Not every story makes national headlines, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten. On this B-Side edition of Tea & Mystery, we’re diving into three haunting cases that continue to stir questions, pain, and unresolved truths. From a mysterious disappearance off the Carolina coast, where the waves whisper secrets and the search parties have long since dispersed, to a suspiciously staged home invasion in Georgia that left the community rattled and desperate for answers, and a cold case that has remained silent for over two decades—each case is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the weight of unprocessed grief. We’ll take a gentle but honest look into the lives, circumstances, and enduring echoes of Tyler Doyle, Diane Cassandra Fields, and Kelvin McDuffie, exploring the impact their stories have had on their families and the ripple effects that extend into their communities. So brew your tea, settle in, and let’s hold space for the voices still waiting to be heard, as we seek to honor their memories and perhaps find the clues that could finally lead us to the truth.
☠️ Case 1: The Disappearance of Tyler Doyle
📅 Date: January 26, 2023
📍 Location: Off Little River/North Myrtle Beach, SC
👤 Victim: 22-year-old duck hunter in a 16-ft jon boat
🧭 Case Briefing:
- Tyler and a friend went duck hunting; his friend was dropped off near the north jetty, and Tyler continued alone to set decoys. It turned rough—mechanical issues and water began flooding the boatfinishedpages.com+15finishedpages.com+15newsknol.com+15.
- Rescue crews found his vessel partially submerged. His waders and wallet washed up days later off the NC coast. Search teams including Coast Guard, SCDNR, and private groups combed the area; no signs of Tyler ever surfacednews.meaww.com+5finishedpages.com+5newsknol.com+5.
- Authorities ruled it an accidental drowning due to weather and equipment failure, not foul play news.meaww.com. Kyle’s family, especially his wife (who gave birth in April 2023) and brother, continue pushing for closure amid rumors and speculation skabash.com.
🎯 Takeaway: A tragic disappearance in rough seas remains unresolved. Officially deemed accidental, but questions linger and the family continues searching.
🔍 Police Theories & Investigative Details:
- Authorities ruled Tyler’s disappearance an accidental drowning. His small boat likely capsized due to mechanical failure in choppy waters—witnessed by his friend and supported by early rescue findings.
- A disturbing twist is that early social media commentary spread conspiracy theories about a potential escape or foul play, but law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard found no solid evidence of that.
- There was no indication of criminal involvement, and no tracking of Tyler’s phone or suspicious digital activity. However, murky water, shifting tides, and coastal wildlife made a body recovery nearly impossible.
🧬 Forensic & Physical Evidence:
- His waders and wallet washed up several miles north, which suggested he had been separated from his gear—possibly attempting to swim for safety.
- No signs of blood, struggle, or gunfire were found, and forensic dive teams found nothing during multiple underwater searches.
- Experts said the conditions during the storm could have dragged the body out to deeper sea where it may never be found.
🤝 Community Efforts:
- The Doyle family organized private search crews, drones, and sonar searches weeks after the Coast Guard called off the official mission.
- TikTok and Facebook groups exploded with interest, creating both support and harmful speculation.
- His wife, pregnant at the time, became a symbol of resilience—often asking for peace, privacy, and renewed prayers.
Current Status: Officially presumed drowned. The family still hopes for recovery or clarity.
📞 If You Have Information
Please contact:
- South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR): 803-734-4007
- Or submit an anonymous tip via South Carolina Crime Stoppers: 1-888-CRIME-SC (274-6372)
- No public reward has been announced, but any information could help bring answers to the Doyle family.
🕵️♀️ Case 2: The Disappearance of Diane Cassandra Fields
📅 Date: Between November 4–6, 2014
📍 Location: East Dublin, Laurens County, Georgia
👤 Victim: 44-year-old female, fiancé lived with her

🧭 Case Briefing:
- Diane was last seen at home on November 4, 2014, though officially reported missing on November 6youtube.com+9charleyproject.org+9websleuths.com+9.
- When her fiancé returned from work, he found a kicked-in back door, a knife on the hallway floor, and a disordered bedroom. Diane’s personal belongings, including clothes and shoes, remained behindcrimeonline.com+4charleyproject.org+4websleuths.com+4.
- Authorities suspect foul play; the scene could have been stage‑set. Her fiancé is a person of interest but never charged. Law enforcement has followed over 145 leads 13wmaz.com.
- In 2024, the GBI and local PD offered a $10,000 reward. Family and community still await answers 13wmaz.com.
🎯 Takeaway: A chilling disappearance in a puzzling crime scene with no suspects, but investigators and loved ones hope new leads will surface.
🔍 Police Theories & Investigative Details:
- The initial scene included a kicked-in door and a knife left in the hallway, but oddly, no blood was found inside the home.
- Police believe the crime scene may have been staged, possibly by someone familiar with Diane.
- Her fiancé told officers he returned home after work to find her gone and the house in disarray. He’s never been formally charged, but remains under scrutiny.
- Investigators followed over 145 leads, including ex-partners, co-workers, and neighbors.
🧬 Forensic & Physical Evidence:
- No signs of forced struggle inside, only outside damage and one odd piece of evidence: a knife left on the floor, not in blood, suggesting theatrical intent.
