Found Deceased CO - Joseph Keller, 18, Antonito, 23 July 2015 - #1

[iluvmua]

They left at 4:30 was suppose to meet back up at 5:30. I doubt dinner was served that early. CG stated it was at dinner he got concerned. CG just thought he was exploring or went for a swim so it wasnt till dinner that people. Started to worry and look. A couple of hrs had probably already passed by then. Plus how dark it was outside. Also, since they called the police after midnight, it was technically the next day making it look like it was delayed. I think the Kellers regret not speaking out sooner but was doing what the LE told them.

Hopefully Bradley Co dectectives can shed some light. Im glad CG is speaking out but CF needs to also. His fb page about the Packers looks odd when hes posted nothing even now that the gag order has been lifted.
Lisa Tate Fetzners rant (that she deleted quickly) was not about the Kellers but what a hardship it was on them with people questioning her son.

Who waited until midnight to call LE about Joe? the friends?

 

[nycgrl]

I, like many, am still on the fence regarding what may have happened.
While I pray that LE knows more than they let on, I'm starting to get the feeling that they dropped the ball on this one.
IMO, this case isn't being handled properly and I'm the last person to bash LE.

 

[Scout12]

Hi,

I've been following this case and just can't imagine what all those involved are going through. I pray that they find this young man immediately.

One thing I don't understand regards the reports that the dogs did not track a scent. Does anyone know the statistics about how often this occurs? It has been reported that a friend started out with him. Did they drive to where they were jogging, or just start jogging from the ranch? I am not knowledgeable about dog tracking, but I always assumed that all they needed was the last place the person was known to be and to let the dogs take it from there. I'm confused because either way, it seems like they would be able to pick up a scent from his starting place and follow from there.

I also wonder why there doesn't seem to be a push to get this story out on a national level, news wise. Maybe there is, and I am just unaware.

Also - (last question, but more of a concern) - I noticed that someone is posting things that they heard from another source who is close to the family, regarding the family and what they are thinking, etc. I mean no disrespect. I know everyone here has only the best of intentions of helping in any way they can, but it concerns me to see things shared here (or anywhere) about things the family is not speaking about publicly, and has only confided to friends. Am I being too sensitive?

 

[ceci]

Its not been disclosed who actually made the phone call. CG stated it was after midnight but didnt elaborate

 

[ceci]

Neal Keller stated publicly that HE was staying at a strangers cabin instead of the ranch. Several commenters, iincluding i, found it odd. IMO, the family regrets not going public sooner as its now off the radar. I dont think the ranch wanted news reporters covering it. So much secrecy.

 

[margarita25]

Hi,

I've been following this case and just can't imagine what all those involved are going through. I pray that they find this young man immediately.

One thing I don't understand regards the reports that the dogs did not track a scent. Does anyone know the statistics about how often this occurs? It has been reported that a friend started out with him. Did they drive to where they were jogging, or just start jogging from the ranch? I am not knowledgeable about dog tracking, but I always assumed that all they needed was the last place the person was known to be and to let the dogs take it from there. I'm confused because either way, it seems like they would be able to pick up a scent from his starting place and follow from there.

I also wonder why there doesn't seem to be a push to get this story out on a national level, news wise. Maybe there is, and I am just unaware.

Also - (last question, but more of a concern) - I noticed that someone is posting things that they heard from another source who is close to the family, regarding the family and what they are thinking, etc. I mean no disrespect. I know everyone here has only the best of intentions of helping in any way they can, but it concerns me to see things shared here (or anywhere) about things the family is not speaking about publicly, and has only confided to friends. Am I being too sensitive?

Welcome Scout12. Great first post. You post like a pro.

:welcome5:

IMO, I've seen cases here where dogs did not correctly pick up the scent, for whatever reason. Jmo.

 

[margarita25]

I have been following this case since the beginning. It is always hard to think that a person just goes "poof" and no one can find them. But I'm with T4Tide....he might have had to go to the bathroom....and took a potty break and fell. He may be lodged between rocks/trees or at the bottom of some area that is hard to get to and thus no one has found him.

Also since it was the first day of their 4-5 days stay there, maybe he was exploring some trails to run on, like his friend was doing. Could have fallen into some kind of ditch/hole/between rocks etc.

I think like many of these hiking and forest missing persons....the person will be found close to where they were last scene. It makes the most sense.

