33 yo Leanne Hecht Bearden Missing Since 1/17/14

[texasmom]

Did anyone ever think that backpack might have had money in it left over from their world travels?  JMO

Josh says it had the power bars and a couple small items in it.

http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583812#msg1583812

Josh Bearden We hiked enchanted rock the week before and the power bars were in it with a couple of small items. Other than that it was empty. That might have been why she took it. I've gone through all of her clothes and I don't think she could have taken much with her. Also, I was upstairs working on the computer and she went out the garage which is downstairs so I don't know exactly what she grabbed. The problem I'm having is although we were together all the time on our trip we left a lot of clothes at my parents house before we left. I'm having trouble identifying what we left two years ago but I know she couldn't have taken much.
about an hour ago

[yuknomenot]

Did anyone ever think that backpack might have had money in it left over from their world travels?  JMO

Josh says it had the power bars and a couple small items in it.

http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583812#msg1583812

Josh Bearden We hiked enchanted rock the week before and the power bars were in it with a couple of small items. Other than that it was empty. That might have been why she took it. I've gone through all of her clothes and I don't think she could have taken much with her. Also, I was upstairs working on the computer and she went out the garage which is downstairs so I don't know exactly what she grabbed. The problem I'm having is although we were together all the time on our trip we left a lot of clothes at my parents house before we left. I'm having trouble identifying what we left two years ago but I know she couldn't have taken much.
about an hour ago

To add to the discrepancies in the backpack story, grace-land's post here http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583628#msg1583628 has Josh stating that the backpack was full of power bars:

2) a bag full of powerbars.  It's missing from the home.  This is what they ate when they were on the vacation.
 

Also a note on drones, I ran across this http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583545#msg1583545 looking for the above:
 

Leosh Bearden said...

    Also, while you're pounding out emails "Trying to help" could you ask for some drones to search the area. We've been trying to get those and haven't gotten any response. Thanks in advance.
    January 29, 2014 at 3:14 AM

 
This seemed odd to me because of this post by you texasmom http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583415#msg1583415

Can Drones Help Find Leanne Bearden?

Posted Monday, January 27th 2014 @ 1pm  by Jim Forsyth

Drones may be the next step in the frustrating search for Leanne Bearden, who left her in laws home in Garden Ridge January 17th and has not been seen since.

Following a massive search Saturday using trained search teams, helicopters and hundreds of volunteers and led by the Texas Rangers, Garden Ridge Police said since there is no evidence that a crime was committed, police will not lead any more searches, although they will continue to receive and follow up on any leads they receive.

But Frank Black of Texas EquiSearch, a respected search and rescue group, says drones may be the answer.

“We have offered them the use of an unmanned aircraft to photograph the areas and see if she might be out in any of those areas,” Black told 1200 WOAI news.
 

Notice the dates, could very well be a backtracking cya type thing.

[texasmom]

Did anyone ever think that backpack might have had money in it left over from their world travels?  JMO

Josh says it had the power bars and a couple small items in it.

http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583812#msg1583812

Josh Bearden We hiked enchanted rock the week before and the power bars were in it with a couple of small items. Other than that it was empty. That might have been why she took it. I've gone through all of her clothes and I don't think she could have taken much with her. Also, I was upstairs working on the computer and she went out the garage which is downstairs so I don't know exactly what she grabbed. The problem I'm having is although we were together all the time on our trip we left a lot of clothes at my parents house before we left. I'm having trouble identifying what we left two years ago but I know she couldn't have taken much.
about an hour ago

To add to the discrepancies in the backpack story, grace-land's post here http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583628#msg1583628 has Josh stating that the backpack was full of power bars:

2) a bag full of powerbars.  It's missing from the home.  This is what they ate when they were on the vacation.
 

Also a note on drones, I ran across this http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583545#msg1583545 looking for the above:
 

Leosh Bearden said...

    Also, while you're pounding out emails "Trying to help" could you ask for some drones to search the area. We've been trying to get those and haven't gotten any response. Thanks in advance.
    January 29, 2014 at 3:14 AM

 
This seemed odd to me because of this post by you texasmom http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=15048.msg1583415#msg1583415

Can Drones Help Find Leanne Bearden?

