Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

http://www.findbrianshaffer.com/howtohelp.htm
Edited to clarify date missing in subject line.  MB

Is this the med-student in Ohio?  Do I have that right?

It seems like someone on that tape would have seen something....

Yes, that's the one...

Father of Brian got encouraged when he finally called his cell phone and instead of going directly into voice mail  as it had been since he has been missing, it rang and then went into voice mail.  Thinking that someone (maybe Brian) had turned it on....

But voice mail and cell phone experts said there could have been other explainations for that.

October : Looking ahead


The case of Brian Shaffer remains open; police have no suspects.

Sgt. John Hurst, of the Columbus Police Division’s special-victims unit, says officers have asked the friend who was with Brian the night he disappeared to answer questions and take a polygraph.

Through an attorney, Hurst says, the friend has declined to do both.

To date, Alexis’ blog has been read more than 20,000 times.

Hurst suspects the ongoing public interest has much to do with Alexis, whose devotion he admires.

"She’s a bright young lady. I think she’s sincere. Her feelings toward Brian are true."

Brian’s father, still struggling with his wife’s death, appreciates Alexis’ commitment to his son.

"I feel for her greatly," Mr. Shaffer said. "She’s a very beautiful girl. She’s very intelligent. I know Brian really cared for her."

Alexis’ parents ache for their daughter.

The lack of closure haunts Mr. Waggoner, who believes someone killed Brian.

"I don’t want her to have what’s been such a painful experience carry on," he said. "You can’t tiptoe around the gorilla in the room . ... You’ve got to live your life. And it’s going to be there."

But Alexis can’t yet imagine opening her heart to another man.

"Am I going to spend the next 10 years of my life waiting for him and being miserable?" she wonders.



http://www.columbusdispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/01/20061001-A1-01.html


If I recall correctly, Brian's father started the polygragh testing - he took one himself and encouraged others to follow - Anyone know why this young man Brian was with is declining - that's disturbing, not so much the fact that he won't take the polygraph, because I suppose they can be wrong, but answering questions and getting a lawyer - How many guys was he with that night - Anyone else have a lawyer?   Anyone else not answering questions?

And the surveillance camera - shows him on tape, but not leaving - does it show the others leaving?

I can't imagine friends not cooperating with authorities unless they know something more than they are telling and are afraid.

Or....if they are implicated themselves...

It's very disheartening......

How horrible for his girlfriend.  I agree with you Jaq.  why in the world would some one not answer questions if they have nothing to hide?  His friend of all people.  Gee, I hope I never have any "friends" like that.

Some where, somebody knows something.  People do not disapear into thin air.  If the surv. camera shows him going in the bar, but never coming out .... wonder if there is another door he could have left out of, or maybe if somthing happened, maybe he was removed while the camera was off.  If he went in, he had to come out one way or another.

 

It is disheartening... if that was one of my friends, I would be first in line to talk... how truly sad.

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2006/10/01/20061001-A1-01.html

As of Oct. 1, Brian has been missing for 6 months.

That article was so incredibly sad.... there has to be someone that knows something.... I just hope she is able to get some closure...

Missing-persons bill signed
‘Jonathan’s Law’ aims for faster response
Friday, January 05, 2007

<snipped>
Columbus Police Sgt. Anthony Luzio Sr. and Randy Shaffer, whose adult sons have been missing since mid-2005, also stood behind the governor as he signed the measure.

Luzio, father of Tony Jr., said Columbus police handle missing-adult cases appropriately, but that some smaller departments need to respond more quickly.

"It’s something that needed to be done," he said.

Shaffer, wearing a shirt bearing the Crime Stoppers’ poster of his son Brian, called the new law "just a start." He would like regular police updates to the families of the missing added to the law.

"You’re frustrated by the lack of knowledge," he said. "I literally don’t know if the police are working on finding my son or not."
complete article........
http://tinyurl.com/y4kjhn

(http://www.10tv.com/sites/10tv/content/images/200707/shafferjuly312007.jpg)

Texas Group To Join Search For Missing Man
Jul 31 2007 7:20PM

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Nearly 16 months after Brian Shaffer disappeared from a bar near The Ohio State University campus, a new group is joining the search to try and being closure to the case.

Texas-based EquuSearch made headlines in June when it brought more than 1,000 volunteers to help in the search for Jessie Davis - a pregnant woman who disappeared from her Canton home, 10TV's Angela An reported.

The search group also sent volunteers to Aruba two years ago to search for missing teen Natalie Holloway.

A coordinator for EquuSearch told 10TV that volunteers planned to arrive in Columbus in three weeks, An reported.

First on their agenda will be a search of the South Campus Gateway where Shaffer (pictured, left) was last seen. Then the group will search local rivers and quarries.

Shaffer's father said he welcomes the group.

"It's just a fresh set of eyes and maybe they'll find something," said Randy Shaffer. "I kind of hope it's for the good."

