Well, here's my 2 cents. I mean no disrespect to Brian's friends/family. Just hoping to help find his remains. Wish I could have lent him an ear that night...
I've been studying this case all of 3 hours! That's good and bad. Bad in that I don't know every minute detail. Good in that I haven't been pulled down a million rabbit holes and distracted in pursuit of senseless theories. I just know the basic framework of the case and haven't been distracted by lots of extraneous tidbits. And, as relates to the disappearance of Brian Shaffer, IMO there is a single glaringly obvious possibility that is IMO so highly likely that I'd be willing to bet money on it.
I'll sum it up here:
0) I believe Brian is dead and his remains are in the ground within feet of the structure housing the Saloona.
1) It is *very* likely that Brian was dead within an hour or so of last having been seen on the escalator.
2) Brian likely became emotionally upset about something which prompted him to separate from Clint with no word. Drunk. Upset over brutal loss of mother and perhaps doubting he was worthy for his girlfriend and feeling strain over engagement expectations. And exhausted from exams. Awful situation, lots of strain/pressure.
3) Brian almost certainly left the Saloona by the freight entrance or, more likely (since neighboring surveil cam is said to have covered the freight entrance and revealed nothing) via the roof.
4) If I understand correctly, there was a treacherous, full-blown construction site immediately adjacent to the structure housing the Saloona. Is what was under construction the five-story or so building east of the Saloona or the Gateway Film Center?
5) I think it is likely Brian either tried to exit through the site and fell and was trapped and died, or more likely leapt from the roof into the construction area. If the builder was putting footings/foundations in at that time, fill dirt may have been graded in over body without anyone noticing. This would explain why cadaver dogs found no scent next door at Saloona. Also, was there heavy rain within a day or two? That might have help cover body in eroding muck. Had searchers scoured fill areas at the construction site, rather than sewers, may have solved case.
The only point that gives pause is Clint's having lawyered up. But that is technically a wise move on his part, even though it does tend to arouse suspicion. I don't think Clint was involved.
So, to reiterate this theory, Brian fell in or into the construction site, in a pit or below grade up against base of footing or foundation, died, and wound up quickly inadvertently buried as construction proceeded. IT IS THAT SIMPLE. I predict his remains will one day be unearthed there if anyone has the conviction to look and resources to dig.
This theory (I'm sure I'm far from the only one to posit it) reminds me a bit of a case in DC where a guy went missing at a pub in an old row house. He was drunk, had gone up to roof alone, wound up wedged between walls of two buildings. Was unable to even make a noise to call for help. Body decayed, and an odor in the area was detected, but no one ever imagined it was the missing patron's cadaver. The skeletal remains were discovered many years later during some construction work. Still clothed and carrying id, cash, etc.
—I’ve seen this said frequently in these threads, but it is inaccurate. Clint was NOT a medical student nor is he a physician now. He was a grad student getting his PhD in Microbiology. In other words, he was primarily a scientist/researcher. There was not / is not a healthcare career consideration that is forcing Clint to remain quiet.
