CA CA - John Beck, 73, Alameda, 9 Feb 2016 #1

[SCHMAE]

One problem with something like psychosis ( uti theory ) is that his behavior would be so bizarre that anyone he encountered would certainly know something was going on and call for help. Untreated, that behavior would get worse after some days. There is just no way that I can believe he's anywhere near others and those others are not aware that this man needs help. So, I go back and forth on that one.

I'm sure this was covered days ago but does John have any medical conditions, even slight? Most folks that age are on a few meds for this or that and not necessarily serious concerns. But let's say he took something for cholesterol and now has not had that in over a week. Might there be any side effects from stopping any meds cold turkey when he left ? Sorry to ramble, just thinking out loud .

 

[Elainera]

Does John have sunglasses with him? (are his missing from the home?) If yes, and if he wears them, people might be less likely to recognize him from the photos on the flyers. Maybe add one with his sunglasses on too (if indeed he carries them with him)?

 

[DANI24]

I'm a local (live in the East Bay), and have been watching this story. My gut tells me he was never intending to come home. It doesn't sound like any return directions were found on his computer either.

A few questions... When the dogs were brought out to search, did they pick up any scent of John? Did they check along where he was seen on the trail in the Instagram photo and did they get a hit? I wonder if it's possible that his scent had just dissipated by then.

Also, did you ever have any luck getting surveillance footage from BART? Did anything at all turn up? Even if we already know he left BART, it could be helpful to see another video/picture -- it could provide other clues as to his mood, if he was carrying anything else, etc.

Lastly, has anyone been on his exact train (the 9:06 to Millbrae) to pass out flyers? That's right at the edge of commute time, and during those times the trains tend to have the same passengers on them day after day. Even more, passengers tend to line up at the same doors, ride in the same car, and even sit in the same seat (if they can manage) day after day. I'd suggest riding that 9:06 train on Tuesday morning, and talking to passengers. Maybe have a few people to spread out along the train (because you'll only have 15 minutes or so until it hits Montgomery, where it appears he may have got off based on the cached image). Perhaps someone saw him, and can provide clues on how he was acting, if he spoke to anyone (e.g. asked someone a question about directions or where to get lunch, for instance), etc. When you're used to the same people on your train everyday, sometimes a new face stands out. Though, passengers are also notorious for zoning out while they ride. But it only takes one person to have noticed something. Get off at Montgomery and chat with people hanging around the station, or just outside the station, or standing at whatever bus stop you think he used. If you haven't ridden the bus you think he might have taken, I'd try the same there as well

ETA: Maybe have a sign on a stick with his picture and a "did you see this man on your commute on 2/9?" That you carry with you. People will look up at your sign, even if you aren't talking to them. And perhaps it will jog their memory and they'll approach you (making your job much easier).

 

[Timekeeper65]

DANI, GREAT first post.

:Welcome1:

 

[Lilibet]

There's some great thinking going on here today!!

One problem with something like psychosis ( uti theory ) is that his behavior would be so bizarre that anyone he encountered would certainly know something was going on and call for help. Untreated, that behavior would get worse after some days. There is just no way that I can believe he's anywhere near others and those others are not aware that this man needs help. So, I go back and forth on that one.

I'm sure this was covered days ago but does John have any medical conditions, even slight? Most folks that age are on a few meds for this or that and not necessarily serious concerns. But let's say he took something for cholesterol and now has not had that in over a week. Might there be any side effects from stopping any meds cold turkey when he left ? Sorry to ramble, just thinking out loud .

That's a good thought about the UTI. I agree that by now, or even sooner, it would have been noticeable.

John was said to be without any "medical ailments that would cause him to become disoriented and lose his memory." That tells me he probably has some minor issues that many of us in that age range have. So you raise a good point about stopping meds cold turkey. That motivates me to run a check on the meds I take.

I assume that walk in/urgent care clinics have been canvassed.

Does John have sunglasses with him? (are his missing from the home?) If yes, and if he wears them, people might be less likely to recognize him from the photos on the flyers. Maybe add one with his sunglasses on too (if indeed he carries them with him)?

