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

[Considering]

This is true but in many areas there are many children who fall through the cracks and many school districts who do not adhere to the special education requirements.

I'm really too tired to go back and look for the actually post, however, IIRC, it was said that Johnny "graduated" from a regular high school. It is very possible that he was in special education classes within that school (not that I don't trust the family but this was a while ago and most of the information is from his sister who is clearly not communicating well) and diplomas used to be a lot less difficult to get, i.e. there were some states where they were really "certificates of attendance" rather than true diplomas. I think this was still done is some states even in recent years.

ETA: sorry for the run-on...I really am tired. Until tomorrow!

He may have fallen throught he tracks, but I do not know of any school district that did not adhere to this federal law at the time Johnny would have graduated.

 

[Nonni Brenda]

Above colored and BBM:

Nonni: I know you're feeling discouraged, frustrated and I would assume a little used. I would definitely feel all of those things, and more, in your position. I don't think this family is really thinking clearly, I don't think they are handling things well, and I don't think they have ever experienced any level of attention that comes close to what they are getting now. Add to that the grief, I am sure they are experiencing, and the stress of having little economic resources and I'm sure we can all imagine how difficult this is...which I'm sure is why they keep you going up and down like a yoyo...it's crazy and you've been more than patient but I don't think any of it is malicious on their part or even done in a conscious manner...

I highlighted the above quote as I would love clarification, if you even know, how this statement was meant. I didn't take it to mean that Johnny didn't have special needs, but to mean that she played that up right away so he would get attention quickly. As I indicated in earlier posts, and Miss James alluded to, having a survival skill set does not negate having cognitive limitations. Can you clarify for me how this was stated, and/or experienced by you. Do you truly feel she was indicating that the special needs piece was made up just to get attention?

TIA. And, in case I haven't said it enough, you are AWESOME!

BBM
nosysw, My opinion is the same as yours and MissJames. I'm sorry I didn't make it clearer. I really believe that Johnny definitely does have some cognitive problems, and I feel that even Julie doesn't know exactly what to call his problems, and how they were diagnosed, she wanted to get Johnny's info and "missing person" status out there and as quickly as possible because she was worried about his safety. I really don't think she was trying to mislead anyone at all. She was concerned for the safety of her brother. I personally do believe he is special needs. On the other hand, I feel we need to be careful in what we send out to the public, without some kind of evidence of Johnny's mental status, as we want to safeguard ourselves, and WS against any legal responsibility of misleading the public. I have not legal expertise whatsoever... Just wanted to bring that point to everyone's attention. I feel strongly that Johnny needs our help...I will continue to do what I can, but I am tired now, and extremely frustrated, and definitely do need a break. I know you all are great and will keep looking as best as you can for Johnny. I also will keep looking, maybe after I get some much needed rest. I also believe he will be found safe and sound, pray that it's soon.

 

[Peekerfoo]

I'm so sorry you've been hurt,Nonni Brenda.Here,you've been dealing with your own health issues ,while continuing to help the family ,and you get slapped for it.
In my conversations sister wanted /asked me to do all the contacting ,calling and media stuff. I told her repeatedly that there were some things only the family could do ,like send a report to TES.

I noticed every time I spoke to sister that "or something" was often the end of a sentence. She often seemed confused about things like directions ,names of streets and what LE was telling her. That's why I questioned her so much and encouraged her to get all the facts.

When I found out that it was the Georgetown police that had Johnny that first night I was dumbfounded,just as I was when I learned that he had gone to Family Kingdom and not "a walk". Those were very crucial facts that had been left out of the story .I asked her if Johnny could use the phone .She said he knew his home number ,but she didn't know if he would remember it if he was upset.
Then I find out he's actually tried to call home and it wasn't mentioned in the prior conversation:waitasec:
I tried to get sister to call the Georgetown Police and find out what actually happened that night . She said she was going to but as far I could tell,never did.
I'm starting to wonder if anything I was told is true. I know you are,also,as is Peekerfoo.
I just don't know what to think . I would hate to get this into the national media ,only to find out it's not true.


Maybe it's time to stand down and let the MBPD handle this.

