NE NE - Jason Jolkowski, 19, Omaha, 13 Jun 2001 - #3

[studebkr]

I got this email over the weekend. I wonder how we can get the spotlight on this case?

Calling all Websleuths, we need your help!
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Do you have what it takes to help solve a mystery? Find out on Citizen Detective.

 

[lisamkomo88]

I have researched, followed, and read about this case for hours. I have gone to where Jason lived and taken the same route he would have begun walking up to the school; I have even taken alternate routes. Of course, I am no mind-reader, but from what we have heard about Jason is how mature and responsible he was. He was going to work early to help out, even though it was his last week working there before he started his new job. I am not saying this couldn't be a crime of opportunity, but considering the area, it is not usual. Benson area in 2001 had its fair share of crime, gang-related violence, and drug crimes. He lived in a residential area with a ton of houses crammed next to each other. I find it hard to believe that a random act of violence or abduction would occur and go unnoticed. Not many people knew of Jason's new schedule change; it was last minute. His parents, brother, and job knew his schedule changed, so if this was done by someone who knew him, I want almost to elude back to his work. Jason left his home at 10:45 am to walk to Benson and meet his co-worker at 11:00 am. That is only a 15-minute window in which something could have occurred. I don't think he would have voluntarily stopped to assist someone in their home or take a ride from a friend, knowing his co-worker would be waiting for him. If he didn't want to inconvenience her with crappy directions to his house, I found it hard to believe he would like to leave her hanging in the parking lot at Benson. If someone did stop him on his walk and offer him a ride, I believe it would have to be someone who knew he had a ride coming. So, whether another co-worker or acquaintance stopped and said, "so and so," stayed behind at work and sent me to come to get you, and it was ill intent? I know it is very far-fetched. In this case, I believe the two main problems are: 1.) law enforcement waited about ten days to do anything, which is just mind-blowing. I don't care if it is an adult or not; I believe if someone goes missing and does not return for 24-48 hours, at least there is something not right. He did not have a history of going off and not coming home. So, as far as law enforcement interviewing co-workers, neighbors, former classmates or friends, etc., and ruling them out, I am not giving much credit. Ten days may not seem like a long time, but it is. People tend to forget details, cannot recollect all accurate information, and get days and times mixed up. If someone committed a crime or knows someone who did, it gives them more time to collaborate on a story. The lapse in police response also resulted in a setback in the effort provided by law enforcement. They probably assumed there was nothing to go off of and did the basics, just speculating; 2.) the second issue, which sounds crazy and shouldn't be, but I think when 9/11 occurred three months after Jason disappeared, I feel like everything and everyone halted. Everyone was in shock, and the main media was so heavily focused on the attack and the after-effects that everything else took a back burner in terms of community concerns and law enforcement assistance. Although, no information proves Jason is currently living, there is no proof that he is deceased either.

 

[Alleykins]

As far as I can tell, Jason's coworkers were interviewed more than once, according to his mother. She sounded satisfied they'd been vetted, so I'm going with that. Not saying someone couldn't have lied convincingly, though, just that she believes they did as thorough job as they could.
I agree with the 10 day delay being a detriment in the search for Jason. A lot of time was lost. However, in the MW interview, I think Kelly said during that time they (the parents) were canvassing the neighborhood and talking to people, asking if they'd seen Jason, so some of the details, if there were any, would have been fresher in their minds.
Here's where I think I may have been confused. I thought Jason wasn't scheduled to work at all that day and got called in. But during the MW interview, it sounded like he was scheduled to work that day, but was called in early. If he were called in early, how was he planning on getting to and from work to begin with? Was he walking both ways, hoping he could catch a ride home when his shift was over? Were his parents going to pick him up after work?

