Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Lauren Spierer Disappearance Puzzles Authorities Update 6-29-16 Videotape,Testimony, Time-lines, Tall Tales, Possible Guest & Still Nobody?





















































Grave concern over the safety of Lauren Spierer has overcome the Indiana University Campus in Bloomington since the twenty year old disappeared early Friday morning. Two searches have taken place, so far all of no avail. (Head basketball coach Tom Crean participated in one of the searches as did numerous other members of the faculty.) Police are seeking any information about Lauren's whereabouts.




This 20 year-old blond woman is a 2009 graduate of Edgemont High School in Scarsdale, N.Y. She is currently a junior at Indiana University studying fashion merchandising. She was taking a summer class in Bloomington at Ivy Tech. She was last seen leaving Kilroy Sports bar on Friday early in the morning, wearing black pants, a white shirt and no shoes. According to the Indiana Daily-Student, Spierer lived only a block and a half away from Kilroy's. Her known locations that early morning were all within a three block radius of her Smallwood apartment. Video from the apartment complex is consistent with Lauren never reaching her apartment. Indiana Daily-Student

Lauren is described as a 90 lbs, 4 feet, 11 inches tall blond with blue eyes. She was last wearing a white tank top with a light-colored shirt over it and black pants. foxnews.com Any tips should be forwarded to the Bloomington Police Department, (812) 339-4477.

Update 6-8-11: Still not much more information on Lauren. However, in Arizona a somewhat similar abduction may have taken place. Kristian Faith Ward, an 18-year-old model and mother has been missing since late last month. Ward (aka Kristian Faith Stout), was last seen walking away from the Paradise Valley Mall in Phoenix on May 27. Phoenix Police Department. Ward apparently picked up her check at the mall and then subsequently disappeared without a trace. (The search for Kristian Faith Ward from Phoenix, Ariz., ended with the young woman's safe recovery, according to her father. Her father said,"This is a matter of family privacy and we thank you for all of your concern and prayers." Let's all pray that the search for Lauren Spierer ends in a similar result.)

Update 6-9-11: In today's age of video surveillance, the chances of getting to the truth have increased several fold. Corey Rossman, an IU student, had been with Lauren Spierer a few hours before her disappearance. Corey was apparently punched by another man or men near Lauren's apartment. "At Smallwood, someone confronted them... He got punched in the face. He has no memory of that, or of the 15 minutes leading to that moment...” said Corey's attorney, Carl Salzmann.

Rossman has cooperated. He and Lauren were seen on videotape returning to her residence around 2:30 a.m. They then left the building about 10 minutes later. Lauren was helping Rossman go home because Rossman had been punched. The couple went to Rossman's building complex. Lauren apparently visited another apartment at the complex. There may have been another “confrontation” that morning at Rossman’s building; however, this officially remains speculation.




It is reported that Spierer was last seen rounding a corner on her way back to her apartment at about 4:15 to 4:30 a.m according to Jay Rosenbaum. (Cory Rossman was apparently not the last one to see Spierer that morning. Perhaps as many as three or four other people may have seen Lauren after Cory Rossman went to bed.) Video footage from security cameras back at Lauren’s apartment building (Smallwood) suggest that she may have argued with several men that morning. One can expect police will get to the bottom of this matter. Lauren's father is offering a $100,000 reward for information concerning his daughter.




Afternoon update: Crystal Grubb disappeared last September in Bloomington. Crystal's body was found after 13 days in a cornfield just outside of Bloomington. Her homicide remains unsolved; however, information has leaked out that her purse may have been found near one of the apartment buildings in question. If that is true, there may be link between the Crystal's murder and Lauren's disappearance. In the mean time, it has also been reported that Rossman's car, credit card and cell phone have been examined by the police for possible information. Police continue to say that Lauren was not herself involved in the altercation with the other men and that Rossman has cooperated. Spierer apparently met Cory Rossman recently at the Indianapolis 500 track.




Update 6-10-11: Here is more information about the altercation which occurred at the fifth floor lobby of Spierer's apartment. Cory Rossman apparently recently met Spierer at the Indy 500 track. He was not close with Lauren's circle of friends. Apparently, Rossman was punched in the face in the 5th floor elevator lobby by someone who may know Spierer's boyfriend. (The puncher is rumored to be Zach Oakes but his identity has not been officially released.) Spierer's boyfriend, Jesse Wolff, a 22 year old IU student from Port Washington, New York, was not present at the time of the altercation. (The person who hit Rossman may or may not be one of Wolff's friends. Wolff was reportedly at home watching basketball at the time of the altercation.) After the altercation at Smallwood Apartments, Rossman and Spierer then apparently walked to Rossman's apartment near 11th and Morton. Rossman was allegedly put to bed by his roommate (Mike Beth.) Beth was reportedly sober as he had been up late working on a term paper. Beth said that Spierer left his apartment and went to see another friend. (This is believed to be Jay Rosenbaum of West Bloomfield, MI.) Spierer reportedly left the North Townhomes apartments around 4:30 a.m. Keys and a purse were apparently found on the route between North Townhomes and Smallwood. According to today's police press conference, Parker said surveillance video from nearby businesses may show some cars in the area at the time she disappeared. Investigators are working to identify the vehicles.

Update Afternoon 6-10-11:
Nothing specific on Spierer; however, Plainfield, Indiana police are seeking information on Morgan Johnson, 27, who may be in need of medical attention. Morgan Johnson, 27, was last seen on May 18th at the Value Place hotel on Gateway Drive in Plainfield. Johnson has not made any phone calls on his cell phone or made any financial transactions. He drives a white 1995 Pontiac Grand Am, license plate # JS1830. Anyone with information on Morgan Johnson's whereabouts should call the Plainfield Police Department at 317-839-2566. Ironic that Lauren's case generated so much publicity but Morgan's did not.

Update 6-12-11: The Spierer investigation continues. Bloomington attorney Ron Chapman represents Mike Beth, a roommate of Corey Rossman. Chapman says Beth was at home doing classwork the early morning when Spierer disappeared. He says Beth is cooperating "totally and completely" with police. Both Mike Beth and Cory Rossman have apparently given police DNA samples.

Update 6-13-11
:
While the T.V. show generated tips, still no Lauren. The family has set up a website: www.findlauren.com. In the meantime, can the police publicly confirm the identity of the man in the alley captured on surveillance? (Is it indeed Rossman getting walked back from the altercation by Spierer?) See the following quote: "Surveillance video also shows Lauren in an alley walking with an acquaintance on the morning she disappeared. The alley is the same place where her keys and coin purse were found by authorities." Confirm the name of the man and provide a description and photo of the vehicles seen on video. Let the public see if they know anything about the whereabouts of this man (and perhaps of the vehicles) during the 24 hours after Lauren disappeared.





Here is what Legal Pub thinks may be an APPROPRIATE TIMELINE:12:16 a.m. While still at Smallwood, Lauren last uses her cell phone.
12:30 a.m. Hadar Tamir, Spierer's roommate at Smallwood, was hanging out with Lauren until then. Lauren then apparently went with David Rohn, to Jay Rosenbaum's apartment at North Townhomes. Rossman apparently joined Spierer at Rosenbaum's apartment. Next, Rossman apparently went with Spierer to Kilroy's Sports Bar.




2:25, Lauren and Rossman leave the bar but Lauren leaves behind her shoes and cell phone. Spierer and Corey Rossman (who lives at 5 North Townhomes) walked to Lauren's apartment complex arriving around 2:30 a.m.

Around 2:30 a.m., Jesse Wolff, Speirer's boyfriend says that he went to sleep in his apartment after watching basketball and not being able to reach Lauren Spierer by phone.




At 2:45 a.m., Rossman apparently exchanges words and perhaps a punch with some possible aquaintences of Jesse Wolff (Spierer's boyfriend.) The puncher is rumored to be Zach Oakes but that has not been confirmed. The confrontation takes place in the 5th floor elevator lobby of Spierer's apartment building. (Rossman apparently has no memory of the fight or the walk back to his apartment.)

Around 2:55, Spierer begins walking Cory Rossman home. (Just before 3:00 a.m. is apparently the last video confirmation of Lauren by the alley. It was also reported that this was near the area where a key was found. (Note Ajay A. may have been the one to find a single key around 3:00 a.m. Note, there are later reports that Spierer's keys were found on a railing near Rosenbaum's apartment at 5 North Townhomes. A poster here says that a wrist-let that carried her key, key card, and ID was seen by A.A., a friend, that morning around 3 a.m. Later that morning, 2 females (one interviewed in MSM), apparently picked up the key and one of them turned it in to law enforcement.)

Around 3:10, the couple should have arrived at Cory Rossman's apartment. Rossman's roommate, Mike Beth, claims he put Rossman to bed. Beth says he was sober and up late working on a paper. Spierer allegedly wanted to keep on partying so she apparently left Rossman's apartment to visit Jay Rosenbaum. Rosenbaum lived two doors down.

At 3:38 a bar manager allegedly sees a woman who looks like Spierer with what appears to be a darker skinned man in the alley. (Source TonyGatto.com.) Police discount the witnesses testimony based on a lack of video confirmation. ( The bar manager witness who apparently came forward and told the police that she saw an intoxicated Spierer at 3:38 a.m. at 10th and College with an unidentified man was also discredited by Bloomington police apparently because of a lack of video confirmation.)

At 4:15 a.m. there is a phone call from Rosenbaum's cell phone to David Rohn's phone which apparently goes unanswered. Rosenbaum says that it was Lauren calling David Rohn to see if he knew where her phone was located. Rosenbaum reportedly told police Spierer left the apartment complex at approximately 4:30 a.m. to walk home. (It is possible that she may have left Rosenbaum's as early as 4:16.) Rosenbaum claims that he last saw her near 11th Street and College Avenue but there is apparently no video proof of her presence.

At 4:24 a.m., what appears to be a white four door Sierra circles the block. Police say they checked out the owner of the vehicle. (The 4:24 sighting of what was described as a white Silverado or Colorado truck captured on video has been declared not related by Bloomington police.)

(NOTE: while police say that "a neighbor of Rossman" say that Spierer was last seen around
4:30 a.m., police apparently have no video confirmation of Lauren at that time. It is assumed that "the neighbor" who gave this statement is Jay Rosenbaum.)




4:30 a.m. There is an unconfirmed report that a homeless man heard a scream.7:30: Later Friday Morning: Allegedly the trash dumpsters were emptied on Friday before 8:00 a.m.

7:45 Jesse Wolff
apparently gets up and takes a roommate to his 8:00 a.m. class.

