This Month’s Featured Case – Brian Shaffer
Posted by coltonleviclark on January 4, 2008
January 2008
Brian Shaffer
The Disappearance
Brian Shaffer was a second year med student at Ohio State University in the spring of 2006. His mother had battled a devastating and fatal illness with cancer and his girlfriend, Alexis Waggoner had been visiting her family.
Spring Break was about to be in full swing and Brian and his ex roommate Clint Florence headed out that Friday to have some drinks at the local bars.
The two men arrived at the Ugly Tuna Saloon around 9:15PM and had a few shots. He and Alexis spoke on his cell phone around 10:30PM. Brian and Clint then left the Ugly Tuna Saloon around 11:00PM and walked to Short North Tavern and then to another bar around 11:40PM. By 1:15AM they were back at the Ugly Tuna where their evening had begun.
Brian can be seen in the grainy surveillance video returning to the Ugly Tuna around 1:15AM. He can also he seen on the foyer near the escalators speaking with some girls that Clint knew. He then walks out of the bottom right side of the camera and Brian Shaffer disappears into thin air.
Brian – last images of him
By 2:00M its closing time. Clint calls Brian on his cell phone and it goes straight to voicemail. He goes to the men’s room and looks for him but Brian is not there either. Eventually Clint assumes Brian has left and he leaves as well.
Saturday, April 1st Alexis continuously tried to call Brian with no luck. The couple had plans to leave town for a Spring Break vacation in Florida that following Monday. By Sunday she was scared and knew something was not right.
A Mystery
One baffling aspect of this case that still perplexes law enforcement today is the fact that Brian could not be seen on surveillance leaving the bar after he had re-entered. Both bar exits are covered by cameras, as is the escalator in which you see Brian enter and leave and enter again.
Outside the bar, out of camera view, are stairs and an elevator that lead to the first floor. Once on the first floor, the only way out, without being seen on tape, would be through a service exit that leads to a construction site, with doors to the street.
Brian’s credit cards, bank account and cell phone have not been used. There have been no significant leads to indicate what happened that Friday night.
Connections or Coincidence?
Since 1997 at least eight college men were found dead in local rivers after a night out at local taverns or bars in the mid-west. Many started to wonder if there was a serial killer in our midst, preying on vulnerable inebriated men.
The series of deaths began in July 1997, when the body of 19-year-old Richard Hlavaty was found in the Mississippi. In 2004 the body of 21-year-old UW-La Crosse wrestler Jared Dion was also found in the Mississippi river. In September 2006 UW-La Crosse basketball player Luke Homan was again found in the Mississippi and a month later police classified the death of Chris Jenkins, a University of Minnesota student as a murder and not accidental.
According to a criminologist at Minnesota’s St. Cloud State University, more than twenty college-aged men had drowned after disappearing from bars or parties since 1997 in an area from Minnesota to Ohio.
However, in September of 2007 after La Crosse police asked the FBI’s National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime to review their investigations, the FBI stated that they had found no evidence to support a theory of a serial killer and contributed the deaths to excessive drinking. Some are not convinced however and think they police are trying to avoid publicity.
One name that has continuously been linked with Brian Shaffer’s disappearance is that of Anthony “Tony” Luzio. On the evening of July 3, 2005 Tony had gone to a friend’s house to play cards. Afterwards he stopped at a local hangout and around 2:30AM Tony and a group of friends went to a party, one mile from Tony’s parents house in Powell, Ohio.
Tony was last seen leaving the party at 4:00AM, presumably to his apartment. That was the last time anyone ever saw Tony Luzio again. His 2004 Honda Civic is also missing and has never been recovered. He disappeared just 15 miles from where Brian Shaffer disappeared.
In November of 2005 29-year-old Mohamed Rihani also disappeared in the same close proximity after leaving his residence in the vicinity of Riverview Drive and Olentangy River Road in Columbus, Ohio. He too was driving a Honda Civic, black in color. Both he and his vehicle have vanished.
Where it Stands
Since Brian Shaffer’s disappearance, other college-aged men have also disappeared, although not close in vicinity to the disappearances of the previous mentioned men.
In November of 2007 18-year-old Justin Gaines disappeared from Wild Bill’s in Duluth, Georgia and just one week later Kyle Fleischmann disappeared from the Buckhead Saloon in Charlotte, North Carolina. December 23, 2007 21-year-old Joshua Szostak disappeared after leaving the Bayou Café on North Pearl Street in Albany, New York.
It does seem that young males have a false sense of security when being out and about, thinking that nothing can happen to them. All these young men that were mentioned were in good shape and seemed very capable of taking care of themselves. However, once alone and intoxicated, one can become vulnerable and a victim.
Today Brian’s father (as well as all the other families of these missing men) continues the quest to find answers and to find his son. After all, not knowing is the hardest.
Related Links:
FBI: No Serial Killer in River Drownings
Find Brian Shaffer
Brian Shaffer’s Myspace
Dateline – Into Thin Air
Dateline NBC Video – Into Thin Air
Find Missing said
Mr. Clark-
I read your post today regarding Brian Shaffer. Thank you very much for remembering Brian and taking the time to study his case. I did not know Brian but have had the opportunity to meet his father since Brian’s disappearance. Brian is always on my mind and I continually replay the known events of the night he disappeared.
Thank you again for making him the case of the month. Brian’s family deserves answers and I do not believe they will come unless we continue to research this case and keep it in the news.
LD
truthonsoares said
I want to thank you too. Here in Albany, NY we are very concerned about Josh Szostak, who disappeared on the way back to his car in our small city. And yes, we have a river…. No one has seen him since a surveillance camera caught an image the night he disappeared, December 22…..
Bryon said
I was just curious why doesn’t anyone post the full surveillance video on this site or anywhere else on the internet? I mean the more people that can see those tapes and the people that are in that area the better chances of getting some information. Does anyone know where you can view the full tapes?
Anonymous said
There was a body found in the Olentangy river on April 29, 2008, that the Columbus Dispatch and the Lantern published. The body was said to be about 40 years of age, and although this does not correlate with the other college aged men, perhaps it is still a significant piece of evidence.
Anonymous said
I just watched physic kids and this case was on it, since I’ve watched it, I cant get him and the events of that night off my mind. I am also from Ohio, and it always comes as a shock to hear about something like this hitting this close to home. I hope for everyone involved with Brian and this case gets answers soon. My prayers go out to you!
Brandi said
I just finished watching physic kids and this case was featured on it. since hearing about the case and Brian I cant get him and the events that took place that night off my mind. I’m also from Ohio, and go down to Columbus all the time. It’s hard to imagine that something like this could happen so close to home. I pray for the family and friends of Brian that he be brought home. You are all in my prayers!
My best wishes.
coltonleviclark said
Brandi:
I didnt watch the episode. What did it show?
Anonymous said
Psychic Kids were given little, if any, information on the case. They were taken to the Ugly Tuna to see if there was anything they could “pick up”. The three of them all agreed that A) a “dirty blonde” was not telling the whole truth in the case. B) He was being watched from the balcony by someone (friend) with jealous feelings and C) It was a dispute that went to far, becoming an “accident”. I initially saw this story on a “Spring Breaks Gone Wrong” show. Even then I thought his friend(s) knew more than they were leading on. Heart and prayers goes out to Shaffer family.
coltonleviclark said
I would like to see that. Maybe they I can catch it on On Demand. Thanks for the info.
