WA - Unidentified Male: "Lyle Stevik", Grays Harbor, 17 Sept 2001 - #4

[CallMeTres]

The circumstances of my job require me to stay in hotels quite often. I have averaged between 40 and 130 nights per year (depending on my territory) for that last 29 years. I have rarely been asked for ID, except back in the 80/early 90s when I often paid by check.

Only once have I paid in cash and I can't remember if I had to give ID then or not.

Now I pay by credit card, usually the one I keep on file with the major hotel chains, that could be why I am so rarely asked for ID. I have mostly worked in MD, DE, PA, VA, WV, NC, and SC with occasional brief stints in other states.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

After careful study of the photos, a couple of things stood out to me. The first room's clothing rod looked to be inadequate to carry out a suicide by hanging and it could have been the reason he changed rooms not the noise factor. Maybe he showered before he realized it wouldn't work. It is possibly where the injuries to his hands came from if he attempted it with the single rod and failed. LE said the injuries were in the process of healing which meant they were recent, but did not happen at the time of his death.

He does appear to be emaciated, but depression can be another cause of weight loss because of simply not eating. He obviously didn't eat while at the motel as there was no sign of it, but he did go buy a soda at some point. (Did LE figure out where he purchased it?)

Thinking about why he would have memorized the address of the other motel in ID makes me wonder if he chose that one at some point to end his life and he didn't follow through with it. If he stayed there long before he actually killed himself, they wouldn't remember him (especially if he weighed more and used another name). But it could have imprinted on him the address and every detail surrounding his failed attempt as traumatic experiences tend to do.

Lyle appears to be Native American and I will be quite shocked if it turns out he isn't. His profile is quite telling, imo. The lack of facial hair and hair on his arms could be natural if he was a Native American male. Some don't grow chest hair either, but have hair on legs etc.

Could someone tell me why there was a report of a vehicle among the inquiries? Did it have any significance? (Mixed in with LE communications regarding LS)

The photos and reports should go a long way to help find his identity. His family is out there somewhere. I hope someday they can bring him home even if he wanted to spare them the pain.

 

[Estelle1]

Could someone tell me why there was a report of a vehicle among the inquiries? Did it have any significance? (Mixed in with LE communications regarding LS)

Yes, I wondered about this too. Although it was only mentioned briefly in the case file, I wonder what the significance of this was, or whether it was something completely unrelated.

Also, it doesn't look like it's possible to obtain a copy of The Daily World for that date any longer unfortunately:

The Daily World circulation department only houses print archives up to one year out. If you are searching for a print copy older than one year, please contact the Public Library.

Although there could be other reasons, usually you would only purchase the same copy of a newspaper if you were expecting something to be in there. If your child's football team has ever appeared in the local paper, you'll know what I mean!

 

[brett1968]

There's no reference to a car that was owned by Lyle in any of the publicly offered uid information, other than that there isn't one.

The police communication seems to read as though there is some kind of vague reference to a car, but that's all it is. It makes it slightly confusing.

It is known that he arrived (possibly with a back pack) at the same time the buses arrive each day from Canada.

As far as the paper drinking cup goes, there would have been no reason for the initial inquiry to start trying to find out where he bought his drink from, as, at that point, his identity would have probably been expected to have been revealed through fingerprints or by some other means.

There's no way the initial investigators could have known that Lyle's identity would remain hidden for so long and so, this would have, at the time, made it redundant for investigators to go out searching, trying to ascertain where he brought the drink from.

There's another detail which is also apparently missing from the police files, (unless I'm just confused, which is likely), and that is whether the two copies of The Daily World which were mentioned were both copies of the same edition or whether they were two consecutive editions from the previous two days?

If there were two copies of the same edition in the room, that seems odd. Why would anyone need two copies of the same newspaper?

It might indicate that Lyle had his own copy that he'd gone out and purchased, only to find that the newspaper is delivered to the room each day, (if that was their routine practice at that motel, that is, and I don't know)?

Or, it might indicate that Lyle's mind was in a psychotic state which compelled him, for some delirium-inspired reason, to purchase two copies of the same edition?

Perhaps, there being a second copy of the same edition of the newspaper, it might be that another person, who had a copy of the same newspaper, had been in the room with Lyle and that they had left their newspaper behind after leaving?