I feel as if we're stuck between a rock and a hard place. On the one hand we have a missing man (special needs, at risk, whatever) and on the other hand we have his family who I feel are making it harder to help find Johnny.

I made the decision days ago to only be concerned with the missing person. I can't deal with the family. I don't know if I can just forget about Johnny just because of my feelings towards them. I DO believe Johnny is truly missing and needs to be found. I am scared for him. I can help without having to speak to the family. I can help without contributing to their "fund" (since I already gave at the gas pump). I can put my feelings aside and do what I can. Look, most people didn't care much for a certain Florida family, but people still searched for the VICTIM. I am more afraid of Johnny dying out there or getting hurt. I know I was enjoying my fantasy of Johnny spreading his wings at the beach, but the reality is that there's a lot of crime, as you know. Things are not all amusement parks and palm trees here. Even the woods are dangerous. So, I will keep an eye out for Johnny, and anything I do will be to help find him, but the family will have to figure out what they are willing to do and just do it. I feel we have all been treated badly when they should've felt fortunate to have people looking for Johnny any way we could. Making Nonni Brenda sad really upsets me! She has been an angel to them , just as you and others have. I'll never understand it:maddening:

 

[Peekerfoo]

BBM
nosysw, My opinion is the same as yours and MissJames. I'm sorry I didn't make it clearer. I really believe that Johnny definitely does have some cognitive problems, and I feel that even Julie doesn't know exactly what to call his problems, and how they were diagnosed, she wanted to get Johnny's info and "missing person" status out there and as quickly as possible because she was worried about his safety. I really don't think she was trying to mislead anyone at all. She was concerned for the safety of her brother. I personally do believe he is special needs. On the other hand, I feel we need to be careful in what we send out to the public, without some kind of evidence of Johnny's mental status, as we want to safeguard ourselves, and WS against any legal responsibility of misleading the public. I have not legal expertise whatsoever... Just wanted to bring that point to everyone's attention. I feel strongly that Johnny needs our help...I will continue to do what I can, but I am tired now, and extremely frustrated, and definitely do need a break. I know you all are great and will keep looking as best as you can for Johnny. I also will keep looking, maybe after I get some much needed rest. I also believe he will be found safe and sound, pray that it's soon.

Bless your heart, Nonni Brenda.:sigh:

 

[Nonni Brenda]

I'm so sorry you've been hurt,Nonni Brenda.Here,you've been dealing with your own health issues ,while continuing to help the family ,and you get slapped for it.
In my conversations sister wanted /asked me to do all the contacting ,calling and media stuff. I told her repeatedly that there were some things only the family could do ,like send a report to TES.

I noticed every time I spoke to sister that "or something" was often the end of a sentence. She often seemed confused about things like directions ,names of streets and what LE was telling her. That's why I questioned her so much and encouraged her to get all the facts.

When I found out that it was the Georgetown police that had Johnny that first night I was dumbfounded,just as I was when I learned that he had gone to Family Kingdom and not "a walk". Those were very crucial facts that had been left out of the story .I asked her if Johnny could use the phone .She said he knew his home number ,but she didn't know if he would remember it if he was upset.
Then I find out he's actually tried to call home and it wasn't mentioned in the prior conversation:waitasec:
I tried to get sister to call the Georgetown Police and find out what actually happened that night . She said she was going to but as far I could tell,never did.
I'm starting to wonder if anything I was told is true. I know you are,also,as is Peekerfoo.
I just don't know what to think . I would hate to get this into the national media ,only to find out it's not true.


Maybe it's time to stand down and let the MBPD handle this.

thank you MissJames for your kind words. It seems we have a lot of the same experiences here. I would give her suggestions, she would tell me what a good idea they were and she would do them, then she wouldn't follow-up. Her off days last week were Thurs and Fri, so all my suggestions she would plan to do those days. I was gonna go with her to put out fliers at the truck stops here, there are 2. I waited all day thurs. trying to call here, finally got her the end of the day. Then the same thing for Fri. Found out Sat when interviewed her that she went by herself to 1 truck stop and some restaurants. She never did get to the 2nd truck stop, even though she had such good feedback from the truckers about helping her.
But when I interviewed them Sat, I felt so good about what she was telling me.
What is so strange, she knew about the radio sta. interviewing me beforehand, and thought it was a good idea.
I have a feelilng that the people in her neighborhood may have not trusted the help she was getting from "outsiders", and voiced that to her. I just don't know. She and I had a good working bond everytime we talked. I really don't understand it at all. It was only after talking to the neighborhood people, she seemed to lose trust??? Thanks for your concern everyone. I'll recover, I promise. I'm still here, just taking a small break.:blowkiss:

 

[Considering]

Something is very wrong...

