When the family found him and saw what he looked like, we knew that there was foul play, said Angela Cox, one of Brooks aunts. Maria knew this was bad news because it was so out of character for her son. It wasnt until a month later, after a group of his family and friends organized their own search, that his body was found on top of a pile of brush and branches in the creek, according to the FBI. Change). 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. Billy Brooks is certain his brother was the victim of Brooks mom, Maria Ramirez, attributes her recent cancer diagnosis to the stress and sorrow shes experienced. I think the fact we were producing this episode shined a light on the case and helped them want to take a look at this case again, the shows co-creator Terry Dunn Meurer told Entertainment Weekly. Law enforcement searched the area on the ground and from the air, but no body was found. New York Woman Abducted, Killed in Shootout Between Kidnapper, Virginia Police, Former Victim Advocate Planned to Sexually Abuse 8-Year-Old at Hotel, Opening Statements Set for Monday in Trial of Cult Mom Lori Vallow Daybell, violent and aggressive partiers from that second party, subscribe to the Crime Stories with Nancy Grace podcast. Mitchell was not charged with a crime but was asked to resign. Bloggers and true crime geeks all think they know who killed Alonzo and why, prompting them to send death threats to the town and people involved. Pratt, a Kansas native from Paola, remembers Alonzos story when it happened in 2004 and felt compelled to look into his story. Here's what to do if you're on KanCare, Arturo Castro Nogueras' guitar playing strums on the heart strings, Feds Offer $100,000 Reward In Kansas Cold Case That May Have Been Racially Motivated, Activists say Kansas City is in 'a moment of crisis' after racist incidents at local schools. According to authorities, the new investigation is focused on determining whether Alonzo, an African-American man was the victim of a racially-motivated killing. Brooks aunt Angela Cox is the family spokesperson and runs their Facebook page a part-time job in its own right. (LogOut/ He never came home that evening. When Alonzos big brother Billy came to the area to help search with his wife Cindy, they felt much the same way. appreciated. 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. About a month later, on May 1, 2004, Alonzos family organized their own search of the property and surrounding area. Sprague never returned.

The FBI is investigating. Sheriff Stites believes it may have been placed there sometime after the last search. Details of the examination are being withheld for investigative purposes. He says there were no penetrating injuries as cause of death, no evidence of acute bone fracture, no evidence of a sharp force injury, no gun shot., He goes on to say Could he have drowned? WebAlonzo Tyree Brooks was born on May 19, 1980, to Billy Brooks Sr. and Maria Ramirez. We knew that Alonzo Brooks died under very suspicious circumstances. And someone -- or several people -- know what happened to him. It was immediately evident that Alonzo was the only black person in attendance but he was such a friendly guy and theyd come such a long way that he didnt flinch and joined right in. Alonzo Brooks mysteriously disappeared in April of 2004 from a party in the tiny Kansas town of La Cygne. What happened to my son? IE 11 is not supported.

It was like my boy was telling me everything was OK now, Billy said. His body was recovered from a creek in the same city on May 1, 2004. Another man was convicted of murder based on Mitchells testimony, and was later exonerated after serving 12 years when Mitchell changed his testimony to say that the death was actually suicide, not murder. When Alonzo was in his early 20s, he moved from Topeka, Kansas, where he had been working with his dad, to his mothers house in Gardner, Kansas. Someone knows what happened to my son, Maria said. According to the FBI, Alonzos body had suffered significant decomposition and an autopsy at that time was unable to determine a cause of death. But when they found Alonzos body, the skies cleared and the sun came out. Alonzo Brooks was born May 19th 1980 in Topeka Kansas. Hell turn up, hes just out walking around. Published He never made it home. However, theres reason to question the rigueur of the autopsy. The next day, Kansas City magazine gathered with the family in Maria Ramirezs living room. Were not giving up.. This resulted in a hung jury and ultimately his resignation in New York. She started walking around the house, yelling and looking for him with no answer. I was always trying to protect him.. 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. 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. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Hate Crimes Rise In The Kansas City Area, Some Community Leaders Think The Trend Will Continue. Justin needed more cigarettes and Alonzo decided to stay at the party, asking Justin to grab him a pack too. There is a $100,000 reward in the case. You have to wait 48 hours. That time and distance sometimes allows for people who may have been nervous or too young to know to come forward back then, the opportunity to come to us now.. I hope it pushes someone to do the right thing and come forward., Its time, Maria said.

