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69 SOUTH
Shadows of Recantation: The John Payton Case Reopened PCA #1
The haunting question "What would happen if I said I lied?" sits at the heart of this gripping exploration into a long-buried child sexual abuse case that's finally seeing the light of day. Ten years after a teenage victim recanted her allegations against her stepfather, she's back—armed with recordings, screenshots, and the unshakable determination to set the record straight.
John Dale Payton, a longtime resident of Morgan County, Indiana, now faces serious felony child molestation charges after his stepdaughter found the courage to revisit the trauma she was pressured to deny. Her journey reveals the devastating complexity of family abuse cases: the shattered trust when a mother initially sides with the accused, the painful isolation when siblings call you a "fucking liar," and the unbearable weight a child carries when they feel responsible for their family's wellbeing.
What makes this case extraordinary isn't just the decade-long path to justice, but the compelling evidence that emerged when the victim, now an adult, confronted her alleged abuser directly. In recorded conversations, Payton attempts to deflect blame while simultaneously apologizing—a damning contradiction to his official denials. Even more significant, another family member has now come forward with similar allegations, suggesting a pattern of predatory behavior spanning years.
Through meticulous examination of the probable cause affidavit, we unpack how trauma memories surface over time, why recantations occur in legitimate abuse cases, and the critical importance of believing victims, even when their stories emerge in fragments across years. For anyone who has questioned delayed disclosures or wondered about the psychological aftermath of childhood trauma, this episode offers profound insights into both the human mind's protective mechanisms and the enduring pursuit of truth.
Have you ever witnessed a loved one struggling to be believed? What would you do if faced with a choice between your truth and your family's stability? Join us as we examine these questions and more in this deeply moving exploration of resilience, courage, and long-overdue justice.
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Disclaimer: All defendants are INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY in a court of law. All facts are alleged until a conviction!
I get up around 7, get out of bed around 9. It was fate. I should have seen it coming all along, because a good girl, well, she can only be good until all this good is gone.
Speaker 2:A hundred days have made me older.
Speaker 1:Welcome everyone to Podcast 69 South, where we cuss and discuss true crime, cold cases, current events and hot topics, along with our state of society today. This is your trigger warning. Our podcast content is produced for adult listeners, 18 years of age and older. We discuss situations that may be offensive and triggering to some listeners. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Welcome back everybody to 69 South. I am Chop. I'm your host today, and with me always is my beautiful co-host, Julie.
Speaker 2:How are you doing, babe? Amazing as always.
Speaker 1:This is a podcast where we don't just scratch the surface. We dive deep and I mean deep into these cases that truly shape our understanding of law, of truth and, perhaps most importantly, of human resilience.
Speaker 2:So welcome everyone to another episode. We're glad you're with us today, and we are indeed diving headfirst into a legal document that has sent ripples to a quiet Indiana community. We're meticulously examining the recent probable cause affidavit of John Dale Payton. This isn't just a dry legal filing. It's the genesis of a story that demanded to be heard.
Speaker 1:That's right, babe. And for those unfamiliar with the name, John Payton is not some stranger passing through. He is a longtime resident of Morton County, Indiana, specifically residing in the Martinsville area for many, many years. His roots run deep in that community, which only adds to the layers and uncovering hidden truths that some might have preferred to remain buried.
Speaker 2:And before we delve into the intricate details of this incredibly important and, at times, difficult case, we want to take a moment, a really important moment, to talk about our Patreon community. If you love what we do here at 69 South, if our commitment to justice and deep dives into those narratives that resonate with you, it would be absolutely amazing if you could go to patreoncom forward, slash 69 south and join us as a member.
Speaker 1:It literally costs you nothing to join our community and its foundational level. We've created a free roadside listener tier, which is perfect for anyone who wants to follow along, get updates and feel like part of our 69 south family without any financial commitment. It's a great way to stay connected and support us in spirit, and we love you either way.
Speaker 2:But for those of you who are truly passionate about our work, those who want to dig even deeper, alongside us, we also have our $5 Mile Marker 5 tier. $5 mile marker five tier. This tier, for just $5, offers an incredible array of benefits that enhance your 69 South experience. When you join at this level, you gain immediate access to all the legal documents pertaining to the cases that we follow, giving you the ability to review the evidence and the filings right alongside us. Imagine being able to read the very affidavits and police reports we discuss. It offers a whole new dimension of understanding.