EqquSearch, which said it has a 10 percent success rate of recovering bodies, will also take time to search for Tony Luzio Jr. who disappeared about two years ago, An reported.

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=news&story=sites/10tv/content/pool/200707/1527908324.html

(http://www.someoneismissing.com/flyers/brian-shaffer.jpg)

Missing From Ohio State University


    COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Family and friends stepped up their efforts Thursday to find missing Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer, NBC 4's Barbra Flannigan reported.

    Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

    Friends and family met on the OSU campus Thursday with new maps, fliers and buttons.

    Hundreds of volunteers traveled the campus area knocking on doors and talking to residents about the case.

    OSU President Karen Holbrook joined students to participate in Thursday's efforts.

    The new fliers are laminated to protect against water damage and contain information about Shaffer's tattoo.

    Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

    The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

    About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

    He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

    Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards has been used since he disappeared.

    Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

    A $25,500 reward has been issued for information leading to the person responsible for Shaffer's disappearance.

    Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers would remain anonymous.

    http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8861582/detail.html?rss=col&psp=news

    Police, Family Search For Missing OSU Student

    UPDATED: 1:03 pm EDT April 4, 2006

    COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police and family members are searching for a missing Ohio State University student, NewsChannel5 partner ONN reported.

    Brian Shaffer, a second-year medical school student, hasn't been seen since about 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

    The 27-year-old was last seen leaving a bar on North High Street, but he never made it home.

    His father said just vanishing is not like his son. Randall Shaffer described his son as an exceptional student.

    "His idea of a bad grade is to get an 83. The last time my wife was here, he was in the top 10 of his class. I don't know where he's at now but not that far behind. He's such a smart kid," Randall Shaffer said through tears.

    Shaffer was supposed to leave Monday morning for a spring break trip with his girlfriend. Alexis Waggoner said she did not hear from him all weekend.

    "I was kind of starting to worry Saturday night. And by Sunday morning when I hadn't heard anything, I was really thinking there was something wrong," said Waggoner.

    She contacted his family and called police. And then on Monday, he did not show up for their trip.

    Shaffer lost his mother to cancer in early March. His father said he can't bear the thought that something has happened to his son.

    Shaffer's car was still at his apartment Sunday.

    His girlfriend said none of his personal belongings appeared to be missing. She said it did not appear that anyone has tried to use his credit card. She said she was hoping he just needs some time alone after the loss of his mother.

    Columbus Police detectives were asking anyone who may have seen Shaffer since Saturday morning to contact them.

http://www.someoneismissing.com/shaffer/index.htm

 :-)  OMG I remember this young man (primarily because of his incredible good looks).  I remember his father being so concerned at the time and doing everything he knew how to do. 

I am hopeful Tim's team will be able to resolve this.  I cannot even begin to imagine what these families go through. 

I live in Columbus and will be calling to get more info. to join in search!

What a wonderful thing for you to do Dihannah1. Good luck to you and all of those who join the search.

That is awesome Dihannah1 - best wishes as you all go forth!!!  This man's family needs answers as do so many of the 'missing.'  Please keep us posted. 8-)

Medical Student Vanishes After Night Out
April 7, 2006

Columbus, OH (Crime Library) — The father of an Ohio State University Medical Student is dealing with what may be the second tragedy to strike his family in just one month. Randall Shaffer lost his wife Renee to cancer on March 6, 2006. Mrs. Shaffer was just 51 years old. Now, a month after his mother's passing, Brian Shaffer, age 27, has been missing for 6 days.

The Ohio News Network (ONN) first reported on April 4th about the disappearance of the 6'2", athletically-built Shaffer. ONN's Maureen Kocot wrote that Brian Shaffer was last seen around 1:30 a.m. leaving a bar on North High Street in Columbus on April 1st.

The bar where Shaffer was last seen was the Ugly Tuna Saloona (sic), located at 1546 N. High Street. Columbus TV station NBC 4 reported on April 6th that surveillance cameras had confirmed Shaffer's presence at the bar on the 1st. NBC 4 also reported that along with the usual search efforts, Shaffer's family had enlisted the services of a psychic.

While the death of Shaffer's mother in early March of 2006 might be considered a significant factor in his vanishing, neither his family nor his girlfriend, fellow med student Alexis Waggoner, age 24, seem to believe that Brian would disappear of his own accord. Not for more than 5 days.

After all, in a comment left on Waggoner's MySpace.com profile on March 31st, Shaffer wrote, "I can't wait to go to Miami, Miami!!!!"

Brian Shaffer and Alexis Waggoner had been planning to leave on their trip together on Monday, April 3rd. In an article published on NBC 4's website on April 4th, Sgt. Mike Woods of the Columbus Police said, "Everything was set for these two to take this trip to Florida. That's what makes this unusual."

Brian Shaffer had his own personal page at the incredibly popular MySpace.com, a social networking and blogging website - www.myspace.com/sleepinggiant.

