In my view, there appears to be a disconnect between the vulnerability Pheobe may have experienced around the time of her disappearance and the insights that are now emerging through her communications.
Pheobe’s voice is incredibly important, and it is only recently that extended family and friends have shared text messages that shed light on her state of mind. Two such messages have reportedly surfaced in the media - one sent to a friend and another to her aunt, where she expressed a strong desire to leave her living situation.
For example, Carolea “Caz” Johnson stated on The Project that 17-year-old Pheobe described her living arrangement with Tanika Bromley and James Wood as “a hell hole” she wanted to escape (7 News, 29 May). In response, Pheobe’s mother, Kylie Johnson, disagreed with the portrayal and called the interview misleading (7 News, 29 May).
I believe the details of how Pheobe came to be in that living arrangement are private and, like many families, there may have been challenges. However, from a broader perspective, I wonder whether aspects of the family dynamics may have contributed to a lack of clarity early on, potentially limiting the flow of information needed to support the investigation effectively.
If Pheobe’s living circumstances and experiences were relevant to understanding her disappearance, then more openness at the outset might have provided police, and the public a clearer basis to help.
Detective Acting Inspector Ryan Thompson has emphasized the importance of public input in tracing Pheobe’s movements on May 15, saying: “You may have the small piece of information that leads us to finding Pheobe… People don’t vanish—someone knows something” (QLD Police Media Update, 22 May).
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. In a drunken rage again always easier to speak more than necessary .
