Investigators used my emailed tip!

[Liz]

I think I just heard Captain Wolfinger make a plea, on MSNBC, to convenience stores, gas stations and motels to retrace their tapes for the past few weeks!

I just emailed the kcgov tipline at 5:49 am this morning!

Here is what I suggested:

Dear Investigators,

Since you are aware that this Joe Duncan perp has been in the vicinity, whatever that vicinity may be --- why don't you have Captain Wolfinger put out a plea to all restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations, to please go thru their video footage, for the last week or two, IF there is any chance for them to do that.

I know that's probably a lot to ask, but it sure might help in tracking where this perverted perp has been and with which children.

Just a thought.

Signed -
Liz
=================

I think this indicates LE are open to suggestions. But, I wonder WHY didn't they make these pleas previously to area businesses? I can't believe how many people have walked right by little Shasta without noticing her! She was not even disguised or anything! She looks more disguised the way her hair was pulled up and back in yesterday's photos that Steve supplied the media with.

I know local KC LE are inexperienced at dealing with a crime like this; but they have all those experienced FBI agents helping!

[kpass]

Good Job Liz! Hopefully this will help in the investigation...Lord knows what else he's done during this time! Poor Little Shasta, I just finished watching the video of her in the Gas station, you can see as she's walking in the door, she tries to make eye contact with the people behind her, how sad. I noticed how her arms were crossed the entire time...he probably told her to keep them that way so she can't 'motion' to anyone? Thank God she's ok, too sad for Dylan.

[mysteriew]

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a255/mysteriew/proud/WTG.gif LIZ!!!!

The reason they didn't ask before I think is because no one believed they would remain in that area. And they didn't know what area to look in.

[dragonfly]

What I really think is so sad and disheartening is that FBI profilers were SO off target on this one. We were told it wasn't random, Killer probably knew victims, didn't supsect cult or sex crime involement. I could understand if the CdL LE were baffled by all this but what about the country's best FBI profilers and investigator. It just goes to show how series killer or stanger killers get away with the crimes they do and for the duration.

[mysteriew]

What I really think is so sad and disheartening is that FBI profilers were SO off target on this one. We were told it wasn't random, Killer probably knew victims, didn't supsect cult or sex crime involement. I could understand if the CdL LE were baffled by all this but what about the country's best FBI profilers and investigator. It just goes to show how series killer or stanger killers get away with the crimes they do and for the duration.

Personally, I am not real big on criminal profilers. They are good for suggestions and pointing toward new area to look at, but I don't think their success rate is all that high. Humans are just so variable, and each crime depends on their degree of pathology and their abilities to overcome that pathology.

[Cowgirl]

Personally, I am not real big on criminal profilers. They are good for suggestions and pointing toward new area to look at, but I don't think their success rate is all that high. Humans are just so variable, and each crime depends on their degree of pathology and their abilities to overcome that pathology.They have their place but with random selection things, they are up a creek just like everyone else. Sometimes their profile of the person is on the money and sometimes it is waaaay off.

Robin Goodman, a child psychologist, is on MSNBC talking about what they can get from poor Shasta.

[close_enough]

What I really think is so sad and disheartening is that FBI profilers were SO off target on this one. We were told it wasn't random, Killer probably knew victims, didn't supsect cult or sex crime involement. I could understand if the CdL LE were baffled by all this but what about the country's best FBI profilers and investigator. It just goes to show how series killer or stanger killers get away with the crimes they do and for the duration.

they were off on the other case in West Memphis, too, imo....everything they had in their notes, clearly pointed to the stepfather, IMO...not the 3 guys they have in custody...(cult type killing)

[Liz]

Thanks, you guys! :D

[openminded1]

Hey, that's awesome! So nice right after Independence Day, too, to be reminded about what this country is all about. I will make sure to share this story with my family as such a great example of how important our ideas can be. Thank you!

[Liz]

:blushing:

I'm so darn glad that Shasta got her independnece back, a day in advance!

I just wish that Dylan would be able to celebrate his 10th birthday on the 16th of July!

[amandab]

http://www.foxnews.com/

Right now on Foxnews.com they have a still of this sick bastard going into a convenience store w/ Shasta.....chilling......

[kk's mom]

http://www.foxnews.com/

Right now on Foxnews.com they have a still of this sick bastard going into a convenience store w/ Shasta.....chilling......

I'm sick to my stomach. I just looked at the picture. Was this local in Idaho?I just don't understand. How many times did he have this poor child out in the public? Look at her with her arms folded. Poor, poor little girl. I'm so grateful she is safe. Who knows what she's endured. I just want to cry and cry and cry. I don't understand why no one else recognized her. This guy had balls, I'll tell you that. Sick bastard. Poor Dylan. My heart is just breaking...........

