I believe that Shawn is alive and safe, and I do not think he has been psychically harmed. The boy was taken by a 37 year old man and brought to his apartment in St. Louis.
This is the man that took Shawn, he's a short white man, approximately 5 foot five inches, wears very round glasses. The man has worked at a McDonalds in the area...and for some reason this is very important to the case.
This is the outside of the apartment where Shawn was taken and has been there ever since. Also says "he still likes to read"
Wow....you were right again. Ben was found alive today. And amazingly, another boy (Shawn Hornbeck) that has been missing for over 4 years was found with him. Wow, I just read your RV about Shawn and you were accurate on that too. Thanks for your hard work.
Dana
reply
Hi, great news and Thank You for caring about Shawn :)
Brian
1.13.2007
reply
Hi, thanks and glad he was found safe, you would not believe how many emails I have to answer today...might take me a month :)
Brian
1.13.2007
Shawn Hornbeck has been found alive along with an 11 year old that had been missing since Monday 1/8/07. He was found in Kirkwood, MO in St.Louis County in an apartment building! The man who had him for 4 1/2 years is now 41 years old (should of been about 37 when he abducted Shawn.) He works at Imos Pizza as a manager. He is a sex offender from Utah but hadn't registered as one in Missouri.
News reports are still coming in but I just had to let you know! Both of these kids appear to be fine physically anyway. You were so on this case as usual, you're fantastic! Thank-you so very much for all you do everyday. You're one very special & gifted person!
Kay~in MO
reply
Thanks, and wonderful news...will post it.
Brian
1.13.2007
1.12.2007
Brian,
I believe the person you have for this case was found. it was breaking news on the Internet. I love looking at you site and am a firm believer of you, although i can not afford to become a member i will continue to look at your web site. Can you please try another rv on KendrickJackson. I am from Houston and his father was just sentenced to jail for another case.
thank you.
Hi, sure, will get this done as soon as I can...and you do not need to be a member to access most of my site.
Brian
1.12.2007
Dear Sir,
Shawn was found today in an apartment complex in Kirkwood, MO. I beleive this is St.Louis county. Your dream was very close. You should be able to find exact details online. I just thought you would like to know.
Angela Brown
reply
Hi, thanks, have not checked the news yet, trying to respond to all the emails concerning this case.
Brian
1.12.2007
Shawn Hornbeck has been found alive and well in Kirkwood, MO. Just wanted to share this wonderful news with you if you have not already heard.
reply
Hi, thanks, and yes....wonderful news !
Brian
1.12.2007
Aloha Brian, Just thought that you should know that Shawn has been found
You were right!! *The kidnapper was 37 when he took him, and now he is 41. *Found in an apartment *Found in St. Louis *The kidnapper doesn't work at a McDonald's BUT he does work at a pizzaria.
WOW!!! Is really all I can say!
Anna
reply
Thanks Anna...great news.
Brian
1.12.2007
Brian,
CASE # 140. Brian, looks like you were right about Shawn. He was found after 4 years. Amazing! To make it even more amazing he was found with William (Ben) Ownby CASE # 272. Two cases solved at once, how awesome is that. Here is a link to the story.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16600139/
Blessing,
Emily
Two missing Missouri boys found; man charged
Boy Scout was missing since Monday; other boy vanished in 2002
Updated: 2 hours, 42 minutes ago
BEAUFORT, Mo. - Police searching a suburban St. Louis home for a boy missing since Monday found him and made an even more startling discovery — a 15-year-old boy missing for more than four years, authorities said Friday.
The stunning development came when both 13-year-old Ben Ownby and 15-year-old Shawn Hornbeck were found at an apartment in Kirkwood, miles from the rural locations where the boys disappeared 4 1/2 years apart.
Franklin County Sheriff Gary Toelke called the discovery “good, unbelievable news” at a news conference on Friday.
Ben vanished from the gravel road near his home in Beaufort, Mo., 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, Monday afternoon. Shawn was last seen in October 2002 riding his bike near his home in Richwoods, Mo., about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis.
The boys were found in an apartment occupied by Michael Devlin, 41, who has been charged with one count of first-degree kidnapping, Toelke said. Devlin is jailed on $1 million bond at a location the sheriff would not disclose.
