Ep 8. Just Out of Sight

In the ninth season of Disappeared, episode eight titled "Just Out of Sight" follows the disappearance of a 61-year-old male named David Riemens. The episode starts by portraying David's small-town life in Dexter, Michigan, where he lived with his daughter and wife. David was an intelligent man and former computer programmer who was known for having an eccentric and often stubborn personality.

David's life took an unexpected turn when he joined an online forum called Sovereign Citizens in the late 2000s. This group was known for advocating for individual rights and often promoted anti-government beliefs. David's family and friends became increasingly concerned about his level of involvement in this group, as he started to espouse beliefs that were more extreme and erratic. They suspected that his mental health was deteriorating and tried to intervene, but David refused their help.

On August 7th, 2010, David left his house to attend a Sovereign Citizens meeting in Ohio. He left without telling his family where he was going, and they became worried when he didn't return home that night. The next day, David's car was located in a rural area of Ohio, miles away from where the meeting was reportedly taking place. There was no sign of him, and all of his personal belongings, including his laptop and cell phone, were still in the car.

The case quickly grew cold, and despite efforts by local law enforcement and David's family to find him, there were no significant leads. However, the episode reveals that David's involvement in the Sovereign Citizens group may have played a role in his disappearance. The group's extreme anti-government beliefs and their disregard for legal authorities made it difficult for investigators to track down potential suspects.

The episode interviews several people who knew David and were familiar with his involvement in the group. Some members of the group claimed that David had become increasingly paranoid in the weeks leading up to his disappearance and had even talked about fake identities and living off the grid. Others suggested that he may have gotten involved with dangerous people who exploited his beliefs and took advantage of him.

The episode further explores the challenges involved in investigating a case involving individuals who actively resist and reject cooperation with authorities. It also highlights the traumatic impact that David's disappearance had on his family, who have been left without answers for over ten years.

Throughout the episode, law enforcement officials and David's family and friends reflect on the complex factors that may have contributed to his disappearance. They discuss the role that mental illness, extremist beliefs, and the influence of online communities can play in driving individuals to take dangerous risks.

In conclusion, "Just Out of Sight" is a fascinating and compelling episode of Disappeared that explores the disappearance of a man whose life was marked by complexity and contradictions. David Riemens' case highlights the challenges of investigating cases that involve individuals who reject fundamental parts of society and the legal system. It also emphasizes the need for support and resources for individuals struggling with mental illness and conspiracy theories.