CLINTON DEVON NELSON
By his mother, Carolyn Johnson
On August 9, 1985, Clinton Devon Nelson came into this world screaming and bruised. I was young and it had been a very difficult pregnancy and delivery; but this was one of the happiest days of my life. I used to joke about my son being born with bumps and bruises and, as it turned out, he had perpetual bumps and bruises the rest of his life. Clinton was always accident prone and always taking risks His thrill-seeking side took him down many paths; some I would not have chosen for my son. He was not a follower…he was a trailblazer. He never took the easy route and the paths he chose usually led him to more bumps and bruises. At times, Clinton would struggle as he grew and felt he did not fit in with the family. I disagreed…as he was the energy and part of the heart of our family. He loved to make us laugh.
When Clinton was 20 years old, he moved to Louisiana to reconnect with his biological father and his family. His father had given up all custody rights when Clinton was a little boy. I was most concerned about this move, because his father had led a completely different lifestyle than the one I had provided for my son.. I had hoped that his father had changed and that he would work with me in keeping Clinton on a healthy path; hence enabling his growth and strength.
A few months after Clinton’s move to Louisiana, he was hired to work on an oil rig. He was so pleased and very proud. He loved the thrill of this new job (often times dangerous) and the money he earned. He had dreamed of eventually becoming a Driller and, had he lived, would have accomplished this dream.
On the evening of September 1, 2006, while visiting with a friend, I was suddenly overcome with a most sickening feeling. I immediately felt something was wrong and I knew it involved my son, Clinton. I debated about calling him, but decided not to bother my independent 21-year-old with unfounded worries of his mother. Two days later (September 3rd), I received a call from Clinton’s biological father, asking if I had spoken to my son. He told me Clinton was missing; that no one had seen him since Friday night. The local police, according to his father, refused to file a missing persons report in hopes he would eventually show up. After several attempts, a report was finally submitted only after Clinton did not show up for work. This was the beginning of a nightmare that will never end!
Approximately one week later, I received another call from Clinton’s biological father. He proceeded to tell me that law enforcement suspected foul play and that they had activated cadaver dogs in a search of the woods. I literally fell apart; I could not breathe. My son is missing and now presumed murdered! I immediately placed a call to the local police department and left a message for the detective to return my call. Within a short time, I received that return call. I repeated the information that I had received from Clinton’s father. The detective rebuked this information; indicating they did not suspect foul play and there were no searches being conducted. He further suggested that.. “Your son is a young man. He is probably shacked up with some girl and he will turn up.”
It has been three (3) years since the disappearance of my son, Clinton. There have been so many conflicting stories/theories and so-called witnesses . But, one story stands out above all the others; that Clinton was the victim of a robbery and beating, which resulted in his death. The local law enforcement reports that even though there is no evidence of foul play, they speculate that foul play was involved and the case remains an open investigation. There have been three (3) searches conducted by Texas EquuSearch, but to no avail. My son is missing and I have no answers! I do believe my son is dead, foul play is involved and the people responsible are still out there…perpetuating constant agony and pain for my family.
If anyone has information regarding the disappearance of my son, Clinton Devon Nelson, please contact Detective Charles Owens, Bossier Parrish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 965-2203.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Johnson
