Found Deceased SC - Brittanee Drexel, 17, Myrtle Beach, 25 April 2009 - #10

[Rochestergirl]

All I have to say is WTF. I am appalled at MB you locals have said this but to put it into a news article like it ok. If there so worried of there reputation maybe they should beef up security or solve kidnapping/abduction cases. What they don't think Brittanee's case got outside of mb. Wow I'm really mad when I heard this


Tourism officials monitor crime media coverage
by Graeme Moore
Posted: 05.18.2010 at 6:06 PMsavesendprintGet News Alerts


Grand Strand tourism officials say crime stories that reach markets beyond our own could cause harm if those stories reach a wide enough market.

Case in point: an attempted child abduction on Friday at a beach access in Myrtle Beach.

According to Myrtle Beach police, a four-year-old Pittsburgh girl ran from her mother and two other siblings while on Ocean Boulevard around 12:45 pm Friday.

Police say the little girl ran into the parking lot of a public beach access at 53rd Ave. North, but was chased down by her eight-year-old brother.

The older brother told police he saw an older man grabbing his sister by the arm, so he scratched and kicked the man who let go of the young girl.

The story, dubbed a heroic act by some reporters, grabbed headlines in Myrtle Beach and Pittsburgh, and possibly on the network morning shows later this week.

All the coverage comes at the kickoff to the summer tourism season in Myrtle Beach.

"At a time when we're telling (visitors) to come to the Grand Strand, we certainly want to avoid any negative messages," said Brad Dean, president of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.

Dean said everyone is concerned about safety and the chamber hopes police get to the bottom of the attempted abduction, but if the story "were to get legs, especially at a time when we're advertising in that particular market (Pittsburgh), we'll reach out to the media there just to make sure they know the precautions they can take to make sure their vacation is secure," Dean said.

For tourists in town who heard about the attempted kidnapping, the news came as a shock, but most of them said it's not enough to keep them away.

"It was startling for sure, but then you start thinking about it, you know, and it can happen anywhere," said Paul Storry who's down with his family from Toronto.

That it can happen anywhere is what makes visitor Jeanne Penn not terribly worries.

"It happens everywhere," Penn said. "It happened in our home town. It's happened all around us. It's just you've got to be more cautious with your children."

As for the investigation, police haven't ruled anything out, including the possibility of the story being fabricated by the children -- or the possibility that the alleged kidnapper could be a good samaritan trying to stop a fleeing child.

But for now, police will continue to investigate all angles and will treat it as if it is a legitimate claim.

 

[SeaNymph]

Rochestergirl:

All I have to say is WTF. I am appalled at MB you locals have said this but to put it into a news article like it ok. If there so worried of there reputation maybe they should beef up security or solve kidnapping/abduction cases. What they don't think Brittanee's case got outside of mb. Wow I'm really mad when I heard this

Hate to say it about my own people, RG, but why do you think they wanted to push the 'runaway' angle as long as they possibly could with BD?

I'm a little shocked myself CoC had the gall to put it the way they did - in other words "Uuhhh, predators? Oh Look! Spankin' new boardwalk! Over there!!!"

 

[Rochestergirl]

Most don't admit it in a news article. I'm getting over my shock I'm thinking about writing to those folks and give them a piece lol. But now we really understand why Britt's pics keep coming down.

Rochestergirl:


Hate to say it about my own people, RG, but why do you think they wanted to push the 'runaway' angle as long as they possibly could with BD?

I'm a little shocked myself CoC had the gall to put it the way they did - in other words "Uuhhh, predators? Oh Look! Spankin' new boardwalk! Over there!!!"

 

[Rochestergirl]

oh I forgot this was my favorite part ... good samaritan Yeah Right! So is Charlie Manson

or the possibility that the alleged kidnapper could be a good samaritan trying to stop a fleeing child.

 

[SeaNymph]

oh I forgot this was my favorite part ... good samaritan Yeah Right! So is Charlie Manson

or the possibility that the alleged kidnapper could be a good samaritan trying to stop a fleeing child.

Yeah - all 'good samaritans' DON'T say 'calm down, little man' and wait for Mom to explain.

 

[Rochestergirl]

Yeah - all 'good samaritans' DON'T say 'calm down, little man' and wait for Mom to explain.

Yeah I know right. trying to stop the child from fleeing from mom, or did they mean trying to stop the child from fleeing from him.:croc:

 

[krista]

Hey everyone!!

Ok, so this is a complete longshot, but I've been looking for a while and I just find this to be VERY coincidental. Probably nothing, but very interesting and disturbing, IMHO.