[Liz]

In all probability, the reason her arms were folded is that it gets pretty darn chilly in Northern Idaho as the sun's going down. She'd been standing out there while he filled the jeep. She's doesn't have a whole lot of fat to keep her lil body warm.

If you'll notice, the 2-3 kids behind her had their arms folded just like Shasta and so did the female adult.

[kk's mom]

In all probability, the reason her arms were folded is that it gets pretty darn chilly in Northern Idaho as the sun's going down. She'd been standing out there while he filled the jeep. She's doesn't have a whole lot of fat to keep her lil body warm.

If you'll notice, the 2-3 kids behind her had their arms folded just like Shasta and so did the female adult.

She just looks so sad, that's why I noted the arms folded pose. Bless her little heart. I was looking again at the people walking in behind her. No one noticed this child was Shasta?

[lady-eowyn]

Good job Liz!!

I watched the video of her in the store with this POS....oh my heart broke. I mean I'm glad she is alive, but what she has been through only God knows. And seeing her pictured with her daddy...what joy!! But then again my heart broke for all the others who didn't get theirs back, like Mark Lunsford. All because these creeps slip through the system. :mad:

[CaliKid]

Poor Shasta. And Liz, good thinking- I'm glad they're following up with this. Maybe we can track this sicko and find out what he's been up to the past 6 weeks.

[Wayne]

I think I just heard Captain Wolfinger make a plea, on MSNBC, to convenience stores, gas stations and motels to retrace their tapes for the past few weeks!

I just emailed the kcgov tipline at 5:49 am this morning!

Here is what I suggested:

Dear Investigators,

Since you are aware that this Joe Duncan perp has been in the vicinity, whatever that vicinity may be --- why don't you have Captain Wolfinger put out a plea to all restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations, to please go thru their video footage, for the last week or two, IF there is any chance for them to do that.

I know that's probably a lot to ask, but it sure might help in tracking where this perverted perp has been and with which children.

Just a thought.

Signed -
Liz
=================

I think this indicates LE are open to suggestions. But, I wonder WHY didn't they make these pleas previously to area businesses? I can't believe how many people have walked right by little Shasta without noticing her! She was not even disguised or anything! She looks more disguised the way her hair was pulled up and back in yesterday's photos that Steve supplied the media with.

I know local KC LE are inexperienced at dealing with a crime like this; but they have all those experienced FBI agents helping!
Great tip, Liz...

Please check your PM.

[Sniffy38]

Congrats, Liz! It's really great that you took the time and trouble to submit that tip. You were right on the money.

[Casshew]

Congrats, Liz! It's really great that you took the time and trouble to submit that tip. You were right on the money.
and it seem like such common sense, it is scary that the Police would not just do that as part of standard investigation proceedures. :waitasec:

I saw the gas station video, it was so sad to see little shasta with that monster :(

[scifier]

I think I just heard Captain Wolfinger make a plea, on MSNBC, to convenience stores, gas stations and motels to retrace their tapes for the past few weeks!

I just emailed the kcgov tipline at 5:49 am this morning!

Here is what I suggested:

Dear Investigators,

Since you are aware that this Joe Duncan perp has been in the vicinity, whatever that vicinity may be --- why don't you have Captain Wolfinger put out a plea to all restaurants, convenience stores and gas stations, to please go thru their video footage, for the last week or two, IF there is any chance for them to do that.

I know that's probably a lot to ask, but it sure might help in tracking where this perverted perp has been and with which children.

Just a thought.

Signed -
Liz
=================

I think this indicates LE are open to suggestions. But, I wonder WHY didn't they make these pleas previously to area businesses? I can't believe how many people have walked right by little Shasta without noticing her! She was not even disguised or anything! She looks more disguised the way her hair was pulled up and back in yesterday's photos that Steve supplied the media with.

I know local KC LE are inexperienced at dealing with a crime like this; but they have all those experienced FBI agents helping!
Most of these convenience stores, gas stations etc have 24 hour tapes which then re-record over them if nothing extraordinary has happened in that time frame. Sometimes they have a daily tape that they rotate. LE's thought process on a radius from CDA on an average tank of gas was huge to say the least. Also, perps could have brought gas to fill up and go further, etc. They did canvas the area from CDA into Montana to Washington to even Oregon asking these gas station, convenience clerks, fast food personnel if they had seen these children. Posters of the missing children were posted at most of these places! On video signs and billboards their faces were constantly there. I myself took notice whenever I saw a little girl or boy about that age. I made an effort to look at them more closely. There is not much to be gained from knowing where the perp has been at this point as the remains in Montana are Dylan's and Shasta is in custody. There is nothing more to be learned except in the murder investigation and maybe where the perp or perps dumped there bloody clothing etc. As for the tapes of six weeks ago and forward I dont think much is to be gained from them (if the businesses even have them) other than the public wanting to see them. Also, who is going to sit there and review 6 weeks of 24 hour a day tapes (over 1000 hours) and thats for just 1 establishment. Unless you knew when to look it would be worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. At least you knew the needle is in there somewhere. I think what they should do is go back over any previous tips regarding a red jeep. It might narrow the trail down a little better.