 

[ekardh]

I have researched, followed, and read about this case for hours. I have gone to where Jason lived and taken the same route he would have begun walking up to the school; I have even taken alternate routes. Of course, I am no mind-reader, but from what we have heard about Jason is how mature and responsible he was. He was going to work early to help out, even though it was his last week working there before he started his new job. I am not saying this couldn't be a crime of opportunity, but considering the area, it is not usual. Benson area in 2001 had its fair share of crime, gang-related violence, and drug crimes. He lived in a residential area with a ton of houses crammed next to each other. I find it hard to believe that a random act of violence or abduction would occur and go unnoticed. Not many people knew of Jason's new schedule change; it was last minute. His parents, brother, and job knew his schedule changed, so if this was done by someone who knew him, I want almost to elude back to his work. Jason left his home at 10:45 am to walk to Benson and meet his co-worker at 11:00 am. That is only a 15-minute window in which something could have occurred. I don't think he would have voluntarily stopped to assist someone in their home or take a ride from a friend, knowing his co-worker would be waiting for him. If he didn't want to inconvenience her with crappy directions to his house, I found it hard to believe he would like to leave her hanging in the parking lot at Benson. If someone did stop him on his walk and offer him a ride, I believe it would have to be someone who knew he had a ride coming. So, whether another co-worker or acquaintance stopped and said, "so and so," stayed behind at work and sent me to come to get you, and it was ill intent? I know it is very far-fetched. In this case, I believe the two main problems are: 1.) law enforcement waited about ten days to do anything, which is just mind-blowing. I don't care if it is an adult or not; I believe if someone goes missing and does not return for 24-48 hours, at least there is something not right. He did not have a history of going off and not coming home. So, as far as law enforcement interviewing co-workers, neighbors, former classmates or friends, etc., and ruling them out, I am not giving much credit. Ten days may not seem like a long time, but it is. People tend to forget details, cannot recollect all accurate information, and get days and times mixed up. If someone committed a crime or knows someone who did, it gives them more time to collaborate on a story. The lapse in police response also resulted in a setback in the effort provided by law enforcement. They probably assumed there was nothing to go off of and did the basics, just speculating; 2.) the second issue, which sounds crazy and shouldn't be, but I think when 9/11 occurred three months after Jason disappeared, I feel like everything and everyone halted. Everyone was in shock, and the main media was so heavily focused on the attack and the after-effects that everything else took a back burner in terms of community concerns and law enforcement assistance. Although, no information proves Jason is currently living, there is no proof that he is deceased either.

While I agree with you that the timescale and victim profile do not support a snatch and grab, I also struggle with Fazoli's being responsible. This presumes that another co-worker left Fazoli's, drove to Jason's neighbourhood, happened to catch Jason in that short window when he was on his way to Benson High School, before abducting and killing him for... reasons?

I don't think Jason got far before he disappeared. The reason being there were no sightings at all once he left the house. Now, it could be that after 10 days no one remembered, since a random guy walking the block was hardly out of ordinary. Although maybe the Chicago Cubs shirt might have been enough to jog someone's memory? Regardless, I suspect there was someone not far from the Jolkowski family home that Jason was involved with on some level. Jason knows it's on route to the school, so he drops by to change their plans, only to become the victim of foul play.

 

[Deleted member 287549]

Good thoughts, everyone. Yes, I definitely think it's very possible that JJ's disappearance was due to him encountering someone he knew, etc.

However - IMHO it's also possible that it was someone he didn't know. I.e., I've changed my mind since I wrote my OP on this thread:

I would be very interested to hear if there were any reports at the time (in this neighborhood/area) of a suspicious person/persons trying to get a pedestrian into their car. I could see this happening even if there were houses around. It's possible this person offered JJ a ride to where he was meeting the co-worker. Again, most of us have it drilled into our heads as kids not to get into cars with strangers, but JJ was a relatively big guy, and probably didn't feel threatened. Even though the window of opportunity for this potential criminal was small, I still see it as very possible. Again, JJ was probably trusting, somewhat naive & didn't have much life experience. And, unfortunately - I could see someone like this being preyed on by a predator.

 

[Andreee]

While I agree with you that the timescale and victim profile do not support a snatch and grab, I also struggle with Fazoli's being responsible. This presumes that another co-worker left Fazoli's, drove to Jason's neighbourhood, happened to catch Jason in that short window when he was on his way to Benson High School, before abducting and killing him for... reasons?

I don't think Jason got far before he disappeared. The reason being there were no sightings at all once he left the house. Now, it could be that after 10 days no one remembered, since a random guy walking the block was hardly out of ordinary. Although maybe the Chicago Cubs shirt might have been enough to jog someone's memory? Regardless, I suspect there was someone not far from the Jolkowski family home that Jason was involved with on some level. Jason knows it's on route to the school, so he drops by to change their plans, only to become the victim of foul play.

