Episode Summary: "Where’s Johnny?"

Podcast: The Man in the Black Mask
Host: Keith Morrison
Episode: 1 - Where’s Johnny?
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction to the Mysterious Encounter

The episode opens with a recount of a chilling encounter experienced by Marisa Grahini and her partner, Trevor Hossinger, in their neighborhood of Edmondson. On the evening of Friday, October 3, 2024, during their usual summer walk, the couple witnesses a disturbing scene that echoes the horror narratives of classic slasher films.

Marisa Grahini [00:59]: "I have never in my life felt fear like that."

They describe seeing a young man stumble out of an alley and collapse in front of them, followed by the sudden appearance of another man dressed in a dark hooded sweatshirt and a hockey mask reminiscent of the infamous Jason from the Friday the 13th series.

Trevor Hossinger [01:22]: "To me, that didn't look real. Looked like it was staged."

Johnny Altinger's Disappearance

The incident takes a mysterious turn when Johnny Altinger, a 39-year-old oil field worker, goes missing shortly after Marisa and Trevor encounter the masked figure. Friends of Johnny report his disappearance to the police, noting that he hadn't been seen for a couple of weeks and his disappearance seemed uncharacteristic.

Introduction of Detective Bill Clark

Detective Bill Clark, a seasoned homicide investigator with a no-nonsense attitude, is assigned to the case. Initially skeptical about the gravity of the missing person report, Clark begins to delve into Johnny's background to uncover any signs of foul play.

Mark Twitchell [05:12]: "I really thought that the end of this thing, he just laughs his way all the way to the bank on it. At the end of the day, it's a big publicity thing for him."

Investigation Unfolds

Investigators compile a list of Johnny's friends and family, focusing on Deborah Tykrobe, a nurse who met Johnny through a dating website, Plenty of Fish. Their interviews reveal a close but non-romantic friendship between Deborah and Johnny. Despite their camaraderie, Deborah expresses uncertainty over Johnny's sudden disappearance.

Deborah Tykrobe [08:24]: "John was a very good friend. He was very warm and loving and kind."

Johnny's last communication suggests he was planning a trip to Costa Rica with a new acquaintance named Jen, adding layers of mystery to his vanishing.

Deborah Tykrobe [11:23]: "I've got a one way ticket to heaven and I'm never coming back."

Connection to Mark Twitchell and the Garage

A pivotal clue emerges when an email from Jen directs Johnny to a detached two-car garage owned by Mark Twitchell, an up-and-coming independent filmmaker. Twitchell, who uses the garage as a makeshift sound stage, becomes a person of interest as investigators search the location but find no trace of Johnny.

Mark Twitchell [17:12]: "Does the name Jen mean anything to you? No."

Suspicious Behavior and Red Flags

Detective Clark grows suspicious of Twitchell’s involvement, especially after learning that Twitchell attempted to sell him a red Mazda Coupe—Johnny’s missing car—for an unusually low price.

Mark Twitchell [25:09]: "Slipped my mind."

This inconsistency raises red flags, prompting further interrogation. Twitchell maintains his composure during questioning, but Clark remains unconvinced, suspecting deeper connections.

Trevor Hossinger [25:23]: "I'm working on a comedy right now which is a. It's actually a full blown feature that's actually going to have a decent budget in the neighborhood of about three and."

Cliffhanger and Ongoing Mystery

As the investigation intensifies, the episode concludes with unresolved tensions between the police and Twitchell. Detective Clark is left pondering the true nature of Johnny's disappearance and the possible involvement of those around him, including the enigmatic Jen and the seemingly innocent filmmaker.

Mark Twitchell [30:01]: "The game's on. It's me against him. I know it."

The stage is set for future episodes to uncover the tangled web of illusion, deception, and potential real-life horror surrounding Johnny Altinger's disappearance.

Key Characters and Insights

• Marisa Grahini & Trevor Hossinger: The couple who first encounter the masked man, providing the initial catalyst for the investigation.

• Johnny Altinger: The missing oil field worker whose disappearance is at the heart of the mystery.

• Deborah Tykrobe: Johnny’s close friend from Plenty of Fish, whose interviews shed light on Johnny’s personal life and last known activities.

• Detective Bill Clark: The determined and old-school investigator leading the case, whose methods juxtapose the mysterious elements of the story.

• Mark Twitchell: An independent filmmaker whose studio becomes a key location in the investigation, raising suspicions with his interactions and behavior.

Notable Quotes

• Marisa Grahini [00:59]: "I have never in my life felt fear like that."

• Trevor Hossinger [01:22]: "To me, that didn't look real. Looked like it was staged."

• Deborah Tykrobe [08:24]: "John was a very good friend. He was very warm and loving and kind."

• Mark Twitchell [17:12]: "Does the name Jen mean anything to you? No."

• Mark Twitchell [25:09]: "Slipped my mind."

• Mark Twitchell [30:01]: "The game's on. It's me against him. I know it."

Conclusion

"Where’s Johnny?" masterfully intertwines elements of suspense and mystery, setting the stage for a gripping narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. Through detailed storytelling and compelling character interviews, Keith Morrison draws listeners into a labyrinth of clues and red herrings, promising an enthralling exploration of illusion, fantasy, and the darkest corners of human nature in the episodes to come.

Production Credits:
The Man in the Black Mask is a production of Dateline and NBC News, featuring the collaborative efforts of producers, audio editors, and field producers dedicated to bringing this intricate story to life.