A man who woke up outside a Burger King claiming to have amnesia may be linked to cold cases and a crime family, according to a new documentary. The four-part docuseries 'The Many Lives of Benjaman Kyle,' premiering May 25 and 26 on Investigation Discovery, reexamines the baffling case of a man found naked and unconscious behind a Burger King in Richmond Hill, Georgia, in 2004.
The Mystery of Benjaman Kyle
With no wallet, identification, or memory, the man was hospitalized as 'Burger King Doe' and later adopted the name Benjaman Kyle, believing his birth date was August 29, 1948. He was diagnosed with dissociative amnesia and spent years without a social security number, relying on strangers and media attention to uncover his identity. His story gained national coverage, including appearances on Dr. Phil.
In 2015, genetic genealogist CeCe Moore identified him as William Burgess Powell, an Indiana man missing since 1976. His car was found abandoned with plates removed, and his family believed him dead. At 67, Powell finally obtained legal identification.
Unsettling Discoveries
Filmmakers Shannon and Eric Evangelista of Hot Snakes Media initially aimed to help Powell recover his identity but uncovered disturbing inconsistencies. They allege Powell may never have had amnesia and may be tied to a powerful crime family in Lafayette, Indiana, and to George Keck, a suspect in the 1977 murder of Purdue student Kristine Kozik. Keck, who died in 2020, told Evangelista he knew details of Kozik's accidental death, but the case remains unsolved.
The series also explores other cold cases in the area, though no charges have been filed. Evangelista claims Powell's disappearance may have been a means to save his life, and she continues investigating despite Powell cutting off communication. 'If we stop, he wins,' she said.
Powell, now 77, lives privately and has not been charged with any crimes. The docuseries delves into a web of deception, unsolved cases, and alleged organized crime ties.
