Nestled in the heart of the Maine wilderness, just shy of the Canadian frontier, the Damron family has carved out a unique life for themselves on a sprawling 20-acre plot. Their home is a yurt, a circular tent-like structure that serves as the center of their rustic homestead.

The Damrons, a family of eight, are led by Dale and Lisa, who along with their five children share this unconventional lifestyle with 80-year-old Richard Turgeon. Although not related by blood, Turgeon has become an integral part of the family, affectionately known as “Grandpa” to the children.

For two rugged winters, the family lived in the yurt without modern conveniences such as running water or indoor plumbing, relying on a generator for electricity. Eventually, Dale and Lisa, along with their youngest children, moved into a nearby trailer provided by a friend, Andrew Losiewicz. This trailer stands a mile up the driveway from the yurt, where 13-year-old Stefanie and her 18-year-old sister, Star, continue to reside with Grandpa Richard.

Tensions flared one day over chores at the yurt, leading to a heated argument. Stefanie, needing to clear her mind, sought solace in the woods, a familiar retreat for her. Her knowledge of the forest was profound, akin to knowing every line on her own hand.

Meanwhile, Dale and Lisa were in town attending a job interview when they received a call from Star. She informed them about the altercation and Stefanie’s subsequent walk into the woods. It was 3 p.m., and the Damrons initially believed Stefanie would return soon.

However, as dusk descended and there was still no sign of Stefanie, their concern grew. With mounting worry, the Damrons ventured into the woods, calling out into the growing darkness in hopes of finding their daughter.

When Stefanie hasn’t returned the next morning, the Damron report her missing to the Maine State Police, and organized searches begin.

Investigators conduct a neighborhood canvas and video search, K9 teams and volunteers conduct grid searches over the Damrons’ property for days, and the FBI’s Child Abduction Rapid Deployment—or CARD team is brought in to look for Stefanie’s activity online.

Stefanie’s Father, Dale Damron, says he didn’t think Stefanie could get online and wasn’t aware the flip phone they got for “grandpa” Richard Turgeon could access the internet.

A quick check of the phone and the FBI realizes Stefanie could have been using the flip phone to get online.

Joining Nancy Grace:

Additional Guests

• Franz Borghardt – Criminal Defense Attorney, Founder of Borghardt Law Firm, Former Prosecutor, and Adjunct Professor at Louisiana State University, Teaching Criminal Litigation; Instagram and Facebook: BorghardtLawFirm,
• Christie Rand – Volunteer Searcher for Stefanie Damron
• Chris Carson Sr.  – Neighbor of Stefanie Damron Family

“Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” on Fox Nation is also a national radio show on SiriusXM channel 111, airing for two hours daily starting at 12 p.m. EST. You can also subscribe and download the daily podcasts at iHeart Podcasts.

[Feature Photo: Stephanie Damron/Handout]