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

[Officer Dibble]

This is my first post in over a year.

It might be helpful in the search for insights to review the events of June 13, 2001.

To the best of my memory on this case:

Jason has the day off and is at home with his younger brother.
Jason is called into work. His car is in the shop so he needs a ride. Instead of giving complicated instructions to his house someone suggests just meeting at his old high school.
Jason takes a shower and gets ready for work.
Jason takes the garbage cans in.
Jason walks towards the the school.
The co-worker arrives at the school and does not find Jason.
Jolkowski's mother is called at work some hours later and asked if she has heard from Jason. She is surprised and wonders why she would have heard from him.

Can you add what the co worker did when they discovered he didnt turn up and is it verified?

 

[dotr]

Missing teen's parents help other families cope - CNN.com
''According to his mother, Jason had walked that seven-block route before. It took him along quiet, residential streets with little pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

Jason was last seen at 10:15 that morning, standing at the end of his driveway. Less than an hour later, his boss called and spoke with Michael, complaining that Jason had not shown up for work and had never arrived at the high school to meet his ride.

His parents arrived home from work to learn that Jason had been missing all day. They called Jason's friends. None of them had seen or heard from him that day.

"Jason was a quiet boy," his mother said. "He only had a small handful of friends. He was shy."

Jason did not have a girlfriend and was not the sort of person to take risks, like hitching a ride with a complete stranger, his mother insisted.

His parents called police the next morning. Like so many people, the Jolkowskis mistakenly believed there was a 24-hour wait before police would accept a missing person's report.

"And then it took at least another 10 days before police took Jason's disappearance seriously," Kelly Jolkowski said. "They assumed this was a typical teen runaway scenario."

But according to the family, Jason did not have a history of running away and was not a troubled teen. He had no reason to run off. From the beginning, his family feared an accident or abduction.

Police began to interview neighbors and conducted searches 10 days after his disappearance, but valuable time had been lost, Kelly Jolkowski said.

"We'd have liked to see more activity in the first crucial hours, but we do feel they stepped up to the plate to do all they could and in the end, they did a proper investigation," the Jolkowskis said in a prepared statement. "We were pleased by the meetings they had with us, following up on any leads, talking to his friends, checking the computer and conducting interviews."

Despite mounted searches, ground searches, a helicopter and the use of infrared technology, there was no sign of Jason or any clues to his whereabouts. The family is not certain whether dogs were brought to track the route between the Jolkowski home and the high school. But his mother said she believes that if police had any evidence, they would have shared it with the family.''

 

[Vital Forces]

Can you add what the co worker did when they discovered he didnt turn up and is it verified?

Others feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that she arrived and waited for him. I do not remember reading an exact time frame but I want to say about 20 minutes. She returned to the pizza place after he did not show up. I cannot remember reading if she had a cell phone or not or if she tried calling him. I do believe the manager called the house or Jason's cell phone.

The security cameras at the school were checked and Jason never arrived. This was 2001 so there may have only been a couple of cameras at the school but they were checked.

Kelly, Jason's mother, mentioned at some point that the co-worker was interviewed by a private investigator and was not found suspicious. I believe that was posted early on in the first thread here, but she may have mentioned it in the Unfound podcast.

 

[ekardh]

Jason is called into work. His car is in the shop so he needs a ride. Instead of giving complicated instructions to his house someone suggests just meeting at his old high school.

@neesaki made a great point that perhaps Jason had an ulterior motive for rendezvousing at the school.

After all, this was not a typical working day for Jason. He was called in at the last minute. What if Jason made a brief detour that morning to tell them there was a change of plan?

Why would this lead to foul play? Perhaps the person didn't take kindly to Jason cancelling on them? Perhaps they already had murder in mind that day?

 

[?unknown?]