Speaker 1:Not only that, but the five dollar mile marker tier also grants you access to our community chat. This is a vibrant, respectful space where you can engage directly with us, ask questions, share your thoughts on episodes and connect with other listeners who share your interest in these compelling cases. It's truly a special part of our community, fostering discussions that go beyond the podcast itself. And there's more. You get Patreon exclusive episodes, content that isn't available anywhere else, giving you even more true crime deep dives.
Speaker 2:And we are so excited to announce that live video visuals are coming soon for our Mile Marker 5 members. Imagine being able to see us interact in real time and get even more experience as we discuss these cases. Your support directly enables us to expand our offerings, improve our production quality and bring you more of the content that you love. Every single dollar goes towards making 69 South better and more impactful.
Speaker 1:We would like to give a shout out to our new Patreon members, and their support is absolutely crucial to what we do, so a massive thank you to Carrie, Amber, KW Caitlin and Andrew. Your belief in 69 South and your willingness to contribute directly fuels our ability to bring these stories to you.
Speaker 2:That is amazing and unbelievable. Our ability to bring these stories to you, that is amazing and unbelievable. I would have never thought six months ago that this is where 69 South would be. I'm still in shock. So it's crazy to be in over 80 different countries and thousands and thousands of cities. It's really unbelievable, isn't it.
Speaker 1:It's cool as shit if you ask me. Shocked as fuck, honestly.
Speaker 2:But today we're tackling a case that's as heartbreaking as it is complex A story of alleged abuse, a recantation and a decades-long journey towards justice that's only now finding its footing. This is the probable cause affidavit filed in Morgan County, indiana, on June 6, 2025 under cause number 55D01-2506-FA-000834. It's a story that spans from the early 2000s to just a few weeks ago and it centers on a young woman we'll call Victim One, and her stepfather, john Del Payton. The very mention of these details the dates, the specific location is immediate grounds us in reality of what we're discussing today. This isn't theoretical. This is a lived experience and it's one that has tragically spanned a significant portion of victim one's life. The layers of this case are intricate, weaving together family dynamics, legal maneuvers and the profound lingering effects of trauma.
Speaker 1:That's right, julie. This isn't just a legal document. It's a window into a family torn apart by allegations of child molestation, a recantation that muddied the waters and a recent push to reopen the case with new compelling evidence. We're going to walk through the affidavit step by step, meticulously piecing together the narrative from the perspective of Detective Sergeant Patrick Williams, who's been at the heart of this investigation. His methodical approach, as laid out in the affidavit, allows us to follow the thread of his complex story from its initial whispers to its current, more definitive form. But first a quick heads up. This episode deals with sensitive topics, including sexual abuse and its emotional aftermath. We'll handle it with the utmost care, respect and compassion, but listener discretion is definitely advised. We understand that these conversations can be triggering and we encourage everyone to prioritize their well-being while listening.
Speaker 2:So I wanted this story to come across right and so important that this is our second time recording it and third time rewriting it because we wanted to get it out and have it perfect and tell the story the right way, because it's a little bit different than ones we have done before. We've never dealt with a victim that had recanted her story.
Speaker 1:I know it really breaks my heart thinking about the whole story all sewed together, man, it's unbelievable. Unbelievable, yeah, and the courage and the kindness and the resilience of this victim just blows my mind.
Speaker 2:Well, let's start at the beginning. Just blows my mind. Well, let's start at the beginning. This case has roots stretching back to 2009 to 2011, when the alleged incidences took place. Think about that time frame years of a young child's life marked by these deeply troubling events. But the story really picks up in 2014, when Victim One first came forward. That's when the initial investigation began, led by now retired detective James Minton. So let's set the scene. It's 2014. Victim 1 is a teenager about 14 or 15 years old, navigating the tumultuous years of adolescence, and she makes a shocking disclosure to her mother and authorities about her stepfather, john Payton. It's a moment of immense courage, but also one riddled with uncertainty and fear. What do we know about that first brave attempt to seek justice? How did that initial report unfold, and what were the immediate consequences for victim one and her family?
Speaker 1:immediate consequences for victim one and her family. Well, based on the affidavit, the victim's initial allegations were profoundly serious. She claimed that over a period of years, starting when she was just six or seven years old and imagine that a child barely out of childhood, john had subjected her to multiple instances of sexual abuse.
Speaker 2:Wow. So just think about this for a minute. When a child is six years old, they are still developing, you know, their emotional regulation skills. They may start, still experience fears or anxieties, such as a fear of monsters or strangers.
