Inside The Investigators Notebook 

The Final Sighting : The Freedom

Editors Note :  The following is a narrative of the last known 24 hours of Patrick McDermott upon his arrival on the Freedom on June 30, 2005. As well a brief history of what investigator’s have uncovered. The information is based upon facts through legal documents, investigators interviews with over 30 friends and witnesses to the day of the disappearance. Investigators have combed through mounds of legal documents and have interviewed those on the boat named Freedom as well as friends, neighbors and co-workers. As well investigators have worked with two governments to uncover the facts. To that end it is our belief that Patrick Kim McDermott was alive when he left that fishing charter, is alive today and on the run.

Philip R. Klein, TPLI-PPO

Lead Investigator

The Last Known 24 Hours

June 30^th 2005

8:00 p.m. - Patrick arrived on the pier according to witnesses. The pier was the 22^nd street landing on an overnight fishing trip aboard the Freedom.  There he received instructions regarding proper gear to buy from 22^nd street landing staff. McDermott was seen signing up by both staff and witnesses. He was #2 on the sign up list. According to witnesses he was early. (Witness # 22, 02, 33)

8:30 p.m. - All of the 22 fisherman were hanging out together waiting to board the vessel.  McDermott was seen with a black / blue bag, a fanny pack, and his own fishing gear he used. (Witness #22, 02, 33, 12)

9:30 p.m. - According to witnesses, Patrick & other fisherman board the vessel at this time & begin to store their gear & pick their sleeping area which is located in the lower deck. There is much social interaction and McDermott is socializing with the other members of the fishing party and crew. (Multi)

10:00 p.m. - The Freedom sets out on the trip. Roll call is given for the first time and the numbers are checked. These numbers are important because the fish caught would be numbered. (Multi)

10:15 p.m. - Crew staff takes roll again and assigns everyone a number to be identified during the fishing trip.  A short presentation was given regarding coast guard regulations. During this meeting, witness states he was next to McDermott and he makes a joke about insurance fraud. (Witness 02,33)

10:30 p.m. - Subject lounges around (playing cards, watch TV, etc). Witnesses confirm subject is seen on deck and near a bunk towards the back of boat. (Multi)

June 30^th 2005

8:00 p.m. - Patrick arrived on the pier according to witnesses. The pier was the 22^nd street landing on an overnight fishing trip aboard the Freedom.  There he received instructions regarding proper gear to buy from 22^nd street landing staff. McDermott was seen signing up by both staff and witnesses. He was #2 on the sign up list. According to witnesses he was early. (Witness # 22, 02, 33)

8:30 p.m. - All of the 22 fisherman were hanging out together waiting to board the vessel.  McDermott was seen with a black / blue bag, a fanny pack, and his own fishing gear he used. (Witness #22, 02, 33, 12)

9:30 p.m. - According to witnesses, Patrick & other fisherman board the vessel at this time & begin to store their gear & pick their sleeping area which is located in the lower deck. There is much social interaction and McDermott is socializing with the other members of the fishing party and crew. (Multi)

10:00 p.m. - The Freedom sets out on the trip. Roll call is given for the first time and the numbers are checked. These numbers are important because the fish caught would be numbered. (Multi)

10:15 p.m. - Crew staff takes roll again and assigns everyone a number to be identified during the fishing trip.  A short presentation was given regarding coast guard regulations. During this meeting, witness states he was next to McDermott and he makes a joke about insurance fraud. (Witness 02,33)

10:30 p.m. - Subject lounges around (playing cards, watch TV, etc). Witnesses confirm subject is seen on deck and near a bunk towards the back of boat. (Multi)

July 1^st 2005

12:00 a.m. - Everyone begins falling asleep. Subject not seen going to bed. (Multi)

4:00-4:30 a.m. - Breakfast is being prepared & the men begin to wake. Subject seen getting up and preparing to fish. (Multi)

5:30 a.m. - The captain now stops the boat so that the first fishing of the day can begin.  Almost all of the men are awake at this point & ready to fish. (Multi)

6:00 a.m. - The first call for breakfast orders begin. The subject is seen on the deck of the boat. (Witness #22, 03 – Multi)

7: 00 a.m. – Subject is seen on the deck of the boat fishing and helping others fish.  The subject catches numerous fish and again helps others that are fishing though out the day. (Multi)

12:00 p.m. – Subject orders two hot dogs and a drink. The purchase is placed on his tab. (Documents In Custody – Multi)

2:00 p.m. - Captain declares the end of fishing trip and starts for home. Subject seen talking to other people fishing and talking about what everyone has caught. (Multi)

2:30 p.m. - The crew of the Freedom begin asking the men how they want their fish cleaned. Subject seen telling a crew member how to cut up his fish. Further, his order is made by deck hand and the fish are placed into a bag with his number on it. (Witness #33, 02, 22)

3:00 p.m. - The men are now taking naps during the 5hr journey home, the crew is cleaning the fish, etc. McDermott not seen. (Multi)

4:00 p.m. – The deck hands continue to clean fish – clean the deck and prepare for arrival. McDermott not seen. (Multi)

5:00 p.m. - Kitchen crew begins telling the crew to start thinking about paying their tabs before they make the formal announcement. McDermott not seen. (Multi)

6:00p.m. - The kitchen now makes the formal announcement to have all fisherman pay their tabs. Subject McDermott seen pays his tab for two hot dogs and a coke. The Freedom is now approximately 5-10 miles from land. There is an unscheduled stop for fuel coming into the Harbor. Witnesses say that during fueling all persons on deck are told to stand on the other side of the boat. The boat leaves the fueling dock at around 6:35 p.m. (Witness #22, 02, 03)

