TN TN - Teresa 'Trenny' Lynn Gibson, 16, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 8 Oct 1976

[Starbuck80]

There is no evidence that permission slips were not required and there is evidence that they knew they were going to the Smokey Mtns for a field trip. I've been on field trips that only had one teacher supervising.
The father during an interview said she was hoping it would be cancelled due to the weather and dressed the way she did because she thought it would be too cold to go. There is no evidence that her jewelry was found and the comb was in her boy friend's car, and he was on the bus with her so his car was not at the park. She had to have left it earlier. The jewelry is quoted as being part of her clothing and there is no police statement about anyone having that jewelry. This is a very old case, there are plenty of urban legends that have popped up in the years about it. The Smokey Mountains are dense and people have been getting lost in those forests for hundreds of years.

That’s all well and good, but after working on this case for 17 years, I can tell you that yes, there was evidence of missing jewelry, a girl in the sophomore class had it, how much more evidence can you get? Guess you haven’t heard about possession being 9/10 of the law. How do you know there was never a police report/statement filed in regards to it? I’d be more than a bit careful about what you claim here. Trenny had the comb in the morning when she left. Robert Simpson ended up with it, on the dash of his car. If it was left accidentally, why didn’t he return it? Hope Gibson was supposed to go along on the field trip, so while she knew there was one and it was an all-day trip, they were still not aware of the destination. They didn’t let Trenny go under-prepared because she thought the trip would be cancelled. The students could have been headed to a museum and have been indoors for all that she knew. Hope only stayed behind because she didn’t have a sitter. You can quote what was stated in the newspaper all that you like, but I know and have interviewed the Gibson family many times and will take their word over a reporter’s any day.
Yes, this is an old case, and the Smokies are dense and unforgiving. But this case is far from a simple cut and dried runaway case, or a lost in the wilderness situation.

 

[Starbuck80]

 

[glamourkitty1922]

That’s all well and good, but after working on this case for 17 years, I can tell you that yes, there was evidence of missing jewelry, a girl in the sophomore class had it, how much more evidence can you get? Guess you haven’t heard about possession being 9/10 of the law. How do you know there was never a police report/statement filed in regards to it? I’d be more than a bit careful about what you claim here. Trenny had the comb in the morning when she left. Robert Simpson ended up with it, on the dash of his car. If it was left accidentally, why didn’t he return it? Hope Gibson was supposed to go along on the field trip, so while she knew there was one and it was an all-day trip, they were still not aware of the destination. They didn’t let Trenny go under-prepared because she thought the trip would be cancelled. The students could have been headed to a museum and have been indoors for all that she knew. Hope only stayed behind because she didn’t have a sitter. You can quote what was stated in the newspaper all that you like, but I know and have interviewed the Gibson family many times and will take their word over a reporter’s any day.
Yes, this is an old case, and the Smokies are dense and unforgiving. But this case is far from a simple cut and dried runaway case, or a lost in the wilderness situation.

Please post a link to where the jewelry is found since the police seem to believe that the jewelry is still on her. I'll stick with MSM interviews with her father where he said she didn't want to go. I really think we need to stop spreading the urban legends that have sprung up around this case of a girl going off the trail in a forest.

 

[glamourkitty1922]

That’s all well and good, but after working on this case for 17 years, I can tell you that yes, there was evidence of missing jewelry, a girl in the sophomore class had it, how much more evidence can you get? Guess you haven’t heard about possession being 9/10 of the law. How do you know there was never a police report/statement filed in regards to it? I’d be more than a bit careful about what you claim here. Trenny had the comb in the morning when she left. Robert Simpson ended up with it, on the dash of his car. If it was left accidentally, why didn’t he return it? Hope Gibson was supposed to go along on the field trip, so while she knew there was one and it was an all-day trip, they were still not aware of the destination. They didn’t let Trenny go under-prepared because she thought the trip would be cancelled. The students could have been headed to a museum and have been indoors for all that she knew. Hope only stayed behind because she didn’t have a sitter. You can quote what was stated in the newspaper all that you like, but I know and have interviewed the Gibson family many times and will take their word over a reporter’s any day.
Yes, this is an old case, and the Smokies are dense and unforgiving. But this case is far from a simple cut and dried runaway case, or a lost in the wilderness situation.

You need to prove your claims with links. Where is there a link to the missing jewelry being found? Also, where is there a link showing that she only had one comb? She wasn't poor, so why only one plastic twenty cent comb? Also, where is there a link where the father states that she didn't know she was going on a field trip? Because it contradicts links with other stories. Also you might want to inform the missing persons websites that have the jewelry as missing with her.

 

[Starbuck80]

Please post a link to where the jewelry is found since the police seem to believe that the jewelry is still on her. I'll stick with MSM interviews with her father where he said she didn't want to go. I really think we need to stop spreading the urban legends that have sprung up around this case of a girl going off the trail in a forest.

