SC SC - Johnny Lamar Brown, 44, Myrtle Beach, 3 Aug 2012 - #1

[nursebeeme]

so, is TES still coming? Wasn't it supposed to be on the 8th?????

I am so praying that Johnny is found safe and sound!

 

[Peekerfoo]

I understand your frustration, MissJames. I think there are many reasons why certain cases are treated differently in the media (and on the ground)- some which make sense, and some that just...don't.
My opinion only- but often missing persons with special needs grab a TON of attention- or none at all. Age of the individual always comes into play. Appearance of the individual always comes into play. How well the family of the missing individual can communicate always comes into play. And how the media interprets the case initially- all come into play.

My cop friends in Charleston had not heard about Johnny until I told them. That doesn't mean they didn't care- just that they have a lot on their own plates, and a description of a missing 44 yr old african american man with a speech impediment is- unfortunately- a dime a dozen in this area. Not saying this is right- just that it is. I hope that changes in the near future, but it's been one heck of a long uphill battle. I just hope we're close to the top.

Anyway, I think that in order to get the word out more productively to LE and SAR groups, maybe we need to personalize Johnny a little more. I asked upthread about his food likes/dislikes. Lets get a flyer made up that includes that sort of info. Let's include what makes him smile and laugh. Lets include the fear of thunderstorms. Lets include whether or not he likes animals and if so, what kind. What does he call his mom? His sister? That sort of thing.

I really think we need to distinguish him in a very personalized way to raise awareness.

And he needs to be entered in Namus, in the event that something bad has happened to him.

ITA! Johnny is in Namus, but there's not much about him on his file.
I even considered putting up some flyers that were aimed directly at him.
Like:

JOHNNY LAMAR BROWN!
Julie and Ruby Pops are trying to find you.
Take this flyer to the nearest store or restaurant and have them call-(phone number)
Blackie misses you!!!

Then have the missing info on the bottom of the page, so wherever he takes it they will know it's legit.

I have also decided to put his missing flyers on the side and back window of my SUV. I drive around so much, I might as well be a moving sign.

Julie said that Johny can read, so maybe a flyer to him personally would help?

 

[Peekerfoo]

Peekerfoo, I hope you get to have a cup of coffee with Johnny someday, and ask him in person if that was him with the big umbrella that day! It may or may not have been Johnny, but in the end, the man you saw that day was a catalyst for igniting something awesome here on WS's. Your passion, your dedication, and your persistence has inspired, motivated, and has been a blessing to more people than just the ones who are posting here. ALL of you have been - and continue to be, the glue that holds humanity together IMHO. The family of Johnny is certainly not reaching out and utilizing the resources that are here, but in all honesty, I am not really surprised by that. Our world has split into at least two very different sectors of society. There are those who are 'connected' like us (look at Nonni Brenda sneaking away from her family to get on WS's!!! LOVE IT!!!) --- and then there is a section of society that is essentially "off of the grid". My family would have been a lot like Johnny's family. They just did not ask for help from anyone. You were born, you lived (if you were lucky), and you died. In between, there was TONS of love between the family, and VERY strong bonds, but that was "US". I've rambled on for long enough. Sorry - just wanted to say that you are all WONDERFUL, and I am SO glad that you are CONNECTED, and I am honored to be a part of this group. Still looking in Augusta, Georgia - everywhere.

Thanks Reannan. I appreciate what you're saying, but if the family is capable of accepting help in the way of funds, then why can't they accept help in finding poor Johnny? That's where I get confused. I'm not trying to bash them in any way. Like Miss James said "I'm frustrated". The only way for me to stop feeling frustrated is to keep on plugging away at figuring out ways to get the word out about Johnny. That way, I feel I'm being helpful without intruding on the family's way of doing things. It was gratifying when the investigator from Beaufort County called me back so quickly yesterday because I'm used to waiting...and waiting for phone calls that are never returned.