Later that morning: Wolff apparently texts Lauren without any answer. Killroys apparently texts back to "tell your friend her phone is here." Wolff contacts Hadar Tamir to get Lauren's keys to see if Lauren is still in her apartment. Wolfe enters the apartment in the afternoon. Wolff apparently calls Lauren's parents to say she is missing. Sara and Amanda Roude fill out some type of missing person's report with the Bloomington police. (It appears that Lauren was reported missing within 12 hours of her last alleged sighting.) Unconfirmed reports also describe a possible confrontation between Wolff and Jay Rosenbaum on that Friday.




Representation: Persons of interest have legal representation and thus direct access to them is not possible. Rosenbaum is represented by attorney James Voyles. Wolff is being represented by Joe Lozano. Wolff met Spierer in summer camp as a child. They have been dating for a couple of years. Wolff, is reported to have spent the evening watching basketball and unsuccessfully attempting to reach Spierer by text. Wolff allegedly went to bed in his residence at 2:30 p.m. Wolff did track down Spierer's roommate (Hadar Tamir) the next day. She gave him keys to the apartment where he confirmed Lauren was missing. Wolff apparently called Lauren's parents to tell them he could not find Lauren. Wolff is believed to be back in his home town of Port Washington, New York. Jay Rosenbaum is believed to be back at home in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Cory Rossman and Mike Beth apparently remain in Bloomington going about their normal lives.

All person's of interest are to be presumed innocent!





Update 6-14-11: Rumors persist that Lauren Spierer may have overdosed on cocaine and alcohol. If Lauren (who had a heart condition) really did die of an overdose (and those with her panicked and disposed of her body) then those folks should come forward to authorities with the truth. Mike Beth's attorney denies that there is any truth to the rumor of some type of coverup. KEEP IN MIND AT THIS POINT, RUMORS ARE MERELY RUMORS AND NOT FACT.

From the video, a more accurate description of Lauren's clothing is as follows: "A V-neck white shirt that may have had a "distressed" look, with elbow-length butterfly sleeves and a scooped bottom. She also wore black leggings with silver zippers at the ankles." With regard to the timeline, video from an alley between Smallwood and Rossman's apartment showed them walking toward his building around 3 a.m. Keys were later found in that alley. A neighbor of Rossman reported seeing Spierer leave around 4:30 a.m., but police have no video confirmation of Spierer after the 3 a.m.

Update 6-15-11:
Equisearch was in town adding firepower to the search for Lauren Spierer. Legal Pub also had a presence in Bloomington. There is a construction project underway that seemed like a logical place to search. Many dumpsters in the area are regularly emptied and the contents taken to a land fill in another city. Presumably the police have alerted the landfill in question. The bottom line is that if Lauren got into a motor vehicle, then the search area is vast. For example, Bloomington and the surrounding rural areas have many wooded areas and bodies of water. The further one travels away from Bloomington, the more rural the area. While rumors of an accidental death persist, there is little evidence to substantiate many of the claims. Foul play is not always the culprit. One can't help but recall the missing Purdue student, Wade Steffey, who was later found dead after he stumbled into a high voltage area. Key questions to a few persons of interest and locating the drivers of one or two vehicles in the area could possibly lead to locating Lauren Spierer. Unfortunately, a prompt resolution is not in sight.

Legal Pub would welcome the opportunity to get input directly from Hadar Tamir. She can reach us at legalpub@legalpub.net. Of interest is Hadar's statement that Lauren Spierer used Rosenbaum's phone to call David Rhon at 4:15 a.m. that morning to see if he knew the whereabouts of her cell phone. Rhon has apparently cooperated with police.
Finally photos of the white pickup truck and of Lauren at the apartment have been released. See top of page. We still need photos of the last confirmed sighting and a public confirmation who was with her in the photos. Knowing all of the people who were at Rosenbaum's that early morning would also be helpful.

Update 6-16-11:
Apparently the purse found belonged to a former homicide victim Angela Holder not Crystal Grubb. Holder was a 39 year old resident who worked at the Scottish Inn. She apparently argued with her boyfriend and was found stabbed to death in her residence on June 7, 2011. Bruce Edward Foster has been arrested on charges of murder arising out of what is believed to be a crime of passion.

LINK Another photo of the truck is posted above. There is another surveillance photo of Lauren that police have not released. Police won't say if there is anyone else in the photo!




Update 6-17-11: A search warrant was apparently obtained in the Spierer case to search the Republic Sycamore Ridge Landfill in Pimento Indiana. Police have not yet acted on the warant. In the mean time, police are following up on leads concerning the white Colorado or Silverado truck in the photos. Apparently the truck circled the block and when it left, it failed to stop for a stop sign. Some one, some where, knows about an acquaintance who was driving a white truck in Bloomington, Indiana in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011! In an unrelated case, Carley Jean Lewis, the missing 16 year-old girl from Michigan was found dead. An acquaintance of Carley, Robert Jensen Schwander, is charged with "Open Murder."

Afternoon 6-17-11: The end game would seem near with the reported sighting at 3:38 at 10th and College. According to an unidentified witness believed to be a bar manager, a drunk Spierer was apparently seen with a man who at one point put Lauren over his shoulder. According to the witness, the darker skinned man does not look like any of the person's of interest. The witness allegedly told TonyGatto.com that Lauren appeared very intoxicated. Lauren may have even hit her head in the encounter. (Why has this witness not come forward sooner? Is she credible? Why have the police not released the rest of the video? Why does her timeline (3:38 sighting) apparently conflict with Rosenbaum's statement? Police apparently believe that this bar manager's recollection of time is erroneous.) In perhaps a completely unrelated manner, there are reports of a bag of man and woman's clothes being found in a dumpster behind Lauren's apartment. The clothing supposedly has nothing to do with the Spierer case; however, authorities do not always tell the public everything. Police took no questions today at their police conference.

Update 6-20-11:
Without tips, the search for Lauren must depend upon luck. The search has expanded to outlying areas. It is reasonable to believe that a bridge, wooded area and water area off of highway 37 was recently searched near Martinsville. Apparently nothing of significance was recovered. It is also reasonable to assume that the police have followed up on leads on what is believed to be a 2006 to 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500 with fancy wheels, black handles and a black protector over the bed rails. Officially, the search continues. It remains difficult to reconcile the bar manager's alleged 3:38 sighting of Lauren with a dark skinned man at 11th and college with Rosenbaum's story that he last saw her at 4:30 a.m.




Police visited the owner of the white truck and he has cooperated fully. Police conclude that he was not involved in the Spierer incident. He was picking up a worker in an area with lots of construction. Police are satisfied with the man's explanation. Law enforcement also indicates that the clothes found by the dumpster at Smallwood are not related to the case. Finally, the search near Martinsville did not turn up anything. Assuming the police information is accurate, given no video evidence of Spierer after 2:45, the focus most likely will shift back to what happened at Rosenbaum's apartment complex. Keep in mind, that David Rohn was quoted early on to the effect that he was with Lauren early in the evening at a friends (presumably Rosenbaum's apartment.) Then he went back to Smallwood and she presumably went to Sports. (Fox 59 video.) If David Rohn mentions the 4:15 call Rosenbaum says Lauren made on his phone to David Rohn, I can't find Rohn's comments in the press. An attorney has said that Rohn was asleep and the call went unanswered. David Rohn participated in the search on 6-5-11 and gave a voluntary statement to Fox 59. Police say that Rossman, Beth, Rosenbaum, Rohn and Wolff have cooperated. Just what was the 4:15 call all about and who said what?Update 6-21-11: Try not to be too critical of law enforcement. It is not just the Bloomington police department. The U.S. Marshall's office, the FBI and the Indiana State police are all involved to some extent. By way of clarification, the official explanation of the white truck is as follows: "The owner of the truck was driving in that location, an area with a lot of construction, to pick up a worker."The driver has been interrogated and law enforcement is confident that the pickup was not involved in the disappearance of Lauren Spierer. As for those calling for a further interrogation of certain person's of interest, there is no way at to make them speak further. Upon advice of counsel, they are unlikely to give any further statements. That does not in any way make them guilty. In fact, they are presumed innocent. Finally, the bar manager's story is a continued source of investigation. Keep in mind, it is a process that tries to rule theories out. Other surveillance footage in other parts of Bloomington may be helpful to track vehicle movement; however, there appears to be no video surveillance at 5 North Townhomes complex where Lauren Spierer apparently last visited before her disappearance.

Update 6-22-11: Police will hold a briefing today. While they may take few questions, here are what we believe are the "probable answers" to questions that our readers have been asking:

1. Comments are still posted, but to read them, you must got to the bottom of the comments and click on "newer posts."
2. You may assume that Bloomington police have access to Rosenbaum's and Rohn's phone records. This is possible through consent and through subpoena.
3. You may also assume that law enforcement knows whether or not the 4:15 a.m. caller left a message. If one was left, rest assured it has been reviewed.
4. There are no reports as to the degree of inebriation (if any) of Rosenbaum or Rohn. Assumptions that Rohn or Rosenbaum were "wasted" etc are rank speculation at this point.
5. Mike Beth and Rossman appear to have gone out of their way to cooperate. They remain in Bloomington. It was Beth who said Lauren left to go to Rosenbaum's and that turned out to be true.
6. Lauren's keys were reportedly found on a rail near Rosenbaum's apartment. The exact location has not been reported. Keep in mind, Rossman and Beth live two doors down from Rosenbaum. It is possible Lauren never possessed the keys at Rosenbaum's apartment or that she could have lost them in transition. We do know that Rosenbaum is the last person to report that he was with Lauren and that was shortly before 4:30.
7. Surveillance cameras, if motion activated, tend to detect larger objects. Depending on their settings, Lauren would not necessarily be considered a "larger object."
8. Law enforcement has much more information then what they are releasing to the public. The public has "no right to know." On the other hand, when information might help lead to a resolution, law enforcement releases the information.
9. Until they find Lauren, they do not have a cause of death. If her death was arrhythmia induced from consumption of illegal drugs, then suppliers of those drugs could faces charges UNLESS they cooperate with the State and enter into a deal. Keep in mind, no drug use is confirmed at this point.
10. Once a person of interest is identified as a true person of interest, they tend to remain watched even if they leave town. U.S. Marshall's and FBI are involved...
11. This is a process of elimination. Many theories have already been ruled out. Be a little patient. Retaining legal counsel is smart and not a sign of guilt. Find Lauren and the rest will follow...

Update 6-23-11: Yesterday's press conference revealed nothing that has not already been discussed. While Lauren's parents are disappointed in the number of tips and the less then 50 people who showed up for the most recent search, the overall suport for finding Lauren and the truth has been just short of remarkable. While this tragic event has forever changed the Speirer's life, life must go on. Unless Lauren's body wound up in a landfill, eventually she will be found. Perhaps, only then will some answers become apparent.