There you could see photos of the strikingly handsome Shaffer and learn a little about him and his life, as well as his sense of humor. Under the standard-issue MySpace heading, 'Who I'd like to meet,' Shaffer wrote, in part, "Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam because he helped hair metal come to an end"

>>>>>>>The Complete Article
http://www.crimelibrary.com/news/original/0406/0701_med_student_missing2.html

I am so sick over this one.  I have to tell you all (fellow monkeys) one of the sites I read out of Ohio, said that Brian was seen on a surveillance camera walking into (I think) an elevator.  Some other man followed him shortly there after. 

I try so hard not to put too much stock into random reads.  But the only other alternative is, Brian was really upset about his mother, maybe felt a significant amount of pressure being left to take care of his dad, who knows really!!!  He seems like a clean cut type guy - I cannot imagine he would just take off and leave friends and loved ones to just worry for the rest of their lives. 

All I can say is, I truly hope Tim Miller and crew leaves no stone unturned.

from nbc4i.com:

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police on Tuesday released a videotape of a man seen taking an escalator behind Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer in the moments before he disappeared in April.

The video was taken outside the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway early on April 2, NBC 4's Barbra Flannigan reported.

Detectives estimate the man as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds. He was wearing black pants and dark dress shoes with an orange sweater.

Video showed the man coming in and out of the South Campus Gateway and taking the escalator up to the bar six times within an hour, Flannigan reported. The trips on the escalator began at 1:15 a.m., and the man left the building 2:09 a.m., officials said. [...]

Investigators said the man even rode down the escalator with Shaffer's friends who left without him that night.

Police said the man did not appear intoxicated and seemed to be searching for or meeting someone. Detectives said they believe he might have important information.

Investigators stressed the man on the videotape is not a suspect, but is someone who could have information in Shaffer's disappearance. [...] FULL STORY

OK Monkeys, that is the little excerpt I found on another board.  If there was someone who has done this young man harm I hope that this video will aid along with Tim Miller and his team.

Still no new news on Brain Shaffer, missing since 4-01-07.  Here is a website:  http://www.findbrianshaffer.com/

I will be updating this soon with pics from the search for Brian this past weekend.

Go here to read and see the recent search for Brian by TES http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=2074.0

I'm not sure if you all realize this,  Brian has a younger brother named Derik too.  He had a trip planned and paid for in FL. with his girlfriend, and I believe Brian's girlfriend Alexis's family.  I understand he was upset he had to miss the search, but everybody told him he needed to go on the trip, it would be good for him and was already paid for.

I just notice he hasn't been mentioned anywhere and he needs some prayers too. 

I understand both boys were extremely close to there mother and took her passing away pretty hard.  But I do not believe this had anything to do with Brian's disappearance, as it is obviously too suspicious and he had way to much going for him, not to mention a vacation the next week.  The friend who is unders suspicion and wouldn't take the lie detector test?  Well he is now practicing medicine in TN.

OMG - Dihannah1 that is completely awful that the 'friend' who would not take the lie detector test is now practicing medicine.  My feeling regarding lie detectors is if one has nothing to hide (no guilty conscience) then what is the problem??? 

And I do not know if you read my post from yesterday.
 

Yes, I did Sleeks.  I would like to find out more about the escalator bandit myself. 
The friend is definatley showing signs of suspicion, but little evidence of anything.  Brian literally appeared to vanish from the face of the earth.  It is sad.  He had so much ahead of his life.  Another young innocent life wasted, just like Natalee and so many others.

But there will be at least one more search come fall by police searchers, when the brush isn't so bad. So I'd like to think there is still some hope.  Like in any case, "somebody' know something! 

The last thing that Tim said during his interview with the media before he departed, was he doesn't care who might have killed him. His concern is recovering the body for the family, not so much justice, that's not his job, it's LE.  Anybody can call crimestoppers and/or TES anonomously with a tip, no questions asked.  That's all it would take!

Well Dihannah1 I was so hoping that the stress of his mom's death and other pressures gave him cause to just go off somewhere to start over.  Not that I want to see anyone do that to the rest of their family and friends.  But alive (of course) is much better than the alternative. 
I completely agree with you that somebody somewhere knows something.  It is pretty impossible for anyone to just disappear.  I hope you & Marlee can get many more people out there to aid in the next upcoming search.  Again, I think it is so tragic when LE does have suspicions or a possible idea of 'whom' yet are unable to do anything with that.  In so many other cases like Natalee, Tara, Donna, April and the countless others where LE knows or let's say, has a pretty good idea of who is responsible, and nothing manifests - I don't know about anybody else but it just makes me want to scream.  I just keep going back in my mind to an earlier time when someone was a suspect, they were picked up and arrested and suffered the consequences.  It seems to me, nowadays, we are more concerned with the criminal's rights.  My heart keeps saying what about the victim's rights and the family's rights.

