Just found this site. In searching, I found this thread. I travel to the Oscoda area frequently, and never heard of this case before. In reading the thread, Never found what I would consider to be a thorough victimology. We have two young white females. Both would appear to be in good health based upon their age, height and weight (difficult to control). Hobley was a known abuser of alcohol and drugs, Spencer was known to wear a peace sign. At that time, a peace sign could have multiple implications related to the Vietnam war, but it could also be a sign of following a certain life style. There are some references that indicate that at least Hobley was promiscuous. These factors would most likely put both in high risk lifestyles. It sounds like they spent quite some time together the day they went missing. I would not be suprised to learn that they were really much better friends than what has been reported. Would like to see a more thorough victimology if there are any former friends or relatives here.
The fact that the two girls were healthy young women would make this difficult for a lone perpetrator, though not impossible. A lone perpetrator would have difficulty controlling them unless there were extenuating circumstances such has getting them intoxicated or was a trust worthy friend/acquaintance of one or boh of them. Even then, I would think that there would have been multiple offenders. One to drive and one to control Hobley and Spencer.
Considerable planning went into this. The disappearance occurred just two weeks before the start of Michigan's firearm deer season. If these girls were dumped in the woods, I would think that hunters would have found them. During the late 60s, early 70s, that area would have been a very popular with hunters. Leading to the conclusion that the offender(s) did not want them to be found and went to great length to hide the bodies. Obviously, burial is one possibility, but another possibility could be that they were weighted and dumped into one of the many lakes or even into Lake Huron.
No one reports seeing either victim after they were dropped off downtown. The bodies have never been found. This would lead me to believe that at least one of the offenders was an organized offender. This person went to great length to hide the crime. I would not be suprized to learn that this person had some personal relationship to one or perhaps both of the girls. This person would most likely have tried interjecting himself into the crime at one point. If still alive, he most likely continues to follow the investigation. Would not be surprised to learn he kept a scrapbook.
If there were multiple offenders, why has there never been closure. Criminal groups have difficulty keeping secrets. Either through bragging, fear or intoxication one of them usually opens their mouth in front of the wrong person. Unless that person came to an early end as well. Be interested to know if within five years of the crime if their were any suicides in the area, disappearances or other untimely deaths (or of people who may have been in the area at the time of the disappearances, as personnel at the air base would have been quite transient at the time).
I'd also be interested to know if either girl kept a diary. Quite common in those days. Were the diaries found and reviewed?
The perpetrator's vehicle had to be large enough to comfortably fit at least 4 people and whatever equipment was used to dispose of the victims without drawing attention. A large sedan or possibly a van. Be interested to know what kind of car the boyfriends of the girls drove. Probably well kept.
Just my thoughts.
