Podcasts > Up and Vanished > S4E5: Finding Jon

S4E5: Finding Jon

By Tenderfoot TV

In his investigation into Florence Ochpialik's disappearance, Payne Lindsey hones in on a key suspect, Oregon John. The blurb details Lindsey's meticulous approach to tracking down Oregon John's location and schedule in Alaska. It also recounts how Lindsey creates a fake online persona, "Eric Gaulding," to engage Oregon John and gain access to potentially meeting him in person.

The blurb sheds light on concerning details about Oregon John's history, as revealed by others familiar with him. This builds intrigue around Lindsey's impending encounter with Oregon John, during which he must decide whether to maintain his "Eric Gaulding" ruse or reveal his true identity. Lindsey carefully weighs the risks and takes precautions for this highly anticipated meeting.

S4E5: Finding Jon

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S4E5: Finding Jon

1-Page Summary

Payne Lindsey's Investigation of Florence Ochpialik's Disappearance

In his pursuit of uncovering the truth behind Florence Ochpialik's disappearance, Payne Lindsey has zeroed in on a key suspect: Oregon John, the last person confirmed to have seen Florence.

Tracking Down Oregon John's Location and Schedule

Through extensive online research, Payne discovers that Oregon John is located in Alaska and works on a cargo ship with the Alaska Marine Highway System. By identifying the boat in John's social media posts and cross-referencing its sailing schedule, Payne plans to intercept him during an upcoming 12-hour stop in Kodiak.

Using a Fake Online Persona to Communicate with Oregon John

To gain access to Oregon John, Payne creates a fake Facebook profile under the name "Eric Gaulding." He maintains this ruse, engaging John in friendly conversation and learning about his routine in Kodiak, carefully crafting an alibi to bypass John's offer to pick him up from the airport. Payne wrestles with the ethical implications of this deception while recognizing its necessity.

Insights from Others Familiar with Oregon John

Payne consults sources familiar with Oregon John's history, who reveal concerning details about his past behavior, including a criminal record, issues with vulnerable women, and an explosive temperament. They also question the reliability of John's account of events surrounding Florence's disappearance.

Preparing to Meet Oregon John in Person

Weighing the risks of a potential hostile confrontation, Payne debates whether to reveal his true identity to Oregon John or maintain his fake persona during their meeting. He ultimately decides to proceed with the "Eric Gaulding" plan, but with added precautions: bringing a friend for backup, crafting a thorough cover story, and ensuring hidden recording devices are in place to document the encounter.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Oregon John is a key suspect in the investigation of Florence Ochpialik's disappearance. He is the last person known to have seen Florence before she went missing. Payne Lindsey is focusing on Oregon John as part of his efforts to uncover the truth behind what happened to Florence.
  • Payne Lindsey is a well-known podcaster and investigative journalist who specializes in true crime stories. He is known for his podcast series "Up and Vanished," where he delves into cold cases and missing persons investigations. Lindsey's approach involves thorough research, engaging with key figures, and using various tactics to uncover the truth behind mysterious disappearances. In this case, he is focusing on the disappearance of Florence Ochpialik and is actively pursuing leads to shed light on the case.
  • Payne Lindsey decides to maintain the fake persona to gain access to Oregon John and learn more about his routine in Kodiak without raising suspicion. This approach allows Payne to gather information and potentially uncover crucial details about John's involvement in Florence Ochpialik's disappearance. By continuing the deception, Payne aims to navigate the situation cautiously and gather evidence while minimizing the risk of a hostile confrontation. Maintaining the fake persona also enables Payne to control the narrative of their interaction and potentially elicit more candid responses from Oregon John.
  • The potential risks of a hostile confrontation with Oregon John stem from his concerning past behavior, criminal record, and reported issues with vulnerable individuals. Payne Lindsey is considering these risks as he plans to meet John in person, prompting him to take precautions such as bringing a friend for backup and ensuring hidden recording devices are in place for documentation.

