NV NV - Steven T. Koecher, 30, Henderson, 13 Dec 2009 - #15

[sbakker]

Me three. Also the Mesquite/Overton/?maybe LV? trip which we've never paid much attention to.

I believe he was making those trips for a particular reason, and we have not found out why. I do not think he was just joy riding.

 

[carbuff]

I believe he was making those trips for a particular reason, and we have not found out why. I do not think he was just joy riding.

I agree.

Though I can't quite completely discount the possibility that he had just gone manic and was rocketing all over the countryside for no particular reason. That does happen. It's the slimmest of possibilities, though...

 

[laytonian]

Me three. Also the Mesquite/Overton/?maybe LV? trip which we've never paid much attention to.

I think he went to Vegas or further on Dec 12th.

His phone hit off the Overton tower at 8:19am, and he buys gas in Mesquite in late afternoon, on the way back to St George. That's eight hours. The phone goes silent until the next morning. That indicates it either ran out of power, or he had another phone to use.

Whatever happened on Dec 12th, or whoever he talked to, may have been the set-up for the next-day disappearance.

He could have been doing reconnaissance (pick up a trac phone, find a place to leave the car, etc).

I wish we knew if someone in SCA was selling a car cheaply....OR hired him to drive one far away.

That parking place is so deliberate, at least on Dec 13th. So is the Christmas gifts purchase the night before. The Christmas gifts, left in the car, could be interpreted as "I won't be back".

:banghead:

 

[laytonian]

I agree.

Though I can't quite completely discount the possibility that he had just gone manic and was rocketing all over the countryside for no particular reason. That does happen. It's the slimmest of possibilities, though...

A manic episode, perhaps part of bipolar, sounds reasonable but I really do believe that, IF he had such a condition, it would be part of his description and he'd have been easily listed as "endangered". We asked (as gently as we could) if he'd ever been diagnosed with anything, and were told "no". gsmith told us he was "taking something" and it made him feel better....so it's possible that he was either getting medical treatment that few knew about, or was using an OTC herbal/supplement pill.

ES talks about SK's speech patterns changing in the immediate period before he disappeared. Stress? Something else?

 

[Helix11]

I agree.

Though I can't quite completely discount the possibility that he had just gone manic and was rocketing all over the countryside for no particular reason. That does happen. It's the slimmest of possibilities, though...

I agree with Laytonian's response to this....and also, if he had gone manic AN's parents would have to be completely obtuse to not notice he was in a manic state during their two-hour conversation.

That being said, I am one to believe that it is quite possible he has had some kind of psychotic event happen such as (but not necessarily) a first episode of bipolar disorder (which many people think means mood swings and its actually major depressive disorder and manic disorder coupled together). It has been said multiple times on here that it is unusual for people to have an occurrence like this, but keep in mind that 50% of the population has a psychiatric illness, and it does have to present at some time. Maybe this was the time for Steven.

This would support the fact that his family didn't know, and if it were his first episode he might have completely freaked out and lost touch with reality.

EDIT: The breakdown that I am picturing could be at the hands of drugs also. Even though he is LDS and has not had a problem with drugs before doesn't mean it should be completely discounted as a possibility. It's surprising what the people we think we know best are capable of.

 

[Fairy1]

I agree with Laytonian's response to this....and also, if he had gone manic AN's parents would have to be completely obtuse to not notice he was in a manic state during their two-hour conversation.

We can't really be sure how AN's folks described Steven's behavior the day he visited. I've always had the feeling they were sort of shocked that he showed up as he did. Also, I don't think they knew him very well, so they might not have been able to identify anything out of the ordinary.

That being said, I am one to believe that it is quite possible he has had some kind of psychotic event happen such as (but not necessarily) a first episode of bipolar disorder (which many people think means mood swings and its actually major depressive disorder and manic disorder coupled together). It has been said multiple times on here that it is unusual for people to have an occurrence like this, but keep in mind that 50% of the population has a psychiatric illness, and it does have to present at some time. Maybe this was the time for Steven.

This would support the fact that his family didn't know, and if it were his first episode he might have completely freaked out and lost touch with reality.

