Hi, Crime Junkies. I'm your host Ashley Flowers, and I'm Brett. And the story I have for you today is about two women who were strangers in life, but who despite disappearing decades apart, formed a kind of sisterhood in death.

It's also about the families who refuse to let their stories be buried. These are the stories of Pamela Butler and Marta Rodriguez.

The story of Pamela Butler and her family is about to be buried.

Pamela Butler and her family are about to be buried.

Pamela Butler and her family are about to be buried.

Pamela Butler and her family are about to be buried.

Pamela Butler and her family are about to be buried.

It's late Saturday afternoon in Washington, DC, and Thelma Butler is waiting for her daughter Pamela, who everyone calls Pam.

She's supposed to pick her up for a dinner date.

Pam and her new boyfriend Jose are supposed to be taking Thelma to this DC staple called Ben's Chili Bull for an early bird special.

But as the clock hits three, and then ticks past, there's no sign of them.

Thelma waits patiently at first, then maybe a little less so, but still, no Pam, no Jose.

And as the early darkness of winter starts to creep in, Thelma's confusion gives way to concern.

Pam wouldn't leave her hanging like this, especially not today on Valentine's Day.

In fact, when Thelma realized their plans were on Valentine's Day, she even double-checked with Pam to make sure she wouldn't rather spend it alone with Jose.

But Thelma's a widow, and Pam told her mom that she wanted to take her out on Valentine's Day.

I mean, that's the kind of daughter she is.

And if some last minute issue popped up, she would have called.

Thelma is certain of that.

So she picks up her phone, dials Pam's home number, but no answer.

She dials her cell, again, no answer, and with every ring, her anxiety is growing.

So Thelma calls her son Derek, Pam's brother, hoping maybe he's spoken to her.

...