The World has a story about Jeremy Bright who disappeared from Myrtle Point 21 years ago at the age of 14. Unlike Leah Freeman his remains have not been found and he is listed as a missing person and probable homicide. The article which will expire tomorrow so I will not link to it describes Jeremy’s mother, Diane Beatty and her frustration with the investigation as handled by Myrtle Point PD
After three months of hanging onto the case, Myrtle Point investigators turned it over to the Coos County Sheriff’s Office, which Beatty said, tracked Jeremy’s whereabouts through part of Aug. 15. Investigators won’t reveal that information, but Zanni said some people of interest have never been cleared due to their lack of cooperation.
Investigators, Beatty and her family still hope one day the case will break, as it did, partially, with the case of Leah Freeman, a 15-year-old girl last seen alive in Coquille in 2000. A little more than a month after she disappeared, her body was found about nine miles east of Coquille. But police have yet to make an arrest in the case, due to lack of evidence.
While Beatty feels the Sheriff’s Office has done everything it could on the case, she still can’t help but express grave frustration over the lost time that transpired while the case was in the hands of the Myrtle Point Police Department.
Like Cory Courtright, Diane Beatty appears to feel that the local police should have reached out for other resources much sooner. Dave Hall, lead investigator in Leah’s murder apparently had never led a murder investigation before, though I have not been able to confirm the source linked here.
Many of us choose to live in rural areas and small towns precisely to avoid the violent crimes more prevalant in larger communities. Thankfully, murders are few and far between here and the need for experienced homicide detectives low. Nevertheless, when a murder does happen it seems vital to reach out to experienced detectives in the early hours of any investigation to avoid the loss of fresh evidence and leads.
Cory Courtright’s understanding is that Coquille PD has refused to share information or fully cooperate with other law enforcement agencies and she believes that this further stymies the investigation. Adding to this frustration is the fact that Cory still does not know her daughter’s cause of death. Was it a gunshot wound? Was Leah hit by a car? A motion was filed to seal the autopsy ‘pending investigation’ yet no investigation has been underway for years.
Diane Beatty said, “My personal opinion is that if (Myrtle Point Police officials) had turned it over three months earlier – we would have had a whole lot better chance of finding out what happened”.
Cory and many other concerned citizens feels very much the same way about Leah Freeman’s murder in Coquille.
So many cases, so many victims, so many similarities – but ALL so different in their own way. Any way you look at it , the loss of a child is undoubtedly the most painful hurt one could ever imagine. Yes, Diane you have that part right for sure. Just so you know I don’t take anything you’ve said concerning Leah’s case offensive or hurtful. I have a grandson who’s almost 6 and granddaughter Leigha who’s 2 and yes, they are very much what I consider a gift from God. Thanks for your comment. Was very nice to hear from you! Hope you are doing well. Come back and let us know how you are?
I’m really late to this and only want to post a comment. Jeremy’s case was 14 years before Leah’s. It was in the days before the police dept’s even had real computers! I know why MP’s Chief didn’t ask for assistance. He didn’t believe anything happened to Jeremy. We have no way of knowing what the Departments know – how much they communicate – or what thier communications are. And this is usually for good reason. “If we lived in Perfect” there would be no need for any of them. But we don’t. Cory has her demons – the unsolved murder – and my heart goes out to her. It is horrible. I know. When I said I was jealous – it wasn’t meant to be hurtful to her – I am jealous – that she got to put her child to rest, that she knows for sure where she is – not that she had to go thru the nightmare.
And unless you’ve gone thru this indescribable nightmare. . . you know nothing of it. You can not imagine. You can not even begin to imagine.
Cory, I’m glad you have a little granddaughter. . I also have grandchildren. They remind me that life goes on. They are one of God’s greatest wonders. . . 🙂
Thanks guys! Sorry ’bout that. Some days are just unbearable. I am feeling a bit better today. My granddaughter (Leigha) is 2 today so I will be busy with her so…..hope to see you back here soon!
Stay strong, Cory, our hearts are with you. Also, learned some things today which should bring you hope. When you feel up to it, give me a call
I’ll spend today sending you strength and peace, Cory.
Well, today is a very hard day for me. One where ya just want to crawl back into bed. 7 years ago today they found Leah’s little slain body. Makes me feel sick. So for today I think I will stay off here and reflect on my Leah. Maybe try to think of some of the fun positive things we shared when she was still here. We did have many. How I miss her…….Have a good day all.