 

[Oriah]

ITA! Johnny is in Namus, but there's not much about him on his file.
I even considered putting up some flyers that were aimed directly at him.
Like:

JOHNNY LAMAR BROWN!
Julie and Ruby Pops are trying to find you.
Take this flyer to the nearest store or restaurant and have them call-(phone number)
Blackie misses you!!!

Then have the missing info on the bottom of the page, so wherever he takes it they will know it's legit.

I have also decided to put his missing flyers on the side and back window of my SUV. I drive around so much, I might as well be a moving sign.

Julie said that Johny can read, so maybe a flyer to him personally would help?

That is a simply fantastic idea, Peek.

 

[Peekerfoo]

just checked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation site for missing persons - nothing
Atlanta Police Dept Missing Persons - nothing
Is it family that have to notify these departments?

CUE has a profile on Johnny, his last sighting is stated as 2.30pm 3rd august, what about the CCTV footage viewed by the family, when was that?

That's unbelievable!

 

[Peekerfoo]

so, is TES still coming? Wasn't it supposed to be on the 8th?????

I am so praying that Johnny is found safe and sound!

I have no clue, Nursebeeme. I hope so.lease:

 

[MissJames]

I don't think the family is too proud to ask for help.They were asking up until we got more confirmed sightings at the Flea Market .

It was just after that weekend that Julie told me MBPD said I was undermining them .Julie is the one who gave me multiple places to look , many that weren't very nice , and OLG and I went to them all .

So it just occurred to me, maybe the family was encouraged to stay away from WSers.

The CUE dogs confirmed Johnnys scent at the two places we reported sightings .Peekerfoo saw him walking between Jiffy Lube and Denny's .OLG and I found people who had seem him just the day before and the dogs hit there completely independent of us.

We were told by Several people that MB doesn't like attention on missing vactioners because it's economy is so dependent on tourists .

I'm starting to believe that may be true .

There is something about this case that we don't know . I don't see how we can move forward if we don't know about new sightings or tips coming in to family or LE.

 

[fabgod]

i think the ideas being put out there about personalising Johnny and the flyers are great ideas,
One word of caution though, we know he has special needs and is vulnerable, (we dont know to what extent),
Can I suggest care in what is put "out there" some people are very devious and it is possible that they would use certain trusted words and knowledge to get the trust or confidence of Johnny.

 

[Oriah]

i think the ideas being put out there about personalising Johnny and the flyers are great ideas,
One word of caution though, we know he has special needs and is vulnerable, (we dont know to what extent),
Can I suggest care in what is put "out there" some people are very devious and it is possible that they would use certain trusted words and knowledge to get the trust or confidence of Johnny.

Very good point, fab.

I have been very concerned that Johnny may have been taken advantage of- something as simple as a mugging (very common in the area)- is easier accomplished when the victim has special needs. And those folks don't need any extra help with targeting. It is truly a double edged sword.

I think at this point though, Johnny likely doesn't have any money left on him. Which brings me to another question- does anyone know what Johnny's understanding of money is? Does he know what things cost?

Also re: celebrities who may be willing to speak up for him... I have the good fortune to know Tom Hanks. I will give it a shot.

 

[Peekerfoo]

I don't think the family is too proud to ask for help.They were asking up until we got more confirmed sightings at the Flea Market .

It was just after that weekend that Julie told me MBPD said I was undermining them .Julie is the one who gave me multiple places to look , many that weren't very nice , and OLG and I went to them all .

So it just occurred to me, maybe the family was encouraged to stay away from WSers.

The CUE dogs confirmed Johnnys scent at the two places we reported sightings .Peekerfoo saw him walking between Jiffy Lube and Denny's .OLG and I found people who had seem him just the day before and the dogs hit there completely independent of us.

We were told by Several people that MB doesn't like attention on missing vactioners because it's economy is so dependent on tourists .

I'm starting to believe that may be true .

There is something about this case that we don't know . I don't see how we can move forward if we don't know about new sightings or tips coming in to family or LE.

