Missing Man: Brian R. Shaffer--OH--04/01/2006

[Denise]

Brian Shaffer




http://www.newsnet5.com/news/8462075/detail.html

Police, Family Search For Missing OSU Student

UPDATED: 1:03 pm EDT April 4, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police and family members are searching for a missing Ohio State University student, NewsChannel5 partner ONN reported.

Brian Shaffer, a second-year medical school student, hasn't been seen since about 1:30 a.m. Saturday.

The 27-year-old was last seen leaving a bar on North High Street, but he never made it home.

His father said just vanishing is not like his son. Randall Shaffer described his son as an exceptional student.

"His idea of a bad grade is to get an 83. The last time my wife was here, he was in the top 10 of his class. I don't know where he's at now but not that far behind. He's such a smart kid," Randall Shaffer said through tears.

Shaffer was supposed to leave Monday morning for a spring break trip with his girlfriend. Alexis Waggoner said she did not hear from him all weekend.

"I was kind of starting to worry Saturday night. And by Sunday morning when I hadn't heard anything, I was really thinking there was something wrong," said Waggoner.

She contacted his family and called police. And then on Monday, he did not show up for their trip.

Shaffer lost his mother to cancer in early March. His father said he can't bear the thought that something has happened to his son.

Shaffer's car was still at his apartment Sunday.

His girlfriend said none of his personal belongings appeared to be missing. She said it did not appear that anyone has tried to use his credit card. She said she was hoping he just needs some time alone after the loss of his mother.

Columbus Police detectives were asking anyone who may have seen Shaffer since Saturday morning to contact them.

Print a poster: http://www.projectjason.org/aan/AAN_BrianShaffer.pdf

[Denise]

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8445413/detail.html

Reward Offered In Disappearance Of Ohio State Student
Shaffer Last Seen At Campus-Area Bar

POSTED: 6:22 pm EDT April 3, 2006
UPDATED: 4:03 pm EDT April 4, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- An Ohio State University medical student vanished over the weekend. Now authorities are offering a reward in hopes they can to bring him home safely.

A total of $7,000 is available for information about the disappearance. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering $2,000, and another $5,000 is from The Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health.

Brian Shaffer, 27, who is in his second year at OSU, was supposed to leave early Monday morning for spring break with his girlfriend. But when he didn't show up for the trip to Miami, his girlfriend got worried.

"I just want him to come home safe," said Alexis Waggoner, Shaffer's girlfriend. "I'm hoping that maybe he just was overwhelmed by things and maybe had to be by himself for a few days. I don't know. Maybe he didn't think about how worried we'd be and he'll just show back up at his door."

Shaffer was last seen at about 1:30 a.m. at the Ugly Tuna Saloona near campus wearing jeans and a striped shirt.

Waggoner and Shaffer's family spent hours on Monday posting fliers around campus.

Police are also investigating the disappearance.

"Everything was set for these two to take this trip to Florida. That's what makes this unusual," said Sgt. Mike Woods, of Columbus police.

Shaffer lives near the bar, and his car was still parked at his apartment.

Shaffer's friends said this sort of behavior is uncharacteristic for him. They said his mother passed away a few weeks ago, and although he was upset, those who knew him best said he has a lot to live for.

"He means so much to me. I lost my wife. I don't want to lose my son, too. Please help me find him," said Randy Shaffer, the man's father.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at (614) 645-4670.

[Denise]

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8490275/detail.html

Efforts Increased In Search For Missing Man
Reward Offered For Information

POSTED: 4:54 pm EDT April 5, 2006
UPDATED: 8:52 pm EDT April 5, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police are increasing their efforts in the search for a missing Ohio State University medical student.

Officers searched door to door for Brian Shaffer, who was last seen Saturday morning at the Ugly Tuna Saloona shortly before 2 a.m., NBC 4's Marshall McPeek reported.

Shaffer's father brought dogs with him in his search Wednesday. Those dogs, who had a few hits on Tuesday, found nothing in the new search.