This is just a guess and may be wrong but my guess is that ctw07 is male, ’cause, you know, men never tell you anything you don’t already know
No that was directed at magix.
Anyway, I’ve said all that I’ll say since arguing is tiresome and this doesn’t seem to be going anywhere. I understand that the anonymity of the internet causes doubt, but it was never my intention to have to convince anyone of anything. I can’t forcefeed information.
You don’t have to believe anything that I say and that’s fine. At the very least, I’d recommend that you don’t instantly cast aside anything I’ve said. As I’ve stated before, investigate all possibilities before you make automatic assumptions. Putting blame on somebody is easy to do. Just make sure you have all of your facts straight before you jump to conclusions.
Am I the one who needs to “check my sources”?
to ctw07
Given that you are anonymous and thus don’t qualify the merits of your information, it is hard to take anything said too seriously
Thank you excuuuuuuuse me! A bit lost myself!
Come on, ctw07, give us the possibilites. I’m sorry, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Help us here.
Obviously it’s not well known if you’re just choosing not to believe it. Honestly I don’t care if you believe what I’ve said. Everything you say is given as “known fact” as well. You say information is ‘provided’ to you, well I’d check my sources if I were you.
I really hope this case is solved soon, but if you’re not even able to budge on your own beliefs and investigate all possibilities, then progress will never be made. Blaming the wrong people will only hinder you in the end.
It is amazing how many contradictory statements are provided to us as ‘known fact’.
“A tedious brief scene of young Pyramus
And his love Thisbe; very tragical mirth.
Merry and tragical! Tedious and brief!
That is, hot ice and wondrous strange snow.
How shall we find the concord of this discord?”
Theseus, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
First of all ctw07 – Childish? You speak of us as childish? What about Mr. Reeves actions? And why is it childish to try to get to the bottom of a murder case? You ask why we do not just ask Mr. Reeves why he left Oakridge? Have you seen his answers anywhere? He doesn’t answer questions in case you haven’t noticed! ctw07 you must be in law enforcement some way – or why is it that you have so much knowledge of Leah’s case? More than Leah’s own mother? That’s a bit hard to swallow. However I will say it sounds very much like you do want Leah’s case solved.
to ctw07
There seems to be a problem with semantics or nomenclature here. First my comments about the chief’s wife are based upon information provided to me and have nothing to do with your belief or disbelief or what you know or think you know to be true. Nor did anyone state that her actions were specific to the Freeman murder.
Many people in this town believe that their rights have been violated and their evidence is very compelling. Only the US Attorney or a civil rights suit will affirm or deny the validity of these claims OR a citizen review board. Just as the chief is reticent to reveal information regarding certain cases, so too are those now left with no recourse but to appeal to the state or US Atty.
Absolutely, you are correct, that the biggest problem here is communication and we hope that a review board might rectify that.
I’m just curious about the Mrs. Reaves situation because I honestly know it to be false. As you say, my disbelief won’t stop you from commenting on it, but comments such as “leaving quite a wake in her path” are a little vague, and other than the paper and verbally supporting her husband, I don’t believe she’s really involved in what’s going on (specifically the Leah Freeman case).
To “excuuuuse me,” I’m not sure how you would find that information, other than simply asking those involved and seeing what answers you get. I will tell you, however, that several agencies have already been involved in the case. This is why Chief Reaves probably isn’t 100% liable here. I don’t pretend to know everything, but I do know that not everything that’s been stated publicly about the case is true, specifically regarding the idea that the Chief wouldn’t allow other agencies to get involved.
I’ll say this: I don’t like seeing all the blame placed on one person. It may be easier to focus frustration and anger on a single culprit, but I don’t think that’s what’s gone on here. I wish I could give you all of the answers as to why the case hasn’t been solved, but I can’t. I can only offer some details that you may find interesting. Will it help? I don’t know. But maybe it will lead you to more answers.
Anyway, from what I’ve been told, the FBI took itself off of this case voluntarily. Even more interesting than that, the Sheriff’s office has refused to get involved with this case at all. Why won’t they touch it? I don’t know, I don’t even know how to find out. I don’t know that the PD is equipped to handle the case with 100% perfection, but I do know that had the opportunity come up for them to get help, they wouldn’t have turned it down. I think a lot of the problem here (and I think you’ll agree) is communication. Lack of communication leads to rumors which leads to assumptions, and I do believe that’s where much of the misinformation regarding the case has come from. The chief, however, is VERY limited in what he can say about the case. Maybe too limited. That’s up to the City Attorney, though.
