A tribute to the life of Jonathan Peters

Monday, May 24, 2010

Over 4 years ago, Jonathan Peters, our son, brother, nephew and friend was reported missing. He was visiting Coos Bay, Oregon with his roommate Brian Campbell. They went there to help a friend named Matt Osborn who was sick and needed help because his landscaping business was falling behind. Jonathan’s body was found six months later in the woods near where he was last seen. We miss him so much and hope this blog may help to find out who is responsible for his brutal death.

In November 2005, Jonathan moved with Brian Campbell from Boise, Idaho to Eureka, California. One month later, Brian’s girlfriend, Carrisa, moved from Boise to live with them in California. The three of them were renting a house together while Brian and Carissa attended college and Jonathan looked for work.

On January 25th, 2006, Jonathan and Brian drove from Eureka to Coos Bay. Their friend, Matt and his family lived in a small house about four miles south of Coos Bay on Sumner Lane. Matt paid for Jonathan and Brian to stay in a yurt at a nearby state park (Sunset Bay State Park) for a few days while they helped him.

On the morning of January 27th, Jonathan and Brian went to Matt’s house to go to work. Shortly after they arrived, Jonathan went outside and was never seen again.

Brian called Jonathan’s mom, Debbie, to tell her that Jonathan walked-off. She asked Brian to look for him because she wanted to talk to him; she never was able to speak to Jonathan again.

Brian looked for Jonathan for a few hours and that afternoon called the Coos County Sheriff’s Office to report him missing. No one knew where Jonathan was. Brian returned to Eureka that day and didn’t hear from Jonathan again.

The sheriff’s office search and rescue team later checked the area but found no sign of Jonathan.

Jonathan's mom and his sister, Anna, spent the next five days looking for Jonathan. They posted missing person flyers from Coos Bay to Eureka.

On July 20, 2006, a survey crew doing some work in a wooded area a short distance (about 200 yards) from Matt’s house found human remains that were later identified as Jonathan. The medical examiner told us Jonathan died from “multiple sharp force injuries resulting from homicidal violence”. We can only imagine the pain Jonathan must have suffered at the hands of whoever killed him.

Jonathan was 27-years old when he died. He had so much life left ahead of him to live to its fullest. Our hearts have an emptiness that only those who have mysteriously lost a loved one may be able to understand.

On October 14, 2008, with the loss of her brother weighing heavily on her heart, Anna took her own life. She left behind a note which read that she wanted to be with brother and to spend the little money she had, on his murder case.  It is our feeling that whoever murdered Jonathan is also responsible for Anna’s death and needs to be held accountable.

We hope these pictures and the tribute video will give you a glimpse of why we miss Jonathan so much. Can you help us find out who killed Jonathan? If you have any information that can help the police, please call the State Police in Coos Bay at (541) 888-2677 or leave your information here on our blog.




-Jonathan's Family

34 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Miss both Jonathan and Anna dearly, think about them often. Much love to his friends and family who all deeply miss them.

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  3. What is Brian Campbell doing now? How good a friends were they?

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  4. I am so sorry for the loss of both of your children. I hope that this site results in some information that is helpful for you.

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  5. Thank you for creating this site, which I hope will be instrumental in finding answers, as well as justice. Both Jon and Anna were such lovely individuals with uniquely open hearts that affected so many. I wish for you comfort and closure.

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  6. Ouch, I'm sincerely sorry for the loss of your dear son and daughter. The musical video is a beautiful tribute. Hopefully, with this site and the help of 'America's Most Wanted' the person(s) responsible for the deaths of your children will be found and held fully responsible. Bless you all, now and always.

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  7. Anna and Jonathan were such good hearted people and I think about them often. I pray someone comes forward and justice is served. Much love to their family.

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  8. Debbie I am so thankful for you and LOVE you dearly!!! Praise the Lord that they are now looking further into this! Oh how I miss Anna!! I visit her and Jonathans grave weekly!!
    My prayer for you Debbie and family is these verses
    Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)
    "The LORD bless you
    and keep you;
    the LORD make his face shine upon you
    and be gracious to you;
    the LORD turn his face toward you
    ... and give you peace." '
    Love you!!! You are always in my prayers!!

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  9. My heart goes out to you.

    I hope you find peace.

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  10. My son Mike went to school with both Jonathan and Anna and was good friends with both of them. No parent should ever have to endure what their parents have. May God Bless you and bring you peace. Finding Jonathan's assailant is of the utmost importance...may God lead you and the authorities to this person/persons soon so that you may have some closure.

