wd2
Detective
Posts: 6 
|
Post by wd2 on Oct 5, 2015 9:19:57 GMT -5
Hello, I was the neighbor that reached out with the description update recently. With respect to seeing your step-father at Cofers house or knowing him, I do not recall. I didn't pay much attention to the comings and goings at Cofers place. He did drive a older little sports car but it was a Mazda 280Z style. I feel comfortable with stating that it was not a VW, but a foreign made sports car.
I recall he was a barterer and had a creativity streak. His place was scattered with "junk" but he had pretty big plans for each and every piece. I have emailed my contact information and tip details to Sheriff Whetsel who stated that it was forwarded to his detectives.
I would like to clear up something about the conflict between Cofer and Buchanan. Given conversations with friends or friends, post murder of Buchanan, Cofer was afraid of Buchanan because of references made to the affect of "sniping a man from a mile away". Not to imply that his actions were warranted, come to find out he was pretty paranoid of Buchanan. Also, I believe law enforcement tried to pull at the heart-strings of AMW fans by putting so much weight on the anti-American sentiment. The nature of their conflict was not anti-American, he and I had the same conversation on our gravel road and there was no anti-American sentiment. In a nut shell, Cofer felt that 9/11 happened because of the American presence in the Middle East. Not that we "deserved" it, but moreso we should have expected it.
Please let me know if you have any questions and I'll do my best to recall anything I can to help.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Oct 5, 2015 12:16:00 GMT -5
Hi wd2, once again thank you. Just out of curiosity, although I'm not sure if this would help tip-wise, but did Cofer ever show a propensity for violence before he killed Larry or was everyone shocked when he did? I'm sure everyone was shocked regardless, but I guess I'm asking if there were any warning signs. Was it more paranoia than anger outbursts that foreshadowed this?
|
|
|
|
Post by FindDavidsKiller on Oct 5, 2015 13:06:37 GMT -5
Hello, I was the neighbor that reached out with the description update recently...
Thank you so much for the information that you have shared. I know you don't know me, nor do I know you, however, our paths have crossed to hopefully bring closure closer to the end. I am ever so grateful that you stepped forward with the information you provided, although I am sure I will need to contact the detectives for any information beyond what was given online, you have opened my eyes to characteristics about Cofer that I did not know but suspected and had questioned because of the way the killing of Buchanan happened. I wondered about the sensationalizing of what actually happened for media purposes. I know that discussions about politics and especially with a veteran can become very heated at times, but I have questioned the fact that at one point, it was said that Cofer hit Buchanan in the back of the head with the gun and the gun discharged, shooting him. This would make sense as he made the comment "I guess I've ruined my life." Perhaps AMW needed to sensationalize the fact that it was a murder of a veteran, near the time of 9/11 for viewing purposes to draw more attention. I don't know, it's just an opinion. As for my father, I have many questions that don't make any since if Cofer is the killer or suspected killer. One is, if he did kill my father, are the bullets retrieved from my father and Buchanan from the same gun? If so, then this would place Cofer as primary suspect in my father's killing. Second, if Cofer played a part in my father's killing, why did he stay around the area after killing him? He doesn't look like the type of guy that could keep a secret or be able to hide something that deplorable. These are just some of the many questions I have that I know you can't answer, but I have to put out there so someone might be able to justify them and help me reason them out. Below is a photo of my father. His most notable features were his white hair and big smile. He smiled a lot and was friendly to most everyone he met. He would strike up conversations with just about anyone on just about any topic, but automobiles were his favorite topic. You may have seen him at Cofer's place, or may have not. I have a feeling that he and Cofer were friends, not just acquaintances. My gut feeling tells me that they knew each other for a long time. In fact, for some reason, I remember the name Kenneth as someone who worked with my father at his automobile shop at his home, however, I had a cerebral aneurysm and three strokes so I have a hard time placing names, time frames and events. If you know of my father, or have anything you can share with me, you are welcome to write me at tiphillips@earthstokenfire.com I know posting things on a public forum of this nature can be intimidating and sometimes there are just certain things that shouldn't be shared over the Internet. I look forward to your reply and thank you so very much in advance for your help.  David Bert Whetstone 1943 - 2002 Beloved Father RIP Sincerely, Deborah Phillips |
|
wd2
Detective
Posts: 6
|
Post by wd2 on Oct 5, 2015 14:21:22 GMT -5
Hi wd2, once again thank you. Just out of curiosity, although I'm not sure if this would help tip-wise, but did Cofer ever show a propensity for violence before he killed Larry or was everyone shocked when he did? I'm sure everyone was shocked regardless, but I guess I'm asking if there were any warning signs. Was it more paranoia than anger outbursts that foreshadowed this? Hello, I do not recall any outburst or aggressive disposition while we were neighbors. He seemed pretty quit really and one to avoid conflict. He was helpful and accommodating as well, very personable. I wouldn't say he was reserve, he valued his opinions and I could see how a discussion could get taken out of context. Given the conversations that I have had, I feel it was paranoia that drove the final series of event. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure Mr Buchanan didn't realize how unnerved he had Mr Cofer nor to the extent. |
|
wd2
Detective
Posts: 6
|
Post by wd2 on Oct 5, 2015 15:03:53 GMT -5
Hello, I was the neighbor that reached out with the description update recently...
