Found Deceased TN - Riley Strain, 22, missing after leaving bar, Nashville, 8 March 2024 #3

[SF_Investigates]

Hi Everyone,

I am Steve Fischer, the private investigator for Riley's family. I am dedicated to collecting all available evidence in this case. The family is grieving deeply and misses Riley immensely. While I do not have any proof of foul play to date, I've promised to exhaust every lead to ensure a comprehensive presentation to the family, allowing them to draw their own conclusions.

We're awaiting toxicology results from both autopsies. I've been collaborating closely with the Colonel of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, particularly regarding surveillance from the Birch Building. Later today,I have a call to discuss possible surveillance footage with Marathon Oil's General Counsel, given the proximity of their facility to where Riley's phone last pinged.

Our investigation will also encompass obtaining more witness statements and may include tests involving life-size dummies to analyze fall patterns and clothing's interaction with water currents over time.

The investigation will the meticulous and driven by evidence. My aim is to provide Riley's family with peace of mind and clarity. Thank you for keeping Riley and his family in your thoughts.

Best regards, Steve Fischer, Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search and Rescue Specialist. SF_investigates

 

[Sundog]

Hi Everyone,

I am Steve Fischer, the private investigator for Riley's family. I am dedicated to collecting all available evidence in this case. The family is grieving deeply and misses Riley immensely. While I do not have any proof of foul play to date, I've promised to exhaust every lead to ensure a comprehensive presentation to the family, allowing them to draw their own conclusions.

We're awaiting toxicology results from both autopsies. I've been collaborating closely with the Colonel of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, particularly regarding surveillance from the Birch Building. Later today,I have a call to discuss possible surveillance footage with Marathon Oil's General Counsel, given the proximity of their facility to where Riley's phone last pinged.

Our investigation will also encompass obtaining more witness statements and may include tests involving life-size dummies to analyze fall patterns and clothing's interaction with water currents over time.

The investigation will the meticulous and driven by evidence. My aim is to provide Riley's family with peace of mind and clarity. Thank you for keeping Riley and his family in your thoughts.

Best regards, Steve Fischer, Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search and Rescue Specialist. SF_investigates

I hope you are successful in helping Riley's family get access to the surveillance videos of both the Birch Building and the Marathon Oil building as they continue to leave no stone unturned with regard to finding out the details of what happened to Riley that night. Thanks for the update on steps being taken toward that effort.

 

[SMK777]

Investigation into Riley Strain’s death remains open, police conduct more interviews​

Police said one person was interviewed on Monday and another person was also interviewed.​

Investigation into Riley Strain’s death remains open, police conduct more interviews

Police said one person was interviewed on Monday and another person was also interviewed.

www.wsmv.com

 

[SMK777]

So I guess it’s not yet known what this witness actually said? ​

​

Last known person to speak with Riley Strain gives statement to cops as family hails it as 'huge' development​

Dingman called it a 'huge' development in the case and said, 'that was something we were looking for'

Last known person to speak with Riley Strain gives statement to cops

Riley, who went missing in downtown Nashville on March 8 after a night out with his fraternity brothers, was found dead nearly two weeks after he vanished in the Cumberland River.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[GeorgiaRai]

I'm very interested in the results regarding fall patterns & clothing interaction. Once a theory (Riley alone & drunk, tumbled down the embankment into water deep enough to carry him away from shore) is widely accepted, it feels like sometimes subsequent info is bent or filled in to fit the narrative; i.e. Debit card on the bank? It fell out of his pocket. Rough terrain and underbrush on the bank? He rolled over and through it to the river's edge. Socks on but boots off? The water woke him up enough to remove his boots (but only after he was in water deep enough to whisk him away). Pants & belt missing? He must've undone them before the fall, and currents did the rest.

All of these explanations may well prove to be true, but it's a lot for me to accept without more evidence. And if it's hard for me - an unknown reader of the story - I can absolutely see why the family needs more.

While I think a scuffle with an unknown party is possible, I still lean mostly toward accidental fall into the river - I'd just like to actually see how it was possible at the point closest to where he was last seen. JMO.

