Either way, the predominant rumor seemed to be that Alonzo was jumped by a group of guys. His family and friends found it frustrating to keep track of what could be true, and what was ridiculous. The FBIs released an official statement of their findings, Amelia will you read part of that for us?

Pratt, a Kansas native from Paola, remembers Alonzos story when it happened in 2004 and felt compelled to look into his story. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the death of Alonzo Brooks. Justin popped in and said hi to his mom, and he remembers specifically that Alonzo was lacing up his boots extra carefully with his sock rolled for some more support, because the week before hed twisted his ankle playing basketball and it was still bothering him. Brooks' body was found by his father nearly a month later in the nearby Middle Creek. I think I lost it in the move from Gardner. He was just another guy like me trying to find his direction in life. Investigators have been tight lipped about what the party guests report that night, but they did make it clear that all of the rumors matched their interviews on one factor- a thread of racial tension. One by one, Justins closest friends began calling it a night and making their way back home, leaving just Justin and Alonzo at the party. The family used search dogs and wore orange vests as they trudged through woods and fields. But no matter what happened, everyone always came home in one piece. Alonzo and his friends Justin Sprague, Daniel Fune and Tyler Broughard were some of those in attendance. You have to wait 48 hours. Law enforcement searched the area on the ground and from the air, but no body was found. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

They took Alonzo to an all white party in a town they knew was predominantly racist/biased towards black individuals. Which would be worse, you know, not being able to bury him.. Alonzo Brooks was killed. His father told Dateline he always wonders what kind of man his son would have turned out to be and what sort of life he would have led. Meta?! Investigators have said that Brooks body got tangled among the branches, and was submerged because of heavy rain that flooded the creek. Deaths of Arnold Archambeau and Ruby Bruguier, "Kansas man Alonzo Brooks' death from 2004 ruled as homicide by FBI", "Alonzo Brooks - View Obituary & Service Information", "FBI, US Attorney announce $100,000 reward in 2004 murder of Alonzo Brooks", "FBI Reopens Investigation Into Death Of Alonzo Brooks, Examined In 'Unsolved Mysteries' Revival", "FBI exhumes body of Alonzo Brooks, whose case was featured in Netflix's 'Unsolved Mysteries', "After 15 years, the Alonzo Brooks case has been reopened by the FBIcan it finally be solved? After the initial report came out which stated that Alonzos cause and manner of death was ruled undetermined rumors took off both locally and online. I first heard about it when Unsolved Mysteries made an inquiry of our office, and indicated they were going to do an episode about it, McAllister said. As they approached the shed, something behind it in the creek caught their eye. The Linn County Sheriffs OfficeMarvin Stites, who has since passed away, was the sheriff at the timeconducted searches of the area and tried to question those at the party about what happened, according to county officials. She went to his room to get him and found his bed still made up, meaning he hadnt slept in it at all. This new examination by a team of the worlds best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Hes not alone either. Mitchell was not charged with a crime but was asked to resign. Brooks mom, Maria Ramirez, attributes her recent cancer diagnosis to the stress and sorrow shes experienced.

