I talked with Suffolk Cty Sheriff Dept detective this morning.
He states that no information about any aspect of this case will be released to the
public at this time.
He did confirm that Michael Taus is still missing.
He says they have a number of leads.
He also said there could have been a number of reasons the car was found running, but they (sherrif's dept.) had satisfied themselves with the reason why. That reason will not be given out to the public at this time.
I mentioned that I had read about dog's water bowl and food dish being gone.
The detective's reply was that I shouldn't believe everything I read.
I asked if the dog's bowl's were gone, but he said he would not answer that directly.
He did add that newspapers print the wrong information sometimes.
When I asked about Michael leaving to go on this internet date, the detective said, 'which internet date?'
But again, he stated no details or updates will be released at this time.
'It is an open investigation.'
I asked if the police deptartment knew or had a good idea if Michael was living or deceased. He answered that they are looking at both scenarios. (paraphrased)
I guess what I learned is that Michael is still missing, newspaper articles don't have the correct facts, there are lots of leads and they will update at the right time and they will update when Michael is found.
Press release from Suffolk Cty Police dated 7/29/2010
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/police/pressrelease/prview.aspx?id=ter&prid=314&year=2010
Incident:West Islip Man MissingLocation:Everdell Avenue, West IslipDate/Time: The Suffolk County Police Fugitive/Missing Persons Section is seeking the publics assistance in locating a West Islip man who has been missing since June.
Michael Taus, 25, was last seen on the night of June 18 at his home on Everdell Avenue . Tauss dog, Romeo, has also been missing since that time. Tauss vehicle has since been recovered in Elmont in Nassau County.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Taus is asked to call the Missing Persons Section at 631-852-6040 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential
http://www.co.suffolk.ny.us/police/morepress.htm