Up and Vanished - Episode 13: "To Risk, We Must"

Release Date: September 6, 2024
Host: Payne Lindsey
Production: Tenderfoot TV

Introduction

In Episode 13 of Up and Vanished, titled "To Risk, We Must," host Payne Lindsey delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Joseph Balderas from Nome, Alaska. This episode meticulously examines the inconsistencies surrounding Joseph's vanishing and places significant scrutiny on his roommate, Jake, as potential suspect. Through interviews, investigative efforts, and critical analysis, Payne uncovers layers of deceit and unanswered questions that keep the case unresolved eight years later.

Overview of the Case

Joseph Balderas, a 36-year-old Alaska Native, disappeared under perplexing circumstances from the Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation. Despite extensive searches, including aerial grids and ground patrols, no concrete evidence has surfaced to explain his disappearance. Joseph's family remains convinced that foul play is involved, suspecting either a crime perpetrated against him or negligence by local law enforcement.

Key Witness: Jake, the Roommate

Jake, Joseph’s roommate, emerges as a pivotal figure in the investigation. Several contradictions and suspicious behaviors by Jake have raised red flags:

Alibi Inconsistencies: Jake initially claimed that he was out with friends on the night Joseph disappeared but later stated he saw Joseph the next morning walking down the hallway at their residence. Payne questions the validity of this statement, highlighting that if Jake were truthful, Joseph would have been ignoring others, which contradicts his usual behavior (Payne Lindsay, 05:00).
Attempted Alibi Fabrication: Phone records revealed that Jake was texting friends to create an alibi for his whereabouts on the night of Joseph's disappearance. Payne probes, asking, “Why would somebody be doing that?” (Payne Lindsay, 06:11).
Reluctance to Cooperate: Payne recounts his frustration in attempting to engage with Jake, who consistently avoided answering calls and refused to provide meaningful information (Payne Lindsay, 23:43).

Notable Quote:

"If Jake was hiding something? Well, what exactly could it be?" – Payne Lindsey [05:04]

Interviews with Joseph's Family

Payne conducts heartfelt interviews with Joseph's sister, Selena, and his mother, Nelda, who express profound grief and frustration over the lack of progress in the case.

Selena's Perspective: Selena emphasizes the community's fear of law enforcement and the prevalence of unsolved missing person cases in Nome. She believes strongly in Joseph's murder and criticizes the authorities for not thoroughly investigating all leads.

Notable Quote:

"I do not think at all that Joseph's death was an accident, know that he was murdered." – Selena [09:13]

Selena also highlights the family's relentless efforts to seek justice, including involving the governor and the FBI, yet they remain stuck at dead ends.

Emotional Appeal: Selena shares the daily anguish her mother feels, stating, “My mom cries for my brother every single day.” (Selena, 10:06).

Interactions with Nome Police

Payne details his challenging interactions with the Nome Police Department (PD). Upon arrival, he encounters defensive attitudes and uncooperative investigators, making it difficult to access critical case files or speak with dedicated officers.

Challenges Faced:

Lack of a dedicated case officer.
Resistance to external inquiries, especially from journalists.
Limited transparency regarding investigation progress.

Notable Quote:

"I didn’t come to Nome to talk about solved cases. I came here because the families told me law enforcement wasn't doing anything anymore." – Payne Lindsay [07:59]

Private Investigation Efforts

Undeterred by police roadblocks, Payne teams up with private investigator Andy Clamser to independently investigate Joseph's disappearance. Their efforts focus on:

Analyzing Phone Records: Attempting to establish a clear timeline of Joseph’s last known activities.
Revisiting the Crime Scene: Conducting meticulous searches to uncover overlooked evidence.
Confronting Suspicions: Directly questioning Jake and other potential witnesses to piece together conflicting narratives.

Uncovering Red Flags

Repeated interviews with Jake reveal several suspicious elements:

Inconsistent Statements: Jake’s varying accounts of his and Joseph’s activities during the critical weekend.
Possession of a Rifle: Examination of a rifle found at Jake’s residence raises questions about his awareness and potential involvement (Payne Lindsay, 24:46).
Behavioral Changes: Reports indicate that Jake's life took a downturn post-Joseph’s disappearance, including drug use and distancing from friends.

Notable Quote:

"The most likely explanation for Joseph's disappearance is that someone has done something to him." – Payne Lindsay [24:11]

Concluding Insights

As the investigation progresses, Payne emphasizes the importance of risk-taking in truth-seeking. He highlights the community’s hope that uncovering the truth will either prompt local law enforcement to take more decisive action or reveal deeper corruption and deceit.

Final Thoughts: Payne acknowledges the extensive documentation and evidence provided by Joseph’s family and supporters, expressing optimism that persistence will eventually lead to answers.

Notable Quote:

"No more secrets anymore. So either they're going to start turning on each other, the police are going to start doing their job, or we're going to find out that somebody has been lying or is corrupt." – Payne Lindsay [32:11]

Aftermath and Community Response

The episode concludes with reflections from friends who knew Jake before and after Joseph’s disappearance. Luke Lamanna shares insights into Jake’s troubled behavior and hints at possible confessions, suggesting that Jake may have admitted involvement indirectly through close contacts.

Community Impact: Jake's changing demeanor and strained relationships within his social circle further cloud the investigation, reinforcing the need for continued scrutiny and support for the Balderas family.