Erica said
My friend vanished in 2001 Scott Javins in Terre Haute IN. He was last seen leaving a party, for five years him and his Honda Civic Si were missing. Just last October they recovered him and his vehicle in the river in Terre Haute. They ruled that his death was an accident and that he had been drinking and passed out, his car rolled into the river. However, no one is convinced that is what happened. After reading this article the car Honda Civic kept poping up. I was concerned about that.
coltonleviclark said
That is strange Erica. Here is the AMW Article on your friend:
http://www.amw.com/missing_persons/recovered.cfm?id=43655
So sorry for your loss. It states it was not recovered until 5 years later though so their ruling was because they had no evidence otherwise. Not saying it wasnt an accident either, but after that time period, and being submerged, it would surely be hard to tell IF there was any foul play.
coltonleviclark said
Here is a link to the thread about Scott Javins on the Websleuth community site:
http://www.amw.com/missing_persons/recovered.cfm?id=43655
looks like at first they considered this a homicide. I also wonder why the skull and mandible was the only remains recovered. Confusing case.
Rachel said
Thank you for writing this post about Brian. I know his father and all of Brian’s family and friends appreciate it. My heart goes out to Randy, Brian’s dad, our good friend, and all the families missing loved ones out there. I pray the truth will surface so that they may have peace…
amy said
i saw that episode of psychic kids, upon seeing brian shaffer’s photo, the word “cabo” came to mind. any links to this, or any that has cab, cabo, or cabot? my prayers goes to all of the families & friends of these missing men. hope that they all come home safe….the truth comes out sooner or later and you’ll have the peace of mind you seek. keep your Faith in God! take care….
Lindsay said
Hi i live in Ohio about 15 minutes from the colombus area I saw brians story on THS springbreak at first and ever since i have seen his story i have been thinking alot for his family and girlfriend and my heart goes out to you all i don’t know what i would ever do in this situation I added The Find Brian Shaffer myspace to my friends and i will be looking for updates in this case i hope he is found..my prayers go out to you!
Rebecca said
I was at KU (Kansas) back in 1992 and we also had another young man go missing. His name was Alexis Dillard. He disappeared while walking away from Johnny’s Tavern in Lawrence on night. The speculation is that he may have tried to swim the local river and they did find footprints near the banks, but it isn’t clear if they lead into the river or turn away from it. I don’t know if the information that was released at the time was sketchy because police didn’t know or if they were holding onto it in hopes of further investigation. But that was also about 16 years ago.
Rebecca said
I also just wanted to add… what struck me about Brian Shaffer’s case is that he looks very much like how I remember Alexis Dillard looked… short dark hair, dark eyes, similar form. Has there been any similarities in the drowning victims or thsoe missing?
Diana said
Have the police questioned his friend Clint Florence?
coltonleviclark said
Diana:
Clint was questioned at length. I am not sure of the details of it but his phone records (calling Brian when the bar closed) and the video from the bar pretty much went along with what he stated happened.
me said
i also saw the show and was wondering about that locked door—up at ugly tuna bar, they say there was construction going on–is it possible that maybe the door was unlocked that night and Brian maybe opened it thinking it was an exit door..and maybe fell…did they even check that door…beings that the camera didnt show him leaving the bar
Tyler said
Why dont they look at all the credit cards used that night and question everyone in the bar that night?
Gene W. said
Was this construction area somehow connected to the inside of the Ugly Tuna and also is there a way to enter this construction area, if NOT inside from the outside without being seen on the internal camera? If the latter, then isnt it feasible that the bar was closing, Brian gets tossed out after talking with band and not finding friends and has to go to the bathroom. If it was me, this would be a likely spot I would use if I needed to make a ‘pit stop’ before heading home. Also, has anyone interviewed the 2 police officers / security guards in the 2nd frame. Just seems strange that nobody would have seen anything and I would be curious what they said and saw.
coltonleviclark said
Gene:
Funny you should say that. Someone emailed me the other day regarding the security officer. This person said that the security guards should be looked at.
Gene W. said
I reviewed the video in the documentary on this case. The door to the construction were right next to the Ugly Tuna door, and completely out of view of the cameras.
I would assume police and family looked through the construction site for sewer grating / openings.
Not sure I put too much stock in the psychics but one of them talked about being watched. One of the security guards does appear to be ‘watching’ the overall scene – the one further back with the casual lean.
Additionally – as Brian comes up the escalator someone is gesturing a they are leaving as if to say “What do you want?” and goes back into the bar area. Wondering if this is the same girl that is seen late that night talking to Brian. Not that it means much but it just struck me as a little odd if that is the same girl. If not, its meaningless.
One final thought… Did anyone watch the tapes just to see, if by some weird circumstance, that Brian might have left the establishment through the front wearing another shirt or a hooded sweathirt or something? I am sure police looked for that but there is an outside possibility. I am sure the band would remember but I was thinking if they gave him a t-shirt or sweathirt or something… or something weird happened and he left in different clothes… I will assume this was all thought about already. I will keep thinking about this one and studying it… You can get a good idea of the street layout from Google Maps of the area. It’s a pretty busy place. Would love for someone to let me know all of that has already been covered.
Gene W. said
I found an article that said that Brian’s cell phone pinged a tower near Scioto Darby Creek Road as the last ‘call’ was made. I think by call they mean the last ping of an inbound call. If this is true and assuming this type of cell phone can’t arbitrarily ‘roam’ far from the location of the person, it stands to reason that the answers are somewhere near that area. If you study a google map of that area there appears to be some construction going on to the south of that road and it said authorities had been looking there. If asked I will post the link to where I found that article (in a compilation – this one was from 2007 I think).
Again, if all is true I would think they checked that small water tributary that would be ‘on route’ from N. High Street (Ugly Tuna) to Scioto Darby Creek Road known as the Scioto River. There appears to be a bridge that goes over it. Again, I assume that the authorities did a lot of investigating based on that (I hope they did).
If the cell phone ping is true this would seem a lot like ‘foul play’ and there needs to be more press on it. Has “Unsolved Mysteries” done a segment on this? That how gets a TON of viewership and would likely help.
Has anyone else read about this last known cell tower ping?
coltonleviclark said
Gene: Kudos to you. You have done lots of research on this case. Do you have a link regarding the cell phone ping? I dont recall reading that anywhere.
Also, how far would the tower near Scioto Dark Creek Road in relation to the Ugly Tuna? Does it mention what time the ping was or can they even trace that much detail?
I am pretty sure Unsolved Mysteries is no longer in production. Only re-runs. I would like to see his case on America’s Most Wanted though. I could be incorrect but I dont think they did anything on this case.
Gene W. said
Here is the link I found. While I have not researched the source of this article it appeared cut and pasted from a local source.
http://www.starlightinnerprizes.com/BrianShaffer.htm
The article under data Saturday, Aug 25, 2007 says some of the following:
{ Teams concentrated on a field near Scioto Darby Creek Road. According to officials, Shaffer’s cell phone was last used in the area.