I do agree with you that this is most likely scenario. I do not believe anyone associated with Fazolis was responsible for Jasons disappearance. I wonder about vantage points for the first few nearby houses back then as to views of Jasons house from windows and views of him walking on sidewalk.

 

[Deleted member 287549]

Here's where I think I may have been confused. I thought Jason wasn't scheduled to work at all that day and got called in. But during the MW interview, it sounded like he was scheduled to work that day, but was called in early. If he were called in early, how was he planning on getting to and from work to begin with? Was he walking both ways, hoping he could catch a ride home when his shift was over? Were his parents going to pick him up after work?

Interesting - I never knew this. If this is the case & he was scheduled to work that day, I suspect he was hoping to get a ride to/from the restaurant, probably from a co-worker/co-workers.

I used to work at a restaurant as a teen & didn't have a car at the time. The restaurant was close enough for me to walk from home (about 15-20 minutes one way), so I typically walked. However, sometimes (not often) I was able to get a ride home from someone I worked with.

 

[lisamkomo88]

As far as I can tell, Jason's coworkers were interviewed more than once, according to his mother. She sounded satisfied they'd been vetted, so I'm going with that. Not saying someone couldn't have lied convincingly, though, just that she believes they did as thorough job as they could.
I agree with the 10 day delay being a detriment in the search for Jason. A lot of time was lost. However, in the MW interview, I think Kelly said during that time they (the parents) were canvassing the neighborhood and talking to people, asking if they'd seen Jason, so some of the details, if there were any, would have been fresher in their minds.
Here's where I think I may have been confused. I thought Jason wasn't scheduled to work at all that day and got called in. But during the MW interview, it sounded like he was scheduled to work that day, but was called in early. If he were called in early, how was he planning on getting to and from work to begin with? Was he walking both ways, hoping he could catch a ride home when his shift was over? Were his parents going to pick him up after work?

As I mentioned the co-worker idea was far-fetched lol. I was just throwing that out there. Jason was scheduled to work that day I believe at 5 pm, but was called in early. He would have gotten a ride to work I believe I heard in an interview his mother did. Jason's dad would have been off work in time to take him to Fazoli's for his 5 pm shift. The main missing piece of information I think is when he was called in early was he going to work a double that day? Or was he going to get off earlier since he came in earlier? I would assume if they were short-staffed that they could have used him for the double shift. Either way, I know it was mentioned he was more than willing to walk to and from Fazoli's, even though it was about 4 miles from his house.

 

[Alleykins]

As I mentioned the co-worker idea was far-fetched lol. I was just throwing that out there. Jason was scheduled to work that day I believe at 5 pm, but was called in early. He would have gotten a ride to work I believe I heard in an interview his mother did. Jason's dad would have been off work in time to take him to Fazoli's for his 5 pm shift. The main missing piece of information I think is when he was called in early was he going to work a double that day? Or was he going to get off earlier since he came in earlier? I would assume if they were short-staffed that they could have used him for the double shift. Either way, I know it was mentioned he was more than willing to walk to and from Fazoli's, even though it was about 4 miles from his house.

Thank you for clarifying. I always thought he got called into work, as in he was off that day and they called him in to cover someone who may have called out sick. Plus, they were busy. Even though I'd watched that interview a couple of times, it was only this last time I caught onto he was called into work early, as in, he was scheduled to work that day and they needed to start earlier than he was scheduled. Don't know how I missed it.

 

[lisamkomo88]

Thank you for clarifying. I always thought he got called into work, as in he was off that day and they called him in to cover someone who may have called out sick. Plus, they were busy. Even though I'd watched that interview a couple of times, it was only this last time I caught onto he was called into work early, as in, he was scheduled to work that day and they needed to start earlier than he was scheduled. Don't know how I missed it.

I know so many little details have been slightly off depending upon where you get the information from. That is why I have always had a hard time grasping that he had set plans for the day that were interrupted by a sudden schedule change. He was already scheduled to work, the change was asking him to come in earlier. I wonder if we ever changed the mindset that what if he wasn't deceased? That does not mean he left on his own. If you took out the reasoning why or the hypotheticals, but if it was worked on as trying to find someone who is living would there be better results? If that make sense? Clearly, the approach now has not been super-efficient. But, why not treat this as searching for someone you lost contact with and see if there is anything attached to identifying if he had lived after that day or is still living.

