Found Deceased IA - Jake Wilson, 16, La Porte City, 07 Apr 2018 *autistic*

[Anthony96]

My heart hurts for his family

 

[Nikki732002]

This is a news article from right after Jake went missing.

Update: Search continues for missing La Porte City teen with autism

His family says he walked to Wolf Creek around 8:45 p.m. Saturday and never came home. He's 5'6'' and was last seen wearing a brown zip-up sweater, dark sweats and cowboy boots.

Jake's mother tells KWWL her son has walked to Wolf Creek in the past, but never alone. She said after he was gone for more than a half an hour when she new something was terribly wrong.

"He just asked if he could go down to the creek and my husband told him the directions and that's the last time that I seen him," said Megan Neiswonger, Jake's Mother.

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

This is a news article from right after Jake went missing.

Update: Search continues for missing La Porte City teen with autism

His family says he walked to Wolf Creek around 8:45 p.m. Saturday and never came home. He's 5'6'' and was last seen wearing a brown zip-up sweater, dark sweats and cowboy boots.

Jake's mother tells KWWL her son has walked to Wolf Creek in the past, but never alone. She said after he was gone for more than a half an hour when she new something was terribly wrong.

"He just asked if he could go down to the creek and my husband told him the directions and that's the last time that I seen him," said Megan Neiswonger, Jake's Mother.

Thank you for posting this, Nikki732002.

Two things I didn’t realize before:
1. “Jake's mother tells KWWL her son has walked to Wolf Creek in the past, but never alone.“

2. ”He just asked if he could go down to the creek and my husband told him the directions”
Both BBM for emphasis

The thing I have always had a difficult time understanding about Jake’s case has been the fact that he was allowed to go down to the creek at 8:45pm or 9pm, as has also been reported.

According to the actual weather report for Apr. 7, at 9 pm, the temperature was about 30 F. Sunset was at 7:41 pm, civil twilight (“”Civil twilight is the brightest form of twilight. There is enough natural sunlight during this period that artificial light may not be required to carry out outdoor activities“) at 8:09 pm, and nautical twilight was at (“this [nautical] twilight period is less bright than civil twilight and artificial light is generally required for outdoor activities”) at 8:43 pm.
Vinton-Veterans Memorial, IA History | Weather Underground

And then to realize that Jake had never walked there by himself, and thus his step-dad even felt the need to give him the directions (“a few short blocks from his home”), I am further at a loss to understand why this had to happen.

It is an incredibly sad situation all around.

 

[DakotaMayi]

Thank you for posting this, Nikki732002.

Two things I didn’t realize before:
1. “Jake's mother tells KWWL her son has walked to Wolf Creek in the past, but never alone.“

2. ”He just asked if he could go down to the creek and my husband told him the directions”
Both BBM for emphasis

The thing I have always had a difficult time understanding about Jake’s case has been the fact that he was allowed to go down to the creek at 8:45pm or 9pm, as has also been reported.

According to the actual weather report for Apr. 7, at 9 pm, the temperature was about 30 F. Sunset was at 7:41 pm, civil twilight (“”Civil twilight is the brightest form of twilight. There is enough natural sunlight during this period that artificial light may not be required to carry out outdoor activities“) at 8:09 pm, and nautical twilight was at (“this [nautical] twilight period is less bright than civil twilight and artificial light is generally required for outdoor activities”) at 8:43 pm.
Vinton-Veterans Memorial, IA History | Weather Underground

And then to realize that Jake had never walked there by himself, and thus his step-dad even felt the need to give him the directions (“a few short blocks from his home”), I am further at a loss to understand why this had to happen.

It is an incredibly sad situation all around.

So am I, IMHO, but I sounded like I was parent bashing (or step parent bashing) whenever I wrote it and that wasn't necessarily my intention. You have a much better way with words.

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

From a Des Moines Register article published 14 hours ago (mostly consists of the same information 24Roses kindly posted as the press conference took place yesterday):

“LA PORTE CITY, Ia. — Of all the questions surrounding Jake Wilson's disappearance, authorities brought an answer for just one Wednesday: The remains found earlier this month belong to the teenage boy with autism.

An investigation of how the 16-year-old boy died and ended up in Wolf Creek near his La Porte City home will continue. But for Jake’s father, Mike Wilson, and grandfather Bruce Wilson, the identification has brought them some resolution.

[SBM]

La Porte City Police Chief Chris Brecher said Jake's remains were not found sooner because conditions of the creek were constantly changing and there are many holes on the bottom. The creek has receded substantially since Jake disappeared, something authorities believe is what allowed recreational kayakers to make their discovery.

‘It’s a question that we ask ourselves and we wrack our brains over,’ Brecher said. ‘We might be able to really give you an answer (later) on why we didn’t find him’ earlier.

At a news conference Wednesday, Brecher said the cause of death had not been determined. Further analysis by a number of agencies is ongoing, something local law enforcement hopes will help them answer how Jake died.

