Dark Downeast: Remembering the Disappearance of Ralph Jean-Marie

Episode Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Kylie Lowe

Introduction

In this poignant episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Lowe delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Ralph Jean-Marie, affectionately known as Riz, from Barrie, Vermont. As the five-year mark of Ralph's vanishing approaches, Lowe meticulously unpacks the complexities of the case, highlighting the systemic failures, the ensuing activism, and the enduring quest for truth and justice.

The Disappearance of Ralph Jean-Marie

Background and Initial Report

On April 13, 2020, 38-year-old Ralph Jean-Marie disappeared from the Hollow Inn Motel in Barrie, Vermont. Ralph, a black man standing 5'10" and weighing approximately 140 pounds, was last seen wearing gray pajama pants, a gray Carhartt jacket, Adidas shoes, and a hat emblazoned with the word "King." According to initial reports, Ralph had an argument with his significant other and left the motel room around 1:00 AM, leaving behind essential belongings, including medications, glasses, wallet, and ID.

Investigation Begins

By 1:24 AM, Barre City Police Sergeant Robert Miller responded to a noise complaint at the motel. Within minutes, the complaint was cleared, and the officer departed, leaving many questions about Ralph's whereabouts. The first official report of Ralph's disappearance came nearly 60 hours later, raising immediate suspicions about potential foul play.

Kylie Lowe [03:25]: "Ralph didn't just walk off, never to be seen again. Someone or multiple someones had a hand in his disappearance."

Challenges in the Investigation

Delayed Reporting and Initial Efforts

The significant delay between Ralph's disappearance and the official report hindered the initial stages of the investigation. Police believed that the narrative of Ralph leaving voluntarily didn't align with the evidence, suspecting involvement of others.

Chief Tim Bombardier [07:10]: "I believe somebody has harmed him."

Lack of Evidence and Leads

Despite extensive searches, including K9 units and submersible drones, no substantive evidence or leads emerged. Reports of sightings proved to be dead ends, and the absence of communication from Ralph added to the mystery.

Involvement of Bridget Huckins

Relationship and Legal Troubles

Ralph's girlfriend, Bridget Huckins, became a central figure in the investigation. Their relationship was tumultuous, with prior legal issues including a 2014 conviction for assaulting Ralph and another individual. In August 2020, Bridget was arrested in connection with a fatal drug overdose, adding layers of complexity to Ralph's disappearance.

Bridget Huckins [35:50]: "I understand that nothing I can say will bring him back. I never meant for him to get hurt or die."

Suspicion and Police Inquiry

Although Bridget was never publicly named a suspect, her history and her connection to Ralph made her a person of interest. The police scrutinized her movements and associations around the time of Ralph's disappearance, yet concrete evidence linking her to the case remained elusive.

Activism and Documentary Efforts

Rising Voices and Advocacy

Frustrated by the slow progress, activists and family members spearheaded efforts to bring national attention to Ralph's case. Groups like Justice for Ralph emerged, advocating for equitable treatment in missing persons cases, especially those involving black individuals.

Tiana Langevin [27:15]: "We want to show him as a human and not just another statistic."

Collaborative Documentary Project

A documentary team titled Silent City was initiated to explore Ralph's disappearance, engaging with local communities and collaborating with police to uncover overlooked details. Their involvement introduced new tools and perspectives, such as underwater drone searches.

Legal Battles and the Shield Law

Contempt Charges Against Activist Lee Morrigan

Lee Morrigan, a prominent activist, faced contempt charges for refusing to disclose sources regarding claims of existing security footage from the Hollow Inn Motel. Leveraging Vermont's Shield Law, Morrigan successfully had the charges dismissed, setting a precedent for protecting journalistic sources.

Judge Mary L. Morrissey [40:30]: "The State is barred from compelling disclosure of this information from defendant."

Impact on the Investigation

This legal battle highlighted tensions between law enforcement and activists, underscoring the challenges in balancing investigative needs with ethical journalism and source protection.

Leadership Changes and Renewed Investigation

New Barre City Police Chief

In March 2022, Braden Brad Vail took over as Barre City Police Chief, inheriting the Ralph Jean-Marie case with a promise to revitalize the investigation. Chief Vail emphasized thoroughness, including re-interviewing witnesses and scrutinizing past leads.

Chief Braden Brad Vail [43:00]: "I'm going to be asking a lot of questions and I'm going to have the detectives following up on anything that I can find."

Advancements and Roadblocks

Under Chief Vail's leadership, some progress was made, such as the recovery of Ralph's cell phone from another motel. However, significant breakthroughs remained elusive, and the case continued to draw attention to potential investigative oversights.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Questions

New Evidence and Missing Links

In May 2022, a pivotal detail emerged: a prescription refill request made in Ralph's name 13 hours after his disappearance. The origin and purpose of this call remain unexplained, adding another layer of mystery.

Advocacy and Continued Vigilance

Supporters and activists persist in their efforts, organizing protests and media campaigns to keep Ralph's story in the public eye. Their unwavering commitment underscores the broader issues of racial and socioeconomic disparities in law enforcement responses.

Dylan Riley [50:10]: "People get placed in a category and once that happens, they're not going to be important enough for someone to pull together."

Conclusion: The Unresolved Quest for Truth

As the five-year anniversary of Ralph Jean-Marie's disappearance approaches, the case remains unsolved, symbolizing the broader challenges in addressing unresolved missing persons cases, especially those involving marginalized individuals. Kylie Lowe poignantly emphasizes the human cost of this unresolved mystery, urging the community and listeners to continue advocating for justice and truth.

Kylie Lowe [54:30]: "It's not just a Barrie problem, it's not a Washington county problem, it's a Vermont problem."

Key Takeaways

• Systemic Failures: Delayed reporting and initial investigative oversights significantly hampered the search for Ralph Jean-Marie.

• Activism as a Catalyst: Community and activist involvement played a crucial role in keeping the case alive and pushing for accountability.

• Legal Protections for Journalists: The successful invocation of the Shield Law in Lee Morrigan's case underscores the importance of protecting journalistic integrity and sources.

• Ongoing Vigilance Needed: The disappearance of Ralph Jean-Marie remains a stark reminder of the need for persistent efforts in solving missing persons cases, especially those clouded by racial and socioeconomic biases.

Call to Action

If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Ralph Jean-Marie in Barrie, Vermont, please contact the Barry Police Department at 802-476-6613. Your insight could be pivotal in bringing closure to a grieving family and community.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Dark Downeast. For more detailed sources and references used in this episode, please visit darkdowneast.com.