 

[carbuff]

One thing about Meridian, Idaho: If you're driving across country from most anyplace to get to greater Seattle, one of your more likely routes is via I-80 as far as Salt Lake City, then pick up I-84 until you get to I-5 in Portland OR. If you're coming from farther south, I-70 to I-15 to SLC. Not the only way to go, of course, but a route I've taken several times over the years. That takes you through Meridian at about a day's drive out from Amanda Park (9-10 hours) and that motel is right off the highway. I'm pretty sure I've stayed there at least once.

Maybe he used the address because he remembered it from the night before. He might even have made note of it so he could give it the next day.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

There's no reference to a car that was owned by Lyle in any of the publicly offered uid information, other than that there isn't one.

The police communication seems to read as though there is some kind of vague reference to a car, but that's all it is. It makes it slightly confusing.

It is known that he arrived (possibly with a back pack) at the same time the buses arrive each day from Canada.

As far as the paper drinking cup goes, there would have been no reason for the initial inquiry to start trying to find out where he bought his drink from, as, at that point, his identity would have probably been expected to have been revealed through fingerprints or by some other means.

There's no way the initial investigators could have known that Lyle's identity would remain hidden for so long and so, this would have, at the time, made it redundant for investigators to go out searching, trying to ascertain where he brought the drink from.

There's another detail which is also apparently missing from the police files, (unless I'm just confused, which is likely), and that is whether the two copies of The Daily World which were mentioned were both copies of the same edition or whether they were two consecutive editions from the previous two days?

If there were two copies of the same edition in the room, that seems odd. Why would anyone need two copies of the same newspaper?

It might indicate that Lyle had his own copy that he'd gone out and purchased, only to find that the newspaper is delivered to the room each day, (if that was their routine practice at that motel, that is, and I don't know)?

Or, it might indicate that Lyle's mind was in a psychotic state which compelled him, for some delirium-inspired reason, to purchase two copies of the same edition?

Perhaps, there being a second copy of the same edition of the newspaper, it might be that another person, who had a copy of the same newspaper, had been in the room with Lyle and that they had left their newspaper behind after leaving?

There must be a reason the car was in the report, but you are correct it was never mentioned in UID posts. However, it doesn't mean the car didn't have any significance for them at the time as it could be LE withheld the information. I think we should check into the car report a bit more. It is purely a coincidence the buses arrived around the same time Lyle arrived and there is certainly not any proof he was ever on a bus. Just the opposite since the drivers could not remember him at all. Lyle would have been memorable with his height and weight being unusually off. He was downright skin and bones with striking features.

I disagree with the thought LE should not have figured out where he bought the papers and soda. Even if they had his ID in hand, it should have been a follow up as to where he spent his time immediately prior to his death. After all..it was a death investigation and to insure there were no other players involved it would seem a quick canvas of the area would have been done. Did he meet someone there? Did he use the phone? Did he leave anything at the store? Did he converse with the clerk? All valid questions.

If you will notice, the front section page of the newspaper is the same on the bed as it is in the trash by the photograph showing a blue cloudy sky and what appears to be buff land color. I can't make out the headline at all, but unless they took the paper out of the trash and laid it on the bed before LE caught it in a photograph (which would not surprise me as it looks like the detective included his cell phone, film box, and camera in an evidence shot) it is the same paper. Since it is a Sunday paper, and they are usually the largest of the week, perhaps Lyle reached into a coin operated box and grabbed 2 by mistake. (I would like to have access to the obits in that particular paper.)

 

[outofthedark]

I think it was something about a car that was reported as stolen.

 

[emeraldine]

I've always thought the Meridian, ID address was "symbolic" in the same way his use of the name "Lyle Stevik" upon check-in seems to have been...but, if it was merely the address of the place he'd stayed in the night before(given that it's a hotel, anyway), maybe his steps could be traced back to some other city in which employment/lease/foreclosure/etc. records could be checked for...whoever.

If his clothes were American brands(I remember reading that somewhere, which may or may not have been this site, and which may or may not have been a reliable source), his Canadian accent may point to the northern half of any border state, instead of Canada itself.

Some people from northern Wisconsin and Michigan, for example, sound Canadian to me.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I've always thought the Meridian, ID address was "symbolic" in the same way his use of the name "Lyle Stevik" upon check-in seems to have been...but, if it was merely the address of the place he'd stayed in the night before(given that it's a hotel, anyway), maybe his steps could be traced back to some other city in which employment/lease/foreclosure/etc. records could be checked for...whoever.