He seems like such a great guy. I'm sad for his family and friends.

I would think a very detailed search within a 5 mile radius will find him.

I have hiked for years...I go off trail....scale rocks for views etc. So if I slipped there wouldn't be any clear trace of where I was walking....just making my own way through the trees/brush whatever to get to where I want to go. When I lived in CO I scaled rocks all the time for views. It is also so dry there it would be difficult to find tracks...and not lots of greenery that would be broken if he made his own path.

I was looking through all of the Colorado cases on charleyproject.com the other day...there are so many people that have gone missing in the mountains and not been found. (Some are found years later, but some are never found it seems...).

I agree he could be close if there is not foul play involved, but the unforgiving terrain, possible remains lost/scavenged by bears/mountain lions/coyotes...jmo

(I have not followed this case closely, so d I do not know the details re: the circumstances leading up to when he went missing; I'm just weighing in as a local re: the terrain & past cases).

Also, I'm reminded here of the case of the firefighter that went missing...Mike Herdman.

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

Observations only tonight. I'm really stumped. I hope that LE has much more information than what has been disclosed because if not, they must no have much to go on ....

1. I may be stubborn, but I'm still not completely convinced that Joe arrived at Rainbow Trout Ranch. According to some "rumors" (as in FB posts, comments on forums, etc., as defined by WS), he had lunch with his aunt and/or her family at the ranch, split wood with them, etc. after his arrival there earlier in the day, but (and my apologies in advance if I've missed something) I haven't seen anything to corroborate this information in MSM reports. I really would like to see a picture of Joe at the ranch that day, or someone other than his friends (or, really I should say CG, since CF hasn't said anything) to confirm Joe's presence at the ranch.

2. As someone posted under "Visitor Posts" on the Find Joe Keller Facebook page, Joe's brother (or someone claiming to be him ...) posted on an online forum (one that was mentioned by someone several posts ago upthread) that Joe and CG became separated after CG turned off a driveway to go to look for a hiking trail. When CG couldn't find the trail, he came back to the road he and Joe had been running on together and in the same direction, and kept running in the direction he had been going originally. Again, unless I have missed something (wouldn't be the first time :facepalm, I haven't seen this information being reported by MSM. All I had heard until today was that CG, the faster runner, ran ahead of Joe, turned around after 30 minutes, and when he came back, Joe was nowhere to be seen. So has the storyline changed? Did LE not want the part about CG going to look for a hiking trail to come out, and if so, why not? Or did MSM simply overlook this detail or not think that it was significant enough?

3. So I hadn't looked up the directions from the ranch to La Jara Reservoir until today, and it's approximately 60 miles, which, at least in my opinion, isn't a distance many would be wiling to travel on foot. So why did LE search the reservoir specifically? Was there a report of possible sighting? Otherwise, why?

4. To the best of my knowledge, those detectives that have been sent in from TN are still in CO, assisting LE there with the investigation. The local CO authorities declined TN authorities' offer of assistance with the physical searches, so I tend to think that the detectives are doing more "detective-type" work (plus, the sheriff in CO said that he wanted to make sure whatever happened in CO didn't have anything to do with something that might have happened in TN prior to the boys' trip, and he was asking for his TN counterparts' help in that regard). They have been there for a week. Just exactly what are they investigating?

 

[pinklilies]

I was looking through all of the Colorado cases on charleyproject.com the other day...there are so many people that have gone missing in the mountains and not been found. (Some are found years later, but some are never found it seems...).

I agree he could be close if there is not foul play involved, but the unforgiving terrain, possible remains lost/scavenged by bears/mountain lions/coyotes...jmo

(I have not followed this case closely, so d I do not know the details re: the circumstances leading up to when he went missing; I'm just weighing in as a local re: the terrain & past cases).

Also, I'm reminded here of the case of the firefighter that went missing...Mike Herdman.

I've thought the same regarding your last sentence.

 

[GigTu]

Observations only tonight. I'm really stumped. I hope that LE has much more information than what has been disclosed because if not, they must no have much to go on ....