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  11. To Jonathan's family: Remember these six words;"The answer is in the box." These are the words of a real-life Cold Case detective. He said this is a saying used by he and other cold-case detectives to describe where to look for clues that will lead to the killer. "The box" referred to is the box of evidence,files, notes, names of witnesses,last known contact, maybe a hair found at the scene, etc. It's usually sitting on a shelf in the evidence room. Often,the answer is in there. Good Luck!

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  12. As I was watching the local news last night, I saw Jon's picture on the TV and they were talking about the case. I had no idea this had happened to such a wonderful family. I imediatly thought of Anna and Debbie and my heart ached for them. As I learned more, I was broken to hear what had happened to Anna as well. Debbie, my heart aches for you and the loss of two wonderful kids. It has been years since I last saw them both, and I haven't seen you Debbie since I sat next to you one the flight to Portland when you were headed to Anna's wedding and we happened to be on the same flight! My family too had a tragety in 10/08 where my cousin was killed, her killer was set free by the courts, so I understand needing justice and the pain that brings. I will pray for you Debbie and that Jonny's killer will be found. God bless you...

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  13. Saw this on kcby and am so glad you have this set up. Praying for you all!!

    much love,
    Amy
    (bert and judy's daughter)

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  14. What a heartbreaking tragedy to happen to any family. No parent should ever have to lose a child, let alone 2. I am so hoping your website and the AMW help will lead to an arrest soon. This case MUST be solved.

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  15. I learned of the unthinkable tragedy that happened to Jon two years after he passed. I was distraught and in disbelief when Anna told me in the Summer of 2008. Jon was a truly wonderful man. I only learned of Anna's passing yesterday. I spent the day in tears. Anna was a good friend and an embodiment of absolute kindness and sincerity. She never said an unkind word about anyone. She was a better person than I could ever hope to be and I will miss her forever. I regret that time and distance grew between us to a point that I would only learn about these tragedies so long after they occurred. My heart aches for Anna and Jon and for the family who has endured so much pain.

    I have included my e-mail address, barrymalone@yahoo.com, in hopes that someone is able to provide me with contact information for Mrs. Peters as I would like to privately convey my sympathies to her.

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  16. Not much in the way of helpful info. here. I wish the detectives would give up some real info, that won't reveal too much but tells us some hard facts. Are their uninvolved witnesses to attest that Johnathan and Campbell actually ARRIVED on 1-25, and WORKED various sites 1-26 as claimed, & that they STAYED at the Yurt, with Osburn taking them there? Polygraphs,anyone? Who saw whom on 1-27 before Jonathan walked off and dissappeared? Motives that come to mind: sex, money(PAY), and drugs. We know Jonathan didn't walk away and stab himself multiple times, or hack himself to death. And his body was 200YDS from Osborn's place on Sumner-Fairview Rd.? Some search. Many sharp tools are used in the landscaping business. Were the clothes Jonathan was reported wearing found with his remains? Why call his mother a few minutes after he walked out, allegedly saying he "needed to get out of the house"? He was a 27-year-old man! Something is odd about this story. To say the least. Please, update us!

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  17. Brians story has changed 3 times. Why are they not looking into hi
    anyfurther?

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  18. What's the story with Matt Osborn? I am sure the police have interviewed them both, but not much is said about either of them or the stories they told. Any solid alibi's for either of them not being involved? Seems odd to me to that Campbell would call Jon's mom over something like that and so soon after he went missing... like he knew Jon wouldn't be back so get a story started right off the bat! I hope they find the low life who did this. Life never goes unpunished. If they don't pay here on earth, they do have to face GOD in the next. My prayers are that peace will be found for the Peters family. So sad

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  19. Our hearts and minds can not begin to understand or comprehend the tragedies that have taken place. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Jon and Anna. May peace fill your hearts and may love motivate you to overcome.

    sincerely,

    shawn

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  20. Brian recently got arrested in Guerneville, Ca. for an illegal pot operation and he had a stolen gun in his possession. It sounds like he's up to no good...still.

