Missing Youth Found Deceased

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KITE

A body found Monday afternoon in the Stones River off Highway 53N has been identified as that of Brian Kite, 18, who has been missing since Oct. 8.

Cannon County Sheriff Darrell Young said tonight that Kite’s body was discovered by people walking along the road shortly before 3 p.m.

Sheriff Young said the incident is being treated as a homicide, and that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has been called in to assist in the investigation.

Young said the cause of death and the length of time the body was in the river will not be known until after an autopsy has been performed.

Kite had identification on his person when his body was discovered. Young said the family has been notified of his discovery and death.

Fox 17 News is report Kite’s mother and sister said that his body was found in an area that they were searching for days. Brian was last seen that Friday evening getting into a silver car on Highway 53N (Gassaway Road).

NewsChannel 5 is reporting officials believe that he had been deceased for some time. The investigation is still underway into how he died.

Channel 4 New is reporting Kite's girlfriend's father found the body at about 3 p.m. and called deputies. Police said they are investigating the death as a homicide, but there were no signs of aggression.

Kite was last seen at the McDonald's restaurant on East Main Street in Woodbury.

FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS:

The search for a Cannon County teenager who has been missing for 10 days took on a national scope Monday.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children joined the search for Brian Kite, 18, who has not been seen since Oct. 8.

Harold Jones, who is a member of "Team Adam," a division of the NCMEC, said, "we came to help the local police and be a resource for them."

Kite, of 410 Higgins Hollow Road, was last seen getting into a silver car around 6 p.m. on Oct. 8. He was reportedly walking to meet his girlfriend at the Cannon County High School Homecoming game on October 8.

"Brian has never in his life disappeared on me. He may go to a friend's overnight but I know he is going," mother Marjorie Griffin told TV station, News 2, Nashville, adding, "He still will text message me 30 to 40 times a night."

Kite's mother received a text message from her son at 5:37 p.m. on the day he went missing.

In the message, he told her he had gotten a ride from someone in a sliver car that claimed to know her.

Griffin sent a message back to her son asking him what the person's name was that picked him up.  He never responded.

The teenager's family worries that he may have been attacked by some local teen boys.

Griffin told News 2 that there has been conflict between her son and various boys for at least six months.

The day before Kite went missing he sent a text message to a friend that read, "I'm going to need your help soon. I have a lot of problems."

Kite's family has searched the rugged terrain near their home everyday since his disappearance. Bloodhounds picked up the teen's scent, but they were unable to locate him.

"We love him. We are never going to give up on him and keep searching," Griffin said.

Sheriff Darrell Young said Monday the owner of the silver car has told authorities they dropped Kite off at a location on Lester Street on Oct. 8.

Sheriff Young said Monday that Kite's cell phone is no longer operational. He also said officers were continuing to interview and re-interview persons thought to have knowledge of the case.

FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS:

They called out the dogs Saturday in the search for a Cannon County man who has been missing for over a week.

Cannon County Sheriff Darrell Young said Saturday morning that K-9 units were brought in to assist in the search for 18-year-old Brian Kite.

Sheriff Young said Kite, who has not been seen or heard from since he left to his home to go to a football game on Oct. 8, has been known to leave and not return for as long as two weeks.

However, Sheriff Young said in prior incidents Kite would stay in contact with his family via phone.

Kite’s family is also actively trying to locate him, and will continue to do so Sunday if he is not found by then, according to a message posted to The Cannon Courier’s Web site.

“I am Brian’s sister I just want to thank everybody that is praying for us we really need it and Sunday we are trying to get people to help search if you would like to help contact me at 615-796-4681,” Alexis Crabtree said.

While Kite has yet to be located, the search by local law enforcement has been intense all week. Homes and structures throughout the county and city have been checked, friends have been interviewed, and license plates of cars have been checked to learn the identity of the owner, according to police scanner traffic.

FROM PREVIOUS REPORTS:

Family, friends and the Cannon County Sheriff's Department are continuing their efforts to locate Brian Kite, 18, who has been missing since late Friday afternoon.