I don’t know. You don’t have to listen or believe me but these are things I know. I’ve said it a million times, I don’t agree with the things you say about certain people, but don’t mistake that for me not wanting this case to be solved.
Well, how do we find out? Is there a public record of these decisions? Anyone out there know?
to excuuuuuuse me!
You bring up a good point, if it is the city attorney, not the DA or the PD, refusing to open up the investigation – and ctw07 could very well be wrong here – but if it is, then they must fear some liability. For misfeasance or nonfeasance perhaps?
to ctw07
““she has been leaving quite a wake in her pathâ€
Give examples, please. I really don’t think this is a true statement at all.”
Now who is focusing on minutiae? Your disbelief doesn’t change anything.
If you are concerned about who’s hands a review board might be in I suggest attending the meetings as a lot of work is underway, by a lot of people, to bring this to fruition. In general it will be in the hands of the people, for the people. It is democracy in action.
For the record, I am 100% in favor of a citizen review board but have ZERO interest on being on that board.
Oh, one more thing, ctw07, your remark, “why don’t we just use the phone”.
I think it’s obvious, the public smearing of Mary Geddry has put a chill in a lot of your neighbors. That is quite understandable, but someone like Mary, who has walked the walk, isn’t frightened by small town bullies. I, thankfully, am not either. There are just some things a person has to stand up for, some of us learn that, some of us don’t. The murder of your neighbor should be worth the risk., don’t you think?
Oh, and who, exactly, is Mrs. Benson? Why did you bring her name up? I’m curious what you mean.
I await your answers.
So….,ctw07, the City Atty. is the one who is keeping the information from Leahs’ family? Are you saying the decision to release no information, not to include other agencies in this investigation all lies with the City Atty? He made that decision?
Oh, and about Mrs. Chief? She put herself out there in the newspaper to defend her husband, we didn’t.
Bitter?
Yes, Mean People SUCK. You bet, and intolerance is also difficult to take, but at least I’m glad you can laugh at my writing, laughter can be very good for us, don’t you think?
And getting to the truth of what happened to Leah, I find it strange that certain people don’t seem to want to “step on toes” to get the truth out.
“she has been leaving quite a wake in her path”
Give examples, please. I really don’t think this is a true statement at all.
“Do you want Leah’s murder solved? Her killer brought to justice? A citizen review board? Or do you just want to poke at people for voicing their opinion? For having strong emotions?”
Of course I want to see her murder solved. A citizen review board would work if it were in the right hands, or if it weren’t created to help a single person’s personal agenda. Poking fun? No, but some of what you say is ridiculous to the point of being laughable, forgive me for thinking so.
For example, you go ON and ON about how you want the Chief to give you some answers. But ma’am, do you REALIZE that the city attorney prevents Mr. Reaves from commenting on the case at all? He is extremely limited in what he is able to say, especially to family members of the victim.
Another example would be this statement:
“Are you just keeping tabs to report back to the chief and his compatriots or do you really care if Leah’s murder is solved?”
I don’t keep tabs and I don’t report anything. I personally take issue with many of the things you say. Please don’t misunderstand me here.
Nobody begrudges her defending her husband. (It should be noted that the letter to the editor is not her sole effort, she has been leaving quite a wake in her path.)
What is at issue is her husband’s determined refusal to answer peoples’ questions. Instead, it appears that Mrs Chief has taken it upon herself to ‘shoot the messengers’. This leads most of us to wonder what he has to hide when all he needs to do is be polite, service oriented and answer some legitimate questions.
Speaking of questions, I have answered some of yours, you have yet to answer any of mine. Are you just keeping tabs to report back to the chief and his compatriots or do you really care if Leah’s murder is solved?
Then what does Mrs. Reaves have to do with the case? Nothing. And that’s what I take issue with. So what if she defended her husband in a letter? Why does it matter in the long run?
I just don’t see how progress can ever be made when the focus bounces back to miniscule issues.
to ctw07
Questions and inquiries have been asked, openly.
Bitter? Perhaps, perhaps not, but certainly some of us have the right to be bitter, in particular, Cory Courtright.
Do you want Leah’s murder solved? Her killer brought to justice? A citizen review board? Or do you just want to poke at people for voicing their opinion? For having strong emotions?
If it is the latter I can assure you that no one here values your opinion. If the former, then attend a Monday meeting and hear what people are trying to accomplish and why and see if you have anything constructive to offer.