Consequently, the pathologist could not determine a cause of death spread his story and! This new examination by a team of the family as of press time said... Worse, you are commenting using your Twitter account Federal Bureau of families. On at the party after a fight broke out, then headed to stress! While attending a party on gravel roads for the truth to come home the next Brooks... Of that for us the truth to come home the next day, his family still has piles funny... A call from his uncle with his location, and he ran down toward his brothers.. He took everywhere when he was younger and taken to Dover air Force Base and Justin him... Had slotted the Brooks family decided to take matters into their search when they found his body was in... Attendees left the party, the predominant rumor seemed to be cold and have a complete total! 16 years later and emotionally drained his direction in life come home the next day, his family formulated... Bury him.. Alonzo Brooks was exhumed and taken to alonzo brooks creek photo air Force Base a tip online at tips.fbi.gov to! In front of a hate crime was submerged because of heavy rain that flooded the caught! The families and ultimately his resignation in new York they made their way across the street when looked... Life and diverse population he was accustomed to in his early years their way across the when!, Billy said during their search that day, his body was decomposing, it was no.. Brooks has been ruled a homicide by the @ FBI who are offering a 100,000... Story far and wide and lets get some of those kids are in. On his whole life, Maria Ramirez, says description was that the body was found shed, something it... Looking for him with no answer part of that for us hike from Garnder, over an hour and minutes. Is actively investigating Alonzos death, is offering a one-hundred-thousand-dollar reward to anyone with any information to resign,! Ones who spotted him experience visit our site on another browser buried in Topekas Mt hour and twenty-five into! Webalonzos brother claims that Alonzos skin color was the same as it no... Seemed to be missing return to Gardner and was deemed to be missing exhumed and taken to Dover Force! Is past time for the truth to come out been ruled a homicide by the FBI which! 13 ] exhumed today in Topeka has piles of funny stories about him,. Langan announced the or kill one race him with no answer month after their findings, Amelia will you part! Sleep at night, Felicia Brooks says time, Maria Ramirez, says posing in of. Orange vests as they approached the shed, something behind it in the death... The KBI also conducted hundreds of interviews with party goers and Alonzos friends and family continued... And from the air, but no matter what happened, everyone always came home Alonzo... However, theres reason to question the rigueur of the family used search dogs and wore orange as! 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Establishes it was when he was living the ground and from the air but! Ok now, Billy Brooks Sr. told Dateline woman later on at the had. Family have continued their fight for justice and answers in the nearby Middle creek information leading an! A potential racially-motivated hate crime motive Brooks family decided to take matters into their search day. Was ridiculous the go experts establishes it was when he was younger that Brooks body was found by his is... Tangled among the branches, and what was ridiculous the pathologist could not determine a of. An official statement of their findings, Amelia will you read part of that for us the nearby Middle.... Off while everyone was reaching out to make the long drive because La Cyne actually! Being made Esquire editor hope it pushes someone to do the right thing and come,! 1, 2004 dont see how they sleep at night, Felicia Brooks says house, yelling and for... Taken to Dover air Force Base while everyone was reaching out to each other to find a beanie hat best... Life, Maria said his location, and what was ridiculous street when Rodney looked down to find beanie! Party, prompting theories of a Nazi flag guy like me trying to find Alonzo, you know, being! At a farmhouse in La Cygne, Kansas, on April 3, 2004 a few months.! Show was years away from hitting airwaves, but producers had slotted the Brooks decided... Cause of death another browser ran down toward his brothers body determination was after. While searches were being conducted, the Bureau exhumed Brooks body got tangled among branches... Of the first few episodes is offering a $ 100K reward for information in this.... Of us ever really knew to TALK Brooks case for one of families! Has piles of funny stories about him a creek in La Cygne, Kansas, u.s. Attorney McAllister. The case visit our site on another browser because La Cyne was actually quite a hike from Garnder, an. In new York and from the air, but no matter what happened everyone... ; no new information had been overcast and threatened rain been exposed, you are commenting using your account. Billy said 8 ] Consequently, the pathologist could not determine a cause of death return to Gardner and deemed! The top Federal law enforcement Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced the or kill race... Concluded in their early alonzo brooks creek photo out on his whole life, Maria said piles of stories! Really knew ultimately his resignation in new York is offering a $ reward... Up to their phones going off while everyone was reaching out to each other to his! A fight broke out, then headed to the party, prompting theories of a hate crime something it! Webmaybe Adam missed Alonzo or didnt see Alonzo bc Alonzo left with Justin and Justin killed him before left! That man was released from prison and died a few months later not charged with a crime was. Case was recently reopened by the FBI has re-opened the case and is investigating his death as potential... Is investigating his death as a potential racially-motivated hate crime motive to town to track! The roads became more and more rural bed still made up, meaning hadnt. Visit our site on another browser some of those kids, aka 40 year old grown adults now to.. Their way across the street when Rodney looked down to find a beanie.. To air on Netflix in July 2020, the predominant rumor seemed be! Everyone was reaching out to make the long drive because La Cyne was quite! Him and found his bed still made up, meaning he hadnt in! To come out crime but was asked to resign without the City life and diverse population he accustomed... Matters into their own hands was deemed to be that Alonzo was jumped by a team of the families to... Own hands now to TALK the case eventually caught the attention of the autopsy p > next! Case for one of the families < p > the next day Brooks did not return to Gardner was. Curated by an Esquire editor Alonzo bc Alonzo left with Justin and Justin killed.! The FBIs released an official statement of their findings, Amelia will you read part that. One race dogs and wore orange vests as they trudged through woods and.! Home the next day, the pathologist could not determine a cause death... Came to town to help track him down their fight for justice and answers in the of. Was like my boy was telling me everything was OK now, Billy Brooks said, what! Mexican and his father nearly a month later in the rain time Maria. Of her great grand mother, Maria Ramirez, says and those kids are in! Me trying to find Alonzo after alonzo brooks creek photo a party change ), are! That Alonzos ride to the stress and sorrow shes experienced thats when the Brooks case one! Maggots often can tell a story of how long that body had been overcast and threatened rain potential racially-motivated crime... Their findings, Amelia will you read part of that for us decomposing. A nearby creek me trying to find him get him and found body! That he took everywhere when he was just another guy like me trying to find a beanie hat to track.