I’ve wondered if it had anything to do with his radio DJ job either the one he was already doing or the new one he was due to start. What if he got the new one at the expense of someone else who thought they deserved it more and had a problem with him over that or if he encountered someone else through that role who harmed him. It’s hard with Jason’s case because we don’t really know anything about his social circle (if he even had one), I don’t recall any close friends or colleagues of his coming out and discussing his disappearance at all. From what I’ve read it seems he was quite active in the radio/DJ job it wasn’t just a one off thing, he was doing it often, usually people who enjoy working in those types of jobs are quite socialized and outgoing but we barely know anything about Jason. Did he go to parties? Was he interested In women? Was he someone who showed any interest in getting high or getting drunk etc. He’s described as shy but that doesn’t necessitate he was a loner

 

[MatthewTyler]

Hey Guys, BIG UPDATE: Not about Jason unfortunately, but I can now tell y'all that Samuel Sherman has been located. I found someone on a database that had info similar to his, and I reached out to him on Facebook. He isn't much of a talker, and I did not bother to push him about anything. I mentioned JJ in passing but I doubt he knows anything or was in the area long. According to him, the police caught up to him days after being reported missing. Guess they never updated their files. Now we can officially rule out a connection between Jason and Sam.
Oh, and by the way , Sherman is only his middle name. This likely explains why he or anyone else never knew that he was still labeled missing.

 

[dotr]

Hey Guys, BIG UPDATE: Not about Jason unfortunately, but I can now tell y'all that Samuel Sherman has been located. I found someone on a database that had info similar to his, and I reached out to him on Facebook. He isn't much of a talker, and I did not bother to push him about anything. I mentioned JJ in passing but I doubt he knows anything or was in the area long. According to him, the police caught up to him days after being reported missing. Guess they never updated their files. Now we can officially rule out a connection between Jason and Sam.
Oh, and by the way , Sherman is only his middle name. This likely explains why he or anyone else never knew that he was still labeled missing.

Wowsie, awesome- thanks for that MatthewTyler!
SS's thread..
NE - NE - Samuel Sherman, 19, Omaha, 19 July 2001

 

[thebigcookie]

Well that’s good to see closure on Samuel Sherman

 

[RiddarX]

That's why I think many people would argue that it was a close neighbor who Jason was at least somewhat familiar with. If it was in fact someone in the neighborhood who harmed him, I would be thoroughly shocked if it wasn't someone that lived right on his block; maybe even within the first couple houses.
As for carrying his work shirt, it's possible he didn't want to sweat in it before having to wear it all day. None of these items ever popped up. I wouldn't be too shocked if whoever hurt Jason kept the hat as a trophy.
Just to be clear- are you suggesting that he met someone before his ride and got killed by them, or that he met someone beforehand, ditched his work clothes, and skipped town?

Sorry, I am new here. Does someone know, which Fazoli's of Omaha JJ was working?

 

[MatthewTyler]

Sorry, I am new here. Does someone know, which Fazoli's of Omaha JJ was working?

8002 Cass Street

 

[RiddarX]

There was once a post on one of the Reddit threads from a girl who knew Jason. She mentioned something about how he tried to kiss her once, but she rejected it. Or something like that, but I was never able to find the post again. Not that that necessarily proves anything about his sexuality, of course. If there was a mutual "tryst" and it involved a neighbor, then the only thing I can think of is the gay man that lived one block over from Jason at the time. He was around 30 at the time. I hate to even say that, but it's something to consider if one considers a mutual thing.
I still can't help but feel this was a one-sided thing, however. A naive, friendly guy taken advantage of by someone who saw him and decided to act on it. But yes, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts that it was someone he knew. It's weird how if only the gender was reversed but all other physical stats and situation were the same, most people wouldn't think twice about accepting it as an abduction in broad daylight.

Thanks for this. Jason sure needs to be remembered. I can see that I am not the only one, who finds this case puzzling. As there seems to be someone involved and we don't know who it is (though he might read these comments...) we should know as much as possible about Jason. Naturally it always depends on a case, how much police is ready to revel to the public. It would be very interesting to learn something about Jason from people, who actually knew him. I am by no means questioning anything that his mother has said about her son, but his friends would complete the picture of his personality. There must have been something about him that fascinated the predator (I am beginning to believe that the case was sexually motivated). Who ever that person was he probably wasn't openly gay. He must have been a very troubled person. Perhaps he was capable to hide it and was even helping to find Jason. Guess, someone has already sais all this. Sorry, if I am repeating – I haven't read all messages yet.

