In August 2015, Rebecca Thompson discovered a grim reminder buried in her backyard—a corroded tin box containing a note and Ashley Crawford’s gold butterfly pendant. Ashley, her goddaughter, had vanished from their neighborhood in 1999 while simply retrieving mail. The note, written in Ashley’s handwriting, implicated Dr. Harold Brennan, the trusted local physician, urging investigators to look into the clinic basement.
The police reopened the cold case, uncovering suspicious clinic basement modifications, faint “HELP” messages, and strange patient visits that coincided with multiple disappearances. Brennan was revealed as a serial killer involved in horrifying acts masked as medical research, linked to at least 27 missing women over decades.
After Brennan’s arrest and dramatic escape attempt, he was killed during a rescue mission for another hostage victim. Brennan’s crimes led to reforms in medical oversight and the closure of his clinic. To honor Ashley and other victims, a memorial park and foundation were established, ensuring their bravery and suffering sparked justice and awareness.
