Remember the Nicholas Francisco disappearance? Case closed

This news release just arrived from King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Urquhart:

A “missing” SeaTac man has been found alive and well, living in another state.

The man, Nicholas Francisco, was last seen leaving his work on February 13, 2008. He was supposedly heading home to bake cookies with his children.

Francisco’s car was found a few days later abandoned in Federal Way.

The Sheriff’s Office did an extensive investigation to learn if he had been a victim of foul play. Nothing turned up.

Last week detectives developed information that he was in fact alive. He had changed his name and was living outside of Washington.

We have closed our investigation.

This was a WSB story for a while for two reasons: Francisco had attended Mars Hill-West Seattle, and West Seattle friends of Francisco posted flyers all over the area; one of our updates during the search remains the most-commented WSB story of all time – more than 300. We’ll be checking to see if the Sheriff’s Office has any more details. 1:41 PM: Sgt. Urquhart says nope, there’s nothing more they can say, since no crime was committed.

marty November 9, 2009 (1:27 pm)

What a jerk!!!!

AJP November 9, 2009 (1:29 pm)

Wow. Just…wow.

natinstl November 9, 2009 (1:30 pm)

How horrible to put his family through this!

JanS November 9, 2009 (1:40 pm)

well, now that they know where he is, how about billing him for all the manhours put into the search for him. He’s got kids that he’s not taking care of…how despicable. I feel so sorry for his (hopefully) ex-wife and kids.

sacatosh November 9, 2009 (1:40 pm)

Not the least bit surprised. I’m glad he didn’t come to bad ends. It sounded like there was evidence that this might be the case, as his wife filed for divorce after he’d only been gone a short time and there was some discussion of his internet activities.

I’m sorry for him, and for his family, that he felt he had to disappear that way.

Oddly, I was just thinking about this case yesterday. May all those affected find peace.

Alexa November 9, 2009 (1:41 pm)

Just . . . how selfish and awful.

T-Rex November 9, 2009 (1:41 pm)

WOW! Top of the line a-pipe!

AnotherIdiotInWS November 9, 2009 (1:44 pm)

Please… if anyone knows “the rest of the story” can you share the gossip? This guy is some kinda bunghole, and we should all share in laughing at his ignorance. At least now, his kids and ex can get some child support.

Bonnie November 9, 2009 (1:50 pm)

What a pig.

KateMcA November 9, 2009 (1:55 pm)

Awful! What a terrible thing to put your family, friends and community through. Hope the wife and kids will be taken care of financially now that they’ve found this guy.

rick November 9, 2009 (2:02 pm)

Selfish bas*urd!

JunctionMonkey November 9, 2009 (2:04 pm)

I’m with JanS! I want my tax money back!

Bill the B*st*rd for all the money spent on the search!

AnotherIdiotInWS November 9, 2009 (2:09 pm)

I think this is awesome. Bummer for the kids and the the wife that claimed this wasn’t possible… but come on, admit it – this thing has all the possibilities for a “made-for-tv movie!” And one more thing – for all the agnostics and nay-sayers – those Christian people’s prayers were answered! He is alive and well.

Amanda November 9, 2009 (2:18 pm)

No crime committed? How is faking your “disappearance” and abandoning your children not a crime? Not to mention the thousands of dollars that were donated to his family. How is this not a crime?

KBear November 9, 2009 (2:26 pm)

He did it for a show!!

TK November 9, 2009 (2:26 pm)

That is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo messed up!

Peter November 9, 2009 (2:37 pm)

The pumpkin industry owes us an explanation! What a round, orange, vegeta*le!

Scott (no, the other Scott) November 9, 2009 (2:40 pm)

I certainly understand where people are coming from who want to see him billed for this, but whoa, come on… this is still America, here. There are good, time-tested reasons that we aren’t compelled to account to the government for our movements or associations. If I decide tomorrow to stop talking to all my friends, even my wife, I may be a prick, but it’s not Big Brother’s business.
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Sometimes public safety means taking a loss; it’s not a for-profit business and strict accounting is impossible. How badly do you want to live in a world where public safety measures are all cost-justified? Most missing persons reports are made on people who aren’t missing at all; it’s already difficult to get public agencies to search exactly because of that. If your loved one goes missing, do you want have to write the cops a check to go out looking?
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There is something of a trend in that direction already, with wilderness search and rescue agencies in some states billing those that they save. It’s something that sounds great in theory, until you are in a situation where you need help. It’s hard enough to recognize when something is genuinely wrong and deteriorating without having to worry about losing your life savings if you make the wrong call.
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So, anyway, I’m happy to pay my share of this stuff. If my wife wrecks her car and is trapped at the bottom of a ravine and unexpectedly doesn’t come home one night, I don’t want to have to second-guess calling the cops to look for her because maybe we had an argument that morning and there’s an outside chance she went to Kansas instead.

