TX-Remains found in barrel

[Sundayrain]

Remains were found in a barrel by someone in a watercraft. The barrel was found in Lake Buchanan near Burnet which is 30 miles west of Georgetown, TX where the Cooke family lives. Rachael Cooke went missing on Jan. 10, 2002,while out jogging.
Right now there is no age, race, or gender established.
The location is North West of Austin. It may takes months to determine who the remains belong too. The barrel was found because the lake was lower then it usually is. It was partially filled with cement.
I hope we can send prayers to the Cooke family who would be on pins and needles right now, waiting for answers. There are others missing in Texas....the answers won't come along as fast as we would all like.
Prayers and thoughts for all the missing of Texas.

http://www.Kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=5379437


*******************************************
We will never Forget

[Salsa]

Friday, September 08, 2006

BURNET COUNTY — The 55-gallon metal drum had washed up against a rocky cliff near a picnic area and a volunteer fire station, rusted and cracked from being submerged in Lake Buchanan.

Someone on a personal watercraft took a closer look Tuesday, saw what appeared to be human remains spilling from the concrete-filled barrel and called 911, a sheriff's investigator said.

link with pictures...the investigator also said from the bones it appears the remains are those of an adult.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/09/08/8body.html

use login: dwan8@dodgeit.com password: dwandwan (from bugmenot.com)

[jodierenee]

this dosen't look good.

my prayers are with the Cooke family. Of course, it is always nice to hold out hope that Rachel is still alive, but it would certainly bring closure to the family if it were her.

[amandab]

Prayers for whomevers family this person belongs to - someone isn't going to get good news shortly in this case....

[Sundayrain]

I am not good with images on Google is a map showing its location in regards to Georgetown Also a close up is on.............. http://www.highlandlakes.com/lakebuchanan
Apparently the story was kept quite quiet according to other postings........no one knows who this is ......but, whoever did this is very, sick. I pray there is a clue......

[T-Rex]

Oh no!
I don't think it's Rachel, though. In fact, I'm sure it's not.

[EdinburghLass]

Oh no!
I don't think it's Rachel, though. In fact, I'm sure it's not.
Can I ask why you are so sure? I hope it isn't.

[T-Rex]

Well, that's a lot of trouble to go to to hide a body. And an extra risk--not dumping it immediately. Like the killer was someone close, who would benefit from the body not being found. I think Rachel's was a crime of opportunity.

[Salsa]

Well, that's a lot of trouble to go to to hide a body. And an extra risk--not dumping it immediately. Like the killer was someone close, who would benefit from the body not being found. I think Rachel's was a crime of opportunity.

Well, someone took the trouble obviously, whoever hid this body. I feel it could be Rachel and my thoughts and prayers are with the Cooke family.

[Bobbisangel]

One thing that we do know for sure is that the body belongs to some family that has probably been waiting day and night for word of their loved one. The body could probably even belong to a teenager if they are going by length of bones. A lot of teenagers are fully grown by 16 or 17 yrs.

I hope it is Rachel so that he parents can finally know where she is and can bring her home. It's rare that an abductor keeps a teenager or adult for years unless the person was a child when they were taken. It's been to long for Rachel even though it would be wonderful if she were still alive. I can't imagine what it has been like to be in her parent's shoes but this family need some peace and answers to their daughter's where abouts.

[englishleigh]

Robert, if you are reading here right now, please know of all of our prayers right now, and that we are holding your family's hands in spirit as you wait for news.

God bless Rachel and all the missing, and their families. May they all receive answers soon.

[Sundayrain]

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&saddr=Burnet+Texas++&daddr=Georgetown+texas&ie=UTF8&z=10&ll=30.721768,-98.068085&spn=0.570206,0.936584&om=1


The above should bring you to the Georgetown area and Lake Buchanan....
I hope there are answers soon. It will be a sad day for one family.

[inquiringmindz]

Robert, if you are reading here right now, please know of all of our prayers right now, and that we are holding your family's hands in spirit as you wait for news.

God bless Rachel and all the missing, and their families. May they all receive answers soon.
Englishleigh,
I couldn't of said it better. My heartfelt sentiments as well.

[Sundayrain]

Robert, if you are reading here right now, please know of all of our prayers right now, and that we are holding your family's hands in spirit as you wait for news.

God bless Rachel and all the missing, and their families. May they all receive answers soon.Your words were so well spoken.......I can't even imagine the pain of this, nor the pain of not having answers. We all need to hold hands...

[Sundayrain]

Bits and pieces from a KeyeTV broadcast. Apparently the lake was very low in 2000, lower the it was now, and nothing was seen at that time.
Kim Miller, the reporter for KeyTV stated that there was "still hair on the body." This being the case, DNA should be easy to come up with.
They will be checking on the age of the barrel along with the victims age. Kim stated that " it looked like the camera caught the sight of a part of the sole of a shoe,
and part of a wallet" The police would not comment.
It seems with all of this information that there definately should be answers coming.
I hadn't even thought of "age of barrel" but.......that is a great tool in figuring age and time. The wallet being another good find........
I am thinking that, at least answers will come.
Still stating it could be several weeks.

[Sundayrain]

There are three people in the areas data base down as missing.
One is GC Cummings missing since 2003 from San Saba....only his car and clothes were found, West of Austin.
Another is Shirley Cowan 60 ...since Jan. 2001. She had been building a home in Kingsland. Evidence found in that home........
The third is Rachel Cooke, 19, who went missing while jogging near her home in January 2002,

http://www.Kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=5392968

So there is at least three families who wait and wonder......
Prayers their way.