Conclusion

"To Risk, We Must" serves as a compelling exploration of the unresolved disappearance of Joseph Balderas, spotlighting the complexities and challenges in cold case investigations. Payne Lindsey’s relentless pursuit of the truth underscores the podcast's dedication to giving a voice to the marginalized and seeking justice where official channels have stalled.

Produced by: Tenderfoot TV in association with Odyssey
Written by: Payne Lindsey
Executive Producers: Donald Albright and Payne Lindsey
Lead Producer: Mike Rooney
Additional Production: Dylan Harrington, Cooper Skinner, Tracy Kaplan, Victoria McKenzie, Alice Kanique, Glenn and Eric Quintana
Artwork: Rob Sheridan
Original Music: Makeup and Vanity Set
Mixing and Mastering: Cooper Skinner

For more episodes and exclusive content, subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus on Apple Podcasts or visit Tenderfoot TV.

Up and Vanished - Episode 13: "To Risk, We Must"

Release Date: September 6, 2024
Host: Payne Lindsey
Production: Tenderfoot TV

Introduction

Overview of the Case

Key Witness: Jake, the Roommate

Jake, Joseph’s roommate, emerges as a pivotal figure in the investigation. Several contradictions and suspicious behaviors by Jake have raised red flags:

Alibi Inconsistencies: Jake initially claimed that he was out with friends on the night Joseph disappeared but later stated he saw Joseph the next morning walking down the hallway at their residence. Payne questions the validity of this statement, highlighting that if Jake were truthful, Joseph would have been ignoring others, which contradicts his usual behavior (Payne Lindsay, 05:00).
Attempted Alibi Fabrication: Phone records revealed that Jake was texting friends to create an alibi for his whereabouts on the night of Joseph's disappearance. Payne probes, asking, “Why would somebody be doing that?” (Payne Lindsay, 06:11).
Reluctance to Cooperate: Payne recounts his frustration in attempting to engage with Jake, who consistently avoided answering calls and refused to provide meaningful information (Payne Lindsay, 23:43).

Notable Quote:

"If Jake was hiding something? Well, what exactly could it be?" – Payne Lindsey [05:04]

Interviews with Joseph's Family

Payne conducts heartfelt interviews with Joseph's sister, Selena, and his mother, Nelda, who express profound grief and frustration over the lack of progress in the case.

Notable Quote:

"I do not think at all that Joseph's death was an accident, know that he was murdered." – Selena [09:13]

Selena also highlights the family's relentless efforts to seek justice, including involving the governor and the FBI, yet they remain stuck at dead ends.

Emotional Appeal: Selena shares the daily anguish her mother feels, stating, “My mom cries for my brother every single day.” (Selena, 10:06).

Interactions with Nome Police

Challenges Faced:

Lack of a dedicated case officer.
Resistance to external inquiries, especially from journalists.
Limited transparency regarding investigation progress.

Notable Quote:

"I didn’t come to Nome to talk about solved cases. I came here because the families told me law enforcement wasn't doing anything anymore." – Payne Lindsay [07:59]

Private Investigation Efforts

Undeterred by police roadblocks, Payne teams up with private investigator Andy Clamser to independently investigate Joseph's disappearance. Their efforts focus on:

Analyzing Phone Records: Attempting to establish a clear timeline of Joseph’s last known activities.
Revisiting the Crime Scene: Conducting meticulous searches to uncover overlooked evidence.
Confronting Suspicions: Directly questioning Jake and other potential witnesses to piece together conflicting narratives.

Uncovering Red Flags

Repeated interviews with Jake reveal several suspicious elements:

Inconsistent Statements: Jake’s varying accounts of his and Joseph’s activities during the critical weekend.
Possession of a Rifle: Examination of a rifle found at Jake’s residence raises questions about his awareness and potential involvement (Payne Lindsay, 24:46).
Behavioral Changes: Reports indicate that Jake's life took a downturn post-Joseph’s disappearance, including drug use and distancing from friends.

Notable Quote:

"The most likely explanation for Joseph's disappearance is that someone has done something to him." – Payne Lindsay [24:11]

Concluding Insights

Final Thoughts: Payne acknowledges the extensive documentation and evidence provided by Joseph’s family and supporters, expressing optimism that persistence will eventually lead to answers.

Notable Quote:

"No more secrets anymore. So either they're going to start turning on each other, the police are going to start doing their job, or we're going to find out that somebody has been lying or is corrupt." – Payne Lindsay [32:11]

Aftermath and Community Response

Conclusion

For more episodes and exclusive content, subscribe to Tenderfoot Plus on Apple Podcasts or visit Tenderfoot TV.

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Summary

Up and Vanished - Episode 13: "To Risk, We Must"

Introduction

Overview of the Case

Key Witness: Jake, the Roommate

Interviews with Joseph's Family

Interactions with Nome Police

Private Investigation Efforts

Uncovering Red Flags

Concluding Insights

Aftermath and Community Response

Conclusion

Summary

Up and Vanished - Episode 13: "To Risk, We Must"

Introduction

Overview of the Case

Key Witness: Jake, the Roommate

Interviews with Joseph's Family

Interactions with Nome Police

Private Investigation Efforts

Uncovering Red Flags

Concluding Insights

Aftermath and Community Response

Conclusion