Thank you so much for the information that you have shared. I know you don't know me, nor do I know you, however, our paths have crossed to hopefully bring closure closer to the end. I am ever so grateful that you stepped forward with the information you provided, although I am sure I will need to contact the detectives for any information beyond what was given online, you have opened my eyes to characteristics about Cofer that I did not know but suspected and had questioned because of the way the killing of Buchanan happened. I wondered about the sensationalizing of what actually happened for media purposes. I know that discussions about politics and especially with a veteran can become very heated at times, but I have questioned the fact that at one point, it was said that Cofer hit Buchanan in the back of the head with the gun and the gun discharged, shooting him. This would make sense as he made the comment "I guess I've ruined my life." Perhaps AMW needed to sensationalize the fact that it was a murder of a veteran, near the time of 9/11 for viewing purposes to draw more attention. I don't know, it's just an opinion. As for my father, I have many questions that don't make any since if Cofer is the killer or suspected killer. One is, if he did kill my father, are the bullets retrieved from my father and Buchanan from the same gun? If so, then this would place Cofer as primary suspect in my father's killing. Second, if Cofer played a part in my father's killing, why did he stay around the area after killing him? He doesn't look like the type of guy that could keep a secret or be able to hide something that deplorable. These are just some of the many questions I have that I know you can't answer, but I have to put out there so someone might be able to justify them and help me reason them out. Below is a photo of my father. His most notable features were his white hair and big smile. He smiled a lot and was friendly to most everyone he met. He would strike up conversations with just about anyone on just about any topic, but automobiles were his favorite topic. You may have seen him at Cofer's place, or may have not. I have a feeling that he and Cofer were friends, not just acquaintances. My gut feeling tells me that they knew each other for a long time. In fact, for some reason, I remember the name Kenneth as someone who worked with my father at his automobile shop at his home, however, I had a cerebral aneurysm and three strokes so I have a hard time placing names, time frames and events. If you know of my father, or have anything you can share with me, you are welcome to write me at tiphillips@earthstokenfire.com I know posting things on a public forum of this nature can be intimidating and sometimes there are just certain things that shouldn't be shared over the Internet. I look forward to your reply and thank you so very much in advance for your help. David Bert Whetstone 1943 - 2002 Beloved Father RIP Sincerely, Deborah Phillips Hi Deborah, I don't know or recall any instances of seeing your father in or around the neighborhood. I wish I could substantiate their relationship but I cannot. With respect to the media coverage, local & national, I understand why they would do that. However the first time I heard the anti-American spin, I knew it wouldn't be helpful. I'd just about wager that if someone were to strike up a conversation around Cofer about 9/11 and the things going on in the Middle East, he would not be able to keep his thoughts to himself. I would definitely like to know if the ballistics matched for the same gun. I couldn't imagine Cofer sticking around if he killed your father, just seems he would have ran then. About the time in question Cofer had a job that provided the work truck (from what I understand) that he disappeared in and then mysteriously reappeared. I don't believe he was hurting for money and had a simple life going with minimal needs, I can't imagine him taking your fathers life for his gold coin collection. But really, how does murder ever make sense! I sure hope the sheriff's department has something physical to tie the murders together. Once a year, Summer time, there use to be a pretty big blow-out/party in the same sub-division Cofer and I lived in. Cofer would play the drums for this group. With that said, I would expect some network of acquaintances that could substantiate if your father and Cofer knew each other. I don't remember the address but anyone that still lives around there should be able to point to the property. Cofer and I were only acquaintances, we would chat along the road if we happened to see each other. I don't know anyone that he hung out with or ran with. He would come and go, however I don't recall too many folks coming by his place. |
