Hi all,
I knew Shane through the Minecraft server we both played on back in 2011. We'd talk often and he was always friendly, astute, kind, reasonable, and fun. Did I mention smart? He was thoughtful in his creations and I was impressed -- I looked up to him. He was my best-friend on that server and I was shocked when he disappeared.
I had come across an old summary I wrote explaining to others on the server what had happened and linking to the website so I wanted to check if there had been any progress. I'm saddened to see there has not.
I only created an account here to add my personal opinion, for what it's worth, that Shane never gave any indication of being depressed or longing for a different life. If anything, I'd expect the anonymity of being online and unwinding to allow him to share such things if he was feeling them.
Obviously, that's not conclusive as people are many faceted, but I do not believe he willingly left his car that night. Not a chance. The guy I spoke to all those years ago was not impulsive in that way. He was a moderator on the server, he was the guy who kept his cool.
I totally understand that I only got to see one-side of him but it was the side protected by anonymity, he had the freedom to share any darkness he was feeling without fear of consequence. He didn't share a hint of such unhappiness. In the grand scheme of the investigation it doesn't count for much but I strongly doubt he ran away or just disappeared. I think it's insulting, especially if it comes from a law enforcement officer. Sounds like a lazy excuse for not doing a deeper investigation.
We had plans to hang out, play Minecraft like we did every day or so -- he was working on some cool red stone contraptions. He had no intention of disappearing.
[After writing this I realized I might have screenshots from Minecraft that mention saehn (Shane) and I found a couple random ones I'm including. They just happen to include chat from saehn -- who's name, I just now realize over a decade later was just an anagram -- you're funny man, thanks for the laugh).
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We had good laughs and good times.
Something happened that night and given the time that has passed... I fear the worst is all but certain.
I grieve my friend. I hope for the sake of his family, friends and love ones in the off-line world this mystery is solved. I hope there is justice for him.O