“There’s a report that the last (cell phone call) did ping off a tower in this area, so we want to take it serious and eliminate areas,” Miller said. }
Great questions on time of ping… I would love to review the police case files on this just to see. I would also love to review ALL of the surveillance cameras from the entire night.
When I reviewed the location of the parking garage to where I *think* that non-camera exit from the construction was it kind of would make sense if Brian thought he might catch his friends in the garage before they drove away (where they had parked) or to use it as a ‘rest stop’. It would not seem far out of the realm of common possibility.
Still – the whole thing is unusual. Again, if the cell tower did ping in that location and it not possible for that to happen without being close than the theories on the exit are moot anyway. The question you bring up is what time was that ping… it’s not clear.
I will keep researching on the internet since I am kind of obsesed now with the “why” of this mystery.
Thanks for the kind words. I will post whatever else I find or questions I come up with.
Lauren said
I’ve been following this case for almost a year now… As far as the cell phone is concerned, his ex-gf Alexis used to call his cell phone every night before bed for the first year or so and every time she called it, it would go to voice mail. However, several months after he went missing (3-6 months), she made her usual nightly call and it rang. She panicked and didn’t know what to say or do, but no one answered the phone and it eventually went to voice mail. She then called the police and when they investigated, they claimed it was the “ping” you mentioned. I’m not sure of the exact time or the date but I know it occurred long after he went missing.
As for the two friends with which he went out that night (it was a young man and young woman), they ewre both questioned but both REFUSED to go on the polygraph. I find this extraodrinarily odd.
Lauren said
Just to reiterate, the police stated that the phone ringing was just a glitch in the system…
eb said
My heart goes out to the father of Brian. I saw the episode about him on Psychic Kids and the help that was offered to his family.
How does somebody go into a bar and then never leave?? How does nobody notice? Have all parties in the above videos been identified? I think the video is slightly difficult to see, but is that the same guy in the dark shirt and jeans that is going down the escalator in the “Brian returning to the Ugly Tuna” and in the “Brian – last images of him” videos talking to the man in the suit? It may just be the way the above pictures display.
Above all, my prayers go out to his family and I hope they find closure.
coltonleviclark said
Eb:
In both images, Brian is circled.
Gene W. said
Not that it means much, but as I continued to research this a more well-known psychic named Gale St. John suggested that Brian was drugged with GHB… (or so it seemed on a psychic ‘dream site’ that I found) at least that’s what I was interpreting from a site out there that apparently works with her and knows her.
I just wonder if drugs or something of that kind were involved and Clint Florence or Meredith Gale were providing drugs of some kind to Brian (I would assume Brian knew – not suggesting he is a druggie but let’s assume for the moment he took them) and he had a bad reaction, was getting sick, couldn’t walk? Perhaps someone ‘helped’ him on the ground floor out the service entrance? It is obvious he would have HAD to have used that exit.
So Clint and Meredith perhaps wont do the poly because they are worried about civil liability? If Clint was a dealer perhaps it’s also going to be criminal liability? That seems quite plausible but still doesn’t explain what happened to Brian. According to the research I read Clint and Meredith are seen exiting the main exit on video which likely rules them out and another reason the police probably dont have them as suspects.
The whole thing is one of the crazier stories only because of the fact that he is never seen leaving the second time. That said, there must be some suspicious people the police could see on either camera from that night. I would like to see that video and just count 1 man in, 1 man out and see what comes up. I imagine the police have already done that.
Interested said
If I’m reading correctly, Brian’s phone was ringing and going to voicemail 3-6 months after he went missing. Wouldn’t the cell provider have cut off his service for lack of payment before that? Or, is someone continuing to pay the bill?
Just watched the THS spot on Spring Break, which included this heartbreaking story. My heart goes out to the family and his girlfriend.
Interested said
Back to add: Eb, I see what you’re looking at, and it does look like the guy going down the escalator as Brian is coming up could be the same guy talking to a guy just to the left of where Brian is chatting with the 2 women later. For what that’s worth…
coltonleviclark said
Hi Interested. To my knowledge, I believe the family has continued to pay Brian’s cell phone even today. It was never cut off.
coltonleviclark said
Interested and Eb: You are right. Very good eye. It IS the same guy in both shots. Very interesting. I think I will go watch the video again.
KindraLore
little odd said
Why does it look like the same three guys seen in the stairs with Brian are the same three guys up top. The one in white just missing the long brown hair (or wig)? That guy appears to be pointing brian back into the bar entrance while the other two are talking. Is the guy in jeans and black shirt reaching for a gun? Why are the police up there and seem to be watching the two men to the left?
Julie Popovich went missing right down the road 8 months prior. She also was from Pickerington Oh. Did Brian know Julie? Or anything about the case? Julie was found by Hoover resevoir. Did they search that area?
Why does this look like such a planned team effort?
little odd said
Oh i see better now. It appears the man in jeans and black shirt is following Brian. ? Who is he? Sychic kids say Brian went missing not because of something he did but because of a woman. Was someone after a woman and Brian saw something? Have all the people been identified in the videos and questioned? Amazing with all the photage nobodys been caught.
who are they? said
If anyone noticed the security is not there when Brian comes up but appear when hes leaving. Have their names been published? I assume they saw things and is there job to look for trouble. I have been to that bar but dont know if thats a nightly thing to guard the exit. You would think security is much more needed downstairs where everyone is filing out of all the other gateway bars. I would never even think to exit through another way. Can anyone say who all was around Brian in the last views of him? I pretty much know everyone in town and if I dont theres just a degree away. Following another case has sparked my attention on this one as well. It has been rumored in town for years that this was some sort of “inside” job due to the circumstance- but why would Brian be a target? He seemed to have everything going for him. There are so many people missing in this town. Oddly enough if found its usually up north in Deleware and alum creek. Orlin Obrego was last seen at a bar on 161 last Aug and found up at alum creek. Two prostitutes found on same road. I would guess we have a serial killer preying on bar patrons and prostitutes. Anyone easy to be mislead. Ill keep an eye on this case and pray for all those affected
who are they? said
I have spent many hours viewing all the video and have come to the conclusion that the three men up top have all swapped clothing. When Brian is seen coming up there are two men coming out of Ugly Tuna . One goes down in a white shirt and black hodie. The other goes back in wearing a grey/blue t-shirt. When Brian is seen with the two girls later the man in the black hodie is now wearing the grey/blue t-shirt and the third guy is now wearing a black hodie. The guy first wearing the blue/grey t-shirt is now wearing a white shirt and dark shirt over it. Can anybody see this??? There appears to be a girl standing with the three men as well. Who are these four people? I spent some time walking around the bar inside and out the other day to get the layout. I feel he was lead out by someone and they have something to do with it. They all appear to be checking out the scene and aware of the people around them. One guy even turns and looks at Brian as he walks back into the bar.I wonder if those four people have come forward?
