Found Deceased IA - Mollie Tibbetts, 20, Poweshiek County, 19 Jul 2018 #19

[Mom24]

Yes, and what I meant was that that would add to the number of investigations LE have to continue to follow if they have no other strong leads. Such as, there is a "troll" I think they are called, posting under at least four or five names and accounts of a relative of Mollie. Horrible, disgusting things, taunting .... this account is open to the public and remain so. I don't post openly unless it's a missing animal or something similar and I also don't allow posts - only replies and then only from friends. So my reaction is close this thread to the public!!! But it remains open, so I believe LE has to watch those types of things also. Maybe pressers keep getting delayed because more and more of this type of thing is happening.

The sad thing, if someone I knew were missing, I'd open my FB and deal with the trolls in the off chance that someone might leave a tip that would lead to finding them. It's tough and I've been disappointed and sickened to see some of the things posted on social media in cases like this. I try to remember those trolls are the minority and most people are kind and caring.

 

[heywaycool]

Newbie here with just some random thoughts. Mostly based upon IF MT returned to the house after a jog. If LE can confirm there was activity on that computer say after 9pm, or her phone pinged to that location, that at least reduces an abduction by car scenario.

Was it possible the relationship between MT and DJ was not as rock solid as we might believe? Not accusing anyone, just 20 year olds, and well really anyone, might find a welcome, or unwelcome, and possibly jealous attraction at work, school, or elsewhere. Snapchat aside, there was no good night text or call from either (although for MT it may have been impossible), no how were the dogs, dinner, etc. For that matter, no followup from the family or MT as to not stopping by for car or dinner. Was that just typical of MT to the family? In the morning, DJ's unanswered good morning texts appeared to raise no alarm, no call to work to confirm she was there, no call to MT's mom or brothers, so was that just typical of MT to DJ? And then the brother phones or texts if MT needed the car I believe, and no answer? Typical of MT? Who would have driven her, another friend ? When MT didn't show up for work at Daycare (8:30am ??), it caused no concern to a mgr as to why she didn't arrive and was not reachable? My daughter, a server during summer college break, nearly the same age as MT, was called by her mgr recently as to her whereabouts (he had forgotten she had switched shifts that day with another server who showed up for work late). I understand later in the day, a friend of MT's at daycare, called DJ as to MT's whereabouts, which then triggered the alarm something was amiss . At that point there had been no contact with MT for maybe 15 hours.

Regarding the dogs being watched, was anyone scheduled to walk/take out those big dogs during the day while MT was at work that final day? I know dogs can be trained to be on a schedule, so not necessarily there was someone. That being said, could MT that morning while walking the dogs have bumped into a neighbor and shared her situation, or, after returning from jogging and hw, walked the dogs a final time b4 bed to make sure they didn't leave a mess b4 morning, and was followed back?

 

[Kapua]

When a body is found anytime, all sorts of vans, trucks, police vehicles are going to show up, crime scene tape goes up, cameras flashing etc...it can’t be kept secret as processing can take a very long time. Even before massive SM, local media would report pretty quickly when this was occurring. Jmo

Excellent point. And the coroner would pay a visit, an autopsy would be performed, etc.

 

[NewYork625]

This gives me more reason to believe that they've found whatever they were looking for since they've searched that area three times plus searched his home and took his cell or there was nothing there to find. It also leads me to believe regardless if MT is alive or not, she's not there.

Or they may be searching another area...

 

[Stormy21]

I turned it off when the site was acting up. It seemed to cut down on the hangs.

"Opinions expressed are mine alone. Who else would they belong to?"

I was hoping you would express my opinions. Then I would be assured that there are at least two of us this 'slow'. But alas.....

 

[mrtnira]

Sadly, I don't think an abductor will let her go or turn her loose based off the reward $. The perp didn't know what the reward amount would be, or if any reward at all when he abducted her in the first place. Also, if nobody has made any calls confirming her status @ $200,000, I don't see it happening, even as the reward $ increases.

Playing off of your thoughtful post: The chance of a traditional kidnapping successfully working in today's world seems very small. We live in a world where the old "leave the money in a bag by the phone booth" isn't going to work, and neither will electronic transfers. I suspect that unless there is a well organized group (maybe a drug network doing a kidnapping to send a message or to guarantee the silence of a witness) the former small time operator doing a kidnapping for profit is probably a thing of the past.

 

[Jonathan M]

First time poster, no idea where to start, so I'll share what I've found in hopes others of you that are more experienced can potentially use it. I have very little expertise in most things, but do have some running knowledge. On that note:

1. Mollie's Running Pace: Regarding the comments about Mollie's run times, I'd subscribe to the idea she was running close to an 8-10 minute pace. One post indicated it taking her 20 minutes to run less than a mile. I think that is waaaay too slow for someone her age with a cross country background.

2. Strava Running App Information: the widely used running app Strava has several helpful features that are worth noting for Mollie (and possibly for those of you helping with other cases).