Toelke said both boys appeared unharmed. Ben appeared somewhat dazed as he walked inside the sheriff's department, where he was reunited with his family Friday night. Hornbeck and his family also have been reunited.
Truck was key to case Toelke said the break in the case came Thursday night. Kirkwood city police officers were serving a warrant on an apartment complex when they noticed a white truck matching the description of a vehicle authorities had been searching for in the Ownby investigation.
Kirkwood officers contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and determined where the owner of the truck was and then searched Devlin's home.
Toelke said authorities were surprised to find another boy who identified himself as Shawn Hornbeck.
Ben's uncle, Loyd Bailie, told The Associated Press he was escorted to the Franklin County Sheriff's Department with Ben's parents. He said Ben was delighted when he saw his parents.
"His eyes lit up like silver dollars," Bailie said.
Everyone broke into tears and Ben's parents embraced him as tightly as they could, Bailie said.
Ben seemed in perfect health, but was hungry. Sheriff's deputies brought in sandwiches and a honey bun and Ben instantly devoured the sweet, Bailie said.
Toelke confirmed that Shawn and his family were reunited but disclosed no details.
In Kirkwood Friday night, a half-dozen law enforcement officials congregated outside the modest brick apartment where Devlin lived. Temporary lights and trailers were set up in the apartment complex courtyard as a cold, driving rain fell.
Another neighbor, Rick Butler, 43, said the FBI came to his door Thursday night and showed a picture of Ben, asking if he had seen him. He said he had not. But he had seen a boy he now believes was Hornbeck.
Tent seen in suspect’s courtyard He said he saw no evidence that the boy now believed to be Hornbeck was scared or trying to get away. He had seen Devlin and the teen pitch a tent in the courtyard.
"I didn't see or hear anything odd or unusual from the apartment," Butler said. "I just figured them for father and son."
Ben, a straight-A student and Boy Scout, was last seen after he stepped off his school bus and ran toward his home down a gravel road on Monday. A friend who left the bus with the boy told authorities that after the two parted, he saw a small white pickup with a camper shell speeding away from where Ben had been walking
1.12.2007
I wanted to inform you that Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby were found alive today and they were together!
A man with the last name of Devlin has been charged with taking Ben. He has been a manager for 15 years at an Imos pizza. His mugshot has him wearing a red shirt. He looks to be a shorter fella. He lived in an apartment and that is where the boys were found. He is 41 years old, has diabeties, and graduated from webster groves high school.
I just thought you might wanna know that your predictions seem correct.
Also, there was a young girl a few years ago named Heather Kullorn and I think she was about 11-13 at the time she disappeared from babysitting some children. I didn't know if you might have a feeling of what has happened to her. She's just one of the few missing children I remember that disappeared.
Sincerely,
Jessica Buechting
reply
Hi, thanks for letting me know...do you want me to do a RV on Heather?
Brian
reply
Sure. If you want to. I was just curious if you had heard of her but im curious what could had happened to heather.
Jessica
reply
Ok, have added it to my RV pending list, will get it done just as fast as I can.
Brian
1.13.2007
Brian, wonderful job on this one and so many others!!
Have been watching the news about this case and so far no one has mentioned your remote viewings. I personally emailed the sitewww.shawnhornbeck.com several times in October and December last year, and I know many others did too. I'm certain that Shawn's parents read your RV in October, and just wonder why they have not said anything yet. I believe that they just did not believe you back then, and now seeing that you were right, means they could have found Shawn 4 months ago. If I were you, I would be outraged!!
Sean
reply
Hi Sean, I'm not angry, but yes, I would like them to admit that at least they heard about my RV in October...but it much more important that there son was found safe...more more. I do realize that many people take advantage of what I post, but it does not bother me....in the end...the truth will come out.
Brian
P.S.
If anyone want to ask Shawns's family about this RV or the News Media, please click here.
1.14.2007
Brian, just heard on the news that they went to McDonalds right after he was found!!!
Tina
reply
Thanks, and will post this.
Brian
1.14.2006
Brian, here is some information on the psychics you have been requesting remote viewing advise from. I think you should be teaching them!!
