If you read my blog and are interested in the Cold Case NH segment I have doing then you should recognize the name Kristen Seavey from the podcast Murder, She Told. She has been doing a great job bringing cases to light. She reached out to me about her latest episode in the hopes more people will share the story of Reeves K. Johnson III. There has to be someone out there that might have stayed in this area that knows something that could be of help. Detective Brian Cummer of the Kittery Police Department has reopened this case and given Kristen full access to this story to help find closure for the Johnson family.
Did you live in Kittery, Maine, Portsmouth, NH or surrounding towns in 1983? Did you work at Donnelly Manufacturing in Exeter, NH? Did you know Reeves? He hadn't lived in this area for long, but maybe you know of him? Worked with him? Do you recognize the man in the photo? Do you recognize his hat? I can't imagine this mother thinking she had the key to her son's disappearance and not getting his picture that day in the post office.
Photo: Boyce, Laura
Please listen to the podcast and maybe you can help. Remember you might not think it's useful information but it could be the one clue they need to close this case.
Contact Detective Brian Cummer at the Kittery Police Department, or the Seacoast Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 207-439-1199 or submit a tip online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com/submit-a-tip”
Press Release:
Kittery Police Department and Maine True Crime podcast team up to reinvigorate 38-year-old Kittery cold case
Kittery, Maine (November 29th, 2021)—
For the first time in 38-years, the Kittery Police Department is opening up the file to a 1983 missing person cold case that has never before been revealed to the public.
Reeves K. Johnson III, age 31, went missing sometime after returning to his Kittery home from his job as a welder for Donnelly Manufacturing in Exeter, NH on February 3rd, 1983. In the weeks following Johnson’s disappearance, his bank account was drained and his home emptied of valuables. His mother also caught an unknown man taking Reeves’ mail from his post office box. She took a photo of him, but he hid his face with his hand, avoiding being captured on film. This mysterious photo has never been publicized before.
Last month, after years of inactivity, Kittery Police Det. Brian Cummer decided to officially reinvigorate the case with the hope that the public will be able to help bring the surviving Johnson family answers as to what really happened to their brother.
To help get the word out, Kittery PD has teamed up with local Maine true crime podcast, Murder, She Told, created and hosted by Kristen Seavey. In early November, Seavey spent time with the Kittery Police Department, and with the permission from the Kittery Chief of Police and immediate family, was given access to all files regarding this cold case. Additionally, Seavey has met with Reeves’ brother, Hugh Johnson, his sister Sally, and her husband David Swartz, as well as Detective Brian Cummer.
A special episode of the podcast titled MISSING: Where is Reeves K. Johnson III is available now.
“My hope is that by hearing the full, un-redacted story, it will spark memories that could help fill in the gaps and bring in new information to the Kittery PD. They’re working with very limited information, and need the public’s help to connect the dots.” Seavey said.
“My gut tells me that somebody is responsible for Reeves’ disappearance, and the family just wants to know what happened and where he’s at so they can put him to rest where he belongs with his mom and dad.” Detective Cummer told Seavey.
Chief Richter of the Kittery Police Department released this statement:
“On behalf of the Kittery Police Department and the Town of Kittery I would like to thank Kristen Seavey for the work that she has done on the Reeves Johnson case. The Kittery Police Department views this as an opportunity to reinvigorate the investigation in hopes of providing answers for the family of Reeves Johnson. We support the work that Kristen has done for the victims and their families throughout Maine and New England. Please share the podcast, engage others in discussion of the case and if you have any information, even if you think it is insignificant, contact Detective Brian Cummer at the Kittery Police Department, or the Seacoast Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 207 439-1199 or submit a tip online at www.seacoastcrimestoppers.com/submit-a-tip”
To hear the episode and learn more about Reeves Johnson’s case, visithttps://www.murdershetold.com/episodes/reeves-johnson
About Murder, She Told
Murder, She Told is a true crime podcast shedding light on the cold cases, missing persons and crime stories that often get overlooked from Maine, New England, and small towns from away. The show uses detailed, documentary style storytelling with an investigative twist, and weaves in original interviews with friends, family, and investigators close to the case. Rooted in deep research, straightforward narratives, and the victims and their family at the center of every story, Murder, She Told will speak to any listener no matter where they call home.
Murder, She Told is an independently produced true crime podcast created by Kristen Seavey. Learn more atwww.murdershetold.com.