General discussion #3

[ewwwinteresting]

was he born in 1979 or 1980??

His date of birth: 10-11-79

 

[SouthEastSleuth]

Stumbled across one other reference to Raven's eBay usage, under the "futbalrguy" eBay user name. I was using some new search engine someone told me about and had a hit on that name on some weird site in the UK. I can't really tell the actual purpose of the site, but it seems to contain links and info to auctions at various sites, including eBay. When I tried to bring up the site that referenced futbalrguy, nada. BUT, there was a choice to bring up the "archived" copy. BINGO.

Looks like he was selling soccer "boots" (as I gather that is the correct terminology for cleats in the soccer world)... You'll also notice in the link the reference to Durham, NC as the location.

This is the "tag" at the bottom of the item listing:

**the following message appears on all futbalrguy boot sales**

Feel free to email me with any questions. Items come brand new or like new unless otherwise noted in the description. In most cases, a "Like New" item is one that was worn only once and returned or was tried on in an outdoors environment and so it has slight blemishes only visible at very close inspection. My auctions will comment on any visual blemishes of this kind. Additionally, no shoes ship in original box.
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****I accept Paypal as my method of payment and ship anywhere in the US****
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International Bidders please email for shipping quote/negotiation​

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- Interesting the line that "no shoes ship in original box." I wonder if that is due to the fact that the boxes may be labled or something as being from Eurosport? Just speculation.​

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- According to this, PayPal is indeed the payment method of choice.​

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- I actually found 6-7 of these particular auctions. All the same type of "boots", but in various sizes. All for sale around the 1st week of December 2004.​

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Here's the link to the site itself, FYI:​

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http://www.gigablast.com/get?q=%2Bsite:[url]www.aquanuke.com+%2B%22futbalrguy%22&c=main&rtq=0&d=20189562997[/url]

I realize as Mr. A pointed out earlier that at this point what we need are facts as they relate to that night, the murder, etc. But, I do feel like all of this superfluous information does serve a purpose, in that the more we dig, the clearer the picture of Raven becomes. Is it a portrait of a murderer? Who knows. All we can do now is speculate. But, we DO know it is a portrait of an embezzler. And we are fairly certain that the portrait is one of an adulterer. It's all pieces of the puzzle...

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

I realize as Mr. A pointed out earlier that at this point what we need are facts as they relate to that night, the murder, etc. But, I do feel like all of this superfluous information does serve a purpose, in that the more we dig, the clearer the picture of Raven becomes. Is it a portrait of a murderer? Who knows. All we can do now is speculate. But, we DO know it is a portrait of an embezzler. And we are fairly certain that the portrait is one of an adulterer. It's all pieces of the puzzle...

I agree, and thank you for your excellent sleuthing! Aren't these 6 or 7 auctions for the very same style of shoes that were left on the porch bench at Raven's house - the ones in NCBanker's photos?

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

**the following message appears on all futbalrguy boot sales**

Feel free to email me with any questions. Items come brand new or like new unless otherwise noted in the description. In most cases, a "Like New" item is one that was worn only once and returned or was tried on in an outdoors environment and so it has slight blemishes only visible at very close inspection. My auctions will comment on any visual blemishes of this kind. Additionally, no shoes ship in original box.

****I accept Paypal as my method of payment and ship anywhere in the US****​

International Bidders please email for shipping quote/negotiation​

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I also wonder why these shoes might have been tried on in an outdoors environment. Was he trying to sell them to his teammates at games, and e-bayed them once he couldn't sell them?​

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

I just realized that PayPal is now an e-bay company BUT it wasn't always that way. When did that happen?

 

[SouthEastSleuth]

Yep. eBay bought PayPal a few years ago... It IS interesting that if he indeed was selling via eBay and then using PayPal for payments...I mean talk about leaving a blatant trail! As someone posted earlier, it would seem like he would have been doing his illicit business in cash and money orders!