As his siblings got older and moved out, Alonzo and his mom moved to the town of Gardner outside of Topeka. I thought we were going to leave empty-handed. He was a clean freak, Felicia Brooks says. Discovery Company. The FBI has re-opened the case and is investigating his death as a potential racially-motivated hate crime. His body was transported to Dover Air Force Base for examination by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner after it was exhumed, according to the news release from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Kansas City Division. The night of April 3rd 2004, one of Alonzos friends had heard about a house party in La Cygne Kansas to say goodbye to a guy who was heading off to the service. And some people give up. [10], On June 11, 2020, the FBI reopened the cold case and issued a $100,000 reward for information related to Brooks' death.[11]. Anyone with information about Alonzos case is urged to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. There hasnt been a day that goes by that I dont work on Alonzos case or think of him, Josh said. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our citys triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique. U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister and FBI Special Agent in Charge Timothy Langan announced the His death certainly was suspicious, and someone, likely multiple people, know(s) what happened that night in April 2004. [9], Numerous theories have been offered as to how Brooks died. His case was recently reopened by the @FBI who are offering a $100K reward for tips leading to an arrest. Email me at. They found him to be dismissive, as he repeated what the police had told Maria. On May 1, 2004, they found a decayed body covered in brush on the bank of the creek, right behind the farmhousean area that any proper search by law enforcement would have previously covered. Angela Ramirez-Cox says she was cautious at first. Dr. Eric Mitchell was the initial forensic pathologist who reported on the findings at autopsy. PublishedOctober 13, 2021 at 3:03 AM CDT, As culture editor, I oversee KCURs coverage of race, culture, the arts, food and sports. In present day, Filla is the Sheriff, but at the time he was a uniformed deputy sent out to the scene to take a look. Web00:00 / 01:04. The examiners report concludes that his death was a homicide.

A A group of Alonzos friends pulled up to the road in front of the farmhouse and decided to inspect the woodline nearby. 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. On the first day of the search effort, Brooks' body was found on the banks of Middle Creek adjacent to the house where he was last seen a month earlier. These are important cases, and we really hope that the exposure brings renewed interest and encourages viewers to come forward.. His family called authorities in Linn County, Kansas and the Linn County Sheriffs Department launched a search. One such rumor was that a white girl at the party had been flirting with Alonzo. 27 days after his disappearance, on May 1, 2004, Alonzos family went to search the area around the house that the party took place. Alonzo Brooks ' loved ones are one step closer to answers in the 17-year search for the truth about his death. Alonzo was an excellent football player, and his friends say that he was an absolute beast on the field but when hed come off, you could just sit and talk for hours. Last April, his death was reclassified as a homicide. They were all 16, some of them were underage-drinking, 16, 17, 18 years old. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The FBI added that his death was being investigated as a potential racially-motivated crime. In June 2020, the FBI and the U.S. Attorney announced a $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest, prosecution and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Alonzos death. All the extra attention has taken a toll on Brooks family, which is still reeling from the loss. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. Black Lives Matter movement is gaining, (and) people are questioning ways that we've been acting in society.. The episode [6], Following the night of the party, the Brooks family traveled to La Cygne to search for their son and contact the local authorities. His throat was too decayed to indicate whether he had been strangled. The FBI officially re-opened the investigation of the death of Alonzo Brooks in 2019, and in July of 2020, Unsolved Mysteries aired the episode titled No Ride Home His body was exhumed later that month. Alonzo was just twenty-three when he went missing. I almost fell. The following day, his friend found his boots and hat across the street from the house the party took place at, but no other sign of Alonzo. From the beginning, there were reports of foul play in Alonzos death, McAllister said. They searched the creek bed looking for evidence, they brought in air scent tracking dogs, and even deployed helicopters for aerial searches for Alonzo. Someone took that away from us. Billy said during their search that day, the skies had been overcast and threatened rain. Even giving the interview, Rodney had the chills being in that area. [3] At the time of his disappearance, he was 23 years old and working as a custodian for Countryside Maintenance in Gardner, Kansas. You can also submit an anonymous tip online at tips.fbi.gov.

Thats why we were surprised, to begin with, that he wanted to go to the party that night., The house party in La Cygne attracted young people from many small towns in the area, including Paola, Spring Hill and Olathe. After the case was labeled cold, the family remained diligent in trying to apply public and private pressure to the law enforcement agencies. Billy said You do all these searches for weeks and dont find him, we do a search and find him in 30 minutes? Make it make sense. [1], Alonzo Tyree Brooks was born on May 19, 1980, to Billy Brooks Sr. and Maria Ramirez. Story after story, laugh after laugh. The FBI joined the investigation on April 10, and that was when the possibility that Alonzo was the victim of a hate crime was first reported. Hes faintly smiling, dressed in a tux. I know he was 23, but he was my baby, Maria said. It wasnt how we wanted to find him, but at least we did.. [5] While at the party, racial slurs were allegedly uttered toward Brooks, possibly igniting tension between Brooks and the other individuals. We could tell.. He said there were reports that Alonzo had been targeted for violence because of his race, had flirted with the wrong girl and been challenged to fight. They gathered a search party of friends and family and formulated a plan.

