Chris George and Tracy Ocasio Missing: Will New Witnesses Be The Tell Tale Heart To Find Them?

Volume I  Volume II

Hearken! And Observe how healthily- how calmly I can tell you the whole story! -Poe

 

Chris gym shorts

The last verifiable interaction with Chris George was at approximately 6PM on February 11, 2009.

Apopka Police came upon Jimmy Hataway, Tyler Watters and Brandon Losik in the area of Ocoee Apopka rd emerging from the woods, with Chris’s white Xterra in full view from the road.

Watters and Hataway were cuffed at the scene and questioned separately for 6 hours.< ?xml:namespace prefix ="" o />

Their stories did not match.

The officers were satisfied. My manner had convinced them. I was singularly at ease. They sat, and while I answered cheerily, they chatted of familiar things. But, ere long, I felt myself getting pale and wished them gone.

Tyler Watters Account (Abridged):

Tyler Watters and cousins Hutto in Back - Copy

At about 1:30AM February 12, 2009, Chris drove into the woods off of < ?xml:namespace prefix ="" st1 />Ocoee Apopka Rd. He was high and the pair had been doing drugs earlier.

He ran out of the truck, yelling “If you wanna be a G you gotta roll like a G.” He said that Chris dropped his phone, his keys, the pair stopped for a second to look on the ground for it and then Chris kept running.

Tyler said he ran after Chris until the area got marshy, he stopped, turned around and started walking back to the truck.  He said he could not find the keys or Chris’s phone, so he called a friend to pick him up. The girls at Sun Resorts had passed out early, they slept through the whole thing until morning when they dropped him and Jimmy off at the “wrecked truck” to look for Chris.

Jimmy Hataways Account (Abridged):

Hataway bong and chain

Tyler called him and told him that Chris wigged out and ran into the woods leaving him stranded.  He said he borrowed one of the girl’s vehicles to go pick Tyler up and the girls dropped them off the next morning at the truck to look for Chris. The girls crashed early and slept through the whole thing. The next day they packed snacks, waters and headed out into the woods to look for Chris. Next thing he knew, cops were on the side of the road.

There are several versions of these, but you get the idea. What is astounding to me is that these two were well aware there was a guard shack at the entrance of the park, and a closed circuit camera trained on cars entering and exiting. I guess they figured out they had some time before Apopka PD would learn that.

They were right.

They would not be questioned again for months. In fact, not until after May 28, 2009.

 

The Truth

Focusing specifically on the events of February 11, 2009 and Chris George’s arrivals and exits from Sun Resorts

Chris arrives at Sun Resorts about 2:15PM, leaves about 2:30PM with Jimmy Hataway.

According to Hataway, Chris leaves him at a location of a person he did not know for about 3 hours. They are back at the park at 5:10PM.

The group hangs out together for about 30 minutes and Tyler Watters asks Chris if he would take him to his grandmother’s house for a change of clothes if he pays him $20 for gas. Chris’s truck pulls out of Sun Resorts at 5:40PM.

At approximately 10PM, Watters calls one of the female residents of Lot #269 announcing Chris left him stranded in the woods and he needed a ride. He said he had been walking a while, and would be on Keene Rd. Hataway and the girls picked him up a few minutes later on Keene.

Watters was wearing a white t-shirt and jeans without a smudge on him, not a burr or a scratch. It was not what he wore when he left and is presumed to be the “change of clothes” after showering at his grandmothers. His boots were not muddy and he was carrying the duffel bag he left with.

Rosemary Watters has been interviewed and stated that Tyler definitely was there and showered, however, she never saw Chris. She went on to say she was aware of the truck parked outside, but did not notice if someone was sitting in it.

After the foursome arrived back at Sun Resorts, Tyler made several calls discussing the incident with animated detail. Although he had his own phone, he was using one of the female witnesses, which again, LE was not aware of until months later.  

Within 15 minutes, Hataway and Watters requested the girls take them back out to the scene to look for Chris.

At this point, both the pickup of Watters and the drop off of both he and Hataway, occurred on Keene Rd.  At no time during either, was the White Xterra visible to anyone from the road and had been described as “deep in the woods” by Watters.

At approximately 11:30PM the truck was spotted pulling into the space at Lot 269 at Sun Resorts where it would remain until the next morning. 

The female witnesses, who had been visiting a relative of one of the women within the park; noticed upon their return to Lot #269 Chris George’s white Xterra was parked outside. Both heaved a sigh of relief.

As they bounded in the door to participate in the “crisis averted” celebration they expected to be walking into, they quickly learned that was not the case.


Upon the eighth night I was more than usually cautious in opening the door. A watch’s minute hand moves more quickly than did mine. Never before that night had I felt the extent of my own powers – of my sagacity.

If Chris truly was in the woods, Jimmy and Tyler just removed his only means to get out and the girls called them on it.

Hataway reasoned with them to think it through. “If” there was drugs or evidence of drug use in the vehicle, and it was found on the side of the road, Chris would be arrested as the owner and they would all be in trouble.  

Watters chimed in that Chris had called his Father to say he was fine, according to his brother, to put their collective minds at ease.

Chris George’s Father had been deceased for 11 years and he does not have a brother.

There were two voice mail messages received between the alleged “accident” and the return of the truck to the trailer, one from the girls, and one from Hataway:

..”Chris, this is (redacted). We are worried about you call us and tell us where you are and we will come get you. At least call and tell us your ok or whatever.

..Yo- This is Yarr.  We got your stuff and your bag. Call me. It’s Yarr..”

There was no message from Watters, and he must have not yet told the part of the story where Chris dropped his phone and could not find it to the rest of the group, rendering their messages useless.