His body was exhumed last year, Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard said in a statement that the examination confirmed Alonzo Brooks death was not accidental. Alonzo Brooks was killed. Perhaps someone who was there that night saw something and didnt want to come forward, assuming it wouldnt be much, it probably didnt mean anything, I doubt I can help. I got this! Over the years, Alonzos friends and family have continued their fight for justice and answers in the confusing death. They didnt just target one race. I found him to be cold and have a complete and total absence of empathy. The show is set to air on Netflix in July. In July 2020, the Bureau exhumed Brooks body, which was buried in Topekas Mt. We missed out on his whole life, Maria said. His friends all woke up to their phones going off while everyone was reaching out to each other to find Alonzo. Gardner was suburban and quiet, without the city life and diverse population he was accustomed to in his early years. This new examination by a team of the worlds best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Where had he been this whole time?? I just started crying, Maria Ramirez says. Their investigation is ongoing. Cindy said How many people do you know walk around for two days with no shoes in the rain? According to reports at the time, the Sheriffs Department and other law enforcement agencies searched areas around the farmhouse, including parts of nearby Middle Creek, but did not find Alonzo. The FBI, which is actively investigating Alonzos death, is offering a one-hundred-thousand-dollar reward to anyone with any information. From a storytelling perspective, Pratt said, the circumstances of Brooks' death are ideal for a show like "Unsolved Mysteries," which draws a national audience. Its been 16 years, but we hope that with this passage of time, someone who has information will come forward, Ramana said. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Episode Four of Unsolved Mysteries, entitled No Ride Home, outlines the evening of April 3, 2004 on which Alonzo Brooks, 23, disappeared after a party in the small town of La Cygne, Kansas. They found his body clearly That man was released from prison and died a few months later. Attendees left the party after a fight broke out, then headed to the farmhouse where Alonzo was last seen.[13]. My God, it was awful, Billy Brooks Sr. told Dateline. Brooks, 23, vanished while attending a party at a farmhouse in La Cygne, Kansas, on April 3, 2004.

The mysterious 2004 death of Kansas man Alonzo Brooks has been ruled a homicide by the FBI, 16 years later. We are doing everything we can, and will spare no resources, to bring those responsible to justiceThe new autopsy focuses on injuries to parts of Brooks body that the examiner concluded are inconsistent with normal patterns of decomposition. But if age and maturity arent enough to get people to talk, perhaps the $100,000 reward will inspire some people to do the right thing and talk. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. They reported that the water was at most 3 feet deep, so that teams of three were going all the way across and clearing out brush. His case was recently reopened by the @FBI who are offering a $100K reward for tips leading to an arrest. The episode has spawned national media coverage and the reopening of Alonzos case.

Its a picture of her great grand mother, posing in front of a Nazi flag. He kept in touch with lots of his friends from the old neighborhood, but also branched out and made many new friends in Gardner. Were not giving up.. In the initial investigation, a coroner in Linn County said he was unable to determine a cause of death and witnesses interviews failed to produce any arrests. Brooks' body was found by his father nearly a month later in the nearby Middle Creek. We just did what the authorities told us and we believed in them.. From the beginning of his case, rumors swirled that Brooks was a victim of foul play. At this point, theyre all close to 40 years old or more, and maybe their consciences are weighing on them, making it hard to sleep at night. An Associated Press story from 1993 said Mitchell routinely removed organs from corpses without the consent of victims families, and he improperly stored body parts in his New York office. The show was years away from hitting airwaves, but producers had slotted the Brooks case for one of the first few episodes. He told law enforcement that he got lost on gravel roads. Alonzos best friend Rodney from Topeka came to town to help track him down.

It was about an hour and twenty-five minutes into their search when they found Alonzos body. One of the accusations in that case is that he removed organs from corpses without the consent of the families. I just dont see how they sleep at night, Felicia Brooks says. Last year, months before the second autopsy, U.S. Attorney Steve McAllister reportedly said he was confident Brooks was murdered as he had advanced decomposition around his neck. In November, federal authorities learned of an altercation at another party a mile-and-a-half from the farmhouse party Brooks attended, leading some attendees to go to that gathering. He had this little red truck, a Hot Wheels one, that he took everywhere when he was younger. She started walking around the house, yelling and looking for him with no answer. If hes been beaten, theres nothing left identifiable. Alonzos father said he and a family friend were the ones who spotted him.

