LA - Mickey Shunick, 21, Lafayette; 19 May 2012 - #21

[Artis]

If you were going to take the time to dismantle the bike...would you leave all the pieces together?

No, and I would be surprised to hear that it had been.

 

[slowlybutshelly]

I have a question after viewing this truck. The tailgate is marked closed (up) in this picture; but in the other picture of interest - is the VOI tailgate down?

Here is what I see
1. pint sized martian standing on sidewalk behind truck - l0l. If not a person, what is that?

2. Black burly driver with beard wearing a white shirt

3. muslim headdress on a woman in the passenger seat; hijab?

IF these are the perps, this is quite a good disguise to have ya think? Instead of underneath the hijab it could be a male; but the face just looks feminine to me.

Also, MS would be more likely to get in truck with a woman nonsuspectingly; just IMHO.

 

[slowlybutshelly]

Hi, again, to you. I, too, felt that dark line was the camera and not a shadow from the sign. Looking forward to your next analysis.

After looking at these pics closely, I do NOT THINK there is a person at that pump with blue jeans and a white shirt; I think it is an illusion, seen more brightly in the pic with truck than in MS pic.

 

[slowlybutshelly]

My opinions only, no facts here:

More about the surveillance camera pic.

I agree with the authorities that this is a Chevy Silverado Z71. There has not been a lot of change in this model over the years, but from the overall appearance of the surveillance camera pic, I think this may be a 2011 model. It looks fairly expensive, with most of the options.

Regarding a question by Artis and an answer by JurysOut about the vertical steak on the white truck in the original surveillance camera pic- the distortion in the original pic is both vertical and horizontal. I believe this steak is actually the raised fender mold that encircles the wheel on this model. Due to distortion, this mold surface appears further to the rear than it should in the original surveillance pic.

Remember that the driver is represented by only a couple of pixels on the original pic. So, it cannot factually be said whether the driver is male or female or stocky or skinny. What I did to define the driver was look at images of this model from the same angle without a driver; then I looked for pixels that might represent the driver on the surveillance camera pic. I admit that every time I look at the original pic I visualize a beefy guy in a white t-shirt, but this is just the way my particular brain cells view this. As for a passenger, I think I am only seeing the seat back cushions on the passenger side.

In the security camera pic, on the wheels, it looks like the holes are spaced about 70 degrees apart. So I overlaid 5-hole wheels (mags) on the original image. There is more than one type of five-hole wheel and I tried to pick the wheel design that best matches the blurry original image.

Since many posters had trouble reading the text on my first image, I am re-posting it here with larger text of an appropriate color. I am now examining the camera image that shows a white truck going in the opposite direction.

Can the police make out any sketch of these people in the truck? If I can see a burly headed black man and a person with a hijab on in the truck; perhaps the pic could be blown up even more and sketches could be made? I definitely see a light colored hijab. I definitely do not see the dog everyone keeps mentioning. I definitely see a black driver with a beard.

My next question: How many people see a muslim woman with a hijab on out at night after 2 am with a black man? Just seems next to nearly impossible.

Either this woman passenger is not there by will either or this is not a woman under the hijab; but just a cover up hoodie like others have suggested. I do think the face under the hoodie looks black also.

Thoughts?

 

[Mr. Noatak]

My opinions only, no facts here:

Regarding the surveillance image of a white truck returning in the opposite direction from the direction traveled by the person on the bicycle: it will be difficult to enhance who is in the cab because of the unfortunate angle of back-lighting. This later truck image appears to have most or all of the features of the earlier image of the white truck that was going the same direction as the bicycle rider (including the 5-hole mag wheels, although the rear wheels may be more reflective than the front wheels, based upon my comparison of both pics). The tailgate is closed, but appears open because of the contrast effects of the left tail light. Both trucks appear to be traveling at the same speed. There is a curious square reflection above the right rear of the bed of the later truck that I cannot account for in the earlier surveillance pic (if these are indeed the same vehicle). This square reflection may be distortion of this fuzzy image from the right tail light OR something else. The license plate appears to be centered at the rear of the white truck and is very clean and reflective. In fact, both photos of the white truck or trucks show clean and washed, well-maintained vehicles. I would judge that both headlights (on the later white truck) are still working.

