Jimmy “Jamie” Riddle (9 of Diamonds, North Carolina)

The Deck episode "Jimmy 'Jamie' Riddle" (9 of Diamonds, North Carolina) tells the haunting story of a 24-year-old Lumbee Native American man, known as Jimmy or Jamie Riddle, whose body was found floating in College Lake in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on September 26, 1991. The episode explores the tragic lack of police involvement, the family’s decades-long silence and emotional isolation, and the recent breakthroughs brought by a new detective, Joseph Bergermine, who reopened the cold case in 2025. Despite early leads—such as a red GMC pickup truck, two white male suspects, a military-style belt buckle, and a DNA match to a convicted sex offender named Mark—investigative momentum stalled for years. The family, particularly siblings Max and Anne Riddle, endured profound grief without closure, haunted by unanswered questions and the absence of justice. In 2026, after nearly 35 years, the family finally met the detective assigned to the case, reigniting hope for answers. With advanced DNA testing planned and new leads being pursued, the case remains active, especially as Mark’s projected release date in 2028 adds urgency. The episode underscores systemic failures in law enforcement, the marginalization of LGBTQ+ victims, and the enduring power of family love and resilience. Key takeaways include: 1) The importance of re-examining cold cases with modern forensic tools, especially when DNA evidence was previously overlooked; 2) The devastating impact of police inaction and media misrepresentation on grieving families; 3) The need for law enforcement to proactively engage with victims’ families, especially in cases involving marginalized identities; 4) The emotional toll of waiting decades for answers, and how resilience is often quiet and daily; 5) The critical role of investigative journalism in holding institutions accountable and giving voice to forgotten victims. The episode ends with a call for public tips, emphasizing that justice is still possible—even after 35 years.