[maima]

When replaying and pausing at appropriate points in the video found at http://keyetv.com/local/local_story_250155630.html, would anyone care to speculate on whether the body is that of a woman or a man? When the video shows a diver pulling the sole of a shoe from the water, the size of the sole of the shoe looks too big to be a woman's... But, then I look again and think, well, now I'm not so sure...

The waiting must be so agonizing and awful.

God bless Rachel's family and friends, and the other families wanting to know what happened to their missing loved one.

[gardenmom]

I think the shoe could be a man or woman. If it was a woman's shoe it looks to be a full toed shoe, maybe winter shoe. The second thing could have been a wallet or cell phone, IMO. It also looked to be a third thing, unless it was a different angle of the shoe. It looked to me like broken frames of sunglasses.

[HollywoodBound]

This is a still of the sole of the shoe I think:
http://img.viacomlocalnetworks.com/images_sizedimage_250182013/lg
It would be really narrow for a male's shoe but could be.

[EdinburghLass]

It does look very narrow. My heart jumps every time I see new posts in this thread.


Rachel was wearing jogging shoes when she disappeared and to me that doesn't look like a jogging shoe. Does anyone else think this?

[Sundayrain]

It does look very narrow. My heart jumps every time I see new posts in this thread.


Rachel was wearing jogging shoes when she disappeared and to me that doesn't look like a jogging shoe. Does anyone else think this?
Oh your right......I didn't even think about that. It really looks like a regular shoe to me. There was no sneaker look to that sole at all.
Gosh, that gives me some hope. Thanks for bringing that up.

[EdinburghLass]

Rachel's clothing description from her website -

Clothing Description: Green sports top, grey shorts, Asics shoes, and carrying a yellow Walkman

http://www.rachelcookesearch.org/

I just watched the video again and now I am not sure though either!! It looks to me like it is just the sole of the shoe so it could really be any type with the rest eroded away.

[EdinburghLass]

Friday, September 1 through Sunday, September 10, 2006

Remains have been found in Lake Buchanan in western Burnet County. The remains were found inside a 55-gallon drum. The lake is less than 40 miles from where Rachel disappeared, so we are following the updates.

I am awaiting a call from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to see if they have any updates on the remains. The news is reporting it may take two weeks for the lab to analyze the remains.


http://www.rachelcookesearch.org/journal_sep2006.html

[Sundayrain]

Friday, September 1 through Sunday, September 10, 2006

Remains have been found in Lake Buchanan in western Burnet County. The remains were found inside a 55-gallon drum. The lake is less than 40 miles from where Rachel disappeared, so we are following the updates.

I am awaiting a call from the Williamson County Sheriff's Office to see if they have any updates on the remains. The news is reporting it may take two weeks for the lab to analyze the remains.


http://www.rachelcookesearch.org/journal_sep2006.html Did you see like glasses at one point. I thought the diver held up something like dark glasses. Oh the pain of waiting must be hard , for the Cooks. There are two others missing in the area though ......so there is always hope its not Rachel.
They will take their time with that DNA, even if they have some idea of who it is, by clothing or whatever. It is so slow...and the LE probably have an idea going by clothing etc.

[Kelly]

I spoke to Robert tonight and he is doing fine. After this sort of thing happens a couple of times, you figure out how to deal with the waiting, at least enough to get you through each day.

LE is quite tight lipped about it, so he doesn't really know anything more than the rest of us. He is hoping they will at least be able to state the sex soon.

[Bobbisangel]

That would be good if they would at least announce if it is a male or female.
I would think they would have an indication by the length of the hair too.
Why will it take so long if there is a whole body and the teeth are there? I wouldn't think it would take to long to match dental records and then follow up with DNA. But dental records are accurate aren't they?

[Sundayrain]

That would be good if they would at least announce if it is a male or female.
I would think they would have an indication by the length of the hair too.
Why will it take so long if there is a whole body and the teeth are there? I wouldn't think it would take to long to match dental records and then follow up with DNA. But dental records are accurate aren't they?
You know Bobbi, how that goes. The LE not releasing anything until they have the total picture. I am sure they pretty much know. Just by the clothing that was left there, even. Plus...teeth etc. The DNA should be pretty much done......
It always has to be so complete. Being there is three people in that area missing....it means triple the worry. I hope answers come soon.

[opme]

I don;t know whether to hope this is or is not Rachel.. if not there is still hope she could be found and yet if it is then at least there is some closure finally. My prayers are with the families of those missing at this moment.


As far as the evidence that has been collected from the drum and the bottom of the lake.. I believe it was said that it appeared that there was a sole of a shoe ( looks like a female due to the narrowness but not a running shoe), eyeglasses ( wonder if they could be sunglasses? ), and a wallet ( Rachel certainly would not have had a wallet with her while running at least I wouldn't think so).. these make me think its possibly that this is Shirley Cowan. One her missing poster it indicates that she wears glasses. She was building a house and it would make sense if she was there or at the RV park that she would be wearing close toed shoes.

[SewingDeb]

That would be good if they would at least announce if it is a male or female.
I would think they would have an indication by the length of the hair too.
Why will it take so long if there is a whole body and the teeth are there? I wouldn't think it would take to long to match dental records and then follow up with DNA. But dental records are accurate aren't they?

Watching the video at the link, I'm not sure the whole body has been recoverdd. That's why they are still diving and searching. I could be wrong, but that was my impression.

