http://blogs.denverpost.com/westernslope/2011/02/22/still-no-clues-in-30-yr-old-cedaredge-disappearance/34/

Lori

The Cedaredge High School senior class motto was “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” The wrestling team was named District Champs. It was the last year of the Cubs and the last time anyone saw Roger Ellison alive.

Roger boarded a school bus on February 10, 1981 that took him to Cedaredge High School in western Colorado at the foot of Grand Mesa National Forest. He got off the bus and walked south to his locker, No. 191 in the school’s basement, where he talked with friends while putting his books away.

He didn’t attend classes that day and vanished without a trace.

Roger’s case is classified as a non family abduction. He was 17 years old at the time of his disappearance. His age today would be 47. He’s 5’ll” tall and weighs 145 pounds. He has blue eyes and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a light blue parka, blue jeans and brown leather ankle top boots.

In 2005, Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee told the Delta County Independent newspaper that he believes Roger was killed shortly after his disappearance. His body has never been found. McKee said he believes they’ve talked to people who know what happened, but theorizes that some of the witnesses are reluctant to speak out due to their own involvement in illegal activity which may or may not be connected to Roger’s disappearance.

Even though it’s been 30 years since Roger disappeared, it’s not too late to come forward with information that could crack the case. Contact the Delta County Sheriff’s Office at 970.874.2000.

Lori

Delta County school district officials are moving forward with plans to turn the old Cedaredge High School building into an elementary school.

A September groundbreaking is planned.

The renovation will be quite comprehensive, according to school district officials.

It will involve the older sections of the school as well as the addition of new classroom space.

The final design has not been made public.

The historic brick school building dates back to 1920. It was the former high school of Roger Ellison who vanished from the area on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1981.  

Lori

The case involves the 1995 disappearance of Kristina Sandoval who worked as a nurse at a Greeley, Colo., hospital. Co-workers reported that Sandoval arranged to meet her estranged husband to settle a debt. An eyewitness saw Sandoval leave the hospital after her 7:30 a.m. shift on the morning of October 19, 1995. A co-worker described Sandoval as nervous about the meeting and said she didn’t want to go, according to an arrest warrant affidavit – you can read the affidavit here: http://www.9news.com/pdfs/Sandoval%20arrest%20UPDATED.pdf.

Sandoval went missing and was never seen again. Her estranged husband is charged with her murder. The case goes to trial in Greeley on July 12.

Many people wrongly assume that a murder case can’t be prosecuted without a body. 

Thomas A. Dibiase, a former Washington D.C. Assistant United States Attorney, tracks ‘no body’ homicides. His website lists nearly 300 ‘no body’ murder trials in the United States, including that of Cindy Booth. The 14-year old girl disappeared from her Delta, Colo., home in 1993 while riding her bike. Eugene Marvin Smith was successfully prosecuted for Booth’s murder and sentenced to 48 years, according to Dibiase’s website. Delta County is the same county where Roger Ellison disappeared on Feb. 10, 1981.

Check out Dibiase’s website to read more about ‘no body’ investigative techniques and prosecution of cases at http://www.nobodymurdercases.com/.

 Lori

For full coverage of the Sandoval murder case, click on the link: http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20100716/NEWS/100719765

Comment:  “I dont know if you were responsible for Roger Ellison’s disaperance,but I do know that you used your position of trust and psychology to manipulate certain students. (even if they were wanting to be a part of your life)  They trusted that you had their best interest in your thoughts and that they were special.  Isnt that what you wanted?  You took no heed that your actions   might have side effects.
People can use their knowledge for or against or for their own personal wants.  We all have things we need to ask forgiveness for and I do beleive you  have a consequence now or later.”