Shaffer's friends and family said they aren't giving up hope yet.

"I just can't piece that together, that he would just take off and not call anybody," said Randy Shaffer, the man's father.

Officials said they will also continue to investigate.

"So far, the leads we've had really haven't taken us too far. We have a few leads that we're still working on that we haven't fully developed," said Columbus police Sgt. John Hurst. "Once those develop, hopefully they'll give us some directions."

Fliers were also distributed in the area near campus, surrounding the bar and Shaffer's apartment.

A total of $7,000 is available for information about the disappearance. Central Ohio Crime Stoppers is offering $2,000, and another $5,000 is from The Ohio State University College of Medicine & Public Health.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (514) 645-TIPS.

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http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8474636/detail.html

Psychics Search Apartment Of Missing OSU Student
Surveillance Video Clue Leads To Dead End

UPDATED: 9:48 am EDT April 5, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The family of a missing Ohio State University medical student called in psychics to search his apartment.

Randy Shaffer, the father of missing OSU student Brian Shaffer, 27, said he would do anything to find his son.

"I want to do whatever I can to find him. I'm far from being done. I want to find my son and I want to find him now," Shaffer said.

Psychics searched Brian Shaffer's apartment on Tuesday evening.

"When I saw his picture (Monday) night, I immediately tuned into him and felt that he'd been drinking too much over the weekend. He's gone through a recent tragedy. His mother's passed away. I think he was just a little too drunk to really make it home safely," psychic Bill Mitchell said.

Psychics said they had visions inside the apartment.

"I feel positive that he's alive, but I feel there has been injury. I keep feeling impact in my abdomen," psychic Marc Moody said.

Columbus police thought they might have had a break in the case with a surveillance video taken early Saturday morning outside of the Ugly Tuna Saloona, where Brian Shaffer was last seen. They thought a man seen on the video getting onto an escalator outside of the bar, followed by two men in black shirts, was Brian Shaffer.

Late Tuesday, however, police determined that the man was not Brian Shaffer after blowing up the video and showing it to family and friends.

Meredith Reed, a friend who was with him that night in the bar, was one of the last friends to talk to Brian Shaffer.

"Clint and Brian were talking about something, and Brian mentioned he was going to go up, like toward the stage area," Reed said.

After that, he apparently left, and has not been seen since.

[Denise]

Vigil Held for Missing OSU Student

April 10, 2006
Reported by Tanisha Mallett

Sunday was a day of support for the family of missing OSU medical student Brian Shaffer.

The last time Shaffer was seen was over a week ago. Surveillance video shows him entering the Ugly Tuna Saloona bar, but it does not show him leaving.

Still his family and friends have faith he will come home and a possible tip is giving them hope.

Randall Shaffer, Brian's father, says a homeless man told detectives he saw Brian at the United Dairy Farmers store on 12th and High Streets near campus. Police confirm they received the tip and will be reviewing surveillance video to determine if it's credible.

In the meantime, Brian's loved ones say they are grateful for the help they've received. They say they believe he is still alive, and no matter what has happened, they want him to come home.

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=home&story=...057630799.html

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Student's Friend Talks About The Night He Disappeared
Brian Shaffer Last Seen April 2

UPDATED: April 10, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Detectives said that they were investigating a tip that a missing Ohio State University medical student was seen at a north Columbus convenience store almost four days after he disappeared.

Police said the tip came from a homeless man and they believe the tip could be credible, NBC 4's Duarte Geraldino reported.

Brian Shaffer was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona, on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

According to police, the tipster said that Shaffer was behind a United Dairy Farmers store, located at High Street and 12th Avenue.

"The individual indicated that the man that he had seen was eating a sandwich," said Columbus police detective John Hurst. "He believes it was bought from one of the local restaurants."

Detectives said the homeless man attempted to talk with the man he believed was Shaffer, but the person walked off into the alley.

