Post by Scumhunter on Nov 4, 2015 17:26:20 GMT -5
"John Robert Welles was a practical joker -- if he could stand behind a door and scare you that would be better than giving him a $100 bill. His mom says he was a typical 17-year-old. He was born on his father's birthday -- and he was the spitting image of his dad. John spent most of his free time outdoors and he liked to chase the girls in school. He told his parents he would like to go into the Coast Guard after high school and he had aspirations of becoming a professional fisherman.
A Young Life Destroyed
Along with his love for the water, John was also passionate about helping animals. His mom Helen says, "He's a lot like me. He would bend over backwards to help an animal." When John wasn't outside or helping animals he was inside on the couch watching NASCAR. Jeff Gordon was his favorite driver.
According to the DeSoto County Sheriff's office, John came home from the local Wal-Mart in Arcadia, FL at around 11:30 on the morning of Sunday, July 8, 2003. At 4:30 that afternoon deputies responded to a call and John's body was found floating in the water of Joshua Creek. Investigators say they initially thought John fell into the water and drowned accidently but an autopsy proved other wise. John had been shot in the eye and the killer threw John's body in the water where he drowned. Helen says, "I don't know why John had to die. He was shot, but wasn't dead, I don't know why they put him in the water to drown."
Killer On The Loose
"They've gotten away with murder... it's just not right... it's just not right," said Helen. She wants justice for her son's killer. She even covered three counties with more than 350 signs asking people to call police if they had any tips. "Whoever is responsible for this I want them to live a long life in prison," said Helen. She doesn't want the murderer to get the death penalty, she would rather see them rot in a jail cell.
Thoughts? The above was from the AMW archives, where this case was a web-exclusive as a "My Story" feature. John's mother wrote to AMW to have them post the case. Unfortunately, this case is frustrating to theorize on. He seemingly made it home and then suddenly winds up in a creek. All I think is some sort of home invasion robbery gone terribly wrong but who knows.
Admin Note #1: According to online research, Anyone with information is asked to call The Criminal Investigations Division of The DeSoto County Sheriff's Office at (863) 993-4700 or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers 1-800-780-TIPS. You may remain anonymous and be subject to a reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the subject(s) responsible.
Admin Note #2: If you have any news-related updates on this case, please contact us here: amwfans.com/thread/1662/website-contact-form
web.archive.org/web/20060215044644/http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=35397
www.desotosheriff.com/unsolved_cases