Posted Monday, January 27th 2014 @ 1pm  by Jim Forsyth

Drones may be the next step in the frustrating search for Leanne Bearden, who left her in laws home in Garden Ridge January 17th and has not been seen since.

Following a massive search Saturday using trained search teams, helicopters and hundreds of volunteers and led by the Texas Rangers, Garden Ridge Police said since there is no evidence that a crime was committed, police will not lead any more searches, although they will continue to receive and follow up on any leads they receive.

But Frank Black of Texas EquiSearch, a respected search and rescue group, says drones may be the answer.

“We have offered them the use of an unmanned aircraft to photograph the areas and see if she might be out in any of those areas,” Black told 1200 WOAI news.
 

Notice the dates, could very well be a backtracking cya type thing.

   I'd noticed that too yuknomenot.

Not sure how sophisticated these are (maybe just for thermal imaging?), but from what I gathered from these posts; some had been used in the search before Josh posted that as well.  The location of the company (business card in one of the pictures) is in San Antonio.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151997473303591&set=vb.678608590&type=2&theater

Video

Chris Busch
Follow · January 23 ·
Drone Tech
Bringing in some technology to help. Trying drones with thermal imaging.

https://www.facebook.com/redassag94/posts/10151997473908591

(Photo album with a few more pictures)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151997473603591&set=pcb.10151997473908591&type=1&permPage=1




https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151997473728591&set=pcb.10151997473908591&type=1



http://siteindustries.com/multirotors/

Assassin Fly offers sUAV that are ready to fly (RTF) built with the best quality parts in the market. We at Assassin Fly will build a custom copter that is tailored to the customers’ needs with the best possible price. These multi-rotor copters are designed to be light weight and rugged with the arms made out of carbon fiber. We also had portability in mind when we designed our copters by making the arms re-tractable so that it can be stored in a case. Our copters can be upgradable with gimbal systems for a FLIR thermal camera, SLR, GoPros. Live video feed is transmitted to the ground station when the copter is in action. We also offer autopilot in our copters with programable point of interest. For more information visit our Assassin Fly.

http://assassinfly.com/

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224900087701651

Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden
There have been a few recent sightings of someone that meets Leanne's description in different locations in Austin. Austin friends - please keep your eyes open and we would appreciate your help with flyer distribution if you can! Here is the link to the flyers (in both English and Spanish). Also, if you do think you see her, please take a picture and contact the private investigator at 210-826-4052 or charliepi@sbcglobal.net or local police. Thank you for your help!
2 hours ago ·

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224956757695984

Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden
No sightings have been confirmed in Austin at this point. Many of you wonderful friends have offered to continue to pass out flyers and share Leanne's story - THANK YOU! Again, if you see her, best to try and take a picture and contact local police immediately or call the private investigator- 210-826-4052.

A link to the recent article on the effort in Austin today.
http://kxan.com/2014/02/05/search-for-missing-woman-shifts-to-austin/
about a minute ago ·

[texasmom]

http://kxan.com/2014/02/05/search-for-missing-woman-shifts-to-austin/

Search for missing woman shifts to Austin
By Omar Lewis Updated: Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 9:59 pm Published: Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 8:51 pm

AUSTIN (KXAN) — As the search for a woman who disappeared in Comal County two weeks ago continues, her story is now gaining national attention.

Leanne Bearden, 33, went for a walk on Jan. 17 while visiting her in-laws in Garden Ridge, and never came back.

On Wednesday, the family brought their search 60 miles north to Austin, handing out flyers and looking for answers.

The family says they aren’t ruling out any possibilities and are unsure whether she was kidnapped, or left on her own. However, they say the received several tips from people saying they spotted Bearden in Austin.

Leanne’s husband, Josh, hired a private investigator and since then several calls have come in from people saying they saw Leanne panhandling in the city.

Upon hearing the news, Josh and his father packed up and hit the road to search for her, passing out flyers at The Arch downtown. Then they moved on to Sixth Street before looking in West Campus.

Garden Ridge police and Texas Search and Rescue teams have since stopped their ground and helicopter searches after finding no foul play.