"(The homeless man) said that he said, 'Hey, people are looking for you,' and the individual really didn't have much of a reaction," Hurst said.

Shaffer's mother died shortly before he disappeared, Geraldino reported. His father, Randy Shaffer, believes that stress might have been too much for the second-year medical student.

"It hasn't been totally checked out yet, but I am going with that positive thought," Randy Shaffer said. "It lifts me up a little bit."

Detectives said that they were working to obtain surveillance footage from the UDF store. They hope that if a tipster saw Brian Shaffer that the cameras did, too.

Clint Florence is the last person to see Brian Shaffer. The two used to live together and were out celebrating the beginning of spring break. Florence described Shaffer as popular, but a bit of a loner.

"Brian likes to either see somebody that he knows or wants to talk to the band. He is known to walk off. He just liked to walk off and do his own thing," Florence said.

Florence described the timeline of the night Brian Shaffer disappeared.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Brian Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, Florence said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar.

Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna. Florence said while he was drinking, Brian Shaffer periodically walked away to talk with some people he knew.

"Brian got up with them. I am assuming he got up with them, walked out with them to talk with them on the foyer before going on the escalator," Florence said.

Shaffer was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m.

"I called him that night and it went straight to voicemail. It was about 2 a.m. and (there was) no answer," Florence said.

Florence said he doesn't think Shaffer had a nervous break down.

"I am afraid that Brian might have left the bar and ran his mouth a little bit. He has been known to do that," Florence said.

At closing time, after looking for Shaffer, Florence said he went home with another friend.

"Of course, I regret now leaving, but I didn't think anything of it. I didn't think Brian -- that anything happened to him because he is known to walk away," Florence said.

Brian Shaffer and his girlfriend were scheduled to take a spring break trip to Florida last week, NBC 4 reported. Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards have been used since he disappeared.

The reward for information about Brian Shaffer's whereabouts is now up to $13,000. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8592335/detail.html

[Denise]

http://www.onnnews.com/?sec=home&sto...932131560.html

Fliers For Missing Student Posted

Apr 13 2006 11:42AM

He has been missing more than a week, but the family of OSU medical student Brian Shaffer isn't giving up hope.

Shaffer went missing after a night out with friends near the Ugly Tuna Saloona in the campus area.

Wednesday night, his father put up new fliers at Cooper Stadium. He thinks his son is alive and hopes one of the fliers will lead someone to call police.

"I just try to keep positive. The police keep looking and you know and I'm trying to think of more ways for people to look," says Randy Schaffer, Brians father.

Anyone with information on the disappearance of Brian Shaffer should call Columbus police.

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http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8699216/de...subid=10101341

Photo Released Of Tattoo On Missing Medical Student
$13,000 Reward Offerred

UPDATED: 11:11 am EDT April 17, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Central Ohio Crime Stoppers on Thursday released a photo of a tattoo on a missing Ohio State medical student's right arm.

The tattoo is the logo for the band Pearl Jam, NBC 4 reported.

Police said they hope by releasing the photo of Brian Shaffer's arm, it will give people one more clue to help recognize him.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona, on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Brian Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar.

Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Shaffer and his girlfriend were scheduled to take a spring break trip to Florida last week, NBC 4 reported. Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards were used since he disappeared.

The reward for information about Shaffer's whereabouts is now up to $13,000. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477.

[Denise]

Reward Increased For Missing Ohio State Med Student
Shaffer Last Seen Outside Campus Area Bar

UPDATED: 7:05 pm EDT April 17, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The reward for information leading to the arrest and/or indictment into Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer's disappearance increased to $25,500, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers announced Monday.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona, on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Brian Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards was used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

Shaffer's father made and distributed buttons bearing his son's photo and a phone number to call with information.

"This is another way for people to help me out with something that's permanent, something you can't take down off a pole, that somebody will wear. So, it's a permanent fixture that a lot of kids will wear for a long time," said Randy Shaffer, the man's father.

