20 Years Later, Former Detective Believes People Close to Brian Shaffer Knew More

Anne Emerson of Criminally Obsessed interviews detective about the unsolved 2006 disappearance of the Ohio State medical student.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:55am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a lone car key on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigative search for answers in the Brian Shaffer disappearance case.The disappearance of Brian Shaffer remains shrouded in mystery, with former investigators believing those close to him may hold crucial clues.Columbus Today

On April 1, 2006, 27-year-old Ohio State medical student Brian Shaffer was last seen alive at the Ugly Tuna Saloona in Columbus, Ohio. Surveillance cameras captured him inside the bar, but he was never seen leaving. Despite an intense investigation, massive searches, and a $100,000 reward, no confirmed sightings, financial activity, or answers have ever surfaced about what happened to Shaffer in the 20 years since his disappearance.

Why it matters

Shaffer's disappearance remains one of the most perplexing cold cases in Ohio history, sparking ongoing public fascination and frustration over the lack of resolution. Former detective John Hurst believes people close to Shaffer may have information that could help solve the mystery, but have been reluctant to come forward.

The details

On the night he vanished, Shaffer was out with friends at the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar. Surveillance footage showed him inside the bar, laughing and socializing, but he was never seen leaving. His friends searched for him that night but eventually went home without answers. An intense investigation followed, with massive searches, national attention, and a $100,000 reward, but no confirmed sightings, financial activity, or clues about Shaffer's whereabouts have ever surfaced.

  • On April 1, 2006, Brian Shaffer was last seen alive at the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio.
  • It has been 20 years since Shaffer's disappearance.

The players

Brian Shaffer

A 27-year-old Ohio State medical student who disappeared without a trace from the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar in Columbus, Ohio on April 1, 2006.

John Hurst

A former detective who believes people close to Brian Shaffer may have information that could help solve the mystery of his disappearance.

Anne Emerson

The host of the true crime podcast Criminally Obsessed, who interviewed former detective John Hurst about the Brian Shaffer case.

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What they’re saying

“I believe the people of interest in this case knew Brian Shaffer and may have information that could help solve this mystery, but for whatever reason have been reluctant to come forward.”

— John Hurst, Former Detective

What’s next

The Columbus Police Department is still actively investigating the disappearance of Brian Shaffer. They are urging anyone with information to call 614-645-4545.

The takeaway

The unsolved disappearance of Brian Shaffer remains one of the most perplexing cold cases in Ohio history, sparking ongoing public fascination and frustration over the lack of resolution. Former detective John Hurst believes people close to Shaffer may have information that could help solve the mystery, but have been reluctant to come forward, underscoring the challenges in cracking long-unsolved missing persons cases.