 

[Deleted member 287549]

2.) the second issue, which sounds crazy and shouldn't be, but I think when 9/11 occurred three months after Jason disappeared, I feel like everything and everyone halted. Everyone was in shock, and the main media was so heavily focused on the attack and the after-effects that everything else took a back burner in terms of community concerns and law enforcement assistance. Although, no information proves Jason is currently living, there is no proof that he is deceased either.

Interesting point(s). However, given that JJ vanished about 3 months before 9/11, I don't think the timing of those horrific attacks made much of a difference as to how the authorities investigated this particular case. I.e., with these types of cases involving a missing person(s), time is of the essence re: the investigation. The authorities should have hit the ground running immediately after the parents filed the missing persons report....and it's obvious that, for whatever reason, that didn't happen.

Based on all the research I've done, it looks like the authorities initially thought he had run away, etc.

 

[Alleykins]

I know so many little details have been slightly off depending upon where you get the information from. That is why I have always had a hard time grasping that he had set plans for the day that were interrupted by a sudden schedule change. He was already scheduled to work, the change was asking him to come in earlier. I wonder if we ever changed the mindset that what if he wasn't deceased? That does not mean he left on his own. If you took out the reasoning why or the hypotheticals, but if it was worked on as trying to find someone who is living would there be better results? If that make sense? Clearly, the approach now has not been super-efficient. But, why not treat this as searching for someone you lost contact with and see if there is anything attached to identifying if he had lived after that day or is still living.

For this case, I try to stick to MSM sources and direct quotes from interviews with his family, mainly his mother's posts on here and podcasts she's featured on, as she appears to be the most vocal. Yet, somehow, I still missed that fact about his shift that day.

I apologize, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by treating this case as searching for someone you lost contact with.
Do you mean doing people searches for Jason?

 

[lisamkomo88]

Interesting point(s). However, given that JJ vanished about 3 months before 9/11, I don't think the timing of those horrific attacks made much of a difference as to how the authorities investigated this particular case. I.e., with these types of cases involving a missing person(s), time is of the essence re: the investigation. The authorities should have hit the ground running immediately after the parents filed the missing persons report....and it's obvious that, for whatever reason, that didn't happen.

Based on all the research I've done, it looks like the authorities initially thought he had run away, ect.

I meant more so that 9/11 was filling up the minds of others who may have helped look for him prior to the event or there were not as many local stories published because the main focus was covering the terrorist attacks. I definitely believe if the authorities would have not waited we would probably not be discussing Jason's case 21 years later. It is literally like grasping for straws in any possible scenario. Because there is literally no evidence that points to one specific scenario or individual. There isn't any more evidence that proves he is deceased more than that he is alive.

 

[lisamkomo88]

For this case, I try to stick to MSM sources and direct quotes from interviews with his family, mainly his mother's posts on here and podcasts she's featured on, as she appears to be the most vocal. Yet, somehow, I still missed that fact about his shift that day.

I apologize, I'm not entirely sure what you mean by treating this case as searching for someone you lost contact with.
Do you mean doing people searches for Jason?

I don't even know if I was making sense when I wrote that lol. I guess what I was trying to say is that as far-fetched as some ideas or theories may be, it is literally like grasping for straws. There is no evidence that proves Jason is deceased, that same amount of evidence can't prove that he is living either. I am not saying every person may think this way or all of the authorities, but I believe this is being treated as a body recovery situation and not an actual missing person who could be very much alive and well. The odds of Jason being alive are slim to none, I know that but there is always hope. So, I believe it is important to have the mentality of finding a missing, living person, instead of just the mentality of body recovery mode. If any of that makes sense lol?

 

[Andreee]

I don't even know if I was making sense when I wrote that lol. I guess what I was trying to say is that as far-fetched as some ideas or theories may be, it is literally like grasping for straws. There is no evidence that proves Jason is deceased, that same amount of evidence can't prove that he is living either. I am not saying every person may think this way or all of the authorities, but I believe this is being treated as a body recovery situation and not an actual missing person who could be very much alive and well. The odds of Jason being alive are slim to none, I know that but there is always hope. So, I believe it is important to have the mentality of finding a missing, living person, instead of just the mentality of body recovery mode. If any of that makes sense lol?