Comment:  “I was in 7th grade at the time Roger disapeared.  It impacted my older sibling, who was one of those teenagers meeting at Mr. Pash’s house.
 Who knew that 3 1/2 years later I would be a victim of his “so called” counseling.  Yes their was definitely drug use, drinking, and under age sex going on. I know because I was there.  He cannot deny it!
It took me a few years after it happened to realize what happened and that it wasnt my doing. I was just a kid with low self esteem and thats exactly the kind of kids he preyed upon.
Unfortunately highschools are filled with them. A great hunting ground for someone like Mr. Pash.
I am doing great now.  I have a lot of confidence and hardly give a thought to this predator any more.  A friend of mine told me about this web site so I had to take a look.
It does trouble me and always has that this predator still teaches and is probably still abusing his power.
I did talk to investigators years ago, but unfortunately it was to late to prosecute for what was done to me. Im always hoping someone whom it is currently happening to will have the courage to talk.”

Do you have a similar story to tell? Post your comments to my blog or click on the Contact link to send me an email. I don’t need your name just your information.    

Lori

Cedaredge High School 1981

The old Cedaredge High School building is slated to undergo extensive renovation to make way for a new Cedaredge Elementary School. 

The project is expected to break ground next summer.

The $11.4 million gut job may provide new clues into Roger Ellison’s disappearance. Roger was last seen on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 1981, at his locker in the basement of the old high school.

His remains have never been found.

It’s not inconceivable to think his body could have been disposed of somewhere inside the old high school – if he was killed. One blog reader theorizes that Roger may have been buried in the crawl space under the school. An extensive chair tunnel with possible access to the crawl space is located underneath the gymnasium stairs.

Another reader suggests Roger’s body could have been disposed of in the coal boiler near his basement locker.

While there is no evidence to support either of these theories, finding Roger’s body could provide investigators with hot leads in an otherwise cold case.  

Do you think Roger’s skeletal remains are on school grounds? Post your thoughts to my blog or click on the Contact page to send in your tips.  

Lori

Hello sleuthies, I’m back

Mazama: you asked if there were other “persons of interest” named. Well, first we must explore the concept of a “person of interest”. Rather than repeat what is already stated on the web, I would suggest reading the wikipedia entry for “person of interest” and its companion article on Richard Jewell. Bottom line, it has no legal definition, and can range from a possible suspect to a material witness [someone who may have additional information]. So, if the Sheriffs Department believed the rumor that I had counseled Roger for “issues”, then that designation would fall under the idea of being a material witness rather than a suspect. But it is interesting that the sleuthies immediately chose the suspect aspect of the definition, even though the material witness aspect would have been just as possible, and more appropriate. Secondly, that term was not used until 1996; so in 1981, no persons would have been named with that label. However it might explain why [as I stated in my earlier letter] I was contacted by a detective in 1997. But as I also stated, there was never any followup in regards to the detective coming out to talk to me. Third, I was never aware of 2 unidentified persons Roger was supposedly seen talking to that morning. That was news to me when I read it on these various websites. So I cannot say that it is anything more than another rumor. The explanation given for Roger’s disappearance was that he was a runaway. I have no idea when it was redesignated as an abduction. Finally, you asked who told me about this website. That is presently irrelevant to the discussion concerning Roger.

Lori [aka coldcase1]: on your own website, you asked if I would like to tell my side of the story. OK, that would be my previous letter. Whatever I felt was within the allowable bounds of my instructions from the detective, I described. Might I suggest that you request any further information from the detective in charge of Rogers case. Or, continue reading below.

Christine2448: you said one should attack the posts, but not the posters. This seems to be a variation of the old saying “don’t shoot the messenger”. However, the 2 ideas are not comparable. The reason you don’t shoot the messenger is because that person did not write the message. However, those who post comments are the authors of the comments, and as such, are responsible for its content. This is why people can be sued for libel. and freedom of speech is not an excusable defense.

