Possible Link Between Vernon Seitz Case and Daniel “Danny” Barter Missing Persons Case *UPDATE*
On December 15, 2008, Vernon C. Seitz, 62 yr old white male is found Dead on Entry appearing to be of natural causes. On December 12, 2008, Dr. Victoria Fetter, Seitz’s licensed psychiatrist contacted MPD to discuss her patients intent to confess to a homicide he was forced to participate in, following an alleged abduction, sexual assault and torture by unknown subjects. Mr. Seitz states he and another victim were abducted while on a family outing to Racine Zoo on June 19, 1959. There is no report of this incident or any remotely similar incident on file and It is the opinion of MPD this never occurred . Upon reading initial press on this incident, I prepared my own investigative articles provided below.
- Part I: Shave, Haircut and Child Porn … The Barber of St. Francis, Vernon C. Seitz
- Part II: No Connection to Other Pending Cases, MPD Closing the Case. Nothing to See Here; The Barber of St. Francis, Vernon C. Seitz
- Part III: Possible Link Between Vernon Seitz Case and Daniel “Danny” Barter Missing Person’s Case.
Search Warrants and MPD Inventory Report to Date
Over the last few weeks since this article was published, I have received numerous requests for updates and several pleas imploring me to stay on top of this case. Our collective “There might not be a bigfoot but this guy is seriously off” sentiment has not gone unnoticed. Recently, as a result of this article, Anderson Cooper’s CNN 360 featured a story on Danny which generated buzz from the smarties. I was also told Americas Most Wanted is contemplating doing a feature on his case. Why the recent groundswell of coverage on a nearly 50 year old case? In terms of Cold cases, his had been beyond cryogenic.
Danny’s sisters Theresa and Wanda want you to know that they will never give up trying to find their brother. They want you to know that he is loved and missed and he is referred to with love and familiarity by two generations since his disappearance June 18, 1959. They will pass on his legacy to their own children and grandchildren until they have the answers as to what happened to their brother, cousin and uncle. I was contacted by them following a meeting with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Detective in charge of the Barter Investigation. I was able to get the following issues confirmed, as there has been very conflicting reports:
- They left for Perdido Bay the 17th and stayed over that evening, making the date of Danny’s disappearance June 18, 1959. It was previously reported as June 17.
- The Nehi beverage bottle was withheld for a very long time. I now know what flavor it was, and have been asked not to disclose it.
- They believe in the event Danny is alive, and was abducted to be raised by another family, they have information and questions they believe only he could answer conclusively.
- Nobody in their family believes Danny met his end on the banks of the bay. They believe he was abducted for unknown reasons, but definitely abducted.
They asked me what I uncovered that would have BCSO refer them to me for some follow up questions and lead them to believe that there was a potential new development in their brother’s case almost 50 years in the making. We reviewed my article together after they allayed my concerns that what they may read could be upsetting.
Ms. Wanda and Ms. Theresa assured me there was not thing I could present as a scenario that they have not thought of themselves. They were prepared for any outcome for Daniel. Specifically, if he is no longer with us, to bring him home before their ages prevented them from doing so.
A vigil is planned on the banks of the Perdido Bay on June 18, 2009, the 50 year anniversary of Daniel’s disappearance. They invited me to attend and from the pit of my gut I hope to help them and their family.
Seitz Case Update
The possible connection to Danny Barter’s case is under investigation by the Milwaukee Police Department, the Milwaukee Field Office, FBI, The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mobile field office, FBI. I have been interviewed by all and will continue to assist all of them as required.
As per the lead investigator in the Seitz case, this is an active and open investigation. The forensic testi ng results ordered from evidence recovered at the scene have not been completed and may take several more weeks. Admittedly, I was encouraged by that. What I was not encouraged by was the fact that the MPD was unaware of about 60% of the information I have been able to research and report. I have attempted to contact Anne E. Schwarz, the Public Relations Manager for MPD for a status and any comments from MPD on the ongoing investigation into the Vernon Seitz case. As of press time, I have not received a response.
I recently interviewed Seitz long time neighbor, who requested to remain anonymous to the media at this time. It was her opinion that the MPD are not taking this case seriously. For starters, she has never been contacted by them although she saw Vern daily for several years. What she told me cemented my position from the first paragraph of the article what I already knew. This is going to turn out badly.
“Vernon was on heavy medications. An Anti-psychotic, triazedome to sleep and something to wake up.”
