Author Topic: Dick Lepsy (missing person)  (Read 293083 times)

Offline nmiwrecks

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Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« on: October 29, 2014, 04:31:00 PM »
Today, October 29th, is the 45th anniversary of the disappearance of Dick Lepsy.  His car was found in the Cherry Capitol Airport parking lot in Traverse City, Michigan, unlocked, keys in the ignition and half a pack of cigarettes on the dash.  He was never seen or heard from again.

Dick was a married father of four.  He lived in Grayling Michigan, and was the manager of Glen’s Market grocery store.  He was 33 years old when he vanished.  If you find the time, please send the Lepsy family positive thoughts and prayers.  Thank you.

Attached below are a photo of Dick Lepsy with wife Jackie, Christmas 1968 and Dick Lepsy with daughter Lisa, circa 1965.



Added 11/26/2014
Attached is the image of a couple photos of Dick Lepsy sandwiching the FBI Cooper sketch B.  I'm not saying Lepsy is Cooper, nor am I saying there is any known connection between the two cases other than a possible resemblance of Lepsy and the FBI sketches.


Added 12/15/2014

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« Last Edit: December 15, 2014, 07:03:39 AM by shutter »
"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." - Henry Ford
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2014, 05:35:55 PM »
I noticed on the description page they didn't have a verified height for him. any reason why they don't know his actual height?
 

Offline nmiwrecks

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #2 on: October 29, 2014, 06:16:31 PM »
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I noticed on the description page they didn't have a verified height for him. any reason why they don't know his actual height?
Great question.  His daughter posted the information on those websites as best she knew, considering she last saw him when she was 12 years old.  Interviews with a co-worker and his sister put him at about 6' or 6'1".  I have not found anything more that would give us a more precise height. 
"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." - Henry Ford
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2014, 06:22:36 PM »
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I noticed on the description page they didn't have a verified height for him. any reason why they don't know his actual height?
Great question.  His daughter posted the information on those websites as best she knew, considering she last saw him when she was 12 years old.  Interviews with a co-worker and his sister put him at about 6' or 6'1".  I have not found anything more that would give us a more precise height.

No record of his last known drivers license?
 

Offline nmiwrecks

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2014, 06:34:04 PM »
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I noticed on the description page they didn't have a verified height for him. any reason why they don't know his actual height?
Great question.  His daughter posted the information on those websites as best she knew, considering she last saw him when she was 12 years old.  Interviews with a co-worker and his sister put him at about 6' or 6'1".  I have not found anything more that would give us a more precise height.

No record of his last known drivers license?

Not that I'm aware of.  There's very little left of what he left behind.  A musical instrument, a set of his favorite books, and a wooden table he made.  The daughter (Lisa) convinced the mother to donate all his clothes a short time after appearing on the SJR Show in 1986 and receiving no tips on his whereabouts.  She told her mom, "Even if he came back, those clothes would be out of style!"  Jackie kept all of Dick's clothing for 17 years after he disappeared.
"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." - Henry Ford
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2014, 06:39:11 PM »
Must be tough on families that go through this. I just lost my father coming up on a year now. when I go to the house, mom has everything the same in his room, except his closet is empty. I had a lot of losses in my life, but this has been the toughest yet.  :'(
 

Offline nmiwrecks

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2014, 06:57:26 PM »
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Must be tough on families that go through this. I just lost my father coming up on a year now. when I go to the house, mom has everything the same in his room, except his closet is empty. I had a lot of losses in my life, but this has been the toughest yet.  :'(
Sorry to hear of your loss.  That really sucks.  I lost my dad way too soon also and I get pissed just thinking about it.  I guess that's why I'm interested in publicizing Lisa's and Vicki's father's cases.  Not only did they suffer that tremendous loss, they have no closure.  Hopefully, things will unfold and a bunch of us working together can bring about resolution to these cases and others like them.
"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." - Henry Ford
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2014, 07:05:38 PM »
Thanks, I agree on the no closure thingy. somebody has to know something. the more it's seen, the better the chances. someone could stumble right in here one day holding the key to unlocking the secret. the best catch I ever seen was John List. I was amazed how accurate the guy made that bust of List, even had the right glasses for him. the sad part about that story was he was rich and didn't know it. he had a Tiffany sun light, or something like that in his house and he didn't know it. Is money problems could of been resolved, and the family spared!
 

Offline nmiwrecks

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2014, 10:01:43 AM »
I posted this on the "other site" and thought it was worth posting here:

"Here is a link to the FBI's official website: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

The FBI states on their website "Cooper was no expert skydiver" and "The hijacker had no help on the ground, either" and "As many agents before him, Carr thinks it highly unlikely that Cooper survived the jump."