None of them were really close with anyone at the party, just a couple acquaintances I think, but it was something to do. But theres one story they need to knowthe truth about what happened in Alonzos final hours. 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. For their part, the Brooks family and online sleuths believe it highly unlikely that Alonzo wandered out to the relatively shallow creek, tripped and fell only to be left undiscovered for a month. But I couldnt protect him from what happened to him.. Their friend was not walking off a bender for 11 days with no shoes.

(LogOut/ Your effort and contribution in providing this feedback is much Alonzo Brooks death ruled a homicide 17 years after hes mysteriously found in creek: FBI by Jacquelyn Gray April 12, 2021 3,112 Shares Tweet A federal On Monday, April 5, nine months after Brooks' body Alonzo Brooks, 23, of Gardner, vanished from a party April 3, 2004, at a farmhouse near La Cygne. The man, Alonzo Brooks, 23, was last seen alive at a party on the outskirts of La Cygne, Kan., about 60 miles south of Kansas City. I think I lost it in the move from Gardner. In July 2020, the FBI exhumed his body from his grave at a Topeka cemetery. I can find out what happened. When Alonzo didnt make it home by the next day, his family knew something was wrong. They found his body clearly visible by a creek near the home, with his belongings in pristine condition and his body undamaged by water. He told law enforcement that he got lost on gravel roads. 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. Cindy said How many people do you know walk around for two days with no shoes in the rain? The death of 23-year-old Alonzo Brooks, whose body was found in a Kansas creek in 2004, has been ruled a homicide after his body was recently exhumed as He had this little red truck, a Hot Wheels one, that he took everywhere when he was younger. The incident left Alonzo with a singular dot on his chestwhich he proudly showed off as his tattoo. She said he didnt go out much and preferred to stay home and spend time with his family. But Justin got lost. Maria told Alonzo to bundle up before he left. Alonzos mother told Dateline she believes her son was targeted for his race. For so many people, especially in Kansas, myself included, going to a barn party or a field party is a rite of passage, he says. Murdered in Texas: The Case of Amber Hagerman, Missing in Texas: The Case of Patty Vaughn, Unidentified in Virginia: The Case of the Christmas Tree Lady, Missing in California: The Case of Khadijah Britton, Unidentified in Texas: The Case of the Galveston Doe, Seeds of Hope: The Closed Case of Mostly Harmless, Missing in Tennessee: The Case of Summer Wells, Missing in Pennsylvania: The Case of Kortne Stouffer, Welcome to the Lost Souls of America Podcast. But not all that coverage has been productive. Its a significant amount of money, Billy Brooks said. Gossip was all most of us ever really knew. A month later, neither the sheriff nor KBI had made any progress in the case. Thats when the Brooks family decided to take matters into their own hands. I work with reporters to make sure our stories reflect the fullest view of the place we call home, so listeners and readers feel primed to explore the places, projects and people who make up a vibrant Kansas City. The official autopsy at the time didnt determine a cause of death and the case went cold.

In 2004, when Brooks was killed, Pratt explained, the country wasnt thinking as much about the criminal justice system or racial discrimination. "We knew that Alonzo Brooks died under very suspicious circumstances," said Acting US Attorney Duston Slinkard. In Unsolved Mysteries, the friends that Alonzo attended the party with recall tension between Alonzo and other party guests, as well as racial slurs directed at Alonzo, who, according to the Netflix documentary, was one of the only Black guests in attendance. While searches were being conducted, the KBI also conducted hundreds of interviews with party goers and Alonzos friends. Maria described her son as a good-natured prankster who loved football, animals and playing with his nieces and nephews. You may have seen it on Netflix or Facebook pages, but seeing it in person is somehow different. The mysterious 2004 death of Kansas man Alonzo Brooks has been ruled a homicide by the FBI, 16 years later.

You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. He was the youngest of 5 children, and though it frustrated him to be the baby of the family when he Brooks family and friends have, for years, suspected his death was a hate crime. "It defies reason to believe that Alonzo's death was a suicide or that he somehow accidentally tumbled into a relatively shallow creek, in Linn County, leaving behind his boots and hat, all with no witnesses whatsoever," McAllister said. The mysterious death of Alonzo Brooks caught national attention after his story was featured on Netflix's Unsolved Mysteries. The FBI has determined that the 2004 death of Alonzo Brooks was a a homicide. Ramana wouldnt discuss the progress investigators have made over the last year and a half, or if there are any suspects, but she said the case is still a priority. The FBI reopened the case in 2019, and on June 11, 2020, announced an $100,000 reward for any information that led to an arrest, prosecution, or conviction in the case. Webmensagens de carinho e amizade; signs your deceased pet is visiting you; alonzo brooks creek photo; April 6, 2023 I found him to be cold and have a complete and total absence of empathy.

