Found Deceased Canada - Shannon Burgess, 25, Calgary, 26 Nov 2014 - #3 *Arrest*

[MistyM]

i think canada needs it's own version of nancy grace.

you could disappear sooo easily, anywhere.... there is like no publicity about this at all, except for something put out months ago.

it's weird you mention the 'would you report her' thing outofthedarkness... honestly if i really did come face to face with anyone who was missing and was living an alternate 'normal' life i think i would probably struggle with reporting them, as i would feel kind of like i was invading their privacy. of course if i was 100% sure it was them, i'd blab it all over here and the jig would probably be up pretty fast.

this is why i mentioned the lookalike, but didn't give out the name of the place or anything. who knows who lurks here from where i live, and i don't want this poor girl stalked by strangers wanting to take a look. bad enuff i'm going back! although it's a place i frequent a lot, this girl must be new.

it was more like 'a creepy thing happened to me the other day, i saw a missing girl's doppelganger'... not 'omg i think i found a missing person!!!' you know? just wanted to share. plus it gave me a reason to start talking about my thoughts on this, i come here almost every other day to 'lurk' and you guys have covered a LOT of what i have thought of. i respect your opinions very much and thank you for the info you have gleaned from alternate sources.

 

[LoisLane]

While watching the presser, did anyone feel like Shannon's sister looked very hyper for what she was doing there? I don't really know how to explain how I felt when I watched it but, to me, it almost felt like she was kind of ''too much'' and ''not enough'' at the same time. I didn't see pain, fear or concern on her face. But maybe it was all due to stress.

Just to be clear, I'm not accusing her sister of any wrong doing. I just think that the lack of concern/worries from her family must be explained by something.

- Were her family members instructed not to speak to the media, post anything on Facebook,and do anything but wait for them to catch a suspect?

- Was there a history with Shannon that makes her family think that she went away on her own will?

- Do they just lack the motivation to do anything in order to gain support from the public?

- Or is it that, for some reason, they don't care enough about her to speak up and ask for answers and help?

I've recently joined a couple of Facebook Missing People's Pages and I must say that there is a huge difference between how other people react to their spouse/daughter/son's disappearance and this case. Although, when you take into consideration the number of people going missing and how very few of them ''benefit'' from actual coverage (media or just social awareness).

Someone must know something, somewhere. Even if this is a Gone Girl thing, I doubt that no one would have a clue where she could be. They said that she could be in Vancouver or Toronto but there was no follow-up on that. Did they even look for her there? Did they even look for her close to where she lived and used to go often? Why did they suspect that she could be in either one of these cities? Did she express the desire to move there, did she have job offers pending there, did she have close friends who lived there?

Or did someone gave that idea to LE in order to make them look away from her immediate surroundings where something would've happened to her?

I wonder how many officers have worked on this case and if there is even an active investigation going on. I doubt it. It's sad to think that someone goes missing and people just sit and wait. I really, really hope this isn't the case and that the silence is due to LE's investigation.

I know this is a load of questions but I just needed to get them off my chest.

Thank you for bringing this up! I have had the same feelings about the presser.

The presser with the sister has always bugged me. I think she was acting. I thought possibly this was done in this "character role" because she could shut off emotion and play a part or she was well rehearsed and her acting background made her the perfect spokesperson. I have also thought that if Shannon was watching it she would be disturbed by the impersonal approach. Of course this is completely my interpretation and I have no idea what the sister is like in real life but I have always thought it was very theatrical and seemed like something I would watch on a bad tv drama.

 

[OutOfTheDarkness]

Thank you for bringing this up! I have had the same feelings about the presser.

The presser with the sister has always bugged me. I think she was acting. I thought possibly this was done in this "character role" because she could shut off emotion and play a part or she was well rehearsed and her acting background made her the perfect spokesperson. I have also thought that if Shannon was watching it she would be disturbed by the impersonal approach. Of course this is completely my interpretation and I have no idea what the sister is like in real life but I have always thought it was very theatrical and seemed like something I would watch on a bad tv drama.

If you can put yourself in her position... young... not enough life experience yet... probably nominated or volunteered to be spokesperson simply because of a perceived public speaking ability... your sister is missing, perhaps at the hand of the man behind you... perhaps because of any sort of breakdown history you're aware of... you don't know if you're going to say the wrong thing, give too much away, make a fool of yourself and family because she just had a meltdown and ran for a few days... but ultimately you desperately want to find her...

... lights are on, press is there... you take the podium and...

... what are the right words, expressions and nuances that you should use?

Not having one of the parents speak was a bit of mistake on their part. There was indeed a lot of self awareness of her performance, a lack of experience, a lack of confidence in her story, and a lot purposely not being said.

However, she was clearly concerned about her sister's well being, and that's all you can ask.

