Justin Bloxom -- Found Deceased 3/30/10

You know, I really hate starting a "new topic". As I was clicking that "new topic" button, i realized that every new topic in this category means that a life has been snuffed out. And this case is no different. Justin Bloxom was by all accounts the model student - he was easy going, always smiling, great student - just fun to be around - his parents must have been SO proud!! But Tues morning they got a wake up call that no parent wants to hear. Justin, 12 yrs old, had spent the night with a friend the night before, since it was spring break. One of the boys remembers that he last saw him texting on his phone around 3:00 am. That was the last time anyone saw Justin alive. Justin was found later Tues afternoon about 2:00 pm in a shallow pool of water just off HWY 171. The cause of death is still unknown, but I have great confidence that since Justin was found less than 12 hrs after last being seen alive, his body will reveal the answers.

Held in connection with Justin's murder is convicted SO Brian Douglas Horn, 34.
"Horn has at least 14 prior arrests on his record, including two other sex-related offenses. Horn spent three years in prison after pleading no contest to contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile in 1995. The original charge of indecent behavior stemmed from a Shreveport police arrest after Horn, who was 19, was found in a vehicle with a 13-year-old girl.

Another charge of indecent behavior also shows up on his criminal history in 1997 with a notation that he served a year and five months. Unclear is an entry in 1998 that labels Horn as an "Article 575 fugitive" from Green County, Mo.

If Horn had been in jail other than being a free registered sex offender "this family would have their child at home tonight," said Arbuckle, who did not mince words about his frustration with sex offender laws."

Horn is a taxi driver, but wasn't dispatched to that area that day. LE is still trying to piece together how Horn and Justin came into contact with each other. What made Justin leave his friends house? or was he taken?

LE stopped Horn in that area, on HWY 171 early that morning, around 6:30, but Horn told him that he had lost his keys and was waiting for someone to bring them, LE didn't suspect anything since Justin hadn't been discovered missing as of yet. Horn's wife and other family members are cooperating with police and providing evidence from his home that LE believes may be in connection with this case.

This is the reason why something MUST be done to keep SO's locked up!! they KEEP on re-offending - and the offenses increase in violence every time. Every time they reoffend, that means there is another little child whose innocence is lost - or greater, there are those whose life is lost. By not keeping these SO's at bay, we are raising a generation of victims - and i would say that none of us can truly predict what our society as a whole will look like in 20 yrs or 40 yrs - these children will be disturbed psychologically, no doubt. There may be some who can deal with the pain and learn to function, but there will be some who cannot. we MUST do something!! Please, let's all get involved in getting our laws changed - get out and VOTE!! Talk to your senators and congressmen - talk to your city councilmen and your mayors!! We have to change this on a local level first, and then on a state level, and let it work itself up into our national goverment to make a difference!!! Change starts with each of us as individuals!! Let our government know that we will NOT tolerate these convicted child molestors as part of our communities!! it is costing us our children, therefore our future!!!

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100331/NEWS03/3310325/1062

12-year-old killed; sex offender in custody
Brian Douglas Horn, a registered sex offender, in custody

By Vickie Welborn • vwelborn@gannett.com • March 31, 2010

STONEWALL — Happy go lucky. Always smiling. A joy. Super grades. Easy to joke around with. All-around good kid. Hard worker. Active in student government.

The list goes on and on. But that's just the start of what a school teacher and administrator have to say about a DeSoto Parish student whose life was cut short Tuesday.

The body of North DeSoto Middle School seventh-grader Justin M. Bloxom, 12, was found in a shallow pool of water shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday — the victim of an apparent homicide.

A taxi cab driver who is a registered sex offender is in custody, charged with second-degree murder in connection with Bloxom's death. The charge could be upgraded as additional evidence is processed.

Brian Douglas Horn, 34, of the 200 block of Hall Road in Keatchie, surrendered to DeSoto sheriff's authorities not long after they began a three-parish search for him.

He refused to talk to investigators. But Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle said they are confident they have the right man in custody. "All of the evidence points to him," Arbuckle said.

As investigators continue to put the pieces of the case together, school officials are still trying to digest Bloxom's untimely death. "Surreal," is how Principal Keith Simmons described how he first learned about Bloxom's disappearance then his death. But it's not the devastating news that he or teacher Sherri Troegel dwell on. They will forever remember a student whose death will leave a noticeable void.