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  21. We too are suffering the loss of a family member due to violent murder in Oregon. Please see Dave's website and please email us. Our hearts & prayers are with you. Oregon State Police was our link to you.
    On a cold-read of this nice blog: Brian returning to Eureka the very day of disappearance doesn't fit common sense, unless details are being omitted. We couldn't stop looking when the dog was lost, let alone a man.
    Listen to your inner instincts & let them guide you. Keep going thru the tears. One day there will be justice.

    http://themurderofdavelewis.webs.com/

    http://www.myspace.com/davelewismurderarsonor

    fishhookdavelewis@yahoo.com (emails)

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  22. Thank you to everyone who has responded to our plea to solve the murder of my son, Jonathan Peters. We will always have the hope that someone will be willing to come forward and tell the truth.

    To each of you who has contacted me personally, I thank you for remembering my son. He will never be forgotten by our family, and the pain of his murder will remain with us forever. This tragedy will never be over...never.


    Debbie Peters
    Jonathan's Mom

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  23. my heart goes out to you, I have lost a loved one to a violent murder which was never completely solved. My prayers are with you and your family

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  24. Hi Debbie,
    there was mention of Jonathan's case in the local paper today:
    http://www.theworldlink.com/news/local/article_82ac5996-c2fb-11df-9493-001cc4c002e0.html

    -Amy
    (bert and Judy's daughter)

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  25. I knew JP very well , and loved him dearly . My condolences to his family especially in the wake of their daughters death as well. I am also close to both other people involved. Mat Osbourn is an amazing friend and family man that would protect his family by giving any information he could to the police. Brian Campbell I have known for 13 years and have never seen him so much as get in a verbal disagreement with a stranger, let alone murder his best friend .Yes , he grew weed. Weed and murder do not go hand in hand. We're not talking some huge operation, we're talking about a small medical marijuana operation. Like the ones in houses all over California! I think we should wait until there is some actual evidence( thanks small town OR police for your amazing evidence recovery skills), then start pointing fingers. Instead of making it a witch hunt!If you want to get involved , you could write the police or AMW, and demand more attention for the case. I don't want to come off harshly , but I think people should use this sight as a tool to grieve together, and give ACTUAL information on the case. Not a place for people to speculate on things they have no idea about. This is not a TV show people! This is real! And the people you are slandering without all the information are also real. Remember that in your future comments , and let's leave the speculation for the police. Once again my deepest wishes for peace in the
    hearts of the Peters family.

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  26. If people would really like to help in this case, contact the police, and don't leave anonymous as your name. Our family has been through hell and not back from it yet. I have lost two of my adult children through violent deaths...don't any of you speculate about anything...the police have much evidence...we are waiting for someone to tell us all the truth.

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  27. Anna was like an angel on earth--always kind, caring, gentle, and sincere. She was beautiful in every sense.
    Jon was one of a few people whom acknowledged me in high school. I can still remember his huge smile and comical ways. He was always good to me and kept me laughing. Handsome and funny, he was a dream come true for girls.
    My heart goes out to you and your family. You raised two exceptional people, Debbie. It was an honor to have known them both. I pray that Jon's case gets solved and you can find a small piece of closer to all this. You are an incredible mom and woman. All my thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  28. i really feel sad for them.

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  29. Debbie Peters-Jonathan and Anna's MomNovember 2, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    To all Jonathan and Anna's friends who visit their graves and leave notes, flowers, and remembrances,thank you. That Jonathan and Anna are still remembered by you is a comfort to me. It is approaching 6 years since Jonathan's murder and it has been 3 years since Anna's suicide. The injustice of Jonathan's murderer not being arrested and punished for this crime is a daily reminder of sadness and grief. Justice will be served. If not in this life, then in the next.

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  30. He was one of the nicest people when I met him over 10 years ago and he always had a smile. I attended several music events with Jonny P. I have a hard time accepting people growing up, much less dying and an even harder time comprehending murder. I have never forgot him. Somewhere I have a photograph of us, I need to find it. If there is a way to scan it, I will.

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  31. To Jonathan's loved ones: I have looked in on your site for news, and can only conclude that this investigation is at a deadend. I will keep you in my prayers. Conrad

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  32. Harry Oakes is currently doing searches in Coos Bay. You can find him on Facebook. He has found things, and maybe he could help bring JUSTICE to Jon.

    Family of Dave Lewis. Open-unsolved, Ashland Oregon 2008.

    International K-9 Search and Rescue Services
    Search and Rescue SAR Coordinator and K9 Instructor. · Longview, Washington · May 1986 to present.

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    Replies
    1. I told our story with NPR and Story Corps on July 5, 2013. Perhaps, something will come from the interview and someone will come forward with the truth.
      Debbie Peters

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  33. Encountered your son name on Find a Grave read his story, so sad he died so young, God Bless You and family and also to your son

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