 

[Andreee]

Thanks for this. Jason sure needs to be remembered. I can see that I am not the only one, who finds this case puzzling. As there seems to be someone involved and we don't know who it is (though he might read these comments...) we should know as much as possible about Jason. Naturally it always depends on a case, how much police is ready to revel to the public. It would be very interesting to learn something about Jason from people, who actually knew him. I am by no means questioning anything that his mother has said about her son, but his friends would complete the picture of his personality. There must have been something about him that fascinated the predator (I am beginning to believe that the case was sexually motivated). Who ever that person was he probably wasn't openly gay. He must have been a very troubled person. Perhaps he was capable to hide it and was even helping to find Jason. Guess, someone has already sais all this. Sorry, if I am repeating – I haven't read all messages yet.

And this was mentioned before as well earlier in the thread: "Jolkowski has learning disabilities related to speech and language. The disabilities may make him appear to be mildly mentally disabled, but he is actually of above average intelligence."

As another poster mentioned, he may've seem like a friendly, naive guy to a predator, and in addition may have appeared mildly mentally disabled (even though he was smart as a whip!), so that would make him seem like an easy target as well. I do think one of the local sex offenders in his immediate neighbourhood took advantage of him IMO.

 

[RiddarX]

And this was mentioned before as well earlier in the thread: "Jolkowski has learning disabilities related to speech and language. The disabilities may make him appear to be mildly mentally disabled, but he is actually of above average intelligence."

As another poster mentioned, he may've seem like a friendly, naive guy to a predator, and in addition may have appeared mildly mentally disabled (even though he was smart as a whip!), so that would make him seem like an easy target as well. I do think one of the local sex offenders in his immediate neighbourhood took advantage of him IMO.

It's hard to say about his difficulties. When on radio he sounds (judging by that short clip mentioned before) just fine. There was someone here who lived in his neighborhood, but I can't remember, what was said about other neighbors. As far as I have understood most of them were ordinary people with no suspicious history. I guess, it's not allowed to tell their names here (and I know just one name).

There has been some speculation here about Jason's sexual orientation and its possible role in his disappearance. Personally I believe, he is straight. There is no particular reason for this conclusion, just an instinct. Therefore I don't believe any speculation about him meeting someone online, let alone run away with Samuel Sherman. Of course, not have known Jason personally one must be open to everything.

Many of you have good ideas about what possibly could have happened to Jason. Everything is possible if not plausible. This has been said many times here, I know that. This case has been in my thoughts from the very first day I learnt about it. Police just may have suspects but no proofs. They are not stupid, though at first Jason's disappearing wasn't taken seriously enough. But these predators are not so clever as they think they are. So far this one has been quite careful and lucky but he will get caught. Most of them eventually will.

 

[dotr]

It's hard to say about his difficulties. When on radio he sounds (judging by that short clip mentioned before) just fine. There was someone here who lived in his neighborhood, but I can't remember, what was said about other neighbors. As far as I have understood most of them were ordinary people with no suspicious history. I guess, it's not allowed to tell their names here (and I know just one name).

There has been some speculation here about Jason's sexual orientation and its possible role in his disappearance. Personally I believe, he is straight. There is no particular reason for this conclusion, just an instinct. Therefore I don't believe any speculation about him meeting someone online, let alone run away with Samuel Sherman. Of course, not have known Jason personally one must be open to everything.

Many of you have good ideas about what possibly could have happened to Jason. Everything is possible if not plausible. This has been said many times here, I know that. This case has been in my thoughts from the very first day I learnt about it. Police just may have suspects but no proofs. They are not stupid, though at first Jason's disappearing wasn't taken seriously enough. But these predators are not so clever as they think they are. So far this one has been quite careful and lucky but he will get caught. Most of them eventually will.

Welcome to Ws RiddarX!

 

[dotr]

''How can there just be no leads, no clues?It's just astonishing.''
Kelly Murphy, Jason's Mother.
Jun 14, 2015

 

[MatthewTyler]

It's hard to say about his difficulties. When on radio he sounds (judging by that short clip mentioned before) just fine. There was someone here who lived in his neighborhood, but I can't remember, what was said about other neighbors. As far as I have understood most of them were ordinary people with no suspicious history. I guess, it's not allowed to tell their names here (and I know just one name).

There has been some speculation here about Jason's sexual orientation and its possible role in his disappearance. Personally I believe, he is straight. There is no particular reason for this conclusion, just an instinct. Therefore I don't believe any speculation about him meeting someone online, let alone run away with Samuel Sherman. Of course, not have known Jason personally one must be open to everything.