As for who was at Rosenbaum's apartment that early morning, one suspects that the official response is likely as follows: Early that morning, Lauren and David Rohn were apparently at Jay Rosenbaum's apartment. Cory Rossman joined them at Rosenbaum's. Rossman and Lauren then left to go to Sports. Lauren and Rossman went to Smallwood, where Rossman got punched. Rossmman and Lauren then apparently returned to Rossman's apartment where he was put to bed by Mike Beth. Lauren then went over to Rosenbaum's. I have seen no evidence that Beth was ever at Rosenbaum's apartment that early morning . (Another blog claims Beth was present prior to Lauren and Rossman visiting Sports. ) There is no official report of anyone else having been present at Rosenbaum's when Lauren was last present. However, it is certainly possible that someone else was present as suggested by Cory Rossman's attorney. Perhaps that person or persons identity has not been released.

Two lingering questions for Jesse Wolff's attorney may help clarify things:
When does Jesse's roommates say that they last saw Jesse on June 3, 2011? Second, Did you read your client's Facebook postings?Update 6-30-11: The police search for DNA has intensified. On Wednesday, law enforcement and their K-9's sniffed inside the apartments located at Five North Complex at 11th and Morton. According to the Herald Times, Bloomington police also searched Jesse Wolff’s house in the 600 block of East Ninth Street. At the Five North apartments, they apparently searched Corey Rossman and Mike Beth's apartment. It is unknown whether they also entered Jay Rosenbaum's apartment.

Based on the released evidence, Rosenbaum was the last to admit seeing Lauren Spierer
. (Another blog claims it was Mike Beth, which we believe is inaccurate.) Beth and Rossman have fully cooperated and remain in Bloomington. Jesse Wolff claims he had stayed home and was in bed. Jesse is now in New York and has not participated in the searches, either at the instruction of law enforcement or upon advice of counsel.

7. Mystery man in alley. Police have said LS last appears on video around 2:51 p.m. in the presence of a "known person." This could be CR or someone entirely different.
8. Mystery man described by bar manager at 3:38 a.m. This could be number 7 with an error in time or it could be someone completely different. Bar manager says someone looking like L.S. is drunk and thrown over the shoulder of the dark skinned, polo clad rather short individual. The bar managers testimony appears to be discounted by law enforcement at least as to the time it allegedly occurred.

http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2011/06/22/news.qp-4391232.sto

9. A.B. and B.B. This cast of characters would be roommates of ZO. They apparently live at 10th and college. What exactly were they doing that early morning? Their involvement or lack of involvement has not been verified nor publicly released.

10. A.A. Described off the record as an all around good guy. He apparently saw LS's key around 3:00 a.m.

11. Hadar Tamir. From Roslyn Heights New York. LS roommate. A.S. is another roommate. HT is one of only a few that have openly shared thoughts with the press. Says Wolff is a great boyfriend who would never hurt LS. Indicates that LS me CR at the Indy 500 track. Labelled as a very cooperative witness.

12. D.R. A 20 year-old from New York, New York. Studying recreational sports management. Lives at Smallwood. LS allegedly called his phone using JR's phone at 4:15 am. DR was allegedly in bed and did not answer. Participates in the first searches and is labeled as cooperative. Believed to be represented by attorney Ron Chapman.

13. Homeless man. Allegedly told law enforcement that he heard a scream at around 4:30 a.m. Reports concerning this man remain sketchy and unverified. Some say this character is completely fictitious.

14. Two girls. Allegedly two girls turned in LS's key and id.

15. Owner of a white truck. First police say there our a couple of vehicles in the area and they want to check out whether the owners know anything. Later photos of a white truck are released with the information that it was near the scene at 4:24 a.m. It apparently runs a stop sign and may have circled the block. Bloomington police then release a statement that the owner of the white truck has been identified and is not involved in the LS case. The identification of the driver of the truck remain private and are not released to public. No further mention is made of the other vehicles in the area.

16. Robert and Charlene Spierer. Grieving parents. Four months and still looking for their daughter. They just want closure, not a pound of flesh.

17. Law Enforcement. Police have refused to release the last known videos of LS for reasons completely unknown. At least one person has been very critical of the investigation. (See 7-9-11 update for link.) Even the Herald Times has quotes indicating that the landfills have yet to be searched. http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2011/07/16/news.qp-0661144.sto





18. Garbageman. Dumpsters in the area are usually picked up by 8:00 a.m. The garbage is typically brought to a station and then trucked to the landfill south of Terre Haute. Not unusual for the garbage to be buried in the landfill before noon.

19. L.S. Call her the wild card. With no physical evidence of a crime, could she have had temporary amnesia and be alive and living some where? Very doubtful, but we know of rare cases like Lula Hood found after forty years.


Update 6-25-11: Search was not successful despite a good turn out of volunteers. No more formal press conferences unless the police discover something of significance.Update 6-29-11: State police helicopters flew over the Bloomington area confirming what has already been reported, the area is vast with lots of wooded areas and bodies of water. Official searches have been called off. The McNutt search headquarters will close today. Future searches will be conducted only pursuant to reliable tips. Presumably law enforcement has checked local land fills... Prayer service tomorrow night in Bloomington. Last scheduled press conference at BPD will be Friday. Lauren's parents will read a statement.

Update 6-24-11:
Plans for a massive search on Saturday! Send in the drones...
Keep in mind we do not live in a police state where subjects are forced to submit to unfair interrogation. Indiana will not tolerate strong
armed confessions like what apparently happened during the 1987 homicide investigation involving Peggy Hettrick. Timothy Masters, who was actually convicted of the crime, has recently been exonerated after serving ten years of a life sentence. Masterson was saved by DNA evidence. Shortly after the crime, the 15 year-old Masterson was subjected to vigorous police interrogation which ultimately resulted in his conviction.

Update 6-27-11: The days of wanting to clear one's name in the press have apparently become a thing of the past for some. Neither Jason Rosenbaum nor Jesse Wolff apparently have anything to say to Mr. or Mrs Spierer about their daughter. Their attorneys remain tight lipped as well. The Spierers just want closure. Nevertheless, there are growing rumors that Rosenbaum had a guest at his home that early morning besides Lauren. Police have not officially released the guest's name. The problem with rumors is that it can spread inaccurate information and spoil an investigation. If they turn out true, they can be darn right embarrassing for law enforcement if they let such an individual slip away without so much as an interview. So until either the police or the person's of interest come forward with facts, there is not much to do but ignore the rumors and wait until Lauren is discovered.




Update 6-28-11: Attorney James Voyles is truly a master who knows that silence is not always golden. Credit has to be given to Rosenbaum's attorney for not remaining silent. Monday afternoon, Voyles told the press that Rosenbaum has cooperated fully. He claims that his client gave "a full statement" to authorities and also said that the results of a polygraph have been shared with the police. (Presumably Voyles had a private polygraph given to Rosenbaum.) Voyles statements spawn additional questions. Does this open the door for the police to provide a response to the press? May they now ask this cooperative witness additional questions? And last but not least, "Who was your house guest that early morning"? Hadar Tamir claims that Rosenbaum had a friend from his hometown staying with him that early morning. One wonders if this individual offered police the opportunity to interview him and search his vehicle?





Update July 1, 2011: Thursdays prayer service was filled with support and encouragement for Robert and Charlene Spierer. A minister prayed that whoever knows what happened to Lauren steps out of "the shadows of darkness."
The Spierers will read a statement of thanks and a promise that they will not rest until Lauren is found.

Update 7-2-11: Perhaps we were the first to point out the disparate treatment of Morgan Johnson's case in our 6-10-11 update. Now, Morgan's mom is doing something about it.
Ann Smith filed a civil rights complaint against the Plainfield Police Department. She wants them taken off the case immediately and wants the state police to take over the investigation and that the case get the same attention as the Lauren Spierer case. "Based on other current and recent investigations on other missing persons in Indiana, there is a disparity in the action taken for them and not the same actions taken for Morgan," said Smith. Ironically, at least one newspaper, the Indianapolis Star, appears to be very critical of the Bloomington police for not doing more in the 4 weeks since Lauren's disappearance.

Update 7-4-11: Yesterday evening around 7:00 p.m. some one called in a sighting of a body in Fall Creek (Marion County.) The badly decomposed female body has yet to be identified. While it is possible that this might be related to the Spierer case, it is more likely to be a missing Indianapolis woman.

Update 7-5-11:
The official word is that an autopsy of the body is scheduled for Tuesday. Police hope the forensic examination leads to the woman's identity. A press conference has been scheduled for after the autopsy. Unofficially, L.P. has been told that the hair on the decomposed body will not rule out Lauren. The teeth, however, do not appear to be Lauren's. Thus, the search is likely to continue. Noon Update: The tip to L.P. was correct. The coronor confirmed that the body found in Fall Creek was NOT Lauren Spierer. The coronor believes the very badly decomposed body is that of an African American woman.Update 7-7-11: The public's thirst for knowledge has generated wild speculation and rumor. It is extremely unlikely that Lauren Spierer ran off to Israel or anywhere else without her shoes and cell phone. (Heck now days young adults don't typically leave the house without the ability to text. See Legal Pub article on sexting. LINK.) Similarly, it is unlikely that professionals were "called in" to dispose of a body. More likely the remains will turn up someday in a field or body of water. If that does not happen, then the remains may have made it to a land fill. Law enforcement continues to investigate and follow up leads. When they are ready to come forward, they certainly will do so.

Update 7-8-11: Recent news may encourage the Spierer family not to give up hope.
Lula Cora Hood, disappeared in 1970 after a family fight. Forty years later, this missing Illinois woman has now been discovered alive and well and living in Florida. Forty years later, police in Galesburg, Illinois say they've found her in Florida.




Update 7-9-11: One reader suggested that the Bloomington Police Department should check their own ranks for Persons of Interest. While Legal Pub does not share this opinion, it is linking a site that apparently thinks such a hypothesis is worth exploring. LINK. In the meantime, Saturday is an opportunity for a renewed search for Lauren. Past searchers are gathering at the track in an event called "Laps for Lauren." The Find Lauren site has details for those interested in participating in the event. Twitter Find Lauren posted: "Don't be sorry, just start being honest. It's not going to go away. The situation or the guilt. No one will know you called. 800-CRIMETV."

Update 7-11-11:
The rest of the world goes on with its lives as illustrated by Seven Eleven giving out free Slurpees in honor of today's date. For the Speirers, the struggle is not over and they are not alone. "We will continue to be with the family every step of the way,” said Rabbi Sue Silberberg, director of IU’s Helene G. Simon Hillel Center. “We are determined and will not stop until we find Lauren.” Similarly, IU is continuing to provide some funding to defray the cost of future recovery efforts.