[kpass]

Most of these convenience stores, gas stations etc have 24 hour tapes which then re-record over them if nothing extraordinary has happened in that time frame. Sometimes they have a daily tape that they rotate. LE's thought process on a radius from CDA on an average tank of gas was huge to say the least. Also, perps could have brought gas to fill up and go further, etc. They did canvas the area from CDA into Montana to Washington to even Oregon asking these gas station, convenience clerks, fast food personnel if they had seen these children. Posters of the missing children were posted at most of these places! On video signs and billboards their faces were constantly there. I myself took notice whenever I saw a little girl or boy about that age. I made an effort to look at them more closely. There is not much to be gained from knowing where the perp has been at this point as the remains in Montana are Dylan's and Shasta is in custody. There is nothing more to be learned except in the murder investigation and maybe where the perp or perps dumped there bloody clothing etc. As for the tapes of six weeks ago and forward I dont think much is to be gained from them (if the businesses even have them) other than the public wanting to see them. Also, who is going to sit there and review 6 weeks of 24 hour a day tapes (over 1000 hours) and thats for just 1 establishment. Unless you knew when to look it would be worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. At least you knew the needle is in there somewhere. I think what they should do is go back over any previous tips regarding a red jeep. It might narrow the trail down a little better.


I do believe it's a great idea for them to look over any tapes that may still be available...ya never know, IF there are any other kids missing OR anyone else involved, this could be key! Also, your mention of going over any previous tips on a red jeep, THAT would be like looking for a NEEDLE IN A HAYSTACK! I'm sure there would be plenty of them!

[Shazzie]

There is nothing more to be learned except in the murder investigation and maybe where the perp or perps dumped there bloody clothing etc. As for the tapes of six weeks ago and forward I dont think much is to be gained from them (if the businesses even have them) other than the public wanting to see them. Also, who is going to sit there and review 6 weeks of 24 hour a day tapes (over 1000 hours) and thats for just 1 establishment. Unless you knew when to look it would be worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. At least you knew the needle is in there somewhere. I think what they should do is go back over any previous tips regarding a red jeep. It might narrow the trail down a little better.
I agree, scifier. Anything we can find out about where they have been is interesting, but it's probably not necessary to know every detail of their movements.

I think LE probably already knows a lot that hasn't been released yet, anyway. There is a method to their madness, in terms of the amount of information they release, when, and in what order. I believe they will share what they can when the time is right for that.

[Leila]

Congratulations Liz!

I've watched the video of the convience store several times, and I'm surprised no one recognized Shasta. I feel so sorry for her.....what this poor little girl has been through.........

[railbird]

Way to go Liz; I often think that the investigators into these high profile crimes should monitor websleuths and mine it for ideas, etc. I am continually amazed by the knowlege and insight so many of our 'sleuthers' have.

[Bobbisangel]

http://www.foxnews.com/

Right now on Foxnews.com they have a still of this sick bastard going into a convenience store w/ Shasta.....chilling......


I think the news said that the video of the convenience store was 30 miles from the Dennys where Shasta was found. No one even looked at Shasta...in that store!!! Thank God the Denny's employees were on the ball.

What caught my eye was the way Shasta had her arms wrapped around herself. Very loud body language I thought....pulling into herself. She walked around the store looking at people but I would guess that the little thing was to afraid of what would happen to her if she called attention to herself. Besides, a little 8 year old doesn't have a clue what to do except to obey her abductor. I'm sure he had her programed inorder to allow her to get out of the jeep and wander around the store.

I sincerely hope that the hospital has a sexual abuse therapist spending time with Shasta. In our worst nightmare we will probably never know what this little girl has survived. It is truly a miracle that she is alive. I hope they are wrong about Dylan.

[mysteriew]

Duncan was described as relaxed and clean-cut when he stopped at a store in the western Montana logging community of St. Regis more than a month ago for gas and a 12-pack of Bud Light.

He chatted with attendant Jackie Allen for nearly 15 minutes, peppering her with questions about area parks and campgrounds and asking for directions to nearby communities.

Allen said she was "shocked and stunned" to learn that the man she said visited her store was Duncan. "I know people can fool you, but he was a really clean-cut and relaxed guy," Allen said. "It's just kind of shocked me. I still don't know what to think."