 

[SouthEastSleuth]

I know you guys have talked about Raven's computer, etc., a lot. But something occurs to me (that may very well be obvious to you guys)... his PDA usage.

-I remember reading a quote from him, as NC_VX, on the VS boards:

"So, sorry for the detailed story, anyway, I'm 23, married, and work for Hewlett-Packard. I do some consulting on the side and just started my own business, the website is called www.pocketPCguy.com and one day it will be up!!! I am somewhat of a guru when it comes to handhelds, go figure, I like toys! Look forward to working with all you and hopefully meeting you at a few rally's!"

-Then I remember reading that LE took a PDA adaptor or charger I think? But, no mention of the PDA itself, unless I'm mistaken.
-He worked in some capacity for HP apparantly. HP certainly makes PDAs.
- THEN, I was looking at the graduation pix that Tiffany posted in the media thread:

http://svu2.southernvirginia.edu/2003%20graduation/IMG_5571.JPG

Clearly in that pic, at Janet's graduation, Raven is carrying his PDA with him, in a case. (WHY would he need to have his PDA in-hand at her graduation???)

My point?

I realize we've seen a pic of him using a desktop at home, but, it's POSSIBLE that he does most of his online, internet, emailing, etc., with his PDA. Remember, these days a Palm Pilot, or any number of PDAs are far more than just address books. You can surf the net, email, do most anything you could do on your regular PC.

I say all of this, I suppose, as a point of reference to there being no reference to a computer being taken, etc. when the search was executed. But even so, unless the PDA was taken as well, then Raven would still have the potential to be connected to anyone and anything, online.....

Just some thoughts.

 

[jager]

Hey people,
Not much of a sleuth, but I do have some info that may help. I never met Raven in person but I conversed with him a few times via email after he left a business card on my motorcycle with his email address saying he had a ducati also and we should ride sometime. This was around April-June of 2004 when I was still living in carrboro. When emailed each other for a little bit, but stopped after a week or so, for no real reason. Both of us busy I guess. Then in Feb. of this year Raven posted a for sale ad for his Duc 748 in a forum I visit regularly. I recogized his name and emailed him. He informed me that he was layed-off and that was why he was selling the duc. Said he had a child now and seemed pretty up beat about life. He said we should go riding sometime and asked if I would look over his bike to make sure everything was good and ready to be sold. I said I would and to let me know when. Didn't hear from him again. Later I saw the story and picture of Janet on WRAL's site and thought her and the child looked familiar. I've been checking back on the story from time to time since then, which lead me here today. Anyway thats my history...here is the little bit I know.

When talking with Raven b/w Apr-Jun of 04 IIRC he and Janet were living in the chapel hill/carrboro area, might have been in durham though. He played pickup soccer games at least once a week on the field at a school (name escapes me at the moment) in carrboro (the big field in the picture on s merritt mill rd.) I believe he said he usually played on sunday, but also played/practiced during the week sometimes. He also said he played in an adult league and usually had games in charlotte and other close cities on the weekends during soccer season.

When talking with Raven around feb. of this year. He seemed the same attitude wise if not more upbeat. Said he was in durham now and was looking to move to raleigh. Which I think was where his new job was. Seemed proud of his new child and family life in general.

Thats about all I can think of for now. All of the stuff above is all from memory since I deleted the emails pretty much after I read them. As for if I think he did it? I have no clue, I'll leave that up to the police and the jury if one is needed. I just hope justice is served.

And as for the comments about no flowers at the house, no comments from Raven, keeping/throwing away/leaving items from the departed and other guesses on how someone should grieve a loss such as this; I say that everyone handles grieving in a different way and EVEN if you have been in a similar situation you have no right to judge. I can't even imagine what Janet's family members are going though at the moment.

Interesting site you guys have here. Has this site actually helped solve a crime before? There seem to be some great internet detectives and crime minds on here and some great information being shared. I would not be suprised if you guys have helped the LE on some cases before. If so great work.

