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

[JoyM]

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Is John religious or practicing of any specific religion?
Does John have grandchildren? If so, is there anyway an appeal from family, including the kids could help lure him home (maybe he feels guilty or that he has burdened family for the past business/legal matters?)
Does John have a drivers licence and if so - could he rent a car (I know he doesn't have known cash on him and there is no credit card activity?)
Could he have another credit card that no one is aware of? Maybe pull his credit to see about recent inquiries?

Quick answers! I'm going to fall asleep soon, but I want to get through as much as I can. I'll finish the rest tomorrow.
--John wasn't particularly religious. He was kind and thoughtful but he didn't attend services regularly.
--Yes, he has four grandchildren. He's not a social media type so I'm not sure how to get a direct appeal to him, but his kids have definitely been on TV, saying how much they miss him.
--He does have a driver's license, but no rental activity on his credit cards. (Or activity of any kind)
--His finances are carefully monitored due to the bankruptcy proceedings, so he would not be able to open a new credit card without attracting attention.

Thanks!

 

[JoyM]

I'm really stumped. I have to wonder if something is going on as it's been really quiet on the FB page and people are asking for updates without being answered.

If not and they have hit a wall and are regrouping, I agree that they need to start over from scratch at Lands End and see where it takes them. Yes to Texas Equuasearch. Let us know what you need.

I'm so sorry. Prayers for all.

Thank you Lilibet! I promise, as soon as we have any news, I will update you all here! We are quiet because we are thinking and regrouping--we're not sure how best to talk about days when we've followed leads but nothing has panned out. It feels like this is a new phase of the search and we have to figure out how it works.

Yes! I know we've asked LE about Texas Equuasearch twice, but I don't believe they've contacted him yet. I'll remind John's daughter to bring this up when she speaks to the detective in charge of the investigation tomorrow.

 

[JoyM]

That could have been said a little more tactfully!

I couldn't agree more. :notgood:

 

[JoyM]

You are probably correct. A house can be rebuilt and replaced....a Gpa John can never be replaced to those grandchildren who love him dearly.

This, one thousand times. No one in the family would hesitate for a fraction of a second over that choice. If they lost the house any one of the kids would be happy to take them in, as would John's brother or his wife's sister.

 

[JoyM]

You are right, what the Lt. of the Alameda Police said could have been said more tactfully. I'm not as experienced as other WSers, so I wonder how some of you feel about that determination, "voluntary missing person." In your experiences, does that mean a police dept doesn't search as much for the person? I'm out of my depth here.

In addition, I wished the article had flushed that out a little more, like why the police classified it as that. Aside from the obvious, the police must have more info and made a conclusion...
I'm just asking questions and wondering what you all think... thnx

As far as I know, it's only the obvious. He was seen on security footage getting on BART of his own volition. There's no evidence of foul play.

My brother in law is a detective upstate and he said that the police have their hands full with foul play cases, and that's their top priority. Unless there's evidence of foul play, it's hard to motivate them to do much unless you find a solid clue and there's a good chance there might be a closure in it for them. I assume that's why we were able to get the search dogs after we found the instagram photo. unfortunately, from what we've heard, they were there on the last day there was any hope they'd catch a scent, and it was just too late.

 

[JoyM]

Disclaimer: My default position is to assume that LE doesn't make the determination "voluntary missing person" lightly. If they just casually use that label and it turns out to be wrong, it wouldn't be pretty. So, I do believe that LE has more information that leads them to that conclusion about John. As a consequence, they will not use quite as many resources as they would if they believed he was missing involuntarily. They do have to prioritize their resources, but I'm sure Alameda PD isn't just pulling completely out of the case. It's a delicate balance.

We heard "voluntary missing person" as soon as the BART footage was found, which was the second or third day (well before we got the photo, which right when we released it to the public, can't remember the day.) We're also working with a tiny police department. LE's work on the case stopped between early Friday and late Monday the week he went missing because the detective in charge was out of town for the president's day weekend. I have to imagine the way he's been (wrongly, in my opinion) painted in the papers hasn't helped either.

Also, it's likely that 73 year old man near the end of his life may be a lower priority than a teen at the beginning of hers. Police departments don't have unlimited resources and they've got to choose where to focus their time and energy.

 

[JoyM]

I agree with you, my position is also to trust that the police have investigated and come to that conclusion. Thanks for sharing the Hannah Thomas-Garner story. In John Beck's case, I'm inclined to think that the police did investigate as thoroughly as they could. This is a high profile case involving a publicized FTC legal battle. I can't imagine local police didn't do a thorough investigation.
Thnx again for the Thomas-Garner thread, I'll read up on it.