Some locals may remember the Melissa "Missy" McLauchlin murder case roughly 18 years ago. I'm going to post the relevant parts of this case below, but the actual details are horrible and too graphic to post, IMHO. The link will follow with the detail, but you've been warned. The circumstances surrounding Melissa's abduction seem VERY similar to Brittanee's.
So, I've been looking into motorcycle gangs all day and into gangs in general in Georgetown County. I came across an article about a man, Tony Knapp, who was jumped by a group of strangers 10 years ago. He survived the attack, but was paralyzed and lived the next 10 years in devastating pain. He had a seizure last November and died as a result of his injuries he recieved more than 10 years ago.
So, I was reading that article about Mr Knapp's death, and the MANY comments, and ran across a few comments that referenced Melissa McLauchlin's murder. Those comments referencing Melissa's murder came on Jan 3rd, 2010. Due to the racial language of most of these comments, I'm not posting them...just the link (below).
Remember that LE said that they recieved new information sometime in December? I'm wondering if this man's death didn't get someone talking.....if these comments about Melissa's death didn't lead LE in a new direction towards new POI's. I'm also worried that two of the men who helped kill/rape Melissa were given only 10 years of jail time, and have been out of prison for nearly a decade. Finally, I'm wondering about a copycat murder....the area, the girls, the situations are very similar, IMHO. I wonder if any of these guys would repeat their own crime, if they had children or 'admirers' who would copy their crimes. So, anyway, here's the story on Melissa....followed by all of the links. Tell me what you think, please:
Keep in mind that this story of Melissa's death is from the POV of her killers.....so, what they state happened regarding HER actions is HIGHLY suspect as far as I'm concerned. Melissa McLauchlan, 25, was a native of Wixom, Michigan, living with her fiancé’s family in North Charleston, South Carolina. On the night she died, she had an argument with her fiancé at a nightclub. She stormed out of the club and began to walk home. Police spotted her, obviously drunk, and gave her a ride home, but she quickly set out on foot for another club. Three black men, Matthew Mack, Matthew Williams, and Joseph Gardner pulled up alongside in a car and started a conversation. They offered her drugs if she would come back to their trailer and have sex with them. Melissa McLaughlan, who had a history of drug problems, foolishly accepted their offer. The men offered Melissa McLaughlan no drugs, but she had sex with them—at first. She began to resist, especially when the men wanted to sodomize her, and soon the men were raping her. They put out the word within the trailer park that they had “captured a white woman,” and three other males arrived and raped her. Two women, girlfriends of some of the rapists, were present in another room of the trailer, but did nothing to stop the attack. After they had enough, the men decided to get rid of the evidence—including Melissa McLaughlan. The driver pulled over 14 miles outside Charleston. The men dumped her on the side of the road, drove back to Charleston, and went nightclubbing. A passing driver found Melissa McLaughlan, miraculously alive, but she died before the ambulance arrived. It took police four days to identify the body, and a day later they located the trailer where Melissa McLauchlan was raped. By January 9, 1993, police had arrested seven people including two of the ringleaders—Matthew Mack and Matthew Williams—and two women, Edna Williams and Indira Simmons, who were charged with being accessories to murder and sexual assault. Three of the rapists were sailors stationed at nearby Charleston Naval Base. The only suspect not in custody was the triggerman, Joseph Gardner. Gardner, who was AWOL from the Navy, eluded police for nearly two years, and might never have been caught had the FBI not put him on the “ten most wanted” list. He was living in Philadelphia when someone saw his picture in the post office and tipped off the police. He was arrested on October 20, 1994, and was put to death in December 2008. Two of the men involved in this crime were sentenced to 10 years and have been out of prison for roughly 12 years. http://mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2007/03/03/melissa-missi-ann-mclauchlin-murder-123092/
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2008/dec/02/hes_getting_off_free_way_father_says63637/

Tony Knapp's beating death and comments (page 2): http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/jan/03/they-beat-him-to-death-he-just-didnt-die/

 

[lizzybeth]

Krista, don't take this the wrong way because any help in finding out what happened to Brittannee is appreciated. I don't know her personally, but I do have a daughter her age. One who reminds me a lot of Brittannee. I just don't see Brittannee willing to sell herself for drugs. But I guess it could be that she willingly went with someone with the intent of "partying" and when the person didn't get what they wanted from her, things turned ugly. Maybe that's what you meant.