Counterarguments

  • The use of a fake persona to interact with a suspect could be seen as ethically questionable and might undermine the integrity of the investigation.
  • There is a risk that the suspect's behavior and statements could be influenced or distorted by the deceptive approach, potentially affecting the reliability of any information obtained.
  • The involvement of Payne Lindsey and his methods could be criticized for potentially interfering with an official police investigation or compromising future legal proceedings.
  • The decision to confront a suspect with a history of violence could be seen as reckless and could put Payne and his friend in danger.
  • The use of hidden recording devices, while potentially useful for gathering evidence, raises privacy concerns and may not be legal in all jurisdictions.
  • Consulting sources familiar with Oregon John and relying on their accounts could introduce bias or hearsay into the investigation, which may not be admissible or reliable in a legal context.
  • The focus on Oregon John as a key suspect without clear evidence presented in the text could be seen as prejudicial, and there may be alternative explanations or other suspects that have not been considered.

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S4E5: Finding Jon

Payne Lindsey's investigation into the disappearance of Florence Ochpialik, focusing on the key suspect Oregon John

Payne Lindsey delves into the mysterious disappearance of Florence Ochpialik, with his investigation zeroing in on a key suspect known as Oregon John, the last person confirmed to have seen Florence.

Payne's efforts to track down Oregon John's location and schedule using online research

Payne Lindsey seeks to uncover Oregon John’s current location and schedule, primarily through avid online research. He finds John's Facebook profile and gathers that John is located in Alaska. Oregon John's social media posts, often showing a ship on water, lead Payne to believe he works on a boat, and he identifies a local business in Ketchikan, Alaska, in the background of John's videos.

A picture of the boat visible in John's posts directs Payne to clarify its role within the Alaska Marine Highway System. He deduces the vessel's commercial service, which includes transportation for people, freight, and vehicles. Noticing a consistent pattern of this vessel's appearance aligns with the publicly posted sailing schedule, Payne plans his trip to Kodiak, Alaska, aiming to intercept Oregon John during one of his ship's 12-hour overnight stays.

Payne researched Oregon John's social media activity and identified his work on a cargo ship

By identifying the boat in John's pictures, Payne confirms that John works on the Alaska Marine Highway System. John's maritime lifestyle is apparent in numerous posts, though there is anxiety around the fact that Oregon John hasn't posted in over a week, sparking fears that he may have moved on from this job or that a different situation has arisen.

Payne discovered Oregon John's sailing schedule on the Alaska Marine Highway System website

Payne discusses the discovery of Oregon John’s sailing schedule, which is vital for the investigation as it suggests his whereabouts. Identifying the longest break in this schedule, Payne believes that Oregon John’s upcoming 12-hour stop in Kodiak is the most opportune time for an encounter.

Payne's use of a fake online persona to communicate with Oregon John

Desperate times call for creative measures, and for Payne Lindsey, this means adopting a fake identity online.

Payne created a fake Facebook profile under the name "Eric Gaulding" to interact with Oregon John

Using a fictitious Facebook persona named Eric Gaulding, Payne initiates a friendly dialogue with Oregon John, hoping to learn about his current location in Alaska. Oregon John, conversing with whom he believes to be Eric Gaulding, discloses his routine during the morning hours before his shifts, unwittingly giving Payne the information needed to plan a meeting.

Payne maintained the fake pers ...

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Payne Lindsey's investigation into the disappearance of Florence Ochpialik, focusing on the key suspect Oregon John

