The massive search for two Florida attorneys—57-year-old Randall “Randy” Spivey and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier—has ground to a painful halt after a misleading tip sent rescuers in the wrong direction, compounded by a chilling new development: forensic voice analysis of a mysterious call that shocked investigators.

The duo vanished on December 19, 2025, during what was meant to be a routine deep-sea fishing trip off Fort Myers. The experienced boaters, both respected lawyers familiar with Gulf waters, departed early aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman vessel, “Unstopp-A-Bull,” planning to return by evening. When they failed to check in, their worried wives alerted authorities, sparking an urgent U.S. Coast Guard-led operation involving air and sea assets from multiple agencies.

By the next day, searchers located the boat drifting upright about 70 miles offshore near Naples, engine still running—an eerie sight that raised immediate red flags. No signs of the men were found, though two life jackets were missing, fueling theories they may have entered the water. A vast area roughly the size of Connecticut—around 6,700 square miles—was scoured relentlessly for four days by Coast Guard crews, local volunteers, and even civilian boaters and aircraft.

But hope faded when authorities announced the suspension of active search efforts at sunset on December 22, pending any breakthrough information. The decision devastated families already grappling with the approaching holidays. Brandon’s wife, Deborah, and Randy’s loved ones expressed profound grief, holding onto slim hopes for a miracle while facing the reality of an unresolved mystery.

Compounding the anguish, a recent tip promising a critical lead on the men’s possible location proved disastrously false, redirecting valuable resources away from the most promising zones. Then came the bombshell: police received and analyzed a suspicious audio recording purportedly linked to the case. Forensic experts examined the voice, only to uncover details that left investigators stunned and deepened the heartbreak—suggesting deception or a cruel hoax that further complicated the already baffling disappearance.

The FBI has since assumed lead on the investigation, standard for unusual offshore cases, with no public confirmation of foul play, accident, or other explanations. Friends and colleagues remember Randy as a calm, seasoned professional and Brandon as sharp, composed, and full of promise in his legal career. Their sudden vanishing has left communities in shock, with questions swirling about what really happened on that fateful day.

As weeks pass into January 2026, the families cling to memories of shared fishing adventures and laughter, while the silent Gulf holds its secrets. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the sea’s unforgiving power and the fragility of life—even for those who know it best. Prayers continue for answers, closure, and peace for those left behind.