On Saturday December 10, his friend who used to sit in his barbershop for hours on end appears to be anxious he could not locate Vern. “Where’s Vern, I stopped by the house and couldn’t get in. ” She said she had not seen him and he left quickly. He was much younger than Vern, but unkept. His name is Steve, and although he lives down the street, he has not been back since. When a mutual acquaintance ran into him, he told Vern’s neighbor that he had asked him about what he knew about Vern. He became very agitated, said he had nothing to do with it, was not involved, and was not going to be saying anything else. He has not been seen in this area since.
Vern spent every weekend with his Mother in Racine until her death in 2006. They were extremely close and he was devastated when she passed.
Recent comments by Vern to a different neighbor, were out of character. Specifically, he told a neighbor he had working outside his home and had to go to the bathroom. He stated, “Who the Hell cares, this is my house, my yard, I’m just gonna pi** on this tree, outside, like a dog.” And he did.
Vernon, by all accounts had undergone stark changes to his physical appearance and hygiene over the last few weeks. He was persistently agitated, and had completely boycotted shaving or grooming in any way. When I asked her to just describe her impressions of Vernon in general:
“It seemed like his intention was to retaliate against people. He would be like, God Bless You 30 times a day, and in what seemed like the flip of a switch, he became angry and agitated enough to frighten me over any little thing. In some ways I felt sorry for him, I really believed something very bad happened to him and he felt he was cursed in a way, and it’s blame lay elsewhere.
I asked her about what Vern told her about the alleged abduction he repeated to his Psychiatrist, Dr. Victoria Fetter, when he was 12 from the Racine Zoo.
” He talked openly about it, to anyone that would listen. Contrary to reports, he told me that he did not tell his parents at the time, or ever. He said they never knew. He rarely spoke of family at all after the death of his Mother and does not recall him going to see his brother Karl in NC.
In October 2003, Seitz alleged that his home was broken into; he was burglarized and assaulted. My requests to review a copy of this Police report have been unsuccessful. However, Vern’s neighbor had a very vivid memory of this incident:
“Vern told me the day after his house was robbed that a man THAT HE KNEW, rang the doorbell and when he opened it, strong-armed him, pushed his way into the house, and pistol whipped him in the face with his revolver. He came to work the next day and his face was all black and blue and his glasses were broken and taped on one side. She said he became obsessively paranoid, and put a steel grate door on his Barber Shop, as well as his front door of his home. When she asked him what was taken he said the guy knew that he kept significant amounts of cash in his home, and he stated over $30k was lost. The next day or so I was out back and he showed me a gun he brought to work. I told him that made me very uncomfortable and that if he did not remove it from the premises I would be forced to call the Police. About a month later he came over and told me that he took care of the guy that busted into his house and stole his money. I asked what do you mean? He answered, ” I had him killed.” When I asked the neighbor if she believed him or if she thought he was joking she said “I thought he was serious and I never asked one way or the other because I did not want to know for sure, I guess.”
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This is creepy chit. Why isnt anyone freaking out about this? Tied to a 50 year old case, then I say he is tied to many. Please tell us when the forensics are back, this scares me.
I am glad someone is paying attention to this strange case.
A while back I read the description of the art that was cataloged when they searched his house. Most of the pieces he created himself and I believe that they may hold clues. It is a large and dark collection and the descriptions of the portrayed activities were well done by the police.
I wonder if anyone has created a spreadsheet of sorts or a potential narrative based his art? I know that some survivors of child sexual abuse trauma use art to express what happened to them and end up with some disturbing, but also revealing pictures. His scenes seem to be telling a story of some type of ongoing ritualized abuse.
This case should not be allowed to fall through the cracks.
Coney-
Without a doubt I take your post to heart. This case haunts me like a movie where it’s dark and the kid goes into the basement and they are descending the stairs (insert peeps whispering NOOOO dont go)and the tension is palpable.
Possibly my overly dramatic way of saying..this offender is the tip of the iceberg and I will not rest until all leads are run down; which I can say is the sentiment of LE
I dont know if this is connected to the danny case or not but I feel that the parents of danny barter should have been questioned more because they changed their stories approx 4 times during interviews there is just something not right i think police are looking in thewrong places
I have spoken with members of Danny’s family. I do not believe they had anything to do with his disappearance.
B
triazedome ??? It’s trazadone and it’s NOT an anti-psychotic, it’s an SSRI…Be responsible and check facts please.