I'll go back to only reading now. You guys are great. I check Brittannee's thread every morning and thanks to all of you (especially Lindssayy) she's always on the first page. :0)

 

[krista]

Krista, don't take this the wrong way because any help in finding out what happened to Brittannee is appreciated. I don't know her personally, but I do have a daughter her age. One who reminds me a lot of Brittannee. I just don't see Brittannee willing to sell herself for drugs. But I guess it could be that she willingly went with someone with the intent of "partying" and when the person didn't get what they wanted from her, things turned ugly. Maybe that's what you meant.

I'll go back to only reading now. You guys are great. I check Brittannee's thread every morning and thanks to all of you (especially Lindssayy) she's always on the first page. :0)

Noooo....Read the part in BOLD BLACK!!!

Again, Melissa isn't alive to give HER side of the story. ALL of that 'why she got into the car and what she did' is SOLELY from the perspective of the men who killed and raped her. I don't in ANY WAY believe Brittanee would sell herself for drugs or anything else. I also don't believe she would go willingly with complete strangers she'd never met before.
I was referencing the part about Brittanee WALKING down the street, possibly frustrated or angry, and being picked up/abducted by men and taken back to the same general area near the georgetown/charleston county line. I think the similarities are interesting. That's all I was saying.

ETA: the ONLY reason I bring up this case is b/c of the timing of comments in various news articles, along with some similarities with the two girls last known wherabouts. Again, it's a LONG SHOT that there is any connection....but I would hate to sit on something relevant and not share it with the group.
Oh, we'd love to have you post more often!! It's great to have fresh eyes and comments!! This thread is generally VERY friendly and everyone truly cares about Brittanee first and foremost! We'd love to hear about any ideas you have!!

 

[mlatta]

In re-considering my position on Brittanee's case, I am going to change my theory, for the record..

Rather than a drug run, I am now thinking she got into the car willingly with someone she met during her trip. Perhaps she met this person at Club K, or on the beach, or in one of the hotels, who knows?! I base this upon what we know about her actions immediatley before she disappeared.

We know that Brittanee left BH and walked to BW and did not stay very long before she was allegedly going to return to BH, once again, on foot, to return some clothing, after having some sort of verbal altercation with JO.

That walk is not very fun. I can't see her being real eager to walk that distance over and over. It's a long walk, and it's hot and humid, even in the evening! And everyone should know by now that I do not believe the "black shorts" story...

I'm thinking she was annoyed with her travel mates, and they were annoyed with her. Maybe because she didn't have a lot of $$, maybe because she was significantly younger than most of them, or maybe simply because she was prettier than the other girls. I don't know why, but I feel some tension between them.

With that in mind - it seems she would have been more likely to hop into the car with someone (1 or more persons) that she had just recently met, she deemed them, at least somewhat trustworthy.

Why she travelled south with these people is beyond me. I do not think she would have agreed to travel outside of myrtle beach. (The drug-run theory provided a possible explanation for that travel - get drugs) Maybe she was restrained during travel, from a perp in the back seat? Maybe the attack occured in MB and the perp took her body, alive or not, back to his community - N Santee, either to attack her further, or dispose of the body.

Just some thoughts... seems like most of it is repeating previous posts, but whatever, it will bump her thread up, and maybe stimulate some others here to reconsider and share...

:twocents:

 

[mlatta]

Some locals may remember the Melissa "Missy" McLauchlin murder case roughly 18 years ago.

I recall that case.. Even today when I think about it, it makes me want to vomit. I was disappointed that the two women involved got plea deals, and served very little, if any, time... Also there were no advocates that stepped up and forced it into the national news!?

Enough of that, I think my blood pressure just went up a few points

 

[stillwatersc]

As for the investigation, police haven't ruled anything out, including the possibility of the story being fabricated by the children -- or the possibility that the alleged kidnapper could be a good samaritan trying to stop a fleeing child.

But for now, police will continue to investigate all angles and will treat it as if it is a legitimate claim.

Good Samaritan could be a possibility but a 'good Samaritan' wouldn't try to force the child in his car and then flee from the scene, leaving the children on the ground! Fabricated - how would the kid fabricate the evidence under his fingernails from the scratches? I understand LE checking out the story, but these explanations seem pretty shallow IMO.

 

[RoseC]

BUMPING FOR BRITT!!!
Prayers for the family,friends,keep your heads held high look up!!! Gods Blessings!!

