Where is Jesse Ross?

It's been two years today since Ross, a UMKC student, disappeared while on a school trip to Chicago, part of a mock United Nations conference. (In Kansas City, a lot of people knew him because he was an on-air personality at 95.7 FM.) His case was heavily publicized here and in Chicago, as his family sought to turn up leads. To date, nothing has materialized.

There's a Web site devoted to finding him, complete with the story of his life. America's Most Wanted profiled his case, and his information has been logged on Scared Monkeys' missing-persons site.

If you have information about this case, you're urged to call the Chicago PD at 312-744-8266 or the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (474-8477).

Below is a piece from KMBC, on the first anniversary of Ross' disappearance:

Comments

[The Golfer]

My gut feeling is that he got caught up with the Travelers folks. He is about the right age for recruitment and once they are indoctrinated, they basically fall off the face of the earth.

The Travelers don't seek outside recruits, Golfer. Most are born or marry into that subculture ... while a few are accepted after years on its fringes.

High-achieving college kids with supportive families and bright futures don't just give up everything and vanish voluntarily ... especially without giving a hint.

Regrettably I think Jesse Ross is dead under some kind of bizarre circumstances that may never be explained.

[Keith G. in P.V.]

I know this sounds tacky, but if they'd retouch the picture, make his hair at least shoulder length and Photoshop in a hint of large breasts, this case would get a lot more attention from law enforcement and the press and public.

[spicolli]

I think that qualifies for the assinine comment of the year, Keith.

[Keith G. in P.V.]

Female versus male. Portrait versus snapshot. Young versus older. I just find the differences in handling of cases in the media - and the public's attention and interest - fascinating. As I said up front, it was a tacky comment. You're more than welcome to argue the truth of it.

[The Golfer]

Spicoli - Keith and I agree sometimes and disagree others, but in this case, we agree. If this young man was a blond, blue-eyed, attractive female, he probably would have been found with days of his original missing.

[Kelly]

Keith has made more than his fair share of assinine comments; however, I do tend to agree with him on this one. Had Jesse been an attractive young female and disappeared like this, there would have been (and would continue to be) a lot more coverage.

[Truth Teller]

Keith and TheGolfer have nothing on me when it comes to "perceived" assinine comments. However, if I were to point out the differences in male v. female treatment - I suppose the misogynist comments would fly!

It is true that missing females get more press - sex sells.

[Sasquach]

Yeah, tell that to Kara Kopetsky. I seem to remember Jesse Ross getting quite a bit of coverage when this happened 2 years ago. When you've got no leads though, you've just got no leads.

[spicolli]

LOL Golfer, wouldn't that make him like... a transvestite.(sp)
I just don't buy it, look at the missing Holloway girl. If what you say is true, they should have found her "within days of her gone missing". I think every case is obviously different, and every case has different results.
I think to try and spin it the way you guys are is a stereo-type. (not sure if that's the word I was looking for...just saying)

[gee]

And thus, the anonymous poster kills the thread . . .

[Keith G. in P.V.]

Splitting hairs with Golfer, it's about the attention and effort expended. Results are a different matter, but if effort and attention help, the young pretty blue-eyed blonde's case will get the help. Sasquach, I think there was a significant delay between the time Jesse Ross disappeared and the story got any significant coverage. I seem to remember the family had to really push Chicago authorities...maybe had a P.I. involved?

[gee]

When this happened, I had just been on a work trip and stayed roughly in the same area of Chicago as this young man. Creepy to think that one could simply disappear without any trace from such a busy area.

[Mike]

Interesting that Sasquatch mentioned Kara, I think both Jesse and Kara are from Belton.

[lame]

I'm new here but I'm sure in good time I will win the assinine comment award.. I love you all... hugs and kisses

[Donald Ross(Opiesdad)]

As Jesse's parents we just think it's wrong for so many to be missing and so few to be looking. You watch tv and the tv cops won't stop until they get their criminal. In real life they have too many to find and no time for the tough cases. It bothers us they won't even talk to a private det. who would like to help.

[Donald Ross(Opiesdad)]

ps we have met Kara's parents, When your loved one is missing you don't think much about male/female. Jesse got a lot of publicity, maybe because it was downtown Chicago or because there was similar disappearance a year earlier at the same hotel.

[alcohol rehab treatment]

Excuse me. Could you imagine how horrible things would be if we always told others how we felt? Life would be intolerably bearable.
I am from Poland and too bad know English, please tell me right I wrote the following sentence: "it is often discussed in drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs and step programs.Has your search been confusing? Most successful residential alcohol and drug treatment program discussion."

With best wishes :-), Jabilo.

[chanel bags]

There is no resting place for an enterprise in a competitive economy.

----------- by Alfred P.Sloan. American businessman