Fairy1: You wonder about the person who brought down a well-developed forum. And then leave a last message that “it’s about him, not you”. I can’t say who took down the website for however many days, but I would have to assume that it was the people who are in control of this enterprise. As you may recall on the terms of agreement, they reserve the right to edit and/or delete any comments which are posted. The fact that there are several comments which have been deleted, and my letter has been edited by deleting references to those comments, would suggest they felt it was necessary. Therefore, they were finally providing their oversight responsibility. I don’t know how long those comments publicly existed, so it may be that they had been lax in that responsibility. No matter what, the fact that comments were deleted demonstrates that people who had left comments had crossed some line of propriety. This also refutes your statement that it’s about him [Roger I assume], and not you [I take it you mean me]. If that was truly the case, then it would not have been necessary to delete anything, and those comments would still exist. But such is not the case. Your mentality is very reminiscent of similar episodes in our history. One was known as McCarthyism. It was the belief that exposing communists was so important that it allowed people to accuse whomever they chose, for whatever reason, and were above reproach. But nothing gives license to say anything you want and not be accountable. I have never seen any statistics which can verify how many cases have been solved through these websites, but then I have never seen any statistics which shows how many innocent people have been disparaged and the impact it has had on their lives. If the populace is truly unfettered in comment, then we can devolve into another Salem Witch Hunt. You might benefit from also reading about Richard Jewell. It also reminds me of the Duke lacrosse team being accused of rape. And they were actually specified as suspects. Do you remember all the people who marched outside the college house they lived in, the signs they carried, the threats they made? And yet, when it was finally acknowledged that the rape accusation was false, did any of those same people march outside with a sign apologizing for their behavior and comments? No. Why not? Because they are above repraoch and on a path created by good intentions? As I stated in my earlier letter, we all know where that path leads. And this weekend, it has been reported about the girl who was abducted in 1991, and has been found. It has also been stated that her stepfather was specified as a suspect, and he had to live with that accusation all these years. Do you think any of the people who disparaged him have contacted him and apologized? I doubt it.

And finally:

silver1sb: the comments you have placed are rather puzzling to me. A person doesn’t have to be trained in psychology to raise these questions. According to other websites [Finding Roger Ellison and The Charley Project], it is the firm belief for both you and your brother that I am involved. And yet, you do not reply to the issues I raised. Your lack of reply is curious to say the least. That seems odd given how adamant the earlier statements were made to appear. But what is even more puzzling is your lack of comment concerning the assignment that I gave the detective. Wouldn’t it be normal to ask that I tell you [privately if necessary] what was written by Roger? Unless of course, you already know what was written. And I find it rather odd to think that the detective would keep such information from the siblings, especially after the passing of the parents. Plus the written comments made by Roger on that assignment, and what the detective learned, gives understanding to the comments posted by Chief79 concerning misinformation about his life, why things are never what they seem, and finally what Roger may have been looking for. So if this is truly about Roger, wouldn’t it behoove you to provide that information? It would give more insight into the case and his life. So please provide the public with the most accurate information possible. It may be invaluable in helping to understand the events, provide a direction that is more realistic, and solve this case quicker.

Well sleuthies, I am done. I will occassionally return to see how you all are doing. I hope to someday read that Roger was found and his life is going well. But keep in mind, this is not a game. Yes, the missing person is the focus, but when you start publicly pointing a finger at someone, that person becomes a focus, and the posting of any rumors can have a substantial impact on that person. That too is a micarriage of justice. And if you are all about justice as you claim, then I would think you would be extra diligent before posting comments. You do not get “brownie points”, gain weapons, nor move to the next level for such rumors. Finally, you are not above reproach. This type of forum tends to be participated in by like-minded people which creates a mindset known as “groupthink” [I have actually been able to learn some things myself in teaching psychology]. What this does is eliminate critical evaluation which may be necessary. True believers cannot abide with any questions which raise the possibility that they may be wrong, or excessive, in their approach. So once again I must say, no matter how well-intentioned your goals may be [and I do believe such forums are necessary], it does not excuse one’s statements, nor actions.

JPash

Post your thoughts to my blog. -– Lori

A preliminary dental comparison shows that the unidentified John Doe is not a match with Roger Ellison, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.

DNA test results are still pending.

Dental records from a forensic exam conducted in 1986 on unidentified human remains found in a wooded area near Clear Creek in northern Chaffee County were compared to Ellison’s dental records.

“I took it to a local dentist … and he said that is absolutely not the same,” said Chaffee County Det. Sgt. Andy Rohrich.