 

[NCBanker]

You know, I should have posted this long before, but I was told by an insider at Eurosport that Janet actually worked in another department before Raven pushed for her to get the position in accounting. It is speculated that Raven then obtained Janet's accounting login information and used it himself to push his fictitious orders through. For that reason, it is not believed that Janet had any knowledge of his criminal activity - at least while it was taking place. It would seem that he had been planning the illegal activity for some time and simply waited for the right moment to push Janet into accounting and take advantage of the situation.

 

[golfmom]

SESleuth! A great big fat kiss and welcome to Websleuths.

You are absolutely AmAZinG!

 

[golfmom]

Those are the same shoes, the Nike Vapor gold thingys on ebay!

 

[curious1]

:laugh:

I am so psyched to have actually found something myself.
Usually I am the one standing in the middle of the road going " What truck?"

It's nice to find something to chuckle about in the middle of something so horrible. You gotta laugh from time to time or ya go nutz. :crazy:

 

[SouthEastSleuth]

Jager -

Hi and thanks for the comments. I know this will seem like a really vague-type question, but with your dealing with Raven, especially in person, what are your thoughts about him, etc? I guess I mean, was he likable, etc.? First impressions? Your impressions, having been around him just randomly, would be interesting I think. Often time when people characterize someone they already know, ie., a friend, family, co-worker, it's not as easy to get an unbiased opinion. So anything you could provide would be appreciated. And, one other thing: did he ever talk much about Janet herself?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ewwwinteresting]

And as for the comments about no flowers at the house, no comments from Raven, keeping/throwing away/leaving items from the departed and other guesses on how someone should grieve a loss such as this; I say that everyone handles grieving in a different way and EVEN if you have been in a similar situation you have no right to judge. I can't even imagine what Janet's family members are going though at the moment.

I agree. People do grieve differently....but how can EVERYBODY be grieving the same way in this matter???????? Silence! I could understand several people or even a lot of people, but everyone????

 

[Thinkoflaura]

This is a guy selling AUTO PARTS on eBay motors. Do we have any indication that Raven was interested in auto parts?

I would also like to point out that NC is HOME to NASCAR.
One of the NASCAR drivers has a last name of Craven.
So it's entirely possible that this screen name refers to a fan of Ricky Craven's or even a team member who sells legitimate parts during the week.

You are right about the " caution in making feedback private". I stand by my reasoning that Raven expected to have has account shut down and made his FB private in anticipation of that. If he was ( no longer a registered user) which you will see by many names on eBay, his FB would still be visible.

Raven obviously does not want what he has sold to be made known. I am sure someone typed in " Wow, great seller for all my soccer gear needs" and that sort of thing. Raven has NO control over what someone says about his merchandise.. The only eBay rule is that they are not supposed to leave his real name in their comments.

A much more serious violation on eBay is the unauthorized sale of licensed merchandise. They prosecute hard and heavy on this.. I tend to think they just didn't have any complaints or didn't catch on to what he was doing.
JMHO.

Geez, I hope this isn't him since whomever this is was leaving feedback on April 27th. But I keep thinking - what are the chances that two people from NC are named dcraven, one with a hyphen, one without, (unless that's why our guy used a hyphen in the first place). Were all of Raven's ID profiles private? If so, I imagine that this one would be also.

It's strange - there is a warning on e-bay to seriously consider whether or not you really want to make your feedback private because of the potential affect it could have on you as a buyer/seller if others can't view that feedback. They make it clear that you should only elect to make it private if there is a very real reason to do so. Some opt to do it when they have a lot of negative feedback, which he doesn't seem to have. Others do it when they are selling risque or otherwise questionable merchandise or if they are protecting the identity of their buyers, (in the event of an extremely valuable item or something of very high collectibility). I imagine one might also do it if they are selling stolen merchandise (but that's just my opinion).