Speaker 1:Shit. They're just not learning how to add.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and tie their shoes and they can count up to 10. Now you combine that with sexual abuse from a person that's a caregiver or a loved one or a trusted individual can have a profound and deeply negative impact on a child's understanding of themselves, of others and of the world. Form of abuse can be devastating because of the betrayal of trust and the distorted dynamics within the family.
Speaker 1:I mean kids that age only know what they're taught. They're looking to the adults in their life to guide them and what the adults are doing and showing them. I mean adults are doing and showing them. I mean that's facts and law to them in a sense.
Speaker 2:And it affects them in the future as well to form healthy relationships with people Absolutely, because they're at a stage in their life where they're just learning and once they learn that betrayal, it's hard for them to ever trust again.
Speaker 1:I mean shit that's going on. They perceive as you know. They normalize that shit.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it can even lead to the young child having sexualized thoughts or questions and they may have inappropriate sexual knowledge and are asked questions about sex beyond their age.
Speaker 1:Now. These incidents allegedly occurred in various homes across Indiana Greencastle, cloverdale, eminence and Paragon, places where the family lived during her childhood her childhood. This detail alone paints a picture of a childhood marked by instability and, tragically, by alleged ongoing abuse as the family moved from one location to another. The affidavit details specific, deeply unsettling memories.
Speaker 1:Victim one shared during her recent interviews, memories that have evidently remained vivid and painful over the years. She recalled being touched inappropriately while sleeping in her parents' bed, a place that should be a sanctuary of safety and comfort. She also described being coerced into touching John, a violation of her bodily and anatomy at a such tender age. And then there's the particularly disturbing incident involving oral sex when she was around eight or nine. That just blows me away and disgusts me by the way, which she associates with the distinctive, almost synthetic memory of the taste of certain foods and puke. It's harrowing stuff, julie, the kind of detail that lodges itself in your mind and it's clear. These memories, these traumatic experiences, have haunted her for years, shaping her life in profound and difficult ways. The fact that these memories persisted, despite attempts to suppress them, speaks volumes about the depth of the trauma that she experienced.
Speaker 2:That's an incredibly heavy weight to carry for anyone, let alone a child so young. The affidavit mentions that victim one was forensically interviewed at Susie's Place, a child advocacy center, back in 2014. These centers are designed to be safe, neutral spaces for children to disclose abuse, and it's where she first laid out the allegations, in a structured, child-friendly setting with professionals trained to conduct such sensitive interviews. One would hope that after such a brave disclosure, the path to justice would be clear. But here's where the story takes a heartbreaking and perplexing turn. And perplexing turn. Despite her initial detailed disclosure, the case did not move forward at that time. Why? Because victim one recanted her story. She told authorities and her family that she made it all up and, with the direct involvement of John's attorney, stephen Litz, the case was effectively closed. This is a pivotal moment that complicates everything. What do you think led to that recantation? What pressures, what circumstances? What might compel a child to retract such serious allegations?
Speaker 1:I don't know, man, that's a tough one to unpack, babe. Unfortunately it's a pattern we see far too often in cases involving child abuse. The affidavit strongly suggests a mix of profound emotional pressure and complex, fractured family dynamics played a huge, undeniable role in the recantation. When the victim first told her mother about the abuse around, the initial reaction, heartbreakingly, wasn't immediate support or belief. Instead, her mother was described as being in denial and shock, which anybody probably would be struggling to process such devastating information about her longtime husband. To compound victim one's emotional burden, her older sister reportedly called her a fucking liar, creating an isolating rift within her closest family union. Isolating rift within her closest family union. The initial disbelief that questioning from the very people she should have been able to rely on for the unconditional support must have been devastating for a vulnerable teenager man.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because she came out and then at that point they were like no, I don't believe you, you're a liar, you fucking liar.
Speaker 2:I believe you, you're a liar, you fucking liar. I mean I can just see two sisters around that age stuff to recant events that they say that happened like that. You know, as the investigation began to unfold, victim one at this time just 14 or 15 years old, saw the immense toll it took on everyone around her. She witnessed her mother struggling deeply with the guilt and the weight of all of these revelations. She observed her sister distancing herself, even moving out of the family home to relocate with her boyfriend, further fracturing the family unit. And of course, there was the looming threat of John facing serious criminal charges, potentially even prison, which would undoubtedly shatter what remained of their family structure. Victim one asked a chilling question to her mother what would happen if she said she had lied, even though she admitted that she did not lie? This isn't just a rhetorical question. It's a desperate plea, a clear indication of the internal conflict that she was experiencing. She explicitly told her mother she didn't want John to die in jail.