MJ November 9, 2009 (2:56 pm)

A post reportedly made by Nicholas’s former wife, Christine:
http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?p=13627361#post13627361

Julie November 9, 2009 (3:00 pm)

No law has been broken? This guy hasn’t paid child support since he’s been gone, has he? That’s a law.

db November 9, 2009 (3:06 pm)

in resonse to her blog: AMEN SISTER!!~!

Mr. JT November 9, 2009 (3:09 pm)

I’d like to hear his side of the story before judging. She seems like a real piece of work.

Westwoodie November 9, 2009 (3:27 pm)

SHE seems like a real piece of work Mr JT? She has been put through the WRINGER by everyone for the past 1.5 years. Nicholas is a coward, plain and simple. He walked away from his pregnant wife and two kids, changed his name and made all of Seattle think he was missing. People put up fliers and held candlelight vigils. This guy is the real piece of work, his wife is the victim.

Natalia November 9, 2009 (3:29 pm)

I’m with Mr. JT…there are 2 sides to every story and before we judge this, I feel Nicholas has the right to air his side.

Keith November 9, 2009 (3:29 pm)

KBear FTW!

blezjez November 9, 2009 (3:43 pm)

To Mr. JT… How can there be a “his side to the story” that could possibly justify abandoning his children and his unborn child? Even if his wife is a sociopath, a “piece of work” or whatever, the kids are innocents. He’s the one with the big problem, he is the poster child for LOSER.

AceMotel November 9, 2009 (3:46 pm)

I’m sorry, but if I had that wife, I would run away too.

MW November 9, 2009 (3:54 pm)

Here is an update posted on a friends blog, dated July 6, 2009:

http://supportingchristine.wordpress.com/

We have just heard from Christine that she has recently remarried, to a wonderful man that she met sometime after Nicholas disappeared and after she found out that Nicholas had been living a secret life of which she had been completely unaware until after his disappearance (and unfortunately, his whereabouts are still unknown). All three children are happy and secure. She is grateful for all the prayers and support that she’s received over the past year and a half.

bgh November 9, 2009 (4:14 pm)

I do not understand why this is a surprise to everyone. It was CLEAR from the start he left.

Andrew November 9, 2009 (4:16 pm)

A deadbeat dad who ran away from the responsibility of taking care of his children. Shame on him.

onceachef November 9, 2009 (4:21 pm)

As they say, “All’s well that ends well”…it sounds like she (Christine) has been able to move on with her life and the children are safe. He’s definitely a loser (big time) and should be charged for all the man-hours and administration put in looking for him, as well as paying child support. It’s cowardly to run away, no matter what the reason….I hope he’s remembered for what he clearly is…a coward.

AnotherIdiotInWS November 9, 2009 (5:18 pm)

Wait… she remarried already? Lol… am I missing something? “They” just found this guy, right? So doesn’t that suggest she may have known for some time? And getting remarried within a year or so during the time he is presumably a “missing” husband? Well, this story is getting better and better already. These two sound like model parents, nevermind a husband and wife. You can’t make this poop up! Seriously, tell me more! More! More!

MrJT November 9, 2009 (5:20 pm)

Hey blezjez – From reading her ramblings, she should be thankful that he just left town.

J November 9, 2009 (5:27 pm)

Skipping out on the child support is not okay, but….I can’t help thinking of the people who’ve tried to get away from their association with Scientology, another cult. Without knowing more, I must withhold judgment of Mr. Francisco (and of Christine, too.)

fj November 9, 2009 (5:41 pm)

wait. wait… let me guess…. Another good “Christian” man, couldn’t “come out” to his family, and ran off instead?

k November 9, 2009 (6:04 pm)

hate to say i told you so, but…..

Leroniusmonkfish November 9, 2009 (6:21 pm)

What he did to the children he fathered is inexcusable. There are other ways of separating amicably that would have kept the children free of emotional/mental harm…I would have been scarred for life had my father just disappeared without knowing whether he was alive or not?

A real piece of work he is as apparently she is too. Yes, the public was lied to. As for this “coward” he’s a real catch…I really wonder how he sleeps at night but than again people without a conscious live their lives without compassion or consideration. Me, me, me….FU POS.

AmyP November 9, 2009 (6:29 pm)

The guy lived a double life, didn’t tell her, married her, had kids, left her. How is SHE a piece of work? He is still a coward for abandoning those children.

