Payne Finds Jon... again

How the Investigation Re-engaged With John Gertin After Months of Silence

This episode follows a renewed effort to track down John Gertin — the last known person to see Florence Okpialik alive — and the practical tactics used to re-establish contact. What begins as digital leads and blocked numbers escalates into on-the-ground searching, community-sourced sightings, and a deliberate plan to hand-deliver a prepaid phone and written invitation for a conversation.

Using Community Evidence to Confirm Transient Suspect Location

Local listeners and social media posts provided crucial confirmation: a white, early-90s Subaru and a McDonald’s sighting allowed the investigative team to narrow John’s whereabouts. Witness photos and a live FaceTime helped triangulate his location, demonstrating how neighborhood reporting and engaged audiences can revive a stalled inquiry.

Delivering a Safe Communication Channel With A Prepaid Phone

Instead of attempting a direct confrontation, the team recruited a trusted local process server to deliver a prepaid phone and a short note. The package was designed to feel non-threatening while creating an immediate, traceable line back to the investigation team. The attempt prioritized safety, documentation, and an opportunity for recorded dialogue.

Recorded Calls Reveal Inconsistencies and Invite A Face-To-Face Meeting

After the phone was accepted, multiple recorded calls captured John’s rambling accounts, claims of previous clearance in another jurisdiction, and contradictory details. Those recordings convinced the host that an in-person, man-to-man meeting was necessary to press for specifics and evaluate credibility. The episode ends with an arranged face-to-face encounter intended to clarify John’s role — if any — in Florence’s disappearance.

Parallel Leads And Family Connections That Could Shift The Case

Beyond John, the episode surfaces an unexpected family lead tied to another missing person’s truck. That revelation hints at broader connections and underlines the need for thorough, patient follow-up on peripheral witnesses and reluctant relatives.

Next Steps And What To Expect From The Upcoming Meeting

The team emphasizes careful planning before the in-person meeting: safety measures, local expertise, and a commitment to capturing a clear, documented account. Listeners are encouraged to follow the show’s social channels for fast updates while the team pursues the face-to-face conversation that may finally answer long-standing questions about Florence’s disappearance.