1. I may be stubborn, but I'm still not completely convinced that Joe arrived at Rainbow Trout Ranch. According to some "rumors" (as in FB posts, comments on forums, etc., as defined by WS), he had lunch with his aunt and/or her family at the ranch, split wood with them, etc. after his arrival there earlier in the day, but (and my apologies in advance if I've missed something) I haven't seen anything to corroborate this information in MSM reports. I really would like to see a picture of Joe at the ranch that day, or someone other than his friends (or, really I should say CG, since CF hasn't said anything) to confirm Joe's presence at the ranch.

2. As someone posted under "Visitor Posts" on the Find Joe Keller Facebook page, Joe's brother (or someone claiming to be him ...) posted on an online forum (one that was mentioned by someone several posts ago upthread) that Joe and CG became separated after CG turned off a driveway to go to look for a hiking trail. When CG couldn't find the trail, he came back to the road he and Joe had been running on together and in the same direction, and kept running in the direction he had been going originally. Again, unless I have missed something (wouldn't be the first time :facepalm, I haven't seen this information being reported by MSM. All I had heard until today was that CG, the faster runner, ran ahead of Joe, turned around after 30 minutes, and when he came back, Joe was nowhere to be seen. So has the storyline changed? Did LE not want the part about CG going to look for a hiking trail to come out, and if so, why not? Or did MSM simply overlook this detail or not think that it was significant enough?

3. So I hadn't looked up the directions from the ranch to La Jara Reservoir until today, and it's approximately 60 miles, which, at least in my opinion, isn't a distance many would be wiling to travel on foot. So why did LE search the reservoir specifically? Was there a report of possible sighting? Otherwise, why?

4. To the best of my knowledge, those detectives that have been sent in from TN are still in CO, assisting LE there with the investigation. The local CO authorities declined TN authorities' offer of assistance with the physical searches, so I tend to think that the detectives are doing more "detective-type" work (plus, the sheriff in CO said that he wanted to make sure whatever happened in CO didn't have anything to do with something that might have happened in TN prior to the boys' trip, and he was asking for his TN counterparts' help in that regard). They have been there for a week. Just exactly what are they investigating?

Since you brought it up.... the rumored driveway CG supposedly went up was to "the lodge". Ummmmmm didn't they leave for their run from the lodge? Too many things don't add up.

As always, we will flesh everything out that we can, and right now I don't think we've fully dissected all the information that could be collected. Like you, I have a huge question mark about La Jara. It's just way to weird for me, since even if Joe went there he'd never had made it in the time they had decided to go searching.

 

[Scout12]

Welcome Scout12. Great first post. You post like a pro.

:welcome5:

IMO, I've seen cases here where dogs did not correctly pick up the scent, for whatever reason. Jmo.

Thank you so much for the warm welcome. :tyou:

 

[Treelights]

Since you brought it up.... the rumored driveway CG supposedly went up was to "the lodge". Ummmmmm didn't they leave for their run from the lodge? Too many things don't add up.

As always, we will flesh everything out that we can, and right now I don't think we've fully dissected all the information that could be collected. Like you, I have a huge question mark about La Jara. It's just way to weird for me, since even if Joe went there he'd never had made it in the time they had decided to go searching.

I agree.Too many things don't add up.
In the beginning, very little was known, then a little bit more, then there's conflicting info rumors in SM, or maybe it seems conflicting because only Part of the info was known, and there were omissions, perhaps?

I was hoping he would be found by now.

Anytime one runs/jogs/ hikes/walks in the mountains with just shorts and shoes, no shirt, that can be a catalyst for disaster because the weather can turn on a dime, particularly if someone got lost and they don't know where they are. No water, no food, no cell phone reception (and he didn't have his phone on him anyway). Did he have a compass?

IMOO.

 

[Treelights]

Observations only tonight. I'm really stumped. I hope that LE has much more information than what has been disclosed because if not, they must no have much to go on ....

1. I may be stubborn, but I'm still not completely convinced that Joe arrived at Rainbow Trout Ranch. According to some "rumors" (as in FB posts, comments on forums, etc., as defined by WS), he had lunch with his aunt and/or her family at the ranch, split wood with them, etc. after his arrival there earlier in the day, but (and my apologies in advance if I've missed something) I haven't seen anything to corroborate this information in MSM reports. I really would like to see a picture of Joe at the ranch that day, or someone other than his friends (or, really I should say CG, since CF hasn't said anything) to confirm Joe's presence at the ranch.