Speaker 1:I mean there's a lot to unpack right there For one. You could tell this poor child has a huge heart. It seems to me in this part of the story that she is more worried about how everybody else feels how it's going to affect everybody else if she tells the truth about what the fuck this dude's been doing to her.
Speaker 2:Mm-hmm.
Speaker 1:I mean, to put that amount of weight on a 14 or 15-year-old girl is just incomprehensible to me Like the glue that really holds the family together.
Speaker 2:Right by keeping their silence.
Speaker 1:I mean her and her sister. As sisters are, they were probably close, I mean.
Speaker 2:Mother-daughter relationships. I mean, I know they're tedious at that time.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. But what about this Peyton dude man? He was probably supporting the whole family. I wonder if mom was like you know, if he goes to prison we'll fucking lose everything. You know what I mean? Maybe she really loved this Peyton dude and she herself didn't want to believe it. I don't know, man, it's a mess.
Speaker 2:They say, love is blind, but I mean Some Stevie Wonder love. Hindsight's 20-20.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah. That overwhelming sense of responsibility for her family's well-being, for their emotional stability, seems to have been the powerful force that pushed her, at such a young and oppressible age, to recant her truth. And, tragically, this recantation occurred with John's attorney, stephen Litz, directly present, adding an extra layer of intimidation and legal pressure to an already vulnerable situation. It's a tragic treatment to the immense burden placed upon victims, especially children, when they come forward with abuse allegations within their own families.
Speaker 2:Now that's such an agonizing detail. Now that's such an agonizing detail the idea that this teenager felt she had to protect her family, protect her abuser, even by silencing her own painful truth. It's an unbearable weight for any child to carry. The affidavit notes that the recantation was recorded, which is a critical piece of information. Victim 1 also signed something, though she didn't fully understand what it was. She was only 14 or 15 years old. This highlights the power imbalance in her vulnerable mental state at the time.
Speaker 2:John's attorney Litz facilitated the entire process. Attorney Litz facilitated the entire process and his presence, as you mentioned, undoubtedly added immense pressure. The legal maneuver effectively ended in 2014, leaving victim one's allegations unaddressed and unpunished for years. Victim one's mother was present during this recantation and she later reflected that Victim 1's mental state at the time was a significant factor hinting at the distress Victim 1 was experiencing. It's heartbreaking to think how isolated she must have felt, caught between her deeply held trauma and the overwhelming pressure, both legal and with her family, to retract her truth. The emotional landscape of that moment must have been incredibly complex and difficult, distressing for her. I bet she was scared to death, absolutely.
Speaker 1:I mean, you're in a lawyer's office and I'm sure they're, I'm sure the lawyers, spilling his freaking spill about you know if you lie in court you could be in trouble.
Speaker 2:If you made up these stories I mean we can prove you lie right, right, I can not saying that it was what's, but I can picture the situation Absolutely.
Speaker 1:It's sadly common scenario in cases of child sexual abuse for victims to recant, especially when they face profound family fallout, disbelief or outright coercion. The affidavit even points this out, noting that such behavior fits a recognized pattern seen in other investigations of child abuse, a pattern born out of fear, loyalty and the desperate hope of restoring a you know, a normalcy of their family unit. It's a survival mechanism. It's a way for a child to cope with an impossible situation. But here's where the story takes a powerful and hopeful turn. Let's fast forward to 2025, a full decade after the initial recantation. That's when this case gets a critical second life.
Speaker 1:On February 20th 2025, the Morgan County Prosecutor's Office reached out to Detective Patrick Williams the reason the victim had courageously re-contacted them. She expressed a profound regret for her recantation, indicating that it was not her true statement, and revealed that she had new, crucial information to share. She desperately wanted to speak again to finally have her true story heard. That's when Detective Williams, recognizing the significance of this development, stepped in to thoroughly reinvestigate the case. What did he find, julie, when he sat down with the victim on March 5th 2025? What new insights, what new details did she bring to light after a decade of silence.