Oldfart sent me a link to a blog from early in the case.  I found a rather interresting comment on it:

The idea that Brian is hanging with homeless folks is the most optimistic idea i have seen yet. I have been chronically homeless most of my life. In this situation, the call to my gf would be a "goodbye" till I got things sorted out. I would have spent a lot of time with my friends. I would have tried to have fun. And I would have left everything behind to start a new life. I probably would have walked a long ways. Maybe 60 miles at most. And then I would have considered transportation and what to do with my life. Have the authorities checked out all the methods of transportation? Greyhound Buses for example. Or.. Amtrack. 2nd idea... worse case scenario. What if there really is foul play? If there was foul play I would suspect staff at Ugly Tuna.. say Linda the bartender for example. Even his friend. I respect his friend saying that Brian does like to run his mouth off sometimes. If its true, I feel sorry for Brian. But would a good person even in the case of a missing person say that about someone they are supposed to be friends with? Maybe this friend was jealous over Brian's girl. Maybe Brian was having 2nd thoughts about his girlfriend? Maybe he was looking for comfort in a womans arms? Maybe the staff at Ugly Tuna was involved. Okay... thats disturbing i know. Question: If people are willing to look up and down campus streets and even under bridges and in rivers, would you consider this? There are some freshly planted trees in a very small construction site just one building north of Cousins Army. You could plant a body under those trees. My name is Brian and my email is wrknprgrss79@sbcglobal.net I would appreciate a response to my email or to even tell me if anyone is brave enough to look. Thankyou.

Posted by Brian | April 14, 2006 9:26 AM 

 http://beyondfrazzled.blogspot.com/2006/04/where-is-brian-shaffer.html

I have not been following Brian's Story... but

Has a pic of the escalator guy been published anywhere?  Do the police know who he is?
What about the security tapes -  are they online?
Have the police released any info from his cell phone (location etc)?

Sorry for all the questions :oops:

Thanks OF and Klaas for posting that.

My gut feeling, from everybody I talked to, his father, aunt, neighbors, etc., that sounds like a hoax.  Brian had way too much to look forward to.  He was out that night celebrating his last final with his buddies and was going to graduate with his Docorate degree.  Him and Alexis, his girlfriend had a trip planned and were to leave that Monday to FL.   

I just find it difficult to believe, he was celebrating and had finally finished school to just walk away from it all?  His graduation provided him the opportunity to find a job anywhere he wanted and start a new life.  I understood he dearly loved Alexis and wasn't the kind of guy to hurt his family in that way, especially his brother, after just loosing there mother.

Also, from many discussions with family, including LE, there is a person of interest and from what I heard specifically, sounds like for some good reasons, but not enough to proceed with.

However, I do find the place mentioned in that blog curious, as I wonder if it is somebody that knows something.  I'm curious to go check it out myself.  I wonder if it has been checked by LE yet.

JMO

OF - I have not seen any pics/videos of that, but would like to see them if anybody else runs across them.

Sorry, I missed the last question.  One of the searches we did was at Scioto Darby, where the last ping of his cell phone was recieved.  We found some interesting items in that area that were flagged and I believe they were to be checked out later, outside of our presence.  But of course, we have heard nothing.  I'm sure LE will keep it quiet for now, IF in fact, they even did find anything.

bump

UPCOMING SEARCH:

We will be conducting a search on Sunday, March 16th at 2 p.m. at Scioto Boulevard. We will meet at the parking lot West of High Street, off of Greenlawn Avenue (north of Lou Berliner Park). If you need additional information, please contact Randy at randy85723@gmail.com


BLOOD DRIVE

A blood drive will also be held on Saturday, March 29th in Brian and Renee's honor. Details of location and time yet to come.



..missing since 04-01-2006
http://www.findbrianshaffer.com/

SEARCH UPDATE
Today's search was conducted at Scioto Boulevard but did not produce any details about Brian's disappearance.

This was my first 'search' and let me say...it was unnerving. We had not gone very far into the woods when we found a very large bone next to teeth (no skull). I stayed with the bones until the police officer verified that the bones was animal bones. It was horrible to stand next to the bones and not know for a short period of time whose/what bones they were.

We found a few items of clothing but none that were connected to Brian in anyway. This area was used heavily by the homeless and we found numerous old sleeping bags, 'bathrooms' that were NOT marked , cooking areas, etc. It is very desolate and I was thankful to be with a group.

My heart breaks for Randy, Derek and all those who knew and loved Brian. I did not know Brian but feel as though I do now after researching his case for so long.

We did receive tv coverage (and ended up as the top story on our nbc affliate's 11 pm news). I have not found anything online yet but will post if I do.

Thanks much for all your prayers. The weather could not have been better. It was a beautiful sunny day and I know that Brian was thought of by MANY people today. Bless him whereever he is.


http://boards.insessiontrials.com/showthread.php?s=9114fae3748afdc9e1181562d09e1f8c&postid=11389399#post11389399

(http://www.10tv.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/10tv/local/stories/2008/03/29/Image_BrianShaffer_280.jpg)

Vigil For Missing OSU Student

March 29, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A vigil was held on Saturday night for family and friends to remember missing OSU medical student, Brian Shaffer.