Click on the Breaking News tab to read the full story.

Lori

I would like to offer you a chance to tell your side of the story regarding Roger Ellison’s disappearance.

I read your comments on Websleuths, and quite honestly, some of your statements conflict with information I’ve gathered on the case.

If you are interested in talking with me, click on the Contact link to send me an email. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached.

Lori

Hello Sleuthies

First, we need to make sure all accusations have been stated, and unfortunately you have missed a few:
1] that I was a communist agent, employed by Moscow, to use the educational system to destroy my students’ patriotism for the US;
2] that I was an atheist, in league with the Devil, to bring about the destruction of Christianity;
3] that my belief that America’s racial/ethnic minorities and gays should be accorded all the respect and rights as White Americans would “mongrelize” America’s culture and lead to the end of American civilization as we know it.
Interestingly, before I moved [for personal, familial, and professional reasons] I was invited to dinner by a very well respected Christian family. As we finished eating, the husband said he understood what I had had to endure. He did not apologize for those things [and I did not expect him to, nor ask him to], but said that he hoped that I would understand the community and not harbor any animosity. I have tried do this, and when thinking about Cedaredge, remember positive times. I would have to say that he and his family have been one of the few examples I have met of people who truly practice their faith. Please realize, this was the era of Reagan and I made the perfect villain. You have all jumped on the bandwagon. So for the moment, extinguish the torches, put down the pitchforks, and stifle the “storm the castle’ chant.

Second, the really rude insinuations made.
1] the painting above the fireplace in the 1999 picture of my best friend and I on our high school web site [and to think that I was concerned my students might find the site and make jokes about the photo from 1969]. Oh Mysterylover, nothing gets past you, does it? Only problem, the photo was taken in the family room at my friend’s home. The painting was his wife’s, and she loved it because it reminded her of their 2 sons. The idea that you and KTCan focused on it and came up with a really disturbing interpretation may say more about you both and any internal demons you may be struggling with.
2] the same can be said in regard to Kline’s question as to whether or not I had ‘counseled’ other “pretty young boys” [ah, the gay thing]. This question was reiterated by BoyzMum. This is nothing more than being rude at the least, and vicious in its manner. I’m sure that if the 2 of you were sitting next to each other, the high-5’s and giggling would be endless. So, these detective skills you are so proud of, did you learn them in junior high school? Because you are acting like some adolescent twits.
3] to top it off, Mysterylover questions if I was ever married [ah, is this the gay thing again], but then is aghast that I have been married 4 times. I am sure you are equally aghast about Larry King, Rex Harrison, Mickey Rooney, and Tony Curtis to name but a few people who have had more marriages than me. Well, that’s how life goes sometimes. By the way, we divorced in 1995, I wouldn’t call that shortly after Roger disappeared. [Sorry about that Peridot1 and Mysterylover].

Third, the lack of real analysis of ‘what is known’:
1] Roger’s height is listed as 6’. There is a skeleton found in Chaffee County of someone who is 5’6”. OK, let’s go over this–> 6’ vs 5’6”. And yet, we have a chorus of sleuthies demanding DNA tests to determine if it is Roger. Is it a common phenomenon for a skeleton to shrink half a foot? One last time people, 6’ vs 5’6”.
2] the poachers’ story. This one is very odd. There are supposedly 2 men carrying high-powered rifles who come upon a man with a shotgun, and another person who is bound. And yet they don’t do anything about it. Why? Because they are worried they will be charged with poaching? Give me a break. And one passes a lie detector test on his death bed [so melodramatic]? And of course we all know that lie detector tests are infallible. It should be very easy to get the names of the men involved if this is a true story. Still it doesn’t make sense. The other interesting thing is that the man is reported as holding a shotgun. There are 3 shell casings found with the skeleton. Are the shell casings for a shotgun, or a rifle? Big difference. By the way, I am a strong advocate for gun control, and have never owned, nor possessed, any type of firearm. This was not a good opinion to have in a community where gun ownership and hunting is both a personal choice and an economic factor.