[Sundayrain]

I spoke to Robert tonight and he is doing fine. After this sort of thing happens a couple of times, you figure out how to deal with the waiting, at least enough to get you through each day.

LE is quite tight lipped about it, so he doesn't really know anything more than the rest of us. He is hoping they will at least be able to state the sex soon.
Thank you Kelly for letting us know you talked with Robert. Everyone here has been so mixed with emotions. It is good to know that he is holding up well.
Hope you are fine also.......always thinking of Jason and praying for you.

[Rachael]

If they found clothing and shoes I am sure they are able to identify the sex of the victim from that alone. I have been thinking about the Cooke family and hope they get answers soon.

[HollywoodBound]

Who ever placed this in the water went through great lengths to try and make sure the body would never be found. It's possible the items were not that of the victim.

[reb]

if it is not rachel, and the person wore glasses-- other possibilities include:

shirley cowan, but also:
matthew cameron barrows
william crumpacker

or anyone of these people:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/MissingPersons.asp?Search=Name

keep in mind it's possible the glasses may actually be sunglasses too, which means it could be anyone.

[Sundayrain]

if it is not rachel, and the person wore glasses-- other possibilities include:

shirley cowan, but also:
matthew cameron barrows
william crumpacker

or anyone of these people:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/MissingPersons.asp?Search=Name

keep in mind it's possible the glasses may actually be sunglasses too, which means it could be anyone.Wow.....that is some list. I guess if you take off the family abductions it would eliminate some. Also, the lake was very low in 2000 where they would have seen the barrel. So I'd take off people before 2000.....It still is quite a long list of missing. LE would narrow it by size, date, clothing, race, etc....
Then we get to location. Some of the missing are very close to the Lake location. Now I wonder who we'd be down too. I big job......I am going away for the weekend and possiably Monday....but, if I get a chance. I would try to see what comes up here. It would be nice to have one of those programs that would just "click" and do it for you.
Ohhhhhhh wonder what that would cost?

[Sundayrain]

if it is not rachel, and the person wore glasses-- other possibilities include:

shirley cowan, but also:
matthew cameron barrows
william crumpacker

or anyone of these people:
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/MissingPersons.asp?Search=Name

keep in mind it's possible the glasses may actually be sunglasses too, which means it could be anyone.I have seen a few that could go on the list of possiabilities......so far.
But William Crumpacker went missing April of '98 that would be before the lake went extremely low in 2000 ( lower then it is now) That barrel with all that cement in it didn't move much that would be a certain.
Matthew Barrows was May of '99 so again before the very low lake of 2000.
However, Shirley Cowan is still someone who keeps coming up as the right place and timeframe. Looking quickly at the list......there are a few.
Not knowing the countys and the towns so well......it will take me a bit of time. I will try to get some answers tomorrow if I can.
Thank you for giving us the site......it is a great help. I wish it was none of those people......no one that someone is missing, and someone loves.
It is sad even figuring this out.
It is alarming to see the amount of people missing.

[reb]

well,, keep in mind texas IS a *big* state!

[Sundayrain]

owell,, keep in mind texas IS a *big* state! Holy, am I finding that out.......I started on this tonight and it is going to be timeconsuming. They might have their answers before me. But, the list can get compressed if you take out the people it wouldn't be. Yeah.........it will be awhile thats for sure. Its a really BIG state.

[Sundayrain]

Well, I was up until 1AM and hummmm got thru the B's..........
Now what does that leave. LOL
The weekend plans got shifted around so I still might have time to work on this. I want one of those CSI computers where I can put in....
1.....delete people before 2000 (Jan) ( because of the low lake then)
2.....delete people over 100 miles away from the lake. Just to get the
list in a better frame, and also because of statistics on, distances and the percent of occurence nearer to crime scene.
from home/last location to crime scene.
3.....delete runaways that are beyond the 100 mile mark anyhow.....
even though it is still possiable, so possiably a "B" list
4.....people who have fallen off of a boat in another lake location go off.
5....family abductions, as the child is probably with the other party.
It would be great to zoom in on the closest missing from the lake. I know we do have a few now. But, from this enormous Texas list, there is probably more.........
Thanks for sending over the list.....very, very, interesting...

[Sundayrain]

Preliminary autopsy reports failed to give many clues.
They only know it is an adult, who was submerged for a long time.
I imagine because of the time involved, and the condition ,this will
extend the time for getting answers.
Sad to extend the grief of those waiting for answers. Sunday

[HollywoodBound]

I wonder if the wallet was emptied or it contained some info in it.

[Sundayrain]

I wonder if the wallet was emptied or it contained some info in it.
They didn't release that information on the wallet.
I worked some on the list of missing in Texas today. Texas gets BIGGER all the time. I will just do a couple of pages a day,when I am home.
It would be easier with a bit more information even gender......race.
It really could be from a larger group, that this person would come from....
then who we originally thought.

[shelley]

The people of Texas should be proud that their state has such a great Missing Person's Clearinghouse ! I followed the link and went there, such an awful lot of missing people, but at the very least, the Dept of Public Safety has done the job they were asked to do, and set up a great site. Wish other states ...including my own...would follow suit. That would be such a blessing.


Shelley Brown
President
Tennessee Alliance for Families of the Missing
http://tnmissing.org

[Sundayrain]

The people of Texas should be proud that their state has such a great Missing Person's Clearinghouse ! I followed the link and went there, such an awful lot of missing people, but at the very least, the Dept of Public Safety has done the job they were asked to do, and set up a great site. Wish other states ...including my own...would follow suit. That would be such a blessing.