|
|
|
Post by FindDavidsKiller on Oct 5, 2015 15:06:38 GMT -5
Hi wd2, once again thank you. Just out of curiosity, although I'm not sure if this would help tip-wise, but did Cofer ever show a propensity for violence before he killed Larry or was everyone shocked when he did? I'm sure everyone was shocked regardless, but I guess I'm asking if there were any warning signs. Was it more paranoia than anger outbursts that foreshadowed this? Hello, I do not recall any outburst or aggressive disposition while we were neighbors. He seemed pretty quit really and one to avoid conflict. He was helpful and accommodating as well, very personable. I wouldn't say he was reserve, he valued his opinions and I could see how a discussion could get taken out of context. Given the conversations that I have had, I feel it was paranoia that drove the final series of event. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure Mr Buchanan didn't realize how unnerved he had Mr Cofer nor to the extent. Afternoon Sir, Now what you have given about Cofer's demeanor seems to add up to why he would have had a gun on him in the first place. After hearing the words concerning sniping at long range, it seems that he would have gotten scared and thought best to carry a gun on him for protection. Also, since these men, including the witnesses, all seem to keep bumping into each other, this would also make him having a gun on him logical. If they had the confrontation and Cofer hit him in the back of the head with the gun, the gun could have discharged, killing Buchanan. This would make this involuntary manslaughter. But this is just my opinion and what I can reason in my head concerning what may have happened between Mr. Cofer and Mr. Buchanan. As much as I would like to see the killer of my father caught, I am also all about making sure the person(s) are the right person(s). I would never ever want to see someone go to prison or put to death if they were innocent. I couldn't live with myself knowing that. It would be just a horrific as my father's murder. So this is why I am so intent on working out all of the questions and clues to the events that occurred between my father, Mr. Cofer and Mr. Buchanan to see how they connect and if Mr. Cofer was involved in Mr. Whetstone's murder. I am so happy and grateful that you joined in the conversation. What you have been willing to discuss has shed a great light on the facts and some of the twisted evidence that I have. I know that some things just didn't add up, but they are becoming clearer since you came on board. As I said before, you don't know me, however, if you knew my father, you would have loved him. He was a funny person. In his younger years, he won a Paul Newman look-alike contest. He worked at Tinker for many years as a jet mechanic and this is where he met my mother. Although their marriage was a-typical, he was the only father I ever knew and he was good to me and my sisters. He loved us and I kept in touch with him as often as I could. I tried to let him have his life with his wife because I didn't want to cause trouble. I just have all these memories of how he treated me when I was a child and into my teens and for that, I could never thank him enough. I hope his wife was surrounded by loved ones when this happened and comforted. I wish I could have told her how sorry that it happened, but I left that alone to keep peace. I hope some day she will learn how much I hurt for her too. Deborah Phillips |
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Oct 5, 2015 22:34:51 GMT -5
AMW, as much as I loved the show, often wasn't entirely truthful with narratives. They once aired a female fugitive who supposedly "accidentally" shot the wrong girl after aiming for a girl she was in an argument with on Facebook. After she was captured, articles revealed the victim was the person she was aiming for and it was a drug dispute. So AMW seemed to often to stretch the truth in order to make you feel sympathy for the victim. It pains me to admit it, but it did happen.
There's a lot I don't get as to why Cofer would have killed David either. When he wound up killing Larry Buchanan, , he said "I guess I ruined my life" and then disappeared. That doesn't sound to me like a guy who had murdered before. "I guess I ruined my life" sounds like oh crap, what did I just do, I just killed somebody. And in addition, he fled right afterwards. Of course, this can be explained by there actually being witnesses to Cofer killing Larry.