Fourth, the infamous ‘house of secrets’ [so melodramatic]
1] the shuttered windows. They weren’t when we lived there. We did have a framed piece of stained glass hanging within the small window frame. Since the house has been altered, I’m not sure what it looks like anymore. But on the north side, there were 3 large windows. The front of the house [facing east] had a large picture window. The south side had a large picture window in the dining area and in the living room, and a smaller window by the fireplace. So quite a few large windows [we enjoyed the sunlight].
2] digging up the yard. Talk about a waste of time and money. The only time I ever did any digging was to replace or add rose bushes, and to create foundation holes for my childrens’ swingset in the backyard [which remained when we left]. By the way, Cedaredge is roughly 6000’ or so, and we had snow on the ground well into April. So the ground is not easily dug up. It can be done, but would take an extended amount of time unless one used machinery. As for anomalies under the concrete floor of the garage, I am not even sure where that is since we did not have a garage. We had to park our car on the street in front of the house. That also brings into question the idea that there was a driveway. Next to the rock wall was an overgrown access road to permit the owner of the lot behind our house access to it. The reason it was overgrown is because it was never used by anyone.
3] the teenager in a fetal position in the crawl space. I love this one because it really lacks logic. How in God’s name [yes, I do believe in God] do you look at an imprint in dirt and determine it is of a teenager and not an adult? Again, doesn’t make sense.

Fifth, more odd accusations which just don’t add up.
1] the only way I can describe this one is my having “encounter groups” in my home. This is a total fabrication. If I did permit such a thing, I would like to think I would have added some type of historical theme to it, such as requiring dress-up in Roman-styled togas and speaking Pig Latin.
2] that I was “the go to guy” for marijuana. Again, another story which is totally fabricated. And then to imply that the police covered it up because…. they benefited somehow? Do you really want to go there? I guess you do. Please realize that freedom of speech, or clever
disclaimers at the bottom of one’s post, do not protect one from all liability. But then you have those clever user id’s and never have to worry about people knowing who you are. Anonymity is a shield for the irresponsible.

Sixth, refers to questions that should be asked, but haven’t been.
1] what was determined about reports that people saw Roger hitchhiking out of town that morning? Were these reports dismissed? In that regard, has anybody bothered to read the initial news articles concerning Rogers disappearance?
2] the alleged report that Roger was seen talking to 2 unidentified men the morning he disappeared. Was it inside the school building? Was it outside on school grounds? Was it some place else off school grounds? What time did this occur? Either way, the report that the men were unidentified would lead one to realize that these men were unknown to whoever made that report. Had I been one of those individuals, wouldn’t it be obvious that I would have been identified? However, I was in my classroom preparing to teach that day.
3] it is stated that Roger only had $3 in his wallet, and no additional clothes. This does seem odd for someone who is running away. You would think they would want to have as much money as possible, and some extra clothes. So it would initially seem that no such runaway plan was in effect. However a further understanding as to the type of bank account Roger had, and the bank’s policies regarding it may be necessary. Was it a checking or savings account. Since Roger was still a minor at the time, what was necessary in order for him to get the money? Would he have to write a check to somebody, and then ask for the money from them? Would a savings withdrawal require a second signature? Would it require parental notification?
4] the fact that Roger came to school that morning with his backpack full of books. It might be thought that he would need those books in every single class that day. Possible explanation, but not necessarily probable. As for my classes, I lectured everyday, and had them do book work in class sporadically. So why return all the books? Another possibility, and more probable, is that he knew he wouldn’t be needing them anymore, and wanted to return school property.
5] if we are going to focus on rumors, then we need to make sure we point out the initial rumors that went around. It was stated that Roger had either been kidnapped by a hippie religious cult for human sacrifice, or by a motorcycle gang that was reportedly in the area. Interestingly, it was also rumored a couple of years later that Roger had actually been found. This was supposedly achieved through a search of his social security number that found him living in Kansas and working in a gas station.