Shelley Brown
President
Tennessee Alliance for Families of the Missing
http://tnmissing.org
Wow, Shelley I thought so too. It sure sounds like you have a very interesting job working as President for the Families of the Missing. It must be very rewarding for you to work in finding those that are missing. This site in Texas was just like having a miracle placed in ones hands. Thanks to a great WS person who was kind enought to pass it along to me. That was extremely thoughtful and kind.
I sure do think that the Texas site is nice and through. Tonight after returning home from a gathering in New Jersey ......I got to look over the list which I am just looking at slowly so as not to miss what would be important.
I have found two people to add to the possibles of the lake find.
Miguel Aragon of( San Saba)...Endangered F/P ....6/13/02...Wh/Hispanic
Also....G.C. Cummings( San Saba.)..Endangered.......10/03...Wh
San Saba is a town not that far to the North of Lake Buchanan. I will try for better distance info tomorrow.
I wonder if your state would do that for you.....get a great site such as this one in Texas. It sure would be a blessing.
I sure was in shock to see the amount of missing in one state. It is mindboggling........ Thank you for your words Shelley. I hope they will let you do something simular.

[Sundayrain]

I have gone through the Texas List up to and including the "M's".
I've just pulled out the possible people by date, and probable location.
But, have to refine locations. If there are red flags on anyone, I will post it along with the others we have.
I just thought that we shouldn't zero in on one or two people ......and
sit on pins and needles over it.
Since it was so nice to obtain the information from a WSeuther......then why not put it to use. Questions came up(here)as to who this could be, other then Rachel who's home is not far from the lake. Since there were questions, its better to try and work through other possible people.
I am not an expert in this at all........so anyone with any hints or other information........feel free to let us all know.....Thanks.http://www.websleuths.com/forums/images/smilies/waitasec.gif
Sunday

[Sundayrain]

Information on those Missing near Lake Buchanan, Texas:
This list was compiled by looking at the public information given by
The Texas Dept. of Public Safety..Missing Persons Clearing house.
It is just an approximate summary of those local to the Lake area that have gone missing during a particular timeframe. After 2000...
I am sure our hope is that all the missing are found .......safe!

__________________________________________________

Rachel Cooke- Georgetown 45mi from lake (West) Jan 10, 2002

GC Cummings - San Saba 30mi from lake (North) October,2003

Miguel Aragon- San Saba 30 mi from lake (North) June 13, 2002

Shirley Cowan- Travis City 45 mi from lake (S/East) Jan. 14, 2001

Stacy Carson- Killeen 40 mi to lake (North/E) Feb,1, 2004

Lanell Kahlbau - Lampasas 20 mi to lake (North) June 7, 2004

Juan Madrid Bueso - Roundrock 45 mi to lake (S/East) June, 2005

Danielyelle White - Killeen 40 mi to lake (North/E) May 31,2004

Armando Ramirez - Travis City 45 mi from lake (S/East) June 15,03'

Justin O'Brian - Waco - 90 mi.(N/E) April 29, 2002

Jana Witt - Glen Rose- 95 mi ( North) of lake Aug 17, 2005

[Sundayrain]

So far as of last night there was nothing mentioned in the local Texas news ,nor in the local papers.
I am sure they will have to get all the evidence together completely before releasing anything public. This could take awhile.
I will check on a few other sites later today and see if they have any updates.
I know there is funds alloted for the search of Joanna Rogers of Lubbock, Tx ( missing since May 4, 2004).....after a confession from Rodriguez that she would be in a landfill there. The town has alloted
100,000 for that search in Lubbock.
Prayers to Texas in their search for the Missing....................

[gardenmom]

They sure are keeping quiet about this, don't you think? No info at all? :confused:

[Sundayrain]

YES,I am afraid it will be one of those long dragged out mysteries.
I am not coming upon any new information at all. I do know that the
family of Rachel Cooke have previously submitted DNA to a database.
Texas has a missing persons database. This is housed at the University of North Texas Health and Science Center in Ft. Worth. There they compare DNA of family to remains found. This is to solve missing cases and Texas has thousands. They specialize in mitrochondrial DNA.
I don't know if the others missing in that Lake area have also submitted. It would be good if it is there, and I imagine they have been asked by now.
I wish I had more information.......these poor people who are waiting.
I can hardly believe that they don't have anything.
I hope we know something soon..........

[Sundayrain]

It was noted in one of the newspapers that Burnet County may have to hire a forensic anthropologist to help with the case.
The skeleton had to be extracted from the concrete.Per a newspaper report from a local Austin Newspaper.
The barrel was in the South Council Creek area on County Rd 137. A steep and curvy road with houses overlooking the lake.
A relative of Shirley Cowan was quoted on one of the forums as saying "if this is not Shirley, that they hoped they would keep searching for her"
It is quite sad that no news is coming out. But, this could be difficult due to the concrete and extended time in the water.
Many families are awaiting word.........prayers to all.

[HollywoodBound]

Thanks for keeping us posted Sundayrain!

