Overview of Kevin Nugent (10 of Spades, Indiana)
This episode of The Deck covers the disappearance of Kevin Nugent in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the conflicting interpretations of what happened to him after a late night out on December 8–9, 2018. Kevin was last seen on surveillance near the Brass Rail Bar and nearby businesses in the early morning hours, but the exact sequence of events remains disputed. Police believe the case is still open, while Kevin’s family strongly suspects something more sinister happened that night.
What Happened That Night
- Kevin, 25, went to the Brass Rail to see live music and drink with friends.
- His sister, Leanne, dropped him off, then came back after he forgot his wallet.
- Over the course of the night, Kevin appears increasingly intoxicated and is repeatedly asked to leave the bar.
- Surveillance footage shows him:
- drinking and acting erratically inside the bar,
- ordering pizza from a food truck outside,
- getting into disputes with staff,
- leaving and reappearing multiple times.
- The last confirmed video of Kevin alive appears to be around 2:45 a.m., walking near an Arby’s and then toward another business camera.
Key Timeline
Inside and Around the Brass Rail
- Kevin drinks heavily and behaves in a way witnesses describe as odd, loud, or confrontational.
- He is escorted out of the bar several times.
- A brief interaction in or near the women’s restroom is described by police as non-violent and likely about missing toilet paper.
- A later confrontation outside the bar escalates, and police say Kevin is tackled and punched before being helped up and walked away.
Final Known Movements
- Kevin’s mother arrives to pick him up around 2:45 a.m., but he is not where he was expected to be.
- Surveillance shows him a few blocks away, with the final confirmed footage placing him walking northeast from downtown Fort Wayne.
- After that, he disappears.
The Investigation
- Police obtained footage from:
- the Brass Rail,
- an Arby’s nearby,
- and a construction company camera.
- Searches were conducted in:
- wooded areas,
- railroad tracks,
- a former GE-related site,
- local rivers using boats and sonar,
- and areas prompted by anonymous tips.
- No physical evidence of Kevin was found in those searches.
Family Concerns and Public Speculation
Kevin’s family believes the police may be downplaying key details.
Their Main Concerns
- They think something may have happened inside the bar or in the back parking lot out of camera view.
- A pair of glasses found behind the bar fueled speculation that they may have belonged to Kevin.
- Kevin’s grandmother, Dee, believes he may have been disoriented or drugged, which could explain his odd behavior.
Police Response
- Police maintain they have not seen evidence of a serious altercation inside the bar before Kevin was removed.
- They have refused to release more footage, citing the active investigation and concern about fueling speculation.
- That lack of transparency has deepened mistrust between the family and investigators.
Later Lead: A Possible Murder Account
In 2020, a woman came forward claiming she witnessed Kevin being brought into a home by three men.
Her Account
- She said a man mentioned “taking care of this problem,” apparently referring to Kevin.
- She reported hearing arguing, then a gunshot, then seeing a body moved and wrapped in plastic.
- She believed the body was dumped near the GE site or nearby railroad tracks.
Second Version
- In 2021, she repeated the story but added a more disturbing claim:
- that Kevin’s body was run through a wood chipper by men connected to a tree service company.
Police Assessment
- Investigators followed up on the tip but found no remains or supporting evidence at the residence.
- The lead remains unresolved and has not produced a recoverable body or forensic confirmation.
Main Takeaways
- Kevin’s disappearance is rooted in a highly documented but still incomplete surveillance timeline.
- The most important unresolved question is what happened between the last known sightings and his disappearance from the area.
- There are competing narratives:
- Police: Kevin was intoxicated, had conflicts outside the bar, and then disappeared.
- Family: something more violent or concealed likely happened, possibly out of camera view.
- Despite extensive searches and multiple tips, Kevin has never been found.
Current Status and How to Help
- The Fort Wayne Police Department still considers the case active.
- Kevin’s family continues to hold vigils and honor his memory on his birthday and the anniversary of his disappearance.
- Anyone with information is encouraged to contact:
- Fort Wayne Police Department Detective Bureau: 260-427-1201
- Crimestoppers anonymously
- P3 Tipline app
- Audiochuck tips: tips@audiochuck.com
Notable Emotional Moment
Leanne’s comments make clear how central Kevin was to her life:
- She described him as a “safe space” and someone she could always go to.
- The family’s grief is still active, and the absence of answers continues to define the case.