 

[SMK777]

I'm very interested in the results regarding fall patterns & clothing interaction. Once a theory (Riley alone & drunk, tumbled down the embankment into water deep enough to carry him away from shore) is widely accepted, it feels like sometimes subsequent info is bent or filled in to fit the narrative; i.e. Debit card on the bank? It fell out of his pocket. Rough terrain and underbrush on the bank? He rolled over and through it to the river's edge. Socks on but boots off? The water woke him up enough to remove his boots (but only after he was in water deep enough to whisk him away). Pants & belt missing? He must've undone them before the fall, and currents did the rest.

All of these explanations may well prove to be true, but it's a lot for me to accept without more evidence. And if it's hard for me - an unknown reader of the story - I can absolutely see why the family needs more.

While I think a scuffle with an unknown party is possible, I still lean mostly toward accidental fall into the river - I'd just like to actually see how it was possible at the point closest to where he was last seen. JMO.

Agree with all. Although accidental fall into the river with subsequent drowning seems likely, if the family wants to probe further to put their own minds at rest, now is the time to do it, rather than years from now.

 

[branmuffin]

Agree with all. Although accidental fall into the river with subsequent drowning seems likely, if the family wants to probe further to put their own minds at rest, now is the time to do it, rather than years from now.

While I agree that an accidental fall is likely the reason why Riley fell down the embankment and into the river I doubt the family will ever accept that explanation. And they aren't alone, thousands of families wrestle with the whys for the rest of their lives. A simple explanation just won't do, which is why one of the mothers of the six boys who stole a boat in March in Ontario nearly thirty years ago clings to the belief her son is somewhere living his life.

However, believing foul play played a part in Riley's demise can only be entertained while you have the funds to pay for private investigations. Unless a PI can provide salient evidence of an interaction with an unknown individual to point LE into further investigation, his death will be listed as an accidental drowning while impaired.

Even family members of a suicide grapple with their deaths because they gave no indication they planned on ending their lives. Around 20% of suicides leave notes because it's impossible to explain for so many.

 

[Trebor5591]

This entire post is MOO.
I followed the news concerning Riley while he was missing, but stopped following this case after his body was pulled from the Cumberland River. I just assumed he accidentally drowned, although the fact that his bank card had been found near the river didn't really didn't fit into an accidental drowning scenario. I just learned that:
1) Riley had no water in his lungs
2) He was not wearing his boots or trousers when found
3) His wallet has not been found
4) Bank card found on the bank of the river (already been mentioned.

My assumption has moved from accidental drowning to foul play based on this information. I am not too surprised, for I have been to Nashville many times and know it to be a very dangerous place for anyone, let alone for a lone inebriated person walking around lost. Unfortunately, there are two-legged predators everywhere in that city, looking for victims to rob. Naïve young people make a grave mistake in coming to Nashville to drink and party. People visiting Nashville should never walk around alone, especially at night. Stay together. Watch out for each other. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is just IMO.

My condolences to Riley's friends and family and I pray the culprit(s) are found.

Family friend: We don't believe Riley Strain just fell into the river

The last known person to speak with Riley Strain has given authorities a statement about what happened that night, Strain’s family says.

www.newsnationnow.com

Last known person to speak with Riley Strain comes forward to cops: This is ‘huge’

Raily Strain’s family do not believe he fell into the river.

nypost.com

 

[SMK777]

While I agree that an accidental fall is likely the reason why Riley fell down the embankment and into the river I doubt the family will ever accept that explanation. And they aren't alone, thousands of families wrestle with the whys for the rest of their lives. A simple explanation just won't do, which is why one of the mothers of the six boys who stole a boat in March in Ontario nearly thirty years ago clings to the belief her son is somewhere living his life.

However, believing foul play played a part in Riley's demise can only be entertained while you have the funds to pay for private investigations. Unless a PI can provide salient evidence of an interaction with an unknown individual to point LE into further investigation, his death will be listed as an accidental drowning while impaired.

Even family members of a suicide grapple with their deaths because they gave no indication they planned on ending their lives. Around 20% of suicides leave notes because it's impossible to explain for so many.

All true.
Apparently the witness who saw Riley — and it’s been said that a second is coming forward— gave a formal statement to a police detective. It will be their job to follow through and decide whether it’s the huge development family think it is. I’m hoping law enforcement will eventually make some kind of statement after follow up investigation is complete.

