Jake Haendel

Now, I wanted to present a hypothetical. Let's pretend a sample of Jake's heroin had been brought into the hospital for testing. What sort of process is needed to find a potentially lethal toxin? Or would Jake's symptoms and heroin use be enough for medical teams to say, hey, he was a drug user, and that's enough of an answer for us. No need for a full-on criminal investigation.

Now, I wanted to present a hypothetical. Let's pretend a sample of Jake's heroin had been brought into the hospital for testing. What sort of process is needed to find a potentially lethal toxin? Or would Jake's symptoms and heroin use be enough for medical teams to say, hey, he was a drug user, and that's enough of an answer for us. No need for a full-on criminal investigation.

Jake recalls a conversation with a medical professional who said it could be laced with something he'd never suspect, like a pesticide.

Jake recalls a conversation with a medical professional who said it could be laced with something he'd never suspect, like a pesticide.

Would they have been able to search for all of these potential toxins if Jake and his family had been able to provide a sample? Or would they have simply tested for the basics?

Would they have been able to search for all of these potential toxins if Jake and his family had been able to provide a sample? Or would they have simply tested for the basics?

We may never get the answers Jake's been searching for, and he may never get them either. All he's left with are theories. And now, a growing sense of concern. Concern for the ex-boyfriend. Jake has tried to follow up, to check in, but every attempt has gone unanswered. And with each passing day, Jake's concern only deepens.

We may never get the answers Jake's been searching for, and he may never get them either. All he's left with are theories. And now, a growing sense of concern. Concern for the ex-boyfriend. Jake has tried to follow up, to check in, but every attempt has gone unanswered. And with each passing day, Jake's concern only deepens.

It was sent June 7th, 2022 at 6.50 p.m. I won't share this entire exchange, but Ellen was kind, complimenting Jake on his sobriety and his journey of sharing his story. And then asking him to be mindful in what he shares with her ex-boyfriend, as he was also working towards sobriety. Over the span of nine days, there were three messages sent asking if Jake had heard from this man.

It was sent June 7th, 2022 at 6.50 p.m. I won't share this entire exchange, but Ellen was kind, complimenting Jake on his sobriety and his journey of sharing his story. And then asking him to be mindful in what he shares with her ex-boyfriend, as he was also working towards sobriety. Over the span of nine days, there were three messages sent asking if Jake had heard from this man.

All of which Jake read, but left unanswered.

All of which Jake read, but left unanswered.

I do find the timing of this to be quite interesting. Jake hadn't directly heard from her in two years. I say directly because Jake had suspicions about a few burner accounts on social media, but otherwise it had been pretty quiet. And now she's reaching out under the guise of potentially shepherding an addict towards sobriety?

I do find the timing of this to be quite interesting. Jake hadn't directly heard from her in two years. I say directly because Jake had suspicions about a few burner accounts on social media, but otherwise it had been pretty quiet. And now she's reaching out under the guise of potentially shepherding an addict towards sobriety?

I first started recording Jake's story a few years ago, and this phone call happened in the middle of it. Just like Justin. I, too, started to wonder if this wild theory actually held weight. And there was something else Jake had told me that I wasn't intending to include in this series. But now, with everything else that has been shared, it may be worth looking into.

I first started recording Jake's story a few years ago, and this phone call happened in the middle of it. Just like Justin. I, too, started to wonder if this wild theory actually held weight. And there was something else Jake had told me that I wasn't intending to include in this series. But now, with everything else that has been shared, it may be worth looking into.

Thank you for listening to Blink. This podcast is hosted and produced by me, Corinne Vien, alongside my co-creator and survivor, Jake Handel. Our original music is composed by the brilliant and talented Michael Marguet. We're so grateful for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing this story with others.

Thank you for listening to Blink. This podcast is hosted and produced by me, Corinne Vien, alongside my co-creator and survivor, Jake Handel. Our original music is composed by the brilliant and talented Michael Marguet. We're so grateful for your support. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating, reviewing, and sharing this story with others.

For additional resources, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, visit our website, BlinkThePodcast.com. Blink will return with a new episode next Sunday.

For additional resources, updates, and behind-the-scenes content, visit our website, BlinkThePodcast.com. Blink will return with a new episode next Sunday.