The thing I don't understand about that is that LE was so nice about giving me information and flyers. I think they want him to be found, so there would have to be some reason for them not wanting us to help. I didn't get that feeling from them at that time, but maybe things have changed? It's confusing.

In this case, you'd think MB would want all the help they could get so this would be a story with a happy ending. Johnny wasn't the victim of a crime in MB, so anything they do to get the word out would seem like a positive for MB IMO. I would think that the more eyes and ears the BETTER, but I'm not privy to what LE knows, so I can't know what they're thinking.

I see what you mean about moving forward. I could be looking in Georgetown and there may have been sighting yesterday in Conway. We have no way of knowing! That's why I think a FB account dedicated to that would be beneficial. Also, if LE told Julie not to talk to us then why will she talk when she's called? I would think she'd say "LE told me not to talk about the investigation with anyone". She doesn't say that.

 

[MissJames]

On all the flyers I put out I wrote special needs at the top and speech impediment in large print .

 

[fabgod]

Very good point, fab.

I have been very concerned that Johnny may have been taken advantage of- something as simple as a mugging (very common in the area)- is easier accomplished when the victim has special needs. And those folks don't need any extra help with targeting. It is truly a double edged sword.

I think at this point though, Johnny likely doesn't have any money left on him. Which brings me to another question- does anyone know what Johnny's understanding of money is? Does he know what things cost?

Also re: celebrities who may be willing to speak up for him... I have the good fortune to know Tom Hanks. I will give it a shot.

I think we heard he had 20 dollars when he left, that wouldnt have lasted very long at all, so you are right, he probably has no money, but in a way that could be worse, if he was approached for money or valuables and had none, would they simply walk away?
I'm not saying this will happen to Johnny at all, I just think we need to be careful and like you said it is a double edged sword, what you gain from something you potentially lose on the other side.

If you could get Tom Hanks, that would be unbelievable, even if you could just get him to Tweet his support, we could then use that to push Johnny to the media -good luck!

 

[Peekerfoo]

i think the ideas being put out there about personalising Johnny and the flyers are great ideas,
One word of caution though, we know he has special needs and is vulnerable, (we dont know to what extent),
Can I suggest care in what is put "out there" some people are very devious and it is possible that they would use certain trusted words and knowledge to get the trust or confidence of Johnny.

Good point, Fabgod. I know Johnny is vulnerable to all kinds of bad things right now, and I don't want to do anything that would add to that.

 

[fabgod]

On all the flyers I put out I wrote special needs at the top and speech impediment in large print .

Miss James,
Everything you have done has been with the absolute best of intentions, I feel sorry that you have gone above and beyond all in good faith and then have had to put up with "that comment".

I honestly cannot see LE being that short sighted, without the public they would struggle to solve many cases in my opinion.

We all appreciate how much pressure the family must be under, but "the more troops the stronger the army" I would have thought, maybe I'm missing something?

 

[fabgod]

Good point, Fabgod. I know Johnny is vulnerable to all kinds of bad things right now, and I don't want to do anything that would add to that.

Peekerfoo and everybody,
Please dont think I am trying to tell anyone what to do, sometimes its worth taking a risk to try and get a result, I just think that if too much information is out there it may work against the search, but a few more photos from the family would certainly help, on that point, why are the agencies involved not putting out updates, new photos, new sightings, likely locations?

The more we hear about Johnny the more capable he seems, maybe he will find his way back to Georgia, I didnt know he could read until today.

Maybe us websleuthers should start up an awareness group to work alongside LE and other agencies?

 

[MissJames]

As I said in the beginning , it will take a small army and a ton of publicity to get to that one person who will see Johnny and know he's a missing person .

I'm not a leader and I've never been involved in any kind of case. I'm grateful there are others willing to continue with the search and hope Johnny is found very soon .

 

[Peekerfoo]

Peekerfoo and everybody,
Please dont think I am trying to tell anyone what to do, sometimes its worth taking a risk to try and get a result, I just think that if too much information is out there it may work against the search, but a few more photos from the family would certainly help, on that point, why are the agencies involved not putting out updates, new photos, new sightings, likely locations?