Josh Bearden also said he recently noticed his hiking backpack was missing after Leanne’s disappearance, leading him to believe she may have taken it to survive off protein bars that were inside of the bag.

Leanne and Josh returned from a two-year world traveling trip not too long ago and he says she may have had some anxiety about returning to her normal life.

“Maybe she went to go clear her head, but I still have to think she would’ve gotten a hold of her family, her best friend…anybody,” Josh said.

 

[grace-land]

http://www.ksat.com/news/facebook-post-reports-possible-sightings-of-leanne-bearden/-/478452/24323938/-/12a31vy/-/index.html

Facebook post reports possible sightings of Leanne Bearden
Published On: Feb 06 2014 04:44:18 AM CST   Updated  26 m

SAN ANTONIO - 
It has been almost three weeks since Leanne Bearden, 33, disappeared from a Comal County home and part of the search effort has now shifted to the Austin area.

A Facebook post on a page created to help find Bearden stated Wednesday, "There have been a few recent sightings of someone that meets Leanne's description in different locations in Austin."

Family members have been searching the area, but officials said no sightings have been confirmed in Austin as of Wednesday night.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden

Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden 2 hours ago

A statement from Megan Spicer (Leanne's dear friend):

 Since many of you don't know Leanne, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about her. She dances and sings at the drop of a hat without the fear most of us have- probably doesn't hurt that she's amazing at it:). She laughs a lot and really hard. She has seen a lot of the world and isn't scared of it and sees the beauty in it. She is so smart and resilient- nothing is beyond her realm of possibility. But above all- she loves and takes care of others. Everyone is a friend to her- everyone. There is nothing she wouldn't do for her friends. She'll call you days in advance of your birthday just to be sure she doesn't miss it. If her friends are going through hard times- she will do everything in her power to make it better. We need to do the same for her now. We just need to know she's ok- that's all. Thank you so much for your help.
--------------
Michael Hecht Thank you Megan for the beautiful comments about
our baby Leanne Prayer for her safe return she is all that you said and more

Mike and Jo Hecht (Leanne's parents)
28 · about an hour ago

[grace-land]

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Global-couch-surfing-network-now-part-of-5211152.php

Global 'couch surfing' network now part of Bearden search
February 6, 2014 : Updated: February 6, 2014 8:50pm

SAN ANTONIO — Leanne Bearden's family didn't tell officials that the couple used a worldwide “couch surfing” network frequently before she disappeared in January because they didn't think it would yield results, they said. But investigators, who expanded their search to Austin on Thursday, said it might.

The missing 33-year-old woman and her husband, Josh, traveled the world for two years before she went missing from his parents' Garden Ridge home on Jan. 17. They were couch surfers, her husband said Thursday, and used a global web-based social network of people who offer their homes as free places to stay. There are more than 3,000 registered members in San Antonio.

Josh Bearden said the couple shared a profile on the site CouchSurfing.org and that he has checked for activity on the account to “see if she was planning some sort of escape.”

The last log in the couples' profile, from a user called Colorado Bear, was on Dec. 5, in San Francisco. Bearden said he doesn't think his missing wife could be using the network to travel.

“I wish it was that easy; I've already looked at (the couch surfing network) and everybody we met through it has been accounted for,” he said. “Unfortunately, I just don't think that's the case.”

He said Thursday that he didn't notify Charlie Parker, the San Antonio-based private investigator who has been hired by the family, of the couple's history with CouchSurfing.org.

Parker said knowing about it could have been helpful while searching. “Everything about the case is important; we aren't going to pass on anything,” Parker said. “But I don't believe she's using that” because she left without a computer.
 
Since her disappearance, the family has held or scheduled at least seven fundraisers around the world, including in Australia.

Joe Saejw of Denver posted on the Facebook event page that a Jan. 24 fundraiser in Denver raised $16,000.

A PayPal account, which allows anonymous donations to an online account, has been set up to raise money for the search, and an online post for a fundraiser says “all unused funds will be donated to help find other missing persons.” Leanne Bearden's sister and sister-in-law are in charge of the account, Josh Bearden said.

There have been two fundraisers in Denver and one in Roswell, Ga., and one is planned Friday in Melbourne, Australia, and two are planned for Garden Ridge, Josh Bearden said. The fundraiser in Melbourne was organized by a friend the couple met couch surfing, according to an event page on CouchSurfing.org.