If his clothes were American brands(I remember reading that somewhere, which may or may not have been this site, and which may or may not have been a reliable source), his Canadian accent may point to the northern half of any border state, instead of Canada itself.

Some people from northern Wisconsin and Michigan, for example, sound Canadian to me.

I agree with you about the accent. And the clothes are in line with the average American male (Levi jeans, plaid shirt, gray t-shirt, Timberland boots, Hanes underwear).

I have stayed in many motels and hotels, but I never committed their addresses to memory for any reason. I would write it down or keep something with the address on it for location purposes during my stay, but not memorize it. I would find it unusual for him to do, but then I don't pretend to know what type of wiring he had in his brain. Perhaps he had a fabulous memory and he could retain things at a glance. We do know he was pretty meticulous about his surroundings as indicated with the way he left his room (including leaving the toilet seat down).

 

[Woodland]

From what I could gather about the car, it was stolen in Montesano and recovered in Tacoma (or the other way around). It seems to be a follow up question dated 20 Sep 2001 on condition and location.

The evidence cards, listing all that was recovered from the scene only lists 1 newspaper. Not sure where 2 copies came from.

Is it me, or is the word 'suicide' and 'for the room' written with 2 different pens? One thicker than the other? Only 1 pen recovered as per evidence cards, which was in the front pocket of his jeans. Awkward to sit down, imo, so possibly the last thing he did before hooking up the belt. Jmo.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

From what I could gather about the car, it was stolen in Montesano and recovered in Tacoma (or the other way around). It seems to be a follow up question dated 20 Sep 2001 on condition and location.

The evidence cards, listing all that was recovered from the scene only lists 1 newspaper. Not sure where 2 copies came from.

Is it me, or is the word 'suicide' and 'for the room' written with 2 different pens? One thicker than the other? Only 1 pen recovered as per evidence cards, which was in the front pocket of his jeans. Awkward to sit down, imo, so possibly the last thing he did before hooking up the belt. Jmo.

The 2 newspapers were mentioned on page 62 of 65 at this link: http://www.scribd.com/doc/264638650/Lyle-Stevik-1http://www.scribd.com/doc/264638650/Lyle-Stevik-1 (Post #1285)

Thanks for the info on the car. Interesting.

I did notice the difference, but could it be the pressure applied while writing it? It is an odd place to keep a pen in the front jean pocket, but he could have done it rather absentmindedly in light of his mindset at the time.

 

[dotr]

I've always thought the Meridian, ID address was "symbolic" in the same way his use of the name "Lyle Stevik" upon check-in seems to have been...but, if it was merely the address of the place he'd stayed in the night before(given that it's a hotel, anyway), maybe his steps could be traced back to some other city in which employment/lease/foreclosure/etc. records could be checked for...whoever.

If his clothes were American brands(I remember reading that somewhere, which may or may not have been this site, and which may or may not have been a reliable source), his Canadian accent may point to the northern half of any border state, instead of Canada itself.

Some people from northern Wisconsin and Michigan, for example, sound Canadian to me.

Your post just sparked a thought concerning the Meridan Hotel and 'symbolism'.
From the Canadian band Tragically Hip ...

http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/65578/

.......
"At The Hundredth Meridian"

"If I die of vanity, promise me, promise me,
They bury me some place I don't want to be,
You'll dig me up and transport me, unceremoniously,
Away from the swollen city-breeze, garbage bag trees,
Whispers of disease and the acts of enormity
And lower me slowly, sadly and properly
Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy,
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
Where the great plains begin

At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
Where the great plains begin"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCFo0a8V-Ag

 

[emeraldine]

Your post just sparked a thought concerning the Meridan Hotel and 'symbolism'.
From the Canadian band Tragically Hip ...

http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/65578/

Do you think it's possible that he could have been thinking of that song?

 

[dotr]

Do you think it's possible that he could have been thinking of that song?

Stranger things have happened, imo..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100th_meridian_west

 

[carbuff]

Some random thoughts:

I've seen other scene photographs that have a camera, a wallet, or some other item of known size in the picture with the items on the scene. It's to show the scale.