The following individuals and organizations are contributing money to the reward fund, according to Crime Stoppers:

Central Ohio Crime Stoppers
The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Mid City Electric
Grace Lutheran Church
IBEW Local #683
Ohio State University Student Affairs
OSU Crime Stoppers
Dr. F. Kevin Hackett

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers would remain anonymous.

Stay with NBC 4 and nbc4i.com for continuing coverage.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8768072/detail.html

[Denise]

New Information in Student's Disappearance

Apr 17 2006 9:24PM

There is new information, and a new reward in the search for missing Ohio State University student Brian Shaffer.

Shaffer, a medical student at OSU, disappeared after visiting a campus bar on April 1.

Columbus Police have learned that Shaffer has a distinctive tatoo on his upper right arm. It is the symbol of the rock band Pearl Jam.

Crimestoppers has increased the reward amount to help find Shaffer. The reward is now up to $25,000 for any information in the case.

Shaffer's family has been working with Columbus and Campus Police to find out what happened to their son.

Brian's dad, Randy, says he is upset. He says that Crimestoppers increasing the reward money doesn't matter if people don't know that Brian is missing.

Randy Shaffer spent last week posting fliers on the newly developed Campus Gateway. Randy figures, the more the better but Campus Partners says it took down the fliers when they became ragged and torn.

The group believes this is a case of "less is more."

"I think it becomes ineffective to put three or four or five fliers on the same pole. After a while people stop looking at them because they've seen them everywhere," said Stephen Sterrett of Campus Partners.

Campus partners doesn't allow paper bulletins on the newly rennovated strip of High Street but the group says it will post the missing fliers in "strategic" locations and will create missing posters to mount on sandwich boards.

Randy Schaffer says he feels like Campus Partners is more worried about its image than Brian's welfare.

If you have any information on Brian Shaffer's disappearance call Crimestoppers at 645-TIPS (8477).

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=home&story=...965021667.html

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Team Combs Landfill For Clues About Missing Student
Shaffer Last Seen Outside Campus-Area Bar

POSTED: 5:23 pm EDT April 18, 2006
UPDATED: 6:54 pm EDT April 18, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The search for missing Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer intensified Tuesday as a search team checked the city landfill for clues.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2, NBC 4's Mike Bowersock reported.

A team including detectives and search dogs gathered at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. Police said they do not have any information that suggests Shaffer is at the landfill or that he is dead, but they are searching for information.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards has been used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

A $25,000 reward has been issued for information leading to the person responsible for Shaffer's disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers would remain anonymous.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8804871/detail.html

[Denise]

Hindering the search?

Brian Shaffer's family and friends aren't giving up their missing persons search. Shaffer, an OSU medical student was last seen at the Ugly Tuna Saloona on April 1st. Since then, his father, Randy, has been hanging up pictures of Brian in the South Campus Gateway. Now he's concerned the message about his missing son isn't getting across, because
several of the flyers have been taken down.

"I was shocked when I found out how many are missing. I found 17 total going all the way down High Street to 15th, back on the other side," said Shaffer.

Campus Partners says several of the torn or damaged flyers that had been up for 10 days were taken down. But the community does plan to put up new flyers, Tuesday morning.

Brian's girlfriend, Alexis Waggoner says they are trying a different strategy, passing out buttons featuring pictures of the missing student.

"They'll be moving the posters, they're not just stuck to a building. People look at people, what's tacked to their bags. Mine's not coming off until he comes home." Waggoner said.

Brian's family and friends will be taking donations Tuesday night at The Lodge Bar in the Arena District from 7 to 9 pm. The money will be set aside for Brian's reward fund.

Crimestoppers is currently offering a $25,000 reward in Brian Shaffer's case.

http://www.wsyx6.com/newsroom/oh/top...opstory2.shtml

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http://media.www.thelantern.com/medi...epublisher.com

Effort to find missing student continues

Meagan Engle
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Campus

Nineteen days have passed since friends and family last saw Brian Shaffer. The medical student disappeared April 2 from the Ugly Tuna Saloona near campus.