EDIT: The breakdown that I am picturing could be at the hands of drugs also. Even though he is LDS and has not had a problem with drugs before doesn't mean it should be completely discounted as a possibility. It's surprising what the people we think we know best are capable of.

I totally agree with all you say here. Sadly, without any independent verification, Steven's status can't be changed to "endangered." It would certainly change the direction of the investigation.

With this scenario, I'd say the best we can hope for is that he is picked up by LE in Vegas or Henderson and that they put 2 and 2 together.

 

[laytonian]

We can't really be sure how AN's folks described Steven's behavior the day he visited. I've always had the feeling they were sort of shocked that he showed up as he did. Also, I don't think they knew him very well, so they might not have been able to identify anything out of the ordinary.

I don't know if they'd be shocked, so much as puzzled. Someone your daugher dated "a few times" almost two years ago knocks on your door at 11am? Per AN, he asked if she was there. That's puzzling in itself, since he met AN in SLC and she still lived in SLC at the time he visited Ruby Valley.

What IF the purpose of the visit WAS to see AN?

Remember, this is just hours after he went to the temple. That may have reminded him of his Patriarchal Blessing ... or maybe he received a new one (?) That revelation may have spurred the drive to Ruby Valley.

I totally agree with all you say here. Sadly, without any independent verification, Steven's status can't be changed to "endangered." It would certainly change the direction of the investigation.

With this scenario, I'd say the best we can hope for is that he is picked up by LE in Vegas or Henderson and that they put 2 and 2 together.

....or somewhere else. Too bad there's not a nationwide police blotter database.

 

[Fairy1]

I don't know if they'd be shocked, so much as puzzled. Someone your daugher dated "a few times" almost two years ago knocks on your door at 11am? Per AN, he asked if she was there. That's puzzling in itself, since he met AN in SLC and she still lived in SLC at the time he visited Ruby Valley.

What IF the purpose of the visit WAS to see AN?

Remember, this is just hours after he went to the temple. That may have reminded him of his Patriarchal Blessing ... or maybe he received a new one (?) That revelation may have spurred the drive to Ruby Valley.

If he truly did go there to see AN - knowing full well she wasn't there, that, in itself, would be a red flag that something was "off" with Steven. Is it possible that this visit has been sugar-coated to downplay that possibility? It would still be helpful if an honest account was given - if it differs from what we know.

....or somewhere else. Too bad there's not a nationwide police blotter database.

That's what I mean. If he is somewhere else, it's likely he will not be identified as a missing person.

 

[Fairy1]

Jeez. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around here now!

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But I do want Steven to be found....

 

[Helix11]

Jeez. I feel like I'm walking on eggshells around here now!

I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. But I do want Steven to be found....

I agree, but I have always felt that way with Steven's case.

 

[Fairy1]

I agree, but I have always felt that way with Steven's case.

This is why WS does not encourage family members and friends to come here. There is a forum simply for missing people to which they can go for support.

This isn't it.

 

[Helix11]

This is why WS does not encourage family members and friends to come here. There is a forum simply for missing people to which they can go for support.

This isn't it.

To me, it's up to them. But venture at your own risk. Like I said before though, it's surprising sometimes what people are capable of. Especially when you think you know someone.

I'm not saying this is for sure what happened in this case, just that we need to keep that door open.

 

[hollyblue]

I agree.

Though I can't quite completely discount the possibility that he had just gone manic and was rocketing all over the countryside for no particular reason. That does happen. It's the slimmest of possibilities, though...

Agree, lets not forget his unemployment probably ran out in October. Up until that point, he had enough to pay his rent, phone, car, etc with the help of whatever monies he had from the distributing fliers. As reported, he was three months in arrears of his rent (Oct-Dec). He may have been socking money away also or using/investing it in other ways. We haven't heard how he spent his summer (recreationally). I'm sure he didn't just hang around the house everyday. We have seen some pics of church functions, but what was he doing otherwise?

ETA: Do we know when he actually started working passing out fliers? Was it in May or not until Oct or Nov?

 

[laytonian]

If he truly did go there to see AN - knowing full well she wasn't there, that, in itself, would be a red flag that something was "off" with Steven. Is it possible that this visit has been sugar-coated to downplay that possibility? It would still be helpful if an honest account was given - if it differs from what we know.