Early the next morning, Hataway and Watters cleaned the vehicle.

Roof rack compartment xterra

The White Xterra Chris George leased to begin his mobile detailing business, was being detailed without him.

Jimmy removed a section of barbed wire from the front fender and he and Watters both checked the wheel wells and under carriage for what they said could be used for “stash”. Nothing was found.

At 7AM, after telling the girls they were going back to look for Chris, and would call for a ride once they put the truck back, Hataway and Watters left Sun Resorts.

After a few hours, when Watters did not answer the phone he was borrowing from one of the girls, they drove to the scene and saw nothing but a black sedan parked on the side of Keene Rd. Yes, you read that correctly. The female witnesses were told the car “wrecked” on Keene, when in fact, it was ultimately located on Ocoee Apopka Rd. 

Although it was clear the truck accident had been staged, including the placement of Chris George’s sunglasses in the grass outside the right front passenger door, the truck was not processed as a possible crime scene.  An accident report on the vehicle was filed by Apopka Police. 

Apopka1

According to sources within the investigation speaking to blinkoncrime.com on the condition of anonymity, at the time Hataway and Watters were supposed to be putting the truck back in the early morning of February 12, 2009, they were spotted in Altamonte Springs, where it is believed Chris had been with Hataway the day before. 

Within 2 weeks of Chris’s disappearance, the last 4 people to see Chris George alive relocated to different areas of the state, except one: Jimmy Hataway.

The female witnesses, arguably the most critical to the investigation, were not interviewed.

I paced the floor to and fro with heavy strides, as if excited to fury by the observations of the men – but the noise steadily increased. Oh God! what could I do? I foamed – I raved – I swore! I swung the chair upon which I had been sitting, and grated it upon the boards, but the noise arose over all and continually increased.

One month later, In March, a friend of Jimmy Hataways who met him at Franks Place one evening says Hataway was “matter of fact” about the whole thing:

….” We were sitting at Frank’s and he points to this flyer on the bar, I did not know the dude or that Jimmy knew him either..

..” He pointed to it, and said that’s my buddy that was tweaked one night and ran into the woods.. He was yelling that the Mexican Mafia was after him.”

When I asked him if he felt Jimmy was lying, he replied:

..That’s just it, you could never tell with him. I have no idea. When we were kids I saw him lie about anything and people believed him.”

On the evening of April 14, 2009, Chris had been missing for 2 months.

Tracy aqua turtleneck

 

On the evening of April 14, 2009 Tracy Ocasio may have unwittingly sealed a similar fate.

Located in Metro West, The Tap Room  was a favorite night spot for Tracy Ocasio and friends.

On the evening of April 14, Tracy Ocasio and Chris George began their single degree of separation: Paul Adam Hutto.

  

In Tracy’s own words:

TracyRateMyBodyPosts2

 

Up until the above image of a post drafted by Tracy Ocasio herself and obtained exclusively by blinkoncrime.com, Ocoee PD has been adamant that there were 2 separate incidents at the Tap Room, involving Tracy Ocasio,  Paul Hutto and an as yet un-named blonde woman believed to be Lori Coon Branic.

In other words, because Orlando Police Department believed they were seperate incidents, there were no corroborating witnesses to back up Tracy’s police report, and as the only complaining witness listed, when Tracy went missing, they could not proceed with the charge against Hutto. Hutto faced probation/parole violation from the incident. 

I gasped for breath – and yet the officers heard it not. I talked more quickly – more vehemently; but the noise steadily increased.

Branic is the wife of Paul Branic, former Hutto business partner and former performer alongside Alicia Hutto at Lollipops Gentlemen’s Club in Daytona Beach.

Lorialicia 

While Tracy appears to be familiar with the group that she ran into that evening, she clearly only knew Paul Hutto by his first name, and had dated someone in their “circle” a few weeks before. It is believed that is who she is referring to as “moron” in her post.

Obtained exclusively by blinkoncrime.com, the complete Police reports of the incident involving Tracy Ocasio, the evening of April 14, 2009, into the early morning hours of April 15, 2009.

 P1TOcasiorpt  TOcasiorptp2  Tocasioreportp4  Tocasioreportp5  Tocasioreportp6  Tocasioreportp8  Tocasioreportp10  Tracyocasioreportp12

On April 17, it was alleged James Hataway punched a truck owned by a Donnaugh Robinson on AD Mimms Rd; he has since been acquitted of those charges. However, the incident occurred at a location Chris George visited the night before he disappeared. Hataway is pictured below at the municipal building answering the summons on April 19th.

PoliceStationApril19

On April 22nd Tracy Ocasio visited the Orlando Police Department to review a lineup and positively identified Paul Hutto as the man who shoved her to the ground outside The Tap Room at 12:30AM April 15th. She was adamant that she wished to press charges according to the reports.

On the initial officer’s statement, Paul Hutto was said to have left the scene with a friend driving a White Dodge Durango.  Lori Branic was issued a summons in January 2010 for failing to produce a driver’s license while driving a white 2004 Dodge Durango. The summons was satisfied after Ms. Branic produced her license a week later.

On May 26, 2009, Tracy Ocasio watched the Magic Game at the Tap Room.

HatawayTracyVideo

According to early statements to police as well as mutual friends by Hataway, The Hutto brothers had attempted to watch THE MAGIC at the Tap Room earlier that evening, but had relocated to Gators when Paul was turned away because he was banned for the April incident.

DeadGirlBlog1

 

There is an unknown witness apparently who claims to have not only been at The Tap Room that evening and Tracy Ocasio was the first person they saw.