Update 7-12-11: An early preview of tomorrows post. If this were a play, the cast might include a list of interesting people as potential characters. Please note these are not "suspects" and they are not even necessarily "persons of interest"; however, as one poster pointed out, they are all interesting people.

1. Mike Beth.
From Morganville, New Jersey. Roommate of CR at 5 North Townhomes. Up late, allegedly sober working on a paper. Beth told The Journal News on 6-10-11 that he did give a DNA sample, but that he was told by his lawyer not to discuss the case with reporters. “I just hope that they find her,” he said. “She was our friend.” http://www.lohud.com/article/20110610/NEWS02/106100365/Police-obtain-DNA-from-Lauren-Spierer-s-companion-his-roommate ~by Shawn Cohen and Jonathan Bandler. Apparently cooperative. Note attorney Chapman says that the lawyers for MB, CR and JR have all discussed the matter and Chapman claims none of these three are responsible for the LS disappearance. LINK.

2. Corey Rossman. He is one of the few legal drinkers as he is 21. In the Kelley School of Business studying real estate finance. Apparently met L.S. at the Indy 500. Some speculate that CR might have been a johnny come lately in LS's romantic life with the two of them sharing some mutual attraction. CR joined LS at Rossman's early in the evening. CR and L.S. then went to Killroy's and then later to Smallwood where CR is apparently on a "no trespass" list. At Smallwood CR was allegedly punched by Z.O. CR and L.S. then apparently returned to CR's apartment at 5 North Townhomes where M.B. puts CR to bed. CR has little or no memory after the alleged punch according to his attorney (Salzmann) CR has apparently been cooperative.

3. Jesse Wolff. Lauren's long time boyfriend from New York. JW lived at 9th and Fess, about six blocks away from JR's. He was reportedly at home watching basketball that evening and went to bed at 2:30 a.m. Later that morning he drove a roommate to 8:00 a.m. class and tracked down Lauren's phone at Killroys. He also got a key from Tamir Hadar and confirmed L.S. was not in her room. He also called L.S. parents. He is believed to be represented by attorney Joe Lozano. Initially cooperative. (On 7-22-11, JW's facebook claims he has spoken to police and passed a polograph.)

4. Jay Rosenbaum. From West Bloomfield, MI. Lives at 5 North Townhomes two doors down from CR and MB. Apparently his apartment was a gathering place sometime after midnight. Early in the evening he hosted guest including LS, DR and CR. He may have also had a house guest who for purposes of discussion only, we will give the frictional name of D.B. JR's story is apparently that CR and LS left for the bars. LS apparently came back around 3:00 a.m. She allegedly called DR on his phone at 4:15. At 4:30 he says he saw her leave his apartment, and round the corner at 11th and college. Initially cooperative. Represented by James Voyles who told the public that his client passed a polygraph, presumably a privately administered one.

5. House guest of JR. HT suggested that JR had a house guest that early morning. LINK. We have given this "house guest" the fictional identification of D.B. He might be a hometown guest visiting JR who could fill in some of the gaps missing from "play" as it currently might be written. Police have not released the name of the house guest or what if anything he knows about the early morning in question. So, what if anything does the mysterious house guest know about that morning?

6. Z.O. The name assigned to a character who allegedly punched CR at Smallwood a little after 2:30 a.m. LS was apparently with CR at the time. The reason for the dispute is unknown although early media accounts would suggest that perhaps CR was being aggressive toward L.S. however, keep in mind LS voluntarily left with CR after the alleged altercation. (Note video of the alleged altercation have not been released to the public so the identity of the alleged puncher is not confirmed.)

20. Indiana University. IU hates the negative press. A warning has been issued to incoming freshman.




Keep in mind NONE of the above are suspects nor are they even necessarily "person's of interest." All are, however, interesting people some of whom may be able to help solve the mystery of "what happened to Lauren."Update 7-22-11: Assume this report of Lauren stumbling around Smallwood with CR is correct. LINK. Why is that such a surprise? Does someone who is not under the influence of some intoxicating substance leave shoes, cell phone and perhaps a coat elsewhere? Again assuming this is true, LS lacked capacity to knowingly consent to anything. (An intoxicated person lacks capacity to consume more alcohol, take drugs, or have sex.) Re-read Legal Pub 7-15-11 update. Now, do you really still wonder why some folks might not be too eager to volunteer information leading to her discovery? Find the body and the rest will follow...







Update July 13, 2011: SO WHERE IS NANCY GRACE? She crusaded so hard against the tot mom, Casey Anthony. The Anthony story is now a dead horse. Stop beating it and the jury to death. Your show has a chance to demonstrate real investigatory journalism. Find Lauren Spierer! Nancy, accept the challenge and see if the truth can be uncovered irrespective of the money. The Speirer family needs closure and persons of interest need to be cleared of scrutiny. You know you need credibility (and ratings) after the Anthony debacle. The challenge: Show the world that NANCY GRACE has superior investigatory reporting skills and help BPD find Lauren.

Update July 14, 2011: Still no hint of Nancy Grace getting involved. Feel free to contact her using this LINK. For those frustrated with the pace of the investigation, keep in mind the following:
~ You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man's freedom. You can only be free if I am free. ~Clarence Darrow.~ I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice. ~Abraham Lincoln.
~ It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.~William Blackstone.
(Bet some of you thought Jimmy Voyles said all these things first. LOL.)

Update July 15, 2011: It has been said that silence breeds contempt. In this case, silence breeds speculation. One of the theories bantered about is that someone gave LS a "date rape drug."
Such a drug is any chemical that can assist in the execution of a sex crime, typically a sedative or hypnotic which tends to induce amnesia. (This could include serving her alcohol past the point of intoxication.) "Drink spiking"is when an intoxicating substance is added to a drink for amusement or malicious intent (robbery, battery, sexual assault etc). The concept is not new. For centuries, alcohol has incapacitated individuals and lowered inhibitions.

In-gestation of such substances can be voluntary or involuntary. The most common substances are alcohol, benodiazepines (flunitrazepam, midazolam, temazepam or rohupnol) and GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyric acid). Alcohol remains the most common substance used in large part because of its availability and acceptability. Furthermore, most victims willing consume the alcohol. However, even if an intoxicated victim agrees to sex, it can still be considered "rape" due to the lack of ability to consent. A limited example would be having sex with someone who has passed out. Respiratory depression, coma and even death are real possibilities when someone ingests a date rape drug, especially if mixed with alcohol. In the case of LS we have no real evidence other than she was at a bar drinking alcohol and her movements on video which apparently depict her conduct. Despite the limited evidence, it appears to be a safe assumption that she was intoxicated. But to what extent?

Update 7-18-11: Harley Ride for Lauren is scheduled for 7-30-11. Here is our issue Nancy Grace: For weeks Legal Pub has suggested a search of the landfill. Officer Parker back on 6-10-11 said dumpsters and landfills were searched.

http://www.thedailygreenburgh.com/neighbors/spierer-case-appear-americas-most-wantedNow BPD is aparently admitting that land fills were never searched. http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2011/07/16/news.qp-0661144.stoThe Sycamore Ridge Landfill is the final destination for all Indiana University and Bloomingonton Indiana trash. Garbage is mixed with garbage from other destinations; however, the location of each day's dump can be located through GPS. Talk about a story on credibility. Why are you scared to get your hands dirty, CNN? (Finally 8-15-11 Nancy Graces Blog starts to get interested...)Update 7-20-11: Many responses have been offered concerning the land fill controversy. One supporter of the BPD pointed out that on 6-18 a massive search was conducted in Martinsville based on a tip. LINK. Furthermore, if there is any truth to the growing rumor that the 4:15 a.m. call may not have originated in Bloomington, then there may be rhyme to their reasoning. Police are not corroborating any rumor, but if the origin of the call was traced to a place other than Bloomington, then the failure to immediately search the Pimento landfill may be justified. Keep in mind that at this point it is only unsubstantiated rumor. Visit this Facebook to help keep attention on Lauren: LINK.

Update 7-21-11: Most missing people don't generate a great deal of media coverage. LINK. So what? This one did. So what is the media going to do to help find Lauren? One word of advice, try to be a leader and not a follower! Go interview the cell phone provider. Get a quote for exactly how much the search of the landfill will cost. Do it today!

Mrs. Spierer speaks: An open letter from Mrs. Spierer may be found here: LINK.
Jessie Wolff speaks: A reporter from Journal News has apparently decided to step out of the shadows of the followers and has tried to contact JW. Wolff finally responded today via Facebook, urging "Leave me alone please." Wolff added, "I spoke with the detectives Tuesday and have taken a polygraph. All my cards are out on the table ..." According to this article, when asked whether police administered the polygraph, and for the results, Wolff replied, "what the (expletive) do you think the results were? if i failed a polygraph everyone in the world would know ...." LINK.

Update 7-26-11: A break in the case or another distraction? Six blocks away from where Lauren Spierer disappeared, Meredith Ephlin, an IU student, reports that a man attempted to strangle her. The 34 year old woman was apparently walking to a convenience store near 17th and Woodburn when she was attacked. At the current time, law enforcement is downplaying any possible relationship to the Spierer disappearance. LINK.

Update 8-3-11: A search warrant has been executed to search the Republic Sycamore Ridge Landfill on East Cottom in Pimento (near Terre Haute, IN.) A section of the landfill has been roped off as the area where trash was dumped from Bloomington. The excavation and search of the site will be under the direct supervision of the FBI. LINK.

Update 8-12-11: So far, nothing more than persistant rumors. There are unconfirmed rumors that a security guard was in the vicinity of 11th and College around 4:30 a.m. If true, what the security guard saw or what he did not see, may be very helpful in confirming or refuting the story of JR. Another rumor that just won't die is that some people are hiding the identity of a person with major drug connections. Fact is, for now they are just unconfirmed rumors. Come fall, when the vegetation dies and crops are harvested, there will be fewer locations for the "rumors" to hide.

Update 8-16-11: The roar of the huge backhoes couldn't be ignored. The landfill search began early this morning under the direction of the FBI and Bloomington Police Department. As of noon they were still digging and we have been informed that the search may last up to two weeks. No one is allowed to get too close as the fumes are apparently toxic.

Update 8-17-11: Trash search video: LINK. Police chief was on the scene today. (See comments.) Lauren's parents to leave and go back to New York for a "family function." Speculation is rising... Now may be the time for any POI to make a deal...

Update 8-22-11: Police have completed one week of trash scrutiny. The 12 hour shifts should end within the next 7 days. So far, no report of any evidence found.
Update 8-24-11: Video criticism of CR and other so called "friends" of Lauren Spierer. LINK

Update 8-27-11: The almighty roar of the equipment came to an end on Friday. The search is now officially over."The fact that no evidence related to this case was discovered is unfortunate, but we are confident that the proper area at the landfill was identified and thoroughly checked by the officers working there," said Chief Michael Diekhoff. Some two dozen police, FBI agents and an expert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children searched the 8,400-square-foot area of the landfill.