The blue car at the gas station from the earlier white truck pic is still there and a white car has since pulled into the gas station. The white car's owner is trotting towards the establishment. The owner(?) of the blue car may be returning to their vehicle. Thus, it stands to reason that the two images of the white truck are recorded within 5 to 10 minutes of each other. I mean- how long does it take to gas up and get out? Certainly not longer than ten minutes, even if a person goes inside to pay and buy something extra.

I may change my mind, but I think we are looking at the same type of truck in both pics.

 

[slowlybutshelly]

We got separated from the group yesterday and the heat was rough, I definitely had a few seconds where I wasn't sure where I was or why - we had quite a few (much) older searchers with our group and I was very concerned for a couple of them. They all agreed that had they known what they were getting into they would have volunteered their time/energy in some other way because they couldnt do much to help - brush too thick, machetes too heavy, heat thorns and bugs all after you...and lets not get started on the snakes and poison ivy. I think they thought they would be looking on road sides, up and down city streets, etc. BUT - help is help - searching somewhere in some capacity is better than not searching at all. Everyone stays SO positive out there.

poison ivy.

All it took for me was one search to get poison ivy , oak, or sumac. I think mine was Poison Sumac.

remedies anyone?

 

[slowlybutshelly]

I would not be surprised at all if the perp stalked her from Artmosphere.... and the truck was following her, on the phone with a second perp on foot to alert him when she drew near the ambush point.

They had both (or maybe even three) seen her riding by at times, and someone recognized her as someone who went to Artmosphere - ... they had seen her at BOTH places before.... both at Artmosphere, and also as she rode by the waylay point on her trips back home, and so laid an ambush for the next time they saw her at Artmosphere.

I'm so late to the ballgame, I'm sure, but I would guess the perp frequented the same places she went.... and either recognized her later on her night rides... or the reverse... saw her night rides, and recognized her at Artmosphere or wherever.

So my thinking is evolving on this.... I think that the perp(s) had seen her at BOTH locales, and so this was a plan, all the way.

Chickenfried, what is the route a truck would take from artmosphere to parkside entrance of university to versailles? I agree that this truck (PERP) could have known her route from BW house and just sat on parkside waiting for her.

Although I must say, that I saw at least 3 blonde white women walking their dogs on the corner of parkside/versailles by the school this am when I was driving by. The perp could have been wanting ANY young blonde woman. and personally I see that as more likely than an Artmosphere stalk. why? hmmmm because an Artmosphere stalk would have required months in the planning and at some point MS or BW would have been confronted by an unwanted guest at their table, conversation about somebody asking for them etc by staff if they were being stalked.

I also happen to know it is quite a rowdy poor area on the other side of the street from Artmosphere, but I also know social workers and lawyers in the area who work in this community and do amazing things for these people who seem on the fringe.

 

[Labikegirl]

No, I can't see it. I can't see someone doing that drunk. I think this guy wanted Mickey, I don't know the reason. As clear as it may seem to everyone else. I've been digging for other crimes around the community, rapes, police impersonators that haven't been caught, peeping toms, abduction attempts on someone Mickey's age, and I've found nothing.

This can't be his first attempt, it was just done way too well. Very neat and clean and slick. But, what he probably didn't think of, was that the bike wouldn't sink all the way.

I agree, I dont see a drunk driver going nearly 30 miles out of his way to dump a bike. This is too polished, and too much of a clean get away.

LA

 

[Labikegirl]

I agree. WB is almost exactly
Halfway between BR and Lafayette.

It is. My husband is from BR, I am from Laf. I always knew two things on my numerous trips, halfway there, and KLSU works.

 

[Labikegirl]

Bless your heart!

That's exactly what the locals need, ,as they are wearing out

Watch out now! In Texas, when we say that someone is a full brick short of a load. ;0

LA

 

[Labikegirl]

Nothing good happens after 10pm. If you're out that late or later, just be with other people.

By the way, I live in Louisiana, and the people in southern part of the state are the best you can find. I love the way they've rallied together.

True. It makes me Lafayette proud. Here in Dallas, people would not have even given it any attention. They would have said it was sad and just kept on living.

LA

 

[Mr. Noatak]

Can the police make out any sketch of these people in the truck? If I can see a burly headed black man and a person with a hijab on in the truck; perhaps the pic could be blown up even more and sketches could be made? I definitely see a light colored hijab. I definitely do not see the dog everyone keeps mentioning. I definitely see a black driver with a beard.

