Hertz
- Poughkeepsie Journal: Serial killer Kendall Francois dies in prison; victims’ families react to death, by John Ferro
- Poughkeepsie Journal: Francois letters: Inside the mind of a remorseless killer, by John Ferro
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