"He was the kind of student that you wish you had a school full of. You wish you had a student body full of Justin Bloxoms. He was very positive, happy go lucky. Smiling every day," Simmons said.

DeSoto students are on spring break this week, which is why Bloxom was at a friend's house on Douglas Lane Monday night with others watching movies. One of the other kids last saw him sitting on the couch around 3 a.m. texting on his phone.

When the other students woke up later in the morning, Bloxom was gone. He was first reported missing to Stonewall police around 10:30 a.m. Neighbors and friends began a search and soon some came forward with information that a green Action Cab taxi was seen in the neighborhood that morning.

Read more at link provided above.

There is no excuse for letting this scumbag roam the streets to find another victim. Our laws need to change to protect the innocent - the hell with the sex offender. Poor kid, only twelve, and a lifetime ahead of him was snatched away.

Tish, I agree that we must keep sex offenders locked up. Prison does not rehabilitate them, it just makes them more likely to kill their next victim.

We keep seeing the same things over and over again in most the cases that we cover. The three common things I've noticed are:

1. Repeat sex offenders.
2. Mom's abusive boyfriend.
3. Children walking home or playing outside alone.

For number one, we need to do as you suggested and pass tougher laws to keep sex offenders off the streets. For numbers two and three, we need to do all we can to educate parents to keep their children safe by being aware of potentially dangerous situations and putting their children's needs above their own. Most of these tragedies we hear about were preventable in one way or another.

Amen, J4A.... very well said. And we also need to make sure our children understand that they need to be aware of their surroundings and to stay away from strangers.....

UPDATED: Homicide suspect posed as young girl through text messages, authorities say

By Vickie Welborn
April 1, 2010

MANSFIELD – A 34-year-old Keachi man lured a 12-year-old Stonewall boy away from a friend’s home early Tuesday morning by posing as a young girl through text messages, DeSoto sheriff’s authorities said today.

The “girl” made arrangements for a taxi to pick up Justin M. Bloxom shortly after 3 a.m. to complete their rendezvous. Bloxom met the Action Taxi cab, driven by Brian Douglas Horn, and in less than two hours was dead, authorities said.

Messages detailing the plans and meeting were traced Wednesday through phone records, giving DeSoto investigators the information they needed to shore up their case against Horn, of Keachi.

“We're looking at a connection to a social network site,” Sheriff Rodney Arbuckle said.

Investigators are still not sure how long Horn had been communicating with Bloxom. That's part of the investigation that will be ongoing. However, authorities were told Tuesday Bloxom was last seen around 3 a.m. at a friend's house texting on his cell phone and those texts go "until the time of death," the sheriff said.

Horn is in the DeSoto Detention Center charged with second-degree murder in Bloxom’s death. A preliminary autopsy confirmed Bloxom died of asphyxiation. Investigators say he was strangled.

Bloxom’s body was found Tuesday in a wooded area off of U.S. Highway 171 just south of the Stonewall corporate limits.

Horn was identified as a suspect after witnesses placed his green Action Taxi in the neighborhood where Bloxom was visiting with friends and later parked on the highway shoulder.

Evidence gathered in the grassy area along the highway also link Horn to the crime, Arbuckle said. Keys to Horn's taxi cab and a cell phone charger were located Wednesday.

Muddy boots were seized Tuesday from Horns' brother's pickup. The boots match boot prints leading to where Bloxom's body was found, Arbuckle said.

Horn had his first appearance today before a judge via video conference. Bond was denied, and a hearing is set for 1 p.m. April 14. The DeSoto Indigent Defender Board was appointed to represent Horn.

A candlelight service is set for 8 p.m. today in the Stonewall Park, where a memorial to Bloxom starting taking shape Wednesday. Signs, flowers and other momentos are being left along the fence - with the blessing of town officials - to remember Bloxom.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday for Bloxom at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Shreveport. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home.

http://www.shreveporttimes.com/article/20100401/NEWS01/100401014/Authorities-Homicide-suspect-posed-as-young-girl-through-text-messages

well, that definitely explains why the boy left the home.
It's so sad - on one hand, you want your kids to have as normal of a life as possible - by letting them play outside, go to sleepovers, etc. But then stuff like this happens, and it really makes you want to not let your kids out of the house at all...
J4A - what you said about putting the kids needs before the parents is a HUGE problem. That's why ppl let their kids play outside unsupervised while mom and dad are glued to the tv or the phone or the internet...
We spend alot of time outside - and the kids are always out there w/ me - but when it's time for me to come in, it's also time for them to come in, and then there are times that i don't want to go outside, but I have to because the kids want to - and then after I go, I'm always glad that I did. As a society we are so far separated emotionally from our children - yes, for the most part, parents love their children - but they let the TV babysit them - or send them outside to get them out of the way, rather than enjoying them while they're little and getting out there to play w/ them. It's a sad decline in our nation - and ultimately, it just makes our children easy prey...