2. As someone posted under "Visitor Posts" on the Find Joe Keller Facebook page, Joe's brother (or someone claiming to be him ...) posted on an online forum (one that was mentioned by someone several posts ago upthread) that Joe and CG became separated after CG turned off a driveway to go to look for a hiking trail. When CG couldn't find the trail, he came back to the road he and Joe had been running on together and in the same direction, and kept running in the direction he had been going originally. Again, unless I have missed something (wouldn't be the first time :facepalm, I haven't seen this information being reported by MSM. All I had heard until today was that CG, the faster runner, ran ahead of Joe, turned around after 30 minutes, and when he came back, Joe was nowhere to be seen. So has the storyline changed? Did LE not want the part about CG going to look for a hiking trail to come out, and if so, why not? Or did MSM simply overlook this detail or not think that it was significant enough?

3. So I hadn't looked up the directions from the ranch to La Jara Reservoir until today, and it's approximately 60 miles, which, at least in my opinion, isn't a distance many would be wiling to travel on foot. So why did LE search the reservoir specifically? Was there a report of possible sighting? Otherwise, why?

4. To the best of my knowledge, those detectives that have been sent in from TN are still in CO, assisting LE there with the investigation. The local CO authorities declined TN authorities' offer of assistance with the physical searches, so I tend to think that the detectives are doing more "detective-type" work (plus, the sheriff in CO said that he wanted to make sure whatever happened in CO didn't have anything to do with something that might have happened in TN prior to the boys' trip, and he was asking for his TN counterparts' help in that regard). They have been there for a week. Just exactly what are they investigating?

I looked up the La Jara Reservoir and Rainbow Trout Ranch on the map, and by Roads it is 63.9 miles but that is going East, then North, then West.
If he hiked straight up north, I wonder how many miles that would be? It looks A Lot less than 60.
IMOO.

 

[Cricket99]

The fact that this is all being kept so quiet makes me think this is a very active investigation. Three men this young can have all kinds of things going on. I think he is deceased, but not sure if it was an accident or not. Very secretive. :frown:

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

Oh my goodness ... :facepalm:: On the Conejos Co. Sheriff's Office Facebook page, the sheriff himself (or someone claiming to be him ...; I looked at the person's timeline, and I think it is legitimate, however) has posted a comment under "Visitor Posts,"and it is very critical of the sheriff of Joe's hometown. It says the message was posted last night, but it really needs to come down before Joe's family sees it (if they haven't already): If Joe were my son and saw something like this, I would be outraged, and also devastated at the same time. What is more important to this sheriff: That Joe is found ASAP or that his ego remains intact??

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

What is curious about the sheriff's post (under his name as a private citizen, HG, Jr.) is that he states he is going to issue a press release which he says is going to discuss the facts of Joe's case, and that this is going to happen in about two weeks. WHAAAT??? Reading the post, I cannot help but to get the sense that they are ready to wrap this up (with or without a conclusion, I cannot ascertain).

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

Then on the "Find Joe Keller" page, the administrator posted a few hours ago that people can call the Conejos County Sheriff's Office or the "CO Highway Dpt" (I did some research online, and it appears that the number being provided by the page is a Colorado State Patrol dispatch number) directly to get updates from LE in CO. I have seen many posts where the public is encouraged to contact authorities to submit tips, but I'm not sure if I have ever seen one like this.

 

[Treelights]

What is curious about the sheriff's post (under his name as a private citizen, HG, Jr.) is that he states he is going to issue a press release which he says is going to discuss the facts of Joe's case, and that this is going to happen in about two weeks. WHAAAT??? Reading the post, I cannot help but to get the sense that they are ready to wrap this up (with or without a conclusion, I cannot ascertain).

Did you notice the spelling errors? Lack of capitalization, and use of exclamation points?

IMOO.

 

[Treelights]

Short Article posted on August 14th:

http://www.conejoscountycitizen.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=1585&page=72

 

[ceci]

I So we can put this to rest, guests have confirmed Joe was at the ranch no if ands or buts. <modsnip>was one.

I havent seen the Sheriffs comment but it sounds like hes deflecting. Keller. Family confirmed they was told to keep quite and the outcry of not accepting Sheriff Watsons generous offer was loud.

We appreciate everyones involvement. Websleuths has some very astute people, with thoughtful insight.

Keep Christian and Collin in your prayers. Its taking its toll on them.