Shaffer was last seen on April 1, 2006 at the Ugly Tuna Saloona, an off-campus bar, 10TV News reported.

Surveillance video captured Shaffer going up a set of escalaters into the ba

http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/03/29/Vigil_for_Brian_Shaffer.html?sid=102

Posted today by Dihannah:


Randy Shaffer: http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-09-15-0035.html

OMG.....this is just heart wrenching!!!  Thank you  Dihannah for your post :(
I am glad you are safe.

The Columbus Dispatch
September 16, 2008 Tuesday

Missing student's dad killed in storm;
Father of Brian Shaffer one of six dead across Ohio

Sunday's windstorm killed two central Ohio men, including the father of missing Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer. State officials put the death toll statewide at six, and it could go higher.

Randall A. Shaffer, 55, was thought to have been walking to a backyard shed when he was struck and killed by a falling limb behind his home in Baltimore, Fairfield County Sheriff Dave Phalen said. Neighbors found Shaffer's body yesterday morning, and he was pronounced dead by the county coroner's office.

Randy Shaffer was a familiar face to many in central Ohio who followed his well-publicized search to find his son. Brian Shaffer has been missing since April 1, 2006. Shaffer's wife, Renee, died of cancer the month before their son disappeared.

"Certainly he was a tragic figure with everything that happened before last night," Alexis Waggoner, Brian's girlfriend, said yesterday as she absorbed the shock of the elder Shaffer's death.

http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100020825&docId=l:852348579&start=14

The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio) 
 
September 17, 2008 Wednesday
 
Obituaries
 
SHAFFER Randall A . Shaffer, loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend, passed away suddenly and tragically from a accident at his home Sunday, September 14th, 2008. Randy was a very special person in many people's lives. He graduated from Lancaster High School with the Class of 1971. Randy excelled with his love of music while obtaining his B.A. Degree from Capital University in Music Education. Randy was also a 30 year member of the IBEW-L.U.683. Randy worked for Mid City Electric in Columbus, Ohio.

There was never a stranger in Randy's life. He made such beautiful music with his saxophone that friends requested he entertain at many area churches, bringing peace and tranquility at solemn moments and entertaining at many other gatherings. He was always willing when asked for his time to play. He will be a great addition to the Heaven's orchestra. Randy's family was one of the most important parts of his being. He loved to try and beat his sister, brother and father on the tennis court and always has great stories of his victories whether he won or not. He also was an avid bike rider and tried to keep a riding date with his brother when time allowed. Randy was always there to help a friend, neighbor or relative with any electrical task at hand no matter how large or small. If he didn't solve the problem at first he wouldn't stop until it was completed. After the passing of Randy's beloved wife Renee in 2006 and the disappearance of his son Brian, Randy was relentless in his search for Brian and never gave up hope. He made hundreds of friends and helped many other families in search for their loved ones while being involved with the Crimestoppers Organization for the return of missing persons. He will be sadly missed by all the people whose lives he touched. Randy is survived by his brother, Tim (Debora) Shaffer; sister, Robin (Jeff) Hoffman of Lancaster; sons, Brian and Derek Shaffer of Columbus; step-mother, Nancy Acton Shaffer of Lancaster; nephews, Chris (Jody) Shaffer of Columbus, Dan (Marnie) Shaffer of Bexley; nieces, Jamie, Betsy and Katie Hoffman of Lancaster; great-niece, Kaylee Jane Ackers of Lancaster; step-sister, Catherine Duquesnoy of Maryland; cousins, Pam Muralt of Mt. Vernon, Janet Muralt and Cindy Grile of Lancaster. Randy was preceded in death by his mother Norma Jean (Jeanie) Shaffer, father Jack L. Shaffer, love of his life for 28 years Renee Parobeck Shaffer, grandparents Irvin and Pauline Shaffer, grandparents Bill and Ida Franke, great-grandparents Cora and Jeffery Fruchey, aunt Dorthala Muralt Boystel, uncles Clifford F. Muralt and Robert Shaffer. Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at HALTEMAN-FETT AND DYER FUNERAL HOME, 436 N. Broad St., Lancaster, OH 43130. Service will take place Friday at 11 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church with Pastor Carl Rayburn and Pastor Mark Raddatz officiating. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Crimestoppers or any charity of choosing in memory of Randy Shaffer. Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries
 
:smt022
 
http://www6.lexisnexis.com/publisher/EndUser?Action=UserDisplayFullDocument&orgId=574&topicId=100020825&docId=l:853133476&start=5

Diahannah...I was absolutely shocked to read this.  I am not sure what to say, the words are not coming and I have such a heavy heart.  I have followed Brian's and Randy's story since Brian disappeared and this is such a terrible thing to happen to such a good man.

You and Marlee, as well as his son, family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

SO SAD!! OMG what a tragedy.  I feel so badly for this family.  Completely awful.  I've followed this case..hoping that SOMETHING would come up.
I don't know if anyone on here is familiar w/ this case.  But, I was wondering..the last time anyone saw Brian was @ the Ugly Tuna (?) And no one saw him leave.  Someone had mentioned there was construction in the bar at the time..could he have fallen down a shaft or something?  It get pretty dangerous around construction areas...

