I found the information from the speech expert. I'd really love to have a second opionon on this. I have a strange interest in linguistics and I thought some of what she said was a bit contradictory. But perhaps it was because I just read the transcript? But there is quite a difference between what's called a Midland accent (lower midwest) and Southern (Texas, OK, etc), unless she was hearing a mix. Anyhow, I posted my first yesterday after only hearing one clip, now that I found another clip of him talking I'm not hearing Pittburgese (except perhaps on the one word).
BTW, I went through all the missing men from Ontario, since the beginning, from the Provincial Police's site and couldn't find anything that looked promising. There was just a couple of little things that had me thinking that perhaps he was originally from there (but moved to the US later in life). Still could be, but he's not officially missing from there.
Sorry I can't help much here, the nature of my job is such that I may be able to spend lots of time here one week, then I can't even read the board for a month.
Edit - saw a linguist specialit on TV a couple of years ago who had the ability to figure out where someone was from from their speech, within a very small number miles (almost down to the town). Been searching online for this guy but can't seem to find who this may have been.
It's really too bad that the investigation into the crime itself was so bungled and there was so little evidence. I wonder if anything could still be done in terms of a private detective, new police on the case etc. Obviously, working this case from the other angle - from the crime to Ben, would likely solve the mystery of his identity.
