I met John Gosch Sr. at a football watch party in the fall of 94 or 95 at a house in Lincoln, NE. The host was a totally legitimate and nice guy whose wife was a friend of John's date. Everyone at the party had connections in Des Moines, including myself. I was somewhat "goosebumped" in meeting him because I grew up in Des Moines and was a paperboy myself. Johnny was probably 2 or three years younger than me, so the story really hit home for me and I have never forgot it. I did the Sunday route on the south side and my dad always came with me. The only time he did not was when my brother had a route as well, and we were together. My dad made us work both routes together if he was not with us. When the Martin thing happened a couple of years later I was in high school, but it was so shocking as well. Even in those days, It was still odd for a 12 year old to do the Sunday route alone. The papers were huge... you needed help-- or even a car to transport them. The afternoon Tribune was okay to do alone... but that was at 4:00 pm-- Not 5 am. I always wondered why he was in Lincoln. I remember him high fiving us when the Huskers scored a TD.. It was just strange. Not that he really acted suspicious, but it was strange. This thing has always haunted me. Now I guess I know why he was in Lincoln. Probably to visit that guy in prison.. I hope this gets solved. Anyone who lived in Des Moines in that era will be haunted by it. God Bless the family. I hope closure can happen for them.

my prayers are with you both we should stop the wars on countries and place every avaliable person to finding peodophiles and bring them to justice surely all the worlds children should be safe

Dear Noreen, I'm so sorry to hear what happened to your son. I hope he is found and these criminals are caught. I will look for your book and read your story. keep up the fight mom, God bless.

Jan29th at 1:14 yes the true,th will come out just can,t help thinking about Johnny Gosch and what he must be going thourgh and his mother as I almost lost my son the same way. IT is very scary to know that thire is pedophiles out there just waiting to grab you,r son that is why parants should teach kids that it is not safe out there.

I just finished reading "Why Johnny can't come home". It broke my heart. My prayers go out to Johnny and Noreen and all of the other children who are suffering. Noreen, never stop fighting!