Johnny was evaluated many years ago, but no one remembers the diagnosis? They have tried to get him on disability (and maybe fairly recently) and he was denied -- they didn't have to have an evaluation and diagnosis for that?

He was afraid of people and would run away, but now he's friendly?

Remember this from the newspaper article?

He knows a few phrases like Rudy Pops, which he calls his
mom, Julie, his sister's name, and Blackie, which is his dog's
name.

Johnny will often say that he needs to get back to the Waffle House and the McDonalds, this is in reference to his home in
Georgia.

He could write "Cartersville" on a piece of paper and now he makes out his own grocery list?

Something is not right. If possible, I think it would be good if someone could speak to someone outside the family about what Johnny is like.

 

[Nonni Brenda]

Nonni Brenda,

I was reading through your post again,trying to take it all in.

How is it that the people in the neighborhood knew the story was "messed up" ?

If they know more than we know then they should be helping the family with the media.

You're exactly right. Honestly, I think there is lots of "mis-trust" of some people for others, and they just got into her busness. I don't think she realizes that may have happen. Have you ever heard the old saying, "It'll all come out in the wash?" LOL I think that will happen. Today when we talked the conversation ended with her planning to get together on Tues to work on a new FB page. It's just strange.

 

[Peekerfoo]

Regardless of anything that's transpired, I don't think Fabgod's song should go to waste. I think it should be sent to the family and maybe they will understand, through his beautiful music and lyrics, that we have only been trying to help.

 

[Reannan]

Whew…. Never quiet experienced a case like this one before. I think we need to step back and look at what we KNOW vs. what we ARE CONFUSED ABOUT. I will try to start:

WE KNOW
1. Johnny and his family went on vacation from Cartersville, GA to Myrtle Beach, SC. (When did they go there?)
2. Johnny has a speech impediment.
3. They stayed at the Sea Crest Motel on the Grandstrand, and this is where Johnny disappeared from as he left his family on August 5, 2012. Johnny was going to: 1). Take a walk; 2). Go to the Family Kingdom Amusement Park. (which was it???)

THINGS WE ARE CONFUSED ABOUT:
1. Johnny may qualify on some level as “Special Needs”, but we don’t know what that is.
2. Has Johnny ever left on his own before?
3. How long was Johnny gone before the family became concerned?
4. Who, When and Where has Johnny been spotted since he went missing?
5. Did he try to get on a bus?
6. Was he interacting with homeless people?
7. Was he picked up by Georgetown Police, and if so, why?
8. What did Georgetown Police do with Johnny?
9. How capable is he in terms of telling a stranger that he needs help?

Obviously, we have a lot more questions than answers. At the end of the day, we have a missing man who went missing while on vacation with his family! A time that was supposed to be a great experience somehow turned into a nightmare. A lot of FABULOUS people here at WS’s have adopted this case, and have essentially become consumed with it. That is one of the reasons Websleuths has such FABULOUS members. We CARE!!!! In this case, several of our members have had contact with the family, and for some reason, the family has not chosen to join us here. That in itself is odd in a missing persons case. We have had other family of much higher profile cases join us, but maybe the family just isn’t connected via internet. I am still concerned for Johnny – very concerned. Bottom line, there are two scenarios that I can think of: 1. Johnny is having the time of his life (perhaps with a girlfriend – I hope so….); or 2). Johnny is in deep trouble, lost and alone and still in need of our help and prayers. What do we do? We keep on with our efforts. I am STILL going to look for him in Augusta, GA. For those of you close to the family – let them contact you next. We will keep doing our thing and keep looking. We all have each other, and we all care DEEPLY about Johnny. Don’t get discouraged…. Just regroup, and let’s figure out what’s next.