Vernon Seitz’s death and possible link to kidnaping and murder was brought to my attention by two classmates at Horlick High School in Racine, which we and Vernon Seitz graduated from in 1964. Vernon at that time was an avowed Nazi. In 1978 he wrote me twice, when I was involved with Milwaukee’s alternative newspaper, the Bugle. I just rediscovered the correspondence this week. In the letters he confessed to being gay and having gone through a period of “booze and pills” and further claimed to be psychic. He said he had helped the Racine police find the body of a missing boy, which could be fantasy and part of his fascination with morbidity. I don’t know if anyone is still following his possible links to unsolved cases, but I’m happy to share the correspondence if useful. —DK
Of course, I would be glad to have it, can I reach you by your email?
B
A couple of questions if anyone has an answer.
1. What type of vehicles did Vernon drive? Was one a light blue station wagon? Older model
2. Is there a adult photo of him anywhere? Other than the high school picture?
Is it possible to contact you via email regarding information on Vernon Seitz?
I am going to email you now. I am going to hold your last post until we connect.
B
#7 Shelly from STEP. Do you think you saw this car you are asking about?
Private to Step- yes I did, on the other thing, will check it out this week.
To Shelly:I know what kind of car he drove at his death, were you referencing another time?
B
Thanx Blink. I should not have asked,stupid of me.STEP (Too bold!)
Not at all, friend-
B
I am referring to 1989 time period. I saw Jacob with his abductor a few weeks after Jacob was taken. I have been trying to find a somewhat recent (adult) photo of Vernon to put my thoughts to rest. The vehicle that they were in was a 70′s light blue station wagon without panels and in pretty banged up shape and a crack side window. I was close enough to get a very good look at the man in the driver’s seat. Unfortunantly I will be haunted forever for not being able to do something. I really would like to see a photo of Vernon.
Understood. How are you sure it was Jacob, and can you describe the abductor as best you can?
B
I have another question, there are reports that there were several “missing kid posters” in Vernon’s residence? Do you know if there was one of “Marc Allen” from Des Moines IA? There reason I ask is because it has been stated they found a grey tennis shoe and Marc Allen was wearing grey tennis shoes when he went missing. I am waiting on an answer to see what size Marc Allen was.
I have wondered if Vernon’s mother or father ever had a light blue station wagon registered to them? Since the vehicle looked like it had been kept in storage for sometime.
Hi again
I know this maybe a wild thought. I just recently (within the past year) found out that a man that went by “Emilio” (which was a fake name) that was one of the kidnappers of Johnny Gosch is also the same man that kidnapped Jacob. I was chatting with this man that had knew Emilio (not really on a friendship level) and he stated that Emilio asked him if he wanted to go to MN with him to get a kid in St Joseph, which was about a week before Jacob was abducted. The description of Emilio is very similar to the man I saw, not exact but very close. I have sent private messages to this man of various people that I feel resemble the man I saw and he always replied right away that no that is not Emilio except for the last one which was Vernon’s High School picture from the alumni obit. This man will not respond with a yes or no so I am now very curious to find an adult photo of Vernon.
If the info that has been posted about Vernon being robbed and that 30K was stolen from his home makes some sense if Vernon might be Emilio (Emilio was paid between 5k up to 30k for specific children that he is sent to abduct) also if you factor in the man named Steve (curious as to his description)that left town after Vernon was found dead. There is a man younger than Emilio (6 ft, dirty blonde hair, thin and bad complextion) that has assisted Emilio in several abductions.
Also is it true that Vernon’s psychiatrist contacted Law Enforcement to say that Vernon wanted to admit to the murder of a boy 2 days before he was found dead? If that is true that also raises additional questions imo. Any chance of finding an adult photo of Vernon maybe in his 40′s? or at least a recent photo prior to his death?
Just an fyi, if there is a chance that Vernon might be the “Emilio”… Law Enforcement will not be of any assistance. The reason being, 2 of the former victims (that I have physically spoken to) that know of the dark world that Emilio is/was connected with have stated that some in Law Enforcement (I am sure not all but as in general) have turned a blind eye to Emilio’s activities and will not be receptive to investigate.
Thank you for your time…I know you are very busy and I will try and be patient.
Shelly, can I ask what your interest would be as a civillian in speaking to what could be dangerous people?
Are you saying you have seen VS obit with an actual photo somewhere? Do you have a link?
B
First ~
My interest in all of this is, I saw Jacob and has haunted me every since. Also, I had some bad experiences as a child and I am totally against child abuse in any and all forms. I have been floored at how large child trafficking is in the U.S. and how many abducted children are actually stolen for this specific reason. I never knew most of what I have found out within the last 2 years and I guess I am an person that likes to put pieces of a puzzle together. I am just a 41 yr old mom & wife and kids in college.
