In August 2004, a man was discovered unconscious behind a Georgia Burger King. Reports described him as naked and bloodied. Upon waking, he claimed to have no memory of his identity. Now, two filmmakers aim to uncover the story of his missing decades.
On May 25, Investigation Discovery will debut “The Many Lives of Benjaman Kyle,” a four-part docuseries following Eric and Shannon Evangelista. They assist the mysterious man, who claimed to have a rare form of amnesia, in piecing together his lost identity. Despite his identification in 2015 as William Burgess Powell, surprising turns unfold in the investigation.
Powell, found behind a Burger King, claimed memory loss. Known as Benjaman Kyle, he has neither been arrested nor has a criminal record. His current location is unknown, and filmmakers encourage tips through their production company.
Shannon Evangelista explained their pursuit: “We haven’t stopped investigating. The main question remains, where was he from 1983, when he stopped earning Social Security, until 2004? We hope the public can help.” Nicknamed “B.K. Doe” by hospital staff, Powell started using the name Benjaman Kyle. Diagnosed with retrograde amnesia, Eric Evangelista expressed doubts about the condition.
“His amnesia resembled outdated movie portrayals. It didn’t add up when Benjaman resisted being found,” Eric stated. He emphasized: “If he truly wanted discovery, he’d be cooperative. That’s why I doubted his story.” Powell has consistently claimed memory loss.
The Evangelistas bring experience to the case. Eric, a former broadcast news producer, and Shannon, an ex-federal criminal defense attorney and prosecutor, sought to reconnect Powell with family and document the journey. But deeper investigations revealed more questions.
“He knew places but not people,” Shannon noted, referring to Powell’s memory lapses. He seemed uncomfortable visiting familiar locations where he could be recognized.
The mystery of Benjaman Kyle attracted national media. Identified as William Powell, he appeared on the “Dr. Phil” show in 2008. Now 77, Powell claims selective memories from “the mid-‘80s.” During filming, he jokingly suggested isolated locations for hiding bodies, unsettling the crew.
The filmmakers consulted Ken Maxwell, a retired FBI special agent, for guidance. “A missing person report from 1976 showed he fled Indiana,” Maxwell noted. His vehicle abandoned, identifying details removed, raised suspicions.
Shannon shared, “Maxwell obtained Powell’s medical records contradicting his reported assault.” No public evidence links Powell to crime, though theories persist. Reports and people mentioned his associations with criminal figures in the ‘70s.
“Investigations require corroborating initial data,” Maxwell advised. His inquiry found questionable acquaintances. Powell’s last seen job raised further questions.
“He disappeared again after 2016,” Shannon lamented. Rumors of a recent location lack confirmation: “We suspect he’s in Lafayette, hiding effectively without resources.”
Maxwell suggested, “His tech skills allowed concealment. No concrete evidence links him to crimes, yet his past remains enigmatic.”
Eric Evangelista hopes to learn who Powell truly is, affirming, “We want answers. This story continues.”