A strap was seen in the Lands End photo that matches the glasses case in another photo, so he may have sunglasses with him if he wears them. I have a faint recollection that he doesn't, but Joy would know. If he does, your idea is excellent!

 

[pappa rob]

Welcome Dani24.

 

[Lilibet]

:welcome: What a helpful first post! Keep them coming.

My answers would be guesses, so we will wait for Joy. You make excellent points. Thank you so much, Dani!

BBM

I'm a local (live in the East Bay), and have been watching this story. My gut tells me he was never intending to come home. It doesn't sound like any return directions were found on his computer either.

A few questions... When the dogs were brought out to search, did they pick up any scent of John? Did they check along where he was seen on the trail in the Instagram photo and did they get a hit? I wonder if it's possible that his scent had just dissipated by then.

Also, did you ever have any luck getting surveillance footage from BART? Did anything at all turn up? Even if we already know he left BART, it could be helpful to see another video/picture -- it could provide other clues as to his mood, if he was carrying anything else, etc.

Lastly, has anyone been on his exact train (the 9:06 to Millbrae) to pass out flyers? That's right at the edge of commute time, and during those times the trains tend to have the same passengers on them day after day. Even more, passengers tend to line up at the same doors, ride in the same car, and even sit in the same seat (if they can manage) day after day. I'd suggest riding that 9:06 train on Tuesday morning, and talking to passengers. Maybe have a few people to spread out along the train (because you'll only have 15 minutes or so until it hits Montgomery, where it appears he may have got off based on the cached image). Perhaps someone saw him, and can provide clues on how he was acting, if he spoke to anyone (e.g. asked someone a question about directions or where to get lunch, for instance), etc. When you're used to the same people on your train everyday, sometimes a new face stands out. Though, passengers are also notorious for zoning out while they ride. But it only takes one person to have noticed something. Get off at Montgomery and chat with people hanging around the station, or just outside the station, or standing at whatever bus stop you think he used. If you haven't ridden the bus you think he might have taken, I'd try the same there as well

ETA: Maybe have a sign on a stick with his picture and a "did you see this man on your commute on 2/9?" That you carry with you. People will look up at your sign, even if you aren't talking to them. And perhaps it will jog their memory and they'll approach you (making your job much easier).

 

[Lilibet]

OT--Persimmon, I didn't recognize you at first. Cute new avatar! Is that your pup?

 

[persimmon]

OT--Persimmon, I didn't recognize you at first. Cute new avatar! Is that your pup?

Thanks! Yes, this is Oliver.

 

[Lilibet]

Thanks! Yes, this is Oliver.

Adorable! Hi Oliver. :seeya:

 

[misshissy]

From reading the banruptcy laws of CA, his home would have been worth much more than the amount allowed.

Somewhere I believe many of us have heard that in a bankruptcy you get to keep your house. Unfortunately, that is not necessarily the case. In my state, one can only have so much equity in the house to keep it! Believe me when I say the amount is so low, in today's market, it would be a junker.

The value of the house has nothing to do with how much equity you have in it. You may have $60,000 equity in a house worth $60,000 (100% equity) or you may have $5,000 equity in a $500,000 house. You may have a low equity even though you have paid on the house for 30 years because you may have taken out home equity loans or refinanced the house multiple times.

 

[Deleted member 165632]

My family and I only made it 12 days into my cousin missing before we found her body. But we were definitely weary and worn. So many rumors and sightings and this clue and that clue and that lead and a lead there and there. We were lucky to have closure. I guess. As lucky as finding her dead body can be.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Tssiemer,
I'm very sorry for your loss! :rose:

 

[Deleted member 165632]

I've been watching this thread about John as it's semi-local to me, just lurking/hoping he is found. Today I walked the Lands End trail from the Sutro Baths to Baker Beach, under the Golden Gate and back down thru Presidio, ending at Fisherman's Wharf. It was about 8 miles, lots of stairways, quite a bit of exercise. I thought about John the whole time, looked at everyone I passed and scanned the area for clues. I saw the posters for John along the way and a few times I noticed people were pointing them out and talking about them. It was a beautiful day and a LOT of people were out and about. Lots of rugged terrain around, but plenty of people everywhere. If he had fallen or was hurt along the trail or the surrounding cliffs someone probably would have found him. I wish I had something concrete to add, the only thing I can add is my hopes and prayers that he is found soon.

