Dark Downeast Podcast Summary
Episode: UPDATE: The Disappearance of Kimberly Moreau (Maine)
Release Date: May 9, 2025
Host: Kylie Lowe
Producer: audiochuck
Introduction
In this poignant update episode of Dark Downeast, investigative journalist and storyteller Kylie Lowe revisits the haunting disappearance of Kimberly Moreau, a case that has lingered in the hearts of the New England community for nearly four decades. Released on May 9, 2025, this episode delves deep into the relentless pursuit of truth by the Moreau family, the evolving investigation by law enforcement, and the unexpected twists that continue to shape this unresolved mystery.
Background of the Disappearance
On the night of May 10, 1986, 17-year-old Kimberly Moreau vanished from her home in Jay, Maine. As Kylie Lowe narrates, “Just before midnight on May 10, 1986, 17-year-old Kimberly Moreau walked out the door of her home in J. Main, never to be seen again” (02:00). The evening was supposed to mark Kim's high school junior prom, but after a fight with her boyfriend the previous day, she chose to spend the night with her friend, Rhonda Breton.
Richard Moreau, Kim’s father, recounts the events of that night: “About 20 minutes before 11 that night they pulled into the driveway over at our house on Jewell Street and Kim got out of the car... She told Karen that she was going to leave the house and go for a ride, and she'd be back in an hour” (05:36). This was the last time Kim was seen alive.
Family's Persistent Search Efforts
For 39 years, the Moreau family has tirelessly sought answers. Richard Moreau shares, “Every day I go to the post office... hoping and praying that we finally get an envelope that gives us very precise directions to where we can get her remains and bring her home” (03:30). Their efforts have included:
- Poster Campaigns: Affixing Kim’s posters to telephone poles in Jay, Livermore Falls, and surrounding areas to keep her memory alive and solicit tips.
- Dedicated P.O. Box: Maintaining Kim's Justice at P.O. Box 2J-MAIN 04239 for any information related to Kim’s disappearance.
- Independent Searches: Conducting their own investigations and employing unique strategies to uncover new leads.
Diane Moreau, Kim’s sister, expresses the family's enduring hope: “We just want to bring Kim home” (16:28).
Evolution of the Investigation
Over the years, the investigation has seen several developments:
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Detective Mike Fitzmorris: In 2023, Detective Fitzmorris was appointed as the new primary investigator. He emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives: “We are out there talking to people. We're knocking on doors. We're getting different names and leads every day that we're tracking down” (30:31).
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Detective Corporal Michael Chavez: Part of the Maine State Police Unsolved Homicide Unit, Chavez highlights the collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the Moreau family: “We're working hand in hand with them as much as we can to cultivate and investigate the information that they give us” (09:29).
Despite extensive searches using modern technology like ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs, concrete evidence has remained elusive. The family remains skeptical of individuals last seen with Kim, particularly Brian Enman and Darren Jowdry, who have not been charged but are subjects of ongoing suspicion.
Unforeseen Developments: The Role of a Psychic
A significant twist in the investigation came through the involvement of Laurencia Bourget, a psychic medium. Laurencia recounts her first encounter with Kim’s case: “We were driving through Main Street and I had noticed the pictures of Kimberly on the telephone poles. And I said, pull over. I want to see what that is” (19:05). Her abilities led to a pivotal moment in the case.
In October 2024, Laurencia received a message directing her to a closed bowling alley in Jay. Acting on this intuition, she, along with Richard Moreau and a family friend, conducted a search at the site. Laurencia describes the discovery: “And 30 seconds later I found I saw a flashlight and I just picked it up... and then I saw the remains” (24:08). Unfortunately, the remains were identified as Victor C. Pribanek Jr., a 54-year-old male whose death was deemed non-suspicious.
While this finding did not bring Kim closer to home, it underscored the family's unwavering dedication and the complexities of the investigation. Laurencia reflects on the emotional toll: “I felt really bad... I want so much to help find Kim” (28:32).
Continuing the Search and Plea for Information
The Moreau family's pursuit of answers is far from over. Detective Fitzmorris encourages the public to come forward with any information: “Don't just assume that I have that information. So reach out and give us that information” (30:31). The family remains hopeful that someone with crucial knowledge will step forward, especially following the death of Darren Jowdry in August 2024.
Richard Moreau makes a heartfelt plea: “We are begging you, please give us the answers we're looking for. I don't care how you do it. We've given you multiple ways of doing it. Get us that answer and please let us bring Kim home” (32:17). His wife and daughters echo this sentiment, emphasizing the profound impact Kim's disappearance has had on their lives.
Conclusion
As the 39th anniversary of Kimberly Moreau’s disappearance approaches, the Moreau family and Detective Corporals Fitzmorris and Chavez remain steadfast in their quest for truth. This update episode of Dark Downeast highlights the enduring hope, relentless effort, and emotional resilience of those searching for closure. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the human side behind every unsolved case and the profound need for community involvement in bringing justice to the forgotten.
If you have any information related to Kimberly Moreau's disappearance, please reach out through the provided channels:
- Mail: Kim's Justice, P.O. Box 2J-MAIN 04239
- Email: justwanttofindher@mail.com
- Phone: Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit South, 207-624-7076, ext. 9
- Anonymous Tip: Submit via Dark Downeast Website
Let’s bring Kim home and honor the legacy of her memory.
Notable Quotes
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Richard Moreau: “Every day I go to the post office... hoping and praying that we finally get an envelope that gives us very precise directions to where we can get her remains and bring her home” (03:30).
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Diane Moreau: “Our first thoughts were he's passed away... Why can't you just come forward and give us the information that we've” (15:34).
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Laurencia Bourget: “All the searches I do are volunteer. I don't charge for any groundwork” (20:35).
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Kimberly Moreau's Sister: “Someday I'm going to have an answer. And I truly believe that Kim looks down on us and she knows we're trying” (32:29).
Listen to the full episode on your preferred podcast platform and follow Dark Downeast on Instagram at @darkdowneast for more updates and true crime stories from the heart of New England.