Now unfortunately, my mind is bound by common sense and reason, so I find myself asking this question: "What if the FBI is right?" And if the FBI is correct, wouldn't we be looking for a missing person who flew under the radar for many years and has some physical features which resemble the FBI Cooper sketches, but looks just enough off to remain hidden? Wouldn't we be looking for a "Dick Lepsy" or another missing person just like him?

As for the FBI, maybe they're sick and tired of,  ;) "Coopersleuths"  ;) telling them how wrong they are. I agree with Robert, Marla devastated the chances of ever resolving this case, but many others have joined her in souring the milk of the FBI's investigation.

Because of the the  ;) Coopersleuth  ;) shenanigans of the past, the FBI will more than likely never investigate Dick Lepsy. And sadly, there is no known connection between Lepsy and the Cooper suspect, but of course, there wouldn't be, would there? Otherwise he would have been looked at already.

If you read this forum, I'm kindly asking for your help. I can't do this on my own, I need your help. I want to add Dick Lepsy to the list of people that have been officially eliminated by the FBI as Cooper suspects (see attached).

This is not a personal attack against anyone, or their beliefs. I believe that if we were all in the same room together enjoying a beer or coffee, we would all get along smashingly and would have quite a conversation. Maybe someday this will happen, and who knows, we may even solve a few missing person cases between now and then.

Ross
"If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got." - Henry Ford
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #9 on: October 30, 2014, 04:22:28 PM »
Hi Ross,

I'm trying to follow here. you want Lepsy added to the "eliminated" list. I don't think the FBI has an actual list. I don't think they eliminate anyone. they decide who is viable. I think Marla had a small percentage to do with investigating Cooper. they cut back, and that's where it hurts. they don't consider Cooper worth any further time unless someone has really good evidence. not just what some person close to the suspect claims. she might of put one over on them, but when the Government says there is no money in investigating Cooper further, you can take that to the bank. they will stop dead in there tracks.

We all try to help each other on this site. I don't think anyone would have a problem helping you, but you need to be a little more specific about your needs. I'm sure Vicki will give you any direction needed since she has a similar case. I'll keep this thread the way it is, or erase everything so you can put what is needed? just let me know.

Quote
This is not a personal attack against anyone, or their beliefs

If you wouldn't have wrote that, I would have never taken it has a personal attack. that's the other site that's always cocked and loaded.

lots of Cooper fans, sleuths etc. show up every year in Ariel Washington at the Ariel Store/Bar and you could get a chance to meet a lot of the people from this thread, and the other one. that's just around the corner time wise. (see photo gallery) perhaps you could see if Bruce Smith of the Mountain News will run a story for you. I'm a little concerned about his whereabouts at the moment, he's past due for his return, but hopefully all is well.

We have a lot of good people here. I believe you will fit right in........ 8)

Shutter
« Last Edit: October 30, 2014, 04:24:54 PM by shutter »
 

georger

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #10 on: October 30, 2014, 04:58:27 PM »
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I posted this on the "other site" and thought it was worth posting here:

"Here is a link to the FBI's official website: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

The FBI states on their website "Cooper was no expert skydiver" and "The hijacker had no help on the ground, either" and "As many agents before him, Carr thinks it highly unlikely that Cooper survived the jump."

Now unfortunately, my mind is bound by common sense and reason, so I find myself asking this question: "What if the FBI is right?" And if the FBI is correct, wouldn't we be looking for a missing person who flew under the radar for many years and has some physical features which resemble the FBI Cooper sketches, but looks just enough off to remain hidden? Wouldn't we be looking for a "Dick Lepsy" or another missing person just like him?

As for the FBI, maybe they're sick and tired of,  ;) "Coopersleuths"  ;) telling them how wrong they are. I agree with Robert, Marla devastated the chances of ever resolving this case, but many others have joined her in souring the milk of the FBI's investigation.

Because of the the  ;) Coopersleuth  ;) shenanigans of the past, the FBI will more than likely never investigate Dick Lepsy. And sadly, there is no known connection between Lepsy and the Cooper suspect, but of course, there wouldn't be, would there? Otherwise he would have been looked at already.

If you read this forum, I'm kindly asking for your help. I can't do this on my own, I need your help. I want to add Dick Lepsy to the list of people that have been officially eliminated by the FBI as Cooper suspects (see attached).

This is not a personal attack against anyone, or their beliefs. I believe that if we were all in the same room together enjoying a beer or coffee, we would all get along smashingly and would have quite a conversation. Maybe someday this will happen, and who knows, we may even solve a few missing person cases between now and then.

Ross

Baarada Nikto, Klaatu.   :)
 

Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #11 on: November 15, 2014, 11:34:24 AM »
Based on looking at Lepsy as a suspect I can't really see him qualifying as one. we do have several different variations with Cooper's age. the official age is mid 40's. the crew notes specify in his 50's, and the George Harrison notes claim 50-60 years of age. it appears to me that they all conclude he was above 45 years of age. dropping down to early 30's doesn't fit the profile.

