2009 – Triumph & Tragedy
As we begin another year, I wanted to take a look back at significant developments in 2009 and update you on 2010.
As you know, this website launched in early 2009. It is my attempt to tell the stories of the young victims, to convince law enforcement that these deaths are homicides and to let the public know that a team of people is fighting for answers. I didn’t expect so many people would be supportive. This website gets tens of thousands of hits each day and it’s had nearly 10,000 comments. I’m so impressed by the dedication of you loyal commenters. Thank you.
In the past year, an amazing group of families made some significant strides. In addition to working on Josh’s case, Bill Szostak and his family continue to get the parents and siblings of the victims talking and comparing notes. This effort has helped them uncover commonalities and assisted with their healing. Jan Jenkins, the mother of Chris, completed and published her book. Read Chris’ story “Footprints of Courage” and check out www.footprintsofcourage.com.
In 2009, I met some new friends who are dedicated to finding answers. As I’ve said before, I don’t have a badge and I’m not trying to “solve” these cases. However, I am trying to gather enough evidence to prove to law enforcement that these deaths are not accidental drownings. This attempt does not involve graffiti, word clues or even connecting the cases. Before any of that can happen, police officers must be convinced murder occurred. We must get these cases (one at a time) reinvestigated and reclassified as homicides. So far, a former DA, a renowned forensic pathologist and a former federal agent with experience busting serial killers are helping. We’ve uncovered new compelling evidence and turned it over to law enforcement. I’m gathering more data and compiling public records to have cases analyzed. We will keep you posted. Our efforts have gotten the attention of several national media outlets. We have media scheduled for 2010. Again, we’ll keep you posted.
Now for the tragedy. More than 10 young talented men disappeared and were found drowned (under similar circumstances) in the last 12 months. You can go back and look at these cases in detail on this site. Each case (except for one – William Hurley’s investigation is not completed) was closed and ruled accidental drowning. In several cases, the deaths were ruled accidental before the autopsies were even finished. My heart goes out to the families and friends of the victims. Let’s pray it doesn’t take another 10 or 20 or 50 victims to get the attention of police and the public.
Last New Year’s Eve, two young men disappeared and were found mysteriously dead (one in a pond and another near a large body of water). Stay safe everyone. Don’t leave your drink unattended and don’t let your friends walk home alone.
Bookmark this site, share it with friends and keep checking back. Our fight continues in 2010.
DandyID
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