FL FL - Kevin McGrath, 26, missing from a cruise ship, Miami, 4 Sept 2023

[Kakidoll]

Stowing away then sneaking off at another port not on your original itinerary would be pretty genius.

Actually, I don't think it would. I think it could be done pretty easily. Now i kinda want to try it. Blending back in after boarding the new passengers... you would have total freedom if you didn't use your sign and sail card. Make a friend, they buy you drinks, eat at lido, hook up to sleep or sleep on serenity. steal a card and get off at the next port. Totally doable

 

[Kakidoll]

There were no cops waiting to arrest him at the port. In fact, unless he self-reported to his probation officer that he committed a violation, I'm not sure how the authorities would even be aware of this excursion. Once he got off the ship he would have been home-free.

But for some reason if he was worried about violating probation and wanted to disappear, he could have just walked off the ship normally, got in his car and driven away. No one would have been the wiser. Eventually a court may have put out a warrant for his arrest. But people walk around with active warrants every day. And if he left the state it's unlikely anyone would even pursue him for some relatively low level offenses.

Instead, now Kevin's name and face are plastered across the media nationwide. The authorities know about his excursion and he's got the cops, the feds and everyone else out looking for him. I live halfway across the country and I would probably recognize him now if I saw him on the street.

I respect everyone's opinion, but I just can't see how any of this supposed cloak-and-dagger stuff makes sense. And from what little we know of him I don't believe he has the resources, connections, or guile that he would need to successfully pull off a ruse of this sort.

IMO, the simplest explanation is the most likely: at some point during the night or in the early morning hours he went overboard and likely drowned.

Actually, manifests are run regularly to look for those who haven't shown up for court etc. Even for DUI's. not just 'major crimes'. I've seen multiple people taken away in handcuffs. Security on board works with the on the ground LEO to let them know when they are coming off, OR LEO will come on board to escort them off. Some know they weren't supposed to cruise without permission, some don't. But that public list can be run very quickly to see if anyone is in trouble anywhere. Its actually a very easy thing to do. The manifest is turned in 12 hours before sailing. Its an easy PING.

 

[PNW]

Having legal trouble should not make it “clear” that he intentionally disappeared versus something happening to him. That is in no way an indication. Millions of people every day show up to court when they have charges.
Additionally, your comments are not very “victim friendly”

For the record regarding probation violation and criminal child support charges. Like I mentioned before, most Judges will do whatever possible to not put the person in jail. The goal is to pay a bill. That is not possible if they are incarcerated. Additionally, if someone is arrested in failure to pay, their bond is generally set at a percentage of the past due support amount. This payment gets them back on track and quickly out of jail. Unless someone has zero resources at all, they generally don’t sit in jail for child support charges.

Exactly! My ex has not paid one cent of his child support in 18 years and the judges never once ordered him to serve jail time for it. It’s unlikely Kevin was looking at actual jail time for that charge.

 

[LauraAnne]

Exactly! My ex has not paid one cent of his child support in 18 years and the judges never once ordered him to serve jail time for it. It’s unlikely Kevin was looking at actual jail time for that charge.

Was your ex on probation for a felony?

That's the difference. Simple avoidance of child support is unlikely to result in jail time (although maybe it should), but if you're on probation, committing a new and separate crime can get your probation revoke and result in jail time.

 

[steeltowngirl]

Exactly! My ex has not paid one cent of his child support in 18 years and the judges never once ordered him to serve jail time for it. It’s unlikely Kevin was looking at actual jail time for that charge.

I’ve known people who have gone to jail for not paying support.
And KM is already on probation for a felony.

The complaint against KM was filed in Montgomery County,Tennessee.
Here is the Tennessee statute:

1. Any person, ordered to provide support and maintenance for a minor child or children, who fails to comply with the order or decree, may, in the discretion of the court, be punished by imprisonment in the county workhouse or county jail for a period not to exceed six (6) months.

2021 Tennessee Code :: Title 36 - Domestic Relations :: Chapter 5 - Alimony and Child Support :: Part 1 - General Provisions :: § 36-5-104. Failure to Comply With Child Support Order — Criminal Sanctions — Inference of Obligor's Ability to Pay

Justia Free Databases of US Laws, Codes & Statutes

law.justia.com

 

[IceIce9]

Exactly! My ex has not paid one cent of his child support in 18 years and the judges never once ordered him to serve jail time for it. It’s unlikely Kevin was looking at actual jail time for that charge.

