An Austin, Texas police detective interviewed Spike Tyson, the Director
at American Atheists offices earlier today in connection with the disappearance
of the Murray O'Hair family.
Two days ago, it was learned that William Murray -- evangelist, and estranged
son of American Atheists founder Madalyn O'Hair -- had filed a "missing
persons" report. It now appears that Murray was only able to file
a "Request To Find." According to Tyson, "A 'missing persons'
report can only be filed if there is reasonable evidence of foul play,
and so far that doesn't appear to be the case." William Murray has
stated that despite bad relations with his family for the last twenty years,
his attempt to determine their fate was prompted by a desire for "closure."
He has also told news media that he hopes his mother, Madalyn O'Hair, "had
an experience with Jesus Christ," alluding to his belief that the
famous Atheist has died.
Tyson was interviewed by a Detective Baker, and was told that the investigation
was at the "beginning stage." He also reported that the car belonging
to Robin Murray O'Hair, found earlier in a parking lot near the Austin
airport, is now in a police impound lot undergoing tests for physical evidence.
A "Request To Find" (also known as a "Request To Locate")
means that police will simply attempt to verify that a certain person or
persons are alive; that fact is then revealed to the person making the
request, although any specifics -- such as whereabouts -- are not included.
News reports say that the Austin Police Department investigators in the
Murray O'Hair case have about two-dozen similar situations they must investigate.
Mr. Tyson also reported that police were interested in the fact that Tyson
was followed by an unidentied, grey car for about a two week period immediately
following the disappearance of the Murray O'Hairs. He was unable to obtain
a license plate number.
On Monday, NBC Nightly News aired a segment about the missing family but
offered no new conclusive evidence in the case. Tyson informed aanews that
"We've got media all over the place" today, and attributes the
renewed public fixation with the disappearance on the one year anniversay.