Karma is a bitch.

dawsonct November 9, 2009 (6:34 pm)

Interesting acemotel, care to expand on your accusation?
This guy sounds like a real pryck, I hope his sliminess is well-publicized, so those who would be tempted to give him their friendship and trust can be forewarned.

MrJT November 9, 2009 (6:43 pm)

Lets all keep an eye on husband #2… See how THAT works out.

ellenater November 9, 2009 (7:05 pm)

they both suck. poor kids…

MrJT November 9, 2009 (7:35 pm)

Yea. What ellenater said !

GenHillOne November 9, 2009 (7:38 pm)

I knew it. imho, they’re both pieces of work, or something. And unreasonable yeah, but I’ve never had one good reason to peruse etsy after seeing the goings on there regarding this case. I’m sure 99.9% of it’s users are just fine, but I had never heard of it until Nicholas Francisco and boy did her “supporters” there leave an impression. It will always be connected with me.

WTF November 9, 2009 (7:39 pm)

MRJT, cynical doesn’t really cover your attitude. This guy needs to grow-up, get a pair of tea-bags and be a MAN. He chose to marry and start a family, and after seven years of marriage, two kids with one on the way, he runs!?!? No excuses for being such a failure. He should be ashamed of himself at how he humiliated his wife, embarrassed his family, let down his friends and co-workers. I’d say he’s a disgrace and I sincerely hope the (new) man in those children’s lives is an example of a real MAN.

tuc ulo November 9, 2009 (7:53 pm)

The Franciscoes were my next door neighbors for quite some time, she seemed OK, he was a as*hole, but since we all just speculating, I cannot tell for sure WTF happened…

rnl November 9, 2009 (10:06 pm)

sounds like a great MTV Documentary….

AnotherIdiotInWS November 9, 2009 (10:33 pm)

For those that keep thinking this woman is somehow “innocent” in all this – you need to read some of the poop she is writing. It’s scary. “Poor kids” is ok… they didn’t ask for any of this – and they didn’t ask for a couple of schmucks for parents. Now quick… someone start praying for me and my lost soul that is full of bitterness.

Leroniusmonkfish November 9, 2009 (10:49 pm)

I still haven’t been able to read the post from his ex-wife Christine…maybe it’s just the formatting on my computer but it just rambles on and on and would prefer the Led Zeppelin song. I guess paragraphs are a thing of the past?

I hope his latest employer, friends and new girlfriend and/or boyfriend read this blog to see what kinda POS he is. Yet alas he was a jackass living in another state (of mind?). GROW UP JACKASS!!! HOPE YOU GET THE MESSAGE!!!!

Alki Area November 9, 2009 (11:26 pm)

Doesn’t matter if he fell in love with another woman, another man, or just fell “out” of love with his wife (no one else involved)…that was just a poor way to handle it. He should have had the balls to just sit down and tell her he didn’t love her anymore, wanted a divorce, work out the custody with the kids, and move on from there. You don’t just WALK out leaving your friends and family thinking you might be dead. That’s just selfish and thoughtless.

Leroniusmonkfish November 10, 2009 (12:42 am)

Amen Alki Area…that’s all I’ve been trying to get across with my post(s). He obviously doesn’t have any “balls”.

He caused so many folks to search for him, put up flyers, worry about him, etc…yet alas he was just a stupid, selfish f*ck that could not only face his wife and children but also would allow the general public to waste their time praying for his safe return.

I hope you read this blog Nicholas. You really need to grow up.

Jeffy November 10, 2009 (8:05 am)

Cue Mars Hill pastor Mark Driscoll to tell us how it’s all the wife’s fault.

cherylc November 10, 2009 (9:50 am)

I find the comments blaming the wife to be confusing. She wrote one rambling post and she’s crazy and a bitch? I agree with the poster who pointed out that even if she’s a sociopath, that doesn’t excuse him.

But mostly, I wonder, what does Etsy have to do with it? Did they fundraise and put in inflammatory descriptions to describe the items? I’m trying to imagine what that would sound like…

dawsonct November 10, 2009 (11:00 am)

I would really like those who are directing their vitriol at the ex-Mrs. Francisco, to explain to me what their problem is with this woman that you would excuse the actions of the dirt-bag POS sperm-donor she unfortunately put her trust in. Is it the lack of paragraphs in her screed? Is it her gullibility in falling in love with this con-man? Is it because she is/was a member of a borderline Christianist cult?
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You leave these cryptic and accusatory posts without providing any basis for your accusations Anotheridiot, GenHill, MrJT, Ellen, Ace, et al. If you have something to say, SAY IT. If you have links that show her to be somehow complicit in a scam, PROVIDE THEM!
All you have done with your obtuse posts is expose yourselves as being rather petty, on this subject at least. I really do just want to understand what your position is, and not a single one of you has been able to articulate it.

