This is a hard post to compose because I have no proof of what I am about to write. This post is nothing, but my thoughts written down on paper. And as with so many of these blog postings, there are questions in which we will never know the answers. If there is one thing I have learned, it would probably be the fact I am over thinking this. And believe me I have had 3 years to think this over. So this posting will be shorter than I first thought. And keep in mind, I had not heard the podcast when I did the interview with Brian Reed, after the trespassing hearing.
I experienced all the same emotions some of you did: sadness, emptiness and maybe even a little guilt thinking that in some way I could have helped him prevent this life ending tragedy. As I previously mentioned, the news of John Brooks’ suicide did not surprise me, it was the timing that surprised me. I always thought it would be after the passing of his mother, Mary Grace or even the fact that he would take her life at the same time. And most of the people I talked to had the same thoughts. Now since I know the whole story I believe that John was so wrapped up in his own tormented state of mind that he just forgot all about Mary Grace.
I kept wondering why this date? What happened to make John Brooks decide this was the day?
This is what I kept hearing over and over in my mind: John Brooks said he left or was leaving Tyler’s stuff/tools on the porch or in the shop. I don’t know John Brooks’ exact words, but I do know at one point I heard, Tyler’s tools are in a bag on the porch. I never took that to mean he might have more than a few items. At this point it does not matter, it still comes down to Tyler’s belongings being on the porch or in the shop. But, my point is, why would John Brooks, who knew he had only hours, or minutes, to live, want to make sure Tyler only got what belonged to Tyler. Whoever this Tyler person was—was John mad at him?? Was John Brooks so mad and agitated at this time he was only thinking about himself and Tyler?
Monday June 22, 2015–what seemed to start out as a good day went downhill fast. Obviously, John Brooks and Tyler enjoyed the day at the river, a stress free day, maybe a day of healing after their misunderstanding a few days prior. We all need a day like that when we can unwind, let our hair down (so to speak), just forget about our problems and enjoy the moment and get re-charged. Of Course, sounds like John Brooks had a little help relaxing with his bottle of whiskey. I believe the getaway day was so nice John Brooks did not want it to end. When Tyler left, John Brooks let his depression and loneliness set in again, even turning into anger.
I leaned that John Brooks called one of his neighbors that evening wanting him to come for a visit. They talked for over a hour and since the neighbor could not visit that night, they made plans to get together the next morning. He said John Brooks wanted him to see his “chicken bowl collection”. This person said John Brooks was in good spirits and there was no indication that John Brooks would not be there the next morning.
I think John Brooks got so worked up due to the fact Tyler would not come back and do church or whatever–he packed up Tyler’s tools and said–I have had enough. I also think there was more to it, I agree with some of the people interviewed: John Brooks was jealous of Tyler’s relationship with Cami, he hated S-Town, hated his life, etc., what I do wonder if maybe their conversation that night prompted any words other than NO, I am not coming back over to your house. —You can fill in the blanks—
That is why I made the statement I thought John’s suicide was premature, he was so angry over a situation he had no control over. This was his way of having the last word. There is no one that could be accused or blamed for John Brooks’ death, like the doctor said there is nothing anyone can do once they make up their mind and I am sure Faye would testify to that.
I also was concerned about a few more things that do not make sense to me.
First being, where was Mary Grace on the day of their outing? Surely they didn’t leave her by herself—–
I was confused and concerned why no one seemed to think anything about the missing money and the missing gold. This was not just a suicide, there was a robbery involved. Did they not believe John Brooks? I still believe the Police should have done more –why didn’t they ask any questions like, who saw John last? who talked to John last? what was his mind set? Find out who all knew about this suicide that may or may not take place that night. Who might have known about the money and gold? And who all had been in the house and when? I know drinking cyanide is pretty cut and dried—but there sure was a lot of baggage that went along with this one.
Food for thought——I think every suicide should be treated as a homicide until proven differently. Actually, I heard that on 20/20 last week but, sounds pretty smart to me.
Faye said she heard the dogs barking, those dogs followed John Brooks’ every step–why would they bark at John Brooks when he walked out the front door??? Were they barking at someone else, maybe someone that came out of the woods or was walking up the drive? Someone that knew John Brooks was going to kill himself, so they needed to get in the house and get the gold, money and other personal items before the police arrived? I agree with the guy on the podcast that felt like maybe whoever got the money and gold just might have stepped over John Brooks’ body to do so.
I recently asked Faye Gamble what phone John Brooks used to call her. She told me it was the house phone. I was curious about it because I was told by Tyler that John Brooks did not have a cell phone (and I never saw a bill for one) but, I was unaware that the house had a portable phone, I don’t remember seeing one in the house but, I guess I missed it. (Or just maybe someone got it too) So that meant the phone in the kitchen had a really, really long cord if it reached the porch. Anyway, with no cell phone that means John Brooks had to log on to his computer before he could text Tyler to tell him he could have anything in the house. (maybe John felt guilty about wanting Tyler to get only his tools) His text was at 9:12 and he called Faye at 9:15. That only left him 3 minutes to call Faye and tell her about his last wishes, mix the cyanide and then drink the cyanide. WOW! No wonder he forgot about Mary Grace.
Oh there is one more reason why John Brooks might have chose that night, he realized he was broke and in debt, and of course according to the podcast, he was TIRED, TIRED, TIRED.
Remember these were my thoughts and only my thoughts .
Ok–Let’s keep talking,
Reta
Reta, first off, thanks for writing this blog. I wonder if you could answer a question that’s been bugging me. Faye’s account of that phone call and subsequent events seems so full of holes. You point out some. She also says he told her where gold was but there was no gold. She didn’t even look. Did she speak with Mary Grace at that time? Why won’t she tell anyone what those “certain things” John wanted her to know about are? She could at least say whether they got to the right people. Why didn’t she contact the people on… Read more »
Hi-The phone cord did not have to reach the porch because if I recall correctly John mixed and drank the cyanide in the kitchen, then stumbled to the porch. It was not necessary for him to log into his computer if it was already turned on, either.