To date the only solid lead came in the form of a cell phone message, but there have been none sent in recent days, according to the sheriff's department.

On Tuesday Verizon Wireless, the carrier for Kite's cell phone, was contacted again by sheriff's detectives and verified that no text messages have been sent from his phone in recent days.

"However, more people are being interviewed in regards to Brian which includes students at the high school," Detective Matt Goney said in a press release Tuesday evening.

"The owner of the suspicious silver car has been identified and is cooperating. We do know that Brian has a history of leaving home for long periods of time, but he usually texts. All leads reported are being followed up on and the investigation is still ongoing.

"Anyone with information pertaining to Brian should contact the Cannon County Sheriff's Department at 615-563-1000 or 615-563-4322," Detective Goney said.

According to the press release, the Sheriff's Office was contacted by Marjorie Griffin, Brian's mother, on Saturday. She stated that he left home on Friday night (Oct. 8) at around 5:30 p.m.

At approximately 6 p.m., Brian sent a text message stating that he was with someone's cousin. The text also stated that they were on the way to a football game. The person who received the text responded by asking who he was with and Brian did not text back.

According to family members, Brian was picked up on Highway 53N (Gassaway Road) by someone driving a silver car. Brian had planned to attend the Homecoming game at Cannon County High School, they said.

Brian was last seen wearing black basketball shorts with white trim around the legs, white K-Swiss shoes, and an unknown shirt.

Mrs. Griffin told investigating officers that Brian always told her where he was going. She stated this was not like something Brian would do.

Brian was entered as a missing person in the National Crime Information Center. Mrs. Griffin told officers on Saturday that Brian has some medical needs and takes medication. However, he left his medication at home.

Verizon Wireless was contacted the day Brian was reported missing. They were able to locate an approximate distance from the text message Brian has sent. The location his 1.1 miles southeast of tower 224 on Dolittle Road. Text messages were the only form of communication working on Brian's phone.

Text message have been sent continuously from law enforcement, friends and family since the day of Brian's disappearance, Det. Goney said. Law enforcement was advised by Verizon Wireless that without a phone call being made from Brian's phone, they are unable to pinpoint the exact GPS coordinates.

The Sheriff's Office visited many of Brian's friends' homes in search of information and his whereabouts. This includes an extensive search following all leads within the city limits and rural county, Det. Goney said.