 

 

On May 26, 2009, District Atty Patty White mailed a letter written May 22 to Tracy Ocasio asking her to verify charges for the second time. She never received it.

It was received by her parents, Joe and Liz Ocasio after she went missing from the Tap Room in the early morning hours of May 27.

Tracy and brother Joey O

On May 28 Tracy Ocasio’s bright yellow Chevy Cobalt was located on W Franklin St within 2 blocks of Hataway’s home with the front seats reclined.  Cadaver Dogs were deployed to the scene but did not “hit” on the car or anywhere near Hataway’s house.

Video of what was believed to be that of Tracy Ocasio in a light blue and white baseball hat, a sweatshirt and black heeled boots, leaving with an unidentified man was released. Kyle Coziel and Greg Toole, friends of Hataway and patrons of The Tap Room, identified him on the tape immediately.

Jimmy Hataway agreed to a voluntary search of the home on Lyle St in Ocoee he shared with his hearing impaired Father. He stated that he and Tracy hung out for a bit, and she left on her own. Hataway told his best friend he commonly referred to as his brother, Colt Hickox, that he took and passed a polygraph. Investigators refute that, going as far as stating that he “failed miserably.” 

HatawayDaughterDadBOC

Recent Developments involving two of Tracy’s friends possibly receiving text messages from her that evening saying “Gone to the Lake” could not be verified through cell phone records due to the length of time that has passed. However, two of her friends both agree it was sent either that evening, or the previous day.

When Hataway was interviewed, he told Ocoee Police they should be talking to Paul Hutto, the man who “attacked her at The Tap Room last month.” He also said that Hutto called him and told him if police asked him if he knew Ocasio, he was to deny it.  Both Paul and Jeremiah Hutto were questioned by detectives as a result, flatly denying they had anything to do with Ocasio’s disappearance. Although Paul Hutto had a solid alibis up till 2:30AM when Gators Bar closed, as an Ocoee detective was sitting across the bar from him waiting for a friend, both he and Jeremiah refused to take polygraph examinations.

It is not clear if Hataway also told Police at that time that he had been working for Hutto.    

Upon learning of Ms. Ocasio’s disappearance and the mutual acquaintances involved, Apopka PD renewed efforts to speak to Watters and Hataway in regards to Chris George’s disappearance. Although the White Nissan Xterra that belonged to Chris was now released to new owners, Apopka PD impounded the vehicle briefly for further processing . The results of that examination are being withheld for investigative reasons.

FDLE agents, at the request of Apopka PD, finally interviewed the female residents/witnesses from Sun Resorts in June, 2009.


And it was the mournful influence of the unperceived shadow that caused him to feel – although he neither saw nor heard – to feel the presence of my head within the room.

While it has been confirmed through those interviews that Hataway was not present when Chris George went missing, police believe he was part of a “set-up” regarding his disappearance and presumed murder. He is the only named suspect to date in the disappearance of Tracy Ocasio and is currently awaiting trial next week for the attempted murder of Casselberry woman Rachael Clark. On December 8, 2010 a previously continued docket sounding will be held in Seminole County to schedule trial, and possibly to entertain any last minute plea offers. Mr. Hataway is represented by Public Defender Leukel.

Tyler Watters is on bond awaiting trial for charges for trafficking in over 4 grams of heroin, and recently hired private counsel Victor Mead. His next hearing is scheduled for February 2, 2011.

WattersChains

Paul Hutto is pending driver license suspension for non-payment of a careless driving and non-wear of seatbelt charge from September 2010. He has not been charged with the assault on Tracy Ocasio as the charge pending at the time of her disappearance did not have a “corroborating witness”.

Unknown Hutto

Anthony Zedde, president of Anthony Zedde’s Lake Clearing Services, who is believed to be the former employer of Jeremiah and Paul Hutto,  is on bond awaiting trial for trafficking in dillaud and has entered a no contest plea for trafficking in heroin. His current docket shows a capias was issued on November 17, 2010 on the substance offense felony, for which he is due in court this Thursday December 2, 2010.

Zedeemaysonetcortes

Last week, the parents of Tracy Ocasio and a Tampa news station received a letter from a man claiming to be the former boyfriend of the Mother of Jimmy Hataway’s daughter, Amanda Case.

AmandaCaseMyspace

Adam Craig, who dated Case briefly in 2007 and claims to have met Hataway, produced a letter and map of 2 locations where he states that Case told him 3 bodies of individuals, in which she participated in their murders, would be located.

Adam Craig

An Ocoee detective was dispatched to Craig’s Lakeland residence and while the claims appear to be largely discounted, they remain under investigation at the time of this publication.

Adam Craig is currently facing felony charges for allegedly running into a man with his vehicle, and has had prior drug convictions. According to his face book, the prosecution in his instant case has offered a plea deal of 6 years.

It is possible Mr. Craig may be attempting to affect his current criminal trial by alleging he has information in other cases. 

Now this is the point. You fancy me mad. Madmen know nothing. But you should have seen me. You should have seen how wisely I proceeded – with what caution – with what foresight

VaderCached

The investigations into the disappearance of Chris George and Tracy Ocasio are ongoing.

Check Back to blinkoncrime.com for Volume 4: Epilogue

Images by Klaasend

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

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155 Comments

  1. LaJo says:

    Another great article by Blink and team! You truly are amazing. As I read through these volumes it strikes me just how many glaring inconsistencies there are throughout all the data and witness accounts. It seems so obvious that something was amiss from the beginning in this case because nothing adds up and it all contradicts itself. I can only hope that LE will take a look at all the information with fresh eyes and move this forward so that the case is solved.