The more we hear about Johnny the more capable he seems, maybe he will find his way back to Georgia, I didnt know he could read until today.

Maybe us websleuthers should start up an awareness group to work alongside LE and other agencies?

It's OK--I didn' think of it that way at all. We need all the advice we can get!

ITA with the rest of your comment.

I am trying to tackle different areas everytime I go out. Yesterday Georgetown, last evening Socastee (where I''be headed back to today) and possibly Conway this week-end. I may as well cover all the bases. I have this life of mine(my family) to also contend with, so I have to do a balancing act! I just tell them I'm getting groceries....LOL

 

[Nonni Brenda]

As I said in the beginning , it will take a small army and a ton of publicity to get to that one person who will see Johnny and know he's a missing person .

I'm not a leader and I've never been involved in any kind of case. I'm grateful there are others willing to continue with the search and hope Johnny is found very soon .

You're right MissJ. I think I am getting somewhere lining up some people from Cartersville to help. I mentioned earlier about my good friend who was the person in this county to help everyone, passing away a few yrs ago, now no one has stepped up to fill his shoes. Coach Matthew Hill. Before integration, he was the principal and coach of the Af. Am school here. Anyway, I called his wife to get their daughter's number. Mrs. Hill gave me some contacts who are also Af. Am. from here that I feel certain will take a personal interest in Johnny and help. Judge Robert Benham, Arthur Carter who is a member of the New Frontier group, and about 3 more prominent Af. Am citizens here. So now to get out the phone book and start calling.
Another idea I just had, When I worked with Coach at the Children's Shelter, Coach was also a Sargent at Arms at the State Capital. He carried me with him once for their meeting (my brain isn't working good now, can't remember what it is called.LOL) I have a picture of myself and Coach and some of the Senators. They loved Coach as we all did. I'm gonna figure out their names, LOL, and start calling some of them. I need you all to tell me what I need to say/suggest to them. BBM OK, not to the phone books...Where there's a will, there's a way...:seeya:
ETA: I just talked to Julie, she didn't return my first call. She said she has been so busy, had to get her payroll in, her daughter is pregnant, had to get her to dr. etc. She didn't have time to put out the fliers yesterday and today, her 2 off days. She is coming to my house later today... I'll let you know what transpires. Keep the faith...

 

[Peekerfoo]

I checked the Georgetown Times website and so far--nothing. What gives?

 

[Peekerfoo]

You're right MissJ. I think I am getting somewhere lining up some people from Cartersville to help. I mentioned earlier about my good friend who was the person in this county to help everyone, passing away a few yrs ago, now no one has stepped up to fill his shoes. Coach Matthew Hill. Before integration, he was the principal and coach of the Af. Am school here. Anyway, I called his wife to get their daughter's number. Mrs. Hill gave me some contacts who are also Af. Am. from here that I feel certain will take a personal interest in Johnny and help. Judge Robert Benham, Arthur Carter who is a member of the New Frontier group, and about 3 more prominent Af. Am citizens here. So now to get out the phone book and start calling.
Another idea I just had, When I worked with Coach at the Children's Shelter, Coach was also a Sargent at Arms at the State Capital. He carried me with him once for their meeting (my brain isn't working good now, can't remember what it is called.LOL) I have a picture of myself and Coach and some of the Senators. They loved Coach as we all did. I'm gonna figure out their names, LOL, and start calling some of them. I need you all to tell me what I need to say/suggest to them. BBM OK, not to the phone books...Where there's a will, there's a way...:seeya:
ETA: I just talked to Julie, she didn't return my first call. She said she has been so busy, had to get her payroll in, her daughter is pregnant, had to get her to dr. etc. She didn't have time to put out the fliers yesterday and today, her 2 off days. She is coming to my house later today... I'll let you know what transpires. Keep the faith...

YOU ARE AWESOME, NB!!!!:woohoo: Keep us posted!!!!