The Disappearance of Brian Shaffer

Reference TimelineLast updated MAR 30
SUMMARY

A new person of interest was identified in March 2026 in the 2006 disappearance of medical student Brian Shaffer from a Columbus, Ohio bar, with two separate tipsters providing the same name. As of March 30, 2026, True Crime Garage podcasters are verifying a "precise" tip with specific details and names, describing it as one of the most promising leads received. This follows a month-long triangulation of Shaffer's cell phone, a search warrant executed for a basement near Lane Avenue where disturbed flooring was discovered, and a tip to the "Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive" podcast submitted to the Columbus Police Department suggesting potential foul play by a new individual. Previously, over $14,000 in Shaffer's credit card debt was paid off in March 2006 with no corresponding bank records, and Clint Florence, who was with Shaffer the night he disappeared, refused a polygraph test.

Timeline

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March 2026 — 4 developments

  1. True Crime Garage podcasters have received a 'precise' tip regarding the 2006 disappearance of Brian Shaffer, which they are currently verifying.

    True Crime Garage podcasters have received a 'precise' tip regarding the 2006 disappearance of Brian Shaffer, which they are currently verifying. This tip reportedly includes specific details and names that align with information they had previously withheld from the public. The podcasters describe this as one of the most promising leads they have received in the case.

  2. In March 2026, a new person of interest was identified in the Brian Shaffer cold case, with the same name being provided by two separate tipsters.

    In March 2026, a new person of interest was identified in the Brian Shaffer cold case, with the same name being provided by two separate tipsters. Shaffer, a medical student, vanished from a Columbus, Ohio bar in 2006. The investigation has involved cell phone tracking and the FBI's VICAP database.

  3. Podcasters and detectives revealed new details on March 20, 2026, concerning the 2006 disappearance of Brian Shaffer.

    Podcasters and detectives revealed new details on March 20, 2026, concerning the 2006 disappearance of Brian Shaffer. These include a second person coming forward with information about a person of interest, a month-long triangulation of Shaffer's cell phone, and a search warrant executed for a basement near Lane Avenue where disturbed flooring was discovered.

  4. A recent tip to the "Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive" podcast has been submitted to the Columbus Police Department, containing specific timelines and names not previously public.

    A recent tip to the "Brian Shaffer Dead or Alive" podcast has been submitted to the Columbus Police Department, containing specific timelines and names not previously public. The tip involves a new individual, not previously considered a suspect, suggesting potential foul play in the 2006 disappearance.

January 2025 — 3 developments

  1. New information has emerged revealing that over $14,000 in Brian Shaffer's credit card debt was paid…

    New information has emerged revealing that over $14,000 in Brian Shaffer's credit card debt was paid off in March 2006, shortly before his disappearance, with no corresponding record in his bank accounts.

  2. A video revealed that Clint Florence, who was with Brian Shaffer the night he disappeared, refused to take a polygraph test, while Brian's father and another friend passed theirs.

    A video revealed that Clint Florence, who was with Brian Shaffer the night he disappeared, refused to take a polygraph test, while Brian's father and another friend passed theirs.

  3. Police learned of an argument between Brian Shaffer and his friend Clint Florence in the days leading up to Shaffer's disappearance.

    Police learned of an argument between Brian Shaffer and his friend Clint Florence in the days leading up to Shaffer's disappearance.

June 2024 — 1 developments

  1. Ohio brothers file a lawsuit against a Reddit user who accused them of involvement in Brian Shaffer's disappearance and other cases.

    Ohio brothers file a lawsuit against a Reddit user who accused them of involvement in Brian Shaffer's disappearance and other cases. There is no evidence connecting the brothers to the disappearance.

January 2023 — 1 developments

  1. A former lead detective reportedly mentioned that cell phone pings were detected in the days followi…

    A former lead detective reportedly mentioned that cell phone pings were detected in the days following Brian Shaffer's disappearance, indicating his phone was powered on after he vanished.

March 2021 — 1 developments

  1. The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Columbus Division of Police rel…

    The Ohio Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Columbus Division of Police released an age-progressed image of Brian Shaffer in March 2021, depicting what he might look like at age 42.

September 2008 — 1 developments

  1. Brian's father, Randy Shaffer, dies in an accidental fall at his home.

    Brian's father, Randy Shaffer, dies in an accidental fall at his home. He had been actively searching for Brian since his disappearance.

September 2006 — 1 developments

  1. Brian Shaffer's girlfriend, Alexis Waggoner, calls his cell phone, and it rings three times before going to voicemail.

    Brian Shaffer's girlfriend, Alexis Waggoner, calls his cell phone, and it rings three times before going to voicemail. This was unusual as calls typically went straight to voicemail, suggesting the phone was briefly turned on.