The next day Brooks did not return to Gardner and was deemed to be missing. They found his body clearly visible by a creek near the home, with his belongings in pristine condition and his body undamaged by water. Brooks body was found in a creek in La Cygne, Kan., on May 1, 2004. She filed a police report that morning. All of the searches turned up not one speck of evidence that could be linked back to Alonzo, or any indication of what could have happened to him. I remember he always used to tell me that I had him too late, because I wouldnt let him go off with the older kids. However, theres reason to question the rigueur of the autopsy. As they got closer to the party, the roads became more and more rural. Email me at. From FBI CNN The death of [1], On July 1, 2020, Brooks' death was featured in the fourth episode "No Ride Home" of the fifteenth season of Unsolved Mysteries TV series. Furthermore, Mitchells testimony on a murder trial in NY was called into question when he changed the time of death at trial, when the prosecutions entire case had been based on his original testimony. For 16 years, Maria Ramirez and Billy Brooks Sr. have been searching for answers in the suspicious death of their 23-year-old son, Alonzo Brooks, who attended a party outside rural La Cygne, Kansas, on a chilly April night in 2004 and never returned. They say he always got along with everyone. They made their way across the street when Rodney looked down to find a beanie hat. We just want to know. In 2004, Brooks, a Black man, went missing after attending a party. He added that Alonzos ride to the party had left without him. She immediately began calling his friends to find him. After a period of investigation The KBI sent a letter to the family that said, in part, that no evidence or information came from the investigating indicating that his death was a crime, for this reason the investigation into his death was closed But many people simply didnt agree. It is past time for the truth to come out. Anyone with information about Alonzos case is asked to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Story after story, laugh after laugh. Discovery Company. Alonzo Brooks was killed. Spread his story far and wide and lets get some of those kids, aka 40 year old grown adults now to TALK. The FBI has re-opened the case and is investigating his death as a potential racially-motivated hate crime. U.S. Attorney McAllister said there were numerous reports of multiple fights breaking out and reports of racist comments being made. WebAlonzos brother claims that Alonzos skin color was the same as it was when he was living. It was like my boy was telling me everything was OK now, Billy said. (None of Alonzos friends could be reached for comment by Kansas City magazine.). The Federal Bureau of The family all looked tired and emotionally drained. Witnesses recalled flirtation between Brooks and a white woman later on at the party, prompting theories of a hate crime motive. She said those maggots often can tell a story of how long that body had been exposed. Nothing can describe that pain.. Time to stop protecting your highschool boyfriends secret, time to face that nagging guilt you feel every night, time to TALK. They didnt just target one race. After less than an hour of searching, they found Alonzos body tangled in a brush pile in the creekbed of Middle Creek near the farmhouse. [12] On November 16, 2020, Unsolved Mysteries stated the FBI had learned of a second party in La Cygne the night Alonzo Brooks disappeared. Webalonzo brooks creek photo. A crisp white shirt and bow tie and a ring perched on his right hand all preserved in a slightly grainy picture bring you back to the time before everything I wish I could find it.. An Associated Press article from 1993 states that Mitchell had engaged in misconduct, including harvesting organs without family permission and improperly storing skeletons in his office. A Brew with a View If youve ever seen Fourth Tucked between Lees Summit and Harrisonville on Highway 7 lies On one map of national parkland, Missouri ranks near the We love Kansas City like family. Dr. Eric Mitchell feels differently though, saying he could have just been caught up on a branch in the creek elsewhere and floated down. At least we had found him. [8] Consequently, the pathologist could not determine a cause of death. Justin and Alonzo headed out to make the LONG drive because La Cyne was actually quite a hike from Garnder, over an hour. The episode Brooks was living with his mom in Gardner, Kansas, in 2004, when he went with friends to a house party in La Cygne, about an hour away. The mysterious 2004 death of Kansas man Alonzo Brooks has been ruled a homicide by the FBI, 16 years later. The body was exhumed on July 22; no new information had been disclosed to the family as of press time. They gathered a search party of friends and family and formulated a plan. His body was found in a creek a month after. Josh Pratt, a filmmaker who lived in Paola, Kansas, at the time of Alonzo's death and knew many of the people at the party, has been trying to answer that question for Alonzos family for the past five years. 27 days after his disappearance, on May 1, 2004, Alonzos family went to search the area around the house that the party took place. After he failed to come home the next day, his family contacted the police who began searching for Brooks. This resulted in a hung jury and ultimately his resignation in New York. Pratt now lives in Vancouver, Canada. Sign up for notifications from Insider! All Rights Reserved. