ABOUT THIS EPISODE
📋 Episode Description:
On a stormy December night in 1986, 21-year-old Nancy Hyer set out to do a kind deed—picking up a friend in need. What began as an act of compassion turned into a mystery that still haunts Long Island nearly 40 years later. In this deeply tragic episode, Amanda Morgan tells the heartbreaking story of Nancy and 19-year-old Billy Fischer, whose lives were brutally cut short, and of the man who remains the primary suspect: William Peter Fischer—Billy's own father—who has been on the run ever since.
As the one-year anniversary of the podcast coincides with a personal loss, Amanda reflects on grief, persistence, and the enduring pain of unanswered questions. This is a case of family betrayal, haunting evidence, and a search for justice that continues to this day.
🕵️♀️ Key Topics Covered:
Timeline of the events leading up to Nancy and Billy’s disappearance
Background on Nancy Hyer and Billy Fischer’s friendship
The strained relationship between Billy and his father, William Peter Fischer
The discovery of the abandoned car and the tragic crime scene
Evidence recovered from William Fischer’s home
The investigation, arrest warrant, and William’s sudden disappearance
Ongoing efforts to locate William Peter Fischer
Reflections on loss, justice, and podcast milestones
🔍 Case Status: William Peter Fischer remains a fugitive. As of 2025, he would be approaching 80 years old. He is still listed on New York’s Most Wanted list and is wanted internationally by the FBI and Interpol.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of William Peter Fischer, please contact:
New York State Police: (631) 756-3300
🧵 Follow & Support the Show:
Instagram, Facebook & X: @NewYorksDarkSide
Patreon: Support the show for early access and bonus content
Full source list & images: Episode Webpage
🙏 Special Mentions:
Huge thanks to our listeners for supporting us through an incredible first year!
Shout-out to Keystone Cold Cases Podcast for the recent promo swap and support.
The intro theme for this podcast are sections of Nightmare Machine by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
