Up and Vanished: The Midnight Sun – Emergency Broadcast

Release Date: May 10, 2025
Host: Tenderfoot TV
Episode Title: The Midnight Sun: Emergency Broadcast

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Up and Vanished, host Payne Lindsay and the investigative team at Tenderfoot TV confront unforeseen developments that significantly impact their ongoing investigations into the disappearances of Joseph Balderas and Florence Okpealuk in Nome, Alaska. Titled "The Midnight Sun: Emergency Broadcast," the episode delves deep into new evidence, unexpected revelations, and the challenges of pursuing truth in complex cold cases.

Emergency Discovery

The episode begins with Payne Lindsay calling an urgent Zoom meeting with his team members, Dylan Harrington and Cooper Skinner, to address a sudden breakthrough in their investigation. This unexpected turn of events necessitates a departure from their planned episode schedule.

Payne Lindsay (03:09):
"We're sitting on an entire podcast session that was essentially going to be part one of the rest of our Joseph Balderas investigation. And now we have new information that changes everything."

This moment underscores the dynamic nature of true crime investigations and the team's commitment to integrity over routine production schedules.

Details of Joseph Balderas' Case

Joseph Balderas, an Alaska Native, vanished under mysterious circumstances from the Blackfeet Nation Indian Reservation. The team discusses a crucial piece of new evidence: a witness claim that Joseph was not alone in his truck the day of his disappearance.

Dylan Harrington (17:43):
"A woman from Nome confirmed she saw Joseph in his blue Dodge Dakota on mile 44, with another male—Jake, his roommate—inside the vehicle."

This revelation directly challenges Jake's previously established alibi, introducing significant doubt and reopening investigative avenues regarding Joseph's disappearance.

Kevin Pescoia's Death

A significant focus of the episode is the perplexing death of Kevin Pescoia, Christine Pescoia's uncle, whose circumstances may be intertwined with Joseph's disappearance.

Dylan Harrington (29:32):
"We don't have the exact cause of Kevin's death, which is unusual. The consensus from trusted sources is that his truck was found near Joseph's on mile 38, raising unsettling connections between the two cases."

The lack of transparency from local authorities in Nome adds another layer of complexity, as the team struggles to obtain definitive information about Kevin's passing and its potential linkage to Joseph's case.

Florence Okpealuk's Case and John Girton

Parallel to Joseph's disappearance, Florence Okpealuk, also missing from Nome, becomes a focal point as new interactions with a key individual come to light. John Girton, the last person known to have seen Florence, becomes central to unraveling the mystery.

Dylan Harrington (42:55):
"John expressed a desire to clear his name and help Florence's family. However, subsequent communication attempts revealed he had gone silent, prompting a renewed search effort."

This segment highlights the evolving nature of the investigation and the delicate balance between building trust and maintaining professional skepticism.

Impact on Podcast Production

The emergence of new evidence forces the team to reevaluate their production plans, emphasizing their dedication to accuracy and respect for the victims and their families over meeting publication deadlines.

Dylan Harrington (08:58):
"We can't control what people do or make them confess, but presenting information correctly can create scenarios where the truth comes to light."

Payne Lindsay expresses the ethical dilemma of releasing potentially incomplete information, choosing instead to pause and reassess to honor the cases appropriately.

Future Plans and Next Steps

The team outlines their strategy moving forward, which includes verifying new information, engaging with key individuals like John Girton, and preparing for more in-depth episodes that promise to shed light on the unresolved aspects of both cases.

Dylan Harrington (50:15):
"John and I talked for over two hours, and I believe he's being sincere about helping Florence's family find closure. We're not done yet."

Payne announces plans for a live, unedited conversation with John Girton, aiming to extract vital information that could bring new insights into Florence's disappearance.

Conclusion

"The Midnight Sun: Emergency Broadcast" serves as a critical juncture in the Up and Vanished series, illustrating the unpredictable challenges of true crime journalism. The episode not only sheds light on the complexities of the Joseph Balderas and Florence Okpealuk cases but also highlights the unwavering commitment of Tenderfoot TV to pursue truth and justice, even when unforeseen obstacles arise.

Victoria McKenzie (53:44):
"The difference in how John talked to you this time was night and day. It felt more candid."

This commitment to thoroughness and authenticity underscores the podcast's mission to provide listeners with insightful, respectful, and impactful storytelling in the realm of true crime.

Notable Quotes:

• Payne Lindsay (03:09):
  "We're sitting on an entire podcast session that was essentially going to be part one of the rest of our Joseph Balderas investigation."
  (00:03:09)

• Dylan Harrington (17:43):
  "A woman from Nome confirmed she saw Joseph in his blue Dodge Dakota on mile 44, with another male—Jake, his roommate—inside the vehicle."
  (00:17:43)

• Dylan Harrington (29:32):
  "We don't have the exact cause of Kevin's death, which is unusual. The consensus from trusted sources is that his truck was found near Joseph's on mile 38, raising unsettling connections between the two cases."
  (00:29:32)

• Dylan Harrington (42:55):
  "John expressed a desire to clear his name and help Florence's family. However, subsequent communication attempts revealed he had gone silent, prompting a renewed search effort."
  (00:42:55)

• Victoria McKenzie (53:44):
  "The difference in how John talked to you this time was night and day. It felt more candid."
  (00:53:44)

This episode exemplifies the relentless pursuit of truth by Up and Vanished and sets the stage for future revelations that promise to bring resolution to these haunting cold cases.