Update 8-29-11: School started at IU. Another search on Sunday was unsuccessful. Quotes of interest: "It was the worst news I could have gotten. It's just, there are no words to describe it, hearing that your best friend is missing...We're still finding her, and I'm still as determined as I was the minute I heard it that we're going to find her. I'm never going to give up," said IU student Blair Wallach.

Update 8-30-11: Jay Rosenbaum claims that he has talked to Lauren's parents privately. Video LINK. I wonder if Lauren's mom or dad would verify such a conversation?
Lauren Spierer's Mom tells FOX59 "I have not spoken with Jay Rosenbaum. I was surprised to hear his comment. Jay says he speaks to parents." LINK.

Update 9-5-11: Mrs. Spierer has sent an open letter to her daughter's abductor:

"If you think for a minute, her father and I are going to disappear, think again. We are just as determined today as we were day one," Charlene Spierer writes. "Do you think this is a game? This is no game. We are in this for the long haul ... we will NEVER give up."
Latest statments of Hadar Tamir:

"When we had to move out and saw her room so empty, we just sat on the floor crying... It was completely surreal... We went home for the summer and came back, and nothing has changed, really." LINK

September 14, 2011: The body found in a wooded area of Jennings County in southern Indiana is not Lauren Spierer. Capt. Joe Qualters confirmed that the body found does not match Lauren's description.
September 19, 2011: Rob and Charlene Spierer, remain in Bloomington to prepare for a Sept. 22 concert and walk to bring attention to search and investigation efforts.

September 28, 2011: Can you say "You don't pull the mask off the old Long Ranger and you don't mess around with slim? Dietl & Associates, private investigators, are apparently not licensed in the state of Indiana according to the state Attorney General's Office. A firm representative appearance on a Fox morning show where he made fun of Bloomington Police Chief Michael Diekhoff. Now expect the private detectives to be barred from participating further in the Lauren Spierer case.

October 10, 2011: Legal Pub had a presence today in Bloomington. This is what we have learned about the body found in Bloomington, Illinois: Badly decomposed white female. NOT LOCAL. Coroner awaiting dental and DNA confirmation of identiy. Based on missing person's report she has an idea who it may be. (She is not giving any further information until DNA and dental records confirm her hunch.) While the body was found far from Bloomington, Indiana, anything is possible...


October 12, 2011: Still no official word on the identity of the remains found. Names like Kathy Christensen from North Chicago, who has been missing since April, Bonnie Woodward who has been missing since June, 2010, Stacy Peterson who has been missing forever and Lauren Spierer who has been missing since June have been tossed around. In the meantime there are reports out of Bloomington, Indiana that it does not appear to be Lauren. However, we will wait for the official DNA results.
October 13, 2011: McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling said that Jean L. Kelly of Minier was identified through dental records. Kelly had been missing since early September. Cause of death and toxicology are pending.

October 24, 2011: Mrs. Spierer posted on a blog that she was hurt by an anonymous letter sent to her complaining that her search posters are "littering Bloomington."

November 3, 2011: Jay Rosenbaum, in the presence of own of his attorneys, has met with Mr. and Mrs. Spierer and their attorney on September 19, 2011. Rosenbaum also met with the Spierer family's investigator, Bo Dietl, on Sept. 21. Jay subsequently reported to the Journal News: "Yes, I have cooperated since day one, and I will continue to cooperate... And I had nothing to do with the disappearance of Lauren. Obviously, there's nothing more that I want than for Lauren to be found and safe, and for this all to be over." Attorney Lukemeyer said she "... felt compelled to defend her client now because he continues to face heavy scrutiny."

January 7, 2012: Bill Warner's blog questions whether the disappearance of six petite females, Crystal Hall, Paige Johnson, Holly Bobo, Lauren Spierer, Katelyn Markham and Karen Swift are all related... LINK.

January 20, 2012: Lauren's parents have enlisted the help of New York detectives. The Spierer's apparently feel comfortable eliminating some person's of interest. Those cooperating apparently include J.W., J.R., and M.B. Others may also be cooperating. LINK.

February 27, 2012: Lauren's family has increased the amount of reward money offered for information leading to her discovery $100,000 to $250,000. Family blog: blog site.

May 1, 2012: As the anniversary date of Lauren Spierer's disappearance approaches, the  "deafening silence" makes it look more and more like a random abduction. After all, what college kids could keep their mouths shut this long if they were actually involved?  One would suspect, not many. The tip lines are still open and the reward money is still available.

May 15, 2012: As "find Lauren" posters are being made for the upcoming anniversary of Lauren's disappearance, it sometimes appears that police are grasping at straws. Police are reportedly looking at William Clyde Gibson, a man who is suspected in the deaths of three women more than 100 miles away from the Bloomington according to the Journal News.  (William Clyde Gibson is charged with the 2002 murder of 45-year-old Karen Hodella and the murder of 75-year-old Christine Whitis. He is also suspected of murder with regards to another woman found buried in his backyard.)  At this time; however, there are no specific leads that indicate Gibson may have been involved in Lauren's disappearance.

May 29, 2012: Lauren Spierer's disappearance ha no connection to the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, the University of Louisina student that disappeared May 19, 2012.  Capt. Joe Qualters told the press: “Any reports of a ‘connection’ have been manufactured by the media and was never put forth by us... I simply indicated to a media person that we’d made an ‘inquiry’— a seemingly appropriate thing to do — and that was turned into us contacting them because of ‘similarities’ which is inaccurate.. Nothing of significance to the Spierer investigation came from the discussion held with police investigators in Louisiana.”

August 13, 2012:  A fisherman found a skull in  Marion County.  Speculation was that it could be Lauren.  It was not her. It wasn't covered here because it was unwarranted speculation. If something credible happens, we will cover it.

August 20, 2012:  Still nothingThe armed man who claimed he met Lauren Spierer at a shooting range was not arrested.  He had been surveilling Killroys. No crime was committed.  His name was not released. The 56-year-old man had two guns on him and a shotgun in the trunk. The man wasn’t believed to be involved in Lauren's disappearance.

December 10, 2012:  As the holidays approach, the frustration of family increases with the current stalemate known as "The Lauren Spierer Investigation."  Lauren's parents do not believe their daughter’s disappearance was a “random abduction.” They have publicly criticized Lauren's male friends who were the last to see her before she vanished. “We have these boys that were there that night that clammed up, shut down, lawyered up,” Robert Spierer, said  on “Katie.”  Lauren Spierer's parents continue to offer a $250,000 reward. 

February 11, 2013:  Despite months of searching, still no sign of Lauren Spierer.  There have been no arrests and no suspects named.  CBS New York, claims that police have received more than 2,400 tips in the case. Nevertheless, no end is in sight. Perhaps warm weather will lead to a well deserved resolution to this tragedy.

February 3, 2016:  Has the trail become warm or is it still cold?  It depends who you consult. The Bloomington Herald-Times documented a recent search warrant search on Doug Wager's property.  His son Justin Wagers was thought to be the target of that search. Doug Wagers, told the newspaper that police spent four to six hours searching the family property in Trafalgar as well as the family residence. Doug Wagers said he told investigators to search, and search hard, because his son, Justin, is innocent.  
“The system got a hold of him and the only thing he did wrong was indecent exposure," Doug Wagers explained. Mean while, Justin Wagers, who has a history of public indecency arrests, is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail on charges of public indecency and performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor.  This does not, of course, mean that he had anything to do with Lauren Spierer's disappearance.  As always, Wagers is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise convicted in a court of law.



June 9, 2016:  Brad Garrett and some private consultants working with Spierer's family are still trying to figure out what happened to Lauren who disappeared from Bloomington, Indiana in 2011.

March 15, 2019:  Now approaching the eight year mark, the trail is still cold. Many theories, some inconsistent statements, but mostly rank speculation.  DNA analysis would probably identify the killer, but without a body, there is little analysis to be done.  Lauren's parents posted on FaceBook:
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
-Edmund Burke-

Readers are reminded if you have information, please contact:
Bloomington Police Department 812.339.4477
Or email:  helpfindlauren@gmail.com

717 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   601 – 717 of 717
Anonymous said...

sorry my last sentence may be confusing. All the dogs allegedly hit behind and in the dumpster where she was last seen.

Anonymous said...

I think this investigation has gone to the dogs...

Anonymous said...

I think the Spierers have made it clear that LE is handling it just fine w/o the help of the psycho and her dogs. And no need to protest LE to search the landfill as per the family. (see the LS case discussion page on FB)

Video Guy said...

(Six blocks away from where Lauren Spierer disappeared, Meredith Ephlin, an IU student, reports that a man attempted to strangle her.)

In the beginning of this case I read comments at one of the local papers, and there people were posting how citizens were attacked (and robbed sometimes) just a few blocks away (to the east I think) of where Lauren went missing, and usually late at night after the bars close. (read some of my earlier posts)
As many will know, in an urban area there can be a dangerous neighborhood just blocks away from a peaceful one.
It does open the door to the suggestion that a criminal element may have drifted into the Smallwood area from a bordering neighborhood to rob college kids and stumbled upon Lauren…But I would think LE would have some video of such an event, as they would be stalking the area prior to Laurens disappearance.

jules303 said...

Anonymous said...
"I think this investigation has gone to the dogs..."

Maybe the dogs and "the psycho" could do a much better job than LE...just saying.

Anonymous said...

jules. we can say it but it doesn't make it true. i think the cops are doing all they can within reason.

Anonymous said...

Matter of opinion on that one. I'm leaving you all and putting this stagnant investigation behind me. I know I've not been much help, but maybe you all come up with something. If they're happy with their daughter missing for 2 months without so much as a nibble...more power to them. I hope she is found, one way or another.

Anonymous said...

The only way this will be solved is if when the kids come back to school, something surfaces when they start talking among themselves..the Bloomington Police should be ALL OVER those kids when they come back to school..

DW06 said...

Video Guy Said: As many will know, in an urban area there can be a dangerous neighborhood just blocks away from a peaceful one.
It does open the door to the suggestion that a criminal element may have drifted into the Smallwood area from a bordering neighborhood to rob college kids and stumbled upon Lauren…But I would think LE would have some video of such an event, as they would be stalking the area prior to Laurens disappearance.

What about the housing unit NEXT to JR's unit? We all know JR's unit didn't have any surveillance. But did a place within a reasonable distance have working cameras?

Anonymous said...

DW

Rumor is that yes they had camaras but they were not working or film was recorded over the top of that evening...

who knows the truth at this point?