[SBM]

Jake’s remains were found downstream from where he was thought to have gone the evening he disappeared and within a mile from where searches began, Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson said. The area where the remains were found was combed by crews up to 30 times before, he said.

Jake's mother, Megan Richter-Neiswonger, did not attend Wednesday's news conference. Brecher said the family needed privacy.

Authorities declined to comment on what remains were found. Asked how many of Jake’s bones had been recovered, the sheriff said, ‘a significant amount.’

Brecher could not comment whether authorities suspect foul play, but he said the public was not in danger. The sheriff declined to speculate what the state’s crime lab might find while microscopically looking at Jake’s remains.

[SBM]

But investigators have answered their first major question: ‘Where is Jake Wilson?’ Evidence led law enforcement — which consisted of 15 FBI agents as of Tuesday — to the creek throughout their investigation.

Hundreds of volunteers searched for Jake in the community of about 2,200 people; at its peak, more than 800 people helped as snow fell the day after he was reported missing. Law enforcement searched a more than 9-mile radius from the center of town in the succeeding days, an area spanning about 255 square miles.

[SBM]” (bolded and underlined by me for focus)
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.desmoinesregister.com/amp/1136056002

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

So am I, IMHO, but I sounded like I was parent bashing (or step parent bashing) whenever I wrote it and that wasn't necessarily my intention. You have a much better way with words.

Thank you for your kind words, Ana, and no worries: I know you well enough to know criticizing the parents was not what you intended.

If I know anything, being a parent isn’t easy. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s also the most rewarding, but sometimes it’s downright heartbreaking and gut wrenching, too.

You just hope and pray you are doing what’s best for them, but after 16 years, I’ve also come to realize what I think is best at the time doesn’t always end up being the best. But it’s a lesson you get to learn only after the fact.

 

[Gardener1850]

Some articles from the past 15 hours (Sorry if any of these are repeats):

Family reaction following Jake Wilson press conference Aug. 29, 2018

Officials confirm remains are those of missing Iowa boy | Newton Daily News

Remains from Wolf Creek confirmed as Wilson’s

Creating safety plans for children with autism

 

[cybervampira]

Jake Wilson remembered at memorial service as smiling, athletic kid

Bruce Wilson has the sound of his grandson saying "Grandpa" stuck in his mind.

Jake Wilson said it a lot, Bruce Wilson remembered — "Grandpa, watch this," "Grandpa, what's that?" — and always with a broad smile.

"You could say a perpetual smile," Bruce Wilson told a crowd of around 100 mourners at a memorial service for his grandson Saturday morning at Candeo Church in Cedar Falls. "I don't think it came off his face."

Wilson, who was missing for months before his remains were found near Wolf Creek in La Porte City last week, was remembered as a gifted Special Olympics athlete who loved fishing, Legos, the Chicago Bears and his dog.

[...]

 

[TristanP]

I strongly suspect foul play.

 

[Mysteries1974]

I feel horrible for jakes family. I too strongly suspect Jake met with foul play but it’s also possible he wandered into the creek and drowned. Still I think Jake may have died at the hands of a horrible person.

 

[whatsnext]

I strongly suspect foul play.

My opinion about this has changed in the last weeks, I thought about foul play as well, but his poor eyesight and balance problems considered, an accident and then drowning is the most likely cause of his death. As far as I understand they are still investigating though.

 

[DakotaMayi]

My opinion about this has changed in the last weeks, I thought about foul play as well, but his poor eyesight and balance problems considered, an accident and then drowning is the most likely cause of his death. As far as I understand they are still investigating though.

I'm all over the place in terms of my opinion of this case however, while yes, the likelihood of an accident appears to far out weigh the other options, it is more the circumstances of him being up there in first place and why at that time, how he got there, the fact he needed directions, who allowed him to go there at that time that has me questioning whether or not this was accident. As opposed to what is more likely to happen in that location.

Am I making any sense? .... Coffee pleaseeee

 

[thecatmeows]

I strongly suspect foul play.

I've pictured an array of scenarios that involve foul play, too - however, it's entirely possible that it was just an accident. I agree with @AnaPisces. A lot doesn't added up, in my opinion.

 

[Alleykins]

I'm all over the place in terms of my opinion of this case however, while yes, the likelihood of an accident appears to far out weigh the other options, it is more the circumstances of him being up there in first place and why at that time, how he got there, the fact he needed directions, who allowed him to go there at that time that has me questioning whether or not this was accident. As opposed to what is more likely to happen in that location.
Am I making any sense? .... Coffee pleaseeee

I think I understand, Ana. It wasn't like the front door was accidentally left open and he wandered off.

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

I've pictured an array of scenarios that involve foul play, too - however, it's entirely possible that it was just an accident. I agree with @AnaPisces. A lot doesn't added up, in my opinion.

Have we heard anything as to whether any of Jake’s clothing has been recovered since the discovery of his remains?

 

[inmyhumbleopinion]

I don’t know why I didn’t think of this earlier: I’m also wondering if Jake’s cowboy boots have been found.