KY
Do You Believe In Miracles? How About a Double Miracle?
13 year-old Ben Ownby, missing since this Monday, has been found Alive!
It's a miracle...but just one of two miracles to happen on this dreary, rainy late afternoon in St. Louis.
Along with Ben, Shawn Hornbeck, missing since October of 2002 was found in the same apartment alive and well.
Now do you believe in miracles?
Ben Ownby was seen walking home from his bus stop when a white Nissan truck drove up next to him and abducted him a mere 500 feet from his home. The abduction activated the Amber Alert system, and hundreds of people searched and scoured all of Franklin County looking for him.
Federal agents descended on the town of Union, Missouri in an effort to find Ben as quickly as possible. Vigils were held at Union Middle School, where Ben was known to be a model student, and his friends and fellow students prayed for his safe return.
Two Kirkwood police officers went to an apartment complex in Kirkwood, Missouri (a St. Louis suburb) Thursday evening to serve a warrant and neighbor Geoff Hadler, who had noticed a white Nissan pick-up truck in the apartment complex, pointed out the vehicle to the cops. Police followed up late this afternoon, where authorities found Ben Ownby inside of the apartment of Michael J. Devlin - a man with only traffic violations on his record.
Inside, police found a 15 year-old boy who identified himself as Shawn Hornbeck of Richwoods, Missouri of Washington County....missing since October of 2002. Shawn was only 11 years old at the time, and was last seen riding his bike towards a friend's house. He never made it there.
Yeah right, you b-yotches. ** k you both. Goddamn charlatans.
In the first "Beyond" show, Van Praagh, whm also claims he talks to the dead, said he was getting the impression Shawn was in a rural area along I-55 where there are three silos. When the Akers Family returned, authorities searched along I-55 in Missouri and Illinois, but didn't find a thing.
Van Praagh then came to Missouri to film the second segment for his show. This time, he said he believed Shawn's body was in a railroad freight car or near some sort of railroad car facility. Then Van Praagh said he believed a guy that worked at this railcar facility was involved in Shawn's disappearance. (By the way, Michael Devlin worked at Imo's Pizza).
Authorities took that information and matched it to a railroad yard at De Soto, Missouri - only about 10 miles from Richwoods - where the old Missouri Pacific Railroad shops were located.
They found nothing.
Craig Akers, Shawn's father said, "We have put in many miles and hours since then with nothing to back up any of the information provided."
On the Montell Williams show, hoarse-voiced Sylvia Browne said that Shawn was "not with us" anymore and said his body was 20 miles Southwest of Richwoods, Missouri. Her visions indicated that Shawn was abuducted by a "dark-skinned man, he wasn't black, more like Hispanic." Sylvia Browne said the abductor had long, black hair that he wore in dreadlocks and was "really tall." That's the only hit Sylvia Browne had - that he was tall. Michael Devlin is very very white with short brown hair (pictured right).
Despite all of these famous and very wealthy psychics using their mighty powers to do nothing but put the family through wild goose chases and also lead them to believe that their son was dead, it took good police work to bring Shawn home.
It's been 5 Christmases the Akers Family has had to endure without their beloved Shawn. They even started the Shawn Hornbeck Foundation, promoting children safety. They helped get hundreds of kids getting digitally fingerprinted and photographed and held various benefits. Craig Akers quit his job as a software developer in order to work for the foundation. They depleted their entire life savings, and he and his wife had to return to work to pay the bills. All of this week, they of course lent the Ownby Family their support during their son's ordeal.
I can't even begin to imagine the joy and elation Pam and Craig Akers are feeling now...their 11 year-old boy is now 15, and I'm sure time has stood still for them during this whole ordeal. But now it's over.
Thanks, and will post this...although I really do not want to discredit anyone....and I also had to edit out some language I do not allow.
Do you know how Mrs. Brown was able to predict this? I would really like to know, and have asked her several times with no response.
Also, I see the police investigated what these psychics said, yet I know for a fact that this RV was sent to the police and FBI, most likely hundreds of time...yet no one contacted me, and I did this RV the very next day after I received an email from Kay that Shawn was reported missing....oh well...all that really matters is that Shawn was found, but I can't help to wonder if Shawn would have been found sooner if they took my RV seriously.