Speaker 2:The interview conducted on March 5th 2025 is a critical, pivotal piece of this entire puzzle. Victim one, now an adult, opened up about the abuse in excruciating detail, revisiting memories she'd tried so desperately to suppress for years. The passage of time had not dulled the pain or the clarity of these recollections. In fact, therapy had helped her process and recall more. She spoke about how the abuse began when she was terrifyingly young, just six or seven years old, while they were living in Greencastle. She described John touching her inappropriately through her pajamas while she slept in her bed, a profound violation of trust and safety within what should have been her most secure space. She meticulously detailed how the abuse escalated over time being forced to touch him, being coerced into other acts and particularly disturbing incident around the age of 10 in where John had allegedly compared her body parts to her mother's body parts after inappropriately touching. That's fucked up. This detail alone speaks to a deep, disturbing psychological manipulation. Alongside the physical abuse, the physical abuse.
Speaker 2:Victim 1 also candidly shared the immense emotional toll these experiences had taken on her over the years Chronic self-harm, suicidal thoughts and a later diagnosis of complex PTSD. From all this sustained trauma, her life had been profoundly shaped by these hidden scars. But what stands out most powerfully and what truly changed the trajectory of this case is her explanation for the recantation. She reiterated that she had felt overwhelmingly responsible for her family's pain, particularly her mother's distress, and she tragically blamed herself for the chaos that had ensued. It was a burden no child should have been ever forced to carry, and her clear adult reflection on the past decision provided crucial context for Detective Williams. She was no longer a frightened teenager. She was a survivor, determined to set the record straight, armed with the wisdom and the perspective gained from years of processing her trauma. This interview was not just a recounting of events. It was an act of profound courage and a testament to her unwavering pursuit of truth.
Speaker 1:It's incredible how much she's been through and yet she found the immense strength, the sheer will to come forward again to relive these horrific memories for the sake of justice. We have read this PCA and the victim's recounting of a lot of the shit that happened to this poor child, and it's even certain foods, certain smells, certain situations that reminds her.
Speaker 1:Trigger that triggers her memories of the shit this man did to her at such a young age. It's so bad that we don't even want to read it. I mean, these are not general allegations. These are deeply imprinted sensory memories that are characteristics of true traumatic recall. He also mentions that, through her ongoing therapy, she had begun to recover additional repressed memories, like an assault when she was nine, where John allegedly used his fingers to cause significant pain. These profound and specific details were not part of her 2014 narrative, suggesting that she has been processing this complex trauma over time, allowing these suppressed memories to surface as she healed and gained strength. It paints a picture of a mind slowly, painfully reconstructing its own past peace by agonizing peace.
Speaker 2:And that's precisely where the truly new compelling evidence comes in. Victim 1 didn't just bring her renewed testimony, and that's precisely where the truly new compelling evidence comes in. Victim one didn't just bring her renewed testimony, she brought tangible, verifiable recordings and screenshots to the table for Detective Williams. In one damning audio recording, she courageously confronts John directly, demanding an apology for his actions and, incredibly, john eventually says he's sorry, though he immediately tries to deflect and minimize, attempting to shift blame John by claiming she initiated contact when she was 13 years old. But she was like what about when I was six? What about when I was seven? What about when I was eight? What about when I was nine, ten, I was a child. I never initiated anything?
Speaker 1:Hell. No, you know who was on this victim's side, don't you, car motherfucking muh?
Speaker 2:Yeah. Now the recording alone where his words contradict his later denials is a powerful piece of evidence. John, in what appears to be an attempt to gaslight or manipulate, directly blames victim one for touching him while he was asleep, again trying to invert the reality of the situation. These recordings and messages gave Detective Williams concrete material to work with, moving the case beyond a simple he said, she said scenario. Furthermore, victim One's mother also corroborated some of this during a subsequent interview, admitting that she herself heard John's confession in the audio and, crucially, that she has finally believed victim one, despite her initial doubts and denial years prior. This shift in the mother's perspective from disbelief to eventual acceptance and cooperation is a critical turning point in the case. It transforms the narrative from victim one's words against John into one supported by undeniable audio evidence and a now believing parent. This evidence is crucial. It shifts the dynamics of the case dramatically, providing a stronger foundation for the allegations and giving the investigation new momentum.
Speaker 1:So this dude was literally saying you know, you was touching me when I was asleep. I got home from work and passed out and you was in there touching my shit. Basically.
Speaker 2:No, remember he said he was diabetic and his blood sugar was terribly low and he came in and went to sleep and that's when she did some shit like that. You know he's full of shit.
Speaker 1:Oh, so she was molesting the old diabetic dude. Now that's fucked up.