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-3-11: A search warrant has been executed to search the Republic Sycamore Ridge Landfill on East Cottom in Pimento (near Terre Haute, IN.) A section of the landfill has been roped off as the area where trash was dumped from Bloomington. The excavation and search of the site will be under the direct supervision of the FBI.

DW06 said...

For some reason, I feel relieved that the FBI is heading the landfill search. A separation of duties between Law Enforcement seems to be really important in this investigation.

Anonymous said...

10-4 on the FBI DW!

Math Man said...

The solution is clearly mathematical Xanax plus 1 or 2 drinks in a 99 lb body = 10 alcoholic beverages which = totally wasted.

Legal Pub said...

When will the FBI act on the warrant? Sooner than you think. The area is roped off. Equipment will be brought in which is likely to excavate a 20 yard, by 20 yard by 20 yard cube. The debris will be removed and spread out. A visual search will be performed. Dogs may or may not be brought in depending upon the confidence in the visual search.

Will this find Lauren? Perhaps not. But at least it will eliminate the local dumpster theory. If she is not located pursuant to a tip, then she will not likely be discovered until she is accidentally stumbled upon. This was how Jill Berhman was located in 2003 in a field.

Searches are more of an art than a science. Depending upon the landfill results, it may be time to search again the rural areas to the North and West of Bloomington.

Anonymous said...

The Lauren Spierer case illustrates police at their worst. It shows how general incompetence can become magnified under the media's scrutiny. There've been lots of rumors and speculation. But almost no facts released by the law enforcement community. Something must be done to correct the perception of incompetence. Unfortunately, unless the FBI pulls a rabbit out of the hat, the perception will remain.

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-12-11: So far, nothing more than persistant rumors. There are unconfirmed rumors that a security guard was in the vicinity of 11th and College around 4:30 a.m. If true, what the security guard saw or what he did not see, may be very helpful in confirming or refuting the story of JR. Another rumor that just won't die is that some people are hiding the identity of a person with major drug connections. Fact is, for now they are just unconfirmed rumors. Come fall, when the vegetation dies and crops are harvested, there will be fewer locations for the "rumors" to hide.

Anonymous said...

They are discussing the security guard on the face book.

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-16-11: The roar of the huge backhoes couldn't be ignored. The landfill search began early this morning under the direction of the FBI and Bloomington Police Department. As of noon they were still digging and we have been informed that the search may last up to two weeks. No one is allowed to get too close as the fumes are apparently toxic.

Spierer Web Site said...

"There is no reason to think the people Lauren was last with wouldn't do everything in their power to help us find her," her parents, Robert and Charlene Spierer, posted Saturday on a webside devoted to their daughter's disappearance, findlauren.com. "But, alas, there is deafening silence.

Anonymous said...

“Please keep all the members of the Bloomington Police Department and all other law enforcement agencies who are assisting in this incredibly complex undertaking to search the landfill safe. With sincere thanks and appreciation for their continued support in our efforts to find Lauren.”

Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer

Anonymous said...

Nancy finally takes a stand....

http://nancygrace.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/15/missing-indiana-university-student%E2%80%99s-parents-plead-for-new-information/?hpt=ng_mid

Legal Pub said...

Bloomington Police Chief Michael Diekhoff makes a token appearance at the Republic Sycamore Landfill this morning. Pimento is honored with his presence... not really. Most likely his presence is just for show.

This is the second day of the search. The FBI evidence van can be seen. It looks like about 20 to 30 main sorters. The excavator takes out a scoop of debris and it is spread out. The green vested clad workers than sift through and examine the debris.

I suspect they may be done before the two weeks is finished as they seem to be making major progress. Best I can tell from our ear to the ground sources, no sign of L.S. at this point in time.

Anonymous said...

What a tragic thing for this family! I was down in Bloomington in June and noticed the porta potties in the empty lot near where she was last seen. Where are those emptied?

Dragon Lady said...

It is safe to assume that Lorette is not in a portable potty. Therefore, it is not relevant where they are dumped.

What I think.... said...

Here, is that the deal. Based on the police chief being present on day number 2, I believe they found evidence of Lauren. To me, this is also consistent with the Spears going back to New York for a "family event."

Law Man said...

I too suspect that they might have found some thing. If ever the POI were in a position to make a deal, they better make it now before the remains are confirmed!

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-22-11: Police have completed one week of trash scrutiny. The 12 hour shifts should end within the next 7 days. So far, no report of any evidence found.

Anonymous said...

It's obvious the boys did it and if the police can find some shred of evidence then they will be able to play these guys against each other. Someone will talk! We just need to pray that evidence turns up in the case. Are any of these guys coming back to school or did they split for good?

Anonymous said...

The men at 5 North are innocent and they have nothing to hide. Everyone has made statements to the police multiple times, so enough of the hate mob. I am so tired of rude and nasty comments. The goal is to Find Lauren not form hate groups against innocent people.

Anonymous said...

^^ not according to Lauren's mom.

Catherine said...

Those young men are probably guilty of enabling her in her substance abuse that night and being unchivalrous at best. I don't think that any of them would have thrown her body out, however. It just is not something that has ever happened with drug OD cases. It is just instinct to call 911 and try to get help. Doesn't sound like a college chum way to react.

She was probably picked up by some low life as she was heading home. Might even have sort of known him. What happened thereafter could be anything if she got into a vehicle there. The trail would end just as it did.

Shame that a bunch of rumor mongers will be bandying the names of those guys for ever. You can hear their braying through the internet.

LS's parents are understandably upset at how those young men did not protect their D that night and are lawyered up with no comments to make, but that is unfortunately the wise way for them to go. You can see how those idiots out there are reacting to what little they have heard. Better those guys say as little as possible.

Don't know if I want LS's body found there in the landfill or not. Possible that she is still alive until body is found.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Catherine. There are so many idiot people who blog comments that are nasty and hateful. There is a chance that Lauren will be found alive, and there comments are hurtful to her friends and family. Lauren's Mother does not think the men who saw her hurt her. That was a false comment. She thinks that they might know more info. Another idiot making a false statement!

Legal Pub said...

Based on what has been revealed by police to date, it is NOT obvious who did what and at what time...

At this point, there is still no public evidence of what happened to Lauren Spierer. All persons of interest are innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Anonymous said...

This is true and you would like to give them benefit of the doubt but the police will also tell you that in cases of foul play the majority of the time it is someone the victim knew. If these boys are not guilty of foul play, they are at least guilty of not being very compassionate toward this young woman or her family when they let her walk home alone. It may have been an accident but these parents need to know what happened to their daughter!!!! That is the issue here!!!

Anonymous said...

I agree, the kids should do more to help get this matter solved.

Legal Pub said...

Video criticism of Lauren Spierer's "friends":

http://video.foxnews.com/v/1125549163001/what-do-lauren-spierers-friends-know/

Anonymous said...

I believe there is video evidence of the altercation between CR and ZO. The Fox network does not have all the facts correct it seems. The kids involved have given statements to police and let them search their homes. If someone does not know someone's whereabouts, what more can one do? People want answers, but only two people know the truth Lauren and her abducter.

Anonymous said...

SO sad. It is move in day at IU and Lauren is not amongst the some 40,000 students coming back to campus. Will this mess ever end?

Anonymous said...

I agree that it is very bad form to point fingers at anyone until there is evidence to do so. It has been a carnival of sorts among the internet jackals who are out and out blaming people. It doesn't occur to them that perhaps they have given all of the information they have and that what they have said is true.

Yes, in such cases, it is usually someone close to the person who does the dirty deeds. But not always. For all of this, Lauren could still be alive and somewhere. Not likely, I think all agree, but possible. And to cast aspersions on those who were with her that early morning is really not the right thing to do.

Anonymous said...

There is an empty spot and some aching hearts as L.S. fails to show up for the fall semester...

Anonymous said...

Lauren Spierer - White Female - Age 20 Missing since June 3, 2011 from Bloomington, Indiana Endangered Missing 4'11"; 90 lbs. Blonde, shoulder-length hair; blue eyes Lauren has three earring holes in each ear and one cartilage piercing in her upper left ear. she has a small, horizontal scar on center of forehead and an oblong, vertical skin-tone birth marj about a foot in length on center of back Lauren also has a rare heart condition -- long QT syndrome, which requires immediate medical attention. Lauren was last seen wearing long black leggings, white off-the-shoulder sheer shirt that was cropped at the bottom, and a white long-sleeve button down shirt with sleeves rolled up. Witnesses who saw her walking home said she wasn't wearing any shoes. Jewelry: diamond, stud-bar belly ring; large silver ring with turquoise stone made by David Yurman; small gold band pinky ring with small red stone; round silver "O" shaped ring; thin gold bracelet with red "Evil Eye" ruby, surrounded by diamonds; possibly a blue, half-moon necklace. Lauren, a sophomore at Indiana University, was last seen walking south on College Avenue from 11th Street toward her apartment building on 8th Street and College Avenue, in Bloomington. Police believe she may have been abducted during her walk home around 4:30 a.m., because surveillance video from her apartment building does not show her returning home. If you have any information, please contact: Bloomington Police Department Detective Sarah Carnes 812-339-4477..

Anonymous said...

The above sums it up. No sign of her in the landfill. I am glad. The idea of someone's lovely daughter thrown away in the garbage adds insult to the horrible injury of her disappearance.

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-27-11: The almighty roar of the equipment came to an end on Friday. The search is now officially over."The fact that no evidence related to this case was discovered is unfortunate, but we are confident that the proper area at the landfill was identified and thoroughly checked by the officers working there," said Chief Michael Diekhoff. Some two dozen police, FBI agents and an expert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children searched the 8,400-square-foot area of the landfill.

Legal Pub said...

Update 8-29-11: School started at IU. Another search on Sunday was unsuccessful. Quotes of interest: "It was the worst news I could have gotten. It's just, there are no words to describe it, hearing that your best friend is missing...We're still finding her, and I'm still as determined as I was the minute I heard it that we're going to find her. I'm never going to give up," said IU student Blair Wallach.

Legal Pub said...

Seems like all persons of interest are back in Bloomington. It's business as usual...

http://www.fox59.com/news/wxin-lauren-spierer-jay-rosenbaum-breaks-silence-on-spierer-mystery-20110829,0,6562206.column

Legal Pub said...

Apparently Lauren's mom doesn't recall those conversations, Jay.

http://twitter.com/#!/AnneFOX59/status/108363982389264384

Catherine said...

A bit confusing because the Fox reporter first reports that Charlene Spierer made no comment, and then twits differently. Hopefully that is cleared up.

What is the significance of the 12:16 AM phone call from Smallwood that Charlene Spierer mentions in her letter? The phone call is no secret. It's been known, has it not, for a while. Who did Lauren call or text? Do the parents have some information from that call? Am curious. Any ideas?