7:15p.m. - The Freedom arrives at the 22^nd St Landing. Upon docking witness’s state they see McDermott walk off the boat, to the pier. Upon walking out from the Galley area, he is seen wearing a dark shirt, a dark hat, with a black bag. He has cleaned up and looks like “he is going out for the evening.  All of the fisherman exit the vessel and walk to the sidewalk near the main 22^nd St Landing building area.  All fishermen wait for the Freedom crew to bring out packaged fish.  Mr. McDermott told another fisherman he could take his fish. The witness is given Mr. McDermott’s number by Mr. McDermott. Mr. McDermott was seen by a two other fishermen near the time of the exit to the dock. Upon exit of the boat, McDermott walks out of the pier exit. One witness sees McDermott go to the parking lot on the Northeast section of the lot. That is the last person to see McDermott. The time is approximately 7:35 p.m. (Witness # 05, 03, 22, 02)

Filed By :

Philip R. Klein, TPLI - PPO; Lead Investigator, Kristin Richard, Senior Investigator, Inga Klein, TPLI-PPO; Senior Investigator, Gil Martinez, TPLI-PPO, Investigator II, Amanda Lambright, Senior Investigator / Research

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Update – Family Cooperation?

Patrick McDermott’s immediate family has been contacted and informed of the investigation as well as the issues that surround the disappearance. It is found that McDermott is well behind in child support and court cases were filed against him. Friends say that Patrick could never and did not kill himself. However, the family refuses to be interviewed by investigators. And are simply not cooperative.  Investigators are confused why – Patrick’s family will not cooperate?

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Update : Patrick Travel Documents Reveled  

Investigators have found that Patrick McDermott had two Passports. The first of which was found to be under the name PATRICK KIM MCDERMOTT. This passport was found at his residence. The second, issued under the name PATRICK KIM was not found, however, confirmed as being issued two years prior. A trace is placed on the passport and it is found to be active and may have been used.

Update  : Patrick Says Good-bye to Olivia

Through the Freedom of Information Act – investigators were able to obtain records from Law Enforcement and Government agencies. In these documents it has been learned that McDermott on the day before he went missing – went to Olivia’s home with flowers and a “funny card.” He told Olivia that he was breaking up with her and confided in friends that he just could not handle the fast paced life in Hollywood. This would be the last time Olivia would ever see Patrick again.

Investigators get the first glimpse of leads created by the US Department of Homeland Security as well as law enforcement. Some of which never are follow up on by the agencies because investigators “feel” that McDermott is alive and simply walked away from life. As well, no crime has been committed.

Investigators also learn that an inquiry regarding the life insurance policy has been made and the policy is and has been paid up to date by a third party.

Updated : The Hunt Begins

After determining that McDermott was not dead by both witnesses and physical evidence and lack thereof – Investigators began their search. During the hunt over 150 tips were called in and a tracking of McDermott’s movements were made. Investigators determined through investigation techniques that McDermott was moving through the Pacific Basin by boat. He was tracked and witnessed into five major ports. There was a suggestion that he may be communicating to a person or persons back home. Investigators advised the life insurance company to which a claim had been made in accordance with Federal and Texas statutes. Further, Interpol was noticed as well as Homeland Security.

Update : A Visit With The Capitan of “The Freedom”

Investigators again come to Los Angles to interview those associated with the vessel “Freedom.” They are briefed by investigators and the captain as well as crew show strong emotion towards what has happened over the past two years. Sadness is one emotion – however – many want to know “why” he would leave his son, Chance, and walk away over money. They are told of the insurance policy and are shocked to learn about the policy and what the true motive was as established by investigators.

Update : Cornered?

Investigators arrived in Mexico for the second time after receiving tips and sightings of McDermott in the Pacific Rim area, investigators fly into the area. They arrive and with the assistance of the Mexican Immigration and Mexican Intel – begin to track Patrick. Investigators swarm an area 90 miles north to northwest of Puerto Vallarta to begin to work south to the city. After checking three cities – investigators locate the city to which McDermott has been seen within the last few days. Not only is positive ID made in the city of Sayulita Mexico – waiters, bartenders and America’s living in the city positively ID McDermott. Investigators miss him by days. Investigators set up a dragnet with the help of the Mexican Immigration Authority as well as Mexican Federal Agents. It is learned from witnesses in old Puerto Vallarta that McDermott may be working on a Yacht that may be traveling to South America. Before investigators leave they speak with two Port Masters that tell investigators the “storm season” is coming and that most of the expense Yachts as well as those owned by South American Businessmen are going South for the Summer and will not return until storm season is over.

Update : Investigators Track Leads In South America

Investigators continue to follow McDermott with tips phoned in from Brazil to the Panama Canal. Investigators wait for McDermott’s next move and with the help of the Mexican Government await the passport to be used. As well, INTERPOL puts an alert on the name Patrick Kim with all information about the man.

Update : Patrick – We Know You Are Scared

Patrick – we know you are scared. And we know that you want to come in. We hear you. You are not charged with a crime. You will be treated fairly. Now is the time. The world now knows you are alive – it is a matter of days and hours Patrick. Do the Right Thing for your boy Chance and your family. You cannot run forever. You will have to use your passport or try to buy a new one. We will find you. Now is the time Patrick. Now is the time.