Found Deceased IL - Robert Bee, 13, Pekin, 17 Nov 2016

[Mckinseynana]

I think Robert Bee was let down by many people in his life. I’m happy to see Ash take this case. Poor Robert needs help because he certainly didn’t get it while he was alive!

 

[kimmo]

A few articles from 2020

Protesters want Robert Bee Jr. case turned over to Illinois State Police | CIProud.com

Supporters of murdered child Robert Bee hold rally to pressure the police

 

[hotsytotsy]

Bumping for Robert.

 

[tlorik]

Two years since the last post - and this one may get lost but I wanted to share something I learned about myself and quick judgments, pre-conceived ideas, etc. I started following this case when Bonzai first went missing. Through all the interviews and quotes from his mom, I was completely convinced that she was involved, actively or passively. After watching the interviews on the YouTube series by Ash Patino, I changed my mind on any active involvement and realized we will probably never know all the facts and who was ultimately responsible. This town seems to be drowning in drug use - at least in that neighborhood. I'm not sure that the majority of players, and/or witnesses have enough active brain cells left to remember what actually took place. That is not meant to be mean or derogatory - just years of alcohol and drug abuse taking it's toll. I feel like Robert's care was more in his own hands than anyone elses and he tagged along with older kids that were doing things that were out of his league. He was left to his own devices for the most part and found "belonging" in the wrong group. I don't think we'll ever know the absolute truth of his passing or find anyone that can actually be held accountable. I fell in love with his smile the first time I saw his picture and it just hurts my heart that he was not important enough to the right people to come first. I would have taken him in. Be happy little Bee - I know you are in a wonderful place doing amazing things!

 

[tlcya]

Was thinking about young Bonzai this afternoon and how his case will likely never be solved. Ash did an awesome job of trying to get to the answers and of keeping this kiddo with the impish grin out in the public eye long after the press lost interest in covering his case.

I agree with @tlorik we will probably never know. It is so disheartening to think there are so many kids out there, like Robert, who are simply left to their own devices because those who should be caring for them are too wrapped up in their own selfish pursuits. I suspect his mother's only crime is that of extreme apathy and a nonexistent maternal instinct which indirectly led to his eventual death.

It makes me sad. The whole darn case hurts my heart.

 

[sammyed]

Thinking about Robert aka Bonzai today. I haven't yet watched the Ashes to Ash documentary, might do so, but did learn that Pekin police called in Illinois State Police and still this case hasn't been solved. Very sad. You'd think good detective work could've established where he went when running away from truancy or probation officer that morning, resting to go to school. And the chronic neglect by his mother, with all her problems-you would think he'd have been removed from the home although he probably would've run from any but a locked facility, too. I've read speculation from homicide to asthma attack, but police need to care first. So sad.