There has been no activity on Shaffer's cell phone, credit cards or in his apartment since his disappearance. Shaffer is considered a missing person and there is no indication of foul play involved in his disappearance, said Sgt. Rick Thompson of the Columbus Division of Police.

"At this point we're still viewing video from around the campus area from different stores - businesses along High Street - to see if we can spot him. Other than that, we're taking Crime Stoppers tips and working on those," Thompson said.

Police also searched a landfill located near Grove City yesterday and have scanned Olentangy River near the location of Shaffer's disappearance, said Betty Scuab, spokeswoman for the Columbus Division of Police.

"He is still considered a missing person, but at the same time we check other avenues," Scuab said.

Those who know Shaffer are continuing their efforts to keep the public aware of his disappearance.

"We have buttons now that have his picture and the phone number that you call in case you know anything," said Alexis Waggoner, Shaffer's girlfriend.

A meeting will take place today at 5:00 p.m. in the Taco Bell parking lot near south campus, located at the corner of High Street and Ninth Avenue. Volunteers can pick up fliers , as well as maps of the off-campus community that will be provided at that time. Fliers will be put up for two to three hours.

Shaffer, 27, is 6-feet-2 inches tall and weighs about 160 pounds. He has a tattoo on his right arm of the Pearl Jam symbol. He is a second-year medical student at Ohio State.

"He definitely got his love of medicine from his mom - he wanted to make her proud," said Randall Shaffer, Brian Shaffer's father.

Shaffer also enjoys sports and excels at school, his father said.

Shaffer met Waggoner in a medical class.

"It's really hard," Waggoner said. "Not having someone that you do absolutely everything with everyday - there's not really anything I can do to take my mind off of him."

"There's just a lot of love trying to help. I just want to find him, he's such a special kid. I just hope that anybody can find him," Randall Shaffer said.

Any information about Shaffer's disappearance can be reported to Columbus Division of Police's Special Victim's Bureau at 614-645-4670. The reward for information about Shaffer's disappearance has increased to $25,500. More information about the reward can be found at medicine.osu.edu/brianshaffer.

[Denise]

http://www.onnnews.com/?sec=home&sto...207783939.html

Family Makes New Push to Find Missing Student

Apr 20 2006 11:24AM
Reported by Maureen Kocot

Family and friends take their search door to door, spreading the word about missing med student Brian Shaffer.

Investigators are hoping a new piece of surveillance video will lead them to answers.

Volunteers plan to go door to door and hand out fliers about Shaffer, but police are hopeful they have uncovered new evidence that could shed some light on his disappearance.

No one has seen or heard from Shaffer in 20 days.

Surveillance cameras captured Shaffer on tape on his way to a night club in the campus gateway, now detectives are hopeful they've found more videotape evidence.

Columbus police are enhancing footage from several camera angles that may show Shaffer leaving the bar.

Sgt. John Hurst says, "And at the distance the camera is from, it makes it difficult to see, so we're trying to enhance it to give us a better picture."

Police hope the tapes will also reveal possible witnesses who were in the campus gateway area the night Shaffer disappeared.

Police have received almost no tips and Alexis Waggoner, Shaffer's girlfriend, is hopeful this new tape could give detectives the break they need.

"It would be really nice to have somebody, even if it's just, 'Hey I did see him a block away.' Any small thing would just be wonderful," says Wagoner.

With no real clues to go on, loved ones can still hope for a happy ending.

"I absolutely keep believing that he is somewhere and he's going to come home. It's really the only thing I can think," says Waggoner.

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http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8861582/detail.html

Hundreds Join Shaffer Search Efforts
OSU President Partners With Volunteers

POSTED: 5:11 pm EDT April 20, 2006
UPDATED: 6:23 pm EDT April 20, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Family and friends stepped up their efforts Thursday to find missing Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer, NBC 4's Barbra Flannigan reported.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

Friends and family met on the OSU campus Thursday with new maps, fliers and buttons.