Brian
1.16.2007
Hi Brian,
I am Craig Akers, Shawn Hornbeck's father. Thanks for your interest in our son's disappearance and the time you have devoted to your remote viewing. I have a couple of questions about the drawings you posted from this viewing:
In the first drawing, can your offer any more information/explanation of the significance of the 'Arson Island 2.1 mile'? You also wrote they will be stopped by the police, boy in back seat. Is that something that has already happened, or yet to happen? Any idea when or where? Any ideas about the significance of the '27' in the drawing?
Sorry to bother you with this, you probably don't have a clue about their significance either, but I'm trying to make even a little sense out of this and figure out a way to follow up on your information. Any additional help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Craig, and sorry for the delay. From what I have seen in the news, your son has been located, and I can't tell you how happy I am.
After seeing all the news reports on this issue, I do not think I can make another translation on this RV, but would appreciate any information you might have on this.
No rush on this, and again, congratulations on the finding of your son.
Brian
Note: Shawn and Ben were located the very next day!!
1.16.2007
Brian,
I just wanted to let you know that myself and many others are certain that you are the reason Shawn and Ben were found on Friday. Authorities have not said anything yet because you still have not been cleared of having nothing to do with the case. I know it sounds crazy, but many people do not believe it's possible to know all this without having something to do with the crime.
Have also been reviewing many of your other cases and found something you may have not noticed. Many missing persons cases were not solved until you actually spoke with the immediate family of the missing person. For example, the Shawn Hornbeck case, your remote viewings were online since October 06, yet nothing happened until last Thursday when you spoke with Shawn's father. Then, just 24 hours later, Shawn was located!! This child was missing for more than 4 years, then the very next day after you spoke with Craig, he was located !!!
And something else, your sketches are more correct than you and others might think, and soon the world will know, have you decided who you will grant your first media interview with?
Bless you for all you do, and stay safe.
Kelly
reply
Hi Kelly, thanks for the email, and please keep me updated on this case. I do not need any credit for this, but would love help on the dozens of missing person cases still open. If I were to do an interview, it would be with either Larry King, or Anderson Cooper.
I read over your website (after the fact) of course, mainly because on the night before the arrest my girlfriend claimed to see black smoke on the door of Michael Devlin. I did, however, alert her to the fact i had told police about the white nissan... but we did not know that the boys were found until the next day...
only thing i really wanted to say was that I WORKED AT McDONALDS in kirkwood until just recently - and your black power box reminds me in part of a router, possibly wireless... and unsecured... and used by neighbors as well... in our apartment "complex"
- thanks, g. hadler kirkwood, mo
reply
Hi, thanks for this information and will add it to the case file.
Brian
1.18.2007
Brian, first I just wanted to tell you that we are amazed with your skills, and do believe you that Craig (Shawn's father) the day before he was found. Before we do a story on this, we have to confirm that the email did originate from sarteam. Can you please send us a copy of the email and the emails header information in a screen shot, other then a scanned copy of the email.
David
reply
HI David, sure, see below..
1.20.2007
Brian, there is a Arsenal Island in Saint Louis!!
reply
Hi, yes, thanks posted.
Brian
1.20.2007
1.20.2007
Brian,
The recovery of Ben and Shawn has led me to your websight. I am amazed by your insight and am so happy they were both found alive. It's unfortunate law enforcement did not listen to you before now.
I see you have memberships that can be purchased. I have a concern about a man I know that may be a pedophile, and would like to have you do an RV on him. Do I have to be a member?
Thank You,
Veronica
reply
Hi, no membership is not required and I do RV's for free.
Brian
1.26.2007
Hi Brian,
Sorry, but I couldn't find a way to reply on Shawn's page, so I clicked into another link, and was led to your email.
In the comments and your description, I noticed no one has mentioned the number 4, prominently displayed above the apartment complex in your Oct 7th drawings -- nor had you. Did you know that the apartments are in the 400 block of Holmes, and Shawn Hornbeck and Ben Ownby were found in Apt D -- of course, D is the 4th letter of the alphabet! I thought it was worth mentioning.