I think the department is very busy and has to choose where to put their resources. I think that horrible "reporter" inflamed public sentiment against John and there was very little to lose by choosing other priorities.

 

[JoyM]

I have a feeling his hardworking family and friends won't be giving up anytime soon. Here's to hoping he is found soon.

Thank you. No, we certainly aren't. We're trying to figure out how to speak publicly during this phase, but we're still working hard to bring him home.

 

[Deleted member 165632]

Hi JoyM,
Just sending hope and prayers. Once again, I'm sorry for what you, John's family & friends are going through. As others have said, WS is here should you all need help. In the meantime, all I can offer is prayers and hope.

 

[Tssiemer]

Oh my, that seems harsh. Joy is under no obligation to check in here.

I didn't mean it like that toward her. It was toward the cops.


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[Timekeeper65]

JoyM we here know you have done the very best to bring JB home. Don't give up, never give up. I am sure between the stress at work, and handling this situation, you are worn out and frazzled. Just remember, WE are here.

Sending UP good thoughts and prayers. Please bring JB home to his family and friends.

:candle:

 

[kimi_SFC]

JoyM,

No need to apologize for taking time for yourself :heartluv:

We are here for you if you need us. I'm so sorry to hear about your work situation It couldn't happen at a worse time! :no:

Please get some rest! Your health and well being is crucial. Our concern for you is from a place of love and empathy.

We will never give up on John. That's just the :websleuther: way!

:grouphug:

#FindJohn

:candle:


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[SCHMAE]

I don't know what else to say . Just praying he is found soon !

 

[Lilibet]

Thank you. No, we certainly aren't. We're trying to figure out how to speak publicly during this phase, but we're still working hard to bring him home.

This is the perfect statement on FB today, ignoring the article, thanking people and focusing on John. Well done.

https://www.facebook.com/findjohnbe...2750541891000/587745241391530/?type=3&theater

 

[persimmon]

It's unfortunate that some reporter used this devasating event to stir controversy instead of public sentiment for a missing, elderly man who needs help. That said, I have to hope that many of us know the government's whip is arbitrary, devisive, and not always about about truth or justice. Sadly, these departments need to justify their budgets so they pick a target and with machine like precision, they destroy it. When they report to the powers that be, they get patted on the back for outrageous settlement amounts and their jobs are secure for another year.

In researching online for clues and information anout John, I came across more than one individual who praised John's hard work and committment to his career. I read about market newsletters he distributed starting in the 1970s that many looked forward to receiving. I came across a group of realtors who respected John and even a few who felt they owed their success to him and referred to him as a guru. There are many colleagues who spoke highly about John so it's a shame his character has been publically attacked and if it's a factor in LEs decision to offer minimal support, it's very unfortunate. I hope John's loved ones find their bearings and the strength to perservere. I have nothing but good wishes and hope for them.

 

[JoyM]

Hi JoyM,
Just sending hope and prayers. Once again, I'm sorry for what you, John's family & friends are going through. As others have said, WS is here should you all need help. In the meantime, all I can offer is prayers and hope.

thank you, Sleuth! this means a lot!

 

[JoyM]

JoyM we here know you have done the very best to bring JB home. Don't give up, never give up. I am sure between the stress at work, and handling this situation, you are worn out and frazzled. Just remember, WE are here.

Sending UP good thoughts and prayers. Please bring JB home to his family and friends.

:candle:

Thank you, Cpeacock! This is so kind and much appreciated!

 

[JoyM]

JoyM,

No need to apologize for taking time for yourself :heartluv:

We are here for you if you need us. I'm so sorry to hear about your work situation It couldn't happen at a worse time! :no:

Please get some rest! Your health and well being is crucial. Our concern for you is from a place of love and empathy.

We will never give up on John. That's just the :websleuther: way!

:grouphug:

#FindJohn

:candle:


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Thank you Kimi. This board is making me tear up. Thank you all so much. You are such kind and thoughtful souls.

:heartbeat:​

 

[JoyM]

I don't know what else to say . Just praying he is found soon !

Thank you--this is meaningful. Thank you.

 

[JoyM]

This is the perfect statement on FB today, ignoring the article, thanking people and focusing on John. Well done.

https://www.facebook.com/findjohnbe...2750541891000/587745241391530/?type=3&theater

Thank you, Lilibet! I really appreciate this. Your praise means a lot!!
We're working on a new video. It will be something like the video with his two daughters, but will include videotaped messages from a wider circle of people who knew and loved John.