I am so saddened by this boy's death. And so damn angry over this POS sex offender manipulating Justin to his death. That's what they do, anything to lure a child into their pit. I am so sorry for what Justin had to endure, he had no idea what was coming when he opened the door of that cab

these SO's are truly predators - much like a spider spinning the web - his was a web of deceit, trickery, enticing the child by posing as a girl... and then God only knows what happened once he had entrapped him. I have a 9 yr old boy, and I know that he wouldn't go down without a fight - and I can only assume that a 12 yr old boy would put up one hell of a fight once he realized what was going on. Justin was an unusual target for a SO - because of both his age and sex - but it's just another lesson for parents that NONE of our children are safe. I tend to think also that my boy is probably safer than my girls are, with my youngest girl being the most vulnerable at 3 - but this just proves me wrong - ALL CHILDREN are at risk!! I don't want to be guilty of watching the girls so closely that I let my guard down with my little boy. This one was a HUGE wake up call to me. I teach this age at church in my Sunday school class and on Wed night - and some of those 12 yr old boys are bigger than I am lol - I can't imagine this happening - it saddens me, and it angers me that our justice system is failing the most vulnerable of those among us - our children...

Condolences Page for family of murdered 12-year-old Justin Bloxom
Posted: Apr 02, 2010 3:48 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 02, 2010 3:48 PM EDT

KSLA News 12 has set up a link on KSLA.com for the Ark-La-Tex to stop and leave comments and condolences for the family of DeSoto Parish murdered child Justin Bloxom...





Here is the link to the page:

http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=12248952

Bloxom murder now death penalty case
Posted: Apr 02, 2010 6:46 PM EDT
Updated: Apr 03, 2010 3:36 PM EDT



Brian Douglas Horn


SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the man accused of murdering a 12-year old boy in DeSoto Parish, and will not accept any plea deals.

That word came during an exclusive interview between DeSoto Parish District Attorney Richard Johnson and myself. Johnson personally delivered that message to the family of Justin Bloxom during the Friday night (4/02) visitation service.

That visitation took place at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home at 8801 Mansfield Road in Shreveport He was among the 800-people expected to pass through the observance from 5-to-8pm.

Johnson said he and investigators will likely sit down on Tuesday and examine all the evidence gathered in the case. That includes D.A.'s staff, along with DeSoto and Bossier Sheriff's investigators who are working together in this unfolding case.

Johnson said the charge of second degree murder against the murder suspect, Brian Horn will not be upgraded officially until that time. To qualify as a capital murder case certain criteria must be met, which they will sift through next week.

Johnson repeatedly said there would be no plea deals in this case against Horn, a cab driver and registered sex offender, who allegedly smothered 12-year-old Justin Bloxom to death in Stonewall on Tuesday.

http://www.wafb.com/Global/story.asp?S=12250086

I just want to strangle that guy - look at the disgusting smirk on his face...

Me too, Tish. I hated even posting the evil incarnate's face.....

DeSoto grand jury indicts Horn in murder of 12-yr.-old

Posted: Apr 12, 2010 11:03 AM EDT

DESOTO PARISH, LA (KSLA) – It took a DeSoto Parish grand jury less than an hour to indict Brian Horn on a charge of first-degree murder for allegedly killing 12-year-old Justin Bloxom.

DeSoto Parish District Attorney Richard Johnson presented the evidence to the grand jury, persuading them to indict Horn in the murder of Bloxom nearly 2 weeks ago. Johnson says he does intend to push for the death penalty.

Bloxom's family was in the courtroom when the indictment was handed down.

Earlier in the morning, Horn, who is also a registered sex offender, plead not guilty to the first-degree murder charge.

Bloxom was first reported missing earlier in the morning. His body was later found in a wooded area of DeSoto Parish.

Horn is accused of posing as a young girl, allegedly luring Bloxom away from his home.