My next question: How many people see a muslim woman with a hijab on out at night after 2 am with a black man? Just seems next to nearly impossible.

Either this woman passenger is not there by will either or this is not a woman under the hijab; but just a cover up hoodie like others have suggested. I do think the face under the hoodie looks black also.

Thoughts?

My opinions only, no facts here:

Cynicism does not constitute an investigative tool. Cynicism wastes valuable energy that can be expended trying to SOLVE a mystery. And this case is a mystery.

Here at Websleuths, we all try to help each other as a constituted TEAM to uncover possible solutions to a crime. Every thought presented in this thread is of possible value. I carefully read and think about every post from my fellow sleuths. Because our collective wisdom trumps the whims of one or a few. I cannot see or visualize any of these details that you describe in your post. Are you teasing us?

Think about it my good friend. We have a potential smash-and-grab and a damaged bicycle. There is a former solved case in Hawaii that is somewhat similar to this one. Are you aware of it? Read about the Dana Ireland case and rise up my good buddy. In cases like this, the damaged bike is left behind but the victim is kidnapped (usually injured) and taken elsewhere. For all we know, the victim still lives! This case is not a game of gratification for those of us who are on the Websleuths team. There is a life at stake, partner. Maybe, when all is said and done, we cannot save that life, but just maybe we can help with the following justice.

Sleuth on!

 

[Mr. Noatak]

Can the police make out any sketch of these people in the truck? If I can see a burly headed black man and a person with a hijab on in the truck; perhaps the pic could be blown up even more and sketches could be made? I definitely see a light colored hijab. I definitely do not see the dog everyone keeps mentioning. I definitely see a black driver with a beard.

My next question: How many people see a muslim woman with a hijab on out at night after 2 am with a black man? Just seems next to nearly impossible.

Either this woman passenger is not there by will either or this is not a woman under the hijab; but just a cover up hoodie like others have suggested. I do think the face under the hoodie looks black also.

Thoughts?

My opinions only, no facts here:

Cynicism does not constitute an investigative tool. Cynicism wastes valuable energy that can be expended trying to SOLVE a mystery. And this case is a mystery.

Here at Websleuths, we all try to help each other as a constituted TEAM to uncover possible solutions to a crime. Every thought presented in this thread is of possible value. I carefully read and think about every post from my fellow sleuths. Because our collective wisdom trumps the whims of one.

Think about it my friend. We have a potential smash-and-grab and a damaged bicycle. There is a former solved case in Hawaii that is somewhat similar to this one. Are you aware of it? Read about the Dana Ireland case and rise up my good buddy. In cases like this, the damaged bike is left behind but the victim is kidnapped (usually injured) and taken elsewhere. For all we know, the victim still lives! This is not a game for the Websleuths team. There is a life at stake, partner.

 

[Labikegirl]

I spent my whole day today driving over MS route. There were people walking their dogs and when I drove by slowly, I had to explain that I was driving back over MS route to see if anything jogged my brain. People appeared nonchalant. Even my next door neighbor, a RADIO MAN (not sure what capacity) said 'oh yeah it happened over by the old hospital". (like oh yeah, no big deal..gotta go to work). This nonchalance bothered me. Either people are scared to death and keeping it all behind closed doors; or it really is not affecting people.

I am deeply affected and this why: I drove down Parkside today. IF this perp was a NON LOCAL, there is virtually NO WAY he would have 'discovered' this very obsolete diagonal street in a corner by a graveyard that is virtually hidden from university street traffic (the entrance to the graveyard is on ST JOHN in front of the church). I personally feel that PERP is a LOCAL and that MS could be within an very narrow radius of where she was last seen. I consider myself a local because I have relatives in the area; and it took me a few years to even realize Parkside street existed. One can easily drive past the cemetery every day on university and never see the Parkside Street Entrance.

Since Parkside Street borders the cemetery on University, I am beginning to think that the only locals who could really KNOW about its existence are those having to do with the Cemetery. Or the LCG officals who know Parkside continues on the other side of University.

I find it very hard to believe any nonlocal out for doing mishap while casually going through town (even in the short time for fair workers) would not find out about Parkside unless they took out a Google map (or smartphone) and planned the incident.