 

[Suspiciousmom]

When I look at the facts thus far, as I know them; there are a number of perhaps red flags as to the nature of the situation. First of all I believe that I had seen on perhaps the first TV interview, that the mother stated, "you can listen to your music. We can argue like normal teenager and mom." This to me sounds almost apologetic, as if there had been an argument /altercation; vs. I'm just going to skip on down to the creek now...

If my 20 year old son- (who graduated with a "normal" diploma and can drive) wanted to go for a walk or even my husband in an identical situation, these would be my concerns:

Time- he went for a walk in the dark

Clothing- he was wearing dark clothing.

Clothing- he did NOT have on any reflective components to his clothing.

weather- he was going for a walk when the temperature was rather cold.

Anticipated weather- snow storm in the immediate forecast.

He was not wearing his glasses- would seem a rather obvious issue. (My son/husband wears glasses too.)

Although he had been there before- this was his first time going there alone.

He needed directions from his dad to get there.

He was going to a rather large- (from the pictures I saw) source of water.

The source of water was a moving creek/river.

Given the time of year, the water would be cold.

I dont know if Jake could swim- My son can swim REALLY well- I'd still say NO.

It is an easy argument to make that people with autism are drawn to water- significant research has been done in re: people with autism drowning. It would appear as if this could be almost "too easy"- of a missing person who accidentally drown situation.

Had this been my son/husband - I would have said an emphatic "NO" at ANY of the junctures listed above. Had he ABSOLUTELY insisted that he was going to go- I would have been perhaps 20 feet behind him- he wouldn't see me if it were that time of night- and of course totally dark this time of year.

Again, I DO NOT KNOW the teen NOR his parents. My concerns only come from the point of a mother of 2 young males with autism- one higher functioning than Jake- and someone who has spoken to first responders re: handling situations such as this.

 

[skip tracy]

,,,,

 

[Alleykins]

When I look at the facts thus far, as I know them; there are a number of perhaps red flags as to the nature of the situation. First of all I believe that I had seen on perhaps the first TV interview, that the mother stated, "you can listen to your music. We can argue like normal teenager and mom." This to me sounds almost apologetic, as if there had been an argument /altercation; vs. I'm just going to skip on down to the creek now...

If my 20 year old son- (who graduated with a "normal" diploma and can drive) wanted to go for a walk or even my husband in an identical situation, these would be my concerns:

Time- he went for a walk in the dark

Clothing- he was wearing dark clothing.

Clothing- he did NOT have on any reflective components to his clothing.

weather- he was going for a walk when the temperature was rather cold.

Anticipated weather- snow storm in the immediate forecast.

He was not wearing his glasses- would seem a rather obvious issue. (My son/husband wears glasses too.)

Although he had been there before- this was his first time going there alone.

He needed directions from his dad to get there.

He was going to a rather large- (from the pictures I saw) source of water.

The source of water was a moving creek/river.

Given the time of year, the water would be cold.

I dont know if Jake could swim- My son can swim REALLY well- I'd still say NO.

It is an easy argument to make that people with autism are drawn to water- significant research has been done in re: people with autism drowning. It would appear as if this could be almost "too easy"- of a missing person who accidentally drown situation.

Had this been my son/husband - I would have said an emphatic "NO" at ANY of the junctures listed above. Had he ABSOLUTELY insisted that he was going to go- I would have been perhaps 20 feet behind him- he wouldn't see me if it were that time of night- and of course totally dark this time of year.

Again, I DO NOT KNOW the teen NOR his parents. My concerns only come from the point of a mother of 2 young males with autism- one higher functioning than Jake- and someone who has spoken to first responders re: handling situations such as this.

Agree.
OT:
My 15 yr old son has high functioning autism. I would have never, ever let him leave the house under those circumstances, even less so if he had a more severe diagnosis.
The one time he went exploring behind the house while I was at work was enough to unnerve me. He's not a wanderer, is not drawn to water, and is afraid of his own shadow. This was so unlike him.
Though I wanted to freak out at this sudden change in his behavior, I also have to let him show some independence, and I get caught between wanting him to spread his wings and protecting him. Maybe that's where these folks were at and went about it the wrong way.
For us, baby steps go a long way toward that end, so we came to an agreement that he has to take the dog, leave a note for me in the off chance he gets lost, take a whistle, and he can't go out after dark.

 

[Alethea]

I think I understand, Ana. It wasn't like the front door was accidentally left open and he wandered off.

I appreciate your posts here Alleykins. I have been thinking about what you said about baby steps and walking the line with allowing some independence while maintaining appropriate supervision.

I get hung up on why would they allow him to go to the creek alone for the first time at night? It seems like there are two firsts here: going to the creek alone and going to the creek at night. If he needed directions, they must not have gone very often if at all.

The real story may have been more like after an argument Jake stormed out "I'm going to the creek to calm down" and the step-dad yelled "take a left at the oak tree" rather than a reasoned discussion about going down there alone for the first time. I think this would make more sense to me and they may not want to admit it because they think it would make them look bad. But I would see this as a normal parenting moment - exhausted parents needing a break - rather than something malicious.