 

[Sundog]

Investigation into Riley Strain’s death remains open, police conduct more interviews​

Police said one person was interviewed on Monday and another person was also interviewed.​

View attachment 496666

Investigation into Riley Strain’s death remains open, police conduct more interviews

Police said one person was interviewed on Monday and another person was also interviewed.

www.wsmv.com

So it seems that the reason why LE have not given the family access to some of the surveillance video is because it is from security video cameras that are on a detention center and the video is owned by the Sheriff's Department. Makes sense. But I hope they can get access to it so they have that piece of the puzzle.

 

[Ressler]

I was a viewer on these live-streaming searches for Riley. I observed a woman while searching with another woman discover RS debit card. Multiple homeless people were interacting with the searchers. One day emergency services pulled up and retrieved a person that was unresponsive down one of the embankments. Another evening a person was pulled out of the water. On another day, a body was found floating down the river which I overheard a person say in the stream it was not Riley. Then RS was found and LE made their statement prior to the autopsy. Accidental or not, there were a few people that claimed to be in the area at the time. If there are possible witnesses to a death, shouldn’t they be interviewed? The family deserves a thorough investigation to give them some closure. There was so much happening in this small area. I don’t blame the family for asking questions. This is just my opinion coming from someone who was watching countless hours of these livestreams taking place in the area where RS was last seen.

I don’t know if this allowed or already been brought up. Weeks ago, I had found footage of the night RS disappeared. There were multiple people under the bridge on Woodland St. One person I observed walking in what would’ve been the direction RS was going. Somebody may be able to give the family more info to help the family understand. If it was an accident as police are claiming, then that person/persons has nothing to worry about. They should speak up to help this mother. There is no pain like losing a child so maybe not all will understand but just maybe have some compassion and patience. JMO.

 

[Janitor101]

I'm very interested in the results regarding fall patterns & clothing interaction. Once a theory (Riley alone & drunk, tumbled down the embankment into water deep enough to carry him away from shore) is widely accepted, it feels like sometimes subsequent info is bent or filled in to fit the narrative; i.e. Debit card on the bank? It fell out of his pocket. Rough terrain and underbrush on the bank? He rolled over and through it to the river's edge. Socks on but boots off? The water woke him up enough to remove his boots (but only after he was in water deep enough to whisk him away). Pants & belt missing? He must've undone them before the fall, and currents did the rest.

All of these explanations may well prove to be true, but it's a lot for me to accept without more evidence. And if it's hard for me - an unknown reader of the story - I can absolutely see why the family needs more.

While I think a scuffle with an unknown party is possible, I still lean mostly toward accidental fall into the river - I'd just like to actually see how it was possible at the point closest to where he was last seen. JMO.

I recall the Cumberland River was moving 3.81 feet per second the day Riley disappeared. That's pretty darned fast, and water entering his boots and eventually yanking his boots after 2 wks in the river doesn't surprise me that much.

I also recall the noise Riley's boots were making as he clomped along the sidewalk and past that lone police officer. I thought then his boots seemed "loose"

Were his boots a half-size larger than his actual shoe size? This would have also assisted the river current in ripping off his boots as well as maybe Riley possibly loosening them if he had a chance in the river.

JMO

 

[Tutter]

This entire post is MOO.
I followed the news concerning Riley while he was missing, but stopped following this case after his body was pulled from the Cumberland River. I just assumed he accidentally drowned, although the fact that his bank card had been found near the river didn't really didn't fit into an accidental drowning scenario. I just learned that:
1) Riley had no water in his lungs
2) He was not wearing his boots or trousers when found
3) His wallet has not been found
4) Bank card found on the bank of the river (already been mentioned.

My assumption has moved from accidental drowning to foul play based on this information. I am not too surprised, for I have been to Nashville many times and know it to be a very dangerous place for anyone, let alone for a lone inebriated person walking around lost. Unfortunately, there are two-legged predators everywhere in that city, looking for victims to rob. Naïve young people make a grave mistake in coming to Nashville to drink and party. People visiting Nashville should never walk around alone, especially at night. Stay together. Watch out for each other. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is just IMO.

My condolences to Riley's friends and family and I pray the culprit(s) are found.

