The Mysterious 1912 Disappearance Of Bobby Dunbar

Per “This American Life,” members from the Dunbar, Anderson, and Walters families all had varying reactions to the DNA test. Cutright, her father, and her sister were shocked. However, Cutright’s family was also upset that she had decided to do a DNA test, reportedly without informing the rest of the family first (via History 101). As for the Andersons and the Walters, they were relieved; Julia Anderson was right about her son after all, and Walters was not a criminal.

Although the DNA test solved the mystery of Bobby Dunbar’s true identity, it did not provide any information on what occurred to the real Bobby Dunbar who disappeared from Lake Swayze in 1912. Country Roads Magazine writes that it’s unknown if he was actually kidnapped or if he drowned, as investigators originally believed. All That’s Interesting points out that there’s also the possibility that he fell into the swamp and was eaten by alligators. History 101 reports that Cutright herself believes it’s likely that Bobby was not kidnapped but died the same night he went missing. The truth, however, remains unknown.

According to “This American Life,” Percy and Lessie Dunbar divorced shortly after their son “returned” home. Cutright thinks it’s likely that Lessie knew that the boy she raised was not the son she had given birth to. Nevertheless, some of the Andersons have said that they believe that Bruce had a better life as Bobby Dunbar with his newfound family than the one he would have had with them.

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