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Oregon John is a key suspect in the disappearance of Florence Ochpialik. He is the last person known to have seen Florence before she went missing, making him a focal point of the investigation led by Payne Lindsey. Payne's efforts to track down Oregon John's location and schedule are crucial in trying to uncover more information about his potential involvement in Florence's disappearance.
  • Payne Lindsey is an investigative journalist known for his work in true crime podcasts and documentaries. He often uses online research and social media to track down individuals related to his investigations. In this case, he creates a fake online persona to communicate with a key suspect, Oregon John, in an effort to gather information about the disappearance of Florence Ochpialik. Lindsey carefully considers the risks and ethical implications of his investigative methods as he navigates the delicate balance between uncovering the truth and maintaining the trust of his subjects.
  • The Alaska Marine Highway System is a ferry service in Alaska that operates along the coastline, connecting various communities. It serves as a vital transportation link for both passengers and cargo, offering routes that are not easily accessible by road. The system plays a crucial role in Alaska's transportation infrastructure, providing essential services to residents and visitors alike. The ferries in the system are lifelines for many remote areas, offering a unique way to travel through the stunning Alaskan landscape.
  • Intercepting Oregon John in Kodiak, Alaska is crucial because it presents an opportunity for Payne Lindsey to confront the key suspect in the disappearance case of Florence Ochpialik. By aligning with Oregon John's scheduled stop in Kodiak, Payne aims to engage with him during this window of time, potentially gaining valuable insights or information that could further the investigation. This strategic move allows Payne to establish direct contact with Oregon John in a specific location, increasing the chances of obtaining critical details related to the case. The encounter in Kodiak serves as a pivotal moment for Payne's investigation, offering a potential breakthrough in unraveling ...

Counterarguments

  • The use of a fake persona to interact with a suspect raises ethical concerns about deception in investigative journalism.
  • There is a risk that the suspect's right to privacy is being infringed upon through the extensive online research and surveillance.
  • The focus on Oregon John as the key suspect may be premature or biased without concrete evidence presented in the text.
  • The investigation's reliance on social media and online content may overlook other crucial investigative methods, such as direct interviews or collaboration with law enforcement.
  • The plan to intercept Oregon John based on his work schedule could be seen as confrontational and potentially dangerous for both parties.
  • The text does not mention any efforts to corroborate the findings with other sources, which could lead to a one-sided narrative.
  • The text does not address the potential for harm to Oregon John's reputation if he is publicly associated with a crime without sufficient evidence.
  • The text does no ...

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S4E5: Finding Jon

Payne's discussions with others who know Oregon John and can provide insight about him

Payne engages in conversations with individuals who are familiar with Oregon John to shed light on his past and behaviors that may be relevant to the case being explored.

A source provided Payne with extensive background information on Oregon John's history and concerning behavior

An individual who is well-acquainted with Oregon John shares critical information regarding his past and patterns of behavior that raise concerns.

Oregon John had a criminal record and a history of issues with vulnerable women

The source reveals to Payne that Oregon John is a Navy veteran and mentions some health issues that affect his gait, resulting in a slow and awkward walk. They go on to describe a complex background, including a civil protective order that was filed against Oregon John by an ex-girlfriend, a younger Native Alaskan woman. This ex-girlfriend accused Oregon John of assault after they had rekindled their relationship for a short time. Additionally, Oregon John's history shows problematic behavior towards vulnerable women, adding to the gravity of the situation.

Oregon John seemed to have an explosive temperament and could get defensive if confronted

According to the source, Oregon John is known for having an explosive temper, easily becoming very angry. When feeling accused, Oregon John could become loud and red-faced, protesting that he views himself as a "soldier of Christ" who stands against committing such crimes rather than being someone who would engage in them.

...

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Payne's discussions with others who know Oregon John and can provide insight about him

