Below the Surface: Lake Mead’s Unsolved Mysteries

Lake Mead is more than a vacation destination—it’s a graveyard of secrets.

In Episode 85 of Sins and Survivors, we begin a special three-part series exploring the chilling true crime stories and unsolved mysteries lurking beneath the waters of Lake Mead. With the lake at its lowest levels in nearly a century, long-submerged secrets have started to surface—and the evidence is impossible to ignore.

In the summer of 2022, a severe drought caused Lake Mead’s waterline to recede dramatically, revealing wreckage, discarded relics, and, most hauntingly, human remains. While some were determined to be tragic drownings from decades past, one case stood out immediately: a body stuffed in a metal barrel with clear signs of homicide.

Who is the Hemenway Harbor Doe?

Found inside a rusted barrel near Hemenway Harbor, the unidentified man had been shot and left submerged for over 30 years. Investigators believe he was likely killed in the late 1970s or early 1980s. He wore Trax brand sneakers, light blue Vidal Sassoon jeans, and a silver Timex watch—all signs pointing to a life once lived, but now forgotten.

Despite a 3D facial reconstruction released by the FBI and widespread media coverage, his identity remains unknown. You can view the FBI’s reconstruction and photos of his clothing on our Instagram and Facebook.

The Murder of Christopher Scott Huffman

In 1994, another body was discovered at Lake Mead—34-year-old Christopher Scott Huffman. Shot and bound to a trash barrel, his murder remains unsolved. His daughter Christine, born just 11 days after his death, has spent her life pushing for justice. Her voice is a powerful reminder that these cases are more than mysteries—they’re ongoing traumas for the families left behind.

Nicky Costanza: Mob Ties and a Murder in the Desert

In one of the most haunting stories from this episode, we dive into the murder of Nicholas “Nicky” Costanza Jr. Found shot in the trunk of his own car off North Shore Road in 1980, Nicky’s murder has long been rumored to have connections to organized crime. His family’s close ties to mob figures like Frank Cullotta and Anthony Spilotro lend weight to the theory—but decades later, the case remains cold.

A Killer Vanishes: The Disappearance of Robert Rowe

Finally, we explore the mysterious case of Robert Rowe, who vanished after allegedly murdering his wife and stepson in their Las Vegas home in 1997. His abandoned sailboat was found drifting at Lake Mead, but Rowe himself was never seen again. Did he die by suicide? Or stage his disappearance to avoid justice?

These are just some of the stories Lake Mead has hidden for decades. With its vast size, extreme heat, and remote terrain, it’s one of the deadliest national parks in America. And as the shoreline continues to recede, it’s likely even more secrets will come to light.

🎧 Listen to Episode 85 now: https://sinspod.co/85
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If you have information about any of the cases discussed in this episode, contact Crime Stoppers of Nevada at (702) 385-5555 or crimestoppersofnv.com. Tips can remain anonymous.