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Members Opinions:
October 13, 2010 at 8:18am
Its sounds like now, the police are doing everything they can. Keep the faith, he'll come home!
October 13, 2010 at 12:23pm
Brian and his family are in our prayers.
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October 13, 2010 at 3:00pm
Oh my lord who cares about the headline, I don't think he meant it like that, quit worrying about the fine print and focus on prayers for his safe return home. Alexi's and Marj, we're thinking about you guys!! :) love you!
October 13, 2010 at 7:06pm
Since they have made contact with the driver of the suspicious silver car that was said to have picked him up, have they determined whether or not he ever reached the football game? Did the driver of the car tell them that he got out of the car or where?
October 13, 2010 at 9:15pm
i will pray that they find him. i havent ever seen him at the high school but i hope he gets home safely.
October 15, 2010 at 9:21am
Im am praying & reposting & will continue to...XOXOXO to you guys try and stay strong. I know easier said then done.
October 15, 2010 at 6:48pm
Have they heard anything in the last couple of days?
October 16, 2010 at 5:34pm
i am brians sister i just want to thank everybody that is praying for us we really need it and sunday we are trying to get people to help search if you would like to help contact me at 6157964681
October 17, 2010 at 7:34am
Alexis, prayers are with your mom and brothers and you Alexis. We are praying for Brian's safe recovery and hope for the best for all of you, including Brian...Billy, we were glad to keep you busy at school to try to keep your mind off things and am praying you are okay too. Hang in there and hopefully with all the help on Sunday, he will be found.......sending my love and prayers, Ms. SHaran Loux
October 17, 2010 at 11:20pm
brian has never gone missing i dont know who said that but it was not us i dont like it when people lie to justify why they didnt start looking right away my brother has never been gone for two weeks never more than a weekend at a friends people need to get their facts straight.
October 18, 2010 at 1:17pm
i hope you find him there is no greater loss then lossing a child i pray he turns up safe and then you can get your lives back to normal
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October 18, 2010 at 8:00pm
I can't imagine the heartache you are going through right now not knowing where your son is. I will pray for you and your family and for Brian's safe return. May God Bless You All.
October 18, 2010 at 8:52pm
My prayers go out to his family during their time of loss. I really hope they find out who done this to him.
October 18, 2010 at 9:15pm
This is just so heartwrenching to know that anyone in this town would do something to a young person like this. My heart goes out to the family at this time although I know there is no comfort possible.
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October 18, 2010 at 9:24pm
Were praying for ya!
October 18, 2010 at 9:29pm
So sad to hear of this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to this family. May you find strength from God in the days ahead.
October 18, 2010 at 10:48pm
oh my i just heard the news they found the little boy my heart goes out to the mom and his siblings i know first hand the tradgedy of such a sensless loss of a son mine was to an impaired driver i knew where he wastho to not know where ur child is for over a week has got to be the most awful experience i am praying for his whole family. i wish i could find the words to tell you why but we never no why god bless you all. Eve Moore
October 18, 2010 at 11:20pm
I am heartbroken over the loss of Brian....I was his teacher while he was at CCHS and also we became friends. My heart hurts for Brian's family and Marjorie, Alexis and Billy, my husband and I are so sorry for your loss...I had Brian for 3 years and our relationship was one of understanding and trust. Please know that our prayers are with all of the family in this tragic and horrific situation....Sincerely, Sharan
October 19, 2010 at 9:43am
prayers to the family and friends of this young man..i never thaught our children wouldnt be safe in our little town..i followed his story and hoped he would be found..there are obviously some evil people in cannon co. and i do believe God will punish them for what they have done.and I know God will be watching over this family.. so sorry for your loss.
October 19, 2010 at 9:54am
theres someone out there who knows what happened..who did this. a mother has lost a son a sister has lost her brother..and a father has lost his son. some one any one needs to speak up and help them end this and put away the evil person who hurt their loved one. Some one needs to do the right thing and tell!!!!!!
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October 19, 2010 at 10:09am
This just breaks my heart. I grew up walking all over Woodbury by myself, and in my mind it was still the same safe little town it was in the '70's. My prayers are with Brian's family and friends. I hope that justice is served swiftly; it won't change what happened, but no other family should ever have to go through this. Getting the perpetrator(s) off the streets may at least prevent their being able to do this to someone else's child.
October 19, 2010 at 11:35am
I am sick and saddened beyond belief! My prayers to the family in this horrible time.
Well, parents and citizens of Cannon County- are you listening? Bullying is a SERIOUS issue. Murder can not be tolerated! It is time to stand up and demand respect for our children. It is time for all those involved to listen. Now it the time for change. It is time for those who are around our children to listen to us. Those involved in this crime need to be brought to justice with the MAXIMUM sentence. Accountability, is what is lacking! This family will never be able to hug their loved one in this lifetime again-let us make sure that they are given some peace out of this atrocity and let us make sure Brian did not suffer in vain-but it starts with us-accountability and change will not happen until we stand as one and no longer accept the answers of "nothing is wrong" by those drawing a paycheck and not dong their job in a satisfactory manner.