 

[Andreee]

LE thinks JJ met with foul play and I agree as I see many others have expressed that as well. I would like to see someone compile a list of cold case investigators and media who might take a new look at this case. I know true crime is such a big interest these days especially amongst the public.

 

[Deleted member 287549]

Unfortunately, I also strongly feel that JJ met with foul play - I don't see any other explanation as to why he vanished. Since I wrote my original post on this thread, I have done a lot more research than I normally do re: these true crime cases. I have gone on some of the Redditt pages that discuss the case; some of these posts are 5-10?! years old, and they do have some good information that I haven't read elsehwere.

From my research, it seems evident that the area where JJ lived wasn't necessarily the best part of town - or at least was near some sketchy areas. Not sure if that's relevant to this case, but it might be.

And, based on everything that I've read (including posts from people who said that they knew JJ) - these are the conclusions I've drawn:

-JJ had a good home life, was responsible, and definitely would not have run away from home and/or left the area without telling his family what he was doing/where he was going.
- Going along with this, he wouldn't have voluntarily skipped out on going to work - especially given that his co-worker was waiting for him at the high school. So, based on how responsible he was - I believe that his intent (when he left his house that day) was to walk straight to the HS parking lot where she was waiting for him.
-He definitely didn't appear to be involved in drugs or criminal activity, and was actually shy/reserved.
-He didn't appear to be actively dating anyone (though was interested in women), so it's unlikely he incurred the wrath of a jealous boyfriend/husband.

So, what does that leave?! IMHO the two plausible explanations are:
-He ran into someone he knew/possibly trusted & things went horribly wrong for some reason.
-Or, he was targeted by someone he didn't know.

JJ's cell phone (that he had with him when he vanished) hasn't been used at all since his disappearance. This leads me to believe that whoever was involved with his disappearance disposed of/destroyed the phone so it wouldn't/couldn't be traced.

This case is relatable. I.e., I used to walk/ride my bike in my area/neighborhood frequently as a pre-teen/teen & there were a couple of times that some sketchy people were around that I had to be aware of. And, all of this is making me lean towards JJ's disappearance not being related to someone he necessarily knew, etc. I.e., pedestrians walking alone/people riding alone on bikes are - unfortunately - an easy target for sickos/criminals.

 

[ekardh]

And, all of this is making me lean towards JJ's disappearance not being related to someone he necessarily knew, etc. I.e., pedestrians walking alone/people riding alone on bikes are - unfortunately - an easy target for sickos/criminals.

At 10am in the middle of suburbia? Grown men just don't killed or abducted like that. Like I said before, Jason was going for long walks in the evening. If there's a time to go missing, that's it. But instead he disappears mid-morning in a 10-15 minute window? Hmmmm.

 

[Deleted member 287549]

I respectfully disagree with this. Criminals can & do target people during the day, in residential areas. I can easily see JJ randomly being targeted on his walk. Some points:

-When I was a teen, one afternoon I was riding on my bike with some friends in a residential area not far from where I lived. I briefly got separated from them, and some freak (in a parked car) tried to get me to go over to the car. I quickly left that street & told my friends about this. We then all left that neighborhood. Even as a kid, I always had situational awareness when it came to my surroundings.

-Several years ago in my area (in a relatively good part of town) criminals in a car were driving up to joggers/walkers & robbing them of their smart-phones, at gun-point. Most of these crimes took place during the day, not at night. Not sure if any of those cases resulted in a fatality, but any of them easily could have.

There are a lot of evil people out there.

 

[ekardh]

Problem is, Jason was not a kid. He was 18 years-old and over six foot. He was a low-risk victim for stranger danger.

Also, random muggings are not the same as abductions. If someone had attacked Jason on the street, there'd be noise, there'd be commotion. No one saw or heard absolutely anything that morning. Now that doesn't necessarily mean something didn't go down, but it doesn't do much to support it either.

And isn't it convenient that the morning Jason's without a car and he's had a sudden change of plan, he disappears? And in a narrow window of time?