[Sundayrain]

Thanks for keeping us posted Sundayrain! Thanks......but I wish I had more to post. I thought for sure with the hair found that it would be an easy DNA. Maybe not, maybe because of lack of root...or degeneration. I know so little about forensics.
Texas has one of the best "Missing" sites, it is praised by other states organizers. It was helpful in narrowing down who was missing near that lake.
Now there is a new feature added by Texas to help to find missing.
News 8 in Austin reported that an effort is underway to draw more attention to the missing people of Texas. Project Find Me is a revolutionary attempt by the Texas Dpt. of Public Safety to put the spotlight on victims of foul play.
It is the 1st of ins kind in our country to target missing people this way.
There will be 10 people listed each month. Shirley Cowan is on that list right now. Last seen at an Oakforest RV park on Jan. /01. I have a message out to a relative of Ms. Cowans .....if I get a response I will post it here. I have a feeling they are in the dark as much as we are. She is one of the 11 I have as missing close to the lake area. They are looking for closure.......and if not......hoping the search for her goes on. Waiting for answers is always hard.
It is so meaningful to know the answers to "where the lost" have gone.
I will post as soon as I get any word. Right now its all too quiet. "Sun"

[jodierenee]

Project Find Me Webpage for TX

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/findme/0tenspot.htm

[Sundayrain]

Project Find Me Webpage for TX

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/mpch/findme/0tenspot.htm
Thanks jodierenee......yes, that is the latest Missing Persons Page that Texas has come forward with. The first in the country to do this.
I have listed people who went missing after Jan 2000 at the Buchanan Lake area,for the fact that, the lake was very low in 2000 and would have exposed the barrel.
So far no other updates today on whats, what.........

[Sundayrain]

I can't imagine the pain in waiting for information about a loved one. But......some families in Texas are certainly in the mist of that right now.
Donna Cummings had mentioned in one recent report that her husband GC Cummings "struggled with drug addiction" One day he didn't return home to San Saba, Tx. His car was found abandoned with clothes in it, in 2003.
She believes it was "foul play" and" thinks the human remains" could be his.
In January 2001 Shirley Cowan in the mist of building a home in Kingsland Tx. was possibly murdered there. Evidence was found in the new home. Relatives await word if the remains could be hers.
Then there is 19 year old Rachel Cooke out jogging near Georgetown in January of 2002. Her father has notations on his personal website for this September that "he is waiting for answers" about" the barrel
found on Lake Buchanan."
All are possible victims. Who could this possibly be?
Families wonder if this is long wait might just end their search.
Lets hope for answers soon......the waiting is too long and hard.
No one should have a loved one missing .....and have to wait and wonder. This is getting all to common in America. We have to get tough, and we have to punish the murderers when they are finally caught.

[Sundayrain]

There is absolutely no information on any Texas web site about the findings from DNA testing and the like.
Checking various TV reports and local papers give the same results.
This must be a bit more complicated and difficult then we originally expected.
I am hoping that the families do not have to sit on pins and needles for months.
Anyone who would like to make a banner etc. for the Cookes this web page was listed for posting on all websites,from Rachels father.
http://rachelcookesearch.org/banners.html

[Bobbisangel]

Haven't they made an identification yet? What in the world is the holdup?
I want it and I want it now :hand:

[Sundayrain]

Haven't they made an identification yet? What in the world is the holdup?
I want it and I want it now :hand:
Hey, Bobbi.......Night time girl.
This is just so mind boggling to me. I check about everywhere possible......
Just no answers until they finish the forensics I guess. They might feel it is better not to be giving bits and pieces of who it might be.
Personally, I think if they would at least narrow it......some of the families could end their waiting, and have some peace. At this rate, I wonder if it will take months. Will they have to get one of those clay face artists eventually?
I really think a short release would be in order right now. Don't you?

[Sundayrain]

Haven't they made an identification yet? What in the world is the holdup?
I want it and I want it now :hand:Well, Bobbi I think that we need to stop in TEXAS on our way to MEXICO for the rescue of "the bounty hunter" ....
I am about ready to knock on doors right now.
Do you think there could be no DNA evidence at all as to who this is?
I keep thinking of the families, and what they must be going through. Plus, this happens a lot to families of the missing. Lots of reports of "found" people who could be their own".......
I will just keep looking everyday and perhaps oneday there will be answers.
Can it really be this bad? Is it a big nightmare to get evidence from this type of occurance? Right now we don't know if it will be hours, days, a month or many months for the answers. How sad.......http://www.websleuths.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Bobbisangel]

Well, Bobbi I think that we need to stop in TEXAS on our way to MEXICO for the rescue of "the bounty hunter" ....
I am about ready to knock on doors right now.
Do you think there could be no DNA evidence at all as to who this is?
I keep thinking of the families, and what they must be going through. Plus, this happens a lot to families of the missing. Lots of reports of "found" people who could be their own".......
I will just keep looking everyday and perhaps oneday there will be answers.
Can it really be this bad? Is it a big nightmare to get evidence from this type of occurance? Right now we don't know if it will be hours, days, a month or many months for the answers. How sad.......http://www.websleuths.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif



By the looks of it we will have to stop and investigate on our way to rescue our man The Dog! Can't figure out what is taking so long. If it doesn't match up to anyone that is known to be missing then someone should say so. I would think they would try and match those missing in that area first and expand from there. I feel bad for the families that are waiting to see if it is their child.

[BethInAK]

there are people who go missing whom never get reported missing. this could be one of those.

[EdinburghLass]

I wish we could hurry up and get an update in this case! Does anyone have any news?

[Sundayrain]

Sorry Lass......nothing at all so far. I look into the sites for information constantly. They must be having a hard time with the forensics.
They don't even update what would be the next steps in finding out who the person is. I didn't look today.......but, I will again tomorrow.
Everything is at a standstill.
I am hoping it doesnt take many months. This is a horror for the many families that are waiting.
It is unbelieveable that there is just nothing.......
and no information coming our way.
I will post if I come accross anything at all.
I know Texas can accomplish this .......comeon' Texas!