    You mentioned in the post that Tyler Watters was wearing clean clothes after stating that he followed Chris into the woods a ways before he turned around and headed back. To your knowlegde was Tyler ever asked to produce the clothes he was wearing earlier that day or the duffel bag? Just wondering…

    To my knowledge nothing from Watters was requested as evidence to date. Technically, they would need to officially declare him a suspect to do so. I do know that detectives did not note any scratches. bruising or indications of a fight of any kind.
    B

  2. connie says:

    Blink and Blinktank- This is starting to read as material for a twisted movie or soap opera. As mentioned earlier, this is close to the movie River’s Edge. Blink-I have a observation-what is going on with the police department? Do they just not care about this because drugs or questionable characters involved, or are they generally to busy?

    I think it is a combination of things. I think Chris’s disappearance was believed to be attributable to drug use because Hataway told LE that. In other words, as ridiculous as it sounds, I think they bought the story until they figured out the truck location was staged, which iirc, was days later if not a week.

    I think they are a small PD without a specific missing persons expertise and one has to either believe they legitimately felt he would turn up, or they have some serious explaining to do to Chris’s family.
    B

  3. Mom3.0 says:

    Blink & Team- again nice job laying out the facts, and questions in this case. A great deal of information is held within this article.

    Clearly, Chris trusted the wrong people. People he thought were his friends. Clearly something is wrong with the friends behavior and statements surrounding that day, the cleaning of his car ect. Clearly the police have lost alot of time ect, by not treating his disappearance as suspect. Was this a plan from the get-go? Inorder to take Chris’ money or did something come up that set them off?

    I pray all of your hard work and investigation leads to Chris and Tracy.

    Tracy seems to have trusted the wrong people too. I don’t think she realized what some people were/are capable of. Clearly Tracy made an impact on that musician/friend that wrote he had seen her that night. Why did she leave the Tap room with Hattoway?
    Did she think everything with LE had blown over? It boggles my mind that someone would do away with another human being to avoid messing up their parole ect- if that is what happened.

    I hope the letter from Adam Craig is more than just his trying to get special treatment. I hope it can lead to answers in this case.

    What is truly sad for me, is that all of these people, seem to have had family and friends that loved them, worried about them, wanted the best for them. What goes so wrong in a person’s life that can lead someone down a bad path?

    All of these people were young. Tracy only 27 Chris was only 28. So sad, that they were robbed of the chance to fulfill their potential.

    Chris was clearly trying to get on the right path-
    but was robbed of the chance by others – A line from Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” keeps playing in my mind:

    “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
    There’s still time to change the road you’re on”

    Chris was trying to change paths, he thought he had more time. The others still do, I hope they change their path and speak the truth. There’s still time to change the road their on- and it makes me wonder…..

    Prayers to the families.

  4. luckyLou says:

    Can there be a rose cast of characters assembled? Jesus. So am I reading this correctly, or am I getting confused: Jimmy is the common link, but it really all leads back to the Huttos, money and drugs. Am I also remembering correctly that the Huttos have an “in/pass” with Apopka LE? In which case, wouldn’t any activity (dealing drugs, hiding bodies, etc.) go on in the jurisdiction where you have a pass? In other words, the Lake Susannah idea, for instance, wouldn’t make sense. I think I have to read this whole thing again…

  5. A Texas Grandfather says:

    Oh what a tangled web we weave.

    This whole group seem to be into shady operations. Where did the money come from? Drug dealing appears to be the source.

    Hathaway appears to be a sociopath/physcopath capable of all kinds of ugly behavior. The Huttos fit right in to this mix.

    Good job Blink!

    LE needs to really put the heat on the whole clan including the girls. No matter where they presently reside, they should be brought in for questioning.

  6. lizzy says:

    “According to Hataway, Chris leaves him at a location of a person he did not know for about 3 hours.”

    I’m suffering from a little foggy brain today, but I think I followed the rest. This statement, thought, just left me ???????????

  7. Word Girl says:

    The Tell-Tale heart starts with Watters “offering $20″–BS–and his “need to take a shower and change clothes”–more BS, as well as destruction of evidence. Chris was already gone at that point and Watters drove his truck to Rosemary’s house.

    May the new witnesses courageously bring a truthful heart to this tale and bring about a decisive ‘Fall of the House of Watter-Hataway.’

    Oh, yeah. And a pox on the house of Apopka p.d. Hopefully they’ll sharpen up their investigative tool box after this.

    lol
    B

  8. Word Girl says:

    Blink,
    Officers Burgos and Delios mention that Paul left via a white Durango.
    On the last page of your case reports, there is a bolo for the Durango as Paul was still “unk suspect.” Can you confirm that Lori was driving
    the vehicle?

    I can confirm she drives one. I do not know that anyone can confirm who was driving Hutto from the scene.
    B

  9. DMB says:

    Hi everyone!

    I’m new to this story so pardon me if I come off sounding clueless…Is it in everyone’s opinion that the bodies of both Chris and Tracy were dumped in the same location? Also, that Jennifer Kesse was most likely a victim of Hataway and friends?

    I read the stories, however haven’t had a chance to read all the comments…If someone could “brief” me on the beliefs, I would appreciate it. TY!

  10. Dr. Pepper says:

    I think I’ll have to read this at least 18 more times to weave in and out of the slimy web of lies. These guys are true scum. Have you ever seen the movie Alpha Dog? This saga has those shady characters written all over them but much skankier.

    Blink, I have a feeling that YOU are the reason for these new witnesses and developments seeing the light of day. If you can generate this much progress, I have no doubt you will force some kind of conclusion, hopefully sooner rather than later.

    If you’ve never seen alpha dog, I recommend it. It gave ms nightmares but opened my eyes to the real world we live in.