Probably because he was already on probation for a felony, he might have been looking at jail time. One of my coworkers had to serve 90 days in jail for nonsupport probably because he had an outstanding warrant although I think the warrant was only for a speeding ticket. Definitely not a felony.

Or maybe he just didn’t want to pay child support.

Like I said previously, this is such a strange case anything is possible and worthy of discussion.

 

[SimplyCass]

Does anyone know offhand if probation terms usually forbid going on cruises? Or if someone can look up the terms of KM's probation agreement?

Either way, I think the idea is pretty out there, especially since KM did not have his passport, ID, or birth certificate, which are pretty important documents to have. Not impossible, but very improbable.

 

[katydid23]

Does anyone know offhand if probation terms usually forbid going on cruises? Or if someone can look up the terms of KM's probation agreement?

Either way, I think the idea is pretty out there, especially since KM did not have his passport, ID, or birth certificate, which are pretty important documents to have. Not impossible, but very improbable.

Actually, it is now kind of interesting that his Mom had all his legal documents, instead of him. IF he was going to run away voluntarily, he wouldn't want any of those with him. Coincidence?

 

[IceIce9]

Does anyone know offhand if probation terms usually forbid going on cruises? Or if someone can look up the terms of KM's probation agreement?

Either way, I think the idea is pretty out there, especially since KM did not have his passport, ID, or birth certificate, which are pretty important documents to have. Not impossible, but very improbable.

I believe that a person on probation needs permission from their parole officer to leave the state where they reside.

 

[SleuthyQ]

Does anyone know offhand if probation terms usually forbid going on cruises? Or if someone can look up the terms of KM's probation agreement?

Either way, I think the idea is pretty out there, especially since KM did not have his passport, ID, or birth certificate, which are pretty important documents to have. Not impossible, but very improbable.

Here you go! Restrictions for Florida - PROBATION INFORMATION NETWORK

Travel Restrictions​

You shall not leave the judicial district without permission of the Probation Officer and/or the Court.
Advance approval from the Court must be requested for international travel (which includes travel beyond the three nautical mile limits) and vacation travel outside the district for more than 30 days. For international travel, offenders must make their request no less than six (6) weeks in advance. Please note, there are additional steps required when traveling to foreign countries such as permission from that country etc. For domestic travel, offenders must make their request at least two (2) weeks in advance. Please note, there may be some limitations placed by other states as to travel. (Check with your probation officer on state limitations) Offenders may not leave the Southern District of Florida without permission of the Court and/or probation officer. Any travel outside the district requires advance written permission. No travel will be allowed during the initial assessment period of 60 days, except for a verifiable emergency situation. Additionally, travel may not be granted to offenders who are not in compliance with the conditions of supervision.

 

[ch_13]

They may have elected not to sue because they don’t want anyone digging too deep into this disappearance. MOO

I don't know if any family members were involved in Kevin's disappearance. However, I wouldn't read much into the family's not yet filing suit against Carnival.

It's only been two weeks since he went missing. It's common for months or even years to elapse before civil suits are filed. I'm not sure what the grounds for the suit would be, but regardless there's just a lot of groundwork that needs to be done first and lawyers work at their own pace.

And if they wish to file a wrongful death lawsuit then the situation is even more complicated because Kevin is only listed as missing. Before the suit can be filed he would first need to be declared legally dead. That in itself is a long, often multi-year process.

 

[PNW]

Was your ex on probation for a felony?

That's the difference. Simple avoidance of child support is unlikely to result in jail time (although maybe it should), but if you're on probation, committing a new and separate crime can get your probation revoke and result in jail time.

Yes, multiple felonies.

 

[PNW]

Was your ex on probation for a felony?

That's the difference. Simple avoidance of child support is unlikely to result in jail time (although maybe it should), but if you're on probation, committing a new and separate crime can get your probation revoke and result in jail time.

Yes, multiple felonies including domestic violence.