I often carry a pen in the front pocket of my jeans. It sort of slides into the crease between hip and thigh, and I don't even notice that it's there. Most of the people I know who carry a pen there do it so they can fidget with it, often not even consciously.

I think if the name had any symbolic value related to the story, he would have spelled it the same way.

One reason to remember a hotel address is if you had stayed there frequently (I used to know the address of the Quality Inn on Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh because that's where we stayed whenever we visited youngest Carbuff at college). Or if you'd had to ship something to yourself there. Or give the address to a cab driver. Or a pizza delivery person. Or if you were a property manager, or a delivery person, or some other person who had business dealings with the hotel (caterer, janitorial supplies, cleaning crew...)

I don't place a lot of stock in the non-identification by the people at the Meridian motel, either. Unless they happened to talk to exactly the people who were on duty when/if he was there, people on different shifts most likely didn't even see him.

 

[emeraldine]

That would explain the "he's from farther east" theory(as opposed to north of that location).

 

[carbuff]

Your post just sparked a thought concerning the Meridan Hotel and 'symbolism'.
From the Canadian band Tragically Hip ...

http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/65578/

.......
"At The Hundredth Meridian"

"If I die of vanity, promise me, promise me,
They bury me some place I don't want to be,
You'll dig me up and transport me, unceremoniously,
Away from the swollen city-breeze, garbage bag trees,
Whispers of disease and the acts of enormity
And lower me slowly, sadly and properly
Get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy,
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
Where the great plains begin

At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
At the hundredth meridian
Where the great plains begin"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCFo0a8V-Ag

That's also the title of a biography of John Wesley Powell, I think.

Yes, Beyond the Hundredth Meridian: John Wesley Powell and the Second Opening of the West (1954) by Wallace Stegner. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_Stegner

 

[emeraldine]

Some random thoughts:

I've seen other scene photographs that have a camera, a wallet, or some other item of known size in the picture with the items on the scene. It's to show the scale.

I often carry a pen in the front pocket of my jeans. It sort of slides into the crease between hip and thigh, and I don't even notice that it's there. Most of the people I know who carry a pen there do it so they can fidget with it, often not even consciously.

I think if the name had any symbolic value related to the story, he would have spelled it the same way.

One reason to remember a hotel address is if you had stayed there frequently (I used to know the address of the Quality Inn on Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh because that's where we stayed whenever we visited youngest Carbuff at college). Or if you'd had to ship something to yourself there. Or give the address to a cab driver. Or a pizza delivery person. Or if you were a property manager, or a delivery person, or some other person who had business dealings with the hotel (caterer, janitorial supplies, cleaning crew...)

I don't place a lot of stock in the non-identification by the people at the Meridian motel, either. Unless they happened to talk to exactly the people who were on duty when/if he was there, people on different shifts most likely didn't even see him.

The part of your statement I bolded is what I first thought, and might be true...he strikes me as having been too meticulous to misspell the name if he read the book(and remembered the address of that hotel, and took obvious care of his teeth, and made sure all loose ends were tied up in the room before he committed suicide, etc.).

I suppose he could have been trying to combine the character's name with the spelling of his real surname, though.

The idea that he could have had business dealings with the Meridian hotel is one I don't think I've seen before.

It's worth looking into.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

Do you think it's possible that he could have been thinking of that song?

The song came out in 1992. The 100th Meridian falls in the middle of the Dakotas, Nebraska, etc and does start the Great Plains which is symbolic to Native Americans (Plains Tribes). I can see how it could fit, but it would be a stretch. However, there was an address in Meridian, ID just as he wrote on the paper to check in so I don't know the two are related. If there was no Meridian, ID and no address...I could see it being symbolic.

 

[dotr]

The song came out in 1992. The 100th Meridian falls in the middle of the Dakotas, Nebraska, etc and does start the Great Plains which is symbolic to Native Americans (Plains Tribes). I can see how it could fit, but it would be a stretch. However, there was an address in Meridian, ID just as he wrote on the paper to check in so I don't know the two are related. If there was no Meridian, ID and no address...I could see it being symbolic.

The address Lyle gave was 1019 Progress Ave, Meridian, Iowa.

Wonder if that is a common number and avenue name, there is one in Toronto, fwiw..

1019 Progress Ave, Scarborough,Ontario.

https://www.google.ca/maps/place/10...0x89d4d0e5fa2ebee1:0x6c02bcf478deb5e8Meridian