Second ~
I was looking on the internet about 2 years ago for any updates, I came across Johnny Gosch’s site which then lead me to Franklinfiles.net. After awhile I got to know several members on that site, some of the members had been victims of child trafficking in regards to Larry King of Omaha (The Franklin Scandal), Boys Town, “Emilio” etc. As time has gone on I have asked questions and they answer, I did not know for quite sometime that there was a supposed connection between the abduction of Johnny and Jacob. Noreen (Johnny’s mother) visits the site and the chat and during those conversations she has told quite a bit of info.
Here is the link to the obit I found, it is one from his high school alumni.
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:O7c_9skXwJkJ:whhs62.net/Alumni/Remembrance%2520Pages/1964%2520Classmate%2520Directory%2520-%2520Remembrance.pdf+vernon+seitz+wisconsin&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESg3O_Xvl5KnSNd0NnuyyJyJzyB5Wifl2X-PaOhqO0EF8noCqOJre3KLLUAfC-Md8gcQ0YWYfqAOprL6rKoHUmuL2EggDa_50BkJTjHJj36-nEGosLfvJ_HgKunII-RetlElsVFP&sig=AHIEtbSPmby6tKPOTZufFv6tYotTx4-Xig
Hope this link works.
I can understand that I might sound like a weirdo or something but I can assure you I’m not. Just a mom with alot of time to surf the internet.
Blink, do you know if Vernon had a cat? Also, do you have any info on the jewelery that was found? Such as a gold chain with a crucifix pendant?
For Shelly: #15-17 You have done a good amount of research, but do you think the Dunahee abduction figures into any of this you seem to be dancing around it? STEP
For STEP #18 – IF Vernon is who I suspect he is (which not able to prove yet) yes, IMO I believe he was connected to the Dunahee abduction along with several others. He did not do this all on his own and he profited off of the abductions. Because this is a public forum and the world can see and I do not have 100% proof I should not say everything I am suspecting.
Shelly from STEP #19 Do you think he was a setup man more than a murderer, you know even though he may have set it up he was more an accessory before and after the fax?
to STEP, yes.
For SHELLY: #21. If you don’t feel too exposed how do you think he went about the set up? Is 30k the going rate for an abduction of this type?
#6 For Denis Kitchen from STEP. Did you know Vernon Seitz personally and what did you think of him?
To Step: According to those that have given testimony regarding the “rings” a child can be worth 5,000 up to 30,000 or more. It all depends on what the buyer is requesting and who is doing the buying.
Regarding Vernon, I do not know for a fact that he was involved but given the facts and the items recovered and some of what the neighbors state it is seeming like he possibly was involved.
If I ever can find a adult(age in the 30′s-50′s) photo of Vernon I would be able to say “most likely” or “no” if he was the man I saw with Jacob after the abduction. But doesn’t seem like I will ever find one.
#24 To Shelly from STEP. You stated in an earlier email that you were looking for him to be in his early to mid forties. If, God forbid, he was standing up straight in front of you, calmly think, by closing your eyes, certain characteristics that you would remember about him? OK, now go back to #6 Denis Kitchen and tell how you think he might dress on an average day? You also stated that there were posters in the bedroom, there are sketches on the net, seek them out and then tell what you think? STEP.
To STEP- I know what specific characteristics the man had. I am not going to state the exact characteristics on a forum.
You can just ask me to keep it private Shelly if you wish.
B
Yes, I would like to keep it private. But, if I am to disclose the characteristics – do you know what he looked like other than his high school photo? I am willing to provide the info if you are able to say a definite yes or no and provide a photo to prove the fact. I am sorry but there is no point stating unless it can be backed up if it is him or not.
Now how can I give you a definite yes or no, since I have never met him personally, I can give you my opinion.
B
#27 Shelly from STEP. Go figure. Why if I had this kind of thing going on in my life would I want my picture taken in the first place? I very definitely would want to keep a low profile any way I possibly could? What I would like to know, and of course it maybe a very simple answer but how did he keep a business going and not irritate his customers, if I was away a lot of the time? STEP.
To STEP – Obviously he did leave town from time to time, how long did he stay in St Joseph and there was speculation that he went to Canada for another missing child case.
Greg: trazadone is not an SSRI either! Gee whiz! why don’t you get your facts straight before you try to straighten out anybody else.
To Blink
Not to sound dumb but is there any way you could make my posts on this certain comment section private?? I would like to post a link to your site but then my posts will definite show it was me that made the posts and at this time it would not be a safe thing.
Starting at post #9 and down…..making private
If you can’t I understand and I will refrain from posting a link to your site.
Thank you…..
Shelly, your earlier post is only seen by you and I.