Intrigued said
I have a few theories. Were there any unusual patterns to his bank withdrawals, cell phone calls, or land line calls in the months before his disappearance? Probably not, too easy. Has anyone questioned the band? Maybe Brian offered to help them load out thru the backdoor at closing time. This is very common in the bar scene; everyone loads in and out the back door so they can pull a truck up close. We know two things: he did not leave from the front and he is not still in the bar (assuming they have checked every square inch). Has the bar been sprayed with luminol? Have Clint and Meredith’s shoes and clothing from that night been confiscated and examined forensically? It is without doubt that someone out there knows something. Boy, I’d sure like to be on this case in Ohio. It’s been on my mind since I first saw it on TV.
Intrigued said
Also, were there any unusual phone calls on his gf’s phone records in the months before he disappeared? Could she have conspired with someone to do this while she established her alibi in Toledo? Or could another guy have been interested in Alexis and wanting to get rid of the competition?
who are they? said
Intrigued- I believe your last theory is correct. Julie Popovich went missing 8 months prior from another campus bar. Sorry people but the wrong guy is serving time for that. Adam Saleh filed an appeal Aug 22nd and due to the facts ive read his case should be thrown out. So here we have 2 people that went missing from a campus bar late at night when highly intoxicated. Conected? I believe so. Both Julie and Alexis have long brown hair and beautiful. I believe Brian, Julie and Alexis were on Myspace and think both Julie and Brian are from Pickerington.? There was so much speculation that the cases were linked but they couldnt tie them together with Adam Saleh behind bars when brian went missing. Well you can tie them together when Adam is THE WRONG GUY. No physical evidence links him. Not one strand of Julies hair or fiber in his car they say he put her in. That doesnt happen. The DNA needs to be revealed. So bottom line we need to wait and see what they do to Adam. Release him? Retrial? Doubt retrial for that will be publc record and I dont think they would want for the world to see how messed up the case against Adam was. Solving the Julie Popovich case may help in Brian Shaffers. There are just too many things in common. For Julie and Brian to go missing w/out a trace its got to be premeditated. Someone had to know the layout of the gateway area. The band wouldve gone down the stairs with the rest of the patrons. So that leaves the other exit that i saw leads to an alley type drive. Im eagerly waiting for the Popovich case to reopen because there is so much everyone needs to hear.
concerned said
My sister said that Brian’s Dad was killed last night. She said that a large branch fell and hit him in the head right in his own yard. If Brian is in heaven then his own wonderful father can finally be with him again. Along with his mother they may all rest in peace in God’s loving embrace. There is nothing more painful in the world then when your child dies. trust me…I know.
Sean said
Brians father was killed yesterday by a falling tree limb during the windstorm we had here.
coltonleviclark said
That is terrible. My heart goes out to this family! I know that Randy Shaffer was vigilant in finding his son and never gave up hope. Thoughts and prayers to a family that has suffered so dearly.
Here is an article to confirm this to be true:
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/09/15/story_shaffer_killed.html?sid=102
Respectfully,
KindraLore
Don Corbett said
Don Corbett an investigator who had been working with Brian’s dad Randy prior to his death will be will be continuing his investigation into this matter in honor of Randy Shaffer.
Don Corbett can be reached at 614-565-7189 or donaldcorbett@gmil.com
Please contact him with any information.
Don Corbett said
Don Corbett’s correct email is donaldcorbett@gmail.com
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers said
On Sept 14, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers and the Community lost a friend Randy Shaffer father of missing Ohio State medical student Brian Shaffer [www.findbrianshaffer.com] was killed when a tree fell on him. Randy had just lost his wife to cancer when three weeks later, his son disappeared without a trace. But Randy never gave up and helped many other families with missing adults and children. He also helped to raise thousand of dollars to help fight crime for Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, along with Tony Luzio, whose son is also missing. You can post your own letter to the family or memories of Randy on the DIARY page. As you will see, Randy Shaffer was loved and respected for what he has done and will be dearly missed by all. go to http://stopcrime.org/randy/
Yusen said
This case has haunted me since it first came on the air with THS. I have been to findbrianshaffer.com at least 20 times. I keep hoping they find him. I think the Brian’s “friends” should have ruled themselves out as suspects by taking the polygraph. The police would not have asked them if they felt they were telling the truth. Also why wasn’t the construction exit closed? I saw the episode of the Psychic Kids about Brian Shaffer. Does anyone know if any new evidence was uncovered because of it? I am completely engulfed in this case and I have no rest about it. I was also very sad to hear about Brian’s dad dying. What a horrible series of events to befall the Shaffers. My prayers go out to Derek and any other relatives. I’m sorry for your loss. I hope Brian is still out there.
we need the truth said
Psychic kids said they felt Brian was being watched from the balcony. While Brian is coming up the stairs there are two men coming out. One goes down the stairs one turns around and goes back into the bar. Now if you are on the balcony and watching someone below walking by it is about perfect timing where those guys cross Brians path. Could they have thought he was going to keep walking by toward the parking garage? It was pretty late at night. Also when Brian is last seen there are four people and two guards near the only other exit.The four people are in front of it. The guards are facing it. You can catch a lot of video photage on the Dateline missing without a trace episode. There is a lot of odd behavior with all those shown in his last moments caught on tape. One guard appears to have a little conversation with one of the guys when people arent around. He also scratches his head a split second after one of the guys up top. It just appears that someone was stalking him. I sure would like to know what those guards saw and how they wouldnt have seen Brian going through the only other exit that they are facing. I dont blame his friends for not taking a polygragh. That could possibly be used against them. I do know that there are many people that have to start talking. All those people around and nobody saw anything? I dont believe it. How long can they keep quiet? Many of us are getting to the bottom of this until the truth comes out.
Haunted by this case said
This case has haunted me since I first saw the flier of Randy posted on High St. about two weeks after he vanished. How does a grown man vanish into thin air? I have read as much on the case as possible and have come to think the “friends” know more than they have admitted. I also want to say that psychics provide very little that is of value in criminal cases, or they would be used often by police departments. I’m not saying that psychic abilities do not exist, but tv programs are really for entertainment purposes. What we see is the result of a very slanted editing process. And we don’t know if the purported psychics are fed information beforehand. This case won’t be cracked by a psychic. But it doesn’t seem like the Columbus police will crack it either.
we need the truth said
Psychics have been helpful in many cases for the police and with victims families looking for any help. Randy had to turn to psychics and private help because the case has just been dead. I feel the psychics were right about being watched from the balcony. (If they were talking about the balcony inside Ugly Tuna overlooking the walkway.) Brian was said to have come from Short North Tavern which is just south of the Gateway area. So they wouldve been walking north on High st and turned left in front of the balcony above and then left into the building and up the stairs. It doesnt though take a psychic to know that. Just the fact that two men seem to rush out Ugly Tuna as Brian is coming up and one turns back is weird. If you take two people with one on balcony outside above and one rounding the corner from High st below you will see where they meet…. The news stated last night that they traced that message thought to be sent by Brian in the Virgin Island to Franklin County. They then searched an area with dogs with no finding. What an awful prank to first make people believe hes alive and then make them search for his remains. Not sure if any one person has been found responsible for that but hasnt the Shaffer family been through enough
Haunted by this case said
I am beginning to wonder if something happened to Brian inside the bar. And his body was concealed until long after the bar closed and then taken out the construction exit. And how would you conceal him without the bar knowing about it…so could any bar employees have been involved? And if I was out with a friend and could not find him at closing time, I would not just leave even if he was an adult. That has always bothered me about his friends’ behavior. And why not take a polygraph test? If you are innocent and have nothing to hide, and this is your good, good friend, I would think you would do it. So much about this case does not add up. I’m not against seeking out the help of psychics, but what real good did it do? I do not personally think Brian is still alive. And even if his body is found, after such a long time it’s unlikely to present much in the way of evidence. It’s a cautionary tale to young people. Excessive drinking leads to some very tragic events. Would it have different if Brian had not imbibed? We’ll never know. But it is infinitely easier to take control of another person when they are impaired. Just look at the missing young college students across this country. The vast majority involved excessive drinking. So, so sad.
coltonleviclark said
Check this out:
Brian Shaffer in the Virgin Islands?