I am truly amazed at how many points you hit. Ohhhh, something else! Regarding McDonalds -- could be your image of McDonalds was of the 'golden arches' and not McDonalds, per se? As has been noted above, Devlin was a manager at Imo's pizza. What you may not know, is that Imo's displays the St Louis Gateway Arch in their logo! Hmmmmm. Let me see if I can find an image for you.... Yes, found one and have attached.
Also, in one of the drawings, you wrote "baseball cap" (tho for the suspect). The police noted when they first looked through the blinds, into the apt, on the first call, Thursday night, a teenager (Shawn) had on a ball cap, while at the computer. And, you also wrote, what looks like "Shawn has long hair". It was definitely shaggy -- much longer than when he was taken! Again, if that is what it says, you hit another on the nose. (Thank God they are now both safe at home!)
Awesome job. Maybe this did not directly lead someone to the door, but hopefully many others are solved from your dreams and visions (for lack of a better word). I believe you were so, so close. I wish you all the best.
Patricia
St Louis, Missouri
reply
Hi Patricia, and thanks for this information will post it....and you too.
Brian
1.26.2007
Seems this case is the only thing people are interested in on my site...when there are so many unsolved cases out there, and I need your help in solving them. Have also notice that much attention is placed on missing person cases that make the nightly news, and almost no interest on missing person cases that have been open for years.
Just because a case is more news worthily, does not make the person or persons any more more important...in fact, more attention is needed on cases that have receive very little media attention.
Brian
1.26.2007
Brian could the A. Island in this RV be the Arsenal Island you mentioned in the MPRV140 Shawn Hornbeck case? Just a thought since you also mentioned the name Michael and the news media had mentioned the fact they believe that he Devlin may have been involved in the case of Bianca Noel Piper missing since March 10, 2005 from Foley, MO in Lincoln County, Missouri. When you have time would you do a RV on this case and see if it has anything that might be similar to the other missing children in MO?
Many thanks for all the wonderful things you are doing to help people and you really shouldn't be beating yourself up over the RV or Cold Readings it seems to be working what ever it is called. Just my opinion.
Congratulations on the future birth of your daughter!
Kay~in MO
reply
Hi Kay, will do another RV on this, and thanks for reading my news section.
Brian
1.26.2007
Brian:
I am pretty skeptical of this site and I have seen your RV on Colton (for which I believe is a totally different scenario than the one I think happened) BUT, I did see how close you were on the Shawn Hornbeck case. So, I would like to request an update on Colton and perhaps his brother (birthname Austin, adoptive name Homer).
Although I have written about other cases, it is primarily dedicated to Colton and the pursuit of the truth and what happened to him.
Also, his brother Austin is now in protective custody of DHS and I would like to know if he is ok and if he knows anything about Colton’s disappearance that either he is not telling or they are not believing.
Thanks for your time.
KindraLore
reply
Hi,
Will be happy to do this for you, and will get to it as soon as I can.
Brian
1.26.2007
Brian,
I have been reading your site and would like to request a RV for mother and daughter, Jennifer and Adrianna Wix, missing since 3/25/2004. Could you do this?
Please do not make my personal information public. Will you email me when you have completed the RV or will it just be posted on your page?
Thank you
-- reply
Hi, will do, and will get this done ASAP.
Brian
1.26.2007
Brian,
It's only been a few days since I became aware of your website, and I just received this notice of these missing girls today. It came from my friend's synagogue and so I believe this is real. I was debating whether I should send this to you or not, but remembered that evil flourishes when good men do nothing.
I hope you can help, and if there's anything you can provide, I will try to reach the appropriate people.
Warm regards,
Susan
reply
Hi Susan, will do an RV on this case and post it on the site.