 :cry: :cry: :cry:

A new clue released in the Brian Shaffer case.  Is Brian in the Virgin Islands?


http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17629037

Thank You Mamamook for posting this and Welcome to SM...It would be really something if Brian is found!

Hope you don't mind my posting the article from your link?

Without a trace
Long search for medical student who vanished in Ohio leads investigator to V.I.
By JOSEPH TSIDULKO
Wednesday, October 1st 2008

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.

Many people who posted condolences on the same guest book wrote they knew Randall Shaffer through his quest for his son.

Some said Shaffer recruited them to join search teams or met them while exploring his son's social circle. Others were strangers who felt compassion after following the high-profile case in the news.

Randall Shaffer's wife died of cancer two weeks before his son went missing. The father spent his final years consumed with the search, working to organize friends, police and the private investigator in an effort that proved fruitless, at least in his lifetime.

Brian Shaffer was a 27-year-old second year medical student with a bright future when he went out with friends at the start of spring break.

While bar hopping, Shaffer spoke by phone with his girlfriend, who was visiting family, and told her he looked forward to seeing her when she came back to Columbus, according to Corbett. The two were set to take a vacation to Miami just days later.

Late that night, Shaffer and friends returned to Ugly Tuna Saloona, where they had started the evening.

A surveillance camera captured them about 1:15 a.m. on April 1.

Another camera taped Shaffer at the top of an escalator talking with two girls. After they parted ways, Shaffer walked out of the camera's view, and out of the lives of everyone who loved him.

Authorities tracked down and interviewed all the people last seen with Shaffer and conducted extensive searches of the area around the Ugly Tuna, including a nearby construction site.

The posting in the obituary guest book from the missing man, or at least someone claiming to be him, was the first clue in a long time.

Corbett, who has taken to the case to heart and continues to work it without charge, said the posting was especially of interest since early in the investigation there was a rumor Shaffer had left for an island.

"We think he may be down there," Corbett said of the Virgin Islands before conceding, "it's a long shot."

A reward of $25,500 is being offered for information that leads to Shaffer.

Anyone with information about the case can call (877) 645-TIPS.

- Contact Joseph Tsidulko at 774-8772 ext. 332 or e-mail jtsidulko@dailynews.vi.
 

 

WOW!
that would be surreal!

 ::MonkeyEek::

U hope we get updates on this....

Good Morning!  I had a quick look around this morning, but didn't see anything.

Maybe Nut can come up with something!

Somehow I have a feeling this is a sick hoax. Virgin Islands......WTH ?? I know Brian and his GF were planning a trip to Miami before he vanished........but geeeezeeee... mmmmmmm.....  ::MonkeyEek::
I need to get busy on this...bbl.

Looks like the entry has been removed and perhaps any comments relating to the entry. I see nothing on here:
http://www.legacy.com/Dispatch/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=117557618

Will look through these to see if there is any mention of this.
Virgin Islands Newspapers
St Croix Source
St Thomas Source
St Thomas This Week
Tradewinds
The Virgin Island Daily News (St. Thomas)
LINKS>
http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/us_virgi.htm

Thanks Nut!  It is very strange...Not sure I want to give up on it yet!

It was enough for the PI to go down there.

Will be checking Bars/Clubs as well for photos.

thanks Nut...It has been discussed and posted on blogs...Topix, Project Jason...Will check them out a little later.

I read somewhere there were rumors of him possibly leaving to go to an island..?
IMO - he wouldn't sign the guest book "brian shaffer, us Virgin Islands"
if he WERE there, he'd probably do something more secretive...

please keep updated.  This case really gets to me.

http://www.usvitourism.vi/en/home/vi_TT_Before_Visit.html

Passports for U.S. Citizens are not required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving (such as a birth certificate and photo ID). Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations. Travel outside the U.S. Virgin Islands requires a birth certificate or valid passport. Health certificates are not required if you're entering from the U.S. or Puerto Rico; citizens entering from other countries should follow the same guidelines as for the mainland U.S.
 

 The U.S. Virgin Islands are in the Atlantic standard time zone, one hour ahead of Eastern standard time (during daylight savings time only).
 Virgin Islanders drive on the left side of the road.
 English is the official language.
 Our currency is the U.S. dollar. Traveler's checks and major credit cards are honored.
 Postage in the U.S. Virgin Islands is the same as stateside. First-class mail to the U.S. automatically travels by air through the U.S. Postal Service.
 You can direct-dial from the United States Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland. The service connects callers to Europe and South America.
 The electrical current is the same as in North America (standard 120 volt/60 cycle).
 Tipping of 15 percent to 20 percent is customary for good service. Some hotels automatically add a service charge.