Seventh, comments by Chief79–> he acknowledges that “Mitch” was questioned, but he wasn’t. Why he wasn’t questioned is irrelevant at this point. But in knowing that he wasn’t, doesn’t mean he has no valuable information, especially in saying that there is a lot of misinformation. Does Chief79 have to explain anything to the sleuthies? No. It may be something that he doesn’t want to make public out of his regard for Roger. But he should go to the responsible law enforcement agency [Delta County Sheriffs] and provide such information. At that point, its relevance can be determined, and if deemed necessary, made public.

Eighth, focuses on my time frame. What dictates that issue is the wrestling season. It was my second year as a coach and the first of our successful seasons. The team had won the League Championship, and had won the District Tournament the previous weekend [so I was in Grand Junction the weekend preceding Roger’s disappearance]. Because of the success of many of the wrestlers, six were to go to Denver for the State Tournament that next weekend. So not only did I teach a full day everyday, but also had the usual 2 hour wrestling practice after school every day. I did not get to leave school until at least 6 pm every night. And I left for Denver that Friday, driving the team, We did not return to Cedaredge until that Sunday. These factors would now necessitate an accomplice. I would hope that we can eliminate my 3 year old daughter and 6 month old son as possible suspects. My wife was going through postpartum depression, so I think it’s ok to eliminate her also. I don’t think that experience lends itself to the mentality needed to participate in an abduction. So who else could it possibly be? Is there anyone else on the faculty or in the community-at-large that you would like to point the finger at and disparage?

Ninth deals with “my relationship” with Roger. Simply put, there was no relationship other than the fact that he was in my class. I recall that he sat at the back of class, and never really participated in the class discussions. But on to the accusations.
1] He brought homework to my house so he could go skiing on the weekends. I cannot say he never did this. It may have occurred once, at the most twice, but not more than that. Depending on when this supposedly happened, would also be an important factor in my not remembering it. Since it was supposedly done by Roger so he could go skiing, then it would have occurred in the winter. Although November is possible as the month, it would depend on the amount of snowfall for that year. Chances are it was December or January, and the wrestling season had begun. December is taken up with tournaments every weekend, so I wouldn’t have been home. Had he showed up, my wife would have been the person he gave homework to. That is why I can’t say he never did it. But I would not have allowed it to continue more than twice. I have always had a strict homework policy. I do not accept late work. So I can see his concern that it be turned in on time, early if necessary. However, I also believe that all students must have the same opportunities, to do otherwise is to discriminate for the benefit of some, and the loss for others. So if I allowed him to do it, I would also have allowed all my students the right to do it. That is why I would have not have allowed him to turn it in at my home. It would be too easy for some students to say that they had dropped it off at my house and that I had lost it, when the fact would more likely be they just hadn’t done it. In regards to January, that was the beginning of the new semester if I recall correctly. There would have been one studysheet, possibly two, assigned for the new semester that month, and that would have been the only homework, since my classes are lecture based. And this idea that Mr. Ellison allegedly confronted me about the homework issue? Never happened. This is pure fabrication, created to support this “concern” about Roger showing up to turn in homework.
2] that I “counseled” Roger over issues that he had. Again, pure fabrication. As you have noted, I majored in history in college, not psychology. I only had 2 lower-division college courses in psychology at the time. So I knew that my knowledge base was very limited. I had never taught psychology before moving to Cedaredge, and it was only my second year at that time. It was one of those situations for a teacher where they “stay one chapter ahead of the students”. So why was I teaching psychology at all? It’s what was needed, along with history classes and a wrestling coach. And for many schools, the need for a coach outweighs the academic training of the teacher. If the teacher is credentialed in the subject area [social sciences], then they are allowed to teach any course offered in that subject area. The reality is that I taught mostly history courses. There is one interesting fact I have learned. Upper level math and science teachers are not usually considered rocket scientists. English teachers are not viewed as poets and authors. Even history or government teachers are not seen as historians or lawyers. But if you tell someone you teach psychology, for whatever reason, people think that you are a psychologist and, therefore, a therapist. I don’t have the course work, training, nor the license to do so. This also brings into dispute my “alleged diagnosis of Roger being suicidal”. For me to do that would be ludicrous, not to mention illegal. As I stated, he sat in the back of class, and rarely participated. I really didn’t know anything about him. But this fabricated story helps the contention that I either had something to do with his disappearance, or possibly knew about it. It is also made to sound like I just showed up out of the blue to talk to Mrs. Ellison. Didn’t happen that way. I was asked to talk to her. But this will be explained in our next section.
3] there is another possibility that hasn’t been considered. Is it possible that Roger told his parents he was going to my house to talk to me, and went somewhere else instead? Golly, the idea of a teenager misleading his/her parents, isn’t that a shocker?