Like others in the timber town of about 300 near the Idaho line, Allen had been on the lookout for Dylan and Shasta since they were reported missing six weeks ago.

Posters with their photos hung in nearly every business in town. And though hundreds of tourists pass through every day en route to Glacier National Park, residents watched for any suspicious people or activities.

After Duncan's arrest, business owners meticulously paged through fishing licenses and other records, checking to see if he'd stopped in their establishments.

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/07/06/affidavit_details_abuse_in_idaho_abduction/?page=2

[less0305]

In all probability, the reason her arms were folded is that it gets pretty darn chilly in Northern Idaho as the sun's going down. She'd been standing out there while he filled the jeep. She's doesn't have a whole lot of fat to keep her lil body warm.

If you'll notice, the 2-3 kids behind her had their arms folded just like Shasta and so did the female adult.


I was going to post this same thing. Also, having daughters and also being a little self-concious myself at certain times in my life, it's sort of something girls do when they feel a little self-concious....fold their arms in front of them. And the fact that all those kids may have been chilly that night.

[Sofia]

I think the news said that the video of the convenience store was 30 miles from the Dennys where Shasta was found. No one even looked at Shasta...in that store!!! Thank God the Denny's employees were on the ball.

What caught my eye was the way Shasta had her arms wrapped around herself. Very loud body language I thought....pulling into herself..
People tend to not notice children. I remember being at a big children's day at the park, this little boy was walking around crying loudly and people were just walking by him, not even seeing him. He was lost.

[Liz]

Great tip, Liz...

Please check your PM.

Thanks, Wayne. I'm sorry to say I didn't receive your PM, though. I let my message box get full because a poster was sending me nasty-grams. Please re-send it, okay?


Also, thanks for the kudos from all of you who I've been unable to thank until now --- Lady-Eowyn, KPass, CaliKid, Sniffy, Leila, and Railbird; and anyone else I might've missed. My momma raised me to say 'thank you' when given a compliment; and I wouldn't want you to think I wasn't minding my manners. :blushing:

[kpass]

You're very welcome Liz! :p

[Cypros]

I have been away and unable to keep up on all of the reports. Can someone please tell me where I can access the video footage of them in the convenience store? Thank you.

[joanofarc]

I have been away and unable to keep up on all of the reports. Can someone please tell me where I can access the video footage of them in the convenience store? Thank you.
Here you go Cypros :)

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_186173456.html

[Cypros]

Here you go Cypros :)

http://wcco.com/topstories/local_story_186173456.html


Thanks, joanofarc! That poor child. With her arms crossed across her chest like that it is so clear that there is something wrong. That one shot of her glancing up into the face of a nearby adult is heartbreaking.

[Liz]

That one shot of her glancing up into the face of a nearby adult is heartbreaking.

I agree, Cypros. It's almost as if her eyes are pleading, as if to say, "Look at me! Please! Don't you recognize me?"


Adults do tend to ignore children, I've noticed. Especially in those convenience stores.

[Challenger]

Most of these convenience stores, gas stations etc have 24 hour tapes which then re-record over them if nothing extraordinary has happened in that time frame. Sometimes they have a daily tape that they rotate. LE's thought process on a radius from CDA on an average tank of gas was huge to say the least. Also, perps could have brought gas to fill up and go further, etc. They did canvas the area from CDA into Montana to Washington to even Oregon asking these gas station, convenience clerks, fast food personnel if they had seen these children. Posters of the missing children were posted at most of these places! On video signs and billboards their faces were constantly there. I myself took notice whenever I saw a little girl or boy about that age. I made an effort to look at them more closely. There is not much to be gained from knowing where the perp has been at this point as the remains in Montana are Dylan's and Shasta is in custody. There is nothing more to be learned except in the murder investigation and maybe where the perp or perps dumped there bloody clothing etc. As for the tapes of six weeks ago and forward I dont think much is to be gained from them (if the businesses even have them) other than the public wanting to see them. Also, who is going to sit there and review 6 weeks of 24 hour a day tapes (over 1000 hours) and thats for just 1 establishment. Unless you knew when to look it would be worse than looking for a needle in a haystack. At least you knew the needle is in there somewhere. I think what they should do is go back over any previous tips regarding a red jeep. It might narrow the trail down a little better.
Well, my brother has a small business, and he keeps his tapes 2 weeks, sometimes longer. He's caught a lot of shoplifters that way. He keeps them because in the past, something came up missing, or whatever, and the old tapes solved the mystery. I've worked Loss Prevention for a large chain, they kept theirs' for 2 weeks, and many times we reviewed the old tapes for LE. I'm not disputing you, but that's been MY experience.