And as far as questioning why Reaves moved from wherever, why not just ASK HIM. Or if you reeeeally want to be sneaky, then just call one of his previous sheriffs. I’m sure they’ll tell you (and yes, his file is likely public record).
You guys are just being childish now. Sounds like you all have personal grudges. Interestingly enough, you three are the only ones who post here now. Why not just use a phone? Or save it for your “Monday meetings?”
“But Mrs. Chief hasn’t exactly been in stealth mode. Among other things, the letter to the editor claiming her husbands’ “Southern Roots†was to blame for his inabilities. No misunderstanding that one!”
So what other things? You always seem so bitter, that’s too bad.
And using an old woman? Are you talking about Mrs. Benson? Because you’d be mistaken if you thought she was “using” her.
Isn’t a public officials’ resume public ?
Surely the citizens have a right to know the history of their Police Chief, don’t they? I’m sure it must be in the public domain. How do we find it? Any suggestions?
Yes! Why? Also, why did he leave Florida?
Don’t know but I like the idea of a tip line. I think we’re probably wasting time with Mr. Reeves. He’s obviously not going to budge. Hopefully this whole thing will bust wide open – what a blessing that would be!! Does anyone know yet why Mr. Reeves left Oakridge?
Excuuuuuuse me! But Mrs. Chief hasn’t exactly been in stealth mode. Among other things, the letter to the editor claiming her husbands’ “Southern Roots” was to blame for his inabilities. No misunderstanding that one! When do we hear from Mr. Chief? Or is Mrs. Chief going to be the Chief Water Carrier here?
Thankfully, no. Wouldn’t care to know anyone who would use a pathetic old woman….
“he has his wife, of all people, running interference all over town!”
You must not know her very well…
I would encourage a tip line, how does one go about it?
The rumor mill is rampant, of course, with many people believing that one reason Reaves will not cooperate with other agencies is that he doesn’t want the poor handling of the investigation to be public knowledge. Personally, just from the few documents available, that has already happened, with no consequence to the chief. City manager O’Connor defends the PD to the detriment of his fellow citizens.
We should set up a tip hotline for info on Leah’s murder
I think most small town PDs are not equipped to handle these cases. I mean how often does a small town like Coquille or Myrtle Point have a murder to investigate?
I feel very bad for the families of unsolved murder cases…& yes there are people that know what happened, who could very well speak up & help solve these cases.
One can hope that time and age has allowed whomever was involved to consider the hardship on Leah’s family. Perhaps they will at long last step forward – I have heard seven is a magical number but poor Jeremy Bright’s mom has been waiting three times that long
I agree with you about not releasing all the information, but after so many years of inaction, perhaps it’s time to really make the effort to appeal to the people who may have information, however slight they may think it is. The kids involved in this are now young adults, and I would think it would be a terrible burden on them, as adults, to think that their information just might help bring peace and comfort to a grieving family, not to mention their need to get a terrible burden from their own conscience.
Forgiveness and honesty could, perhaps, give THEM the ability to move on with their own lives free of any guilt they may be carrying. That would be a blessing for everyone involved.
Forgiveness is promised to all who avail themselves of it.
Releasing ALL information probably wouldn’t be prudent but the strategy of the last seven years has borne no fruit… (staying the course isn’t working)… so opening it up might just bring about something.
The police chief’s stoic indifference to his fellow citizens is another matter entirely. Instead of issuing a statement of purpose or even an explanation of why he will not bring in other agencies or answering when he will bring in another cold case investigator he has his wife, of all people, running interference all over town!
His silence just adds fuel to the fire. Speculation that the case was bungled from the beginning seems to be rampant throughout town. If he believes the investigation was handled correctly and professionally, why not cooperate with other agencies? Better yet, do as Myrtle Point PD did and give it over to someone willing to work the case.
I’ve been asking myself the same question: since this is OBVIOUSLY a cold case, why isn’t the Coq. Police Dept. releasing as much information about the case as they can,so as to perhaps help the citizenry come up with information they may have thought not pertinent to the case? And, please, can some one tell me why, after all these years, the police dept. has not told the family how this child died? And why aren’t the Chief or the officers involved in this case responding to the REPEATED questions being asked in the public forum? Let’s get this thing moving, fellas! Obviously, nothing has been done on this case for many years, there seems to be no legitimate reason to not release what information the police have. I expect someone, anyone, to respond publicly on this case. And please, no excuses like “it’s an ongoing investigation”! What bunk! Enough!