John November 10, 2009 (11:48 am)

I’d run too if I had children…..

GenHillOne November 10, 2009 (12:49 pm)

I followed this because of Nicholas’ place of employment. Back when it happened, cherylc, there were multiple things online from his wife (not just the link above) and her friends/supporters. Anything – on any site, including etsy (where the wife had a shop/s) and even the story here on WSB – was flooded with what I can only characterize as histrionics. There was dissection of her etsy activity (dates, content), solicitation of “donations” on etsy (though I recall that was a little wonky too – dates and content from her), Mars Hill lovers/haters, pro-Mrs./Mr., etc. It was almost as though people were trolling the web for his name and throwing their hat in the ring for sport.
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For those who were suspicious from the beginning, nothing added up and there were a LOT OF CAPS AND !!!!!! posted in response, sometimes the same posts on several sites. I said it wasn’t necessarily reasonable, but the etsy response creeped me out. Not trying to be cryptic, dawsonct, just have no desire to go back and find (read) all of the materials again, but Google if want to wade through it. Though I do believe that etsy eventually asked users to take their efforts off the site and the references were purged.
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I don’t dismiss what he did. I do think there’s a lot more to the story on both sides. Bottom line is I don’t care. I feel badly for the kids and the story has gone the way of Octomom for me. A blip in the world of weird.

dawsonct November 10, 2009 (12:59 pm)

Then do everyone a favor, John, and don’t have any children.

Betty Bowers November 10, 2009 (1:08 pm)

Hmmm…”devoutly religious” (from Seattle Times) husband disappears and surfaces a year and a half later in California? Obviously this is just another Christian marriage sundered by those pesky gay people! PROTECT MARRIAGE! SAVE OUR CHILDREN! REJECT PROP 71!! What, it passed? WTF?! That was OUR proposition; WE put it there! It was supposed to be rejected!!!

Maybe evangelical churches like the Francisco’s Mars Hill church should worry less about gays (who only constitute 5 – 10% of the population) and worry more about their own godly men and women. Wanna protect marriage? Put up a voters initiative to ban heterosexual divorce!

As the Bible says, don’t obsess over the mote in your neighbors eye while ignoring the plank in yours. Toodles! Off for the meeting of my prayer warriors!

AnotherIdiotInWS November 10, 2009 (5:00 pm)

I think more people need to look at both sides before saying anything. It’s always easy to be dismissive and say, “oh this guy is a schmuck.” Well, yeah, but his wife is only an inkling less of a schmuck. Folks, she KNEW he left… she had even told the police the “evil” things she was finding out before those flyers went up. People came forward – and some of these people mentioned she knew about it for some time before he left. And yet… she comes out with, “I know he loves us with all his heart.” Yeah, but the rest of his parts apparently felt otherwise.
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ok, I think I can stop now. This has been fun to contribute – but I just get riled up when I think of how 3 innocent lives get tangled up into some serious crap that juuuust stays under the radar of DSHS. The best part is – they are going to grow up to be just like their parents – or worse. So this non-believer is going to pray (?) that they will rise above BOTH their bio-parents.
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Now, onto another thread about something a bit more fun…. Where’s that post about his hangout called the WetSpot?

Betty Bowers November 10, 2009 (11:11 pm)

Was this a clip of the Prancisco home? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3mDLsyn6ns . Heeheehee!

dawsonct November 11, 2009 (10:40 am)

Great post Betty, maybe those who “defend the heteros” can put something forward like this to help those who may be having a little trouble fulfilling their sacred vows:

http://rescuemarriage.org/

If it’s illegal to divorce, then the gays won’t be able to break up marriages! They’ll be forced to cross it off their agenda!

Natalia November 14, 2009 (1:38 pm)

Yep, Christine knew he left her, he told her he was leaving. She threatened to pull this shit but he wasn’t going to stay. He’s been paying for it all along and not just in cash. Hell, if I was married to that psycho bitch, I’d turn gay and run too! If anyone has to answer to her God, it’s HER!

WhatSomePeopleWillDoForAttention November 16, 2009 (4:03 pm)

How silly now people are coming out of the wood work to say how Christine knew all along. Well if you knew this why didn’t you tell the police before now.

What some people will do for a little attention.