Family friend: We don't believe Riley Strain just fell into the river

The last known person to speak with Riley Strain has given authorities a statement about what happened that night, Strain’s family says.

www.newsnationnow.com

Last known person to speak with Riley Strain comes forward to cops: This is ‘huge’

Raily Strain’s family do not believe he fell into the river.

nypost.com

I want to add that he had no injuries per both preliminary autopsies. Curious; if he did fall down, which was on video, and is that consistent with a fall into the river and even injuries from current and debris that pulled his jeans and boots off? ( but left his socks and underwear)

Did his body appear to have been in the water 2 weeks?

 

[Sjöberg]

Somebody may be able to give the family more info to help the family understand. If it was an accident as police are claiming, then that person/persons has nothing to worry about.

Unfortunately, that's not really true. The family are desperately looking for a crime, a reason, a culprit, someone to direct their emotions to.
I cannot blame strangers who either witnessed nothing or at least have no hard evidence of what they did witness, for not wanting to offer themselves up for that.

So far, there has been nothing pointing at foul play, other than possibly the unfound wallet.
The wallet had cards that have never been used. Bodies in water loose pants and boots quite often. Or are we seriously discussing a possible criminal attack where someone forced Riley to strip off his pants and boots to... steal them ? and then for good measure also stealing the wallet... but never even trying to use any of the cards there, just liked the look of the wallet? And then instead of shooting him or similar strangled him in a way that would not show up on an autopsy and then disposed of this adult male body in the river and no-one saw or heard anything during neither the strip-off nor the murder nor the disposal? I mean crazier things have happened but I'm not placing my bets on that option just yet.

 

[Ressler]

Unfortunately, that's not really true. The family are desperately looking for a crime, a reason, a culprit, someone to direct their emotions to.
I cannot blame strangers who either witnessed nothing or at least have no hard evidence of what they did witness, for not wanting to offer themselves up for that.

So far, there has been nothing pointing at foul play, other than possibly the unfound wallet.
The wallet had cards that have never been used. Bodies in water loose pants and boots quite often. Or are we seriously discussing a possible criminal attack where someone forced Riley to strip off his pants and boots to... steal them ? and then for good measure also stealing the wallet... but never even trying to use any of the cards there, just liked the look of the wallet? And then instead of shooting him or similar strangled him in a way that would not show up on an autopsy and then disposed of this adult male body in the river and no-one saw or heard anything during neither the strip-off nor the murder nor the disposal? I mean crazier things have happened but I'm not placing my bets on that option just yet.

I believe the family friend mentioned that RS might’ve kept his wallet in the front pocket of his jeans. That jeans were assumed to be removed by the current so that is self explanatory.

Regarding the debit card, RS might’ve slipped it in his front pocket while he paid his tab when being removed from the bar. Footage from the bar would show that. The card might’ve slipped out if he leaned forward to vomit.

*Did RS have cash on hand? That would be a motive and it’s untraceable. Was there a recent cash withdrawal prior to RS disappearance.

Whether RS fell into the river or was pushed by another individual, do you think it would show in autopsy? If he were that inebriated as it is claimed, I assume there wouldn’t be much of a struggle. I’m assuming the family wants to know where RS fell in. Might be helpful with matching his injuries, location of where he was found, etc. I don’t necessarily view the family asking questions as looking to blame anyone at the moment. (Maybe the media might be portraying it as that.) They might need more information to conduct testing which will in turn get answers to their questions that have not been answered. JMO

Eta grammar

 

[Sundog]

I believe the family friend mentioned that RS might’ve kept his wallet in the front pocket of his jeans. That jeans were assumed to be removed by the current so that is self explanatory.

Regarding the debit card, RS might’ve slipped it in his front pocket while he paid his tab when being removed from the bar. Footage from the bar would show that. The card might’ve slipped out if he leaned forward to vomit.

*Did RS have cash on hand? That would be a motive and it’s untraceable. Was there a recent cash withdrawal prior to RS disappearance.