From the Article:
Click headline to enlarge
Without a trace
Long search for medical student who vanished in Ohio leads investigator to V.I.
By JOSEPH TSIDULKO
Wednesday, October 1st 2008
Brian Shaffer
The flagging search for a missing Ohio State University medical student recently was broadened to the Virgin Islands after a tragic accident unexpectedly provided investigators with a cyberspace clue.
Randall Shaffer spent two and a half years tirelessly spearheading efforts to find his son, Brian Shaffer, who disappeared without a trace after a night out with friends in Columbus, Ohio, on March 31, 2006. The baffling case received heavy news coverage in Ohio, and was featured on several national news programs.
Two weeks ago, the distraught 55-year-old father was killed in a freak accident in his own yard – a storm-blown tree limb fatally struck him on the head.
After the funeral, friends maintaining an online guest book that accompanied Randall Shaffer’s obituary on the website of the local newspaper, The Columbus Dispatch, were shocked to see a brief entry ostensibly from the dead man’s missing son.
On the evening of Sept. 18, someone posted: “Dad, I love you, Brian. (U.S. Virgin Islands)”
Don Corbett, a private investigator hired by the family when Shaffer went missing, said there were only two explanations.
Either the missing 29-year-old wrote the message, and likely was in the Virgin Islands, Corbett said, or “somebody has a very sick sense of humor.”
Ohio authorities have subpoenaed the web host’s Internet records to geographically pinpoint the sender, a process that could take a couple weeks, Corbett said.
In the meantime, Corbett has contacted Virgin Islands police, providing Shaffer’s missing person poster.
coltonleviclark said
Then this article came out yesterday:
New Clues Or Sick Jokes In Shaffer Case?
From the article:
Columbus Police Detectives traced the email to a public computer in Franklin County.
Shortly after, detectives received a tip claiming Brian’s body could be found at a certain location in Columbus. Police searched the specified area on September 21st with cadaver dogs, but found no body.
we need the truth said
Well where did the email come from and where did they search? How come nothing is ever disclosed. Disclosing this info to the public could help. People need to start talking for this case to be solved. When I saw that message weeks ago I thought what a sick Joke. Could the message have been left by a person that knows something? Again it looks like someone wanted to make people believe he is alive in the Virgin Islands and then search for his remains. How cruel. I understand why a lot of info is not disclosed but people want to help. The public and his family deserve answers.
news story said
News just reported they pulled a black honda civic from hoover resevoir.Its believed to have been there for possibly years. As mentioned above Mohamed Rihani went missing Nov. 2005 close to Brians last location. The remains of a male were found inside so i can only guess its Mohamed. Julie Popovich went missing from campus in Aug 2005 and the I D she had on her was found about a half mile from where this car was just pulled. She was found weeks later across hoover in a farmers field. Ive been trying to tell people there needs to be a mass search of the hoover area. Divers searched hoover resevoir in Aug 2005 for Julie and Tony Luzio so this car had to be dumped after then. Maybe this is at least some answers for Mohameds family. If it is then there needs to be more searching in that area for Brian or Tony.
So Many Questions said
Hi, I’m in the Columbus metro area, and have watched and prayed about Brian’s case when he first went missing. Same with Julie Popovich. I can confirm that I heard the same story on the local news last night about the car pulled from Hoover reservoir. Brian immediately came to mind, and soon after that, so did Julie P. This morning I find myself scouring the web for any updates on Brian, and find this site for the first time. I agree with News Story’s post above that there needs to be more searching in the Hoover area for these missing young people. I hope this car & body will provide some new clues to help us solve these mysteries. May God bless each of the loved ones of the missing and provide them strength and comfort.
news story said
Julie Popovich, Mohamed Rihani and Brian Shaffer all went missing from the campus area within 8 months. 2 out of 3 found 18 miles away at Hoover Resevoir! Come on people! What is in going to take to get them to listen? Adem Saleh was charged with the murder of Julie but theres NO way he did it! An inmates testimony and fake cell phone records convicted him. His appeal was filed and hopefully he will be out soon so they will go after the real killer. You cant tie these cases together with Adam in prison. The truth is coming out slowly but surely. Once everyone learns Adam didnt do it then hopefully people will wake up and see these case are all very similar. NOW DO A MASS SEARCH OF THE HOOVER AREA PLEASE! I have checked out some wooded areas around the lots of fishing and boating areas but there is a lot of ground to cover.
Haunted By This Case said
There were skeletonized remains found alongside I-75 near Dayton a few days ago. Could this be Brian? I hope the LE agencies will communicate and check this possibility.
news story said
Well Mohameds death was ruled a suicide. How did he decide to drive from campus to Hoover resevoir (almost the exact area they found the I D Julie Popovich had on her when she went missing) and drive himself into the water? I hear he was tied up and his car was in nuetral. I hope they start to put their heads together and think about this. Its Also a bit of a coincidence that when Julie Popovich first went missing her friend Justin Webb said she spent a lot of time hanging around a guy with dark hair, shelled neclace and blue polo. Now Brian Shaffer was from Pickerington Central like Julie. I lost count of how many pictures I found of Brian wearing what seems to be a shelled neclace and a blue polo. What happened to Brian? Could he be the “shelled neclace” guy in the Popovich case? They’ve never released the “shelled neclace” guys name to the public. It’s not Adam Saleh because thats not what he was wearing. Ive just for years now wonder if Brian is missing because he knows something. Seeing how Adam Saleh due to the facts is NOT Julies killer.
I really hope a search is done in the Hoover area. But I said that before Mohamed was found and Nobody listened to me. Both Julie and Brian went missing from osu campus bars late at night and nobody saw ANYTHING. Julie was found at Schott and Smoothers Rd across Hoover resevoir. Please search the Hoover area. I dont live that far away from there so it really make sleeping peacefully hard…………..