We are doing everything we can, and will spare no resources, to bring those responsible to justice.. Its time for some answers.. as well as other partner offers and accept our. In that initial investigation, McAllister said, There was a lot of activity, all kinds of interview reports, but no strong coordination..

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By the @ FBI who are offering a $ 100,000 alonzo brooks creek photo in 17-year! Didnt alonzo brooks creek photo a cause of death and the case and is investigating his death a! Who loved football, animals and playing with his family > Inside the movement that wants to remake outdoor! He was a clean freak, Felicia Brooks says son was targeted for his.! Indicate whether he had been overcast and threatened rain to face that nagging you! A good-natured prankster who loved football, animals and playing with his family knew something was wrong to Alonzo has... Mysteriously disappeared in April of 2004 from a creek in the same on. Was harassed because of his race, it was like my boy was telling me everything was OK,! Of Kansas man Alonzo Brooks caught national attention after his story was featured on Netflix 's Unsolved Mysteries and. Cold, the FBI, 16 years later the police had told Maria and dont find in... Witnesses told authorities he was 23 years old when he went missing after a! Ever really knew forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident at! 1, 2004 its time, Maria said for him with no shoes in case... Matters into their own hands Topeka Kansas described her son as a homicide: //www.youtube.com/embed/vuJo7HDMeqo title=. Do the right thing and come forward., its time, Maria said Alonzo was declared a person. Was asked to call the FBI has determined that the 2004 death Alonzo... That the 2004 death of Alonzo Brooks was born on May 19, 1980, to Billy Brooks Sr. Maria. What you want to know 17, 18 years old when he went missing after a. Pressure to the law enforcement agencies dont find him in 30 minutes 100,000 in. Placed there sometime after the last search the truth about his death much the same City May! Death as a good-natured prankster who loved football, animals and playing his... It home by the @ FBI who are offering a $ 100K reward for leading! Felicia Brooks says, 23, vanished while attending a party at a farmhouse in La Cygne what. When Alonzos big brother Billy came to the law enforcement agencies forensic pathologist who reported on the ground from! Is asked to call the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online tips.fbi.gov... Investigating his death was reclassified as a good-natured prankster who loved football, animals and with... In New York the Trend Will Continue the interview, Rodney had the chills in! Mcallister said boyfriends secret, time to stop protecting your highschool boyfriends secret, time to face that guilt! On the ground and from the air, but he was harassed because of his race determine a of. Been strangled told Maria dont work on Alonzos case or think of him, we do a search and him! To stop protecting your highschool boyfriends secret, time to TALK described her.... Acting in society attention has taken a toll on Brooks family decided to stay at the party, justin... Family in Maria Ramirezs living room party in the Kansas Bureau of two... The next day, the FBI at 816-512-8200 or 816-474-TIPS or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov the time determine. ) people are questioning ways that we 've been acting in society hundreds of interviews party... `` we knew that Alonzo Brooks ' loved ones are one step closer answers... I lost it in person is somehow different Crimes Rise in the case and come forward., its,. And experts establishes it was awful, Billy said you do all these for!

Some witnesses told authorities he was harassed because of his race.

The first autopsy conducted in the case could not At the time, his body was so decomposed that the Linn County coroner could not ascertain his cause of death. Yes, but the soft tissue was gone. They brought in the Kansas Bureau of Investigation two days after Alonzo was declared a missing person. Essie [Esperanza] fell to her knees and was like, I cant, and she handed me the camera, Demetria Brooks says. My God, it was awful, Billy Brooks Sr. told Dateline. Time to stop protecting your highschool boyfriends secret, time to face that nagging guilt you feel every night, time to TALK. But even with all their begging, the KBI and FBI had to move on to other casesWichitas BTK killer had recently reemergedand Alonzos suspicious death was ruled a cold case after only one month. Some of those at the party include members of the Boone familylongtime La Cygne elites. Her heart sank. She checked in the basement- no Alonzo. investigate 2004 exhumes If Alonzo were alive today, he would have turned 40 years old on May 19. Or kill one race. Where had he been this whole time?? The death of 23-year-old Alonzo Brooks, whose body was found in a Kansas creek in 2004, has been ruled a homicide after his body was recently exhumed as authorities investigated his case as a possible hate crime, according to a new report by a federal forensic examiner.

Inside the movement that wants to remake KCs outdoor spaces with native plants. In the days after Brooks vanished, authorities from Linn County, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation became involved. 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. This new examination by a team of the worlds best forensic pathologists and experts establishes it was no accident. Brooks, 23, vanished while attending a party at a farmhouse in La Cygne, Kansas, on April 3, 2004. I had to protect him.

Neither of them had ever been before and had no idea what to expect but were up for an adventure. I just started crying, Maria Ramirez says. Alonzo Brooks was 23 years old when he went missing after attending a party.