Peter O'Brien, 44, Boise ID, 4/2/09

[BevAnn]

I searched and didn't find a thread for this guy. I also checked online, and do believe he is still missing....his story reminds me very much of our Nancy, mom of 2, everything left in her apartment untouched...

http://www.2news.tv/news/42541952.html


"BOISE - A New Zealand native living in Boise for several months may be missing and his family is asking anyone with information to call a hotline.

Peter O'Brien's family and friends say they have no idea where he is but something just doesn't seem right.

O'Brien's family says he recently moved from Southern California to be closer to his two sons. They say he's never left without telling someone where he is going and that's what makes this time so strange.

In store fronts and posted on windows missing person sign blanket Hyde Park, each one a plea for help from O'Brien's family.

"I just can't imagine him running away, so I think something must have happened to him," said Suzanne Oppenheimer, O'Brien's ex-wife.

Oppenheimer says she last saw him Thursday evening when he dropped off their two young sons.

"There was nothing that made me think 'Oh my, there is something wrong with Pete,'" she said.

On Saturday when she called to find out when he would be picking up the kids no one answered.

"Fifty calls later he stilled hadn't return any calls so finally I went up there with my six year old just to check on him, make sure he was okay," says Oppenheimer.

But she says the door to his apartment was unlocked and inside she found his keys, wallet with his credit cards, and his cell phone all left on the counter.

"His bags are at home, his shoes are at home, his clothes are at home, his jacket is at home, so I don't know where he could be," Oppenheimer said.

Boise Police say they are investigating O'Brien's disappearance and right now there is no evidence a crime has been committed.

But Oppenheimer says it's hard not knowing what to do or what to say especially when it comes to their two sons.

"I don't want my kids to grow up without a dad," she said.

O'Brien is described as 5'8'', about 160 pounds, with short black hair. He has a New Zealand accent.

If you have any information on his whereabouts you are urged to call a tipline his friends have set up #936-2722.

You can also call Crime Stoppers at #343-COPSs.

O'Brien's apartment manager says he did pay his rent on the first day of April. Oppenheimer believes that is an indication he was planning to stay."

[Kip]

So many people disappearing without a trace... No signs of a struggle in the apartment so either Peter walked away with no intention of coming back, or something happened to him outside. He could have gone outside to help someone with their car or to just take out the garbage - I can see him leaving his keys in his apartment in those circumstances.

Here's a link with a photo:
http://www.2news.tv/news/42715552.html

Police checking local surveillance and Peter's bank accounts; ex-wife says their relationship was strained, but that she didn't notice anything out of the ordinary about his mental state:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2331...-still-hopeful

[Taybug]

I'm wondering if his car was still there or not.

I hope he's safe and comes home soon!

[n/t]

Wow BevAnn. I agree. So eerily similar to Nancy's case.

Why would he pay April rent if he was going to leave? Doesn't make sense.

[ginky41]

WTH???? I live in Boise and not have heard ANYTHING about this case.

I'm off to check the local news..

[moonlite]

Originally Posted by ginky41

WTH???? I live in Boise and not have heard ANYTHING about this case.

I'm off to check the local news..

Greetings'
Ginky41'

I sure hope he is ok and turns up safe.

Moonlite

[BevAnn]

Originally Posted by RachelRose

Does he have a laptop or desktop computer? Is it gone?

A man who lives alone wouldn't tell anyone he's going out, there's no one to tell. So that's a dead end.

I've always been very afraid for posters who use Craig's list personal connections. They are COMPLETELY vulnerable. Especially men. I feel like I read those personals, and think . . . prayers that that man lives through the night.

Yes, RR, I read several articles on him, but most said the same thing. IIRC his car WAS there. AND a laptop is missing.

He liked to hike a lot and they think he might have headed out, and fell or got hurt. But taking a laptop on hike seems odd?

[ginky41]

The "North End" where Peter lived (according to the news article posted above) is an interesting end of town in Boise. By interesting I mean interesting, not scary or weird in any way whatsoever. Hard for me to explain. The houses are old with lots of character and they are notoriously high-priced. There is a definite "type" of folk who live in the North End, although I realize that is stereotyping just a bit. Lots of "tree-huggers," "hippies," and wealthy folks. Obviously this is a generalization as not EVERYone living in the North End falls into these categories.

Anyway, just outside the North End are the "foothills" which are known for their hiking/biking trails. Just at the base of the foothills is the area known as Hyde Park, also mentioned above. It would not be unusual for someone to walk to one of the outdoor areas for a coffee/lunch/etc and to also take their laptop. I wonder if Peter owned a bike? Lots of folks in the North End ride bikes, it's close to downtown and lots of parks and also the Greenbelt, a paved path that carves thru much of our city. It follows the river much of the time and is a great place to bike, walk, etc.

Maybe Peter took his laptop on his bike to sit outside and enjoy the nice spring weather we've been enjoying? I'm a bit surprised that this isn't headline news here - there is not a whole lot of crime in our area. Certainly when things go above and beyond the normal crime (meth busts, etc.) it typically gets a LOT of attention.

So weird.