I'm sure those with a "need to know" have details. For all we know, it was SK "feeling out" her parents, to see if he'd be a welcome re-suitor. The contents of the conversation likely have no bearing on the case. Although I'm as curious as anyone else

That's what I mean. If he is somewhere else, it's likely he will not be identified as a missing person.

Bingo.

 

[laytonian]

To me, it's up to them. But venture at your own risk. Like I said before though, it's surprising sometimes what people are capable of. Especially when you think you know someone.

I'm not saying this is for sure what happened in this case, just that we need to keep that door open.

I wish we could start closing SOME doors, just to narrow things down

 

[hollyblue]

Respectively, I disagree. It very well could have a huge bearing on his disappearing. This all took place within the week prior along with his other unexplained ventures.

Who's to say he didn't go to Reno or Wendover to gamble---even Mesquite. Who's to say he didn't he hit the big one or maybe one big enough for him to think I can pay up all my bills and stay here, or start a new life...absolutely fresh again...the way he wanted. Just maybe he realized he was doing what was expected and wanted...the musts, have to's, etc and nothing he really wanted for himself? Maybe the girl "that wasn't right" he really cared tremendously about and she was not right in other's eyes?

I just feel the stop in RV was a hello on his way back from some other purpose, but maybe within the conversation there was a msg being left for AN....maybe nothing "substantial" in his leaving, but relevant to her in some way. If he won a substantial amount of money gambling and decided to "start anew"--- it just may be the reason for his "going to Sacramento" statement. Could be he changed the destination between that time and Dec. 13th......he had the whole world be pick from...per se. JMO

 

[justice57]

I agree with Laytonian's response to this....and also, if he had gone manic AN's parents would have to be completely obtuse to not notice he was in a manic state during their two-hour conversation.

That being said, I am one to believe that it is quite possible he has had some kind of psychotic event happen such as (but not necessarily) a first episode of bipolar disorder (which many people think means mood swings and its actually major depressive disorder and manic disorder coupled together). It has been said multiple times on here that it is unusual for people to have an occurrence like this, but keep in mind that 50% of the population has a psychiatric illness, and it does have to present at some time. Maybe this was the time for Steven.

This would support the fact that his family didn't know, and if it were his first episode he might have completely freaked out and lost touch with reality.

EDIT: The breakdown that I am picturing could be at the hands of drugs also. Even though he is LDS and has not had a problem with drugs before doesn't mean it should be completely discounted as a possibility. It's surprising what the people we think we know best are capable of.

I agree. I would hope if he was under a doctor's care, that someone would know. It would seem they would of found a prescription bottle or a doctor's name in his belongings.
I can't help but think he was depressed about his job prospects. Wasn't there a post about his x-roomate being in trouble for drugs? Since Steven didn't have insurance ( I assume), maybe someone offered him something to help him cope. Just throwing out some thoughts.

 

[Fairy1]

I agree. I would hope if he was under a doctor's care, that someone would know. It would seem they would of found a prescription bottle or a doctor's name in his belongings.
I can't help but think he was depressed about his job prospects. Wasn't there a post about his x-roomate being in trouble for drugs? Since Steven didn't have insurance ( I assume), maybe someone offered him something to help him cope. Just throwing out some thoughts.

I wish there was a prescription bottle found! A doctor's name...something to help here.

His roommate was a pothead, IIRC. And it would seem they had very little to do with one another. Of course, we DO NOT know that for certain. But it seems so. As do many other things.

 

[laytonian]

I agree. I would hope if he was under a doctor's care, that someone would know. It would seem they would of found a prescription bottle or a doctor's name in his belongings.
I can't help but think he was depressed about his job prospects. Wasn't there a post about his x-roomate being in trouble for drugs? Since Steven didn't have insurance ( I assume), maybe someone offered him something to help him cope. Just throwing out some thoughts.

Housemate Z had two drug infractions in 2007, but I see no further indication of later charges, criminal warrants or arrests. Has anyone else come up with anything? I see some other acquaintances in SG with records.

 

[sbakker]

Housemate Z had two drug infractions in 2007, but I see no further indication of later charges, criminal warrants or arrests. Has anyone else come up with anything? I see some other acquaintances in SG with records.

Can you let us know who they may be, by initials only?