Re: Missing friend in Mammoth Lakes /Tuolumne area
Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2013 9:02 pm
@tdavidock- I think different cell carriers have different policies but texts are often stored for awhile by the carrier and having the phones isn't necessary. You're probably aware of cases in the news where texts were obtained from the carrier. I do know that cell carriers have a "breadcrumb" record of time and direction of every cell tower a phone "pings". That has been key in criminal and SAR situations. Family doesn't need to rely on law enforcement... close family members can get the info from the carrier, even if they need a court order. They should talk to a the cell carrier first, and then a friend, colleague, PI, etc. to get that info...it's getting close to the 30-day mark when the data may be automatically deleted.
*Where* the calls and texts happened is just as important as "when" and "what". If the early morning "ping" was north of the cell tower atop Mammoth Mtn, that strongly suggests Matt was headed to Red Meadow, or carpooled elsewhere. The main lodge area is north of the peak, and not "in town" and strongly suggests (to me) that he didn't take YARTs. If the evening calls or texts were from the Main Lodge, that is of interest because public transit back down to town stops at 6pm. Apologies if all this has been done and I hope family has already engaged the cell carrier and doesn't wait for the PD.
Also consider putting posters northward along US395 since there was the possible sighting in Minden. 395 runs through Reno, eastern CA, OR (past famous outdoor spots like Bend and Crater Lake NP), through WA (Spokane) and into Canada. Although it's not an interstate it's a major truck and travel corridor and probably fairly easy to hitch a long-distance ride.
Hope this helps!
*Where* the calls and texts happened is just as important as "when" and "what". If the early morning "ping" was north of the cell tower atop Mammoth Mtn, that strongly suggests Matt was headed to Red Meadow, or carpooled elsewhere. The main lodge area is north of the peak, and not "in town" and strongly suggests (to me) that he didn't take YARTs. If the evening calls or texts were from the Main Lodge, that is of interest because public transit back down to town stops at 6pm. Apologies if all this has been done and I hope family has already engaged the cell carrier and doesn't wait for the PD.
Also consider putting posters northward along US395 since there was the possible sighting in Minden. 395 runs through Reno, eastern CA, OR (past famous outdoor spots like Bend and Crater Lake NP), through WA (Spokane) and into Canada. Although it's not an interstate it's a major truck and travel corridor and probably fairly easy to hitch a long-distance ride.
Hope this helps!