[angelwngs]

Sorry Lass......nothing at all so far. I look into the sites for information constantly. They must be having a hard time with the forensics.
They don't even update what would be the next steps in finding out who the person is. I didn't look today.......but, I will again tomorrow.
Everything is at a standstill.
I am hoping it doesnt take many months. This is a horror for the many families that are waiting.
It is unbelieveable that there is just nothing.......
and no information coming our way.
I will post if I come accross anything at all.
I know Texas can accomplish this .......comeon' Texas!

I'm wondering if the victim could have been from out of state, making identification take longer???...??? The US Missing person database must be huge...

[Sundayrain]

I'm wondering if the victim could have been from out of state, making identification take longer???...??? The US Missing person database must be huge... Your right.....
I picked out the people who would be in the timeframe of the lake lowering at a previous year (2001) and went from there. Listing the people who were the closest to the lake, missing after that time. But, this came from a very, very, large Texas missing web site. It sure can be anyone, from anywhere......and then that would really be hard. I have been away......but, I checked just recently and there was no news still. So wishing they would at the least say why. But, I guess they aren't obligated too. It is so hard to have patience sometimes....http://www.websleuths.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif

[Kelly]

I have been told unofficially that it is a male. I know nothing else about it.

Kelly

[amandab]

I have been told unofficially that it is a male. I know nothing else about it.

Kelly

Thank you, Kelly. Any information on this case is appreciated, I'm sure.

[Sundayrain]

Yes, Thank you Kelly........unofficial is ok and a big help. They got that far anyway...so that is good to know. Maybe the girls parents will get a full nights sleep, with just that thought of knowing that. It has been difficult to come upon any information at all. A big hug your way for posting the info.!

[Bobbisangel]

I wish they had given an approx age. There have to be parents in that area that have a son missing or someone who has a husband, brother, etc, missing. I hope they can ID the person soon.

[maima]

Rachel's father, Robert Cooke, has added the following comment to the message board on his website for Rachel, in response to queries regarding information about the remains found:

"Robert Today at 02:32 AM

We've been in contact with the Burnet County Sheriff's Office. At this time, they do not think the remains are Rachel's. We've been asked not to share any other details."



http://www.websitetoolbox.com/tool/post/rcooke/vpost?id=1377210&trail=30

*sigh* :(

[angelwngs]

Is there still NO word on the idenity of this person??? This is crazy! Even an update in the news that no matches with missing persons registry have been made yet would be better than no word at all....................:banghead:

[audrey77]

Maybe they did... If you make an ID... sometimes it's better to keep it close to the vest to maximize evidence collection (questioning of witnesses, etc) You don't want to tip other off... and seeing that the remains were in a barrel, there's probably someone out there.

[angelwngs]

Good Point, Audrey! Thanks....

[Salsa]

There has been a "substantial development" in the Rachel Cooke case and the DA will hold a press conf. today at 10 am. I caught this on the tail end of the news.

[amandab]

There has been a "substantial development" in the Rachel Cooke case and the DA will hold a press conf. today at 10 am. I caught this on the tail end of the news.

Do we know for certain that this development is tied to these remains?

[sgh_sc]

Sasseygirl, thanks for posting. Maybe the family will finally get some sort of closure to this very long ordeal. Any idea where they might post info on the press conference?

[SewingDeb]

I don't think it has to do with the remains in the barrel, but I could be wrong.

http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/110706kvuecooke2-bkm.1b680a50.html

[Kim777]

Here is why I don't think that this development is tied to the remains:

"Sources say a body still has not been located, but a man believed to be in state custody right now is expected to be charged in connection with her death."

http://www.kvue.com/news/top/stories/110706kvuecooke2-bkm.1b680a50.html

That is just my opinion from reading this article! It sounds like the announcement is about LE knowing who did it, not having found her. Hopefully now that they know who did it they will be able to find her, though.

[opme]

wow, I am praying that this true for Rachels family.. to finally have information, as suspect and possibly closure after all this time. That would be wonderful.. but incredibly sad that this happened but at least there would some knoweledge about what happened and where Rachel is... I hope this is the guy. I am hoping and praying and will be watching closely to see what happens.

[Tranaice]

I noticed on another board yesterday under the Rachel Cooke thread that Robert Cooke posted that he had a meeting with LE scheduled yesterday morning.

[Salsa]

Sasseygirl, thanks for posting. Maybe the family will finally get some sort of closure to this very long ordeal. Any idea where they might post info on the press conference?

I am waiting for it to come on on the local news. I don't know if this development is tied to the barrel or not since they are saying only a "substantial development" in the case with charges of murder.

[SewingDeb]

Moore Charged With Murder of Rachel Cooke
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/110906kvuerachelcooke1-eh.1df4e24f.html

[christine2448]

Moore Charged With Murder of Rachel Cooke
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/110906kvuerachelcooke1-eh.1df4e24f.html
He pled not guilty, what evidence do they have he is related to the Rachel Cooke disappearance I wonder?

[SewingDeb]

Don't know yet Christine. I'm sure more details will be coming out soon.

[CatMama3]

I apologize in advance if the person charged has long been a suspect and I'm asking an obvious question, but is he someone who has been on LE's radar or is he "new"? I know Rachel's story in general, but haven't read everything about her case.

I also wanted to extend my support to the family since it sounds like Mr. Cooke may follow this board. This development must be very bittersweet for the Cookes. They may finally know their child's fate, but it must be crushing to know the details.