Speaker 2:That's real fucked up.
Speaker 1:Those recordings are absolutely gold in a legal sense. John's own words, his hesitant apology, followed by an immediate attempt to deflect blame, directly contradict his later, more forceful denials. It provides a unique glimpse into his immediate reaction to being confronted with the truth. On March 10th 2025,. Detective Williams further solidified the case by interviewing victim one's mother, who was able to fill in even more of the deeply complex backstory. She discussed the favoritism John consistently showed victim one, a common red flag in abuse cases which, in hindsight, takes a much darker meaning. She also recalled a significant kitchen confrontation around 2012 where the victim perhaps suddenly at first hinted at something being amiss a desperate attempt by a child to signal distress without explicitly saying the unspeakable.
Speaker 2:Victim 1's mother also revealed the dramatic and desperate moment in 2014 when she confronted John pulling a gun on him when the initial allegations surfaced, a testament to her intense emotional turmoil and the profound shock of the situation and the profound shock of the situation Victim One's mother. Her journey in this entire saga is particularly fascinating and, in many ways, tragic. She went from an understandable initial disbelief and denial, struggling to reconcile the man she loved with the monster described by her daughter, to a reluctant, then full acceptance of victim one story. Her commitment to her daughter's truth eventually led her to file for divorce from John on March 7th 2025. A powerful and definite break signifying her ultimate belief in victim one's account break, signifying her ultimate belief in Victim One's account.
Speaker 1:They sure didn't stop there, because Victim One's mother also revealed something incredibly significant there was more of John's family members that had came forward. Here's the chilling part Chop Victim 1's experience was not an isolated event, but a potentially part of a larger, hidden story.
Speaker 2:It truly is Chop. Now the witness's willingness to testify, to add her own voice to these allegations, could be a monumental game changer, if the case proceeds to trial. If the case proceeds to trial, her testimony would not only corroborate victim one's account, but also establish a disturbing history of similar behavior, which is often crucial in sexual abuse cases. But let's pivot for a moment to John's side of the story, as presented to Detective Williams on March 11, 2025.
Speaker 2:On March 11, 2025, john himself came in for an interview with Williams and his narrative was well pointing to the 2014 recantation as irrefutable proof that her allegations were false.
Speaker 2:Only incident was victim one accidentally touching him when she was a kid a gross, minimal minimization and distortion of the alleged events. He even went as far as to suggest that victim one's mother and victim one were somehow scamming him with the audio and video evidence, attempting to paint them as manipulative rather than victims. It's a stark, almost unbelievable contrast to the compelling evidence Victim One and Victim One's mother provided, especially the audio recording where he offered an apology, provided, especially the audio recording where he offered an apology. And then there's the telling detail of his refusal to take a lie detector test, while at the same time demanding that victim one undergo a lie detector test, a classic tactic of someone attempting to control the narrative and avoid accountability. His resistance to objective verification, coupled with his willingness to cast aspirations on the victims, truly raises significant eyebrows and speaks volumes about his character and credibility in the face of these grave allegations.
Speaker 1:Yeah, julie, his narrative feels like a desperate, almost clumsy attempt to rewrite history. To control the narrative in the face of mounting evidence, he leaned heavily on that recantation, portraying victim one as a habitual liar. But, as you pointed out, the audio where he apologized directly undercuts that claim. As you pointed out, the audio where he apologized directly undercuts that claim. It's clear he's on the defensive, concerned by the truth finally coming to light, especially with the other family members, like the other two family members now cooperating victim one's claims. The foundation of his defense, based on the recantation, is severely weakened by the new evidence and the emerging pattern of behavior. Now you know what, though, I mean. I know that sometimes teenage girls may make up some shit because they're mad at somebody, but that shit fades over time.
Speaker 1:They forget about whatever the fuck they was pissed off about. It doesn't build and build, and build, and you know recanting memories going through the counseling that she went through and then still karma's on her side coming back 10 years later with that. You know, you pick it up what I'm putting down.
Speaker 2:What's done in the dark is going to come to light Absolutely.
Speaker 1:But then, on April 9th 2025, victim one reached out to Detective Williams. Again, the trauma continued to resurface for her, bringing with it new agonizing flashbacks. An assault at age nine involving digital penetration a memory that had been suppressed but was now emerging through her ongoing process of the trauma, added another layer of gravity and details to the case. It's a powerful, painful illustration of how abuse memories can be fragmented and resurface over time, not as a sign of fabrication, but as a system of the complex ways the brain processes profound trauma, although she wasn't sure if even more repressed memories would surface. The latest recollection further underscored the depth and duration of the alleged abuse. And I get that, man. I mean I went through some bad shit, babe. You went through some horrible shit when we were children and you know, over time, man, when you get to thinking about that shit, just laying around and thinking about it, I mean details do resurface.