Brian
**MISSING RACHEL SMITH & RACHEL CRITES**
Rachel Smith, from North Potomac, along with her friend Rachel Crites, have been missing since Friday, January 19, 2007. They were going to a movie in Georgetown on Friday afternoon and haven't been seen since. Rachel Smith, who is currently a junior at Wootten High School, also ran track last year. She is 5'1" tall and weighs about 118 lbs. She has green eyes and medium-length brown hair (the photo below is a fairly current one of her). Rachel Smith is 16 and is too old for an "Amber Alert". Her mom, Marian, is a preschool teacher at B'nai Tzedek. Marian just learned today that the last phone call she received from her daughter on Friday afternoon was actually traced to a cell tower in Charlestown, WV -- so the girls could be anywhere at this point.
They were last known to be travelling in a dark blue Subaru Outback Station Wagon with a black cargo box on the roof. The license plate number is MD: MBJ 485. Anyone who has any knowledge of where these girls might be or has seen the vehicle, please call Montgomery County Police ASAP at 301/279-8000 or 240-773-5400 or call 911.
1.26.2007
Hi I just saw on the nancy grace show that an amber alert has been sent out for a lady by the name of kimberly Walker and her four children who have been kidnapped at gun point by someone who just shot another man in the face. The youngest, kayla - 6mos old, needs her asthma medicine every 3 hours. Please help find them. Thank you!
reply
Hi, will do this ASAP.
Brian
1.28.2007
Brian some reports are now saying that Shawn even visited your website last December and has even told his parents about it, can you tell me anymore?
Penny
reply
Hi, I cannot confirm this as Craig has still not returned my email.
Brian
2.24.2007
Hi Brian,
I'm writing to say I hope you're doing well and finding some peace for yourself. Just read your notes exchanged with Craig Akers and can understand your frustration with his responses. I truly think he means well, and like you, is inundated with more than a person should ever be asked to right now.
You both have dedicated your lives in service to so many others, often a very thankless position to be in, but nevertheless ground-shaking work indeed. You are both in very unique circumstances, his having recovered a child after so very long when most are never found, and you uplifting this world with your abilities and your compassion. Neither of you have a lot of company, as very few are blessed with the special character it takes to carry on what you do day after day. You both bring grace and balance to a world that at times feels out of control and frightening, where evil seems to be prevailing. But you see Brian, it is people like you and Craig that personify how much greatness we humans are capable of, how good and selfless we can really be. That's the extra gift you bring, and we all benefit tremendously. An ounce of your goodness undoes more harm in the big picture than you'll ever know.
So please take all the time you need for you and your family, months or years if necessary, because that's also why you're here, and that's just as important as any contribution you're here to bring. And God knows there will always be plenty of people needing your assistance whenever the time is right...!
All the best to you and your family, and may I suggest Big Sky, Montana your next vacation opportunity? We visit there every year or so to escape California and go on a 3-4 day cattle drive - a unique experience to say the least!
Be well Brian,
Steve Kelley
reply
Hi Steve, I agree with you, I do think Craig is a good person and is doing a wonderful service to all.
I'm going to take a week off to clear my mind, and when I get back I'm sure that I will be more focused and hopefully the headaches will be gone...and thanks for the concern.
Brian
2.24.2007
Dear Brian,
I found your website through a link on one of the courttv message boards. I along with many other people were fansinated with your work and your RVs especially the one you did for Shawn Hornbeck.
However, it was brought to the attention of many people your email exchange with Shawn Hornbeck's father Craig Akers yesterday. In many peoples opinion your treatment of Craig Akers was very unfair and harsh.
Surely, you must be aware of good internet etiquete and privacy, especially regarding the posting of people personal email details. This is made worse by the fact that the details you expose are of a person currently in the media spotlight and also the parent of a previously missing child. So this information must be seen to be highly sensitive. It is an email address he uses within his Search and Rescue Team.
In fact you have still not deleted all references to his email address - I think there are three remaining.
In everybodys eyes the request to remove them was very civil and corteous and you were asked not to put the email on your site.
You make reference to his lack of replying to youy email.
Do you understand how dificult it must be for a father to still be looking for his son 4 years after he went missing and how difficult it is to still send emails clutching at straws like Craig Akers did on 11th January to yourself.
Then coupled with the total elation of finding Shawn I really don't think that replying to the thousand emails that he must have received in the past few weeks is his top priority. Do you?
If I were you I would just be content with the fact that I may have contributed to his safe return.