Horn remains in the DeSoto Parish jail without bond. A new court date has not been sent.

http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=12294892

I hope they stick to their guns on the no plea deal statement they made earlier, sounds like they will.

Vigil held for Justin Bloxom

Posted: May 07, 2010 8:15 PM EDT

Desoto, LA (KSLA)- The friends and family of Justin Bloxom gathered for a vigil in his memory today. The vigil started at 7 PM and lasted until 9 PM. It took place at Stonewall Park, Stonewall, LA.

Justin Bloxom, 12, was murdered back in March by former taxi driver and registered sex offender Brian Horn. Horn is charged with 1St degree murder and remains incarcerated at the Desoto Parish Detention Center without bond.

The vigil was intended to show support for the family and to remember young Justin Bloxom.

http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=12448990

May Justin rest in peace. He suffered a horrible fate at the hands of a sick monster. He should have still been in prison and this would not have happened to Justin. It makes me so furious.

I so agree... many times I hear the excuse about jails being overpopulated... Then we hear that Hope Sykes was sentenced to 15 yrs for being in a car where a drug deal was done..... ??????????????

I agree AJ, makes no sense whatsoever.

this is why we need to get 'chelsea's law' passed here in california, and then all states will NEED to follow! about 3 months ago, a sex offender, out on bail, killed chelsea, and since then her parents have been working hard, to go out, get changemakers, get petitions signed for the new law, the one strike law! sex offenders go to prison for life after they commit a sex crime against children..so they cant get out to do it again..no plea bargaining...other offenders will have to have a gps to wear for life for tracking, and cannot be anywhere kids congregate... go visit chelsea's light on facebook, get involved, get it started for your state,,it takes positive action, cant just complain, we have to DO...

Hi SHannon,

I cudnt agree with you more...I am joining this great cause to help! No more children need to die at the hands of these monsters...

I want to add, that I see part of the problem with overpopulated jails...

I believe our justice system is in huge trouble. I see the problem in every state.. Many sentences given to many ppl (who are filling up our jails) are inappropriate.

Hope Sykes is an example... She was sentenced to 15 yrs becasue of being in a vehicle where dealers were setting up a deal...

She is 18 yrs old and wasnt involved in the deal and was never proven to be involved in dealing..

Why are many ppl happy with this sentence? We as a society need to let the justice system know that we dont condone this... No matter how much we hate a person or who they carry on with, it is not " room effective" if you will to have one less available spot on account we are now housing her....

I dont condone drugs and hate anyone who wud sells.. I realize drug use potentially leads to other crimes burglaries, imparied driving etc where ppl are at risk...

At the same time, we know what pedophelia leads too, and of course in the big scope of things, if one had to weigh out which one needs to be housed, I certainly wud chose the ped....

Also, I am becoming aware just how many prosecutors and LE are looking to find guilt and convictions in ppl where the evidence is questionable... It seems to me that huige media outlets are drawi9ng huge crowds by being allowed to embellish and offer inaccurate accounts.. These media outlets imo shud have to be accountable.. I personally expect more from the media... They need to be held accountable and imo, some ppl have to stop believing everything they hear/read and start being more responsible in considering the sources of the hate fests ...

I am personally very disappointed in what the justice system is turning into (sensationalized)....

I dont know what the answer is and I look for one all the time.. I imagine it has to start with the ppl, in having higher standards in reporting, along with changing our mind set to giving ppl some benefit, of innocence some of the time.. Imo ..what I see that there isnt much faith extended to anyone.. If LE or prosecutors decide someone is guilty, then many ppl automatically believe that.. I feel this is wrong.. they are ppl too and are capable of being wrong..One wud hope 12 impartial ppl, wud be able to see the truth but it seems we lok at ppl as guilty becasue the prosecutor says they are, yet has next to know physical or forensic evidence.. They set up circumstantial cases and ppl are buuying into it.. I especially like to puke when the state uses a known liar/criminal/loser, to testify against someone where these thugs are being believed over ppl who have no history of lying... WTH?? What is the world coming too... I pray that ppl will stop feeling that the prosecutors are right... I seriously wonder how many ppl are filling our jails for life sentences based on circumstance alone.. I am not confidant that 12 ppl from the gen pop are impartial enough to stand jury..We seem to be looking at the glass being half empty too much of the time.. This is learned in the media and they need to stop teaching that and sending out that message...