Dahiana said
Hola. Bueno todo comenzo cuando sin querer llegue al canal en el cual pasan el programa de “paranormal state” y eso de los niños psiquicos. Realmente esta historia me llamo la atencion por el grado de misterio el cual conlleva. Me gustaria informarme un poco mas sobre este caso. Tengo 15 años y digamos que tengo una pequeña aficcion hacia el mundo paranormal. Son respuestas que casi todo el mundo busca. Este caso en especial me llamo la atencion. Una serie de preguntas seria como lograron sacar a Brian sin ser visto por ninguna de las camaras de seguridad. Otra de las preguntas es porque Brian dejo el edificio para volver luego de un tiempo. Quizas el sabia lo que le podria pasar y regreso a enfrentarlo. Son pensamientos que cada persona tiene. Sin embargo hay detalles en el cual nadie se ha fijado. Esos detalles se le pasan a todas las personas. Detalles como por ejemplo si este chico estuviese muerto.. Porque nadie se ha tratado de comunicar con el? O quizas cualquier “espiritu” podria saberlo. Tan solo deberian creer un poco mas en que hay un mundo detras del nuestro que algunos espiritus no pueden llegar. Uno de los chicos siquicos dijo que hay un testigo escencial en el caso, una mujer rubia que sabe mas de lo que dice. Podrian interrogar a los testigos nuevamente. En especial si hay una mujer rubia. Otra cosa que he leido en ciertas paginas sobre este caso es que Brian si utilizo el telefono luego de su supuesta hora de desaparicion. Hay una llamada bastante extraña.
Todo lo que he escrito, o parte de el. son mis pensamientos. Tengo una mente bastante abierta y espero no ofenda a nadie. Y si lo hago pido disculpas.
Un saludo a todos y espero que este caso se resuelva.
Reitero mis disculpas si ofendi a alguien.
Dahiana, 15 años
Uruguay, America Latina.
coltonleviclark said
This is a rough translation of the comment above through babelfish:
Hello. Good everything comenzo when without wanting it arrives at the channel in which passes the program of ” paranormal state” and that of the psychic children. Really this history I draw attention by the mystery degree which entails. Me gustaria to inform a little to me but on this case. I am 15 years old and we say that I have small aficcion towards the world paranormal. They are answers that almost everybody looks for. This case I especially draw attention. A series of questions serious as they managed to remove to Brian without being seen by no of security chambers. Another one of the questions is because Brian I leave the building in order to return after a time. Perhaps the wise person which him podria to pass and return to face it. They are thoughts that each person has. Nevertheless there are details to which nobody has paid attention. Those details go to him to all the people. Details like for example if this boy were dead. Because nobody has been to communicate with? Or perhaps any ” espiritu” podria to know it. They only deberian to believe a little but in that there is a world behind ours that some spirits cannot arrive. One of psychic boys said that there is a escencial witness in the case, a blond woman that he knows but than he says. Podrian to interrogate the witnesses again. Especially if there is a blond woman. Another thing that there am leido in certain pages on this case is that Brian if I use the telephone after its supposed hour of disappearance. There is a quite strange call. Everything what I have written, or part of. they are my thoughts. I have a mind abierta enough and I hope does not offend anybody. And I do if it I request excuses. A greeting to all and I hope that this case is solved. I reiterate my excuses if ofendi to somebody. Dahiana, 15 years Uruguay, Latin America.
news story said
News today reports yet again another body pulled from Hoover resevoir near the dam. Thats just south of where Mohamed Rihani was pulled and where the I D Julie Popovich had on her the night she went missing from campus. Its reported to be female and possible suicide. I hope they dont rush this and rule suicide like they did in Mohameds case. I mean its been freezing out. Why are all these missing people being found in such a remote area in such close proximity? As ive stated before if something bad has happened to Brian the first place a search team should go is Hoover..
k8 said
This is terrifying and extremely heartbreaking to hear these stories. I don’t know if this is any help at all but I can sort of see pictures in my head (psychic at times) I seen a river. Lots of green trees along side a river. Forest all around the long river. It reminded me of Vermont forest because I never been to Ohio. I then saw a dark whole in the ground. The picture zoomed in and I saw a grave. I began to get frightened and wanted to open my eyes but I kept closing them and I saw more graves. About 5 more or less. I tried to count but it was really hard to. I dont know what this means but I just hope its not true. I hope its not true.
Maria said
Hi, Just wanting to help with the proper Spanish Translation to the above comment By: Dihiana
No offense to coltonleviclark. ( Dihiana ) Hello It all started as I inadvertently came across the channel that was showing The “Paranormal State” and the one with Psychic children.Realistically I was drawn to this story due to the mystery that it brings.I would like to imform myself more on this case.I am 15 years old and have a small affiniation to the world of the paranormal.They are answers that almost all the world looks for. This case especially caught to my attention. A series of questions is why they were able to take Brian out without being seen by the security cameras.Another question is why Brain left the building to only come back again later. Maybe he knew what was waiting for him and returned to confront it. These are thoughts that every person has. None the less there are details that no one has looked for.Those are details that everyone has looked past. Details for example if this guy were dead. Why has no one tried to communicate with him? or perhaps another “spirit” may know.If only they would believe that there is something beyond what we know as our world out there. where other spirits cannot get too. One of the psychic kids said that there was an essential witness in the case. A blonde woman knows more than she is telling. They should interrogate the witnesses again. Especially if there is a blonde woman. Another thing that I have read in some pages in the case is that Brian used the phone during his supposed dissapearance. There is a strange Phone call. Everything That I have written, Or part of are my own thoughts. I have a very open mind and hope that I haven’t offended anyone. And if I have you have my pardon. Hello to everyone and hope this case gets resolved. I repeat my apologies if I offended anyone. Diahana 15 years old. Uruguay, Latin America.
Sorry for translating but I couldn’t understand. Again No Offense. And to add my won comment. This is still a story that I think of all the time. I am sure that if the case is that Brian is indeed passed. I pray that his parents are with him. But I also pray that they find him for his brothers sake. All of his family is gone. My condolences to him.
Lori said
Brian’s 30th birthday was February 11 but of course, no celebration was done.
It saddens me to no end to know that the 3rd ‘anniversary’ of his disappearance is quickly approaching and we are still no closer to a resolution than the day Brian disappeared.
I TRULY appreciate each of you reviewing the films, providing your input, etc. We NEED more of this in order to solve this case. We need to keep this case in the media and in people’s minds, in every way we can. Thank you to everyone of you here that are doing that. We never know when one of the thoughts or ideas here may end up solving this case. IF ANYONE HAS A TIP FOR BRIAN’S CASE, PLEASE SUBMIT TO https://getmywebsite.net/secure/stopcrime/gmwstip.asp. There is a Reward of $25,000 that is just waiting for the right information to solve this case.
Anonymous said
im so sorry for the lost of such a young man.
i hope you find answers to all your questions..
regards from denmark.
many cases said
Unfortunately at the time Brian vannished there were many others. All went missing from the campus area at night with nobody seeing anything. This happened in a ten month time frame but then stopped. If they don’t tie these case together they may never be solved.
I agree that keeping Brians story in the media and on peoples minds could lead to answers. Somebody knows something and I hope their conscience brings answer.
I will help keep this story alive. My thoughts and prayers to all.