 

[Nonni Brenda]

When I spoke with Julie she did say something about the bus driver, but as I posted upthread, I didn't really understand what she was saying about that. I got the part about him saying Allana and all that but it was confusing when she told me. She DID say that Johnny would say it that way. It sure sounded to me like she was saying that the busdriver heard it or some homeless person heard him say it. She got all excited when she told me this and mimicked the way Johnny would say it. "Allana, Allana" I could tell she was upset that he wasn't recognized at that point.

I don't know what to tell you, Nonni Brenda. This is why I stopped talking with the family, because it has been a roller coaster ride. I feel like nothing we do is right and anything we offer to do is either ignored or rejected. I was afraid that you'd get hurt in this, but I was praying you wouldn't. Let THEM deal with all of it. They seem to be doing what they think is best and they're his FAMILY. We can't be expected to care more than they do (...was going to add here, but decided not to).

No one expects anyone to give us a big pat on the back for our efforts, but I do understand what you mean about not feeling appreciated. I feel bad for you because they had a great resource and friend in you and in all of us. You have been so kind to them and it makes me sad that your kindness has been trampled on. I am standing right next to you at that wall, my friend--:banghead:

Oh, Peekerfoo, Thank you for such kind words. I remember when you went through this too. We, all of us here at WS, we don't look for appreciation and recognition. We do this because we really care, and want to help.
The story about the bus drive, same with me, exactly as you said above. She told it in such a confusing way, but she did say "Allana" and that is how Johnny said Atlanta, when she was talking about who said it. They way she told me was that the bus driver heard it , and then told me how Johnny couldnt say it clearly so the bus driver didn't understand him at first. She implied that Johnny was the one saying it.
I'm wondering if she told her neighborhood that in a different way, and when they heard my interview on the radio, and the story was different, she had to explain to them why it was different, and couldn't explain it? That doesn't make sense the way I said it.
I really care about Johnny, but like you say, we can't care more than thy do. If they aren't really worried about him, and they know him better that we do, maybe we should take their lead.
Rev. Brown feels almost certain that Johnny had befriended someone, who is helping him and taking care of him. As we were talking earlier, maybe Johnny is enjoying his new friends, and really enjoying being on his own. That was the opinion of Rev. and Rubypop. For now, I think I will go with that. I don't know what else we can do anyway, especially if Julie wants family to be the contact for the medial. This has just been strange from the beginning with the family.

 

[watcher9]

Johnny's family must be under a lot of stress about losing Johnny and not being able to find him. They want to find Johnny by themselves but don't know how. Their world has been turned upside down.

They may be getting mixed signals from family and friends about getting assistance from strangers, letting strangers butt into their business or having strangers tell them what they need to do. They don't follow through with what they say they will do which may be because of advice from others.They don't seem to know the ins and outs of how to proceed, whom they should trust, or how and when to accept help. And I may be completely wrong about all of this.

I don't know if I'm making any sense about thinking why we need to give this family a break, but then my heart also breaks when I see some of our WSers becoming upset and hurt after working night and day to find Johnny and in the process help his family too.

I'm so proud of WS and the work that has been done in this case and all the others too.

ETA - I got distracted by tv for awhile and then finished this post before reading any new posts and they seems to be a lot of them. I see that others have posted the same thoughts I had but with a much better composition of words. Okay, back to reading.

 

[Nonni Brenda]

Reannan, What a wise woman you must be... I agree with everything you said. I wll let them contact me. I am expected to hook up with her Tues. In the meantime, we'll regroup.
The one question I can comment on, is #2 on what we're confused about. both parents and Julie said that Johnny had never been lost before, always gets back home when he goes somewhere by himself. Always walks or rides his bike, and has never asked a stranger for a ride.
When she called me last night to tell me about the mis-info on the radio, she told it in a very confused way, the same way she told us about the bus story originally.

 

[TxLady2]

I think you mean apraxia instead of aphasia. Apraxia of speech is a motor speech disorder in which people have difficulty sequencing the sounds in syllables and in words. Aphasia is a disorder of language. People with expressive aphasia have trouble using words and formulating sentences.