This is the way it was when I used to buy at e-bay. It might not be this way anymore but back then, there wasn't a chance that I would have chosen to make my feedback private. Oh, and BTW, that is an option that you have to select ... the default on e-bay is public feedback, (at least back a year or so ago when I was using it).

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

I would also like to point out that NC is HOME to NASCAR.
One of the NASCAR drivers has a last name of Craven.
So it's entirely possible that this screen name refers to a fan of Ricky Craven's or even a team member who sells legitimate parts during the week.

Very good point.

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

Raven obviously does not want what he has sold to be made known. I am sure someone typed in " Wow, great seller for all my soccer gear needs" and that sort of thing. Raven has NO control over what someone says about his merchandise.. The only eBay rule is that they are not supposed to leave his real name in their comments.

I know these e-bay details to be true as well. I hope that LE/prosecutors go after E-bay and PayPal records for Raven. I think that they might be helpful in the embezzlement case at least. (Are they able to subpoena those records? I imagine so?)

 

[OriginalJerseyGirl]

If you will go to PayPal.com and read their policies, it clearly states that if you ship any merchandise to anywhere other than the CONFIRMED address of the buyer, you are not eligible for any compensation from PayPal.

The same is true if a buyer is paying a seller via PayPal and the seller has an Unconfirmed address. PayPal will not intercede in any way. I will not complete a transaction with anyone who asks that merchandise be shipped elsewhere. PayPal has made it very impractical to do so.

I am NOT going to put my merchandise ... in a situation where I would have no compensation measures if the person claimed " Lost' or " Damaged" or just plain " Seller stole from me". <-- Have seen that one on other people's FB.

You are absolutely right but the easy way around this is to insure the package that you are sending. When I sold some items in the Auction for America charity auctions, I insured everything just in case. It's only slightly more in the shipping costs, and then you don't have to worry about PayPal not covering your customer's loss should one occur.

I had a problem with a seller one time, and PayPal was no help at all in spite of the fact that this Power Seller and I had both followed the rules. SafeHarbor checked into the situation, and was unable to do anything about it as well. I guess that my only point is that if someone wants to do something underhanded at e-bay, there are ways for it to be done. The more computer-savvy one is, the more likely they'll be able to create multiple accounts, etc.

 

[Thinkoflaura]

I know these e-bay details to be true as well. I hope that LE/prosecutors go after E-bay and PayPal records for Raven. I think that they might be helpful in the embezzlement case at least. (Are they able to subpoena those records? I imagine so?)

Yes, there are subpoena powers for eBay transactions. eBay used to be resistant to this type of thing, but now they are more mainstream, more " public friendly" and comply much easier.
Also, eBay acquired www.shopping.com where people write reviews of items. I was a member when it was Epionions.com.
So, they own both a feedback system for the goods they are selling AND the major form of payment accepted ( PayPal). I surely do wish I had owned some eBay stock about 5 years ago!!!!!
( AOL is really the only internet company which is almost totally non-compliant).

 

[Thinkoflaura]

They helped me just recently when a seller had not shipped merchandise to me after 2 weeks. I filed a complaint, and the shipper shipped the item that day.
Usually their presence in a transaction is enough for the errant person to do the right thing.. I am also prudent to look at the person's FB, when I am both the buyer and seller. I have cancelled MANY bids because the people did not adhere to our rules for buyers.

You are absolutely right but the easy way around this is to insure the package that you are sending. When I sold some items in the Auction for America charity auctions, I insured everything just in case. It's only slightly more in the shipping costs, and then you don't have to worry about PayPal not covering your customer's loss should one occur.

I had a problem with a seller one time, and PayPal was no help at all in spite of the fact that this Power Seller and I had both followed the rules. SafeHarbor checked into the situation, and was unable to do anything about it as well. I guess that my only point is that if someone wants to do something underhanded at e-bay, there are ways for it to be done. The more computer-savvy one is, the more likely they'll be able to create multiple accounts, etc.