While there is certainly no debate that Cofer killed Larry Buchanan (I realize he's technically innocent until proven guilty but all the neighbors witnessed him killing Larry, the only debate would be whether this is a first-degree murder or manslaughter or negligent homicide case based on how wd described everything went down), killing David just for some gold coins doesn't fit the narrative based on how wd has described Cofer. So just my opinion, but I feel it is entirely possible someone besides Cofer killed David.
I think obviously if the ballistics match up, then it does make Cofer a prime suspect, however. Not to mention, the only known suspect (at least to the public) that David knew that has killed someone is Cofer.
|
|
wd2
Detective
Posts: 6
|
Post by wd2 on Oct 6, 2015 8:45:37 GMT -5
Hi there Scumhunter,
I completely agree with you, AMW did what they felt they needed to do to get the "bad guy". And as everyone knows, it worked well. It's a shame that that conduit of information is no longer available. Granted there's "The Hunt", there just isn't the exposure that there use to be. I strongly feel that AMW was a "public service" and that it is in dire need to expose the rapist, pedophiles and murders who slip through the cracks of justice.
I would hope that law enforcement could put Cofer into custody and seek clarification on his involvement with Mr Whetstone. I don't want to come across as a conspiracy theorist, however I wouldn't be surprised if Cofer was fingered since he was on the run. Regardless, I hope he's apprehended so he can be held accountable for his actions.
Please feel free to contact me anytime.
WD2
|
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Oct 12, 2015 17:46:38 GMT -5
I never even realized the AMW archived page had a pic of Cofer from 1988, he obviously looked a lot different just 14 years later:  |
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Oct 13, 2015 7:29:10 GMT -5
|
|
|
|
Post by charlotte on Nov 13, 2015 12:10:48 GMT -5
Buchanan was not killed by accident. He was on the ground, and Cofer shot him in the top of the head when he was trying to get up. It should also be noted that Buchanan was at least 20 years older and walked with a cane because of bad knees. -Larry's daughter, Charlotte
|
|
|
|
Post by charlotte on Nov 13, 2015 12:17:45 GMT -5
PS, the anti-American comments came from the freinds that were there. I know because I heard the same stories over and over from different people the week I buried him. -Charlotte
|
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Nov 13, 2015 12:38:57 GMT -5
Hey Charlotte, Thanks for joining and I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope I didn't accidentally say anything insulting to the memory of your father. There is never any excuse for murder, and Larry was an innocent victim, plain and simple. I was replying to wd's description of versions of events. I hate talking about wd in third person, especially since he's still a member here and will likely reply to this thread, but I'm sure he didn't mean anything either and was simply telling his version of events being a neighbor and an acquaintance of Cofer's. I know he really wants to see Cofer caught as well. Obviously you would have a lot more insight since this case is obviously very personal for you. I hate to talk about another member who will also likely reply to this thread as well again, but I think Deborah was also simply just trying to put the pieces together as the information that Cofer could be involved in David Whetstone's death just came out this year. But obviously, you are the person most likely to know exactly what happened between Larry and Kenneth so thank you for clarifying. I know how painful it must have been to observe this past Veteran's day (for both you and Deborah), so I really hope Cofer is finally caught soon. I'm sure that's something we can all agree on.  |
|
|
|
Post by charlotte on Nov 13, 2015 12:52:09 GMT -5
I respect what Deborah is trying to do and sent a private message to her that our family would help anyway that we can. It just upsets me that someone so casually wants to clarify the amw report that he has no 1st hand information for. Our family has 4 vets that are still living, 3 of which were career. We had to go thru this nightmare repeatedly and in great detail in order to get the publicity that we have. I admire John Walsh and everything that he has done to try to right the wrongs that so many of us have suffered.
|
|
|
|
Post by Scumhunter on Nov 13, 2015 13:06:53 GMT -5
Understood. I'll let wd reply if he wants to clarify anything. Once again I'm sorry if I said anything you took offense to. (I self my edit myself 7 zillion times on here worrying about how a comment might come across and not accidentally doing that, although I can't say I'm always successful at it lol). And I know Deborah will definitely appreciate the help. Would be great if something both of you discover helps crack both Larry and David's cases. |
|