That being said, I think MS was either
1. followed by a local who knew parkside and versailles (like the back of his thumb) and followed her up st landry
or
2. it was a local who did not follow her; in which our white truck may not be involved anymore.

And since there is a nationwide alert on this VOI, and nothing has been found on interstates, we can only gather this person is hidden near and deep locally.

very scary

You are right about Parkside. I lived in a home right beside it in my mid twenties. I never knew it exisited until then.

LA

 

[slowlybutshelly]

True. It makes me Lafayette proud. Here in Dallas, people would not have even given it any attention. They would have said it was sad and just kept on living.

LA

I think that is starting to happen in Lafayette now too. People are going back to work; saying it happened 'over there'. People, neighbors, I thought would care are NOT. Mostly it is neighbors with children, who are trying to protect little ears. Still I find it hard to believe so few adults are actually searching and getting involved. It is the worst of 'if it does not pertain to me, I let it go'.

I must say that locals are starting to feel like like LE could come after them....

and geez, if NO ONE is brought to justice, the people in Lafayette are going to be living with this for years.

Is that a PERPS modus operandi? TO terrorize a larger community at large? I keep thinking about if MS was just one little Deed in a bigger plan; it scares me to death to think more stuff could be happening to a frenzied community.

It makes me want to change my routine; change where I get my coffee, etc.

I would not be surprised if it was someone from a surrounding area who kind of knew Lafayette and was driving through; or who had lived in the parkside/versailles area before.

 

[Labikegirl]

No it is not weird! I befriended MS that way and so did a lot of other people after this happened. She needs HUGS and lot of them and she is open to them. Please go give her a hug! She did not plan on being a celebrity and is just a GREAT GAL. needing hugs....

On my way girl. BTW- Thanks for all of your hard work.

LA

 

[Labikegirl]

Maybe these security guards talk; maybe they are related and know one another. Would not surprise me at all if this security guard talked to other security guards. Even though chickenfried is adamant about this security guard not being involved; I am not so sure there is not a security guard - net like the cajun-net. I would not be surprsied if she was in town being and being covered up.

I would lay a bet on this. Cajuns TALK.

LA

 

[Labikegirl]

poison ivy.

All it took for me was one search to get poison ivy , oak, or sumac. I think mine was Poison Sumac.

remedies anyone?

tea tree oil and time. coconut oil might help if it is dry.

LA

 

[Foxfire]

Don't be sorry. It happens to us all.

True story: until I followed Lauren Spierer's case, I thought that Anthropologie was a store for exclusively "tribal" -looking things. :what:

..and I thought it was Anthro & apology all wrapped up in one word...

 

[slowlybutshelly]

My opinions only, no facts here:

Cynicism does not constitute an investigative tool. Cynicism wastes valuable energy that can be expended trying to SOLVE a mystery. And this case is a mystery.

Here at Websleuths, we all try to help each other as a constituted TEAM to uncover possible solutions to a crime. Every thought presented in this thread is of possible value. I carefully read and think about every post from my fellow sleuths. Because our collective wisdom trumps the whims of one or a few. I cannot see or visualize any of these details that you describe in your post. Are you teasing us?

Think about it my good friend. We have a potential smash-and-grab and a damaged bicycle. There is a former solved case in Hawaii that is somewhat similar to this one. Are you aware of it? Read about the Dana Ireland case and rise up my good buddy. In cases like this, the damaged bike is left behind but the victim is kidnapped (usually injured) and taken elsewhere. For all we know, the victim still lives! This case is not a game of gratification for those of us who are on the Websleuths team. There is a life at stake, partner. Maybe, when all is said and done, we cannot save that life, but just maybe we can help with the following justice.

Sleuth on!

I appreciate your concern about me hindering or sidetracking the case. I would not want to do anything to put the investigation in jeopardy.

I have a desktop (HP) standard computer. I downloaded the truck image onto desktop; when I do, I am presented with a zoom option. When I zoom all the way, I clearly see a person in the passenger seat with a hijab or hoodie. I want to say a woman muslim woman with a hijab; but if it is the PERP it could be a young man with a hoodie. It is definitely younger and more feminine than the male black burly with a beard I see very clearly also. and when i see clearly, I mean I could almost draw a sketch myself if I could draw.

I will try to photocapture my zoom pic and post it here. I am a friend, not a foe. I want mickey back. and I am not seeing things..hold on please....be right back.