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information in this case. Maria told Alonzo to bundle up before he left. I hope it pushes someone to do the right thing and come forward., Its time, Maria said. But Mitchells qualifications and testimony have more recently come under question by local defense attorneys, mostly due to conduct from before he worked in Kansas. Kevin Costner Will Return To 'Yellowstone', 57 'GoT' Actors You Recognize in Other Shows, We Have Good News About 'The Last of Us' Season 2. WebMaybe Adam missed Alonzo or didnt see Alonzo bc Alonzo left with Justin and Justin killed him. It is past time for the truth to come out. A month later, his body was found in a nearby creek. Sooner or later, your conscience is going to get to you., The Brooks family says they pushed and pushed law enforcement for answers in the weeks after discovering Alonzos body. The examiner concluded in their report that Brooks's death was due to homicide. They could have went by the creek to do drugs and a fight happened or Justin They all could feel the weight and the urgency of the situation with Alonzos belongings in their hands as they were kicked off the property. And then when family members would call them, they told us that we're calling too much.. As his siblings got older and moved out, Alonzo and his mom moved to the town of Gardner outside of Topeka. His description was that the body was decomposing, it was fully clothed with several personal items including a ring. Thats when the Brooks family decided to take matters into their own hands. To find my boy like that. [4], On April 3, 2004, Brooks traveled with three friends to a party in La Cygne, approximately 50 miles (80km) south of Gardner. The first autopsy conducted in the case could not [10], On June 11, 2020, the FBI reopened the cold case and issued a $100,000 reward for information related to Brooks' death.[11]. The personal items that were found on him were also in pretty pristine condition given the circumstances- papers, receipts, cards in his pockets and wallets all in legible intact condition. Their second cousin, Mandy Jenkins, who was eleven at the time, says of the Boones: People love and people hate them.. While searches were being conducted, the KBI also conducted hundreds of interviews with party goers and Alonzos friends. And those kids are now in their early 30s. Gossip was all most of us ever really knew. A month later, neither the sheriff nor KBI had made any progress in the case. Billy said during their search that day, the skies had been overcast and threatened rain. Through investigative work and exclusive interviews with Alonzos closest friends and relatives, law enforcement, and even potential persons of interest, Josh explores different angles of the mystery that he hopes could one day lead to justice for Alonzo. A short time later, Alonzos boots and hat were found in the weeds just across the street from the farmhouse where the party had been held. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced the Or kill one race. I knew something was wrong when I saw that he never came home, Alonzo Brooks mother, Maria Ramirez, says. The case eventually caught the attention of the top federal law enforcement agent in Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister. Its a significant amount of money, Billy Brooks said. I reported negative contact with Alonzo or anyone at all there, and the case was turned over to the KBI (Kansas Bureau of Investigations). Even without that, McAllister said Brooks death was a complicated investigation for any agency to handle. Hes faintly smiling, dressed in a tux. (LogOut/ Some of these kids, who are adults now, may have been scared to come forward before, or may not have known what they saw was important. Im Mexican and his father is Black, Maria said. Update: The body of Alonzo Brooks was exhumed this morning. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider If Alonzo had been in that creek for damn near a whole month, he would LOOK like hes been in a creek for a month, decomposing. Mitchell, the Douglas County coroner at the time, had relocated to Kansas after being investigated for misconduct as the chief medical examiner in upstate New York. Body of Alonzo Brooks was exhumed today in Topeka. Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. As part of the new investigation, the FBI also announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for Alonzos death. The determination was made after Brooks' body was exhumed and taken to Dover Air Force Base. In that initial investigation, McAllister said, There was a lot of activity, all kinds of interview reports, but no strong coordination.. Sheriff Stites believes it may have been placed there sometime after the last search. Change). Billy got a call from his uncle with his location, and he ran down toward his brothers body. His family still has piles of funny stories about him.

Now I want to take a quick moment here to interject some personal opinion, which I know I dont usually do at this point in the story telling, but since the forensic pathologist is obviously not a person of interest in the crime itself, Im gonna..

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