Again, for me, the fact she uses the term "she left" rather than disappeared, vanished, or was last seen... is a bit of a hint that this was the theory on the forefront of her mind and concern. The "you're not in trouble" reference hints at an inside story and history we are not privy to.

 

[OutOfTheDarkness]

So if she were to be found in a river tomorrow, suicide note, no foul play... would the Facebook post and that video then become obvious red flags that friends and family should have picked up on and done something about? That video... clearly there is emotion after saying there is still so much she wants back... and forever miss? Sounds pretty final... no?

Still unsure?

I found it interesting in the Justin Mckinnon Blomme and other discussions, the rush to lay blame on those around the troubled person for missing the obvious signs... but predicting outcomes is far too easy after the fact. In real time, like my earlier posts, the uncertainty is real, the signs aren't black and white... and if the troubled one refuses help or denies there is an issue, then what? The psychiatric system relies almost completely on the patient's self reporting.

Well? Red flags? Not yet I guess...

 

[LoisLane]

If you can put yourself in her position... young... not enough life experience yet... probably nominated or volunteered to be spokesperson simply because of a perceived public speaking ability... your sister is missing, perhaps at the hand of the man behind you... perhaps because of any sort of breakdown history you're aware of... you don't know if you're going to say the wrong thing, give too much away, make a fool of yourself and family because she just had a meltdown and ran for a few days... but ultimately you desperately want to find her...

... lights are on, press is there... you take the podium and...

... what are the right words, expressions and nuances that you should use?

Not having one of the parents speak was a bit of mistake on their part. There was indeed a lot of self awareness of her performance, a lack of experience, a lack of confidence in her story, and a lot purposely not being said.

However, she was clearly concerned about her sister's well being, and that's all you can ask.

Again, for me, the fact she uses the term "she left" rather than disappeared, vanished, or was last seen... is a bit of a hint that this was the theory on the forefront of her mind and concern. The "you're not in trouble" reference hints at an inside story and history we are not privy to.

All the points you have mentioned are displayed. The age thing does not seem relevant to me. She (sister) is educated, employed, and has acting experience. I do believe she is concerned for her sister but I think her acting took over. I remember watching the presser the first time and then sleuthing to see if she was an actor as well and of course she was.

 

[LoisLane]

So if she were to be found in a river tomorrow, suicide note, no foul play... would the Facebook post and that video then become obvious red flags that friends and family should have picked up on and done something about? That video... clearly there is emotion after saying there is still so much she wants back... and forever miss? Sounds pretty final... no?

Still unsure?

I found it interesting in the Justin Mckinnon Blomme and other discussions, the rush to lay blame on those around the troubled person for missing the obvious signs... but predicting outcomes is far too easy after the fact. In real time, like my earlier posts, the uncertainty is real, the signs aren't black and white... and if the troubled one refuses help or denies there is an issue, then what? The psychiatric system relies almost completely on the patient's self reporting.

Well? Red flags? Not yet I guess...

I don't see the red flags for suicide. I see red flags for domestic violence way before I think suicide.

The thing about JMB that I am still wondering about is the assault the night of his disappearance (and presumably the night he died). If the assault was so humiliating and the build up of the video was becoming too much for him how does that translate/coincide with other cases where people committ suicide due to social media and humiliation tactics? The only names that come to mind are Amanda Todd, Rehtaeh Parsons, I am curious if there are other similar cases where a young man would be involved and sexual photo's are not involved. If that makes sense?

 

[Leischa]

About Shannon's sister, I'm not saying that she didn't show any emotion at all, or that she looked like she didn't want to find her, but rather that her facial expression and tone were a bit off. Maybe it was due to her acting experience or simply to her nervousness but still...

Since we don't know much about Shannon and whether she had a mental illness or not, or if she was depressed, I think that the words chosen by her family and the way her sister looked point to the possibility that she could be gone by her own will.

JMO

 

[Leischa]

I don't see the red flags for suicide. I see red flags for domestic violence way before I think suicide.

The thing about JMB that I am still wondering about is the assault the night of his disappearance (and presumably the night he died). If the assault was so humiliating and the build up of the video was becoming too much for him how does that translate/coincide with other cases where people committ suicide due to social media and humiliation tactics? The only names that come to mind are Amanda Todd, Rehtaeh Parsons, I am curious if there are other similar cases where a young man would be involved and sexual photo's are not involved. If that makes sense?

To me, he thing that makes his death suspicious is that the ''friends'' he was with that night and who were the last to see him apparently didn't cooperate with LE during the first days of the investigation.

People react in different ways when things happen and it's easy to put the blame on others and say that they should have done this or that (in JMB's case, that they should've run after him when he got off the car), but what excuse can they have for not wanting to help the autorithies and his family find him?

And Lois, you're asking a good question, but unfortunately I can't think of a case similar to his.

 

[LoisLane]

Personally, I keep going back to the words "I will forever miss the man" in the Facebook post the night she was reportedly last seen...

