Up and Vanished: Kristal Reisinger - Part 3: Dead Men Still Talk

Release Date: March 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In the gripping third installment of the "Up and Vanished" series, host Payne Lindsey delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of Kristal Reisinger from Nome, Alaska. Titled "Dead Men Still Talk," this episode uncovers startling developments following the deaths of two primary suspects, Brian Otten (also known as Dreddy Bryan) and John Keenan (referred to as Catfish John). Through exclusive interviews and the revelation of previously unseen messages, Payne unearths new evidence that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, inching closer to the truth behind Kristal's vanishing.

Key Events Recap

The episode begins with the tragic demise of Brian Otten and John Keenan, two individuals deeply entwined in Kristal Reisinger's disappearance.

• Brian Otten's Death ([03:16] - [05:00])

  On May 16, 2020, Brian Otten was found dead at the Starlit Hostel near Crestone. Described as lying motionless with purple-tinged skin and a dog leash around his wrist, Brian's death was initially presumed to be drug-related. The autopsy revealed a lethal combination of heroin, oxycodone, Kratom, nicotine, and marijuana. Notably, there were no signs of choking or asphyxiation, pointing to an accidental overdose. Brian was one of the last individuals known to have interacted with Kristal before her disappearance, raising suspicions about his potential involvement.

  "Brian wasn't just some guy in Crestone. He was one of the key figures in Crystal Reisinger's disappearance. One of the last people known to have seen her alive. And now he was dead." (03:45)

• John Keenan's Death ([05:00] - [07:00])

  Just two years after Brian's death, John Keenan, also known as Catfish John, was found unresponsive in Raleigh, North Carolina, amidst a scene cluttered with drug paraphernalia. John's history as a drug dealer and his alleged violent behavior had long made him a person of interest in Kristal's case. His death added another layer of complexity, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.

  "This man was awful, evil. And all these years later, even though Dreddy Bryan and Catfish John are dead, the most important question still remains. Where is Crystal?" (09:30)

Recent Developments

The episode takes a riveting turn with the introduction of newfound evidence: direct messages between the deceased suspects. A local woman provided Payne with Brian Otten's Facebook login, granting access to his untouched conversations. These messages reveal a tumultuous exchange between Brian and John just before their deaths, hinting at deeper, darker secrets.

• Examination of the Messages ([13:43] - [22:18])

  Payne presents verbatim transcripts of the chats between Brian and John, showcasing their strained relationship and potential confessions.

  Brian Otten ([15:12]): "How you holding up?"

  Catfish John ([15:13]): "I'm good. I'm in Crestone now."

  As the conversation escalates, tensions rise, culminating in threats and admissions that suggest both men knew more about Kristal's disappearance than previously assumed.

  Brian Otten ([17:09]): "I will murder you. I don't remember last night at all."

  These exchanges raise critical questions about their involvement and the possibility of a cover-up surrounding Kristal's fate.

Conversation Highlights

One of the most compelling segments involves an anonymous interviewee revealing explosive information about the case.

• Anonymous Interviewee's Testimony ([25:39] - [37:22])

  An individual, deeply affected by the case, shares insights into the involvement of other suspects and the gruesome details surrounding Kristal's disappearance. They discuss the alleged participation of a person named Rice, who purportedly delivered the fatal blow to Kristal before she was disposed of and hidden away.

  "He does. He shot her and it grazed her, and then she didn't pass right away is what he said. And that's when he said. That's what I meant about the question." (35:31)

  Further revelations suggest a systematic effort to obscure the truth, implicating multiple individuals and pointing to a broader conspiracy.

Conclusion and Ongoing Questions

As the episode draws to a close, Payne Lindsey emphasizes that the deaths of Brian Otten and John Keenan, while significant, have not resolved the mystery of Kristal Reisinger's disappearance. Instead, they have unveiled a network of individuals who may hold the keys to unlocking the truth. The episode leaves listeners with a sense of urgency and anticipation for the final installment, promising to bring closure to a case that has long haunted the Nome community.

"If their deaths proved anything, it's that the people in this town knew something. And some of them are most certainly still alive, incapable of talking." (22:27)

Looking Ahead

The final episode is set to air the following Friday, where Payne Lindsey will provide the conclusive findings of his investigation into Kristal Reisinger's disappearance. Listeners are encouraged to tune in to uncover how they can contribute to solving this enduring mystery.

Final Thoughts

"Dead Men Still Talk" masterfully intertwines recent developments with long-standing questions, painting a complex picture of a case steeped in secrecy and tragedy. Payne Lindsey's relentless pursuit of the truth shines through, making this episode a pivotal chapter in the "Up and Vanished" series.