Story by: Gail Nobles

Illustration by: Gail Nobles

The News Link Ties.

Good afternoon. Today we're diving into a fascinating intersection: the realm of fairy tales and the stark realities of the law. We’re talking about that classic trope – a character presumed dead after a catastrophic accident, often involving a watery grave. Think of a story where a beloved figure disappears after a car plunges into the ocean. No body is found, just wreckage and unanswered questions.

In the world of storytelling, that often signals a plot twist, a dramatic return, or at least a lingering mystery. But what happens when we apply the cold, hard logic of the real world to such a scenario?

In almost all legal jurisdictions, the fundamental principle is that a person is presumed to be alive until proven otherwise. That proof, of course, usually comes in the form of a body. Without that tangible evidence, declaring someone legally dead becomes incredibly complex.

As many lawyers will confirm, it's a high bar to clear. Police and coroners need more than just strong circumstantial evidence to make a determination of death. They need definitive proof. The wreckage of a car, even the testimony of witnesses, simply isn't enough.

So, in the fairytale scenario we described, without a body recovered from that ocean crash, a formal declaration of death becomes nearly impossible. The police investigation, by necessity, would remain open, however cold the case gets. It becomes a missing persons case, filled with uncertainty and agonizing puzzlement for the family.

Now, there are exceptions and complexities. In cases of extreme and prolonged absence, where all reasonable avenues of inquiry have been exhausted, a family can petition the court for a declaration of death. This usually involves years of waiting and presenting compelling evidence suggesting the person is no longer alive. Even then, it can be a difficult and emotionally draining process.

What's so interesting about this contrast between fairytale and reality is how it underscores the importance of concrete evidence in our legal system. While fiction often thrives o speculation, the law demands certainty, or at least a level of certainty that outweighs the presumption of life.

The idea that a missing person, however unlikely it may seem, *could* still be alive is a powerful and deeply human consideration that shapes our legal procedures. While closure is something we all crave, the burden of proof, especially when dealing with life and death, rests firmly on the side of certainty. And sometimes, that certainty remains elusive, leaving behind a lasting shadow of doubt.

I’m Gail Nobles. You’re listening to The News Link Ties.

Story and Art by: Gail Nobles

In the tale, John Chapman is the father of Amy Chapman and has been featured on missing person posters across various towns and states. The FBI has been monitoring him for years due to suspicions about his activities. John is determined to keep his true identity hidden. Documents reveal a complicated story of a father trying to escape the law and a man tangled in lies. However, his bond with his daughter, Amy, eventually led him back to his hometown.

A missing person is someone whose whereabouts are unknown, and it is unclear if they are alive or dead. People can go missing for various reasons, such as choosing to disappear, being involved in an accident, or falling victim to a crime. In many cases, missing individuals are located quickly, but some cases remain unsolved for years, with criminal abductions being among the most frequently reported.

To read the tale about John Chapman, go to thenewslinkties.blogspot.com

Today we’re going dive deep into the realms of creativity, storytelling, and the hidden layers of our imagination! I’m your host, Gail Nobles, and today, we’re venturing underground—quite literally! We’re exploring the concept of tunnels, particularly one that connects to a fictional news organization called “The News Link Ties.”

So, what is it about tunnels that captures our fascination? Whether it's the secret passageways in fairy tales, the suspenseful hideouts in thrillers, or even historical things, tunnels symbolize a journey to the unknown. They represent hidden truths, mystery, and sometimes danger. For my story, I envisioned a street tunnel connected to "The News Link Ties," a biting commentary on journalism and the secrets it sometimes seeks to conceal.

Picture this: a bustling city where information is traded like currency, and the truth is often buried underground. A sleek, modern news headquarters sits above the hustle, while below, a labyrinthine tunnel system—dark, damp, and mysterious—holds the key to stories waiting to be uncovered. The News Link Ties, this fictional powerhouse, has an underbelly of secrets, shady deals, and the real stories that didn’t make the headlines.

Tunnels have always fascinated us as a culture. They represent freedom, a rebellion against the constraints of civilization. When you find a tunnel, you are stepping into a narrative much older than yourself—a hidden world full of stories and whispers of those who came before. That notion inspired the tunnel in my story. It’s not merely about physical exploration; it symbolizes digging deep into the heart of journalism and uncovering truths that often lie beneath.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening.

In a touching tribute, The News Link Ties covers the story of Amy Chapman’s family and friends as they mourn her passing. While it’s common to believe that death signifies an end, the character Minister Josh reminds everyone that it is, in fact, a continuation of our journey. He emphasizes that our departed loved ones remain in our hearts and minds, guiding us as we go through life without them.

I believe there is some truth to the idea that departed loved ones can appear in our dreams and visions. There seems to be a connection where loved ones guide us through our conscience, and many people report feeling their presence. Each individual has their own beliefs about what happens to those who have passed away. The Bible introduces the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which speaks to us in various ways. There are aspects of the Holy Spirit that remain a mystery, and I don’t think we fully understand its role. This leads me to believe that our loved ones are not truly 'dead,' and that they can come to us in dreams and visions, not as lost souls, but as guiding presences in our lives. This leads me to believe that not all is taken from us when loved ones have to leave us. Consequently, I feel that not all is taken from us when loved ones must leave.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to The News Link Ties.

The news link ties is a fictional newspaper. I am developing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be shared. The stories may be fictional, they can still be real life elements or they can reflect real life elements. In my podcast, I aim to highlight some authentic aspects intertwined with the fiction.

Let me introduce you to my character, Amy Chapman. She is a figure who has passed away, and at her funeral, there was no open casket, leaving her body unseen. The world that cherished her continues to ponder her fate. Amy's life was filled with complexities beyond her control. Many hope she might still be out there, escaping the chaos of life. The truth remains that both her existence and her untimely death shrouded in mystery. While it's safe to say she is gone, the reality is that there are people in our world who have disappeared, and the uncertainty surrounding their fates lingers in our minds, no matter how many years have passed.

I’m Gail Nobles. Thank you for listening to The News Link Ties.