Up and Vanished: Ashley Loring HeavyRunner - Episode 1 (Revisited) Release Date: March 28, 2025

Introduction

In the riveting first episode of Season 4, "Midnight Sun," Up and Vanished delves deep into the mysterious disappearance of Ashley Loring HeavyRunner from the Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation in Northwest Montana. Hosted by Payne Lindsay of Tenderfoot TV, the episode revisits the case, uncovering new insights and reigniting the search for answers where law enforcement efforts have faltered.

The Disappearance of Ashley Loring HeavyRunner

Payne Lindsay opens the episode by highlighting the critical moments leading up to Ashley's disappearance in June 2017. Kimberly Loring, Ashley's sister, shares the harrowing timeline:

• Last Contact: "Me her last Facebook messages with Ashley. Kimberly said, are you okay? Ashley replied, always." [14:41]

Despite regular communication, Ashley vanished without a trace upon Kimberly's return from a trip to Morocco.

Community Concerns and Lack of Safety

Kerry Lance (White Buffalo Bisha Tie), an elder from the community, paints a grim picture of life on the reservation:

• "This place isn't safe, especially for Native women." [04:33]

He describes the pervasive fear and the community's initiative to form a neighborhood watch due to increasing violence and arson incidents:

• "We've had four buildings torched in the last two weeks. And one's still smoking." [05:10]

Lance emphasizes the community's frustration with law enforcement's reactive stance:

• "They're reactionary only. So right now, we don't have enough law enforcement to proactively patrol." [05:39]

The sentiment reflects a broader issue of systemic neglect and the heightened vulnerability of Native women.

Investigative Challenges and Community Dynamics

The episode sheds light on the complexities of investigating crimes within the reservation:

• Nepotism and Tribal Courts: Lance criticizes the tribal justice system's inefficacy due to favoritism and lack of accountability:

  • "When shit happens out here, they don't put any effort into solving it. Holding anybody accountable." [18:03]

• Community Retaliation: The fear of retaliation discourages victims and their families from cooperating with law enforcement:

  • "Cops come out here and say, we need a statement. I don't want to do that... Because they're afraid of retaliation." [05:51]

This environment fosters secrecy and impedes the pursuit of justice.

Theories and Suspects

Payne Lindsay explores various theories surrounding Ashley's disappearance, focusing on potential suspects and motives:

• Vdog Paul Valenzuela: A central figure, Valenzuela, known by his nickname "Vdog," emerges as a key suspect. His aggressive confrontation with Lindsay is highlighted:

  • "I'm just a podcaster... I'm not trying to point fingers at anybody." [39:36]

  However, tensions escalate as Valenzuela vehemently denies involvement, leading to heated exchanges captured in the transcript.

• Matson Boys Connection: References to the Matson boys, previously involved in shooting incidents with Ashley, suggest a possible link to her disappearance once they were released from prison:

  • "They said it was the Madsen boys. Ashley, she had to go to court one time... and then Ashley vanished." [34:51]

Personal Accounts and Emotional Impact

Kimberly Loring's unwavering determination and emotional turmoil are central to the narrative:

• Dreams as Clues: Kimberly recounts vivid dreams where Ashley guides her to a lake, believing these visions are pivotal clues:

  • "I believe that this lake is a clue. And honestly, so do I." [31:04]

• Generational Trauma: Kimberly discusses the deep-seated trauma within the community, stemming from historical abuses and its impact on current safety and secrecy:

  • "Secrets run deep, and we pass it on, generations to generation." [24:22]

• Fear for the Future: The pervasive fear for her son's safety underscores the ongoing crisis:

  • "I have a four-year-old. Every day I wake up scared for my son." [24:18]

Recent Developments and Renewed Investigation

The episode concludes with updates on the investigation and the podcast's role in reigniting public interest:

• Law Enforcement Response: Law enforcement actions have been minimal, with delayed declarations of missing persons hindering the investigation:

  • "By the time police officially declared Ashley missing, it had been weeks. Crucial time was lost." [20:43]

• Tip Line and Community Support: Following the podcast's efforts, numerous credible tips have been received, indicating a growing community involvement:

  • "We've received dozens of credible tips on our tip line." [40:52]

• Ongoing Search Efforts: Despite facing threats and misinformation, the search for Ashley continues, driven by Lindsay's determination and Kimberly's resolve.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Up and Vanished emphasizes the urgent need for continued investigation and community support to solve Ashley Loring HeavyRunner's disappearance. The episode sets the stage for future installments, promising to unravel new information and bring the community closer to uncovering the truth.

Notable Quotes:

• "I want to see the rule of law and everybody treated fairly and held accountable." — Kerry Lance [05:08]
• "Just another dead Indian." — Kerry Lance [20:47]
• "I want to find out what happened to Ashley. And I'm going to do everything within the law and my own conscience to make that happen." — Payne Lindsay [31:56]

Join the Search for Answers

For those compelled by Ashley's story and eager to contribute, Up and Vanished encourages listeners to stay engaged and support the ongoing investigation. As the podcast promises deeper dives and fresh revelations in upcoming episodes, the quest for justice remains steadfast.

This summary is intended for informational purposes and reflects the content of "Ashley Loring HeavyRunner - Episode 1 (Revisited)" from the Up and Vanished podcast series.