How can I get my earnest money deposit out of escrow?

I am the buyer, we executed a contract but during title search some issues arose. The closing company wants a release of escrow signed by all parties, We have one, but the seller's signature is shaky so the closing company also wants verbal approval from the seller. The problem is that the seller is missing, gone, took off, ghosted. Not home and not returning phone calls/text messages. The title search revealed a defective quit claim from previous owner to the seller I was making a deal with. Does the closing company need all parties to sign or is the defective title enough to get my earnest money back?