***********
One would expect that LE checked flight manifests during the time Brian went missing....if he had left the country under an assumed name, I still would imagine he'd have to have some sort of ID....I haven't been on a domestic flight in a while, and have had a passport....

I'm leaning towards this latest being a sick hoax.....but time will tell.

http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-10-08-0006.html

New Clues Or Sick Jokes In Shaffer Case?
 
Wednesday, Oct 08, 2008 - 09:01 AM Updated: 10:42 AM
COLUMBUS, Ohio --
New clues are surfacing surrounding the mysterious disappearance of OSU medical student Brian Shaffer. But are these new leads someone’s idea of a sick joke?
 
Brian has been missing for over two years. Last month his father, Randy Shaffer, died from a fallen tree branch in the severe wind storm that hit Central Ohio. His untimely death prompted an email message from someone claiming to be Brian and sent from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
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.
 
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.

Thanks Nut...Sounding like a really sick joke! Really sick!

Wonder if they were able to trace the tip?

that is awful.  There are some sick, twisted folks out there....

I was thinking of Brian today and thought I'd search around and see what I could find.  These aren't new but at least they are from 2009.

http://media.www.thelantern.com/media/storage/paper333/news/2009/04/13/Campus/Is.Brian.Shaffer.Alive-3707043.shtml

Is Brian Shaffer alive?
Missing med student might be alive, attorney says; brother suspects best friend has knowledge of incident that happened three years ago
Drew Sullivan
Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Campus
PrintEmail Article Tools Page 1 of 1 An attorney believes that an Ohio State medical student who has been missing for more than three years is alive, he told a private investigator in an e-mail.

Brian Shaffer has been missing since April 1, 2006. He was last seen on surveillance video outside the Ugly Tuna Saloona on the South Campus Gateway at 1:55 that morning. One of the last people to see Shaffer that night was William "Clint" Florence, one of Shaffer's best friends.

Attorney Neil Rosenberg represents Florence, who has refused at least two requests to take polygraph tests during the investigation of Shaffer's disappearance. Florence is the only person who has refused to take a polygraph, said Kevin Miles, director of the Central Ohio Crime Stoppers.

Private investigator Don Corbett, who has worked on the case for free for the Shaffer family, said Florence refused his request to take a polygraph as recently as last September. Corbett said Florence also refused a police request to take a polygraph soon after Shaffer went missing. The Columbus Division of Police did not respond to phone calls last week seeking comment about Florence's refusal to take a polygraph.

In the e-mail he sent to Corbett on Sept. 22, 2008, Rosenberg said: "If Brian is alive, which is what I'm led to believe after speaking with the detective involved, then it is Brian, and not Clint who is causing his family pain and hardship. Brian should come forward and end this."

Rosenberg said last week in a phone interview that as far as he is concerned the case is closed, and he declined to comment about the investigation or the e-mail he sent to Corbett.

In an e-mail last week, Florence said: "While I appreciate any effort in trying to determine what happened to Brain [sic] that night, I must decline your request. ANY and ALL questions you have for me should be directed to my attorney, Neil Rosenberg."

Florence, 32, works for the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Vanderbilt University Medical School, where he is a postdoctoral fellow, according to a Vanderbilt Web site.

Corbett said he doesn't know which detective Rosenberg was referring to in the e-mail. However, he believes it is one of three men at Columbus Police: detective Andre Edwards of the Physical Child Abuse Section, Sgt. John Hurst of the Physical Abuse Section and Deputy Chief Antone Lanata of the Investigative Subdivision.

All three did not respond to repeated requests last week for an interview about whether they told Rosenberg they believe Shaffer is still alive.

Rosenberg also said in his e-mail to Corbett that, "The only burning issue with the authorities remains Clint's refusal to be polygraphed. That decision was based on my recommendation and advise [sic] to Clint, not because he is, has been misleading or has something to hide, but that he simply has nothing new to tell and was totally up front and honest with them from the beginning. As far as Clint is concerned, this matter is closed."

In a telephone interview Friday, Meredith Reed, a friend of both Shaffer and Florence who was with them that night, said she took and passed a polygraph about a month after Shaffer disappeared.

She said she assumes the Columbus Police asked her to take the test.

In fact, everyone who was asked to take a polygraph passed it, Miles said.

But not everyone who knew Brian or who had seen him the night he went missing was asked to take a polygraph.

The last time Shaffer was seen on surveillance video outside the Ugly Tuna Saloona he was with two women, Brightan Zatko and Amber Ruic. Ruic said in a phone interview Friday that she was never asked to take a polygraph.

Brian's brother, Derek, is the last surviving member of the immediate family. His father, Randy, died on Sept. 14, 2008, when a tree limb fell on him outside his house during a windstorm. Derek's mother died of cancer three weeks before Brian went missing.

In a phone interview last week, Derek Shaffer said he was not asked to take a polygraph but that his father took and passed one. Derek Shaffer also said he thinks it's odd that Clint has refused to take any polygraphs.

