Ep 8. Memory Lane

Memory Lane is the eighth episode of season four of the TV series Disappeared. In this episode, the viewers follow the case of Donna Kay Cloud, a 19-year old girl from Denison, Texas, who disappeared on September 12th, 1986.

Donna Kay Cloud was known by her family and friends as a happy and bubbly young woman who had everything going for her. But one day, she vanished without a trace, leaving everyone who knew her to wonder what had happened.

The episode starts by introducing Donna's family, who recall how she was a very loving and outgoing girl. Her mother, Glenda Swinney, vividly remembers the day Donna went missing and talks about how it changed her life forever. Donna's brother, Tim, also shares his memories of his sister and mentions how close they were.

The police investigation into Donna's disappearance started immediately after she was reported missing, but the case quickly went cold. However, her family never gave up hope, and they continued to search for her for more than three decades.

The episode showcases how Donna's family and friends kept her memory alive by holding rallies and vigils in her honor over the years. They even created a Facebook page to keep her story alive and to gather information from the public.

As the years went by, Donna's case was no longer in the spotlight, and it seemed like it would never get solved. However, in 2016, a break in the case brought a glimmer of hope to Donna's family. The Grayson County Sheriff's Office received a tip about a possible suspect in Donna's disappearance.

The police arrested Donald Bess, a man who had a criminal record and lived only a few miles away from where Donna was last seen. Bess, who was in his 60s at the time of his arrest, was charged with capital murder, and his trial was set for 2019.

The episode covers the trial and how Donna's family and friends gathered every day to hear the testimonies and to get justice for Donna. The trial was emotional, with witnesses recalling how Donna was seen with Bess on the night she disappeared. The prosecutors also presented a DNA match, which was found on a hairbrush along with the victim's DNA.

The episode then transitions to the end of the trial and the verdict, which will bring closure to Donna's loved ones' decades-long search for justice. The verdict is announced, and the family's reaction is captured on camera. This section of the episode is emotionally charged, as everyone from the family to law enforcement is overwhelmed with emotions.

The episode ends with Donna's brother, Tim, talking about how the verdict was a significant moment for his family and how it finally provides closure. The episode pays homage to Donna's vibrant spirit and how her disappearance touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Overall, Memory Lane is an emotional and heart-wrenching episode that highlights the impact a person can have even after they're gone. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Donna's family and friends to never give up hope in their quest for justice.