Hi Secrett, like so many others have mentioned, it is great to see that you as a local were thinking and looking for John as you walked. That is concrete enough and it helps so many who are not close to know that others are there looking. Thank you so much for sharing and I also send my hopes and prayers that he is found soon. I really hoped over the weekend that he would be found in Sebastopol.

 

[Deleted member 165632]

Catching up on posts. DANI24, welcome to the thread and great 1st post.

I have nothing to add to the thread, just sending prayers & hope to his family.

 

[JoyM]

I completely agree with your "the rest of the story" sentiment. I understand why the individual, the family, and their friends would rather not publicly disclose what led to their disappearance, as I can imagine their reasons were deeply personal. They have no obligation to talk about it and the most important thing is that they've been found, but I do think it could help others who are going thru a similar situation if they did.

I'd be happy to share everything with you guys, but the problem is that it is an ongoing legal action, and we've been advised it's unwise to speak about it publicly. John's wife still has to continue with this case. I'm sorry, I just can't share more.

 

[JoyM]

I have been following but was hesitant to mention something I have been thinking about. Since the conversation has veered in this direction now though, I thought I would ask. If John were deceased and the house is in both his and his wife's names, wouldn't the house revert solely to his wife's ownership? If so, could he have sacrificed himself so she would not lose the home?

I hope my speculation is off base and he comes home soon!

I can say that the bankruptcy process will continue with or without John--his disappearance changes nothing. The bankruptcy is in process. The case is in the appeals stage. If that does not proceed, the existing judgment stands.

 

[JoyM]

A few scattered thoughts...
I assume his social security number is being monitored somehow? Just in case he opens a credit card account, rents an apartment, etc.

Yes, we'd be alerted of any activity.

We've flyered the cable cars. Thank you for these thoughts!

 

[JoyM]

Hi Sleuths!

Just an FYI I'm back at my day job this week, so my responses will be briefer, and I probably will only answer the questions I can and not respond to each new idea--although please know we are reading all of them and adding them to our list!

Today, we do not have a physical search party, but volunteers are continuing to search instagram (we're widened the lens of the search), we're continuing to reach out to shelters & mental institutions & visiting pawn shops.

The big news of the day is that we finally have word about the golden gate bridge footage from that day. :cheer:
The bridge police searched the footage until 7 PM on 2/9 (at which time the bridge is closed to pedestrians), and they did not see John. We are concentrating on San Francisco for now. (We have also heard that there is an older man in Sebastopol who often wears the same hat as John, so we're not certain of that sighting.)

Thank you, as always, for your support and your thoughts. Please know that I'll still be reading everything, even if I have to be a bit stingier with my posts.

 

[JoyM]

It seems like John just reached a breaking point prior to that Monday where he had been thru so much with the FTA, that walking into the bankruptcy court, was one step too much for him.

He had worked all his life and to face loosing it was too much for him to bare. At least in that courtroom. He knew what was going to happen, he just could not stand hearing it stated/read out loud. John was embarrassed, humiliated, deflated, defeated, felt he had failed his family, was questioning himself as to how this had happened, and on and on.

He had planned not to go to court as evident from his computer searches. Does Joy have the dates his searches were done to see how long this plan had been in his mind?

How was his demeanor over the weekend prior to him going missing? Was anything notable from Sunday?

If he was going to harm himself, why did he research these places he traveled to? Two weeks tomorrow, Monday, is a long time to be on foot going from place to place. I am not sure harming himself is his intent.

My opinions only.

The web searches were from that morning.
It's important to note that this appointment was not a final or determinative one, but rather one in a long ongoing series of meetings.
His family knew he was anxious about the situation but saw no evidence he was contemplating something like this.

Thank you for your thoughts!

 

[JoyM]

Was he being represented in the bankruptcy proceedings?

Yes, he had legal representation.