• Heat Map: this reflects how often runners use certain routes (streets, trails, etc.). It was in the news recently due to it being used to "uncover" apparent secret military bases due to military personnel using the app while stationed in those facilities. For a run to be reflected on the heat map the runner must be a Strava user (it's free to join) and log/save the run in the Strava app. I have not found a Strava account for Mollie (most people register under their actual names, no aliases or nicknames, so I doubt she had one). I did look at the general area she has been reported as running and there is a good bit of activity in this area of Brooklyn. I mention this because it means if Mollie didn't use Strava, there are certainly other runners that are and that have run in the same area. The heat map doesn't reflect how long ago runs occurred, so it's usefulness is limited. The most interesting thing I saw is the map reflecting "heat" on the dead-end street where her mom (?) lived. I'll attempt to link a photo so you can see the area in question, though anyone can view this by signing up online for a free Strava account (non-users can't search the heat map).
  
  Image - TinyPic - Free Image Hosting, Photo Sharing & Video Hosting

• Segments and Leader Boards: Strava users can create "segments" or routes they routinely run (and there are separate segments for bicyclers) and want to track their progress. Making a segment public allows leader boards to be created so you can see who else ran the segment, what day, their time, etc. Again, more useful if Mollie had been a user and I've not seen anything that stands out in the Brooklyn area. There are no segments that have been created in the city (not incredibly unusual for a small town), but there is a cycling segment running from Brooklyn to Victor. There are some July 2018 cyclers that rode that segment, and appear to have gone through Brooklyn. Without me being "friends" with them I can't see detailed information, how often they ride through Brooklyn, etc. but I offer all this to say possibly another runner/cycler has been in the area Mollie was and could offer something? A long shot, I know.

3. MapMyRun: another popular running app allowing segments to be created for runners and cyclers to track progress. It appears Mollie created an account under the name MollieT24 in June 2013 (MollieT24's Profile). The profile picture is identical to her Facebook page that has been linked. Unfortunately it says she has never posted a run to the app, so no info there. It does make me wonder if Mollie used another running app, something in addition to her FitBit, as there are multiple apps available by a variety of providers (Nike, RunKeeper, etc.). To my knowledge FitBit doesn't offer this feature of creating routes, documenting runs, etc. that an avid runner would desire. Just a thought...

 

[Vedder]

Welcome newbies! Glad to have you here.

 

[carbuff]

I was hoping you would express my opinions. Then I would be assured that there are at least two of us this 'slow'. But alas.....

I'm afraid I'm not very good at that. Maybe we could just go out for ice cream instead?

 

[DizzyB]

Dizzy, I've said it before (as recently as last night on this thread, in fact) and I'll say it again: Chief Timothy Longo and the Charlottesville PD did a SUPERB job of handling the HG investigation. I think HG's case study should be used in LE training courses to teach LEOs across the the country how to properly conduct criminal investigations. Chief Longo is brilliant. JMO.

I loved Chief Longo too. I will never forget him at the press conferences-he was honest, forthcoming, and so caring. I would want that man searching for my loved one. I remember poring over that footage of Hannah walking in the mall when Jesse Matthew turned and started following her. Such a sad story, with so many people who could have saved her. So many red flags with that guy.

 

[Stormy21]

Be careful, you wouldnt want to be accused of stalking...

Two times in Iowa. You need two incidents of stalking. So you are good for now.

However there is 'interference with official acts', 'harassment', ' public nuisance'. You know the cops can likely arrest anyone at anytime for something.

 

[Doghairrules]

Dizzy, I've said it before (as recently as last night on this thread, in fact) and I'll say it again: Chief Timothy Longo and the Charlottesville PD did a SUPERB job of handling the HG investigation. I think HG's case study should be used in LE training courses to teach LEOs across the the country how to properly conduct criminal investigations. Chief Longo is brilliant. JMO.

I totally agree.

 

[Vedder]

Maybe WC is trying to report him for texting and driving.

Unless the whole story is BS...

Talk to text, hands free possibly?

Moooo

 

[MsBetsy]

What am I getting at? Normally I believe that there is close to 100 percent chance that a person in a case like this is already dead. This time, my intuition tells me the balance of probability may still lean in an unfavorable direction, but it still leaves a greater than minimal chance for a positive outcome.

OK so I guess you meant " there is a significant chance", that is my feeling as well.

 

[newsleuth5379]

There was talk earlier of a guy seeing her jogging around 8:30 that night then LE searching his house after finding out. When did this search happen? Perhaps, it could mean LE doesn't have a specific POI to zero in on yet. Just me two cents.

 

[Deleted member 227095]

I'm not seeing that as a possibility. I can't recall a single case where a motorist hit a pedestrian, then picked up the body, put it in the vehicle, and took it somewhere else for disposal. Not saying it isn't possible, but it would be highly, highly rare.

Yes, but what if the person that happened to hit the person had prior convictions for DUI, hitting a pedestrian and fleeing the scene and abduction of a female while themselves under the influence? Hitting another person while possibly under the influence would mean significant prison time as this is the third offense. Admittedly far fetched but stranger things have happened. Would this scenario for the perp change your POV?

 

[PaulR]

Talk to text, hands free possibly?

Moooo

How can you hit the "reply" button hands free?

 

[Stormy21]

This may not be a popular opinion, but dang, I would not want to be a 'suspect' in a highly publicized case.

If I were him I would clearly put up a 'no trespassing' sign.

He has not been named as a target of an investigation nor indicted. Not defending him at all, and if he is implicated may justice be delivered.

 

[Deleted member 227095]

That would be very interesting. Would WS let you post it ?

<modsnip: That would be a violation of Websleuths TOS>
I'm still struggling to understand the new jogging route if he did in fact see her. Thanks!

 

[bestill]

I'm going to sit on my hands for a while.