Great, let’s agree to disagree then. I want to stop the BS that she innocently got lost in the woods. Because that is definitely not what happened here, IMO. Everyone has a right to an opinion, but no right to tell each other what the opinion should be.

 

[Starbuck80]

You need to prove your claims with links. Where is there a link to the missing jewelry being found? Also, where is there a link showing that she only had one comb? She wasn't poor, so why only one plastic twenty cent comb? Also, where is there a link where the father states that she didn't know she was going on a field trip? Because it contradicts links with other stories. Also you might want to inform the missing persons websites that have the jewelry as missing with her.

Trenny had a Stanley comb. A nice heavy one, that cost $4-5 dollars back in the 70’s, not a cheap plastic one. It was distinctive, which is why it was recognized on the dash of Robert’s car. You base everything on what you’ve read in the media in a few newspaper articles and there’s far more to this than that.

 

[Starbuck80]

 

[glamourkitty1922]

Trenny had a Stanley comb. A nice heavy one, that cost $4-5 dollars back in the 70’s, not a cheap plastic one. It was distinctive, which is why it was recognized on the dash of Robert’s car. You base everything on what you’ve read in the media in a few newspaper articles and there’s far more to this than that.

Stanley combs didn't cost that much. At least not in Tennessee I had the salon styler.

 

[glamourkitty1922]

I think we need a timeline, with links to support it. We need to get to the facts of the case, not go down the urban legend rabbit hole.

 

[cadetcallie]

You need to prove your claims with links. Where is there a link to the missing jewelry being found? Also, where is there a link showing that she only had one comb? She wasn't poor, so why only one plastic twenty cent comb? Also, where is there a link where the father states that she didn't know she was going on a field trip? Because it contradicts links with other stories. Also you might want to inform the missing persons websites that have the jewelry as missing with her.

I've been diving into this case recently and also am confused about the jewelry details. On every missing persons listing for Trenny including NamUs and CP describes her as wearing a ring when she disappeared. I wonder if that is the same piece of jewelry allegedly found with another sophomore girl at the school and if so, why the information hasn't been updated. I don't know where they got the info, but according to The Trail Went Cold, Robert was the one who explained why the other student had the jewelry. The only other info I can find about this is @Starbuck80 comment on the last page, which also states that Robert gave the information about the ring. The Trail Went Cold – Episode 100 – Trenny Gibson

Also, I'm curious as to why this doe hasn't been compared with Trenny's DNA. She is listed as Pre-30 adult and was found a 6 hour drive away from GSMNP, but stranger things have happened. Feel free to weigh in. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

 

[Starbuck80]

I've been diving into this case recently and also am confused about the jewelry details. On every missing persons listing for Trenny including NamUs and CP describes her as wearing a ring when she disappeared. I wonder if that is the same piece of jewelry allegedly found with another sophomore girl at the school and if so, why the information hasn't been updated. I don't know where they got the info, but according to The Trail Went Cold, Robert was the one who explained why the other student had the jewelry. The only other info I can find about this is @Starbuck80 comment on the last page, which also states that Robert gave the information about the ring. The Trail Went Cold – Episode 100 – Trenny Gibson

Also, I'm curious as to why this doe hasn't been compared with Trenny's DNA. She is listed as Pre-30 adult and was found a 6 hour drive away from GSMNP, but stranger things have happened. Feel free to weigh in. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

Yes, it’s in the missing reports for Trenny that she went missing with her jewelry. Later, a student was found to have it in her possession. Robert Simpson claimed that Trenny took it off in a washroom and gave it to a DIFFERENT student, saying that she needed to keep it/hold it for her. The authorities were informed of this, but nothing went very far with it, as it was decided from the powers that be, that there was nothing really odd or sinister about the jewelry’s new owner and/or how she ended up having it. The Gibson family is who told me of this, as well as a person who knew the Gibson’s from church. I don’t know why it remains part of the details of Trenny’s disappearance. I will point out, that I’ve tried for a least 2 years now to have Trenny’s name changed, as her given name is Trenny Lynn, not Teresa as you will often see. It stems from a mistake in the original search report. If you look through old newspaper articles about Trenny’s disappearance, it also changes from a blue sweater, to a blue striped sweater, to a white sweater with pastel blue stripes that she wore when she vanished.

If you’re wondering about The Trail Went Cold, Robin Warder the host, collaborated Trenny’s episode together with me in November 2018.

 

[Starbuck80]

Yes, it’s in the missing reports for Trenny that she went missing with her jewelry. Later, a student was found to have it in her possession. Robert Simpson claimed that Trenny took it off in a washroom and gave it to a DIFFERENT student, saying that she needed to keep it/hold it for her. The authorities were informed of this, but nothing went very far with it, as it was decided from the powers that be, that there was nothing really odd or sinister about the jewelry’s new owner and/or how she ended up having it. The Gibson family is who told me of this, as well as a person who knew the Gibson’s from church. I don’t know why it remains part of the details of Trenny’s disappearance. I will point out, that I’ve tried for a least 2 years now to have Trenny’s name changed, as her given name is Trenny Lynn, not Teresa as you will often see. It stems from a mistake in the original search report. If you look through old newspaper articles about Trenny’s disappearance, it also changes from a blue sweater, to a blue striped sweater, to a white sweater with pastel blue stripes that she wore when she vanished.

If you’re wondering about The Trail Went Cold, Robin Warder the host, collaborated Trenny’s episode together with me in November 2018.

I've been diving into this case recently and also am confused about the jewelry details. On every missing persons listing for Trenny including NamUs and CP describes her as wearing a ring when she disappeared. I wonder if that is the same piece of jewelry allegedly found with another sophomore girl at the school and if so, why the information hasn't been updated. I don't know where they got the info, but according to The Trail Went Cold, Robert was the one who explained why the other student had the jewelry. The only other info I can find about this is @Starbuck80 comment on the last page, which also states that Robert gave the information about the ring. The Trail Went Cold – Episode 100 – Trenny Gibson

Also, I'm curious as to why this doe hasn't been compared with Trenny's DNA. She is listed as Pre-30 adult and was found a 6 hour drive away from GSMNP, but stranger things have happened. Feel free to weigh in. The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

 

[Starbuck80]

Thank you for the link on NamUS, I will pass that on.

 

[cadetcallie]

Yes, it’s in the missing reports for Trenny that she went missing with her jewelry. Later, a student was found to have it in her possession. Robert Simpson claimed that Trenny took it off in a washroom and gave it to a DIFFERENT student, saying that she needed to keep it/hold it for her. The authorities were informed of this, but nothing went very far with it, as it was decided from the powers that be, that there was nothing really odd or sinister about the jewelry’s new owner and/or how she ended up having it. The Gibson family is who told me of this, as well as a person who knew the Gibson’s from church. I don’t know why it remains part of the details of Trenny’s disappearance. I will point out, that I’ve tried for a least 2 years now to have Trenny’s name changed, as her given name is Trenny Lynn, not Teresa as you will often see. It stems from a mistake in the original search report. If you look through old newspaper articles about Trenny’s disappearance, it also changes from a blue sweater, to a blue striped sweater, to a white sweater with pastel blue stripes that she wore when she vanished.

If you’re wondering about The Trail Went Cold, Robin Warder the host, collaborated Trenny’s episode together with me in November 2018.

Thank you for clearing that up, it does seem like some details have changed or been misreported throughout the years. I'm sure they had reason to believe it wasn't sinister, but it's strange to me that the student would wear a missing classmate's jewelry knowing it was hers! I know the ring was expensive and probably beautiful, but personally I would feel guilty having that and want to return it to the family. Maybe it's just a weird coincidence, and obviously Trenny never had the chance to ask for it back. Also, it's convenient that Robert had a banal explanation for why Trenny's expensive jewelry ended up in someone else's possession...

It is a shame that her name is still listed as Teresa in so many places. Thankfully in NamUs/CP she is just Trenny (maybe thanks to you ). Thank you for the work you've done to correct that for her and for those researching the case! Great work with The Trail Went Cold, I didn't realize you collaborated with them but it was very informative - I listened last night. Also, your website has been a great source of information on this case for me.

 

[cadetcallie]

Yes, it’s in the missing reports for Trenny that she went missing with her jewelry. Later, a student was found to have it in her possession. Robert Simpson claimed that Trenny took it off in a washroom and gave it to a DIFFERENT student, saying that she needed to keep it/hold it for her. The authorities were informed of this, but nothing went very far with it, as it was decided from the powers that be, that there was nothing really odd or sinister about the jewelry’s new owner and/or how she ended up having it. The Gibson family is who told me of this, as well as a person who knew the Gibson’s from church. I don’t know why it remains part of the details of Trenny’s disappearance. I will point out, that I’ve tried for a least 2 years now to have Trenny’s name changed, as her given name is Trenny Lynn, not Teresa as you will often see. It stems from a mistake in the original search report. If you look through old newspaper articles about Trenny’s disappearance, it also changes from a blue sweater, to a blue striped sweater, to a white sweater with pastel blue stripes that she wore when she vanished.

If you’re wondering about The Trail Went Cold, Robin Warder the host, collaborated Trenny’s episode together with me in November 2018.

