Written By Joe Cochran
It’s now been over two years since the disappearance and death of 26 year old Joey LaBute Jr. and few questions have been answered in this very mysterious case.
LaBute Jr. was employed at Morgan Stanley and a 2011 graduate of Ohio State University. He was always happy and well loved by family and friends.
LaBute was found in the Scioto River in late March 2016.
Joey LaBute Jr. had last been seen alive at the Union Cafe/ Short North Bar by friends and cousins on March 5th, 2016. LaBute Jr. left the table he was sharing with cousins to get a drink. He never returned. Video surveillance at the Cafe show LaBute with no sign of any problems as he exited. That was the last anyone saw of Joey Jr.
“After several days I knew it wasn’t looking good” Joey Sr. told me in a radio interview. What is so frustrating is that there is no cause of death and there seems to be very little evidence. Its very hard to accept as a parent added LaBute.” My heart is broken” concluded LaBute Sr.
It is almost certain LaBute was dead before he entered the water. The death becomes even more strange and mysterious as there are no signs of trauma and as LaBute Sr. said,the death is ruled undetermined.
Days after LaBute went missing his car was found with no signs of a struggle or foul play.
With a few new clues, one text message from Joey Jr’s phone and now the possibility of a money reward there is a possibility to get some movement in the case. In the text, the letters “Jnhstioj” were typed out. At first it had led nowhere , but now the text may be more important than first thought. Authorities are also looking into a few more clues since the first two years after the death of LaBute Jr. LaBute Sr is also talking of a possible reward. Columbus, Ohio police ask anyone that has any information in Joey LaBute Jr.’s killing please contact them.
If you would like to stay anonymous contact the Columbus, Ohio Police Department at 614-645-4545 or you can private message here or at my fb page at Joe Cochran.
For family and friends the question remains who killed Joey LaBute Jr and why?
#JoeOnTheGo 
It’s also said that one of Joey’s friends were there tending the bar that night. They weren’t on speaking terms because of an argument. I don’t know, I think it’s kind of odd.
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