Brian Shaffer » AstroDispatch.com » Astrology Around The Web said
[...] From Find Brian Shaffer [...]
wow said
That was an interesting reading posted. Following this case for years now, that reading is pretty close to the theory i’ve come up with. I mean he had to have left with someone that knows the layout of that bar (to exit undetected)and there had to be a reason he went back to the bar so late. I believe he knew the person he left with and something went bad afterwards. Most people in town have their own theory but I do feel answer will come. Keep hope
Ed said
This is the first I’ve heard of this story after seeing it on TV this morning. It is just an awful story, and just leaves you with an empty feeling.
Great points by many in this post, and I was thinking what the 15 yeard old mentioned above. Why did he go back to the bar he started at? No reason to go back unless he was meeting someone or confronting something.
I assume they questioned everyone that was on the camera footage, if not then they obviously dropped the ball. Also, was Brian prone to just leave bar son his own to go home? His ex-roomate goes out with him, but then just loses him?
There is obviously more going on here that either a bunch of people made a pact not to say anything, maybe the roomate wanted revenge for something?
If my good friend went missing I’d do everything to help them find the person who did it, including take a lie dectector. The ex roomate to me is key along with that woman, just becuase he left the bar doesn’t mean he wasn’t involved.
I don’t know, but i’m fired up, and it is a damn shame. I think the lesson here is know your bearings, not saying Brian was blacked out, but he was obviously drinking, and make sure you have a wing man.
Brian did have one, but his wing man left him…in his in my prayers
Ed said
I had add a bit more after reading the astrology report, which I normally wouldn’t accept, but good points are brought up especially the potential of Brian maybe buying some drugs form one of the workers, or maybe owing money for betting?
I know his current girlfriend only had known him for around 9 months, he could of easily held back info on drugs, gambling, etc. These things are pretty common in college, and who kows what Brian was in to while at Ohio State.
They need to question his ex roomate again, and get the staff of bar, and question them agian, all lie dectector.
Let’s just hope they find the people responsible for this.
Dani said
Just wanted to say that I will keep looking for Brian forever until he is found. I just wish there was something other than putting up flyers that I could do. I feel so insignificant. I pray that he will come home soon. As I’ve stated on other message boards- I never met Brian but I did meet his father Randy. Randy was an amazing man. It’s a shame that Brian wasn’t found before Randy passed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Shaffer family.
Haunted By This Case said
As the third anniversary of Brian’s disappearance approaches, I pray that he will be found soon. So many people have suffered so much heartache from this tragedy. Sadly, I feel certain he did not disappear of his own accord. From everything I have read about him he would never have hurt his loved ones so deeply. They need to know where he is and what happened. The information is out there. Someone knows something and they are not stepping forward. The PD in Columbus needs to get busy and re-investigate this case.
come forward LE said
People have come forward but nobody knows what they are doing with the leads. I’d love to get my hands on the video of the entire evening. If something bad has happened the suspects are on there. I wish people would stop blaming his friends. Remember there were a lot of other missing people at the time and one from a bar down the road. If I were Clint I wouldnt take the test. Look what happened to Adam Saleh. He passed the test but still got framed with no physical evidence either. They DID drop the ball (as mentioned above) starting with the Popovich case which then screwed up all these other cases. We think its quite obvious why no suspects questioned were ever mentioned. If the cases are linked then somebody has a lot of explaining to do.
Rocko said
Looks to me like the Astrologer pretty well figured it out, someone should take her seriously and start looking in areas that fit her description. Likely a drug deal gone bad, but gambling is a possibility – no one has been told much about Brian Schaffers lifestyle, which would probably point to what happened.
Mary said
I miss you Brian they say that maybe you are maybe Alive. I hope so. It would be wonderful
Tasha said
I am glad that this forum is on here and people are still talking about the case. I too learned about Brians case on THS and have been thinking about him ever since.I think the physic prediction makes sense..he had to of trusted someone that worked at the bar and knew how to get out a different way. Brians friends said that he liked to talk to the band..maybe a club promoter that knows Brian and knows that he loves music could have told him that he was selling something harmless like a guitar or concert tickets??? I don’t know, but Brian does not seem like a guy that would be into drugs or gambling considering he was a medical student. Maybe this was a robbery gone wrong..but it is just sad. I wish I lived near the area and I could help search for him.
Tasha said
Ohh and I also wondered if maybe Brian left the bar initially to get money and then went back to buy something from the employee?? I wonder if he went to an ATM at all during the night
Reply to Rocko said
A group of us last weekend did a search in some locations suggested. We will continue plotting some points and searching before areas are overgrown with folliage. Ive taken other psychics finding and matched the similar details. People don’t just vanish and I’d hope if it were me or a loved one, people would help in finding answers. We may put up flyers for future searches for those that want to help. Answers are somewhere.
Concerned in C-bus said
I, too, have been disheartened by this case since Brian disappeared. His father’s bizarre death was particularly upsetting (I’m from Florida but have lived in Columbus for over a decade, and you just don’t expect hurricane winds in Ohio). I’ve been teaching at OSU since I moved here, and have watched that stretch of road across from the campus grow. In the late 90’s, all of the older bars and shops were still there, and the streets were so packed on Friday and Saturday nights that they’d put these wire ropes all down the sidewalks to cordon off the drunk college students so they wouldn’t fall into the road (High Street). You could drive around drunk all you wanted with no consequences but if you came anywhere near a pedestrian (drunk or sober) in front of the campus while you’re driving, big ticket. Same if you jay walked. Very strange set of rules.
Over the years though, Campus Partners bought out almost everything and shut it down, only to reopen newer bars and shops, including Ugly Tuna Saloona. I live near there, and watched it being built. The thing is, since they closed down the old bars, High Street is not as busy as it used to be. they don’t use the wire ropes anymore, and it is never as packed as it used to be. And during some seasons it’s completely empty at night. When Brian disappeared, I paid close attention. He could have been one of my students. It is unfathomable that he just disappeared. No matter how or why it happened, someone had to see something or know someone who did. Maybe there is a connection between all these disappearances. But there has never been enough coverage of these cases separately or collectively to figure that out. These stories should’ve gotten continuous and detailed coverage, but compared to other national cases, they did not.
