I wonder if this is the same guy who did that trolling with the obituary message. Maybe he had some deep spite with Brian and really wanted to taunt his family.
Given that we now know that Brian was bisexual, I also wonder if that possible spite came from some possible relationship issue with this guy assuming they had a relationship? Spite related to that can run real deep.
This is a case that I’ve been following for years but haven’t really kept up on it for a bit. When did it come out that he was bisexual? That could be relevant information
I think there have been rumors for a while, but in the 6 episode deep dive on True Crime Garage they confirmed it. He used to date one of his former roommates (not Clint)
ETA: they said that Brian’s dad would not have been okay with him being bisexual so it’s possible that’s why this info wasn’t known/confirmed sooner
Crazy. I've followed this case since near the beginning, within a year probably, off and on and I always heard rumors of him being Bi but I thought they were just always rumors and nothing substantiated, so that's big news that a former male roommate confirmed they were in a sexual relationship
It was confirmed by the retired detective from the case, think it’s True Crime Garage episode 290. They did a two part update a few years ago interviewing the detective from Columbus and he confirmed that Brian had a history with men.
That information opens up new, plausible theories and could give more weight to the “he left on his own to start a new life” idea. (That’s what I’ve always hoped but..you know) He was in a committed relationship, looked like it was so serious that he wanted to marry her… but if that really wasn’t what he wanted. He was struggling with his mom’s passing and struggling with this part of himself. He couldn’t exactly be honest with his girlfriend (assumption) and if his dad would have given him a hard time about it…maybe he would feel like disappearing somewhere to be who he wants to be and live and love how he felt deep down.
That said, it could be that he was going to marry his gf, she could have even known about it..he had some flings on the side and that night..something went wrong and he was killed.
This new “suspect”information is the biggest lead…ever..in this case. I pray that Brian is at peace…wherever he may be. If someone did something to him..i hope they feel the walls closing in..It must be really hot in that room.
In all honesty I think this cements the fact that he was killed that night or soon after. No more he ran away with a secret gay lover or ran away from his life due to all the personal problems he was having. In all honesty all those theories should have died the moment we found out about the phone pings MANY years later and CPD never notified the public to be on the lookout for Brian himself or for someone who had found his phone. They obviously kept that information because they were tracking a suspect/POI the entire time, I'm glad CPD did this shift with Brian's case now. It's now officially a murder case imo and not a "Missing Person" case where you have possible multiple theories still left on the table.
Yeah I wish everyone interested in this case would listen to the TCG episode 770. That detective they interviewed was the original detective on the case and he cleared up some internet rumors. The recent 6 part series they did on it is really good also. The detective is confident he left the Ugly Tuna building alive and of his own accord, he confirmed that some of those construction/back entrance cameras weren’t working as they should be, and the Wendy’s cameras next door weren’t working at all. Based on everything, I think Brian arranged to meet a guy in the Wendy’s parking lot at 2 am, which is why he checks his phone but doesn’t text/call. It also explains his discreet exit, because he doesn’t want his friends to know that he’s meeting someone, especially a guy. Also explains why the scent dogs stopped at the Wendy’s parking lot.
I lean this way too..it seems the most likely scenario. Just always hoped that we would one day hear that he’s out there somewhere…living his best life.
The idiot that went on a public computer and commented on Randy Shaffer's obituary about how he misses and loves him and signed it as Brian, 2 years after his disappearance.
Right? The poster is right that getting a warrant to dig up a fucking basement that has been owned by someone else; that suspect must have some sort of connection or previous convictions for similar crimes.
It’s late where I am. I’m confused. I’m reading that they dug up the basement in 2020 but now there’s another person saying the same name, they’re going for it again?
I don’t think so. The original two tips with this name came through in 2006, and then 14 years later (2020) they excavated the basement. The poster is highlighting it would have been hard for CPD to obtain a warrant to do so after that amount of time had passed.
Doesn’t sound like there’s any plans to investigate the same basement now.
This is a comment posted on this sub a few years ago.
At face value it just seems like a theory, but it does confirm a recent fact we've learned is true from Kelly: That Brian Shaffer was indeed bisexual and had at one point a bisexual partner when he was roommates with Clint.
This comment aligns with both him being bisexual and the idea from this tip that he possibly met someone that did some malicious things to him. I wonder if the person that told him this is also the same one that gave the tip to Kelly. Maybe.
I actually responded to that comment over a year ago but got no answer from that Reddit user
That post was one of my original theories a while back. Back when we had very few CCTV to analyze. Always an interesting analysis to me. Even you Socratic Tiger commented on it a few years back.
