The disappearance of Indiana University student Lauren Spierer in 2011 remains unsolved, captivating national attention. Security footage captured her last-known moments. A new book titled "College Girl Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight" by journalist Shawn Cohen sheds light on the case, sharing findings and interviews with key figures. Cohen was granted access to private investigative files.

The 20-year-old was spending an evening socializing with friends in Bloomington, where security cameras recorded her final footage before she vanished.

New Evidence and Interviews

In his book, Cohen unveils previously undisclosed evidence and fresh interviews with key individuals linked to the case. He highlights inconsistencies in statements from persons of interest and private investigators, revealing their evolving narratives. Cohen gained access to Spierer's case files, meticulously reviewing thousands of pages and re-interviewing witnesses. Among them were individuals present on the night of Spierer's disappearance, such as Jason Rosenbaum and Corey Rossman.

Cohen discussed a previously unreported 3 a.m. phone call made by Rossman, which surveillance footage corroborates. He traced the call to a young woman named Brooke Bowens and her family, shedding light on Rossman's actions and potential involvement.

Cohen delves into details in his book regarding a conversation between 21-year-old Rossman and 17-year-old Bowens, revealing that both claimed to have no recollection of the discussion. However, Bowens' mother later disclosed that Bowens had previously mentioned that Corey had advised her to avoid discussing the case due to the potential FBI monitoring of her phone calls.

READ ALSO: Defense Attorneys for Grief Book Author Accused of Killing Husband Seek Withdrawal From Case

Police Investigation Inadequacies

The book casts skepticism on the Bloomington police investigation, especially regarding how they conducted interviews with the young men who were with Spierer when she vanished. Cohen implies that the police did not interrogate these individuals assertively enough. Despite the passage of 13 years, no evidence indicated Spierer left the townhouses alive.

In an interview with WTIU, Cohen explained that the police have been reticent to share details, and crucial players have remained silent due to legal counsel, hindering progress. He highlighted dissatisfaction within the Bloomington Police Department regarding their initial efforts. Private investigators, arriving later, encountered witnesses who claimed the police never contacted them.

Cohen shared that he traveled extensively as part of his investigative efforts to uncover more information and perspectives. He returned to Indiana to interview former officers and investigators. He went to Colorado to speak with Jesse Wolff, Spierer'sboyfriend at the time. Additionally, Cohen visited Massachusetts to meet with individuals linked to Rossman.

A Quest for Answers

Cohen engaged with Hoosiers during book-signing events in Bloomington and Carmel, where attendees like Kayla Horne expressed hope for progress in the case. Cohen aimed for his book to spur action and shares his extensive efforts to offer insights, including interviewing Spierer's roommates and friends.

While inconclusive, the book is a compassionate step forward for the Spierer family. He also hoped it would reignite interest and investigation into finding Spierer. He believed there was a chance for progress in the case and emphasized the importance of fresh scrutiny. Cohen emphasized the human element in the true crime narrative and appreciates the community's support in seeking answers.  

Initially arriving in Bloomington as a reporter in 2011, Cohen formed a bond with Spierer's family, and the case has remained close to him since. The Spierer family expressed gratitude for Cohen's efforts in a Facebook post, acknowledging the ongoing search for answers and their enduring hope for resolution.

RELATED ARTICLE: 6 Chilling Nonfiction Crime Books With Shocking Accounts of Real-Life Stories