    Great work. I’m very proud of you

    We are in this for the recovery of Chris and Tracy, and successful prosecution of those responsible, as much effort and grit as it takes. Thanks for your kind support.
    B

  11. Camsmom says:

    Blink,
    I went back and read all three pieces you have done so far. I am looking forward to the fourth and final piece. I also went back and read some of your older articles on Tracy, and visited her parents website for her. These pieces are well written, and I agree with whomever commented that when reading it seems like a movie script or murder/mystery novel. Which in all honesty I guess you could call it that, except I am sure for the families it is all too real. Keep up the good work! Like I said I am looking forward to the last installment.

  12. luckyLou says:

    Meant to say “worse” cast of characters… was in a rush…

  13. Angie says:

    Tyler said that they couldnot find Chris’s keys when he went back to look for them in the woods…. so how then did they move the truck to clean it? This just occured to me after all of this time. Wow!!

    Exactly. Why stage it at all if that is what happened?

    Moreover, why not just drive it back to Sun Resorts himself if they were taking it back anyway.
    I do not think Chris was ever in that truck in those woods, personally.
    B

  14. LaJo says:

    From Angie’s comment I read back through the account and realized that Watters and Hataway got back to Sun Resorts and then just 15 minutes later had the girls take them back to Keene Rd. where the truck was supposedly located.

    Not only do you have to wonder how they suddenly found the keys but as you stated, Blink, why didn’t Tyler just drive the truck back in the first place? Why even bother to get picked up only to so quickly turn around and go back to pick the truck up? If the truck was deep in the woods then the chances of it being seen would have been slim, not to mention that Tyler, Jimmy and the girls couldn’t have gotten in trouble for any drugs found in the car.

    The guys claimed to be going back to the scene that night to look for Chris. The next day when they went to look for Chris they’re said to have brought water and snacks. According to the timeline they were gone for a little over an hour “looking for Chris” that night. I wonder, when they went to look for him that night did they take flashlights or anything? It wouldn’t have taken that long to just pick up the truck so…

    I was told they took flashlights, yes. I will say for investigative reasons, there are a few details that I cannot publish, but they lean towards premeditation on the part of Tyler Watters and Jimmy Hataway.

    BOTH Tyler and Jimmy told the girls they were out of cell minutes on their respective phones and were using the girls. The only thing that jibed with their two stories during their interviews was that the girls were asleep through the whole thing. My theory on that is because if they could keep the girls out of being questioned, then they were home free on their personal cell pings because their phones were off. They assumed that LE would not know they had the girl’s phones .

    They were correct, for a while. Not long enough to make the records inaccessible though.

    One thing I want to say, is that regardless of how this foursome came together, or their recreations, it is my belief that wrt to the girls trusting Hataway and Watters, they did. I do not believe at the time this happened that they suspected any foul play to Chris. That changed fairly quickly, but much of that has to do with the fact that until they were interviewed themselves, they really had no idea that Watters and Hataway were lying through their teeth.

    The question in my mind, is what/who is in Altamonte Springs that Hataway visited the day before with Chris, and both he and Watters the day after Chris was missing, in his truck.
    B

  15. Angie says:

    Blink~ I really don’t think he was either. But really How intelegent do we expect these idiots to be? It may take a little more time than we all would like but they will be outsmarted.. Like the old saying “your sins will find you out”. And the devil himself will tell half the truth to make the whole lie believable. I would just love a chance to lauhg in these suckers faces once it is all done and over with. Smug Jerks!! Sorry.. had a little vent there :0)

    In our work on Chris/Tracy’s cases, and I say both of them because as we believe the same folks are responsible for what ultimately happened to them, I have had a principle re-cemented in my mind.

    Sometimes criminals are luckier than smart. As odd as this is going to sound, when everyone associating together has something to lose or secrets to keep, it makes it easier for a while to keep everyone quiet.

    We are seeing the classic “post offense” spiral of these creepers, imo. They really understand the creedo of honor among thieves better than any of us law abiding types ever could.

    Chris was murdered, imo, for a personal reason that has not yet been revealed.

    In this circle, these people roll each other left and right, nobody wants the heat of a murder rap and what was he going to do, call the cops?

    One of the strongest clues for me, is something a witness who knows several of these individuals since childhood told me-

    When I first saw a pic of Chris, the first thing I thought, was “cop”. If you say he was not using at the time, and then something happened and he started, If he was called out somewhere and the “types” suspected that might be the case, they know if he uses, he is likely not a cop or CI. That may have started the whole cycle right there.

    If I never met him and he starts hanging with Jimmy, Hataway, Huttos, and their “ilk”, the cop thing would be my first concern.
    B

  16. Eloise says:

    Great article Blink. Each installment makes the case even clearer-

    I am disappointed this Adam Craig’s claim has not been brought to fruition. It seemed so right. Maybe the story has not been fully told?

    I pray volume IV, reads Recovery and Arrests made!

    Thanks for all your work on behalf of these victims.

    You and me both E- thanks.

    I agree the Adam Craig issue needs more of a look, at least in the Orange County side. And by saying that, I do not mean that Amanda Case is some sort of murderer. I interviewed her early in this case off the record and I can say from my perspective I felt she was sincere. I feel terrrible for their little girl.
    B

  17. Jeff D says:

    Vol III really clears up chronology for me. Thanks Blink. Also brings Watters closer to the discussion. And your final point to Angie above opens a whole new can of worms. Certainly makes anything said by any of those at Sun Resort over that 24 hour period suspect. Almost like this crew has been through this before…

  18. Friend says:

    Blink, was there bad blood between Chris and Hataway, the Hutto brothers, or Watters? Did Chris not fear them?