October 19, 2010 at 12:57pm
I couldn't have said it better myself Megbloom! Agree w/you 100%. I also feel, regardless of age as soon as a person is discovered missing, it should be reported and WORKED ON! Do not wait almost 82 hours before a search begins!
October 19, 2010 at 1:02pm
Our heart goes out to the family. You are all in our prayers. I hope the person or person's responsible for this are found soon and punished. The schools need to finally open their eyes. They have never taken bullying seriously at CCHS. My child was threatened a few times and they never took it seriously. It's sad when your afraid to send your child to school. Look at all the fights going on all the time at the high school. Something needs to be done.
October 19, 2010 at 1:04pm
My heart goes out to all of Brian's family at this terrible time. We are praying that whoever did this and is still lurking out there is caught and put behind bars. It is such a tragedy for it to end this way. Brian was someone's son, brother, sister, friend and student and he nor anyone else EVER should have to suffer like this...the ones that are suffering now are the ones that are left behind and we all need to be supportive of them and their loved ones....Brian, you will be missed...Prayers are with all of Brian's family. Marjorie, Andy, Alexis & Billy, you hold a special place in my heart... Psalms 37:10, 11 & 29. Ms. Sharan
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October 19, 2010 at 3:46pm
I hope whoever did this to him is reading this. This is ridiculous!! How can you justify killing someone? How can you walk freely and think it's ok? Would it all seem "worth it" if you looked into his mom's eyes, into his sisters eyes and seen the tears they were crying??? Would you think it was worth it then? A son, a brother, a friend, & what could've been a great man if his life hadn't fell short due to circumstances that were unnecessary. I hope you pay for what you did, I hope when you're brought to trial, you can look into his families eyes and feel all the pain they're feeling and for the rest of your life continue to feel that pain that you've cause.
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October 19, 2010 at 7:51pm
First I would like to extend my and my family's condolences to the family and friends of Brian. You are lifted up in our prayers and in our thoughts. Next to whoever did this to Brian. Whether it was intentional or an accident please come forward. His family deserves to know the truth. And to all of us...remember this isnt Mayberry anymore. Watch your kids and your loved ones. And watch out for each other. God bless.
October 19, 2010 at 9:54pm
This is the second senseless death in less then a month of a teenager due to bullying here in Cannon County. When are people going to start holding these schools in Cannon County (all of them) accountable for this. When a teacher achieves tenure does this mean that they are no longer required to be concerned about the children? By law these children MUST go to school, however it is horrible and completely unacceptable that they must be in fear while doing so. Seems as if there should also be a law in place to make it a safe place to attend school. I personally know a child attending the high school that was threatened to be SHOT, but neither the school nor the police were willing to sit up and take notice of this. Do we only notice it after a child has been found dead?? It is too late then, people.
October 20, 2010 at 1:08pm
First, I want so say how sorry I am to this family. I can't even begin to imagine what they are going though. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
My next door neighbor's son, 16 is now being home schooled because of problems of bullying. The Mother has said that the Principal nor the teachers would do anything to help so she pulled him out.This just makes no sense. It is going to be up to the Parents to Force the Schools to address the problem, and it IS A PROBLEM!! Now would be the time for every parent to demand something be done and lets not allow Brian's death to be in vain.
October 21, 2010 at 8:19am
What is the status of the investigation? Someone needs to get the truth out there so a system can begin being put together to address the bullying issue if that is truly part of the problem. It's ridiculous that rumors are all over town and the public cannot be officially updated. We have children in this community and if they are at risk then it's our right to know.
October 24, 2010 at 10:38am
I agree with sheabombay;
We need a follow up on this, what did the toxicology report say?
What did the examiner find?
Was is actually a homicide or did it reveal an accident? A sexual offense? with respect to the family's wishes we would like to know.
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October 24, 2010 at 11:47am
There is a followup story in the print edition of the paper which will come out Monday. The results of the autopsy will not be known for weeks, particularly the toxicology report.
January 03, 2011 at 8:40am
Is there any further news? It's 3 months later
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January 03, 2011 at 8:42am
As yet there is no further news to report.
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January 20, 2011 at 11:27pm
Nothing yet ?
Something must be wrong with the investigations with this case like some inside help or something...
Someone needs to do something about catching who did this crime if it was dealing with meth they would get the guy in 1 or 2 hours...
For real are he/she/they going to get away with it ?
April 10, 2011 at 6:31pm
so here we are 6 months later and still nothing is done about my little brothers death i sure hope that this doesnt happen to another child since the murder is still out there
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April 10, 2011 at 6:52pm
What would you like done? Do you have any evidence to suggest your brother was murdered? Do you have any reason to suspect anyone murdered your brother? Do you know of a person who murdered your brother? If so, you should share that information.
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