Whether RS fell into the river or was pushed by another individual, do you think it would show in autopsy? If he were that inebriated as it is claimed, I assume there wouldn’t be much of a struggle. I’m assuming the family wants to know where RS fell in. Might be helpful with matching his injuries, location of where he was found, etc. I don’t necessarily view the family asking questions as looking to blame anyone at the moment. (Maybe the media might be portraying it as that.) They might need more information to conduct testing which will in turn get answers to their questions that have not been answered. JMO

Eta grammar

Well said. The family are trying to get the facts of what happened to Riley. I would do the same thing. Nothing to do with "stages of grieving," just normal reaction to the loss of a loved one. I'm glad they have so many people helping them on site in Nashville and back at home. And their PI and family spokesman are both doing a great job as well.

 

[GeorgiaRai]

I’m assuming the family wants to know where RS fell in. Might be helpful with matching his injuries, location of where he was found, etc. I don’t necessarily view the family asking questions as looking to blame anyone at the moment. (Maybe the media might be portraying it as that.) They might need more information to conduct testing which will in turn get answers to their questions that have not been answered. JMO

[snipped by me]
Very well said; I completely agree. That they have questions is absolutely understandable; I feel it's way too soon to say they'll never accept the answers once they find them. More than anything, I hope they get to a place of peace, even in their grief.

 

[LadyL]

Unfortunately, that's not really true. The family are desperately looking for a crime, a reason, a culprit, someone to direct their emotions to.
I cannot blame strangers who either witnessed nothing or at least have no hard evidence of what they did witness, for not wanting to offer themselves up for that.

So far, there has been nothing pointing at foul play, other than possibly the unfound wallet.
The wallet had cards that have never been used. Bodies in water loose pants and boots quite often. Or are we seriously discussing a possible criminal attack where someone forced Riley to strip off his pants and boots to... steal them ? and then for good measure also stealing the wallet... but never even trying to use any of the cards there, just liked the look of the wallet? And then instead of shooting him or similar strangled him in a way that would not show up on an autopsy and then disposed of this adult male body in the river and no-one saw or heard anything during neither the strip-off nor the murder nor the disposal? I mean crazier things have happened but I'm not placing my bets on that option just yet.

and not stealing his expensive Apple watch, which was still on his wrist when he was found

 

[SMK777]

and not stealing his expensive Apple watch, which was still on his wrist when he was found

Yes, the watch not being taken, no activity on the cards, no knife or gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma kind of point away from foul play — at least on the surface.

 

[Cassady]

Hi Everyone,

I am Steve Fischer, the private investigator for Riley's family. I am dedicated to collecting all available evidence in this case. The family is grieving deeply and misses Riley immensely. While I do not have any proof of foul play to date, I've promised to exhaust every lead to ensure a comprehensive presentation to the family, allowing them to draw their own conclusions.

We're awaiting toxicology results from both autopsies. I've been collaborating closely with the Colonel of the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, particularly regarding surveillance from the Birch Building. Later today,I have a call to discuss possible surveillance footage with Marathon Oil's General Counsel, given the proximity of their facility to where Riley's phone last pinged.

Our investigation will also encompass obtaining more witness statements and may include tests involving life-size dummies to analyze fall patterns and clothing's interaction with water currents over time.

The investigation will the meticulous and driven by evidence. My aim is to provide Riley's family with peace of mind and clarity. Thank you for keeping Riley and his family in your thoughts.

Best regards, Steve Fischer, Missing Persons Private Investigator, Search and Rescue Specialist. SF_investigates

Mr. Fischer:

Thank you for assisting the family with this situation. I am empathetic to what they are going through, as my sister's teenage boy went missing and was later found deceased in water under very suspicious circmstances over 30 yeears ago.

I was practicing law in MInnesotsa in the 2000's when a series of college age men fron Minnesota and Wisconsin went missing. Some of them were found in water and a few were never found. Always a similar scenario: college age males drinking; get separated from friends; disappears; often found in water. There are similar reports of cases like this all over the country.

The toxicology reports are key, re BAC and precense of substances like GHB and other incapacitating drugs.

Also, look up the studies on "dry drowning" or drowning without aspiration. I posted some of these in early threads for Riley. It is commonly mistated in the media and even by cororners and others that it happens in 15-20% of drowning cases. However, studies in the last 30 years have shown that number to be much lower than the studies from the 1930"s estimated...perhaps a low as 2-3% of drownings. These newer studies also suggest that in those case there may well be natural or other causes of death involved besides drowning and that those other causes should be ruled out.

IMO

I hope you are able to find out enough information to give the family the answers they deserve.