"As soon as the detective started getting involved, that's when he pretty much had no contact with anybody," Derek Shaffer said. "I've always thought he definitely knows something - just won't come forward with it.

"If Brian did take off somewhere, if that is the case, we just always had a strong feeling that Clint would possibly know that."

Shaffer's girlfriend at the time, Alexis Waggoner, also thinks Florence knows something he doesn't want to tell. But her opinion regarding Shaffer's whereabouts now is different than Derek's.

"I don't think he's alive," Waggoner said. "I can't imagine he would have just done that."

Alexis Waggoner's father, Tom Waggoner, participated in the search for Shaffer in 2006. During that period he became acquainted with Florence.

"The gist of my perspective on Clint Florence is that I think that basically all roads to making any progress on the case on Brian Shaffer lead through Clint Florence," Tom Waggoner said.

http://www.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/crime/article/without_a_trace_shaffer_missing_3_years_now/14506/

Without A Trace: Shaffer Missing 3 Years

By Laurie Omness

Published: April 6, 2009

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Police have investigated and re-investigated, but three years after 27-year-old OSU medical student Brian Shaffer was last seen at the Ugly Toona Saloona bar, detectives have no idea where he is. 

The case still is considered an active case but puzzles all who look at it.

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers’ Kevin Miles told NBC 4’s Matt Alvarez Shaffer still is considered a missing person. 

“It’s still in missing persons. It’s not in homicide,“ Miles said. 

If Shaffer were to turn up tomorrow, he’d find the landscape of his life changed in the three years since he disappeared: His mother died of cancer shortly before his disappearance. His father, who spearheaded a constant and widespread effort to keep his son’s name in the public eye, was killed in the September 2008 wind storm. A branch fell on Randy Shaffer.

Crime Stoppers continues to offer the $25,000 reward for information on Shaffer’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information about on Shaffer was encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 614-645-TIPS or visit StopCrime.org to e-mail your tip. You also can text a tip to CRIMES keyword CMH.

Crime Stoppers does not use caller ID or record telephone conversations. A special coding system protects the identity of the caller.

Police Downplay Connection Between Missing OSU Student, Web Message
Wednesday,  October 8, 2008 3:40 PM
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Investigators on Tuesday said that an Internet message pertaining to a missing Ohio State medical appeared to be a hoax.

Brian Shaffer disappeared on April 1, 2006 from the Ugly Tuna Saloona, located near the Ohio State campus.

Shaffer, a second-year medical student at Ohio State, went to the bar to celebrate the beginning of spring break with several of his friends when he disappeared.

Last month, Shaffer's father, Randy Shaffer, died when a tree fell on him outside his home. Three days after his death, someone posted a message on Web site in memory of Randy Shaffer that read, "Dad, I love you, Brian," from the U.S. Virgin Islands, 10TV News reported.

According to police, the Internet message did not originate from a computer in the U.S Virgin Islands, but rather from a public access computer located in Franklin County.

Investigators did not say specifically where the computer was located, but the facility does not require people to log in, leaving very little chance for authorities to learn who posted the message.
http://www.10tv.com/live/content/local/stories/2008/10/08/story_shaffer.html?sid=102

BRIAN SHAFFER~STILL MISSING

Wed, Mar 31 2010 | 0 Comments
The Search for Brian Shaffer Continues
Posted In Featured Crimes

April 1, 2010, marks the 4th year since the disappearance of Brian Shaffer who was last seen at the Ugly Tuna Saloona near the OSU campus on April 1, 2006.Central Ohio Crime Stoppers would like to remind the public that the search for Brian Shaffer continues. There is a reward for up to $25,500 for any information leading to the whereabouts of Brian. Any questions, please contact Kevin Miles, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers, at 614-206-6315.
http://stopcrime.org/?p=3168

Seems like just yesterday I was posting on the 3rd year.  I hope you can come home soon Brian!

PEACE4 THE MISSING

A Community Network Dedicated To Missing & Abused Persons Awareness and Support
Home
About Peace4Peace4 MembersPeace4 TalkRadio ShowMy PageForumBlogsGroups
EncouragementEventsPhotosVideosNamUsBilly's Law
 All Blog PostsMy BlogAdd a Blog Post Pearl Jam dedicates song to missing Brian ShafferPosted by Maureen-Peace4 Admin on May 7, 2010 at 11:09pm
View Maureen-Peace4 Admin's blog
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers Brian Shaffer missing Ohio student [med student] was a Big fan of Pearl Jam. On May 6, 2010, Pearl Jam, in Columbus Ohio dedicated there [their] song Come Back. Brian Shaffer Missing 2006. www.findbrianshaffer.com

http://vimeo.com/11564675"">Pearl Jam - Come Back (Columbus 2010... from Crime Stoppers on http://vimeo.com"">Vimeo.

Thank you to Pearl Jam for doing this even though it made me cry!

 

Brian Shaffer Missing Ohio State Medical Student

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz50sB89uG8

http://www.findbrianshaffer.com/

 ::crymonkey2::