I discovered this forum last August quite by accident (I usually stay in the Caylee forum and am a "mini mod" in that forum) and took an interest in this case since I am a local with many ties to the community (as I have posted about in the past). I was hopeful that I could possibly assist the efforts of the members in this forum since I had access locally, so devoted time from my crazy, busy schedule and began corresponding with Believe to catch me up on the details of the search over the previous 5 years.
I felt we were making some headway, but did get frustrated when it appeared TO ME that Benjaman was ignoring any direct questions. As some of you may remember, I took photos of the Burger King and surrounding area and posted them in this forum for reference. For a variety of reasons, by the end of the year, I made a personal decision to step out of this case as I personally began to believe that Benjaman and NB's actions in assisting our sleuthers were not indicative of someone who wanted our assistance, for whatever reason. I became aware of many inconsistencies, false reporting of facts, and false statements. I was on the verge of involving some local, (a few who were senior citizens) but had reservations due to questions I began having.
I do have to say, however, that I spent much time debating my decision to walk away, especially when considering all the intense efforts of so many of you, but most especially, Believe, who I came to know as someone who was completely dedicated to this case, but also very protective of all of you. I have, and will always, the utmost respect for this caring, compassionate, intelligent soul.
In light of recent events, I am now willing to come forward and state that I am the person who met with Lt Mike Albritton (now Capt) of the RHPD for over two hours in regards to this case and the events of the morning in August of 2004. (Tricia is well aware of who I am, my ties to the community and my past professional and personal relationship with M. Albritton.) At the time, a decision was made to not reveal all details that were relayed during our meeting as to why the RHPD stands firm in their belief that Benjaman was living in the homeless camp less than a mere 100 yds from the dumpster where he was found, with railroad tracks running nearby (!), due to our desire to be sympathetic to Benjaman as he was a member here. But since this seems to be a big issue now, and in order to keep this posting from getting too lengthy, I will bump my old "Questions for RHPD" thread and will state details of what I learned from RHPD, paramedics, and a nurse who was present in the ER at the time Benjaman arrived at St Joe's via ambulance.
But for me....this isn't about whether or not Benjaman was a homeless man or a CEO before the events of the morning in August when he was found. It is about whether or not this person wants OUR assistance in assisting HIM in determining his identity. I have read through every post in every thread on this forum and have yet found a posting from Benjaman stating "Please help me find out who I am!", and/or any real effort in assisting by answering questions in a direct manner.
So I guess my question would be....if months from now, through this DNA information, we were able to prove definitively the identity of "Benjaman Kyle" and passed this information along to him, but he chooses to either ignore, deny or do nothing with the information (like the SS info Believe has passed along), will it be worth our efforts? Will you feel as if your time and efforts were well spent? This is what I have been struggling with...