I’m estranged from my family and have been for 10 years. I found out the police were trying to get a hold of me, but couldn’t because I am in Spain now.
Knowing his history and long term struggle with mental illness, it’s most likely suicide. I really, really hope it’s not something worse.
I tried calling the police department and they’re so, so fucking dumb.
Me: “Hi I’m calling in regards to a missing person’s case. I heard that the detective was trying to get a hold of me?”
Pig: Huh? Missing person’s case?
Me: Yeaaaaahhhh??? He went missing 2.5 months ago.
Pig: So are you reporting someone missing or are you asking about someone missing?
Me: ??? I’m asking about someone missing [Brother Name]
Pig: Oh. Let me look. It up…. Yes SHE went missing.
Me: Huh? You mean HE.
Pig: Looks like they were found, can I do anything else for you?
Me: Uh, no, that’s great to hear. Thanks.
——- 5 minutes later ———
Pig: SOOOOO I was wrong she I mean he are still missing.
Me: OK? Sooo.
Pig: The detective will want to talk to you. I’ve sent this number to the detective. They will call you back.
——— 1 Hour Later ———
Sergeant Pig: This is Sergeant Pig, what do you want? (WOW, PROFESSIONAL.)
Me: I’m calling about my missing brother, he’s my sibling. I heard the detective was looking for me.
Him: Oh. Who is he again?
Me: [Brother Name]
Sergeant Pig: Oh yeah he’s still missing. Give me your e-mail and I’ll have the detective contact you.
Me: [Gives e-mail]
Sergeant Pig: [Doesn’t check spelling] OK I got it I will let the detective know and they’ll contact you. (Click)
I still haven’t heard back and I need to call again. Double bonus, I am AFAB and the local press referred to me as the “niece” who possibly kidnapped my brother. (Press was talking to my aunt) SUPER.
ACAB.
Anyway, feels like shit. Even if we hadn’t spoken in a long time because our mother is a monster. Part of me knew it would end like this, but it’s still shit. Don’t know how to feel. I’ve been vaping too much, but I’ve been avoiding alcohol and I’ve been trying to keep up with things because I don’t have the space to sink over this.
this probably isn’t very helpful but maybe you could get a free consultation with a libel attorney, just to see if you might be eligible for a payout for all of this grievous lying to the press your family has done
If nothing else you could probably compel them to retract their statements
Eh, it’s all vague from them in the articles and it was written in a way that’s like “We have not been able to get a hold of sister/niece. They may have left with [brother], but it is unlikely.” It’s just vague enough to activate couch detectives, but not enough to out me specifically. I’ve also transitioned and moved to another country I’m too busy trying to get my citizenship/settle in.