Whenever I go back to this comment I think it is what provoked a fight with her husband or he hacked her phone and that provoked a fight or he killed her then he made the comment out of spite. I also have considered her comic humour and that she really made one last crack before she willingly disappeared, either into a new life or ending her life completely.

 

[LoisLane]

To me, he thing that makes his death suspicious is that the ''friends'' he was with that night and who were the last to see him apparently didn't cooperate with LE during the first days of the investigation.

People react in different ways when things happen and it's easy to put the blame on others and say that they should have done this or that (in JMB's case, that they should've run after him when he got off the car), but what excuse can they have for not wanting to help the autorithies and his family find him?

And Lois, you're asking a good question, but unfortunately I can't think of a case similar to his.

The only other thing I can think of as to why the friends of JMB would not cooperate with the police is because they had other incriminating evidence on their phones. Such as drug hook-ups, naked pics, etc.

 

[OutOfTheDarkness]

The only other thing I can think of as to why the friends of JMB would not cooperate with the police is because they had other incriminating evidence on their phones. Such as drug hook-ups, naked pics, etc.

After watching their friend in a fight, and suddenly police are looking for him... is it not plausible they didn't want to rat out where he is, thinking HE may be the one in trouble? Perhaps it took a few days for them to realize the police were being truthful, and that their concern actually was just for his well being...

I can't find where it's reported they were seriously uncooperative, but the source of the information and their bias must also be factored in.

 

[flighty]

Whenever I go back to this comment I think it is what provoked a fight with her husband or he hacked her phone and that provoked a fight or he killed her then he made the comment out of spite. I also have considered her comic humour and that she really made one last crack before she willingly disappeared, either into a new life or ending her life completely.

That comment is truly the jewel at the center of this story, I believe. It's exactly one of those things you mentioned and they're all interesting. Even moreso that not a single comment has been made against that comment thread since. Not even a 'like'. For someone to say something like that and have it pass unnoticed is exceptionally odd.

 

[LoisLane]

That comment is truly the jewel at the center of this story, I believe. It's exactly one of those things you mentioned and they're all interesting. Even moreso that not a single comment has been made against that comment thread since. Not even a 'like'. For someone to say something like that and have it pass unnoticed is exceptionally odd.

It is extremely odd! It is interesting that not one person has posted on her wall any sort of support or message for her to reach out, that they miss her, etc.

Welcome to the thread and WS!

 

[flighty]

It is extremely odd! It is interesting that not one person has posted on her wall any sort of support or message for her to reach out, that they miss her, etc.

Welcome to the thread and WS!

Appreciate it, thanks. Lurked for a while and absorbed as much as I could before posting. As a Calgarian, this entire story is very compelling to me.

 

[evafiore]

It is extremely odd! It is interesting that not one person has posted on her wall any sort of support or message for her to reach out, that they miss her, etc.

Welcome to the thread and WS!

It's possible that FB settings don't allow for that to be visible to the public, or that she must approve anything posted to her wall.

 

[LoisLane]

It's possible that FB settings don't allow for that to be visible to the public, or that she must approve anything posted to her wall.

Definetly possible.

 

[rae100]

Bumping for Shannon. Any news on her? Did she leave on her own will? I don't suspect she did, we need to find her. Shannon, where are you?

 

[evafiore]

Bumping for Shannon. Any news on her? Did she leave on her own will? I don't suspect she did, we need to find her. Shannon, where are you?

Research indicates that family and friends haven't taken any evident voluntary action on this for almost 4 months now. Either they don't care or LE has encouraged that they don't communicate concern. Either way, it seems they prefer we look the other way. Maybe I'm just insensitive (or too sensitive) but I sense that they're hoping everyone forgets.

 

[OutOfTheDarkness]

Research indicates that family and friends haven't taken any evident voluntary action on this for almost 4 months now. Either they don't care or LE has encouraged that they don't communicate concern. Either way, it seems they prefer we look the other way. Maybe I'm just insensitive (or too sensitive) but I sense that they're hoping everyone forgets.

Odd isn't it? With the rash of missing people in Calgary for some reason, the social media savvy of families in the search efforts have certainly been put to use... and it is still in its infancy.

Even if the family was privy to some sort of inside information, it doesn't explain the missing concern from friends. Where are all the "heros" from Alliance?

 

[news.talk]

Odd isn't it? With the rash of missing people in Calgary for some reason, the social media savvy of families in the search efforts have certainly been put to use... and it is still in its infancy.

Even if the family was privy to some sort of inside information, it doesn't explain the missing concern from friends. Where are all the "heros" from Alliance?

I wonder if the settings on the family's Facebook pages make it difficult for the public to see certain posts? Since every single post can be set to specific audiences, perhaps we are not seeing conversations that show their concern?

Of course, that is my devil's advocate position... Realistically, I believe that either the family are convinced she took off or LE has asked them to stay quiet due to the investigation.