A detective for the Austin Police Department is assisting the family and Parker in the search in Austin, the private investigator said. Volunteer search teams and helicopters have been deployed in San Antonio.

“Hopefully, we'll come up with something soon,” Josh Bearden said. “We're very happy the cops are working with us because they can cover the area quickly and effectively.”
 

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/225636960961297?comment_id=471559&offset=0&total_comments=8

Jeanie Lynn Hi Josh, Just wondering, where the dogs lost her scent, are there any houses around there?
2 hours ago · Edited

Josh Bearden I think more probable is that she crossed the street. This was the day of the official search and we were told to stop so we didn't contaminate the search scene. We hired the bloodhound on our own. The police have been so great and I want the focus to stay on Leanne so that's all I'll say. She was spotted on the other side of the street by the second person about a third of a mile east and by the third about 2 miles further east from there.
2 hours ago

Jeanie Lynn Thanks so much, I didn't know there was a street to cross at that point. Hoping today will be the day you find her.
2 hours ago


https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/225636960961297?comment_id=471613&offset=0&total_comments=8

Christi Simone Nail You said she crossed the street. Was this her usual route when taking a walk? Or did she usually walk a trail in that area?
about an hour ago

Josh Bearden This was not a usual route. We walked everyday but almost always together when the weather was nice. Our walks were always different routes because we liked to see different things. Our walks were usually 2 hours or more. When the weather was cold we would go to the little local neighborhood gym down the street to run on the treadmill or play racquetball.
about an hour ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027275381949&set=o.216516241873369&type=1

Josh Bearden
FINALLY got our computer back.
Leanne MAY HAVE been wearing these sunglasses taken the week before at Enchanted Rock. — with Leanne Hecht Bearden.
3 hours ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027287062241&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

One of the last photos of Leanne at Enchanted Rock the weekend before. Note the shoes and especially the shoe laces.
3 hours ago





https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027622630630&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

Close up of shoes. Note the shoelaces.




https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027949318797&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

One more close up of the shoes.




https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203028057761508&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

Closest picture I can find to Leanne "not smiling" — with Leanne Hecht Bearden.

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027297742508&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

Times Expedition watch with a Kavu brand band. I can't find any photos of the band.




https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027553788909&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

I think the watch band looks like this or similar.

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203027291982364&set=o.216516241873369&type=1&permPage=1

Josh Bearden posted on Our Friend Leanne Hecht Bearden

My backpack. Please note: the lock was NOT on the backpack as I threw it away when we got home.

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/225638024294524

Josh Bearden
Sorry, one last thing and then I'll stop. This couchsurfing article from yesterday is a dead end. Do not fall for bad reporting. We/she didn't log onto Couchsurfing once we got home. While I think it's a great idea to let the couchsurfing community know about her because there are a lot of us out there this is not the answer. I won't say don't follow up on any leads but this is a reporter trying to create a story, nothing more.
3 hours ago

Josh Bearden Let me retract a little from this. If somebody finds that Leanne created another profile let us know. Highly doubtful but all options have to be open.
2 hours ago

Tracey Tavolacci Hecht Even if she didn't use her account she could have created a new one at some point so maybe just an email or flyer to everyone in the couch surfing community so they are aware if she does contact them for a place to stay?
about an hour ago

Josh Bearden I wrote them and will send flyers to CSers in the area.
about an hour ago

Josh Bearden Trust me, this is a dead end and not worth our time. There are lots of amateur detectives looking at this kind of stuff so I'm sure we'll know about it. I think there's a higher chance of Leanne being in Sochi right now than her having a secret couchsurfing account.
about an hour ago
   

Mary Thomas Ross Josh, of the three possible Austin sightings..did any of them mention that her was cut different or a different color?
about an hour ago · Edited

Josh Bearden No, not yet. If any of us do hear of this we'll post it ASAP. Thanks!
2 hours ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/225636724294654

Josh Bearden
Another note with the rings. She had her engagement ring, wedding band, and another band exactly the same as the wedding band that I bought her for our one-year anniversary. So THREE rings total. I think the rings have already been posted.
3 hours ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224889071036086

