FBI Investigating Randall Spivey & Nephew’s Disappearance

Randall Spivey & His Nephew’s Disappearance are being investigated by FBI

FBI Launches Investigation into Mysterious Disappearance of Fort Myers Attorney and Nephew at Sea

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has officially taken over the case of two missing Florida boaters who vanished under mysterious circumstances during a fishing expedition in the Gulf of Mexico, transforming what began as a search-and-rescue operation into a full-scale federal investigation that has left investigators and family members searching for answers.

Randall “Randy” Spivey, a 57-year-old prominent Fort Myers personal injury attorney, and his 33-year-old nephew Brandon Billmaier, an associate attorney at the Shiner Law Group, disappeared on December 19, 2025, during what was supposed to be a routine fishing trip approximately 70 miles off the coast of Naples, Florida. The timing of their disappearance and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of their vessel have prompted the FBI to step in and investigate the case as a federal missing persons investigation.

The Fateful Fishing Trip

The uncle and nephew duo embarked on their fishing expedition early Friday morning from a residence on Intracoastal Court in Fort Myers, expecting to return by sunset. The pair were aboard Spivey’s 42-foot Freeman boat, appropriately named “Unstopp-A-Bull,” a vessel well-equipped for offshore fishing adventures. Family members became alarmed when neither man returned or made contact by 7:30 PM, prompting immediate concern given their extensive boating experience and familiarity with Gulf waters.

“They were experienced boaters who knew these waters well,” said Deborah Billmaier, Brandon’s wife, in a social media post that would later announce a monetary reward for information. “This wasn’t their first offshore fishing trip, which makes their disappearance even more puzzling.”

The Mysterious Discovery

The first major break in the case came in the early morning hours of December 20, when a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew spotted the “Unstopp-A-Bull” adrift approximately 70 miles west of Fort Myers. What they discovered would only deepen the mystery surrounding the men’s disappearance.

The boat was found upright and floating, but what caught investigators’ attention was the vessel’s condition: the engines were still running when discovered. A rescue swimmer was lowered to the scene, where they stopped the engines and anchored the vessel for safety. The boat showed no obvious signs of distress, damage, or struggle, yet both men were nowhere to be found.

Perhaps most intriguingly, two life jackets were missing from their designated storage spots on the vessel. This discovery initially provided hope to family members that the men might have abandoned ship voluntarily and could still be alive, wearing the safety equipment. However, the massive search effort that followed would yield no trace of either man.

Massive Search Effort

The United States Coast Guard launched one of the most extensive search operations in recent Gulf Coast history, spanning approximately 6,700 square miles—an area roughly the size of Connecticut. The search involved multiple agencies and resources, including:

• Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater

• Coast Guard Station Fort Myers Beach

• Coast Guard Air Station Miami

• Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City

• Coast Guard Cutter Crocodile

• 920th Rescue Wing

• Florida State Guard

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

• Lee County Sheriff’s Office

• Collier County Fire Department

Volunteer organizations including the United Cajun Navy, a nonprofit specializing in life-saving rescue operations, joined the effort alongside private boaters and aircraft owners who offered their assistance. The search conditions were described as favorable, with approximately 10 mph winds and 3-foot seas during the operation.

Despite the massive coordinated effort covering both air and sea, no trace of Spivey or Billmaier was discovered. The search was officially suspended at sunset on December 22, 2025.

FBI Takes the Lead

Following the suspension of search efforts, the FBI officially assumed control of the investigation, treating the case as a federal missing persons investigation. The decision to involve federal authorities was made based on the unusual circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the fact that the incident occurred in federal waters.

“The FBI’s involvement indicates that there are aspects of this case that warrant federal investigation,” said maritime law expert Captain James Morrison, who has consulted on similar cases. “When experienced boaters disappear from a functioning vessel with no apparent distress signals or emergency communications, it raises red flags that go beyond a typical maritime accident.”