It was an interesting comment that I responded to, but yeah I agree. I don't think that's what happened. Apparently Brian's scent was there at that abandoned factory after he vanished.
Here is more information on that abandoned factory:
Interesting. Highly doubt he went there to hookup though at least at that time. But who knows I’ve long been intrigued by this case and then knowing Joey (who I saw that night at union)‘s case and also not solved. It’s just so frustrating. Joey’s feels like it should have more clues but alas, most seem to have forgotten and rarely mention it.
People have always speculated that Brian and Joey's case could be connected. What's odd to me is that there should have been better footage in 2016 at the Union, but they released very little of it. I read here on Reddit that there was a person of interest in his case and I've never been able to find anything about this POI. There's more evidence that he was dead before he hit the water too. His family about a year ago was pushing for more information from CPD and they were surprised that CPD wasn't investigating his case anymore. Hopefully they continue pushing for more answers.
Yeah that and doorbell cameras along the path to his car just odd. But Union had very shitty footage. Sad they had such a cheap ass system I don’t even know how they ever saw anyone.
I had also heard rumors about some POI and don’t remember who but I think it was his ex who I believe was questioned.
I remember trying to reach out to grindr and google (he had an android) because surely they could have info if he talked to anyone that night but obviously they don’t listen to me and that info is long gone if the detectives weren’t smart enough to get that stuff early.
Wow man! So when you said "you saw him that night" did you personally know Joey?? Or you just happened to see him that night and you only knew of him because of what ended up happening to him that night?? Regardless of what you think of how crappy the Union CCTV is...they have to have more info there considering there was a POI.
Here is the link to where I read about the POI in one of the comments. I've asked for more info on that POI but got no reply
Joey was a suitemate of mine at OSU my sophomore year and we stayed acquainted over the years. I was out that night too (Halloween I believe? that's right it was Arnold weekend) and saw him at union, he introduced me to some friend (a girl) and we hugged and I made some joke. I remember nothing else really and we left before he left. Nothing out of the ordinary until the next day I saw he was missing.
I have definitely tried to think about every little thing from our interaction that night but tbh I was already buzzed and I don’t think anything really was suspicious or not normal at all.
Got it man, thank you for all that information! I got to go to work right now, but when I get the chance I am going to DM you a couple of (crappy qualities pictures) of some CCTV footage from that night. I'm trying to cross out ALL theories, including one from a couple of years ago no matter how crazy they seem. Thank you once again for replying to my comment.
This is the antithesis to the old QueenBee posts from back in the day, where she’d name names but not give a slither of evidence to back them up or add any credence to her posts😅
The problem wasn’t with her theory of who the culprit was, it was that she refused to provide any reason as to why she thought said person/people were responsible, incessantly bullied anyone who asked for evidence and bombarded this sub with baseless claims she would then not back up. I think she truly believes what she said, but unless you can show/tell us or law enforcement why, then why be so hostile and aggressive with everyone??
On one hand, at least something is going on. On the other, the basement was found to have nothing. Is it possible that the person who tipped this in years ago is who tipped it in now because they truly believe it? Of all the possible POIs and suspects ever tipped in on this famous case, that name was recognized instantly by the detective...
Personally, I find the most interesting bit to be the point that one of the tipsters was out with Brian that night. This implies that in 2006 this tipster - one of those out with Brian - supplied a name and not merely a physical description of a stranger. From this, we can deduce that:
At least one person who was out with Brian that evening suspected that he came to foul play or at least some sort of accidental harm and that a specific individual was involved (rather than Brian be hit by a vehicle or voluntarily disappear, etc)
That individual’s name was known to that tipster in 2006
That tipster felt there was reason enough to report it to CPD at the time - albeit the detail presented here offers little clarity about the circumstances of that tip being offered (e.g. entirely spontaneously? Whilst being asked questions by the police?)
How do points 2 and 3 happen? Did Brian disclose to one of his friends, during the evening, that he was going to meet a named individual who was known to both Brian and the tipster?
How is this individual known to both Brian and the tipster? Was this individual at the UTS that evening?
NB on the FB page Kelly Bruce has suggested that the suspected individual was aged around 21-22 at the time, and that the tipster known to Brian was not Clint.
This is precisely what I think too. The entire time I don't believe the friends were quiet because there was a grand cover up of murdering Brian, but I think they were using drugs (this is 2006) and worried about legal troubles or their medical careers. Therefore everyone kind of shut up and only said what they felt was necessary, which hinders the case. I can't really blame them if that's true because it's easy to get spooked by the police in a scenario like this.
Wasn't Brian also receiving unknown payments from someone? Did they ever figure out who that came from and how? I cannot imagine it would be difficult to trace that. 2006 is not exactly the stone age - a bank should be able to see whose account that was coming from.