I'm pretty sure his last known driver's license could be found that would help give a more accurate height & weight of Lespy prior to his disappearance.

Several have mentioned that hundreds of people went missing during this time period. Melvin Wilson has many similarities that could point to him being Cooper, but even that didn't get the FBI's attention. I can't see any possible links that could get the FBI to consider looking at Lespy as a suspect.

Does Lespy have any indications of aviation knowledge that would allow him to know flaps, altitudes needed for pressurizing the cabin. knowledge of the rear stairs operation. where would he find knowledge of knowing you could jump from the rear stairs. these are questions I'm sure the FBI would ask as well.

I don't think anyone knows for sure if Lespy took the money from the store, or was forced into it? does Lespy have any criminal background? I see a lot of research needed before putting him in this category. this is my opinion of this story. until other evidence points to him being a suspect, I can't see Lespy as a Cooper suspect.
« Last Edit: November 15, 2014, 08:11:49 PM by shutter »
 

Offline nmiwrecks

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #12 on: November 17, 2014, 09:54:06 PM »
Several have mentioned that hundreds of people went missing during this time period. Melvin Wilson has many similarities that could point to him being Cooper, but even that didn't get the FBI's attention. I can't see any possible links that could get the FBI to consider looking at Lespy as a suspect.

I'm not aware of any of the ten or so "top suspects" having any links to the hijacking.  There will never be a suspect with links to the hijacking.  It was a random event and the jumper more than likely died during his escape.  Dick Lepsy is just the type of person that will lead to the solution of this case.  If it's not him, then it's someone like him, someone missing since the skyjacking, someone fitting the physical description of the Cooper suspect.  There are a couple of gentlemen from New Jersey who fit this description also.

Mel Wilson has blue eyes and really doesn't resemble either of the Cooper sketches.  This was enough for the FBI to rule him out as a suspect.  Do I think he should be ruled out as a suspect?  Absolutely not. I would love to have his DNA compared to the Cooper suspect DNA, even though there'a a chance that might not be his DNA.  I would also like to compare the DNA of Dick Lepsy and any other gentlemen who fall into the same categories mentioned above.
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Offline Shutter

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #13 on: November 17, 2014, 11:36:31 PM »
Quote
There will never be a suspect with links to the hijacking

I have to disagree. Skydiving, aviation, military, criminal etc. are all links to this crime. If someone has any of those subjects mentioned, they can link the suspect to the crime. every crime story you read, or watch will tell of something linking them to the crime. Cooper doesn't need all of them, or any of them, but most likely posses one or two of the links.

Robert Blevins has a huge hurdle to get over with Tina having to look up at Cooper. Kenny was the same height as Tina. he possessed several links. skydiving, and knowledge of aviation, but his description is a problem. you can't part a bald head to the left. I believe in that period he was under weight, and of course the height is a problem coming in a 5' 8".

I still stand firm on the age issue with Lepsy. you would think Tina would say they guy wasn't much older than herself, and not 20+ years older. how much can we really match to the sketch? it could be way off, or spot on. where do we go respectively on age limits. while he was still on the plane they quoted in his 50's. the George Harrison notes claim 50-60. do we spread this out to 30-60 years of age? most descriptions are off due to the time frames of seeing the suspect. it ranges from seconds to minutes on the average crime. Tina spent hours with him, and the others had time to look him over as well.

Hopefully you will be able to shed more light on Lepsy's background.
 

Offline MarkBennett

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Re: Dick Lepsy (missing person)
« Reply #14 on: November 18, 2014, 09:51:13 AM »
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Several have mentioned that hundreds of people went missing during this time period. Melvin Wilson has many similarities that could point to him being Cooper, but even that didn't get the FBI's attention. I can't see any possible links that could get the FBI to consider looking at Lespy as a suspect.

I'm not aware of any of the ten or so "top suspects" having any links to the hijacking.  There will never be a suspect with links to the hijacking.  It was a random event and the jumper more than likely died during his escape.  Dick Lepsy is just the type of person that will lead to the solution of this case.  If it's not him, then it's someone like him, someone missing since the skyjacking, someone fitting the physical description of the Cooper suspect.  There are a couple of gentlemen from New Jersey who fit this description also.

Mel Wilson has blue eyes and really doesn't resemble either of the Cooper sketches.  This was enough for the FBI to rule him out as a suspect.  Do I think he should be ruled out as a suspect?  Absolutely not. I would love to have his DNA compared to the Cooper suspect DNA, even though there'a a chance that might not be his DNA.  I would also like to compare the DNA of Dick Lepsy and any other gentlemen who fall into the same categories mentioned above.

Has anyone ever really looked for Lepsy?  Is he in the Social Security death index (of course, he might still be alive.  He wouldn't even be 80 yet, would he?).

He's considered missing, but US Marshall's haven't been out looking for him.  He could very well be right under our noses.