New Book Reignites Hope for Answers in Lauren Spierer Case

Thirteen long years have passed since Lauren Spierer, a bright and bubbly college student, vanished into the night. It was June third, two thousand eleven, when the Indiana University sophomore was last seen by friends after a night out in Bloomington. The case, shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions, has haunted her family, captivated the nation, and left investigators grappling for a breakthrough.

Now, on the somber anniversary of her disappearance, investigative journalist Shawn Cohen injects a much-needed dose of hope into the case with his new book, “College Girl Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight.” Cohen, known for his dogged determination and meticulous research, digs deep into the case, unearthing never-before-seen details and casting a harsh light on the investigation’s shortcomings.

What sets this book apart is Cohen’s unprecedented access. The Spierer family, desperate for answers and closure, granted him access to their personal files, including investigative materials never before shared publicly. This treasure trove of information forms the bedrock of Cohen’s book, allowing him to piece together a more complete picture of Lauren’s final hours and expose inconsistencies that have long fueled speculation and frustration.

Unveiling the Truth: Cohen’s Deep Dive

Cohen’s connection to the case isn’t new. He initially covered the story for Spierer’s hometown newspaper in New York, experiencing the family’s raw grief and unwavering determination firsthand. This early involvement sparked a fire in him, a relentless pursuit of justice for Lauren that has culminated in this explosive book.

Poring over countless documents and investigative files, Cohen uncovers conflicting details about the morning Lauren vanished. His focus sharpens on the last known moments and individuals with Spierer, particularly Corey Rossman, the last person known to have seen her.

The Enigma of Corey Rossman and a Mysterious Phone Call

Rossman, a fellow student at Indiana University, initially told police he had walked Lauren back to her apartment complex before parting ways. However, inconsistencies in his story and a mysterious phone call he made while Lauren was visibly struggling to walk raised red flags for Cohen. Who was Rossman talking to at that crucial hour, and what did they know?

Through meticulous investigation, Cohen identifies the recipient of the call as Brooke Bowens, a young woman from Massachusetts. His interviews with Bowens and, even more intriguingly, her mother, unearth a potential connection to the FBI and hint at a possible cover-up. These revelations, ripe with intrigue and unanswered questions, form a compelling thread in Cohen’s narrative, adding another layer of complexity to the already tangled case.

Rossman, for his part, has maintained his innocence, claiming memory loss about that fateful night and the phone call. Yet, Cohen’s relentless pursuit of the truth casts a long shadow of doubt, leaving readers to ponder the extent of Rossman’s knowledge and the role he might have played in Lauren’s disappearance.

A Botched Investigation? Scrutinizing the Bloomington Police

Cohen doesn’t shy away from pointing fingers. Throughout the book, he levels scathing criticism at the Bloomington Police Department, questioning their handling of the investigation. From the outset, Cohen argues, the police failed to act with the necessary urgency and transparency. Precious time was lost, crucial evidence potentially compromised, as investigators seemed to underestimate the gravity of Lauren’s disappearance.

The book highlights the police’s failure to secure crucial information from key individuals before they lawyered up, further hindering the investigation’s progress. This lack of aggression and strategic foresight, Cohen posits, allowed opportunities to slip through the cracks, leaving the case shrouded in uncertainty and fueling the Spierer family’s frustration and distrust.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Spierer Family

Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, “College Girl Missing” offers a glimmer of hope for the Spierer family. Armed with previously unknown information unearthed by Cohen’s investigation, they are reignited with a renewed sense of purpose. In a statement released alongside the book’s publication, the Spierers express their profound gratitude to Cohen for breathing new life into Lauren’s case and keeping her memory alive in the public consciousness.

While the pain of their loss remains palpable, the family clings to the hope that Cohen’s book will finally shake loose the answers they so desperately crave. The knowledge that someone is still fighting for Lauren, tirelessly piecing together the puzzle of her disappearance, provides a much-needed source of strength and solace.

Cohen’s Unwavering Belief: Lauren’s Story Isn’t Over

Cohen’s motivation for writing “College Girl Missing” extends far beyond journalistic curiosity. It stems from a deep-seated belief that Lauren’s story isn’t over, that the truth, however elusive, is out there waiting to be uncovered. He emphasizes that Lauren didn’t just vanish into thin air; someone, somewhere, knows what happened to her that night.

Throughout the book, Cohen issues a heartfelt plea to anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to come forward. He reminds readers that even the smallest detail could be the missing piece of the puzzle, the key to unlocking the mystery and bringing closure to a grieving family.

Keeping Lauren’s Memory Alive: A Collective Pursuit of Justice

Cohen’s “College Girl Missing” serves as a stark reminder that Lauren Spierer’s case is far from cold. His meticulous investigation, coupled with the Spierer family’s unwavering determination, ensures that her story remains alive in the public eye, fueling hope that one day, justice will be served.

As the thirteenth anniversary of Lauren’s disappearance passes, “College Girl Missing” stands as a testament to the power of investigative journalism and the enduring strength of a family’s love. If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Lauren Spierer, please contact the Bloomington Police Department at (812) 339-4477 or the Indiana State Police at (800) 552-0976.