TX - James, 48 & Michelle Butler, 46, driving RV to Fort Lauderdale from Corpus Christi, 14 Oct 2019

[MimosaMornings]

The pier is near the rv park isn’t it?

 

[truetexan]

Second body found as authorities search the 'Bowl' south of Bob Hall Pier

It was Sunday evening when investigators say they responded to the area between Mile Markers 263 and 264, an opening in the sand dunes commonly known as "the bowl", after a cellphone believed to belong to a missing man and woman pinged in the area. According to a press release from the Kleberg County Sheriff's Office, 48-year-old James Butler and 46-year-old Michelle Butler have not been heard from since Oct. 14.

 

[Third Coast Gal]

The pier is near the rv park isn’t it?

I believe that the bodies were found somewhat near the pier but not anywhere near an RV park.

 

[truetexan]

They had been staying at the Padre Bali Park...they checked out and went south

 

[MimosaMornings]

Google Maps

Bob Hall Pier

 

[truetexan]

Google Maps

Bob Hall Pier

That is where they had reportedly checked out of just prior to changing locations

 

[MimosaMornings]

In the comments section of one of the news stories I read a few days ago, someone posted that the beaches in Corpus Christi can be dangerous. I had no idea.
Any locals on here can confirm that? (We were going birding near there next month in our rv, but will reconsider now)

Birding on the Texas Coast - Brazosport

 

[Third Coast Gal]

Mimosa, I don’t want to discourage you! Corpus beaches are absolutely safe and fun in the daylight. The area RV parks are luxurious, cozy and secure. And there are also some rich birding areas inside the city and areas in the opposite direction of the beach.

 

[MimosaMornings]

I’m not discouraged! Been to CC a few times (no camping - hotel/vrbo) Port A area. Mostly fishing trips. Would def utilize one of the rv parks versus pulling camper down the beach in the sand. Just need to be aware of your surroundings.

 

[Tripod]

Following this sad, sad story. Prayers ascending.

 

[Seajay]

It really is very disturbing that this couple were full of life, minding their own business and doing what they wanted to do and not getting in anyone’s way and they are disappeared, their RV taken to another country.

My boyfriend and I planned on doing the same thing, seeing the United States, traveling, meeting people and having an amazing adventure. How freeing it would feel, to be on the open road and stop whenever and wherever we wanted.

Such an innocent pastime and thing to do. It’s sad that people aren’t safe doing that. The Butlers need justice for what happened to them.

 

[JerseyGirl]

This story just makes me want to cry, these two beautiful human beings not bothering anyone, just enjoying an early retirement life, and I cant help but think of the 3 cats running scared in the open hot Texas sun, not safe in the RV.

 

[BlkMtnGirl]

Updated: 11:42 PM EDT Oct 28, 2019 NH News Interview with family.Truck and RV crossed into Mexico with a male driver not the missing couple driving. Oct 21 at midnight Missing New Hampshire couple last seen at Padre Balli Park

We need to collectively remember there is a FB group mentioned in that article, "361 Off-Road Rescue" group. From the article, the group is "A lot of [people] with Jeeps, Broncos and Blazers and all kinds of trucks that monitor the Facebook page of posts of people who have gotten in trouble off road," Ream said. "And they will go day or night to rescue."

That might come in handy later in other cases where people are missing off-road. (As long as local LE allows it.)

 

[zecats]

This story just makes me want to cry, these two beautiful human beings not bothering anyone, just enjoying an early retirement life, and I cant help but think of the 3 cats running scared in the open hot Texas sun, not safe in the RV.

I'm thinking whoever took the truck and RV didn't even realize at first that there were animals in the camper. I agree with you...it makes me so sad to think of their lives being destroyed as well.

I hope the person (people) who did this are caught and brought to whatever kind of justice is required as punishment for this horrific crime.

 

[JerseyGirl]

I'm thinking whoever took the truck and RV didn't even realize at first that there were animals in the camper. I agree with you...it makes me so sad to think of their lives being destroyed as well.

I hope the person (people) who did this are caught and brought to whatever kind of justice is required as punishment for this horrific crime.

I know, I'm imaging a ruckus in the trailer and the cats ran out and scattered, maybe they hid in the RV and are now homeless in Mexico. Those poor babies. So much going on here, my heart breaks.

 

[JerseyGirl]

They have listed James and Michelle's ages and I updated the title:

James & Michelle Butler Missing: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know | Heavy.com

 

[zecats]

I know, I'm imaging a ruckus in the trailer and the cats ran out and scattered, maybe they hid in the RV and are now homeless in Mexico. Those poor babies. So much going on here, my heart breaks.

Or possibly Michelle and James were sitting outside (are bonfires allowed there?) And if so, sitting by the fire or the water when attacked, truck and trailer stolen, cats not even discovered til later. That might explain why their bodies (if theirs) were discovered down the beach from the camping spot.

I can't stand thinking about any of it. I'm headed home to hug my kitties now.

 

[kentuckybound]

You went thru Texas from NC to MI? That must have been a heck of a road trip.

They were headed to Florida to workcamp (working for your RV space and sometimes pay). No word on what they were doing in Texas but I can bet they were doing the same there also. My husband and I workcamped in Texas for 5 years. There is a huge community online for this type of fulltime RV living.

 

[kentuckybound]

Is camping on the beach free?

You have to buy a season pass to enter certain areas of the beach. I believe it's $16 for the season. They would have been "boondocking" meaning no power, water or sewer of course but I'm sure they had a generator.

 

[roguelady]

You have to buy a season pass to enter certain areas of the beach. I believe it's $16 for the season. They would have been "boondocking" meaning no power, water or sewer of course but I'm sure they had a generator.

Does anyone know how they would have accessed the beach where they were last seen? Would they have driven along the beach or are there roads through the dunes that cut over to the beach. I'm just trying to get a picture of how easy or difficult it would be for criminals to ambush unsuspecting campers.