 

[waltzingmatilda]

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=12506910

I doubt this has anything to do with Britt's case but wanted to link it. Have any of our SC sleuths heard anything about this?

wm

 

[waltzingmatilda]

The above article regarding the attempted abduction really bothers me so I am refraining from commenting. Also, I found this article

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=12500564

and it occured to me that this could be a way that someone would not directly know Britt.
Does anyone know if these umbrella and chair rental companies requires paperwork with info like the name of hotel the renter is staying in, along with personal info, etc.? Do we know if Britt or the girls rented chairs or umbrellas? I really have a feeling that whoever is involved worked in MB in a position requiring contact with the public....or at least watched her walk back and forth between the two hotels.

Just some thoughts and MOO.

wm

 

[RoseC]

The above article regarding the attempted abduction really bothers me so I am refraining from commenting. Also, I found this article

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=12500564

and it occured to me that this could be a way that someone would not directly know Britt.
Does anyone know if these umbrella and chair rental companies requires paperwork with info like the name of hotel the renter is staying in, along with personal info, etc.? Do we know if Britt or the girls rented chairs or umbrellas? I really have a feeling that whoever is involved worked in MB in a position requiring contact with the public....or at least watched her walk back and forth between the two hotels.

Just some thoughts and MOO.

wm

From all photos i seen of them on beach they only had towells down,have not seen any with chairs or umbrellas,but i cant say they didnt,,

 

[lizzybeth]

Noooo....Read the part in BOLD BLACK!!!

Again, Melissa isn't alive to give HER side of the story. ALL of that 'why she got into the car and what she did' is SOLELY from the perspective of the men who killed and raped her. I don't in ANY WAY believe Brittanee would sell herself for drugs or anything else. I also don't believe she would go willingly with complete strangers she'd never met before.
I was referencing the part about Brittanee WALKING down the street, possibly frustrated or angry, and being picked up/abducted by men and taken back to the same general area near the georgetown/charleston county line. I think the similarities are interesting. That's all I was saying.

ETA: the ONLY reason I bring up this case is b/c of the timing of comments in various news articles, along with some similarities with the two girls last known wherabouts. Again, it's a LONG SHOT that there is any connection....but I would hate to sit on something relevant and not share it with the group.
Oh, we'd love to have you post more often!! It's great to have fresh eyes and comments!! This thread is generally VERY friendly and everyone truly cares about Brittanee first and foremost! We'd love to hear about any ideas you have!!

Okay, I re-read it. After reading the article and poster's comments (some say they know Missi), I tend to believe that she may have left with those men and possibly bartered sex with them. Even though she was drunk (if what is printed is true), I think Missi thought she would be safe with men that were in the military. Once she found out they didn't have any drugs, or had other plans for her, then she tried to leave. It was a horrible crime and hope and pray that nothing like that happened to Brittannee. I do see your point though. Brittannee may have been stopped by someone she knew casually, a friend of a friend, an acquaintance, and thought it would be okay to get in the car with them or she could have been forced into a car.

I don't post more because I really don't think that I have anything to offer. My eyes aren't fresh as I've been here since it was posted that she was missing. Some cases get to you more than others. My daughter went to MB a few mos. or possibly a year before Brittannee. She had my permission (against my better judgment). My daughter is small, beautiful (and I'm not being prejudiced), and could have been abducted just like I think Brittannee was. There but for the grace of God go I.

 

[RoseC]

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=12506910

I doubt this has anything to do with Britt's case but wanted to link it. Have any of our SC sleuths heard anything about this?

wm

i been watching that news story since 6am ,but i only heard it was male he been shot,,so really dont think it connects to bd,but really dont no yet what happen,they being hush hush on it at least in news anyhow,,

 

[MBLover]

Chairs and umbrellas are a tad expensive for the younger crowd. When we were there last month it was $125 for the week or $20 or $25 a day.

 

[krista]

http://www.wect.com/Global/story.asp?S=12506910

I doubt this has anything to do with Britt's case but wanted to link it. Have any of our SC sleuths heard anything about this?

wm

No, hadn't heard about it at all...but this article reminded me of something I forgot to mention/ask earlier:
It seems that my focus has always been on someone who lived IN the area LE is looking.....as I understand it is a poor, more dangerous area of town.

For you Georgetown locals: What are the chances that someone from another more affluent area of Georgetown would come to the seven mile rd area or the N Santee River/Corner Loop Rd area after 9pm? Just wondering. Also, several of the homes I've looked up in this area are titled to older white males.....but I was under the impression that they may have been rented out to people. My point is--what's the makeup of the people in those two areas? Are they young/old? Are they poor/well off? In many areas of this state, having a boat ramp/dock and a house on the river would be considered 'living well'.....so I just want to hear from some locals about this particular area...what it's like, what type of people live there....if it is known as a drug/dangerous area in particular, or just Georgetown in general?? And anything else you'd like to mention!!