Hundreds of volunteers traveled the campus area knocking on doors and talking to residents about the case.

OSU President Karen Holbrook joined students to participate in Thursday's efforts.

The new fliers are laminated to protect against water damage and contain information about Shaffer's tattoo.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards has been used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

A $25,500 reward has been issued for information leading to the person responsible for Shaffer's disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers would remain anonymous.

[Denise]

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/8917720/detail.html

River Searched In Hopes Of Finding Missing Med Student
Shaffer Last Seen 3 Weeks Ago

UPDATED: 9:08 pm EDT April 22, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Volunteers searching near the Olentangy River on Saturday found no clues into the disappearance of missing Ohio State University medical student Brian Shaffer.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

About 20 volunteers combed the brush and bike path along the river, from Lane Avenue to Confluence Park, NBC 4 reported.

The group had no tip to search the area, but wanted to rule it out as a possibility.

"I don't want to find my son in the water someplace," said Shaffer's father, Randy. "I'm not saying he's there, and I pray to God he's not."

Earlier in the week, police searched a landfill for clues, but found none, NBC 4 reported.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks. At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards has been used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the symbol of the band Pearl Jam on his upper right arm.

A $25,500 reward has been issued for information leading to the person responsible for Shaffer's disappearance.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers would remain anonymous.

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Brian Shaffer Downtown Fundraiser
Apr 29 2006 11:45PM

Reported by Tanisha Mallet.

Brian Shaffer's family will mark one month, Sunday, since their son vanished from a campus bar.

Even though its been 30 days, Brians family is hoping no one is forgetting about Brian Shaffers case. Saturday night, someone they've never met stepped forward to help them make sure no one forgets.

Chris Ortleib says the case of missing OSU med student Brian Shafer struck a cord with him.

So Chris organized a fundraiser along side the Hospital Ball at the Lodge Bar in downtown Columbus.
Ortleib wanted to raise money to help the family do what it needs to do to keep Brian's name out there.

The Shaffer family, of course, is grateful for the support now that Brian has been missing a month.

Friday night, the Shaffer's joined other families of missing adults in a special vigil.

More than 900 adults are currently missing in Ohio, and the Shaffers know they have to keep Brian's name alive.

Randy Shaffer says he still believe somebody out there knows something about his missing son.

http://www.10tv.com/?sec=home&story=...814455544.html

[Denise]

Philanthropist Helps Increase Reward For Missing Student
Shaffer Last Seen In Early April

UPDATED: May 6, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The reward for any information leading to the whereabouts of a missing Ohio State medical school student was increased to $100,000, Central Ohio Crime Stoppers announced Friday night.

Brian Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

Philadelphia philanthropist Joe Mammana added the additional reward money, NBC 4 reported.

According to Crime Stoppers, tipsters must contact them by May 17, when the reward will drop to $25,500.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks.

At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards was used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo with the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

The following individuals and organizations are contributing money to the reward fund, according to Crime Stoppers:

Philanthropist Joe Mammana
Central Ohio Crime Stoppers
The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Mid City Electric
Grace Lutheran Church
IBEW Local #683
Ohio State University Student Affairs
OSU Crime Stoppers
Dr. F. Kevin Hackett

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 645-8477 or (877) 645-8477. Callers will remain anonymous.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/9170905/detail.html

[Denise]

New Search for Med Student

May 08 2006

There is a new search beginning for a missing OSU med student.

Brian Shaffer's father is now personally going into the trenches to search for his son.

Randy Shaffer and his brother searched the Olentangy River Sunday afternoon, looking and feeling for any sign of Brian.

Shaffer says he decided to search this area around the Fifth Avenue bridge because of a tip from a psychic.

Crimestoppers is upping their reward to $100,000 dollars to help find Brian. The six-figure-reward is only good for the next eight days.