    Or do you believe something happened that day/night with one or more of these scumbags that led to his disappearance?

    Justice for Tracy and Chris!

    There was a recent issue between Hutto and Chris to the point he did a uturn in the middle of the street when he thought he spotted his truck, it was the witness’s opinion it was not “friendly” in nature.

    There is a verified witness that Chris left him at a guy’s house he did not know for over 3 hours, and then hours later he goes missing.

    As far as we know, Hataway introduced Watters to Chris.

  19. t.e.o. says:

    Blink,
    God Bless you for what you do and the hope you bring to those who search for answers…I hope and pray someday someone with the answers has the heart and courage to come forward and put a stop to our living nightmare.

    Tracy we love you and miss you!!

    Mr&Mrs. E-

    You, Liz and your son are an inspiration to families missing loved ones.

    You are in our thoughts and prayers.
    B

  20. First-Time says:

    Great work Blink. I haven’t followed this one and I have only read your pieces, not all the comments…. Wow. The world could use more Blinkers…too many of these cases remain unsolved with not enough LE to throw at them, or not enough LE with their hearts and heads into them. I pray Chris and Tracy are found.
    I hope one day that Morgan and Kyron have this much info out in the open about their cases. 2 4 1

    Fwiw, this information has taken over a year to compile, with the most recent almost a solid month of 24/7 work.

    One of the reasons this case is so important to me, is that right after I posted the first volume, following some unpleasant and unexpected staff issues, I took a nasty fall and received a nasty-er concussion. I can honestly say that 9 months of work on these cases left my memory almost completely, and I had to re-learn, and re-build every file, which is vast.

    It was absolutely the most humbling experience I have ever had, professionally.

    To put it in perspective, my friend Mandy, a native Texan, “drawl and all y’all” I call her affectionately, told me two weeks later..(take like 5 minutes to say this sentence for effect) “I don’t know, I kinda like ya this way, it is the first time I have been able to understand every sentence and not feel like I gotta raise my game before I call y’all. I like our new level playing field, lol..”

    I happen to believe everything happens for a reason, even if we don’t know what that reason is.

    I am of the opinion that perhaps it was just not the right time for all of this to come together, but I definitely believe it is now.
    B

  21. Carol says:

    Round up this cast of criminals and lock em’ up. They are all dirty. And they are all afraid of each other because of what they know.

    Come on girls ~ speak the truth…speak what you overhead…what YOU think happened. Chris and Tracy’s families deserve to have some peace.

    “…a plague on all your houses”

    If you are referring to the female witnesses, it is my understanding that they have been very forthcoming.
    B

  22. Angie says:

    LOL Blink… I only wish Chris had been a COP… he might have made a great one!!! And he might still be here with us today :0). A few of us close to him have agreed that he would have done great in the military. Chris had this way of demanding respect but yet he was so funny and light hearted. I really do miss him.

    I know you do. One of the greatest testaments to him, imo, is his unfaultering acceptance amongst his family and friends, and the fact that all of you remain committed to bringing him home.
    B

  23. melissab says:

    Blink-are the two girls with Hataway and Hutto from Sun Resorst (I think that’s the name)safe? Do they not fear the same fate as others who have crossed the whole slimey mess of guys?

    They have had no involvement with either since 2009 and have been interviewed by police, their statements are part of the case file that exists. I think they feel as though they got lucky, to a point.
    B

  24. Jeff D says:

    Angie says:
    December 1, 2010 at 1:42 pm
    LOL Blink… I only wish Chris had been a COP… he might have made a great one!!! And he might still be here with us today :0). A few of us close to him have agreed that he would have done great in the military. Chris had this way of demanding respect but yet he was so funny and light hearted. I really do miss him.

    I know you do. One of the greatest testaments to him, imo, is his unfaultering acceptance amongst his family and friends, and the fact that all of you remain committed to bringing him home.
    B
    ~~~~~
    Don’t know why but this made me call my 22 y/o son. I gave him a brief but stern lecture(again) about how he is one introduction away from someone willing to do anything for the cash in his pocket, his credit cards, and/or his wheels. Bless you Chris’s Mom for your brave approach. And bless the Ostacio’s for their tenacity. I also have a daughter and if I could, I’d lay my hands on you to relieve even a small portion of your pain…

    Very Important Message, yes.
    B

  25. Al Miller says:

    Blink!!!!! WHAT happened to you?? Were your staff issues tied to your concussion? This is the first I have heard you mention this! And memory loss? Scary! Thank God you are ok! And the victims and their families are lucky you are!

    Lol, the staff issues were only a mild headache, ba dump bump.

    Nothing nefarious and I wish I had a better story. I was running at night (I know, I have never after dark since) and I turned into my driveway and stumbled chin first. I had no idea how debilitating it could be.
    B

  26. LaJo says:

    I think what your witness said about how he would have looked at Chris and thought “cop” is a really interesting point. I guess we don’t really think about it from their perspective. We see a guy who didn’t “fit” with the people he was hanging around without really thinking about the fact that those people he was around would have noticed that he didn’t fit as well.

    The mystery with Chris’ case is not only the “who-done-it” aspect of it but the “why”. That you think it must have been something personal is what gets me. The issue with all the facts is they still don’t add up to why Chris would have been killed and not just robbed, jumped or something like that since he wouldn’t have been reporting anything to police. Why then would he have been killed? What could be so personal? It makes for interesting speculations to be sure considering the known facts…

    LaJo- I think because of the issues you mention, I feel it was personal at this point absent any other reason that makes sense.