Tenth- what do I know? I know that there is some information that has been kept from the public. How do I know this? I provided the detective with information. As to why the Sheriffs Dept. has decided to keep this from the public is something only they can answer. I was instructed by the detective at the time that I was not to publicly divulge the content of the information I provided, nor to discuss the conversations we had. Now. am I still bound by those instructions? I don’t know, but I will continue to abide by those instructions. As I said, if the Sheriffs Dept. wants to make that information public, they will. So, what can I say?
1] There was a class experiment/assignment that I gave to the detective. It had 10 parts to it. The students were not aware that it would be turned in to me. One thing I had learned about having students answer questions verbally in class was that it could be embarrassing for them. So, I would have students write their answers, and then I would give examples on the board, and they could check for themselves to see what their answer might mean. That way their answer stayed confidential to themselves. However, for this particular assignment, after they finished writing their answers, I had them submit their papers. I chose one section of the assignment and put their anonymous responses on the board. That way, no one would get embarrassed. It was all I was going to do, but the students were so interested, they wanted to look at other sections. However, it was at the end of the class period, and I said we would continue the next day. So I stapled the papers together, along with the sheet which had the questions, and put it in my desk drawer. We never did continue because I was falling behind and needed to complete the book within the required time, and felt the example I provided was sufficient. The stapled papers remained in my desk drawer until the detective came into my class to interview me [as he did with Roger’s other teachers]. When he asked me if I had any work of Roger’s, I explained the only thing I ever really had them do which they submitted were the studysheets, which after being graded, were returned to them. Then I remembered the assignment. I found Roger’s and gave it to the detective. After he read it, he asked me what 2 of the sections were. I showed him the question sheet. At that point, he showed me what Roger had written. Then the detective left, taking the assignment. He returned a couple of days later to ask if I had possibly found any other work of Roger’s. He then explained what else he had found out and how it related to what Roger had written on the assignment.
2] my visit to see Mrs. Ellison is made to sound like I just showed up at her house and told her I had diagnosed Roger as being suicidal. Although it is a fact that I met with her, the description of how it occurred is totally inaccurate. I was contacted by the detective that she would like to talk to me. He and I discussed what could be said. So while at the house, I was basically noncommittal about everything. The statement that I “diagnosed” Roger as suicidal” is ludicrous. I know that I am not a psychologist, and have never pretended to be. So I didn’t say that, and never would have said that. The next day or so I met again with the detective and [as best as I can describe it] was “debriefed”. That was the last time I met with the detective.
3] in 1997, I had a telephone conversation with a person who identified himself as a detective from the Sheriffs Dept. who had been given the assignment of looking into Roger’s case again. He asked if I was willing to come out to Colorado for a new interview. I asked if I would be compensated for all costs–> gas, food, and lodging. I was told no. I asked if there was a departmental budget that would allow him to come out here. He said there was, and that he actually had a conference to attend in LA in a couple of weeks. He asked if he could come up to my house at that time. I told him that was fine. I then asked if they still had Rogers paper that I had given the detective, and his notebook. He really didn’t give me a solid answer. Bottom line, this person never showed up.
So that’s it. If the Sheriffs Dept. wants to comment on the class assignment and what is contained in the detective’s notebook, that will be their decision.