They are hoping the big reward will jump start the investigation.

http://www.onnnews.com/?sec=home&sto...650791678.html

[Denise]

Break-In Reported At Missing Student's Apartment
UPDATED: May 11, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Police said the apartment of missing Ohio State medical student Brian Shaffer was burglarized early Thursday.

The break-in was reported at about 2 a.m. at his King Avenue apartment, NBC 4's Kyle Anderson reported.

It was unclear as to whether the break-in had anything to do with Shaffer's disappearance, Anderson reported.

Shaffer, 27, was last seen in front of the Ugly Tuna Saloona on North High Street in the South Campus Gateway area early on April 2.

Police said Shaffer was out with friends who were celebrating the start of spring break.

The men headed to the Ugly Tuna at about 9:15 p.m. At about 10:30 p.m., Shaffer spoke to his girlfriend over the phone, a friend said.

About 30 minutes later, the men walked to the Short North Tavern, where they had a few drinks.

At 11:40 p.m., they walked to another bar. Then, at about 1:15 a.m., they returned to the Ugly Tuna.

He was last seen on surveillance cameras at about 2 a.m., NBC 4 reported.

Police said that none of Shaffer's bank or credit cards was used since he disappeared.

Shaffer is 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs between 160 and 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and has a tattoo of the Pearl Jam symbol on his upper right arm.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/9195923/detail.html

[Denise]

Families Of Missing Students Push For New Law

UPDATED: May 16, 2006

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The families of two men who were both recently reported missing are taking their search to the statehouse in hopes of finding help for other missing adults.

The families were scheduled to meet with lawmakers Tuesday afternoon, trying to get Ohio law enforcement agencies to act more quickly when it comes to finding missing adults, NBC 4's Kyle Anderson reported.

Randy Shaffer said he could barely sleep Monday night, spending most of the evening writing his testimony for lawmakers. But he said he expects to ditch the script and speak from the heart.

"Whether it's one, two days, that can mean the difference between life and death," he said.

Shaffer said he hopes that's not the case for his son, Brian, who was last seen April 1 at a campus-area bar. He said he hopes the law will change for others, requiring law enforcement to enter information into a statewide database in less than a week.

"I had to wait 11 days. And right there, 11 days. My son could have been dead in three days," he said.

Randy Shaffer said he's glad that information about Hiroshi Hayashi, another Ohio State University student who was reported missing last week, was entered into the database in less than four days.

As Hayashi's family searches for him, Randy Shaffer said he lives and shares their pain and hopes that lawmakers will too.

"The longer you wait, the worse off it's going to be, so they need to understand that we need to get this going," he said.

http://www.nbc4i.com/news/9224870/detail.html

[Denise]

Endangered Missing Adult

If you believe you have any information regarding this case that will be helpful in this investigation please contact:
Columbus Police Department at (877) 645-8477

Name: Brian Randall Shaffer

Classification: Endangered Missing Adult
Date of Birth: 1979-02-25
Date Missing: 2006-04-01
From City/State: Columbus, OH
Missing From (Country): USA
Age at Time of Disappearance: 27
Gender: Male
Race: White
Height: 74 inches
Weight: 165 pounds
Hair Color: Lt. Brown
Eye Color: Hazel
Complexion: Light
Glasses/Contacts Description: Reading glasses with wire frames.
Identifying Characteristics: Tattoo of the "Pearl Jam" symbol on upper right arm.
Clothing: White long sleeve shirt with light olive green short sleeve polo shirt on top of it, dark blue jeans, white "Adidas" athletic shoes.
Jewelry: Yellow, cancer-awareness rubber bracelet.

Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown. Brian was last seen at approximately 2:00am at a bar near the Ohio State University Campus in the vicinity of the 1500 block of N. High St. in Columbus, OH.

Investigative Agency: Columbus Police Department
Phone: (877) 645-8477
Investigative Case #: 060286094
NCIC #: M-965615308
http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/ga...hp?A200604275S

Printable poster:
http://www.theyaremissed.org/ncma/ga...hp?A200604275S