If you put do not post in the header, it will only be seen by you and I
B
Ok, I am confused, sorry…I was talking about the above posts from awhile back dated April 12, 2010 at 10:20pm.
#11
Shelly says:
April 12, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Are these seen by everyone?? and just the ones that say “Your comment is awaiting moderation.” are the one’s that are private?? Just curious, don’t really understand it.
Hi blink,
Dumb question, the neighbor that spoke of Vernon’s friend Steve that left town shortly after Vernon was found deceased. Do you happen to know his last name?? I found a neighbor that knew of Steve also (it is not the same neighbor in my opinion) he stated that Steve told him a while back he was originally from Portland and he thought Steve went back to his home town, not sure if he is just speculating or not. This neighbor did not know Steve’s last name.
I do, but I am not at liberty to post it.
B
Ok, I completely understand. I just had a completely wild thought that IF this Steve did in fact move back to Portland is there a chance that he maybe involved in Kyron’s disappearance. I know far fetched.
Very Possible.
B
will do
You saw my note about the photo, correct?
B
yes i did, thank you….i can put it to rest.
i am a tebow fan.so congrats to the jets. i said a prayer to god ,to help me understand all this.its been coming to me fast and furious.while researching,the robert j matthews story and then a bit of david duke,i noticed abstractly that mormon and salt lake city were mentioned,a few times.i searched mormon nazism.http://search.yahoo.com/search ; i was also attracked to the story of the mysterious booms in wisconsin.what is going on ,tunneling?
http://educate-yourself.org/cn/franklincoverupexcerpt.shtml this is really scary stuff.
I would never let you do that, but I do appreciate it.
It is like you are in my head on the rest. Will ultimately be the biggest and most complex.
B
Blink: I am just full of it today! #6 Denis Kitchens, anything come of that?
STEP
Blink: Feeney gets 9 years in jail!
Blink: Go to TwinCities.com pioneer press.
“Other charges pending in WISCONSIN.”
STEP
Here is the link STEP, thanks.
http://www.twincities.com/crime/ci_23561668/cottage-grove-talent-agent-who-abused-minors-gets?IADID=Search-www.twincities.com-www.twincities.com
I believe it says there is a pending investigation of allegations of Feeney in Wisconsin.
Personally, I feel Feeney and his associates should be interviewed in the Wetterling case- by his own admission he was across the street at the time of the abduction.
B
It would not be uncommon at all for a young man in the late 50′s to not report an abduction and rape. You just didn’t talk about those things back then. A raped child was a ruined child. They would have trouble getting jobs, getting married, or even living in the same areas. Not to mention as he was a young boy: he would have been persevered by many to be homosexual because of being sodomized. It was a much different world back then.
If you research many missing children cases, you start to see some very disturbing patterns that do suggest some sort of ring. There is a whole dark and nasty world most people never have to see. Some of the facts in both of these cases scream Smiley Face killers. Some of them scream of other underground operations.
Vernon may very well have never done anything himself that he wasn’t forced to do. But having any experiences with severe abuse can skew ones sexual appetites forever. To those who are looking very hard in to this and the Gosch case: please be very very careful. You may think you know how dangerous these people are, but if you haven’t been one of their victims or truly walked in their world: you have no idea.
amy- welcome to BOC.
I have not reported this previously- but in Seitz own words- he was gay. I can trace that back to at least his admission in 1975. That said, it may take me a while, but I cam convinced that this man is a pedophile at a minimum and was involved in other violent crimes or endeavors.
Yes, he was absolutely involved with dangerous folks. You cannot tell me he had the porn stash he had, and other belongings- and never acted out.
B
*perceived
*
Yup. Definitely him.
B
Yes, I do.
B
How do you know that was the inspiration STEP?
B
Because as I recall you made the comment that “Wow” I didn’t think they would do it that fast. Joy categorically stated it on one of the articles she wrote because she was in a midlife crisis and read the article on the diggings and started her blog on Jacob. Dudley says about the same thing that both of the former inspired him to write the book and mentions Joy Baker a couple of times. Here again, These are my thoughts on the matter. STEP. It’s a compliment Blink, Honest!
Thanks much STEP!
B
Has anything come of this investigation? I lived across the street from Vern’s mother. When I was a child my 2 brothers and I used to take care of all of his mothers yard work and I had lots of contact with Vern. I bought his mother’s house after Vern had passed and I still own it to this day. My brothers and I still talk about this to this day.
Would it be ok with you if I emailed you at the address you used to comment ( it’s private, only I can see it)
B
Is there an updated, single-file write up on Seitz? I’d like to see about working up a profile on him.