Now I would like to present some awards.
1] For the “Are You Really That Stupid” Award–> that goes to peridot1. You wrote “ I did hear once that Mr. Pash was arrested in Washington State for manslaughter and was in prison. Well that turned out not to be true. So unless I can prove it I will only post if I’ve heard it from more than one source.” Not only did you state that it was false, but you still stated it, and then you restated the rumor later. Added to that there is the rumor that I confessed? If that was even remotely true, doesn’t that require an arrest? And then your last posting says that you have nothing more to add, because anything else would be rumor. Everything you posted was rumor. But what clinched the award for you is your belief that 2 sources for a rumor makes it a fact. Based on that logic, since both Chicken Little and Turkey Lurkey stated that the sky was falling, it had to be true. Undoubtedly, this viewpoint is based on the reality that professional reporters do use 2 sources before they state anything. However, and this is where you messed up, their sources are actually people who they know are in positions which deal with the topic being investigated. They don’t rely upon anybody who happens to stroll by. So I repeat my question… Are You Really That Stupid?
2] For the “Best Way To Trivialize An Important Issue” Award–> that goes to those of you, and especially Mysterylover, for your wonderful use of the smiley face icons. If there is any thing that can minimize the seriousness of an issue, the use of smiley faces would have to be near the top of the list. And you all use such a wonderful array of them.
3] For the “Best Use of Yellow Journalism” Award–> that goes to the website Finding Roger Ellison. It is obvious that a conclusion had already been reached, and it was necessary to find anything [unsubstantiated rumors do well] that prove an already held belief. The lack of any real training or experience is obvious. So what has been your experience with a newspaper? Making sure it landed on the porch every morning? Actually, those skills learned on the high school newspaper covering fashion trends need to be revamped by you. Unless of course you want to work for some gossip tabloid. One might even think that you are hoping for a book deal, or a television script at least.
One other thing I noticed that I found interesting. The website itself provided “official items” for sale. Just one question–> when you all meet at camp during the summer, do you wear your official beanies as you exchange secret messages to be deciphered with the use of your official decoder rings? And now that website is being put up for sale. Gee, what can be a better example of American capitalism–> take a serious issue and turn it into a moneymaking venture. [Oh no, does that mean I am a communist?] However, might I propose an alternative? Start your own new club. Sounds exciting, huh? You can all get oversized buttons, and along the outer edge you can put the partial quote “You can fool some of the people all of the time”. And then in bold letters in the middle of the button, you can put “I’m The Fool”!! You can pick a club theme song, maybe “Fool on the Hill”. And yes, Mysterylover, you can even add a smiley face.
Do you realize that studies show that even when a rumor has been exposed as false, roughly 25% still believe the rumor to be true [think WMDs or birth certificates]?
I am sure that the usual response of the irresponsible is that it was done with the best intentions. Well, we all know where that paved road leads. And be rest assured keymob77, I am not “shaking in my boots”. But let’s see if I can return the favor. As I stated, anonymity is the shield of the irresponsible. And none of you have minded listing my name, town of residence, or my place of employment. So, if you are so sure of your convictions and the mission you are on, why not do the same–> instead of hiding behind those adorable user ids, step out into the light. List your names, towns of residence, and places of employment. Do unto others… Oh I’m sorry, you’re not willing to do that?!? Too much exposure?!? Concerned that possibly you didn’t say things properly and might be held liable for your statements? So let’s see whose got the “huevos rancheros” [as we say here in the valley]. I’ll check back in about a month or so and see who steps up to the plate. Until then, you all have one more assignment. Now this might be a little scary, but something which will be worthwhile. Turn off the computer, and leave the confines of your command bunker in the basement. Go to the nearest community college and see if there is still time and available space to sign up for the Introduction to Critical Thinking and Logic course.

But now I would like to leave a note for Roger with the hope he will read it. I do not know that he is dead, and would like to think that, in fact, he is still alive and doing well. So Roger, as you can see from these websites devoted to finding out what happened to you, it is time to end the search. Do you have to explain anything to these sleuthies? No. You do need to inform the Delta County Sheriffs about your situation. I would hope that they would respect your right of privacy and not publicly divulge your explanation if you ask that of them. Do you need to discuss it with your family members? That sir is your choice, but probably some sort of explanation would be in order.

JPash

Comments anyone? — Lori