When 38-year-old Ralph “Rizz” Jean-Marie was reported missing from a motel where he was living in Barre, Vermont, the story was that he up and left after an argument, leaving behind his personal belongings and everything you’d think someone might take if they were going to start a new life for themselves somewhere, or even just taking off to get some space for a few days.
But from day one of the investigation, law enforcement had reason to believe the initial narrative of Ralph’s disappearance wasn’t anchored in the whole truth. Ralph didn’t just walk off, never to be seen again. Someone, or multiple someones, had a hand in his disappearance, but getting answers as to what really happened proved a challenge for local authorities.
Family members and activists alike have been critical of law enforcement’s response to Ralph’s disappearance, and they continue to speak out today about the lack of progress in the three-year-long investigation. This case is layered - from a secret inquest, to demonstrations and protests from local activists to the prosecution of a journalist - it all stems from the biggest and most important question at the center of the case: Where is Ralph Jean-Marie?
View source material and photos for this episode at: darkdowneast.com/remembering-ralphjeanmarie
Dark Downeast is an audiochuck and Kylie Media production hosted by Kylie Low.