Up and Vanished
Episode 12 | The Roommate
Release Date: August 30, 2024
Host: Payne Lindsey | Tenderfoot TV

Introduction

In Episode 12 of Up and Vanished, titled "The Roommate," host Payne Lindsey delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Joseph Balderas from Nome, Alaska. This episode centers on Joseph's roommate, Jake, whose suspicious behavior and inconsistent statements have raised significant red flags in the ongoing investigation.

Case Overview

Joseph Balderas vanished without a trace, prompting one of the largest manhunts in Nome’s history. As the investigation unfolds, attention shifts to Jake, Joseph's roommate, whose actions and alibis have become increasingly questionable.

Suspicious Behavior and Inconsistent Alibis

Jake’s involvement becomes a focal point due to his evasive responses and attempts to fabricate an alibi. Initially, Jake claimed that on the night Joseph disappeared (Saturday, June 25), he and two friends went bridge jumping until around 8 PM and then drove to Solomon, a small town east of Nome. However, discrepancies arise when his friends deny being with him, creating a significant gap in his timeline.

Notable Quote:

Jake [03:07]: "I know that the timeline doesn't make sense to you... Nobody does."

Payne Lindsay highlights Jake's evasion, stating, "Jake completely dodged the first PI, and his family was becoming increasingly suspicious of all of his behavior."

Phone Investigation and Fabricated Alibi

To address the inconsistencies, state troopers visited Jake's residence to analyze his iPhone. Jake reluctantly agreed to allow his phone to be examined, believing it could prove his innocence.

Notable Quote:

Jake [04:12]: "It's just really important for us to get this timeline figured out... I just want to know exactly what happened so I can fill that sequence."

Upon reviewing Jake's phone data in Anchorage, investigators discovered text messages where Jake was soliciting friends to lie for him, fabricating stories about his whereabouts to mislead the investigation.

Notable Quote:

Jake [10:09]: "I wouldn't say I went for a drive. I wouldn't come up with something I didn't do."

These revelations deepened suspicions, highlighting Jake's attempt to obscure his true activities during the critical time frame.

Conflicting Truck Sightings

Adding to the complexity, multiple sightings of Joseph's truck were reported both before and after his disappearance. On Saturday night and Sunday morning, several unrelated witnesses claimed to see the truck in different locations, some far from Nome, raising questions about the truck's movements and Joseph's possible activities.

Notable Quote:

Kirk Piscoya [17:55]: "A ten. Because I looked at the vehicles went by and I didn't know at that time that was Joseph's truck until later..."

Despite extensive searches, including aerial reconnaissance, no definitive evidence was found to explain Joseph's disappearance, with theories ranging from animal attacks to foul play.

Interviews with Jake’s Family

Interviews with Jake's stepdad, Kirk Piscoya, reveal Jake's reserved nature and lack of familiarity with Joseph's personal life, such as Joseph’s firearm ownership. Kirk expresses confusion and suspicion over Jake’s actions and the overall circumstances.

Notable Quote:

Kirk Piscoya [23:29]: "Something just is not adding up with... We should have come up with something."

His observations suggest that Jake's behavior deviates from what would be expected of a concerned roommate, further implicating him in the investigation.

Emerging Tips and New Suspects

As the investigation progresses, Payne Lindsey receives anonymous tips that suggest deeper connections and potential misconduct by individuals involved in the case. One such tip alleges that Christine Piscoya, another key figure in the investigation, exhibited erratic behavior violently distressed over Joseph's disappearance.

Notable Quote:

Anonymous Caller [31:38]: "Christine was so drunk... I kept saying over and over, joseph's dead, Joseph's dead."

These revelations introduce new dimensions to the case, hinting at possible conspiracies or additional suspects that were previously overlooked.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

Episode 12 showcases the unraveling of Jake's deceit and the complexities surrounding Joseph's disappearance. Payne Lindsey emphasizes the critical need for thorough investigation and the challenges posed by conflicting testimonies and elusive evidence. The episode concludes with Payne receiving pivotal tips that could potentially shift the direction of the case, underscoring the ongoing nature of this true crime investigation.

Notable Quote:

Payne Lindsay [33:51]: "It's a situation where all of this work that I've done should have been done by the troopers... they're in a pretty defensive posture about the whole case."

Key Takeaways:

• Jake’s Deceptive Behavior: Inconsistent alibis and attempts to fabricate stories significantly raise suspicions about his involvement in Joseph’s disappearance.

• Conflicting Evidence: Multiple and contradictory sightings of Joseph’s truck complicate the timeline and muddy the waters of the investigation.

• Anonymous Tips: Emerging tips indicate possible misconduct or undisclosed connections, suggesting that the investigation may need to broaden its scope.

Conclusion

"The Roommate" offers a compelling exploration of the enigmatic circumstances surrounding Joseph Balderas’s disappearance, highlighting the critical role of scrutinizing alibis and investigating inconsistencies. As new information surfaces, viewers are left anticipating the next developments in this intricate investigation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Jake [03:07]: "I know that the timeline doesn't make sense to you... Nobody does."

• Jake [04:12]: "It's just really important for us to get this timeline figured out... I just want to know exactly what happened so I can fill that sequence."

• Jake [10:09]: "I wouldn't say I went for a drive. I wouldn't come up with something I didn't do."

• Kirk Piscoya [17:55]: "A ten. Because I looked at the vehicles went by and I didn't know at that time that was Joseph's truck until later..."

• Kirk Piscoya [23:29]: "Something just is not adding up with... We should have come up with something."

• Anonymous Caller [31:38]: "Christine was so drunk... I kept saying over and over, joseph's dead, Joseph's dead."

• Payne Lindsay [33:51]: "It's a situation where all of this work that I've done should have been done by the troopers... they're in a pretty defensive posture about the whole case."

For More Information:

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