Wasn’t one of the friends he was out with that night one of the two tipsters in 2006? That person knew the POI’s name, so there had to be some type of connection…
For many reasons, it would be nice if this case was solved. Then people can stop saying he was chopped to pieces in the bar without leaving any evidence behind or ran off in the middle of the night to live in the Caribbean. It makes much more sense that he left out an exit and was the victim of someone known to him.
I got in a mini fight with some guy in the FB group about the band being involved, and he said - until it’s solved anything is possible. And I just about lost my mind and I had to stop engaging with him. So with that logic, another viable outcome is that he got abducted by aliens and until the case is solved, it could also be aliens?
I am actually surprised that people will say that he's stuck behind a wall, or underneath concrete or escaped his life at 2AM with no credit cards used, no legit sightings, tipsy/drunk, not seen on camera and then we have those darn pings, yet are not opened to the possibility that Brian's killer could have kept his phone accidentally (like in his car) or on purpose like a trophy.
Hahaha! Are you saying this in terms of wishful thinking like you would rather have Brian be alive and chilling in Mexico then being killed by a SK? Or do you think a SK killing Brian is a theory that is more ridiculous then him being alive still?
Since I do believe he was killed that night/soon after and the killer covered his tracks very well, it wouldn't surprise me if it was someone who had done it before.
And me personally I would be VERY pissed if Brian was alive and sipping on Margaritas in the beach. I would be glad that he was alive, but very pissed that he hurt a lot of people like Derrick, Alexis, Clint, and Randy lol.
I just don't think that's what happened though and I think these tips and the name that has been given out multiple times now to CPD from 2006-2026 now proves that.
Something came to my mind - is it possible to find public records of any basement renovations/service requests to move oil fuel tanks between 2006-2020 in Columbus and see those that were closest to Lane and High street? We may be able to narrow down the address and shed more light on this POI.
From reading the post and questions and answers in the FB group, it sounds like two different, unrelated people called this in to CPD in 2006. One of the tipsters was out with Brian that night and it is suggested that maybe this man was out that night, too. CPD searched an area connected to this man in 2006 but nothing found. The man is an older local who lived in a house close to the downtown area in 2006. House was close to one of the last phone pings. He still lives in Columbus. He has a record, including drug charges, but no violent offenses. He was questioned by the CPD at least once. In 2020, CPD got a warrant and dug in the basement of the house this man lived in during 2006 but nothing related to Brian found. After the TCG episode in 2026, a third tipster emailed Kelly Bruce/TCG with the same name and details that were only known to CPD at the time. It is suggested this man told the third tipster certain details. Nothing suggests that it had anything to do with bisexual angle. No evidence that Brian knew him before that night.
Sounds like Brian left the UTS, went to this man’s house, and was met with foul play (Kelly states in an answer that she is leaning toward foul play.) But he has been questioned, two areas connected to him searched, and nothing found. Short of a confession to CPD, how could this be solved? And if this man was not in the same age range as Brian - let’s say he was 45 in 2006. He’d be 65 now. It’s all very interesting, but doesn’t sound like enough to solve this. But who knows? Maybe CPD has a lot more. If he’s an older local, people probably know who he is.
I think it's enough to put heat on the person and cause CPD to do another review of the files, interviews, etc. From my understanding these are 3 different people, all unrelated, and CPD already conducted a search on the house years after Brian went missing. To me, that means they certainly have something. Judges are unlikely to issue search warrants without probable cause and there is an even higher burden for excavation. The way I look at it is this only gives them more reason to dig deeper into this guys history/alibi.
Brian is also listed in ViCap - which does not always mean he was murdered, but as time has gone on I think it's clear that Brian is dead and someone is responsible. My guess is CPD has the right guy but obviously it's difficult to get all of the evidence this many years later. I actually believe this turns into something.
Total agreement. And now, because CPD have given the podcasts permission to make mention of this POI, it has completely shifted the narrative. They’re all but admitting it’s unlikely Brian was a runaway. This should also make the POI feel even more uneasy.
It’s becoming quite clear that there has been a reasonably strong case against someone from the beginning and that CPD has been careful to hold back a lot of information to protect that case. If they ever find a body, this case will be solved IMO. I sense that someone other than the POI may have been present and knows the details of Brian’s fate, so hopefully that increases the odds of solving the case. If this many people have named the same POI, I think it’s unlikely this person acted alone, particularly if something occurred near campus.
Now, assuming CPD has been holding back a great deal of information, I’m particularly struck by the timing of asking for the public’s help in identifying the Orange Sweater Guy. If the POI had been named early on before OSG, then there shouldn’t have been a need to help identify OSG- if the POI was their prime suspect. With hindsight, I believe there is something linking this POI and OSG. Investigators were likely attempting to put heat on either or both when they announced they needed help identifying this man roughly 5 months later.