Thanks. I'm not a nurse, I just remembered the term from working in nursing homes and group homes, but that's been a while.

 

[Peekerfoo]

Oh, Peekerfoo, Thank you for such kind words. I remember when you went through this too. We, all of us here at WS, we don't look for appreciation and recognition. We do this because we really care, and want to help.
The story about the bus drive, same with me, exactly as you said above. She told it in such a confusing way, but she did say "Allana" and that is how Johnny said Atlanta, when she was talking about who said it. They way she told me was that the bus driver heard it , and then told me how Johnny couldnt say it clearly so the bus driver didn't understand him at first. She implied that Johnny was the one saying it.
I'm wondering if she told her neighborhood that in a different way, and when they heard my interview on the radio, and the story was different, she had to explain to them why it was different, and couldn't explain it? That doesn't make sense the way I said it.
I really care about Johnny, but like you say, we can't care more than thy do. If they aren't really worried about him, and they know him better that we do, maybe we should take their lead.
Rev. Brown feels almost certain that Johnny had befriended someone, who is helping him and taking care of him. As we were talking earlier, maybe Johnny is enjoying his new friends, and really enjoying being on his own. That was the opinion of Rev. and Rubypop. For now, I think I will go with that. I don't know what else we can do anyway, especially if Julie wants family to be the contact for the medial. This has just been strange from the beginning with the family.

You are making perfect sense, Nonni Brenda! It's everything they do and say that confuses me.

The way you explained the busdriver/allana conversation is just they way I heard it. It was super confusing, but I got the exact same story. My notes even looked weird about it because I was trying to listen and write at the same time and it was hard to keep up.

I am sorry that I ever suggested that you should be their eyes and ears there in Cartersville. They apparently feel they have have more helpful and trusted assistance than we can offer them. Obviously they aren't aware of the super powers of WS!

 

[Reannan]

Just want to say goodnight to all of you wonderful people here at WS's. A lot of you are tired, confused, and frustrated right now - all of it understandable. We are all worried about Johnny, and that has to be our primary focus. We all hope and pray that he is spreading his wings in a new direction, perhaps for the first time in his life. That would make me happy. At the same time, he DOES have some sort of disability. His problems with communication make him a vulnerable soul in a world that is full of predators. I worry that someone met him and perhaps thought his problems with speaking would make him an easy mark to scam some sort of government agency or something. The family has obviously not communicated well, and I won't judge them for that, but at the same time I am moving on with what we have - a missing man and ourselves. Let's let the family settle into their situation for a while and see if they reach back out. The media is out there, and at some point in the future, we can contact them again to get this case back in the spotlight. Bottom line: Get rest, because we are in the saddle until Johnny is found. Hugs to all of you!!!:blowkiss:

 

[TxLady2]

Johnny's mom said he was evaluated many yrs ago but she doesn't remember what the diagnosis was. They gave me someone's name that I "can find and ask", but doesn't know how to reach that person.Julie told me in the interview Sat. that he would tease by saying the same word over and over,like hi, hey, etc pointing at someone, then say or do something funny when he was sure he had their attention. So I do think he does have mental disability. just no recent, if ever, diagnosis. They said they had tried b4 to get him on disability, I think not too long ago, and was denied. They couldn't remember what reason was given.

Ok, I don't know about GA, but here in Tx, we were advised that they always turn someone down the first time they apply for disability. They need to reapply. Sounds to me like his parents need some expert guidance. Are they elderly? Well, I assume at least in their early 60's, maybe older. If so, their memory may be a little dim, and they may have a difficult time expressing themselves. People of that generation, especially in the South, sometimes didn't even make it to high school, they had to go out and work to help the family, especially if it was a large family. It wouldn't surprise me if they don't really recall everything they've been told about these sightings, or what they've told anyone else. I'm in my 60's and some days I forget what I went into a certain room for. I am NOT putting them down, not in the least. My heart goes out to them and I want Johnny to be found.