Legal Eagle 7 said...

Catherine:

The parents know who the 12:16 call went to but they have not publically mentioned it. Likely it was to CR but that is an educated guess.

Definitely some tension created by JR's statement to the press...

Catherine said...

Agreed about the tension. Appears that CS made the remark a bit later. Usually, POIs are asked not to talk to ANYONE except their attorneys and LE about a case, especially not the victim's parents and friends. It would be inappropriate for JR to approach the Spierers directly. I don't blame them a bit for being upset about this young man and others letting their daughter go about alone in less than optimal condition at that time of day.

I don't think any of them were in great shape either and their decision making functions were as faulty as Lauren's in their activities and decisions that night/morning. That is going to be the hard part for the parents to swallow. Along with the fact that others are going to do the same stupid things even knowing about Lauren's disappearance.

GT said...

I agree with what Catherine said. Bad judgment all the way around. NOw what happened to her? we may not know until she is found.

Anonymous said...

The parents are devasted. There really is nothing to hold on to other than those young men and what they should and should not have done, and it is a natural tendency to want to blame. I would want to throttle that JR too if that were a loved on of mine---heck, I'd like to as it is.

But in fairness, there isn't any evidence that they did anything directly towards Lauren's disappearance, and even the Spierers have pointed out that lone young women are still walking around at 3 AM, in not so great shape. This is while the case is still being discussed widely. By next year or so, it won't make a difference in how college students will act in such situations. They just don't think the precautions apply to them. They take the risk without a thought. It must truly be bitter to see this as you are seeking answers for your missing daughter.

JR should have kept his mouth shut. There is no winning with any comments and flubbing what you say is highly probable when the press is in your face. Hopefully he learns from this.

PT said...

Agreed. Parents are devastated and most likely feel hopeless. Its further complicated by the fact that L.S. behavior that night is not all that different than a lot of similar girls on the IU campus even to this day.

Anonymous said...

Parents have now made some very direct comments that they do not believe POIs' stories. It's going to get ugly.

Anonymous said...

The Spierer Family may never get closure. LS made a lot of poor choices, and the Spierers' have to realize that she chose to walk home alone. She was offered a place to stay and refused it. She is an adult and can not be forced to stay if she chooses not to. Unfortunately, she never made it to her apartment. To blame witnesses is not bringing their daughter back to them. The men are witnesses to what took place and should not be bashed in the media by the Spierers or bloggers. The Spierers can contact these men anytime they want, but have not done so. The telephone works both ways.

Catherine said...

The Spierers are saying that they do not believe the stories that the young men have given. They do not believe that Lauren chose to walk home alone. They do not believe that she disappeared walking between 5 North and Smallwood at around 4:30 AM. They feel that the odds are against this having happened, given that most such cases involve those close to the victim.

There is no evidence that things did not happen as the young men have said. There is also no evidence that it did. To accuse anyone of what may have happened is not right. This is what has been happening in the media, through the grapevines and now from the parents.

I agree that until any evidence points to these young men, their stories should stand, though such evidence should be sought. I am sorry for the Spierers and can understand why they feel the way they do.

Anonymous said...

Not sure how much media hype is coloring what the Spierers are saying. That Robert Spierer did say that it was not fair to accuse the young men involved is not getting the coverage of the doubts that he and his wife express about the stories and that they are upset that those POIs are not telling all regarding the events of that morning.

I think the parents need to understand that the POIs have certainly been told not to contact the Spierers. I don't know if the Spierers have tried to contact them, but they may have also been told not to make contact. LE tends to work that way.

To accuse people of such a terrible thing as being involved in a death and body disposal and cover up is a serious accusation, and if it turns out that it is not true, that's a lot of damage done. Of course, in comparison to what Lauren and family are undergoing/have undergone, it is minor. That all of those young men did not help out Lauren that morning has to be a bitter, hurtful thing. Of course, the Spierers are angry at them. Doesn't mean that the POIs are not telling the truth and that they may well have nothing helpful to say in finding Lauren. They may not know. Though the chances are small that she was abducted in that short distance, it is possible. Also, she may have just run into someone else she knew and willingly gone with that person who is not in the picture at all that any of us can see. Really, the chances of this happening at all were small with all of the kids running around all of the colleges over all of the years.

Ya Know it said...

Agreed... as unchivralous as it may seem, it apparently is not a crime to let a small intoxicated women walk home alone.

Anonymous said...

Lauren's parents are going to make life tough for the POIs, that is clear. If they are indeed telling the truth, the parents are beating on the wrong backs. I don't think they care as they are beyond anger at those men for what they contributed towards her disappearance. Also, at this point they are willing to do and say nearly anything to keep the case in the news. It's going to be increasingly difficult to do so, and they will have to be increasingly outrageous in accusations and theories to get attention.

A shame. And a miserable thing for the parents, as whoever truly did wrong is not about to come out with it. Looks pretty good they are going to get away with whatever. As for the POIs, I dont' think they were the ones last with Lauren, but there is not a thing they can do or say to prove it.

Legal Pub said...

Update 9-5-11: Mrs. Spierer has sent an open letter to her daughter's abductor:

"If you think for a minute, her father and I are going to disappear, think again. We are just as determined today as we were day one," Charlene Spierer writes. "Do you think this is a game? This is no game. We are in this for the long haul ... we will NEVER give up."

Anonymous said...

The Spierers are desperate to keep media and citizen attention on their daughter's disappearance. If they are wrong in their suspicions of the young men they think know more about what happened to Lauren, they are assisting whoever had her last.

I don't think this is a game for whoever was with Lauren last. If the person deliberately harmed her, such persons are so depraved that any such admonishments are not going to do a thing. If it were an accident where the persons just got stuck with her heart going out just when she happened to be with them after an evening of abuse, they have done something that now has national media attention and it is doubtful they are now going to come forward. If things had settled down and the atmosphere more forgiving, maybe, maybe, maybe such persons would come out. No way in the world now. There is absolutely no evidence of anything out there--why should they, when doing the right thing is not a part of their make up?

Anonymous said...

For lawyers, it is not a game. It is a job. And the job requires their clients to keep their big mouths shut. Unfortunately this is reality. Even if 100% innocent, nothing good will come of their talking.

Keeping It Real said...

You'd hope that truth, safety and respect for the dead would come before image.

Anonymous said...

I just seen on the news where a body was found in Jennings county in Indiana. This is just south of Bloomington. Could this finally be what we have been looking for? I pray not....because it is a body. But it would be nice for her family to finally have her back again and for the rest of the world to get some answers about what happened that night.

Legal Pub said...

September 14, 2011: The body found in a wooded area of Jennings County in southern Indiana is not Lauren Spierer. Capt. Joe Qualters confirmed that the body found does not match Lauren's description.

Legal Pub said...

September 19, 2011: Rob and Charlene Spierer, remain in Bloomington to prepare for a Sept. 22 concert and walk to bring attention to search and investigation efforts.

Anonymous said...

Have the students who were mentioned as having possible connections to the case returned to indiana for school?

Anonymous said...

Yes, they have returned. Ironically enough to the same address they moved from....

Anonymous said...

To not return may have implied guilt even if there was no guilt.

An autopsy with DNA analysis may provide more information. But in the mean time, without witnesses and without a body, the hampster is just spinning in his wheel.

Anonymous said...

To not return may have implied guilt even if there was no guilt.

An autopsy with DNA analysis may provide more information. But in the mean time, without witnesses and without a body, the hampster is just spinning in his wheel.

Anonymous said...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PXr3FlZwJQ
A song for the Lauren Spierer Case by Illumaniti Sky - Lauren.

Listen, recommend, like, forward...get the word out.

Anonymous said...

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/bo-dietl-lauren-spierer-case-20110923

Anonymous said...

Read the comments on the link...this is how you fire up a local law enforcement group : ) http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2011/09/25/news.qp-8106808.sto If the link doesn't connect you can visit www.heraldtimesonline.com and see the Gomer Pyle article.

Legal Pub said...

September 28, 2011: Can you say "You don't pull the mask off the old Long Ranger and you don't mess around with slim? Dietl & Associates, private investigators, are apparently not licensed in the state of Indiana according to the state Attorney General's Office. A firm representative appearance on a Fox morning show where he made fun of Bloomington Police Chief Michael Diekhoff. Now expect the private detectives to be barred from participating further in the Lauren Spierer case.

The Scoop said...

Dietl and his team had been working the Spierer case for a while. They had four detectives working the case with no complaints from Indiana state officials, until the Gomer Pile comment. When Dietl made the remarks on a New York TV station calling the BPD police chief “Gomer Pyle”, suddenly the detectives were unwanted! Go figure.

Anonymous said...

More like P ditty and his band fumbling around B-town.

Anonymous said...

A body was found that fits the route Lauren was supposed to be taking home. If anyone picked her up enroute, that would be a likely way to go.

http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local...cc4c002e0.html

Anonymous said...

Reports say that the body found was clothed. I think they pretty much know whether this is Lauren or not from that. It is highly likely that she has now been found.

Catherine said...

False lead. Body found is in Bloomington, Il not IN.

Legal Pub said...

Bloomington Illinois, true. Awaiting dna. No conclusions one way or the other right now.

Legal Pub said...

The following has been reported: 1. Badly decomposed body of an adult,

2. white woman

3."She had been there for quite some time," according to the coroner.

4. Based on missing-persons police reports, the coroner said she has an idea who the woman may be.

5. They are waiting on dental records and DNA tests to confirm an identity.

6. The person in question is not local.
7. There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play.

8. The autopsy is today

Anonymous said...

I just read on fox 59 news.com that the Bloomington Indiana police department has been in contact with the Bloomington Il police department and it was said that it is not her.

Legal Eagle 7 said...

Probably not her, but no one knows for sure until it is confirmed.

Legal Pub said...

October 12, 2011: Still no official word on the identity of the remains found. Names like Kathy Christensen from North Chicago, who has been missing since April, Bonnie Woodward who has been missing since June, 2010, Stacy Peterson who has been missing forever and Lauren Spierer who has been missing since June have been tossed around. In the meantime there are reports out of Bloomington, Indiana that it does not appear to be Lauren. However, we will wait for the official DNA results.

Catherine said...

The Mineier family now has some closure as the body has been identified as one of their missing members. RIP to her.

Legal Pub said...

October 13, 2011: McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling said that Jean L. Kelly of Minier was identified through dental records. Kelly had been missing since early September. Cause of death and toxicology are pending.

Legal Pub said...

October 24, 2011: Mrs. Spierer posted on a blog that she was hurt by an anonymous letter sent to her complaining that her search posters are "littering Bloomington."

Legal Pub said...

November 3, 2011: Jay Rosenbaum, in the presence of own of his attorneys, has met with Mr. and Mrs. Spierer and their attorney on September 19, 2011. Rosenbaum also met with the Spierer family's investigator, Bo Dietl, on Sept. 21. Jay subsequently reported to the Journal News: "Yes, I have cooperated since day one, and I will continue to cooperate... And I had nothing to do with the disappearance of Lauren. Obviously, there's nothing more that I want than for Lauren to be found and safe, and for this all to be over." Attorney Lukemeyer said she "... felt compelled to defend her client now because he continues to face heavy scrutiny."

Anonymous said...

It's shame young girls like Laren and Holly Bobo are missing and law enforcement is unable to find a trace.

Where are these girls? Are these disappearances and the Karen Swift case all related?

Anonymous said...

Gee, last time I checked it was against the law to force someone to do something against their will since in doing that you would have to apply force. Thought the boys were showing chivalry by asking her to stay. Are some people implying they should have sat on her or used a weapon to "make" her stay?? From reading some of the latest posts seems some people posting here don't have the power of comprehension and expect boys to roughhouse girls into staying where they don't want to stay. Or perhaps for some it's just easier to keep shooting at easy targets than to think rationally themselves. Parents, please don't send your adult children, especially girls, out into the world without teaching them to accept responsibility for themselves and to make wise choices. That way, when something happens to them you usually have only them or yourselves to blame. Teach them to make the right choices for themselves and in doing so how it helps others as well as themselves. If that had been me, and it most certainly could have been, my parents would have known it was only me to blame, unless proven otherwise, and even then I would have still been to blame for getting intoxicated and running around in the wee hours of the morning (& under 21 in a bar!). That's what's wrong with today's youth, they never learn to take responsibility for themselves, or their actions, and always feel mom, dad, or someone else is looking out for them and will save them. And yes, as someone said, you do have to worry all the time about even walking down the street and it's been that way ever since I was a teen and that's been many, many moons ago so welcome to the real world kids. If your parents neglected to tell you, always be aware of what's going on around you and always watch your back. Alcohol is bad. Drugs are bad. They are not only bad for your health but also greatly diminish your power to make good choices and to watch out for yourself as well as hinder your responses. If mom or dad did the above two rise above them and be a better person, embrace sobriety, or you could end up like this poor girl or these poor boys who were just trying to be her friend. If you think "Oh, it won't happen to me" remember, it always happens to someone, why not you? If any of the boys were to blame for anything that I can see so far it's the boy who hit the other boy, that's the reason she went back out and didn't pass out at home. So what's his deal??? Where's all the scrutiny on him?? Otherwise, what a circus and I truly pray something good will come out of it.

Anonymous said...

Personal responsibility is a a good concept. While one can't restrain an adult female, one certainly can walk her home to her destination, or call a taxi for her.

Life is full of decisions. Sometimes hindsight is 20/20.

Anonymous said...

It isn't a parent's job to play a heavy, that's for LE. It's a parent's job to play a parent. To BE a parent. If you're a loving parent that should come naturally & instinctively. It should be all about your children, not all about you, your thoughts, your feelings, or your wanting to bully other people's children (no matter how hard it is).. especially when it's imperative to THEIR welfare, THEIR family & the welfare of YOUR child & YOUR family. That's what I do not understand about that family. They come off, especially the mother, as enjoying the limelight at times. It's not like those boys were in a street gang but college students trying to make something of their lives as well.

Anonymous said...

Parents do need to teach good judgment

Anonymous said...

Parents may not be legally responsible for the mistakes of their 20 something kids, but there is still a moral obligation to teach them to do the right thing.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely. Whether it be boys or girls. The door swings both ways. If people want to live in medieval times & expect sons to be perfect chivalrous men at all times instead of equals, covering all the bases & babysitting their other friends, then they should raise their daughters to behave as perfect sober responsible ladies at all times as well who stay home & study instead of going out to bars & who go to bed at a decent hour.. hence there wouldn't be a need for hindsight. Calling a cab or offering to walk someone home is a good concept. Self-responsibility is a mandatory part of life, not vice-versa. And who's to say they didn't & that she didn't turn it down as well? Which makes me wonder why mixing alcohol with a heart condition & heart medications wasn't a health concern for loving family & friends before this occurence..? Easier to be hypercritical than it is to be correct.

Anonymous said...

Surely if you're old enough to run around barefoot drinking in the middle of the night until the wee hours of the morning then surely you're old enough to take responsibility for yourself & call your own cab otherwise maybe you should get married stay home & raise some kids of your own! Swings both ways

Anonymous said...

True enough. Except when you encounter someone who is intoxicated or in capacitated, you should help them if they can't help themselves

Anonymous said...

What abour Bill Warner detective linking a construction worker to L.S. ,H,H AND P.J

Legal Pub said...

January 7, 2012: Bill Warner's blog questions whether the disappearance of six petite females, Crystal Hall, Paige Johnson, Holly Bobo, Lauren Spierer, Katelyn Markham and Karen Swift are all related... LINK on story page.

Anonymous said...

Hmmmm. Very interesting. I just read this blog and I have heard of the LS case being linked to Holly Bobo but not to the rest. I thought the Amanda Bach case was open/close case because she was visiting an ex boyfriend and he was the only suspect. Weird though! I will be interested to see if they make any other connections between these women. Might mean a lead finally?!?!?!

Inspector Clueless said...

The connection could lead to finding a new suspect or it could just all be a conspiracy to create a diversion from the respective more likely suspects.

At this point, it is anyones guess

Legal Pub said...

January 20, 2012: Lauren's parents have enlisted the help of New York detectives. The Spierer's apparently feel comfortable eliminating some person's of interest. Those cooperating apparently include J.W., J.R., and M.B. Others may also be cooperating. LINK on front page.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Legal Pub said...

February 27, 2012: Lauren's family has increased the amount of reward money offered for information leading to her discovery $100,000 to $250,000. Family blog: blog site.

For Anyone With Knowledge said...

BDA (800) 777-9366 or investigations.com
Bloomington Police Department (812) 339-4477
helpfindlauren@gmail.com
Find Lauren PO Box 1226 Bloomington, IN 47402

Anonymous said...

Money ain't bringing her back, so that means those in the know in Bloomington probably really don't know what happened to her. Otherwise, someone would have squealed.

Legal Pub said...

May 1, 2012: As the aniversary date of Lauren Spierer's disappearance approaches, the "deafening silence" makes it look more and more like a random abduction. Afterall, what college kids could keep their mouths shut this long if they were actually involved? One would suspect, not many. The tip lines are still open and the reward money is still available.

Legal Pub said...

May 15, 2012: As "find Lauren" posters are being made for the upcoming anniversary of Lauren's disappearance, it sometimes appears that police are grasping at straws. Police are reportedly looking at William Clyde Gibson, a man who is suspected in the deaths of three women more than 100 miles away from the Bloomington according to the Journal News. (William Clyde Gibson is charged with the 2002 murder of 45-year-old Karen Hodella and the murder of 75-year-old Christine Whitis. He is also suspected of murder with regards to another woman found buried in his backyard.) At this time; however, there are no specific leads that indicate Gibson may have been involved in Lauren's disappearance

Anonymous said...

Legal Pub. You were right. Still no leads or evidence that William Clyde Gibson had anything to do with Lauren Spierer. He appears to be just an unrelated Kook.

Anonymous said...

Legal Pub. You were right. Still no leads or evidence that William Clyde Gibson had anything to do with Lauren Spierer. He appears to be just an unrelated Kook.

Legal Pub said...

May 29, 2012: Lauren Spierer's disappearance ha no connection to the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, the University of Louisina student that disappeared May 19, 2012. Capt. Joe Qualters told the press: “Any reports of a ‘connection’ have been manufactured by the media and was never put forth by us... I simply indicated to a media person that we’d made an ‘inquiry’— a seemingly appropriate thing to do — and that was turned into us contacting them because of ‘similarities’ which is inaccurate.. Nothing of significance to the Spierer investigation came from the discussion held with police investigators in Louisiana.”


Lauren Spierer's parents continue to offer a $250,000 reward.

Anonymous said...

Figured it was not Lauren Spierer or you would have published something earlier.

I understand the balance between being factual and preventing Lauren from being forgotten. Thank you.

Legal Pub said...

December 10, 2012: As the holidays approach, the frustration of family increases with the current stalemate known as "The Lauren Spierer Investigation." Lauren's parents do not believe their daughter’s disappearance was a “random abduction.” They have publicly criticized Lauren's male friends who were the last to see her before she vanished. “We have these boys that were there that night that clammed up, shut down, lawyered up,” Robert Spierer, said on “Katie.” Lauren Spierer's parents continue to offer a $250,000 reward.

Legal Pub said...

February 11, 2013: Despite months of searching, still no sign of Lauren Spierer. There have been no arrests and no suspects named. CBS New York, claims that police have received more than 2,400 tips in the case. Nevertheless, no end is in sight. Perhaps warm weather will lead to a well deserved resolution to this tragedy.

Legal Pub said...

February 3, 2016: Has the trail become warm or is it still cold? It depends who you consult. The Bloomington Herald-Times documented a recent search warrant search on Doug Wager's property. His son Justin Wagers was thought to be the target of that search. Doug Wagers, told the newspaper that police spent four to six hours searching the family property in Trafalgar as well as the family residence. Doug Wagers said he told investigators to search, and search hard, because his son, Justin, is innocent.
“The system got a hold of him and the only thing he did wrong was indecent exposure," Doug Wagers explained. Mean while, Justin Wagers, who has a history of public indecency arrests, is currently being held in the Johnson County Jail on charges of public indecency and performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor. This does not, of course, mean that he had anything to do with Lauren Spierer's disappearance. As always, Wagers is to be presumed innocent unless otherwise convicted in a court of law.

Legal Pub said...

On June 3, 2016, the fifth year anniversary of the Spierer missing person case, a spokesperson for the Bloomington Police Department said that detectives, over the years, had investigated more than 4,000 tips. The private investigative firm working for the Spierer family issued a statement revealing confidence that the family would someday get the closure they deserved.

The Spierer family press release included the statement that "our family continues to to search for answers and we remain steadfast in our dedication to seeking justice for Lauren."

Legal Pub said...

March 15, 2019: Now approaching the eight year mark, the trail is still cold. Many theories, some inconsistent statements, but mostly rank speculation. DNA analysis would probably identify the killer, but without a body, there is little analysis to be done. Lauren's parents posted on FaceBook:

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing."
-Edmund Burke-



Readers are reminded if you have information, please contact:
Bloomington Police Department 812.339.4477
Or email: helpfindlauren@gmail.com

«Oldest ‹Older   601 – 717 of 717   Newer› Newest»