Daniel My Brother Posted January 13, 2007 Posted January 13, 2007 For the past 8 years I've worked for a TV station in Cape Girardeau. One of the biggest stories around here has been the disappearance of Shawn Hornbeck, an 11 year old boy who went for a bike ride in 2002 and never came home. Huge search parties were formed, dogs were brought in, the family got so desperate they evened hired a psychic. Shawn's story was featured on America's Most Wanted and Without a Trace. His picture was posted on websites, billboards and park benches. As time passed, most of us figured the kid had to be dead. But his parents never stopped searching, never stopped praying, and worked tirelessly to keep this from happening to other families. Unfortunately it did happen again. On Monday, 13 yr. old Ben Owenby disappeared in St. Louis. It was a story very similar to Shawn's, but this time the cops had a lead. Someone had spotted a small white pickup with a camper shell speeding away from the bus stop where Ben was last seen. Police found a pickup that matched the description at an apartment complex in Kirkwood. When they entered the apartment they found Ben Owenby alive! There was another boy in the apartment, and when police asked him his name he said "I'm Shawn Hornbeck". Tonight Shawn and Ben are home with their families, and 41 year old Michael Devlin is behind bars. When I heard this story every hair on my body stood up, jaded old newspeople were holding back tears, no one could believe it was true. These stories never end like this! It was just too cool for words. As for Devlin, I'm sure he'll get what's coming to him in prison. Quote
Super User KU_Bassmaster. Posted January 13, 2007 Super User Posted January 13, 2007 Great story!!!! Almost unbelievable. I just caught the tail end of that story on our local news last night. I had NO idea the story had that much going on. Quote
cabela10 Posted January 13, 2007 Posted January 13, 2007 I've never been to prison but I know of people that have and heard some great stories. The best one that is relative to this story is that those inmates at prisons do not like new blood coming in that harmed children. Thats a soft spot for most of those inmates. I'm sure this guy won't be sitting down for weeks on end. ha ha. Quote
Valascus Posted January 13, 2007 Posted January 13, 2007 Delvin is in a lot more trouble than you can imagine. My father works for the Saint Louis County Jail as a corrections officer (guard). He's been there for 23 years. He has seen some things, man. He has dealt with some of the biggest pieces of scum to ever walk this planet...murders, rapists, child molesters...you name it he's probably dealt with it. Out of all that scum, their is a weird "ethics code" if you can really say anyone who has committed any of those crimes has an ethics code. Child molesters and serial rapists have to be held in solitary confinement in special wings away from other prisoners. Cabela10 hit the nail on the head. If those inmates get more 1 minute alone with this guy, they will kill him...or bring him as close to death as they can without killing him. Delvin will definitely get what he deserves... Quote
Panamoka_Bassin Posted January 13, 2007 Posted January 13, 2007 I just read the story on the web this morning (skipping the usual Dubya diatribe) and found it to be very hopeful. The first thing that came to mind was a Law and Order episode (I love that show!) which dealt with exactly the same thing. What was most interesting about the show is that after "living" with his abductor for so long, he no longer knew who his family was, and indeed looked at his abductor as his father. I hope for the boys' familys' sake that truth doesn't follow fiction in this case. Quote
Super User K_Mac Posted January 13, 2007 Super User Posted January 13, 2007 DMB It is an amazing story. I saw one of those "experienced" reporters choking back tears on TV last night. He knew how unlikely it is to find a child alive in these circumstances. Thank God they did. As far as Devlin getting what he deserves, what could you do to him? Nothing would undo the evil he has done. My prayer is that he never, never has the chance to do this again. Whatever that takes. I have mixed feelings about capital punishment, but this is the kind of case that makes me think death might be the answer. The chance of rehabilitating child molesters is slim or none, and even if we could, turning someone loose who has been convicted of this type of crime puts all of society at risk. Quote
justfishin Posted January 13, 2007 Posted January 13, 2007 That is way too sad man. Goodness knows what that boy endured. I would venture to say there is a good chance he will never recover, at least completely from the things he suffered at the hands of that lowlife. His pain could manifest itself in a thousand different ways. I will pray for him. As for scum bag himself I hope when he goes to jail that he becomes some of those tough gangs girlfriend, if you know what I mean. I hate to feel that way but.... Quote
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