Sarah Jenke
I am wondering about something .. when Leanne and Josh were travelling, did they used to hitchhike? Is it possible she went to the highway to catch a lift somewhere because while travelling hitching had become a common mode of getting around for her?
February 5 at 3:21pm

Josh Bearden Hi Sarah, we did hitchhike on the road but both agreed it was crazy to hitchhike in the US where it's considered to be dangerous. With that being said, anything is possible and definitely something we've thought about.
February 5 at 10:16pm

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224889071036086

Sarah Jenke
I am wondering about something .. when Leanne and Josh were travelling, did they used to hitchhike? Is it possible she went to the highway to catch a lift somewhere because while travelling hitching had become a common mode of getting around for her?
February 5 at 3:21pm

Josh Bearden Hi Sarah, we did hitchhike on the road but both agreed it was crazy to hitchhike in the US where it's considered to be dangerous. With that being said, anything is possible and definitely something we've thought about.
February 5 at 10:16pm

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/225504340974559

Scarlett Scarpetta
Josh, Is there any chance she would have hitchhiked with someone? I know you were both having a great adventure, Taking rides from strangers abroad and walking all over. Is there a chance she would have taken a ride to go somewhere to hike, shop, eat??? Praying today is the day you find her. Each day I pray the same..
7 hours ago

Josh Bearden Everything is a possibility at this time.
6 hours ago

Mum Gran Jan maybe when the blood hound lost the scent of leanne-someone picked her up at the spot that the bloodhound couldnt pick up her scent anymore! if thats the case then its not good with whoever "may have" picked her up...i sure hope that the P.I. comes up with something and finds her hopefully alive! my prayers are with you josh and family of leanne!
5 hours ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224759767715683

Sally Holmes
The lack of information and contradictory information, with reason, fuels an inchoate suspicion. Leave no stone unturned (no question unanswered). What do we know about the days and weeks prior to Leanne leaving? The media reported Leanne and Josh travelled the world for 22 months and after their return, Leanne was having difficulty adjusting and feeling anxious. What country did they last visit? Was her travel plan carried out to the fullest? Where was her most favorable stay while travelling? A favorable place where a friend may come to her aide? What date did they return to the U.S.? Where in the U.S. did they land? When did they arrive in San Antonio? Where did they celebrate the holidays, Christmas and New Years? How were the following days spent, after New Years and prior to her leaving? The media reported Mr. and Mrs. Will Bearden had been out of town and returned the day Leanne was reported missing. What were the dates of their absence? When did Leanne begin to exhibit difficulties adjusting? Feeling anxious? The media reported should length hair. When did she change her hairstyle? Is there a time where she may have pawned her wedding rings in advance of her leaving? Enlighten us please Josh Bearden.
February 5 at 6:49am

 

Josh Bearden 1. Columbia 2. No, we were supposed to head to Denver on Tuesday but Leanne disappeared on Friday. 3. Southeast Asia and Africa but she doesn't have her passport 4. All friends are accounted for including the ones we met traveling. 5. December 17 6. Miami connecting to Atlanta for 6 days 7.December 23rd 8. San Antonio 9. Searching for jobs and getting things lined up to go to Denver 10.They were gone Saturday and returned Friday 11. Two weeks before coming home she became very anxious and scared of coming back. I actually think she didn't want to come back but she still doesn't have her passport. It would have been impossible to get a passport in that amount of time. SHE IS IN THE US. Do not believe anything that states otherwise. 12.Yes 13. She got her haircut in Atlanta with her sister when we got back 14. No.
19 hours ago

[texasmom]

https://www.facebook.com/ourfriendleannehechtbearden/posts/224056461119347?comment_id=466248&offset=0&total_comments=3

Scarlett Scarpetta Thanks Josh. Please know we are all praying hard for Leanne, trying to figure out what to do to help find her. I just feel like it could be something little that finds her. Was there anything else in the backpack that may help find her? Anything of value? That could be sold, Or pawned or identified?
February 4 at 8:19am

Josh Bearden She could have pawned her rings if she wanted to. Some of the smaller items in the backpack are being kept secret as a form of identifier.
19 hours ago