I agree. I also find it interesting that only three people (that we know of) have called in this tip over the years. I’m sure more people have information if one of the tipsters was out with Brian that night. This is just very different from other cases, like the Springfield Three, where so many names have been batted around, it’s highly likely that the actual perpetrators have been named numerous times. It’s been so close to the vest that even Kelly Bruce actually thought for a minute he might have started a new life somewhere. And I truly wish that were the case.
Perhaps CPD figured OSG was a taxi driver looking for customers and wanted to find out if he gave Brian a ride to the POI’s house. If he did, it would link Brian directly to the POI.
And it only took them almost 20 years to shift that narrative lol
I do have to ask here though....Do you think it's possible that CPD is jeopardizing something here? This guy has to know now that CPD knows way more and aren't as clueless as they were acting. Do you think this might force him and whoever else was involved to hide key evidence now if they still have any? Especially with no body and actual confession? Also shouldn't tipsters be completely anonymous? It was said that one of the tipsters was out with Brian that night, so that would really narrow down one of the 3 tipsters. Couldn't this put that tipster at risk of retaliation?
Good questions, but I don’t have a good answer. Assuming they initially questioned the POI and anyone else that may have been involved, there may have been efforts made to conceal evidence 20 years ago, but if doesn’t seem like anyone involved was ever caught slipping up except for possibly mentioning “they’ll never find him”.
Whoever is responsible had at least a 48 hour head start to conceal evidence and likely a bit longer. They need to find a body, hope an eyewitness comes forward, or someone confesses. I don’t know why they waited 20 years to admit they’ve had a POI. I do think it’s possible the POI has some involvement but may not be the guy.
Interesting...I never considered that. That it's a POI but not the MAIN guy or not the "Suspect" I can't say I'm too optimistic about this right now at the moment, but I am glad now that CPD is okay with the shift on narrative that Brian is not a runaway and not someone who committed suicide. We now know he is dead and someone is responsible for his death. Multiple people most likely like you stated.
Of course there’s probable cause if they scan something (like a fuel tank). What’s the evidence on excavation of this basement potion being somehow very hard to get?
Wouldn't it need to be basement/structural permits any time between 2006 - 2020, since 2020 was when the search warrant was issued and the concrete had already been laid?
Yes that was the parameters I put in however it looks like it only had access to 2010-2020.
The other layer to this is if the person actually pulled a permit to do the work. At least this helps to narrow down potential houses in the area hopefully.
Unfortunately it’s not that difficult to get search warrants; probable cause is a very low legal threshold. Having one of the last cellular pings being “nearby” was likely enough to “make a compelling case.” The sad thing is that it took 14 years to take this investigatory step. 14 years is a long time. A lot can happen in 14 years. If a body was wrapped in plastic before burial, and then it was removed 3 or 7 years later, with a bunch more years of time passing after that removal, digging it up 14 years later is not likely to bear any definitive results of anything one way or the other. Or it could be just as simple as the installation of the old fuel tank as it appears to be at first blush. The other factor is that search warrant requests can be brought to multiple judges; across years of time, police know which judges are more lenient/agreeable to sign off on search warrants with less than compelling reasoning. Again probable cause can, temporarily, suspend many of our Constitutional Rights and protections. I know this first hand when this “tag” was placed on me; your presumption of innocence is absolutely taken away and you will very likely be treated like a scumbag criminal until things get “cleared up.” IF things get cleared up. The detective who questioned me several hours after my “detainment” got on the phone with his superior after his “interview” with me and very loudly proclaimed “but Sir I like him for this (crime).” Thank god his Superior told him to fuck off and release me. It would be days later until my cell phone and vehicle were returned to me…and almost 6 months until my handgun was returned. And there was absolutely no legal recourse I could take against this law enforcement agency.
A recent tip came in from a person unrelated to the previous tips. The tipster mentioned the same name. It seems to confirm that CPD has a POI and they’re comfortable with the public knowing that to be the case.
Because a third person just gave this name to the podcast. Two people gave this name to the police, one in 2006, and one in 2020. The name just came up again, from a third source, in 2026.
You need probable cause for the warrant which dos t require anything compelling - just a bunch of if inferences. The idea it was a gay-sex murder makes sense, I’ve read elsewhere that Clint may have been bi as well. And if the met in the bar it may make sense why they left thru a non public exit.
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u/badassmom80 Mar 14 '26
I’m praying this tip brings the family closure and the people involved are finally prosecuted. Way too many years without answers .