 

[Nonni Brenda]

Just want to say goodnight to all of you wonderful people here at WS's. A lot of you are tired, confused, and frustrated right now - all of it understandable. We are all worried about Johnny, and that has to be our primary focus. We all hope and pray that he is spreading his wings in a new direction, perhaps for the first time in his life. That would make me happy. At the same time, he DOES have some sort of disability. His problems with communication make him a vulnerable soul in a world that is full of predators. I worry that someone met him and perhaps thought his problems with speaking would make him an easy mark to scam some sort of government agency or something. The family has obviously not communicated well, and I won't judge them for that, but at the same time I am moving on with what we have - a missing man and ourselves. Let's let the family settle into their situation for a while and see if they reach back out. The media is out there, and at some point in the future, we can contact them again to get this case back in the spotlight. Bottom line: Get rest, because we are in the saddle until Johnny is found. Hugs to all of you!!!:blowkiss:

Nite Reannan. Thanks again.fftobed:

 

[Nonni Brenda]

Ok, I don't know about GA, but here in Tx, we were advised that they always turn someone down the first time they apply for disability. They need to reapply. Sounds to me like his parents need some expert guidance. Are they elderly? Well, I assume at least in their early 60's, maybe older. If so, their memory may be a little dim, and they may have a difficult time expressing themselves. People of that generation, especially in the South, sometimes didn't even make it to high school, they had to go out and work to help the family, especially if it was a large family. It wouldn't surprise me if they don't really recall everything they've been told about these sightings, or what they've told anyone else. I'm in my 60's and some days I forget what I went into a certain room for. I am NOT putting them down, not in the least. My heart goes out to them and I want Johnny to be found.

I understand what you're saying, TxLady2. I'm 65, and I have slowed down so much in the past 3 yrs. I had 2 falling accidents, got disability after the first, have metal in that shoulder, diabetes, asthma Degenerative disc disorder, back neck , arthritis knees, hips, gout, sleep apnea, high bp:banghead:
should I go on? I applied after my 1st accident, 2008, was denied, got a lawyer, and b4 she got the paperwork in the mail, they sent me an approval letter. My friends told me I was the exception, the general rule, you get turned down a few times.
I had told Julie that as soon as Johnny is home, I will help them work through this process.

 

[TxLady2]

thank you MissJames for your kind words. It seems we have a lot of the same experiences here. I would give her suggestions, she would tell me what a good idea they were and she would do them, then she wouldn't follow-up. Her off days last week were Thurs and Fri, so all my suggestions she would plan to do those days. I was gonna go with her to put out fliers at the truck stops here, there are 2. I waited all day thurs. trying to call here, finally got her the end of the day. Then the same thing for Fri. Found out Sat when interviewed her that she went by herself to 1 truck stop and some restaurants. She never did get to the 2nd truck stop, even though she had such good feedback from the truckers about helping her.
But when I interviewed them Sat, I felt so good about what she was telling me.
What is so strange, she knew about the radio sta. interviewing me beforehand, and thought it was a good idea.
I have a feelilng that the people in her neighborhood may have not trusted the help she was getting from "outsiders", and voiced that to her. I just don't know. She and I had a good working bond everytime we talked. I really don't understand it at all. It was only after talking to the neighborhood people, she seemed to lose trust??? Thanks for your concern everyone. I'll recover, I promise. I'm still here, just taking a small break.:blowkiss:

I understand how you feel, and I'm sorry you were hurt and confused. Sometimes it's just hard to get across to some people. Take care of yourself, please!! I know how much you care for Johnny and his family, it comes across in all your posts. You could quit right this minute and no one could fault you for not doing enough. You passed that mark several days ago!!

GET SOME REST!!

 

[TxLady2]

I understand what you're saying, TxLady2. I'm 65, and I have slowed down so much in the past 3 yrs. I had 2 falling accidents, got disability after the first, have metal in that shoulder, diabetes, asthma Degenerative disc disorder, back neck , arthritis knees, hips, gout, sleep apnea, high bp:banghead:
should I go on? I applied after my 1st accident, 2008, was denied, got a lawyer, and b4 she got the paperwork in the mail, they sent me an approval letter. My friends told me I was the exception, the general rule, you get turned down a few times.
I had told Julie that as soon as Johnny is home, I will help them work through this process.

I have some of those ailments myself. I'm glad you had good luck getting disability. I know of some people who have applied 3 times before they got it.

Bless you... you're still willing to help. :rocker: