https://www.rgj.com/story/news/2021...n-kendall-rae-youtube--true-crime/8674307002/
YouTuber brings renewed attention to case of missing Reno woman Caitlin Denison
Kristin Oh
Reno Gazette Journal
A fundraiser to help find a Reno woman who has been missing nearly four years raised more than $11,000 after a popular YouTuber talked about it on her channel in November.
According to the page, the money will go toward hiring a private detective to help find Caitlin Denison, who was 19 when she was reported missing in Texas in January 2018.
The money will also cover travel costs so that the family can be closer to the investigation in Texas and place ads in newspapers and on billboards. Any remaining money will go directly to the family, the fundraiser, posted by family friend Emily Watson, says.
Kendall Rae, whose YouTube channel discusses true crimes and mysteries, published a video titled
“The Very Suspicious Disappearance of Caitlin Denison” on Nov. 15. In the video, the social media star interviewed Watson and Rachael Denison, Caitlin's sister.
As of Dec. 17, the video had more than 1.2 million views.
According to the YouTube video, Denison had flown to Midland, Texas, to meet a man who lived there. Denison texted Rachael, telling her to answer the phone when she called at 2 p.m. Jan. 9, 2018. But the call never came.
The following day, Denison called her sister from a Walmart in Midland and told her she was scared and wanted to come home. She sent a message to Rachael stating that the man was mad because she would not “let him lay a hand on (her)” and that she had pulled a knife on him when he touched her inappropriately, according to the video.
Rachael was unable to contact her sister the following day and
reported her missing on Jan. 12, 2018.
“I blamed myself for a long time because I wasn’t home the night she went to the airport,” Rachael told the RGJ. She added that she’s coping with her sister’s disappearance by going to therapy and being hopeful.
“I just can’t imagine her not being alive. There’s always that possibility, especially after three years, that something bad could have happened. I just choose to believe that she’s still alive,” she said.
The Midland Police Department is taking the lead on the investigation.
Kevin Adams, public information officer for the City of Midland, confirmed that the case was reassigned on Nov. 15 due to increased community interest. Adams also said that he could not speak on any suspects at this time.
Rachael said that Detective Jennie Alonzo, who is in charge of the investigation, called her and explained what they are going to do during the new investigation – something that she finds reassuring.
Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for any information that leads to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be submitted online at
www.dps.texas.gov or by calling (800) 252-8477.
“Every little share and comment on the post boosts her case. We’re so so lucky to have had Kendall Rae cover our case,” Watson told the RGJ.