Thank you for clearing that up, it does seem like some details have changed or been misreported throughout the years. I'm sure they had reason to believe it wasn't sinister, but it's strange to me that the student would wear a missing classmate's jewelry knowing it was hers! I know the ring was expensive and probably beautiful, but personally I would feel guilty having that and want to return it to the family. Maybe it's just a weird coincidence, and obviously Trenny never had the chance to ask for it back. Also, it's convenient that Robert had a banal explanation for why Trenny's expensive jewelry ended up in someone else's possession...

It is a shame that her name is still listed as Teresa in so many places. Thankfully in NamUs/CP she is just Trenny (maybe thanks to you ). Thank you for the work you've done to correct that for her and for those researching the case! Great work with The Trail Went Cold, I didn't realize you collaborated with them but it was very informative - I listened last night. Also, your website has been a great source of information on this case for me.

 

[glamourkitty1922]

Yes, it’s in the missing reports for Trenny that she went missing with her jewelry. Later, a student was found to have it in her possession. Robert Simpson claimed that Trenny took it off in a washroom and gave it to a DIFFERENT student, saying that she needed to keep it/hold it for her. The authorities were informed of this, but nothing went very far with it, as it was decided from the powers that be, that there was nothing really odd or sinister about the jewelry’s new owner and/or how she ended up having it. The Gibson family is who told me of this, as well as a person who knew the Gibson’s from church. I don’t know why it remains part of the details of Trenny’s disappearance. I will point out, that I’ve tried for a least 2 years now to have Trenny’s name changed, as her given name is Trenny Lynn, not Teresa as you will often see. It stems from a mistake in the original search report. If you look through old newspaper articles about Trenny’s disappearance, it also changes from a blue sweater, to a blue striped sweater, to a white sweater with pastel blue stripes that she wore when she vanished.

If you’re wondering about The Trail Went Cold, Robin Warder the host, collaborated Trenny’s episode together with me in November 2018.

Please supply a MSM link to another student having her ring.

 

[Starbuck80]

Thank you. I don’t know for sure that the person who had Trenny’s jewelry actually wore it in public. It was more of a “had it in her possession”. A friend of the Gibson’s from church found this out, and asked her daughter to contact the girl (they knew each other) and talk to her and try to get her to return it, as that was the right thing to do. She did this, the girl was evasive as to how she got the jewelry, but after much coaxing, she did agree to return it to the family. She never did. We don’t know if Trenny gave it to her, she was given it by somebody else, stole it or what. I’d say Trenny would give it to her sister if she gave it to anybody, as it was semi-valuable jewelry, having been Christmas and birthday gifts.

Thank you for clearing that up, it does seem like some details have changed or been misreported throughout the years. I'm sure they had reason to believe it wasn't sinister, but it's strange to me that the student would wear a missing classmate's jewelry knowing it was hers! I know the ring was expensive and probably beautiful, but personally I would feel guilty having that and want to return it to the family. Maybe it's just a weird coincidence, and obviously Trenny never had the chance to ask for it back. Also, it's convenient that Robert had a banal explanation for why Trenny's expensive jewelry ended up in someone else's possession...

It is a shame that her name is still listed as Teresa in so many places. Thankfully in NamUs/CP she is just Trenny (maybe thanks to you ). Thank you for the work you've done to correct that for her and for those researching the case! Great work with The Trail Went Cold, I didn't realize you collaborated with them but it was very informative - I listened last night. Also, your website has been a great source of information on this case for me.

 

[theshadow45]

Bumping for Trenny, today is her birthday.

 

[musicaljoke]

Good point.

That would also make it possible that she left with somebody from outside, whether willingly or not.

Could she have found her way to the roadside on her own, where she was offered a ride back to the school? If she had been left behind, would she have tried to hitch hike back?

There's no mention of her carrying a purse or back pack. I can't imagine her carrying a comb on the hike. Is it possible that she asked the young man to carry her comb in his pocket for her, and that he pulled it out of his pocket when he got back to the school and to his car, without giving it any more thought. To a typical high school teen, it would be just a comb, not worth fussing over.

 

[Ozoner]

Could she have found her way to the roadside on her own, where she was offered a ride back to the school? If she had been left behind, would she have tried to hitch hike back?

There's no mention of her carrying a purse or back pack. I can't imagine her carrying a comb on the hike. Is it possible that she asked the young man to carry her comb in his pocket for her, and that he pulled it out of his pocket when he got back to the school and to his car, without giving it any more thought. To a typical high school teen, it would be just a comb, not worth fussing over.

Maybe—if you believe his story about tracking a bear.

Moreover, I thought that the comb that was missing was one that Trenny wore in her hair—one that normally wouldn't have left her head during the day. If that's the case, and if Simpson had it, that's enough to convince me that he was involved in killing her. He may have done it himself, but he might have needed to have an accomplice to help him get rid of Trenny's body.