You have lost a lot of respect over this and if you continue to display yesterdays emails on your site I am sure you will lose more.
So if I were you I would :
Remove the remaining references to the email address. Remove yesterdays email exchange. Replace it with a short apology to Craig and his family.
I am sure if you did this it would further enhance you reputation and help in your ongoing work with missing kids families.
Thanks for listening,
Phil Yeaman
reply
Hi Phil,
Thank you for this, and I totally agree with you. I will do as you suggest, and also send a written apology to Mr. Akers, I did overreact and there is no excuse for this. I guess I should not worry about who believes me or not in this case.
Thanks Again,
Brian
reply
hi brian,
Thanks for your very quick response.
I do appreciate all your work and efforts helping missing kids families and I am glad that you have decided to take the action that I suggested.
Thanks again,
Best Wishes,
Phil Yeaman
reply
Hi Phil, just wanted to say thank you for setting me straight, have done as you suggested, and I also mailed a letter to Mr. Akers.
Brian
2.24.2007
Hi Brian,
I'm writing to say I hope you're doing well and finding some peace for yourself. Just read your notes exchanged with Craig Akers and can understand your frustration with his responses. I truly think he means well, and like you, is inundated with more than a person should ever be asked to right now.
You both have dedicated your lives in service to so many others, often a very thankless position to be in, but nevertheless ground-shaking work indeed. You are both in very unique circumstances, his having recovered a child after so very long when most are never found, and you uplifting this world with your abilities and your compassion. Neither of you have a lot of company, as very few are blessed with the special character it takes to carry on what you do day after day. You both bring grace and balance to a world that at times feels out of control and frightening, where evil seems to be prevailing. But you see Brian, it is people like you and Craig that personify how much greatness we humans are capable of, how good and selfless we can really be. That's the extra gift you bring, and we all benefit tremendously. An ounce of your goodness undoes more harm in the big picture than you'll ever know.
So please take all the time you need for you and your family, months or years if necessary, because that's also why you're here, and that's just as important as any contribution you're here to bring. And God knows there will always be plenty of people needing your assistance whenever the time is right...!
All the best to you and your family, and may I suggest Big Sky, Montana your next vacation opportunity? We visit there every year or so to escape California and go on a 3-4 day cattle drive - a unique experience to say the least!
Be well Brian,
Steve Kelley
reply
Hi Steve, I agree with you, I do think Craig is a good person and is doing a wonderful service to all.
I'm going to take a week off to clear my mind, and when I get back I'm sure that I will be more focused and hopefully the headaches will be gone...and thanks for the concern.
Brian
2.24.2007
Dear Brian,
I found your website through a link on one of the courttv message boards. I along with many other people were fansinated with your work and your RVs especially the one you did for Shawn Hornbeck.
However, it was brought to the attention of many people your email exchange with Shawn Hornbeck's father Craig Akers yesterday. In many peoples opinion your treatment of Craig Akers was very unfair and harsh.
Surely, you must be aware of good internet etiquete and privacy, especially regarding the posting of people personal email details. This is made worse by the fact that the details you expose are of a person currently in the media spotlight and also the parent of a previously missing child. So this information must be seen to be highly sensitive. It is an email address he uses within his Search and Rescue Team.
In fact you have still not deleted all references to his email address - I think there are three remaining.
In everybodys eyes the request to remove them was very civil and corteous and you were asked not to put the email on your site.
You make reference to his lack of replying to youy email.
Do you understand how dificult it must be for a father to still be looking for his son 4 years after he went missing and how difficult it is to still send emails clutching at straws like Craig Akers did on 11th January to yourself.
Then coupled with the total elation of finding Shawn I really don't think that replying to the thousand emails that he must have received in the past few weeks is his top priority. Do you?
If I were you I would just be content with the fact that I may have contributed to his safe return.
You have lost a lot of respect over this and if you continue to display yesterdays emails on your site I am sure you will lose more.
So if I were you I would :
Remove the remaining references to the email address. Remove yesterdays email exchange. Replace it with a short apology to Craig and his family.
I am sure if you did this it would further enhance you reputation and help in your ongoing work with missing kids families.