- Diane’s purse, clothes, phone, and medications were untouched—indicating she likely didn’t leave on her own.
- The local GBI lab processed the scene, but nothing conclusive came back—no fingerprints, blood, or viable DNA.
🤝 Community Efforts:
- Diane’s family and friends have consistently pushed for visibility, launching missing persons flyers annually.
- In 2024, a $10,000 reward was offered to reignite attention.
- Community walks and vigils have been held in her name, particularly during Missing Persons Awareness Month.
Current Status: Active missing person case. Potential foul play suspected.
📞 If You Have Information
Please contact:
- East Dublin Police Department: 478-272-6883
- Or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI): 1-800-597-TIPS (8477)
- Tip submissions also accepted through gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online
🕯️ Case 3: The Murder of Kelvin McDuffie
📅 Date: January 16, 2003
📅 Date: January 16, 2003
📍 Location: Off Olympic Drive, Athens‑Clarke County, Georgia
👤 Victim: 25-year-old University of Georgia student and U.S. Army Reserve 2nd Lieutenant

🧭 Case Briefing:
- Kelvin was found shot to death in his car in a remote spot off Olympic Drive in the early morning of January 16, 2003 spotcrime.com+3classiccitynews.com+3gbi.georgia.gov+3.
- Initial investigators found no solid leads. The first detective later faced unrelated criminal charges, potentially undermining the early inquiry classiccitynews.com.
- Kelvin had just visited family in Elberton, GA. His future plans included opening a restaurant and marrying his girlfriend classiccitynews.com. Sadly, his father was also later killed in an unrelated murderclassiccitynews.com+1classiccitynews.com+1.
- A reward remains active. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information from January 15–16, 2003, to come forward crimeonline.com+12classiccitynews.com+12gbi.georgia.gov+12.
🎯 Takeaway: A cold case with no firm suspects, mysterious circumstances, and a heartbreaking loss of a promising young man. Investigations continue.
🔍 Police Theories & Investigative Details:
- Kelvin was found shot in the backseat of his own car, parked off Olympic Drive—a secluded road known to police for prior criminal activity.
- At the time, investigators suspected a setup or ambush, possibly involving someone he trusted.
- There was no robbery, and his valuables were left untouched, which ruled out a random act of violence.
- Frustratingly, the case’s first lead detective was later arrested for unrelated misconduct, potentially compromising early efforts.
🧬 Forensic & Physical Evidence:
- No shell casings were found nearby, suggesting either a revolver or a cleanup job.
- Police collected fingerprints and potential DNA, but no match has ever been confirmed.
- Kelvin’s phone and personal items were collected and analyzed, but digital forensics in 2003 were rudimentary compared to modern standards.
- The car was processed thoroughly, but a lack of surveillance footage or eyewitnesses left the case cold.
🤝 Community Efforts:
- Kelvin’s mother and loved ones have never stopped seeking justice, making regular calls to law enforcement for updates.
- In 2023 (on the 20th anniversary), Classic City Crime podcast featured his case, reigniting local interest.
- A standing reward is still available, and Athens-Clarke County PD has encouraged renewed tips—especially from people who may have heard whispers from Kelvin’s old social circles.
Current Status: Cold case homicide. Considered solvable if new witness testimony or DNA technology emerges.
📞 If You Have Information
Please contact:
- Athens-Clarke County Police Cold Case Unit: 706-613-3337, extension 337
- Or Crime Stoppers of Northeast Georgia: 706-705-4775 (anonymous)
- Tips can also be sent via email to: policeinfo@accgov.com
- Reward eligibility applies for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction.
🧭 Summary Comparison
| Case | Nature | Status | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Doyle | Presumed drowning | Unresolved, accidental ruling | Harsh weather, mechanical failure, personal items found |
| Diane Fields | Disappearance, suspected foul play | Active missing person case | Staged crime scene, fiancé interest, community efforts |
| Kelvin McDuffie | Homicide | Cold case | Remote shooting, lack of leads, ongoing GBI case |
🕯️ Closing Thoughts from the Tea Table
When we take the time to look deeper—into case files, overlooked evidence, and the heartbreak left behind—we become more than just curious minds; we become keepers of memory and advocates for the truth. These cases remind us that silence doesn’t mean peace, and time doesn’t always heal what’s hidden. Each unsolved mystery is a thread that connects us to the lives that were once vibrant and full of potential; their stories deserve to be told and remembered. If you felt called by one of today’s mysteries, share their stories, light a candle, and keep their names on your lips. Engage your community in discussions, raise awareness, and create spaces where these narratives can flourish. Let us unite our voices in a chorus of remembrance, for you never know who might hold the missing piece that could unlock the truth.
Each case we explored today is a thread in a larger tapestry—one of grief, mystery, and resilience. These aren’t just stories; they’re lives, each with families still searching for answers, communities left with questions, and spirits that deserve to be remembered. If any of today’s cases moved you, consider sharing their names, spreading awareness, or contacting authorities if you know something. The tiniest ripple can create a wave of truth. Until next time, stay safe, stay curious, and never stop asking the hard questions.
Much love and many blessings,
Mrs. B 🖤🍵
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