The FBI’s investigation will likely focus on several key areas:

Vessel Examination: The “Unstopp-A-Bull” has been transported to Station Fort Myers Beach for detailed forensic analysis. Investigators will examine the boat’s mechanical systems, GPS data, communication equipment, and any potential evidence that might explain the men’s disappearance.

Electronic Trail: Modern vessels are equipped with various electronic systems that can provide crucial information. The FBI will analyze GPS tracking data, satellite communications, and any emergency beacon activations that might have occurred.

Background Investigation: Both men will undergo thorough background checks to determine if there were any personal or professional circumstances that might be relevant to their disappearance.

Timeline Reconstruction: Investigators will work to establish a precise timeline of the men’s activities leading up to their departure and during their time at sea.

The Legal Angle

The fact that both missing men are attorneys adds another layer of complexity to the investigation. Randall Spivey has been a prominent personal injury attorney in Fort Myers for decades, while Brandon Billmaier has been practicing law since joining the Shiner Law Group in August 2023.

The Shiner Law Group issued a statement on December 22 expressing their concern for Billmaier and their cooperation with authorities. “Brandon has been a valued member of our legal team, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time,” the statement read.

Legal experts note that attorney disappearances, while rare, sometimes involve cases they’re working on or personal matters related to their practice. However, there is currently no public information suggesting either man’s legal work is connected to their disappearance.

Family’s Heartbreak and Hope

The families of both men have been vocal in their grief while maintaining hope for a resolution. Deborah Billmaier’s social media posts have captured the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for news, from initial hope upon learning about the missing life jackets to the devastating announcement that search efforts were being suspended.

“While this is heartbreaking, Brandon and Randy would never want anyone else to put their life in danger, and we know they would want this decision to be respected,” she wrote in a Facebook post following the suspension of search efforts.

Tricia Spivey, Randall’s wife, has been working closely with authorities, providing crucial information about the men’s planned route and fishing locations. She explained that they had GPS coordinates from the boat’s spot tracker, which helped narrow the search area but ultimately didn’t lead to the missing men.

Ongoing Investigation

As the FBI continues its investigation, several theories are being explored:

Accidental Overboard: The most straightforward explanation suggests that one man may have fallen overboard, with the other attempting a rescue that resulted in both entering the water. However, this doesn’t explain why no emergency communications were made.

Medical Emergency: Some investigators speculate that a medical emergency affecting one or both men could have led to their disappearance, though both were described as being in good health.

Foul Play: While there’s currently no evidence of criminal activity, the FBI’s involvement ensures that all possibilities, including foul play, will be thoroughly investigated.

Voluntary Disappearance: Although considered unlikely given their family ties and professional responsibilities, investigators must consider all possibilities.

The Search for Answers

The FBI has established a dedicated tip line for anyone with information about the disappearance of Spivey and Billmaier. They are particularly interested in speaking with:

• Anyone who may have seen the “Unstopp-A-Bull” between December 19-20

• Boaters who were in the area during the time of their fishing trip

• Individuals who may have had recent contact with either man

• Anyone with information about unusual activities or vessels in the area

The investigation is being coordinated through the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center, which can be reached at 866-881-1392.

A Community Waits

As this story continues to develop, the Southwest Florida community remains united in support of the families while hoping for answers. The case has captured regional attention not only because of the mysterious circumstances but also due to the prominence of the missing men in the local legal community.

The FBI’s involvement brings additional resources and expertise to bear on what has become one of the most puzzling maritime disappearances in recent Gulf Coast history. With the federal investigation now underway, authorities hope to uncover the truth behind what happened to Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier on that fateful December fishing trip.

As days turn into weeks, the families of both men continue to hold vigil, supported by a community that refuses to give up hope. The FBI’s investigation represents their best chance at understanding what happened to their loved ones and, perhaps, finding closure in a case that has left more questions than answers.

TheColdCases.com will continue to follow this developing story as the FBI investigation progresses. Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities immediately, as even the smallest detail could prove crucial in solving this maritime mystery.

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If you have any information about the disappearance of Randall Spivey and Brandon Billmaier, please contact the Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg command center at 866-881-1392 or your local FBI field office.