Many of you have good ideas about what possibly could have happened to Jason. Everything is possible if not plausible. This has been said many times here, I know that. This case has been in my thoughts from the very first day I learnt about it. Police just may have suspects but no proofs. They are not stupid, though at first Jason's disappearing wasn't taken seriously enough. But these predators are not so clever as they think they are. So far this one has been quite careful and lucky but he will get caught. Most of them eventually will.

A sexual crime seems to be the most popular theory simply because it is the easiest explanation. The idea of it being possibly consensual stems from the fact that his particular demographic is not a common target for random sexual attack- tall, grown man. A consenting relationship would just be easier to place him in the vicinity of his attacker willingly. But of course, it's all speculation. Could have been just a random abduction/attack, but that leaves questions as well:
. Why that day?
. Did they know he didn't have a car and his schedule changed?
. Why did they hide the body so well?
. Why did a crime like this never happen again in the area?
This is why I think Jason was a deliberate target. Someone wanted him gone, came up with a plan, and did it. Whether or not they knew about his circumstances of that day ... who knows.

 

[Andreee]

It's hard to say about his difficulties. When on radio he sounds (judging by that short clip mentioned before) just fine. There was someone here who lived in his neighborhood, but I can't remember, what was said about other neighbors. As far as I have understood most of them were ordinary people with no suspicious history. I guess, it's not allowed to tell their names here (and I know just one name).

There has been some speculation here about Jason's sexual orientation and its possible role in his disappearance. Personally I believe, he is straight. There is no particular reason for this conclusion, just an instinct. Therefore I don't believe any speculation about him meeting someone online, let alone run away with Samuel Sherman. Of course, not have known Jason personally one must be open to everything.

Many of you have good ideas about what possibly could have happened to Jason. Everything is possible if not plausible. This has been said many times here, I know that. This case has been in my thoughts from the very first day I learnt about it. Police just may have suspects but no proofs. They are not stupid, though at first Jason's disappearing wasn't taken seriously enough. But these predators are not so clever as they think they are. So far this one has been quite careful and lucky but he will get caught. Most of them eventually will.

Hi, from what I've read about this case, there were or still are a number of sex offenders living in that residential area, including one directly across the street from Jason's house. And that LE did interview him, and probably others but that's as far as it got as far as I know. (can't recall exactly where I read it at moment, probably on a past thread or in news article)

 

[ChatteringBirds]

If details of the known offenders' crimes were known, perhaps there would be one who would stand out? (I'm purely asking and have no idea, and I do realize some will choose literally anyone as a victim with no pattern.)

 

[RiddarX]

A sexual crime seems to be the most popular theory simply because it is the easiest explanation. The idea of it being possibly consensual stems from the fact that his particular demographic is not a common target for random sexual attack- tall, grown man. A consenting relationship would just be easier to place him in the vicinity of his attacker willingly. But of course, it's all speculation. Could have been just a random abduction/attack, but that leaves questions as well:
. Why that day?
. Did they know he didn't have a car and his schedule changed?
. Why did they hide the body so well?
. Why did a crime like this never happen again in the area?
This is why I think Jason was a deliberate target. Someone wanted him gone, came up with a plan, and did it. Whether or not they knew about his circumstances of that day ... who knows.

It is the easiest explanation, indeed. All the information given about Jason doesn't suggest any other motives. He wasn't into any suspicious activities. What about Daniel Morcombe? He just happened to be there when his murderer just happened to drive by. Yes, he was a kid, but there are many predators out there with many strange desires. If it was someone, who knew Jason, perhaps just vaguely, he might have considered him as an easy target. Who would benefit from Jason's death? This question has been asked here and nobody seems to know the answer.
What about that neighbor, who committed suicide some time after Jason's disappearance? I guess and hope, his belongings were researched carefully as there usually (if not always) is a note left behind. If that suicide was connected with Jason's case, it would have been fair(!) to write it on that note. Obviously nothing was found.

 

[ChatteringBirds]

Obviously nothing was found.

Quote snipped by me.

Who found the neighbor? Who would have searched the house afterwards?

ETA: Could someone remind me again what is known about this neighbor? And was it a different neighbor who confirmed seeing Jason bring the garbage cans into the garage?