Up and Vanished - Episode 14: "The Alibi"

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 14 of Up and Vanished, titled "The Alibi," host Payne Lindsey delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Joseph Balderas from Nome, Alaska. This episode meticulously unpacks the inconsistencies surrounding Joseph's last known movements, with a particular focus on his roommate, Jake, who emerges as a person of interest due to questionable alibis and suspicious behavior.

Timeline of Joseph's Disappearance

The episode begins by establishing the timeline of Joseph's last known whereabouts. On Sunday, September 26th, Joseph was reportedly last seen around 1:00 PM. However, conflicting accounts begin to surface, casting doubt on the official narrative.

• Initial Sightings:
  • Jake, Joseph's coworker, claims to have seen Joseph at his house around 1:30 PM on Sunday. (07:41)
  • Contrarily, a caller mentions seeing Joseph exiting his truck before heading to camp, the last time Joseph was seen five to six years prior. (04:36)

Payne Lindsey emphasizes the confusion:

“Trying to connect the dots of every single thing that happened that weekend is like putting together IKEA furniture. Meaning next to impossible.” (04:36)

Inconsistencies in Jake's Alibi

Jake's statements begin to unravel as more details emerge. Initially, he suggests that on Saturday night, he was bridge jumping with friends and returned around 1:00 AM. However, this alibi falls apart under scrutiny.

• Text Message Contradictions:
  • Jake texted friends Emery and Tyler, stating they took a drive to Solomon at 8:00 PM and returned at 1:00 AM on the night before Joseph disappeared. (17:04)
  • Friends Emery and Tyler deny these claims, stating they were bridge jumping and returned around 9:00 PM. (18:14)

“So they knew at this point Jake had lied twice.” (18:14)

The investigative team discovers that Jake's account doesn't align with witness testimonies, leading to heightened suspicions.

Interviews and Witness Testimonies

Payne Lindsey conducts multiple interviews to piece together the truth behind Joseph's disappearance.

• Interview with Jim West:

  • Jim West, involved in the search and rescue efforts, provides initial timelines that conflict with Jake's statements. (06:34)

• Private Investigator Andy Clamser's Findings:

  • Andy uncovers that Jake attempted to fabricate an alibi, texting friends to lie about his whereabouts. (14:10)
  • During an interview, Tyler admits that Jake wasn't truthful about his activities, further discrediting his alibi. (22:00)

“I feel pretty strongly that the most likely explanation for Joseph's disappearance is that someone has done something to him.” (12:01)

The Mythical and Supernatural Angle

As the investigation deepens, local folklore and supernatural theories begin to intertwine with the factual narrative.

• Ishagaks Legend:
  • Jake, under the influence, mentions the Ishagaks—mythical creatures from Alaska Native folklore—as possible perpetrators of Joseph's disappearance. (36:24)

“Maybe he chose the wrong door and he's never coming back again. That maybe Joseph had crossed into some other world.” (36:28)

• Alice Kinnick Glenn's Insights:
  • Alice, an Alaska Native, provides context on traditional storytelling and the significance of these legends, highlighting their role in shaping local beliefs. (37:04)

“I never discount any story as being 100% untrue because there are always lessons to be found.” (37:25)

Despite these eerie narratives, Payne Lindsey remains focused on uncovering concrete evidence, questioning why such supernatural theories are gaining traction over tangible leads.

Breakthrough and New Evidence

The episode takes a pivotal turn when a crucial piece of evidence surfaces—a Snapchat video timestamped at 12:38 AM on the night of Joseph's disappearance, capturing Jake at a party.

• Victoria's Testimony:
  • Victoria, a close friend, recounts her encounter with Jake at a late-night party, where he was seen interacting intimately with another individual. (40:16)

“Why would he lie about this too?” (40:33)

• Video Proof:
  • A time-stamped video directly contradicts Jake's fabricated alibi, placing him at the party instead of at home playing video games as he claimed. (40:52)

This revelation significantly undermines Jake's credibility and strengthens suspicions around his involvement in Joseph's disappearance.

Conclusion and Ongoing Investigation

As the episode wraps up, Payne Lindsey reflects on the tangled web of lies, folklore, and unresolved questions that surround the case. While Jake's suspicious behavior and inconsistent alibis present a compelling lead, the mystery remains unresolved, urging listeners to ponder the true circumstances of Joseph Balderas's disappearance.

“What did Jake know? What do you think he's hiding?” (35:00)

The episode concludes by inviting listeners to engage further through the show's Discord and social media platforms, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in unraveling such complex cases.

Notable Quotes

• Payne Lindsey:
  “Trying to connect the dots of every single thing that happened that weekend is like putting together IKEA furniture. Meaning next to impossible.” (04:36)

• Investigator:
  “I feel pretty strongly that the most likely explanation for Joseph's disappearance is that someone has done something to him.” (12:01)

• Jake:
  “I think the Ishagaks got him. Do you know the Ishagog's pain?” (36:24)

• Alice Kinnick Glenn:
  “I never discount any story as being 100% untrue because there are always lessons to be found.” (37:25)

• Victoria:
  “Why would he lie about this too?” (40:33)

Final Thoughts

Episode 14 of Up and Vanished masterfully combines investigative journalism with local lore, painting a comprehensive picture of Joseph Balderas's disappearance. Through diligent analysis of testimonies, uncovering of inconsistencies, and exposure of concealed truths, Payne Lindsey invites listeners to engage critically with the evidence, striving to bring clarity to a haunting cold case.