Two prominent South Florida injury attorneys, Randall Spivey, 57, and his nephew Brandon Billmaier, 33, remain missing after their fishing boat was discovered adrift with its engine still running southwest of Naples. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has now joined the extensive search and investigation into their disappearance, adding a significant layer of urgency to the ongoing efforts.
The pair set out on a fishing excursion from the Fort Myers area on the morning of December 19th, with plans to return that same evening. When they failed to check in as scheduled, their wives promptly alerted the U.S. Coast Guard, initiating a large-scale search operation that involved numerous volunteers scouring the waters off southwest Florida.
After an extensive search, the Coast Guard located the vessel, named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” approximately 70 miles offshore by midnight on Saturday. While the boat was found, Spivey and Billmaier were not aboard. Investigators noted the absence of two life jackets from the vessel, a detail that has fueled speculation about the circumstances leading to their disappearance.
According to reports, Coast Guard officials have theorized that one of the men may have fallen overboard, with the other entering the water in an attempt to assist, potentially without realizing the boat’s engine was still operational. This scenario, if accurate, could explain how both individuals ended up in the water.
The U.S. Coast Guard officially suspended its search for the missing attorneys on Monday evening, concluding several days of intensive efforts. Despite the suspension of official search operations, the FBI’s involvement signals a continued commitment to uncovering the truth behind the perplexing incident.
Randall Spivey was a well-respected attorney in Fort Myers, leading his own firm specializing in injury and wrongful death cases. He was known for securing significant jury verdicts throughout his career. Brandon Billmaier was an associate at the Shiner Law Group and previously served as in-house counsel for an insurance carrier and worked at a defense firm, according to the firm’s website.
The Shiner Law Group has issued a statement expressing deep sadness over Billmaier’s disappearance, acknowledging him as a valued member and a skilled lawyer. The firm’s sentiment underscores the personal impact of this event on their professional community.
The unusual nature of the disappearance, coupled with the involvement of federal authorities, has inevitably sparked widespread speculation on social media platforms. Discussions range from theories of foul play to the involvement of external interests, highlighting the public’s fascination with the unfolding mystery.