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Payne is engaging in conversations with individuals who have knowledge of Oregon John to gain a deeper understanding of his background and behavior. These discussions aim to provide insights that could be relevant to the case being investigated. By speaking with people familiar with Oregon John, Payne hopes to uncover details that may shed light on his past actions and character. This process involves gathering information from various sources to piece together a comprehensive picture of Oregon John's history and potential motivations.
  • Oregon John's health issues affecting his gait imply that he has physical problems that impact how he walks. This could manifest as a limp, an unsteady gait, or other abnormalities in his walking pattern. Such issues may be noticeable to others and could potentially provide identifying characteristics or clues about his physical condition.
  • A civil protective order is a legal document issued by a court to protect someone from harassment, abuse, or threats. In this case, it indicates that the younger Native Alaskan woman sought legal protection against Oregon John due to alleged harmful behavior or actions. The order could have been requested to establish boundaries and ensure the woman's safety in response to perceived threats or violence. It signifies a formal legal intervention aimed at safeguarding the woman from potential harm or misconduct by Oregon John.
  • Oregon John's account of events around Florence Ochpialik's disappearance suggests that he was involved in some capacity or had information related to her going missing. This raises suspicions about his credibility and potential involvement in the case. The text implies that Oregon John's version of events may not align with the truth, casting doubt on his reliability ...

Counterarguments

...

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S4E5: Finding Jon

Payne's concerns and dilemmas about how to safely approach meeting Oregon John in person

In the face of potential danger, Payne deliberates the safest way to approach Oregon John, ultimately deciding to stick with his fake persona but with additional precautions.

Payne debated whether to meet Oregon John as his fake persona or reveal his true identity

Payne ponders meeting Oregon John, faced with the significant choice of approaching him as his fake persona or revealing his true identity, Payne Lindsey. He sees merits in continuing with his fictional identity, as it might yield more information if Oregon John believes the persona is real. Yet, the complexity of maintaining this act brings a host of dilemmas, including the weirdness of introducing himself as himself when Oregon John could already be wary of investigative journalists.

Payne worried that revealing himself as Payne Lindsey could lead to a hostile confrontation

Expressing his deep concerns, Payne acknowledges that revealing his actual identity could potentially provoke a dangerous response. Knowing that he's meeting the primary suspect in a murder case elevates the risk significantly. Payne infers that this concern is partly why he contemplates sticking to his fake persona, coupled with the idea of bringing along a friend to help ensure his safety.

Payne considered bringing a friend along to the meeting to provide backup and support

Payne's concerns about safety lead him to muse over having a friend join him at the meeting for additional security. The friend, Cooper, is not only familiar with the case but also knows Alaska well, and could provide necessary support in the moment. Bringing Cooper along offers a "2v1" advantage, which Payne strategizes could diffuse any potential danger.

Payne ultimately decided to proceed with ...

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Payne's concerns and dilemmas about how to safely approach meeting Oregon John in person

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The concerns and dangers associated with meeting Oregon John stem from the fact that he is the primary suspect in a murder case, which elevates the risk of a potentially hostile or dangerous confrontation. Payne worries that revealing his true identity could escalate the situation, leading to unforeseen consequences. Bringing a friend along, like Cooper, provides additional security and support in case the meeting takes a dangerous turn. Payne's decision to maintain his fake persona and take precautions reflects his awareness of the potential risks involved in this encounter.
  • Payne decided to use a fake persona to gather information from Oregon John without raising suspicion. By maintaining this false identity, he aimed to navigate the situation cautiously and potentially extract more details about the case. This approach allowed Payne to approach the meeting with a layer of anonymity and strategic advantage.
  • Maintaining a fake persona involves consistently portraying a fictional identity, which can be challenging as it requires remembering details, behaviors, and backstory associated with that persona. It also involves navigating potential inconsistencies that may arise when interacting with others who may question or scrutinize the authenticity of the persona. Additionally, the emotional toll of living a double life and the risk of being exposed can add to the complexities of sustaining a fake identity. Balancing the need for secrecy with the demands of maintaining relationships and trust can furthe ...

Counterarguments

  • Meeting Oregon John under a fake persona could be ethically questionable, as it involves deception and could undermine trust if discovered.
  • Revealing his true identity might not necessarily lead to a hostile confrontation; it could also lead to a more honest and open dialogue.
  • Bringing a friend for backup could introduce additional risks, as it increases the number of people involved in the deception and could escalate the situation if discovered.
  • Deciding to proceed with the fake persona might not be the safest option if Oregon John becomes suspicious, pote ...

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