I've always thought Johnny's disappearance was connected to the nearby disappearances of two other young boys - Eugene Martin and Marc Allen. If that's the case, it would point to someone local.
Of course. That's why I don't think Heinrich is a good suspect.
I wonder if this case, specifically, contributed to someone like me (in Iowa) being taught stranger danger in school in the late 80's and early 90's.
Absolutely. I grew up in Iowa in the 80s and 90s. Johnny was not mentioned by name very often, but I can only assume he and the other DM boys were always on the minds of adults. I always feel like Johnny's case has gotten a raw deal as far as visibility. Though certainly his case is far better known than the other DM paperboys.