A mother and three daughters vanish from their Tennessee home. What initially appears to be a missing persons case quickly evolves into a multi-state homicide investigation and one of the most intense manhunts in recent memory. In this episode of Chasing Evil, host Christopher Godsick sits down with the law enforcement officers who helped bring the Adam Mayes case to its dramatic conclusion, including members of the U.S. Marshals Service, Union County Sheriff's Office, and Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. As investigators uncover evidence of a disturbing obsession, discover the bodies of Jo Ann Bain and her daughter, and race against time to locate two missing girls, a massive search effort unfolds across Tennessee and Mississippi. Hear firsthand how investigators pieced together the clues, navigated interagency challenges, and ultimately located Adam Mayes and the surviving children deep in the Mississippi woods. Show NotesEpisode SummaryIn April 2012, Jo Ann Bain and her three daughters disappeared from their home in Hardeman County, Tennessee. Suspicion quickly focused on family acquaintance Adam Mayes, but investigators initially lacked enough evidence to charge him with the abduction. As the investigation intensified, law enforcement uncovered evidence of a carefully planned kidnapping, disturbing allegations involving the children, and ultimately a murder scene that transformed the case into a nationwide manhunt. This episode features firsthand accounts from the officers who worked the case, including retired U.S. Marshals, Union County investigators, and members of Mississippi's Special Response Team. They describe the search for Mayes, the discovery of the victims, the interagency effort to find the two surviving girls, and the final confrontation that brought the case to an end. Featured GuestsJimmy Edwards – Sheriff, Union County, MississippiGail Manning – Retired Senior Inspector, U.S. Marshals ServiceBaron Baker – Chief Deputy, Union County Sheriff's OfficeLt. Mike Vowell – Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Special Response TeamShane Brown – Retired Team Leader, U.S. Marshals Service In This EpisodeThe disappearance of Jo Ann Bain and her daughtersAdam Mayes becomes the primary suspectEvidence of long-term planning and deceptionDiscovery of homicide victims in MississippiThe launch of a multi-agency fugitive manhuntThe role of the U.S. Marshals ServiceSearch operations in the Mississippi wildernessThe rescue of two surviving childrenThe emotional impact on investigators and the communityReflections from the officers who brought the case to a close Key Agencies InvolvedU.S. Marshals ServiceUnion County Sheriff's OfficeTennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and ParksMississippi Highway Patrol Follow Chasing EvilIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the podcast with friends and family. Your support helps us continue bringing you firsthand stories from the law enforcement officers and investigators who pursue justice for victims and their families. Chasing Evil is produced with the cooperation of the U.S. Marshals Service. Opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Marshals Service.