Speaker 2:Yeah, you're like man, that happened.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and your brain does as a child. It's like a defense mechanism. It represses bad shit that happens to you. It's like God's way of helping you grow without having to think about that shit all the time.
Speaker 2:Or something like that. Well, that follow-up that she had, the emergence of yet another deeply disturbing memory, shows just how insidious and enduring trauma can be. It's a testament to victim one's incredible courage and the resilience that she continues to revisit this pain, to meticulously piece together her past for the sake of true justice. The probable cause affidavit then wraps up with Detective williams making a very clear and justified request an arrest warrant for john del payton. He cites ample probable probable cause based on the totality of the evidence victim ones detailed and consistent interviews, the crucial audio recordings, the corroborating testimony and shift in belief from victim one's mother and the profoundly significant new allegation from another juvenile victim Now victim two's is another family member of John's member of John's.
Speaker 1:I wonder what happened I mean in all reality, between 14 to 2014 and now, to make her mother start believing her story. I mean in all, do you think she repressed it? It just makes me wonder if Not doubting the story whatsoever. It just makes me wonder why her mother changed her beliefs so much.
Speaker 2:I wonder if she was like a victim of domestic abuse or something was going on to keep her there that long, Even after allegations like that surfaced. I mean, something had to be going on.
Speaker 1:Right, but do you think it was? Maybe she believed some of it back then but didn't want to believe some of it. Maybe she believed some of it back then but didn't want to believe some of it because maybe Mr Payton was taking care of the family and she didn't want to fuck that all up. I don't know. Or do you think that maybe recently her and Payton had had problems and now she's jumping on Victim One's bandwagon? I don't know, I'm just putting it out there. It just makes me wonder, shit like that.
Speaker 2:Well, I mean, I've wondered all kinds of things about it.
Speaker 1:I wonder what the sister thinks now Right the sister that called her a fucking liar in 2014.
Speaker 2:We have another victim, victim two Victim 2, their mother, had reported alleged abuse to CPS Child Protective Services, leading to a separate investigation that is now linked to John Payton's case. Now the case, as detailed in the affidavit, is still unfolding, with victim two's forensic interview pending at the time of this filing, but this emerging pattern involving multiple alleged victims is a chilling indication that this might not have been an isolated incident, but rather a deeply disturbing pattern of behavior spanning years and affecting multiple family members. As of now, as of the time of this recording, we have a significant and crucial update that you know John Payton has been indeed charged with one felony A and one felony C, child molesting charged. Based on the overwhelming evidence presented in the probable cause affidavit and the ongoing investigation. This marks a huge and critical step forward in the pursuit of accountability for the alleged crimes.
Speaker 1:That's a true major development, julie. The charges of felony child molestation aligns precisely with the allegations spanning from 2009 to 2011. As meticulously outlined in the affidavit, it's a definitive step toward holding someone accountable for these alleged horrific acts, though we must emphasize that the legal process is, of course, far from over. This case powerfully highlights the immense challenges in prosecuting historical abuse the initial recantations often driven by fear and pressure coming from other family members. The complex family dynamics that can enable or obscure abuse. And the profound long-term psychological impact on victims who carry out these burdens for years, even decades. Victim One's journey from agonizing silence to courageous advocacy, now supported by her mother, and eventually a hard-won belief, is powerful and inspiring, demonstrating the enduring strength of the human spirit. Even in the face of unimaginable trauma. Her persistence in seeking truth despite all the obstacles, is truly remarkable. What do you think about this case and its current trajectory? What's it mean for the future of similar cases, julie? What lessons can we draw from victim one's relentless pursuit of justice?
Speaker 2:I think it's a profound reminder, chop, that justice can indeed take time, sometimes a very, very long time. Take time, sometimes a very, very long time. Victim 1's recantation, however painful and understandable, undeniably delays things, allowing the alleged perpetrator to remain free for years. But her sheer persistence, her unwavering courage to finally reclaim her narrative brought crucial new evidence to light that could not be ignored. With John now formally charged with child molestation times two, and the potential for powerful corroborating testimony from John's other family members and the ongoing investigation into two other victims, there is a renewed, tangible hope for accountability. It signifies that even years after years of silence and suppression, truth can sometimes be and does find a way to the surface.