I don’t know if Adam Saleh is guilty of killing Julie Popovich or not, but he was charged with the rape of a 39 year Zanesville woman, so that makes him suspect at the very least. That doesn’t mean he without a doubt killed Julie, but it doesn’t lend him any credibility. Yet, the lack of evidence in the Popovich case is troubling though. And regarding the security guards in the tapes, I don’t think they are paying Brian or anyone anymore attention than is necessary. They’re just doing their job. In Columbus, we have a mall that has a no-underaged-unaccompanied kids after 9pm rule (or something close to this), so that they can be made to leave the mall if the security guard sees them. It makes sense that the Ugly Tuna security would be watching the people coming in and out of a bar, especially because it is not really crowded at that point and in that place. Again, I wish there were more coverage of this case. They could even ask a class of students (in law, forensic science, or something related) to help with the search, and get course credit for it. The more people helping the better the chances of figuring this out.
reply said
Lack of evidence in the Popovich case is an understatement. If Adam Saleh was wearing the SHELL NECKLACE during a interview with Detective Dorn, then why couldn’t they produce it in court? That interview was video recorded so I’d love to see that video. That would be pretty stupid to show up at an interview wearing a shell necklace if you just killed someone wearing it and they are looking for a shell necklace man huh? Give me a break…Now they weren’t saying the name of the shell necklace guy for months. There was suspect Tanner Rodgers, Adam Saleh and this shell necklace guy. The media assumed and got people to believe Adam is the shell necklace guy. Not true. Adam wasnt even wearing a blue polo that night either according to friends and family. So who is the shell necklace blue polo guy. Julie and Brian were from the same High school. Both tall beautiful people. Not sure when Brian and Alexis started dating that summer of ‘05. Now again this shell necklace guy was just a POI the police wanted to talk with. According to all the initial statements “NOBODY SAW JULIE LEAVING WITH ANYONE” states Teonna Brooks. Brian seems to have disappeared without anyone seeing anything either. Its interesting how many pictures you can find of Brian Shaffer wearing a shell necklace and blue polo let alone the shell necklace. Seems to be his favorite thing to wear. I definitely am not saying Brian is suspect but whoever this real shell necklace guy is wouldve made a great witness on Adams behalf. If we all knew who the real shell necklace guy was then in court they couldnt say it was Adam that Julie was flirting with. I think we all know that the 6ft model was not hanging all over the much shorter Adam Saleh. I think we all know that someone would have seen him strangle her in front of Ledos and put her in his trunk. Please. I think we all know there are plenty of other grassy areas around campus to dispose of a body. Of course it obvious to most that she must have gone with someone who said they would take her home but lead her to her death behind that shed 20 miles from campus. Then they didnt even try to hide her seeing how there is a patch of woulds yards away from where she lay. Is there DNA with her remains? They say no but is it that the DNA just doesnt match Adam? Id also love to see the labs results of the testing of her fingernails. I really hope all these cases are investigated further than what has been done or reported at this time.
reply to the above said
I remember those days on campus as well. Unfortunately cleaning up campus didnt clean up crime. Now I hate to bring up other case because people want to focus on Brian but actually we need to look at the entire picture. 2005-2006 was a frightening time on campus. Adam Saleh was only a person of interest because of the alleged rape he didnt commit in may 2005. (he was found not guilty after proving the woman even called him repeatedly after their encounter. Who calls their rapist for directions on their way home?) Reopening the rape case sure put him in a bad position. After being found not guilty and no physical evidence in the murder of Julie they still went forward with the charges. I guess if you get enough inmates to testify against you then youre doomed.
So lets just for a minute say Adam Saleh did not kill Julie Popovich. Then you have two OSU students from Pickerington Central High School missing from a bar off High Street eight months apart. Both were seen by their friends walking away and never seen by anyone again. (Well Julie was found about three weeks later in a patch of grass 20 miles away. Why she wasnt put in the woods yards away is the question.) I recall Stacie Colbert went missing in ‘98 and was found up north a few years ago in a farmers field as well. Why are all these people taken north when there are plenty of wooded areas surrounding campus. Doesnt the average killer dump a body close to home? By now I think we must assume the worst but pray for the best. Searches should be done starting with surrounding areas of where other victims were found. Hoover is the main dumping ground in the past few years which raises fear to those in the area. Many of the bodies are ruled suicides but thats just bad detective work inmost opinion.
Anonymous said
O.k. so, like some of the above folks have stated I just found out about this case by watching an episode of “Psychic Kids” on the Biography channel. I don’t pretend to be psychic or anything, but I do have my little flashes here and there. Anyway, as soon as they showed Brian’s picture I immediately thought “Oh, shit, the guy in the woods!” Now to explain this a little better, I live in Washington County Pennsylvania, we aren’t that far from where he disappeared from and well, lets state it bluntly, people from Ohio, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania are constantly using the game lands out here to dump bodies. Recently there was a body found out here near a school, that had been out for some time. And a few years back there were some kids from, I actually think, OSU that disappeared… Their bodies were found here. I don’t know if they already have or not, but they should search the game lands out here.
to anonymous said
What OSU students were found in Pennsylvania? Can you please make more sense and be more specific?
Stuned said
Like many others I heard about this case on THS. I am still at an awe, beacuse of the sircumstances. I hope that for the peace of his family, he is found soon. From all the commetns that i have read, I hope the police searches the Hoover area ASAP. I live in California so I can’t help, but I will pass this site on so that as many people as possible read and learn about all of these cases and maybe help these families find answers.
Dear "stuned" said
Your post looks quite familiar to the others posted all over sites of missing and murdered in town. Especially BECAUSE as Beacuse, COMMENTS as commetns etc… Now don’t get all on the attack as usual… Just a typo you have a habit of doing and saying you live in California… I live in Columbus, so you say to check out Hoover asap? Thats interesting for someone from “California” to suggests such urgency.?? Must not be any cases out in California to get involved with… Why people continue to post such nonsense is just cruel and heartless. Brian Shaffer is MISSING and it concerns many people in town. I think many of the posts need to be checked out as the one from Virgin Islands claiming to be Brian. That was obviously somebody again being vicious. Never did say where that post exactly came from did they? Hope they are tracking EVERY post on Brians websites… Oh wait, that might solve this case and others. To the friends and loved ones, prayers and persistence will bring answers.
STUNED said
To dear “stuned”
Seems like you’ve had a lot of time to check out people’s spelling. In response, this is actually the first time I’ve ever posted about anything. Brian’s case caught my attention because of how he disappeared thats all. I always wanted to pursue a career in crime investigation and I’ve always watched all of the Law and Order shows and like everyone else Im just wondering where he is. I said to check the Hoover area because it sounds like those who do live there are conserned about that particular area. Also Im on maternity leave so right now I have a lot time on my hands since I have to be on bed-rest. Hopefully he will be found soon.
Dear "stuned" said
Nice attempt on a rebuttle… Reading ALL the posts on Brian Shaffers websites is very disturbing. I’m starting to actually wonder just how many times his story airs on t.v. I haven’t seen an episode in some time, yet posters keep saying they just viewed his story here and there.
Brians case will be solved when everyone recognizes the facts in his case and the other victims in the area as well.
Julie Popovich went missing near campus in August 2005-was found by Hoover in Delaware.
Mohamed Rihani went missing near campus in November 2005- was found in Hoover in his car.
Brian Shaffer went missing near campus April 2006- hasn’t been found…
Has there been a search at Hoover? If not, WHY NOT?
Maybe because Adam Saleh DID NOT kill Julie Popovich. There is no evidence proving he did. BOTTOM LINE.
Mohameds death was ruled suicide. What an injustice…
If Brian were to be found near Hoover, you think anyone would except a suicide ruling?
Lets not forget the missing Tony Luzio. Missing one month before Julie Popovich. Same vihicle as Mohamed, but silver in color. He has not been found.
If Adam Saleh were never framed for the murder of Julie Popovich, do you think there would be different outcomes?
I guess we must wait to see if Adam is granted an appeal. I would bet that they will try and stop that from happening at all cost. Look what that mess-up costed. Possibly more lives… I want to hear the truth and no more lies…