 

[ch_13]

The person that found the video, a complete stranger, and shared it with the family online stated that the video was from Saturday night, not Sunday night. The news reported it incorrectly. I have a screenshot where it was shared from the original poster online but since it is from Social I do not believe I am allowed to share it.

Do you know if the video was taken before or after the the excursion on Bimini?

I'm skeptical that Kevin would have wanted to sneak off the ship in Miami, but jumping ship in a foreign location is another story.

Although I still think going overboard while the ship is at sea is the most likely scenario.


edit - To answer my own question, here's the itinerary of the Miami-Bimini cruise from the Carnival site.

• Day 1 (Friday): Miami - Departs at 3:30 PM
• Day 2 (Saturday): Bimini - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Day 3 (Sunday): Fun Day at Sea
• Day 4 (Monday): Miami - Arrives at 8:00 AM

So, if the video was shot on Saturday night it would have taken been after everyone had returned to the ship following the Bimini excursion.

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

Do you know if the video was taken before or after the the excursion on Bimini?

I'm skeptical that Kevin would have wanted to sneak off the ship in Miami, but jumping ship in a foreign location is another story.

Although I still think going overboard while the ship is at sea is the most likely scenario.


edit - To answer my own question, here's the itinerary of the Miami-Bimini cruise from the Carnival site.

• Day 1 (Friday): Miami - Departs at 3:30 PM
• Day 2 (Saturday): Bimini - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Day 3 (Sunday): Fun Day at Sea
• Day 4 (Monday): Miami - Arrives at 8:00 AM

So, if the video was shot on Saturday night it would have taken been after everyone had returned to the ship following the Bimini excursion.

Do you know for sure that this was the exact itinerary for the Labor Day weekend cruise? I've looked at cruises on the Carnival Conquest well into 2024, and it looks like the itinerary isn't exactly the same for all 3-night sailings. There are times when the "Fun Day at Sea" comes before the port call at Bimini. I would be more inclined to go along with those who think that Kevin did not get back on the ship in Bimini if it was the second full day of the cruise.

 

[ch_13]

Do you know for sure that this was the exact itinerary for the Labor Day weekend cruise? I've looked at cruises on the Carnival Conquest well into 2024, and it looks like the itinerary isn't exactly the same for all 3-night sailings. There are times when the "Fun Day at Sea" comes before the port call at Bimini. I would be more inclined to go along with those who think that Kevin did not get back on the ship in Bimini if it was the second full day of the cruise.

No, I was just going by the Carnival website. If the itinerary switches around, then it's possible he never returned to the ship.

Edit - You may be correct. A couple of cruise aggregation sites show that the "Fun Day" was Saturday and the stopover in Bimini was Sunday.

Carnival Conquest Size, Specs, Ship Stats & More

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3 Night Bahamas Cruise on the Carnival Conquest Cruise Schedule- September 1, 2023- Cruise Search by Official Cruise Guide: Travel Weekly Asia

September 1, 2023- 3 Night Bahamas Cruise on the Carnival Cruise Line Carnival Conquest Schedule, Itinerary, and Prices. Plan your 3 Night Bahamas Cruise Carnival Cruise Line cruise with our cruise schedules, prices, and sail dates. Find sailing destinations for Carnival Conquest.

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Wow!

 

[SimplyCass]

here's the question: what if Kevin did tell his P.O (or the court or whoever) of his travel plans and it was all above board?

The other question: if he didn't tell the court/P.O that he was going on vacation, they would still have to, like, put out some kind of warrant, right? There's no way he could be flagged up automatically for boarding a cruise ship, especially considering that permission can be granted for travel, it isn't like an automatic blanket ban. (Not, like, say registering to vote, which is generally disallowed for the entire duration of probation/parole)

All opinion, speculative.

 

[Dreacol23]

The state of Tennessee has reopened his case as of 9/22 and it says that he is booked for probation violation. There’s a bond of 5,000 dollars. At this point, I have no idea if he’s alive or not because according to this, he’s sitting in jail..

 

[Dreacol23]

The state of Tennessee has reopened his case as of 9/22 and it says that he is booked for probation violation. There’s a bond of 5,000 dollars. At this point, I have no idea if he’s alive or not because according to this, he’s sitting in jail..

*50,000 dollars

 

[Savannahanon]

*50,000 dollars

Where can I find this info?