    As you saw in the piece, it is not uncommon for those in these circles to “roll” each other for their money/posessions, frankly, because they can. Chris was very aware of that. He was very protective of his things when in mixed company, and he told a witness that something bad went down and he was scared. By all accounts, that was unusual for Chris- even if he was scared, he spent time in jail, he mastered not appearing vulnerable so this was a bigger deal than it seemed on the surface, imo.

    Because I never met Chris personally, I have to weigh my interviews as objectively as possible, but since we have done so many, some several times, I feel as though I have a good grasp on his personality.

    I am of the opinion, that Chris saw this coming, or at least the potential for it, inasmuch as it had already started and was going on just prior to his last verified phone conversation at 6PM.
    B

  27. mag603 says:

    Blink do you have any idea how police came upon Jimmy Hataway, Tyler Watters and Brandon Losik on the side of the road.

    Did they really just happen upon — or did someone call police?

    To my knowledge, the truck was spotted against a tree, and the police were called. That said, there were mixed reports that the truck was seen on the side of the road by 9:30PM the evening of the 11th.

    What gets me is the whole Keene vs. Ocoee Apopka Rd issue. They intentionally withheld the location from the female witnesses. Interesting.
    B

  28. Susan 2 says:

    At your request I did not post your thoughts, but let me answer you this way-

    You and I are absolutely on the same page. It is necessary.
    B

  29. Sunday says:

    Brandon was not aware Chris was missing until the truck had already been cleaned.

    When I say cleaned, I mean of prints, any drug residue ( or whatever they felt needed cleaning) when the truck itself was returned to the dealership, it was far from being actually clean, which again, leads me to believe they took that truck to Altamonte Springs the morning of the 12th.

    Ok to email?
    B

  30. Sunday says:

    Of course Blink

  31. Susan 2 says:

    I can’t address that specifically for obvious reasons but I have already begun conversations, thanks.
    B

  32. ThatOneGuy says:

    There is one reason that can’t be overlooked as far as killing someone while rolling them. And I apologize to Chris’ Mom, or anyone else that knew Chris or Tracy personally for being so blunt, but being that I’ve run in these kinds of circles, I feel it needs to be said. It is very much true that no one is gonna call the cops for getting rolled for drugs, and cash. That being said, if you rolled us back when, we were coming for you. Simple as that. It’s one way to assure you don’t have to look over your shoulder if you think you can get away with it. I don’t believe this is the case, but I am just throwing it out there as a possibility.

    Personal opinion, and I have nothing to back this up, but I truly believe whatever happened in Chris’ truck got him killed. Everyone keeps asking what motive there was, or what happened for a personal attack. Whatever it was definitely wasn’t good, and it’s likely someone wanted to keep him quiet. I think if you figure out what happened in his truck, you’ll find your motive, and you’ll be that much closer to those responsible.

    I agree 100%. It had everything to do with what went down as Chris described it, “taking place in his truck”.
    B

  33. Al Miller says:

    Blink. You crack me up. But seriously, I’m glad you recovered well. :)

  34. Angie says:

    Blink~ do you know if there are any other missing persons reports from around the time chris went missing? Because if something went down in Chris truck and he was afraid after the fact… I definitely wonder if there was a death. And with the people involved they would have hid them somewhere and that person would likely have been reported missing maybe?

    Not linked to Chris, no, but there was a major bust in Marion County the night before that sticks with me.
    B

  35. Chris' mom says:

    ThatOneGuy– Thanks for your concern for family and friends. I want to assure you though, that blunt is totally okay with all of us. We prefer blunt truth or help in any way shape or form over the lies that we’ve endured endlessly, from every source imaginable. Your opinions are valued and appreciated. –Rachael

  36. CutiePie says:

    Conspicuously missing is Brandon Losik’s report/statements/”abridged account” as to his involvement on Feb. 12, 2009, when
    “Apopka Police came upon [3 of them] Jimmy Hataway and Tyler Watters and Brandon Losik in the area of Ocoee Apopka Rd. emerging from the woods, in Chris’s white Xterra in full view from the road.”… “Watters and Hataway were cuffed at the scene and questioned separately for 6 hours.”
    B- What about Losik? I’m very curious if his statement matches up with the other two and the extent of his involvement/alibi for his whereabouts that day and the previous day, entirely. Did LE ask him or either of them where their cars were, what do they drive, or at least the make and model and license plate of the cars used in transport? — (“borrowed car from the sleeping girl” and “friend’s car, he called to him pick up?”) Seems to me these questions would be routine for LE to at least corroborate stories; if not, for a thorough incident report, APB/BOLO; at most to “CYA” for a potential missing and endangered persons investigation. After all, the POI’s did report “their buddy, Chris” as owner of [*11-96] “wrecked truck” and as “impaired and missing” [*10-50/10-57]. A fair question (IMO) however, it’s not my call. Perhaps LE did get the details yet, they did and we do not see it, and…
    [*suffice to say there’s a “necessity” for leaving that part out? B- you picking up what I’m putting down?]
    Rest assured they’ll follow through on new leads and any eye witnesses and that black sedan seen parked curbside along Keene Rd., reportedly near the same location the two men were dropped off on the day of the incident. Question is: is it Brandon Losik’s car, or Hutto connected?
    I’m also wondering if Hataway owed Hutto in any way and he did the “dirty deeds” to pay up and say, “Problem solved, now call us even.” … [*or was he Hutto’s hit man?] After all, he did claim he work for him.