Speaker 1:This case also underscores the critical, urgent need for better, more immediate and more comprehensive support for victims of child abuse. Imagine the difference it could make if victims received immediate, unwavering belief, extensive therapy and robust advocacy from the very beginning. Such support could fundamentally change outcomes, preventing years of suffering and fostering early healing. For now, we, along with the community, wait to see how this complex legal battle unfolds, and our deepest hope is that this process, no matter how hard and painful, ultimately brings a measure of peace and healing to the victim and her family. Their journey, still in progress, is a testament to the enduring human capacity to seek the truth and to fight for what is right, no matter how many years have passed.
Speaker 2:Now, while the focus often centers on the painful reality of abuse and the complexities of recantations, it is equally crucial to acknowledge the existence and devastating impact of false allegations. False claims of sexual abuse, whether driven by vindictiveness, anger or a desire to harm another individual, are unequivocally wrong and can have catastrophic consequences for the falsely accused, leading to severe reputational damage, legal battles and emotional distress. Moreover, such false accusations unfortunately make it even more challenging for the genuine victims to be believed and to obtain the justice they deserve, undermining the credibility of legitimate claims and hindering efforts to address and prevent actual abuse.
Speaker 1:I couldn't have said that better to be honest with you. I mean, I get all that shit. There are some people that will just claim some bullshit, just to get a dude in trouble man.
Speaker 2:I've seen bitches be like oh yeah, you pissed me off, I'm going to say this or that.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah, I'm going to say you molested my daughter. I'll say this. I'll say that I've seen that happen several times. It's disgusting, it's almost disgusting.
Speaker 2:Because you're going to put your child through some shit like that. You're going to put that shit in your child's brain. That's bad. That's horrible. I'm sorry. I don't have no love for a child molester or for a person who makes false allegations and put their child through that shit anyway.
Speaker 1:Absolutely not. I'll tell you what, though I do have to say that this victim, in this case, I believe her.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, I do too.
Speaker 1:And just the memories and the shit that she went through and to be able to come back 10 years later, when all this smoke has died down, and to come back and still want justice. I mean, basically a decade later. She didn't have no dog in this fight, man, but it was still fucking with her, it was still bothering her, you know what I mean, and she needed the truth to come out so that she could protect other victims as well.
Speaker 1:Right, because, like we've said before, this shit's like dope. These dudes don't stop. You know what I mean. So hopefully she's stopping somebody else from getting fucking diddled. Yeah, here at 69 South, we do want to acknowledge once again the immense bravery it takes for anyone to come forward with allegations of abuse, especially after years or even decades of silence. It's an act of profound courage that can inspire and empower others. If this story has resonated with you and it has brought up difficult emotions, or if you know someone who has been affected by similar experiences, please know that you're not alone and help is available. Resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline, which can be reached at 800-656-HOPE 656-4673, are there to provide confidential support and guidance. Please reach out if you need to.
Speaker 2:If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse in Indiana, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal process, indiana law and reporting. For criminal cases of child molestation in Indiana, there is generally no statute of limitations, meaning there is no time limit for prosecutors to file criminal charges against an alleged offender. This is a significant change that allows victims to come forward at any time, even many years after the abuse occurred. However, for civil lawsuits where a victim sues the abuser for damages, the situation can be more complex. While Indiana law has made changes to extend these timelines, generally for child sexual abuse, a civil action may be commenced at any time, without limitation for causes of action occurring on or after January 1, 2022. For those that occurred before that date, there may be provisions that allow a civil action within seven years after the age of majority or, in some cases, within 10 years, of the last act of abuse or discovery of the abuse.
Speaker 1:If you are an adult who was sexually abused as a child in Indiana, here's how you can come forward. You can report it and seek help. Contact law enforcement. You can report the abuse to your local police department or the Indiana State Police. They will investigate the criminal aspects of the case.
Speaker 2:police they will investigate the criminal aspects of the case. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Shadows of Recantation. The John Payton case reopened.
Speaker 1:We hope everybody involved, in this case man, gets healed up, gets the help they need and everything just gets smooth as a gravy sandwich for everybody.
Speaker 2:And justice gets served Amen.
Speaker 1:Until then, we hope you have a good day, good night, good morning, whatever, we'll see you next time.
