1981 - Charlotte Kinsey and Cinda Pallett
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Went Missing: September 26, 1981
Air date: May 2, 2026 for Apple Subscribers
May 6, 2026 for all podcast providers
Case Summary
Charlotte Kinsey and Cinda Pallett were both 13 years old when they disappeared from the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds in Oklahoma City on September 26, 1981. The girls had gone to the fair together, excited for a night of independence, rides, games, and freedom in a place that felt safe. At some point that evening, they were approached by a man who offered them work helping unload stuffed animals from a truck. The girls called home to tell their families about the job and were told to call back later to arrange a ride home. They never did. Two boys later told police they had also been recruited by the same man and saw Charlotte and Cinda leave the fair with him. The boys were eventually left at a truck stop while the man said he was taking the girls to check on the truck. He never returned with them. Investigators later focused on Royal Russell Long, a carnival worker and truck driver with a history of crimes against young girls, and evidence from a rental car connected to him pointed in his direction. Long was charged in 1985, but the case was dismissed before a jury could decide it. He died in prison in 1993. More than forty years later, Charlotte and Cinda have never been found, and no one has ever been convicted in their disappearance.
Timeline
September 25, 1981 — Afternoon
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Charlotte Kinsey and Cinda Pallett, both 13, make plans to attend the Oklahoma State Fair together.
September 25, 1981 — Around 5:00 p.m.
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At the fair, a man approaches them and offers a job unloading stuffed animals.
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Two teenage boys are already helping him.
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The girls call their parents to ask permission.
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Both are told to call back later, around 9:00 p.m. for a ride home.
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September 25, 1981 — Around 5:30 p.m.
Charlotte and Cinda are last seen at the fairgrounds.
They leave with the man and the two boys.
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September 25, 1981 — Evening
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The group gets into the man’s car.
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He drives them to a truck stop off Interstate 40.
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He tells them they are meeting a truck carrying stuffed animals.
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September 25, 1981 — Shortly After
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The truck is not there.
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The man tells the boys to stay behind.
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He leaves with Charlotte and Cinda to “check on the truck.”
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He never returns.
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This is the last known movement of the girls.
September 25, 1981 — Around 9:00 p.m.
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When the girls do not call home, their parents report them missing.
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September 26–27, 1981
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A large search begins.
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A task force is formed.
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The two boys come forward and help create a composite sketch of the suspect.
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October 9, 1981
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Donald Michael Corey is arrested in Alabama.
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October 13, 1981
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Corey is extradited to Oklahoma City.
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He is later cleared after a verified alibi places him in Dallas.
Early–Mid 1980s
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Investigators identify Royal Russell Long as a suspect.
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Witnesses place him at the fair.
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His ex-wife later says the composite sketch looks like him.
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Early 1980s
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Long is convicted in Wyoming for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two young girls.
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He receives two life sentences.
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Mid-1980s
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Investigators connect Long to a rental car.
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Evidence found includes:
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Scalp hairs believed to be from Cinda
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Additional blonde hairs
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Possible blood staining in the trunk (not confirmed as human)
August 1985
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Long is charged with the kidnapping and murder of Charlotte and Cinda.
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1985 — Trial
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The case faces major issues:
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No bodies
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No confirmed crime scene
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Key evidence ruled inadmissible
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Limited forensic science
1985 — Mid-Trial
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The judge dismisses the case, citing insufficient evidence.
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Long is never convicted.
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1985 — After Dismissal
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Long reportedly tells the families:
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“Only I know where the bodies are… and I’m not talking.”
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1993
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Royal Russell Long dies in prison.
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He is never convicted in this case.
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Present Day
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Charlotte Kinsey and Cinda Pallett remain missing.
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Their bodies have never been found.
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The case remains unsolved.
Contact
If you know anything about this case, please contact:
Oklahoma City Police Department at (405) 297-1000 -- Tip Form: Click Here
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