    “dirty deeds, and they’re done dirt cheap!” — AC/DC

    [*]=remove/edit

    Brandon was at work the night of the incident, confirmed. It is my understanding he was called by a family friend.
    We do not know however, the accounts or whereabouts of Lyn Johnston, or Brandon’s brother Tim.
    B

  37. melissab says:

    Blink, could it be (could be a bajillion things)that the bad thing that “happened” in the truck was Chris’ associates ripping off someone else and them hurting that person? Maybe Chris was such a nice guy they knew he would be someone to turn in the scum even though he was present? Maybe Chris was high that night he went missing and he did take off in the woods but only because the scumbags were chasing him to silence him?!!! It’s the only thing I can see that would really bother Chris and scare him so bad.

    I think we are fairly confident he did not take off into the woods at this point.
    B

  38. melissab says:

    That’s right sorry, forgot that point. But what do you believe is the incident that led to his disappearance?

    I am going to have to defer that question for now friend.
    B

  39. Angie says:

    Blink~ Do you have any records from the drug bust in Marion Cty. or any of the names involved in the bust? I wonder if any of the names are linked to any of the persons involved here in Chris or tracy’s case/ Also I wondered if you have ever lookd at Brians Dreams? I know that it is all intuitive there but he has a drawing up and states that he believes a fruitland Park cop knows where chris’s body is. I believe that Fruitland Park is close to Marion Cty. Also… some of the things he posted were kinda right on… He mentions a red Bandana and I remember Jimmy Hattaway wearing a red bandana on more than an occasion.

    Link:
    http://www.ocala.com/article/20090211/ARTICLES/902111011?p=2&tc=pg

    OMG, do not go back there, lol.
    B

  40. Angie says:

    Blink~ LOL I tell you I have checked into every site that has covered Chris’s and Tracy’s cases and your’s is definitely the one I rely on the most for accurate info. I get what you mean :o )

  41. Sdb says:

    But if Chris was not in the woods, why were they in the woods? Did they emerge from the woods in the truck or on foot?
    Were the woods searched, ever?

    To promote their story.

    Woods were searched, but unfortunately, specific scent k9′s have not been used.
    B

  42. Sdb says:

    Great question CutiePie, it was on my list. I’m waiting for Volume 4. Blink, did the girls physically see Chris between the 5:10 arrival with James and the 5:40 departure with Tyler?

    They did.
    B

  43. Geojeff says:

    I have not followed this case as closely as many of you, so i apologize if this comment is off, but could Chris have inadvertently found out something about these dirtbags involvement with Jennifer Kesse?

    Could that be the motivation for HIS disappearance?

    Personally, I have always felt that Jenn’s remains are located in Ocoee, near her work.
    B

  44. GraceintheHills says:

    I have been following this case, but this is my first post. I just want to say to Blink that your work on this case has been nothing short of phenomenal. Kudos to you and your colleagues for all your compassion and your dedication to seeking answers for families who have lost their loved ones.

    To Chris’ mom and Tracy’s family: my thoughts and prayers are with you.

    My sincere thanks for following this case my dear GraceintheHills. I have a feeling your professional expertise will contribute at some point in conjunction with your profound compassion. There is something about learning when a case is ripe, as hard as we work them, when the “case” decides it is time. I truly believe that is where we are in the cases of Chris George and Tracy Ocasio.
    B

  45. Divad says:

    This story is so convoluted, but has a common theme. I am a proud parent of a son, but would be much less proud if he were involved in drugs, alcohol, partying/clubbing at bars until closing, and just generally associating with people who lead this type of lifestyle. Moreover, as a parent, I would not tolerate any of these activities while he lived in my home and would be in constant fear for his well-being and life, in fact. It is a destructive lifestyle and no one should be surprised that people end up dead when all of these ingredients are in the mix. As parents, we need to make our young people devastatingly aware of the risks they are taking in adopting such a “cool” lifestyle.

    Chris George, I believe, was aware. Did anyone care to educate Tracy Ocasio about the risks she was taking with her life?

  46. ThatOneGuy says:

    B, I’m sure you’re aware of this, but perhaps some of your followers are not. I could literally hit a golf ball from where the boot assumed to be Tracy’s was located, and Jennifer Kesse’s place of employment. That being said, I’m still not convinced the cases are related.

    Correct, thanks for posting that, I had assumed most would know that, my bad.

    I have always believed that Jenn’s disappearance could be tied to someone she worked with.
    B

  47. CutiePie says:

    Thank you, Sdb. I too am anxious for Volume 4. Hopefully all of our questions will be answered and many more. Thanks to everyone who contributes here, the investigators on the case and especially Blink for her persistence to see this through to the end.

    Blink, please keep us posted if you hear anything new re: post #37. I hope you are healing fast and feeling better soon. Love ya lady!

  48. Angie says:

    Divad~ Although you are right that we need to educate our children in the consequences of certain life styles and life choices… Once they are a certain age the will make their own choices. I know that Chris’ and I am quite sure the Ocasio’s did their best to teach their children the right way. But I find it offencive that you would even question that. And I also find it completely irrelevant to helping to find Chris and Tracy. While I think you are probably a great parent; I think you have judged the parents in this case too quickly. Also as said in past comments… reguardless of their choices and lifestyles Chris and Tracy are still victims.

  49. ex gf says:

    A friend of mine that lives in Winter Garden told me last night that a co-worker in Ocoee had a scary experience this week.

    Her coworker lives somewhere in Ocoee and was standing outside of her house with some friends when a black car sped down her street, lights off. They heard arguing and a woman was pushed out of the car in front of a neighbor’s house. She was screaming “THEY RAPED ME!” as the car took off.

    The story is that she was beaten and covered with semen. They called the cops and filed a report right away.

    I do not know any additional details but I thought you may want to look into this because it was in Ocoee and involved apparently more than one man and a black car.

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