[Kim777]

I apologize in advance if the person charged has long been a suspect and I'm asking an obvious question, but is he someone who has been on LE's radar or is he "new"? I know Rachel's story in general, but haven't read everything about her case.

I also wanted to extend my support to the family since it sounds like Mr. Cooke may follow this board. This development must be very bittersweet for the Cookes. They may finally know their child's fate, but it must be crushing to know the details.

He personally contacted LE in August to say that he had info related to Rachel's disappearance. Apparently LE just told the Cookes about his involvement on Wednesday, though. I would give you the link where I read it, but KVUE updated the article and took that part off. I also heard it on the news last night. A reporter asked how they had linked him to the murder and they said that HE had contacted THEM.

[CatMama3]

Thank you. Kind of an odd twist to the story if he was unknown to LE before he contacted them.

[Kim777]

I don't know about LE, but I know as citizens of the community we were shocked to learn that the two crimes were connected. As I posted elsewhere it is terrifying to think that he was living among us (when he wasn't in jail) between committing these crimes! Who knows what else he has done.

[CherokeeKid]

Moore Charged With Murder of Rachel Cooke
http://www.kvue.com/news/local/stories/110906kvuerachelcooke1-eh.1df4e24f.html

WOW! I'm stunned!!! I hope and pray that Robert Cooke and the rest of the family gets closure soon!

I'm also sad that it seems confirmed that the remains are Rachel's. Just a young life lost.

[Rachael]

WOW! I'm stunned!!! I hope and pray that Robert Cooke and the rest of the family gets closure soon!

I'm also sad that it seems confirmed that the remains are Rachel's. Just a young life lost.


When was it confirmed that the remains in the barrel are Rachel's? I must have missed something.

[SewingDeb]

When was it confirmed that the remains in the barrel are Rachel's? I must have missed something.

No, Rachel's body has NOT been found and the murder charge was made because of a confession.

[SewingDeb]

WOW! I'm stunned!!! I hope and pray that Robert Cooke and the rest of the family gets closure soon!

I'm also sad that it seems confirmed that the remains are Rachel's. Just a young life lost.


I don't believe they have yet identified the body in the barrel. Rachel's body has not been found...just a murderer has confessed and knew things no one else would know.

[docwho3]

story with pics of area
May need to register (free) to read contents.
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/09/08/8body.html


General "body in barrel" searches just for understanding of how often barrels are used:
search term= "body in the barrel"

http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl/search/web/%252522body%252Bin%252Bthe%252Bbarrel%252522/1/-/1/-/-/-/1/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/417/top/-/-/-/1

"body in the barrel" and "texas"
http://www.dogpile.com/info.dogpl/search/web/%252522body%252Bin%252Bthe%252Bbarrel%252522%252Ba nd%252B%252522texas%252522/1/-/1/-/-/-/1/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/417/top/-/-/-/1

[Kim777]

Nothing has been said in the local news about the barrel being linked to Rachel. If Michael Moore's confession is true, he says that Rachel is in Matagorda Bay, in the Gulf of Mexico. But that is a big IF, in my opinion. Who knows if what he is saying is truth or lies.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/11/10/10COOKE.html

Link above will require registration, which is free.

[Montanagirl]

IMO we ought to move discussion about Rachel to her link and away from thie thread as it appears to have nothing to do with the remains in the barrel. Mods, can/should the Rachel posts be moved?

[Sundayrain]

IMO we ought to move discussion about Rachel to her link and away from thie thread as it appears to have nothing to do with the remains in the barrel. Mods, can/should the Rachel posts be moved? I think it was realized early on that this was not Rachael.
Only when the finding of the barrel was reported, did research come about to see who was missing in the area. At that time, early on,she was one of the missing close by. There were approximately 10 people listed that went missing close to Lake Buchannan, within 50 or so miles. Male and Female.
There was later on a posting that Kelly( Missing Jasons Mom) had spoken with Rachels father and that the body was determined to be a male. So really from that point on.....we were most assured that the findings in the lake were not her.
Listing #45 gives a list of the missing by that lake....and actually to update that I'd take off all females, because of reports that the body is a male.
The list is people who went missing near Lk Buchanan.... but as we all know.....any barrel could of been driven there from far away locations.

[CherokeeKid]

Thanks everyone for clearing this up that the remains found in the barrel are NOT Rachel's. Sorry for the confusion. I was skipping fast throught the entire thread and thought it were Rachel's remains when it was only speculation.

[angelwngs]

Does anyone know if the remains have been determined to be male or female and what the age of the victim is?

I can't understand so little information in media updates. There are so many families of missing victims who would be able to rule out their loved one with simply age or sex of this victim.

[LionRun]

Does anyone know if the remains have been determined to be male or female and what the age of the victim is?

I can't understand so little information in media updates. There are so many families of missing victims who would be able to rule out their loved one with simply age or sex of this victim.
Hi angelwngs. I heard that the victim in the barrell was prezumed to be male. i will try to find the link.

I live near where young Rachel went missing, and I have a daughter who is nearly the same age as Rachel. I hope and pray that Rachel is found, and there is justice. Michael Moore made a confession and then recanted it. He may in fact be responsible, though.

Lion

[Sundayrain]

Does anyone know if the remains have been determined to be male or female and what the age of the victim is?

