The Deck Podcast: Episode Summary – Brianna Vibert (Jack of Hearts, Michigan)
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Deck
- Host: audiochuck
- Episode: Brianna Vibert (Jack of Hearts, Michigan)
- Release Date: September 18, 2024
Introduction to Brianna Vibert's Disappearance
In this heart-wrenching episode of The Deck, host Ashley Flowers delves into the mysterious disappearance of Brianna Vibert, affectionately known as the "Jack of Hearts" from Michigan. Brianna's case is one of the many cold cases where law enforcement agencies have sought innovative methods to uncover the truth, including replacing traditional playing card faces with images of missing individuals to encourage inmates to provide crucial information.
Ashley Flowers [01:03]: “It was 3pm on Monday, July 17, when a man named Michael walked into the Flint Township Police Department to report his daughter Brianna missing.”
Background and Circumstances Leading to the Disappearance
At 24 years old, Brianna was grappling with personal turmoil. She had recently divorced her husband and was living with an allegedly abusive boyfriend, Brandon. Battling personal demons, Brianna's disappearance on July 15, 2017, left her family in deep concern, especially since she was not in contact with her children—a significant red flag.
Detective Lacey Lopez [03:46]: “They were very concerned. She has children and she had not been in contact with her children, which is a huge red flag.”
Initial Missing Persons Report
Michael Vibert, Brianna's father, along with her ex-husband Eric, promptly filed a missing persons report, showcasing their deep worry for Brianna's wellbeing. Their proactive approach provided police with substantial information early in the investigation.
Ashley Flowers [04:20]: “Because they'd already done so much digging on their own, they had a lot of information to provide police.”
Investigation Steps and Early Leads
Detective Lopez spearheaded the investigation, utilizing security camera footage from a local gas station where Brianna was last seen. The footage revealed Brianna leaving the gas station with an unknown black male in a Pontiac Aztec around 1:00 AM, a pivotal lead that directed the investigation towards Dale, a 47-year-old neighbor.
Detective Lacey Lopez [05:59]: “He did allow him to watch the cameras. And she left with this unknown black male and a Pontiac Aztec.”
Cell Phone Tracking and Additional Evidence
Despite Brianna's cell phone being turned off, investigators requested an emergency GPS ping to track her location. Although initially unsuccessful, historical phone records indicated that someone had been tampering with her phone, turning it on and off while checking voicemails.
Detective Lacey Lopez [09:26]: “It'll pop up on your email and say no phone or phone is off, service is off, something like that.”
Suspects and Persons of Interest
Dale – A Neighbor with a Suspicious Alibi
Dale became a person of interest after Brianna's cell phone was traced to his mother's house. His evasive behavior and discrepancies in his statements raised suspicions. Dale claimed he and Brianna visited a strip club, Teasers, where Brianna's arm was bandaged, but inconsistencies in the timeline and missing evidence (like Brianna's purse) left many questions unanswered.
Detective Lacey Lopez [15:44]: “So Dale said that he was driving down Mill Road, stopped for gas at the gas station...”
Brandon – The Allegedly Abusive Boyfriend
Brandon's relationship with Brianna was tumultuous, with reports of physical altercations. Despite initial hesitance to cooperate, Brandon eventually provided a narrative that contained several inconsistencies, particularly regarding his whereabouts during Brianna's disappearance.
Detective Lacey Lopez [29:20]: “She had gone to a friend's house on Vermelia when her and Brandon would fight. And I think that's where she was trying to go.”
Inconsistencies and Unresolved Leads
Several discrepancies emerged in the accounts provided by Dale and Brandon. Notably, Brandon mentioned visiting a vet to handle a hit-and-run involving a cat, a claim that couldn't be substantiated as his name didn't appear in vet records. Additionally, time gaps in their stories left critical questions about their true actions during the crucial hours of Brianna's disappearance.
Detective Lacey Lopez [41:44]: “So I looked up that call. There was a call, in fact, for a disorderly person at the vet office.”
Reopening the Case in 2021
Years after the initial investigation, Detective Lopez re-engaged with the case, driven by the lack of closure for Brianna's family. She re-interviewed roommates and delved deeper into the conflicting testimonies, uncovering more inconsistencies that heightened suspicions against Brandon and Dale.
Detective Lacey Lopez [37:09]: “I just asked for this case because I took the initial report. I feel for her family. I feel for her children.”
Ongoing Efforts and Family's Plea
Despite extensive efforts, Brianna's whereabouts remain unknown. Detective Lopez emphasizes the importance of public assistance in solving the case, highlighting the emotional toll on Brianna's four children who continue to live without knowing their mother's fate.
Detective Lacey Lopez [46:47]: “If someone knows something but is unwilling to speak on it, please think about Brianna's children and the rest of her family and how they feel.”
Conclusion and Call to Action
The episode concludes with a heartfelt plea from Detective Lopez and Brianna's friend Courtney, urging anyone with information to come forward. A $2,500 reward is offered through Crime Stoppers of Genesee County for any leads that could crack Brianna Vibert's disappearance.
Ashley Flowers [47:36]: “If you know anything about Brianna's disappearance, you can reach out to Detective Lacey Lopez's direct office line...”
Notable Quotes:
- Detective Lacey Lopez [03:46]: “She has children and she had not been in contact with her children, which is a huge red flag.”
- Detective Lacey Lopez [07:50]: “This lady is not contacting her children or her ex husband even about the children. It's been since the 14th. It's now the 17th.”
- Ashley Flowers [46:47]: “They need answers and someone has them and is choosing to stay quiet.”
Final Details:
- Brianna Vibert's Last Seen Location: July 15, 2017, at around 2:45 AM at the Mobile gas station on South Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan.
- Description: 5'9", 120 lbs, cream-colored top, black capri pants, flip flops, tattoos on right shoulder and both wrists, pierced nose and ears.
Contact Information for Tips:
- Detective Lacey Lopez: Flint Township Police Department, Phone: 810-600-3266
- Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County: 1-800-422-5245
Brianna Vibert's case remains unsolved, but through detailed investigative work and public awareness initiatives like The Deck, there remains hope that justice will eventually prevail for Brianna and her family.