Thanks for listening,
Phil Yeaman
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Hi Phil,
Thank you for this, and I totally agree with you. I will do as you suggest, and also send a written apology to Mr. Akers, I did overreact and there is no excuse for this. I guess I should not worry about who believes me or not in this case.
Thanks Again,
Brian
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hi brian,
Thanks for your very quick response.
I do appreciate all your work and efforts helping missing kids families and I am glad that you have decided to take the action that I suggested.
Thanks again,
Best Wishes,
Phil Yeaman
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Hi Phil, just wanted to say thank you for setting me straight, have done as you suggested, and I also mailed a letter to Mr. Akers.
Brian
10.10.2007
Brian, just wanted to thank you for helping in this case, justice was served.
Michael Devlin Sentenced to Three Life Terms in Hornbeck Kidnapping Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Oct. 9: Michael Devlin is helped out of a police van and into the Washington County courthouse under tight security in Potosi, Mo. Devlin pleaded guilty to kidnapping, sexually assaulting and attempting to murder Shawn Hornbeck in 2002, a day after pleading guilty to kidnapping another boy.
Oct. 9: Michael Devlin is helped out of a police van and into the Washington County courthouse under tight security in Potosi, Mo. Devlin pleaded guilty to kidnapping, sexually assaulting and attempting to murder Shawn Hornbeck in 2002, a day after pleading guilty to kidnapping another boy.
UNION, Mo. — A former pizzeria manager said Tuesday that he attempted to kill a boy he kidnapped and held captive in his apartment, but the child persuaded him not to do it.
Michael Devlin, 41, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, sexually assaulting and attempting to murder Shawn Hornbeck, and received multiple life sentences. He pleaded guilty Monday to kidnapping another boy, and is expected to enter more guilty pleas in other courts.
During Tuesday's hearing, Devlin — standing just feet away from Shawn's weeping parents — admitted in graphic detail how he abducted Shawn in 2002. He described the point at which the boy apparently turned from being an abduction victim to a captive forced to stay alive by following Devlin's horrific orders.
After Shawn was abducted at gunpoint while riding his bike in rural Washington County, Devlin took the then-11-year-old to his apartment in suburban St. Louis where he repeatedly sexually assaulted the boy. Days later, Devlin took Shawn back to rural Washington County in his pickup truck, apparently intent on killing him.
He said he pulled Shawn from his truck and began to strangle him. Shawn resisted.
"I attempted to kill (Shawn) and he talked me out of it," Devlin said.
Devlin stopped the choking, but then sexually assaulted the boy again. Prosecutors said it was at that point that Shawn told Devlin he would do whatever was asked of him in order to stay alive.
"This boy made this contract, this deal with the devil, only to survive," Washington County prosecutor John Rupp said.
Devlin kidnapped William "Ben" Ownby in January, and police who found Ben four days after he was taken were shocked to discover a 15-year-old Shawn in Devlin's apartment.
Devlin pleaded guilty Monday to one charge of child kidnapping and one charge of armed criminal action in Ben's abduction.
Prosecutors said the combined pleas mean Devlin will not be eligible for parole until he is more than 100 years old. He was sentenced to three life terms plus 60 years in prison Tuesday, in addition to a life sentence he received Monday.
Rupp said he was satisfied with the sentences Devlin received.
"You heard it from his own mouth. You've heard what kind of a monster he is," Rupp said after the hearing.
Devlin's defense attorneys and Shawn's parents declined to comment Tuesday. Devlin was expected to plead guilty later Tuesday in St. Louis County to 71 felony charges, including kidnapping and sexual assault, and was to appear in federal court in St. Louis by Wednesday.
Devlin's attorneys have said he accepted a plea deal after reviewing the massive body of evidence collected by state and federal authorities. The boys' families said they were relieved because the pleas will spare the teens from testifying and reliving the ordeal.
"Nothing good could have come from a trial," said defense attorney Michael Kielty. "The evidence ... is just absolutely overwhelming."
While it is The Associated Press' policy not to identify suspected victims of sexual abuse in most cases, the story of Shawn and Ben has been widely publicized and their names are well known
On the Montell Williams show, hoarse-voiced 
