Dark Downeast: The Disappearance of Ryan Blagojevich (Maine) – Detailed Summary
Introduction
Dark Downeast, hosted by investigative journalist Kylie Lowe, delves into the enigmatic disappearance of Ryan Blagojevich in Portland, Maine, in 2013. This episode meticulously explores Ryan's background, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, the subsequent investigation, and the broader systemic challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and mental health issues.
Ryan's Background and Life
Ryan Blagojevich, aged 37, had a tumultuous life marked by early struggles with substance use and untreated mental health issues. Ryan’s sister, Eve Blagojevich, provides a heartfelt account of their family dynamics and Ryan's personal battles.
[05:06] Eve Blagojevich: "There was definitely always like a kind of darkness lingering over my family that like I couldn't understand as like a child I always knew like something wasn't right."
Ryan's challenges began in his early teenage years, with his first entry into rehab around the age of 13 or 14. Despite his family's support, including periods of sobriety and attempts to rebuild his life, Ryan's ongoing struggles with addiction persisted.
[06:37] Eve Blagojevich: "I have to be honest, like, I don't remember a time when Ryan wasn't drinking."
In the late 2000s, Ryan resided in northern and Down East Maine, where he began a relationship and discovered he was going to be a father in early 2010. Despite moments of pride, such as the photograph of him with his newborn daughter, Ryan's behavior continued to reflect his internal turmoil, leading to legal issues including violations of a protection order.
The Night of Disappearance
On the night of March 31, 2013, Ryan was living at Milestone Recovery, a wet shelter in Portland that accommodates individuals regardless of their substance use status. A staff member reported Ryan for being disruptive and refusing to leave the premises.
[06:37] Kylie Lowe: "It was just after 7:00 on Sunday night, March 31, 2013, when a call came in to Portland Maine Police dispatch."
Portland Police Officer Brent Abbott responded promptly, documenting that Ryan was removed from the shelter with instructions to return the following day. However, Ryan never returned, and no further records indicate his whereabouts post-removal.
Family's Search Efforts
Eve Blagojevich recounts the immediate aftermath of Ryan’s disappearance, highlighting the family's growing concern as weeks passed without any contact.
[11:28] Eve Blagojevich: "My parents talked to him the night that he went missing... And that was the last time anyone heard from him."
Despite initial attempts to locate Ryan through shelters, hospitals, and jails, the response was hindered by privacy laws and limited information from service providers. Milestone Recovery, like many shelters, adheres to strict confidentiality protocols, preventing them from disclosing Ryan’s status or last known location.
Police Investigation
The Portland Police Department's investigation commenced with limited leads. Detective Chris Giesica took over the case but encountered several dead ends, including an unverified lead involving Peaks Island and a non-existent warrant.
[15:30] Eve Blagojevich: "They were kind, but they said that there was basically nothing that they could do initially because he was an adult."
Despite entering Ryan’s information into national missing persons databases, progress was stymied by insufficient evidence and leads. An audit revealed erroneous contacts with other police agencies, further complicating the investigation.
Theories and Possibilities
Ryan’s disappearance remains shrouded in mystery, with multiple theories proposed:
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Accidental Drowning: Given his proximity to Portland Harbor and the similar fates of other men like John Faunville and James Dyer, it's plausible Ryan could have accidentally fallen into the water, especially during a less crowded evening.
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Homicide: The potential for foul play, possibly linked to an altercation at the shelter or other unknown factors, remains unresolved.
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Voluntary Disappearance or Suicide: Ryan might have chosen to disappear or taken his own life, although Eve expresses uncertainty about this possibility.
[33:25] Eve Blagojevich: "I used to say no sometimes. Now I think there may have been a tiny chance just because of how low he was."
Systemic Challenges
The episode underscores significant barriers in addressing missing persons cases among the homeless population:
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Confidentiality Laws: While essential for protecting vulnerable individuals, these laws can impede families from obtaining timely information.
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Lack of Resources: Limited police resources and public awareness contribute to the fading trail in such cases.
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Stigmatization: Societal biases against homelessness and addiction can result in less media attention and investigative priority.
Joseph McNally, Director of Homeless Services at Milestone Recovery, highlights the compassionate yet constrained environment of shelters.
[36:22] Joseph McNally: "Our staff really do a good job reminding folks that there are people that still care about them and that want them to do well in life, whatever that looks like."
Conclusion
Ryan Blagojevich’s disappearance remains unresolved over a decade later, emblematic of the struggles faced by many in similar circumstances. Eve Blagojevich continues her relentless search for answers, advocating for the visibility and justice that Ryan and others deserve.
[43:12] Eve Blagojevich: "I believe that Ryan deserves a death date... he just does. I think of him being cold and being lonely and like he deserves to be back with us."
Kylie Lowe emphasizes the importance of shining a light on such cases to prevent them from being forgotten and to foster a collective effort toward finding closure for the families involved.
Call to Action
Listeners are encouraged to assist in locating Ryan by providing any relevant information to the Portland Police Department through established channels.
[49:59] Kylie Lowe: "If you have information about the disappearance of Rob Brian Blagojevich, please call the Portland, Maine Police Department at 207-874-8575."
Final Remarks
Dark Downeast serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind missing persons cases, urging empathy, awareness, and action to support those who remain lost and the families who tirelessly seek their loved ones.