I can't understand so little information in media updates. There are so many families of missing victims who would be able to rule out their loved one with simply age or sex of this victim.This was long and drawn out.........no answers were coming.......but, finally it was said that the person was a male. I think it was Kelly who had spoken with Rachels father ...... that information came out, from their conversation. She relayed that to us here ( from what I am remembering).........
I had a list on here of who went missing within about a 60 mi. radius. Maybe two that were over that. There was about 10 people who it could have been locally.
Then again, a person could have been taken miles in that barrel and then put in the Lake Bucannan. There was another site that was in bewilderment also......about the long, drawn out process of who this could be. I couldn't come up with anymore info.......I hope someone else here knows if there is an update.

[LionRun]

This was long and drawn out.........no answers were coming.......but, finally it was said that the person was a male. I think it was Kelly who had spoken with Rachels father ...... that information came out, from their conversation. She relayed that to us here ( from what I am remembering).........
I had a list on here of who went missing within about a 60 mi. radius. Maybe two that were over that. There was about 10 people who it could have been locally.
Then again, a person could have been taken miles in that barrel and then put in the Lake Bucannan. There was another site that was in bewilderment also......about the long, drawn out process of who this could be. I couldn't come up with anymore info.......I hope someone else here knows if there is an update.
Thank you Sundayrain. I cannot find the link where the news report stated that the remains in the barrel were believed to be that of a man.

Lion

[KT Can]

Any more updates on Rachael's case and this guy who confessed?

[angelwngs]

Thank you so much for your information, Lion and Sun. :confused: This one just keeps me wondering....

[SeriouslySearching]

How many bodies do you suppose they FIND in barrels anyway? This girl was also found in a 55-gal. drum. Very strange.

Family And Friends Remember Murdered Muskogee Teen

KOTV - 1/30/2007 9:37 PM - Updated 1/30/2007 9:39 PM
One year ago Tuesday, 19-year-old Sara Smart of Muskogee disappeared. Her body was discovered last August; it had been stuffed into a barrel and thrown into a pond. News on 6 reporter Chris Wright says Smart’s family and friends gathered near the Muskogee County courthouse Tuesday night for a candlelight vigil, to both celebrate Sara's memory and ask for justice.

With candles and signs in hand, those who knew Sara Smart marked a painful anniversary. It was exactly one year ago that she vanished. Any hope Sara would return disappeared when her body was found in this Haskell pond last August.

"There's what's left of my daughter, our daughter, and we would like to see justice for her murder,” said Sara’s father Brian Smart. “She was beaten, strangled and stuffed in a five gallon drum and thrown in a pond."

Sara was last seen with her stepfather Jerry Raney. Family members are awaiting the results of DNA testing they say could lead to a big break in the case. But until that break comes, they say closure will elude them.

During a candlelight vigil Tuesday night family and friends said things haven’t gotten any easier.

"It's hard to lose anybody, but a child is indescribable,” Christine Smart, Sara’s stepmother said. “Today brings back a lot of feelings I felt a year ago today."

Sara also left behind her own child, Julian, who is now two years old. Her family says Julian was the love of Sara's life, and for his sake, as well as their own, they hope her killer is caught.

"I want justice for my grandson. He's only two, he doesn't talk very much, but I know that he will in years to come,” said Sara’s mother Susan Hensley. “He'll want to know what happened, why, and have some answers. I want some answers for him.”

The Muskogee County Sheriff's Department is conducting the investigation into Sara's murder. Family members say while they are frustrated that no arrests have been made, they believe the department is doing everything in its power to solve the case.

If you have any information in Sara’s death call the Muskogee County Sheriff’s office at 918-687-1275.
www.kotv.com (http://www.kotv.com)

[jodierenee]

bumping...did this ever get resolved?

[SewingDeb]

SeriouslySearching, here is a link to a YouTube video where they say they have a POI and there will be an arrest and prosecution in the Sara Smart case.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_KUfqlXTE8

[SeriouslySearching]

Thanks, Deb!

[Soonerbabie]

http://www.ktul.com/news/stories/1107/475727.html

Murder charges in the brutal death of a 19-year-old Muskogee County woman may finally be on the horizon.

It has been more than two years since Sara Smart disappeared from a McDonald's in Muskogee. Now, her stepfather, Jerry Raney, is the focus of the investigation. He was the last one to see her alive.

Raney is currently being held on charges of domestic violence against his current wife, along with a charge of planning to perform acts of violence. Sources say Raney was so fed up with being pursued for the murder of Sara that he wanted to kill the lead investigator, the sheriff and the district attorney, all in an effort to make the Sara Smart case go away.

[ChevyTX]

Remains identified as missing Travis County man


http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=185446


Remains found last year in Lake Buchanan have been identified Monday as a Travis County man who went missing in 1990.
The remains were of 62-year-old Charles Maynard Wyatt, as identified by investigators at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Wyatt was reported missing on Aug. 18, 1990.

[angelwngs]

Remains identified as missing Travis County man


http://www.news8austin.com/content/top_stories/default.asp?ArID=185446


Remains found last year in Lake Buchanan have been identified Monday as a Travis County man who went missing in 1990.
The remains were of 62-year-old Charles Maynard Wyatt, as identified by investigators at the University of North Texas Health Science Center.
Wyatt was reported missing on Aug. 18, 1990.

Thank you so much for updating us on the idenity of this poor soul.

Hopefully, this will help to bring justice and ultimately, in time, some sense of closure for his loved ones.

[SeriouslySearching]

This was a long time coming for that family. Bless their hearts. To me it is a positive sign that you can't hide the truth forever. Now they know who the victim was...they can work on finding his killer or killers.