Teen's disappearance unveils dangerous serial predator

In this episode of Crime Watch Daily Updates: 18-year-old Caleb Diehl borrowed his family friend’s Chevy pickup truck on March 30, 2015, and was never seen again. His family reported him missing on April 1, 2015.

Caleb and his family were close with a man named Ricky Howard, a businessman who Caleb often worked the odd job for here and there. Even though Ricky was a successful entrepreneur in the area, he harbored dark secrets.

Ricky was accused of sexually assaulting a boy who once worked for him, and information soon came to light that Caleb was another one of Ricky Howard’s victims.

Ricky was arrested for illegal possession of a firearm, and from there, the floodgates opened. He was indicted in October 2018 on several charges of indecency with a child and possession of child pornography. Investigators found photos of Ricky sexually abusing Caleb as well as a burn pit with several of Ricky’s computers melted down.

The case went to court, but there was a mistrial due to a juror injury. In July 2021, Ricky pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation and was later sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

Let’s look back at the case of Caleb Diehl, an 18-year-old on the cusp of life who disappeared and is nowhere to be found.