Going through the comments page today and updating the website, I noticed a comment from Summer’s sister Tracy Russell. I feel that it is important to post her comments as an article, since she is the voice of her sister in her absence. Keep in mind that with this grief every family member is enduring, the comments being blogged, facebooked, and edited by the media have an impact on all of us. Every careless or hurtful word is like pouring salt on an open wound that has yet to heal. Here are her words….
Tracy Ann Russell wrote:
Quote:
“”I think about going on blogs, tv shows, fb pages, etc. to set people straight for the hurtful lies that are said about my sister and give truth to all your assumptions & lies! It would be a never ending battle. I agonize everyday over what it is I should be doing to find them and honor her? I get your emails & friend requests daily and I am sorry but friending/emailing you will not bring my family back.
I am thankful their faces remain in the media and I’m grateful posters are still up. I hope it’ll bring closure for our families! Yet I don’t agree with the media & or the people that come into our lives & say they want to help & are only interested in making this into a 3 ring circus! We have 4 beautiful missing people & that should be the ONLY focus!! It’s been almost two years now and there is NOTHING new to report/share.
It be great if we could make assumptions a thing of the past, pretend it went out of style like a horrible fad, look in our photo albums and say to our kids, I remember those days when assumptions were a part of our everyday mindset, gosh we were crazy, what in the world were we thinking?!?!?! “”
End Quote.
Please Everyone, keep in mind that almost two years later, A family of four is still missing. They are loved and worth ever bit of this fight we are enduring through media screw-ups, misquotes, wrong facts, and terrible edits that are simply designed to “one up” the competition and drive more traffic to their pocketbooks, and/or make the story more enthralling. Ultimately, I look beyond all this because it’s part to the machine that I must personally endure to keep our family’s pictures & story in the public’s eyes. The general public has more than showered us with love and support and truly “get it” and see through the smoke and mirrors. Mike McStay
Nicely written, Mike and Tracy. We highly commend you for exercising such patience with too many unkind strangers. We have been very disturbed by how many people abuse your GUEST BOOK inappropriately as some kind of blog. We continue to lend our support to you through prayer and by giving when our difficult budget permits. We still live right here in nearby Oceanside next to Fallbrook & Bonsall for you to keep in mind if ever there is a search around the Bonsall area where their cell phones last pinged, for flyer distrubution though this area is well-informed, etc.
Please always remember the Lord is with you today and all the days. There is still hope the entire family or at the very least the boys will be found.
To all folks reading: Please kindly remember this is a Guest Book. Your words are going to the family members of this beautiful missing family of four and are certainly causing added pain and frustration. Words can cut like a knife. The tongue can burn. These families are already in enough pain. If you want to communicate theories (while some are sensible, far too many include wild & painful theories involving horrible acts committed by the missing McStays plucked almost out of thin air) PLEASE set up an independent blog site to do so. Joseph’s and Summer’s families need your constructive input, support and prayers.
just finished watching the story of your family on the e channel. Why was that area in san diego where the last pings were detected never searched? Also it seems odd that the woman who said she saw them at a wal-mart in mexico and he had his head shaved, yet the few people who said they saw them in costa rica never mentioned a shaved head. Was the employee he last had contact with cleared? Did he have a shaved head? Or does the guy in the video going over the boarder look like any co-worker or worker they had hired to help with the house? I’m just curious if this info was just edited out due to time or a non-issue. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for all involved. Bless you all and my prayers will be with you.
I am comforted due to my knowledge of investigaters working closely with psychics within their departments 0f investigating wen all else fails and when hav exhausted all leeds.there are well known verry gifted investigating psychics and mediums out their working closely with fbi and other agencies all the time on cases such as these and is only a matter of time and the truth will com out and be made public untill then keep our senses that the lord gave us open and continue to pray for the wellbeing of this entire family.and have faith in our justice system. To bring justice to this family .as well as their loved ones.and have faith in our lord above to assist these investigaters to get the information that they need to save and help this family and give them the honor they soo deserve.no matter what the outcom be thy will be honored with the truth of wat happened.the truth shall set you free.
Dear Miss Russell
There are comments on here that have to be hurtful, I am so sorry for this.
You also must understand that people are curious as to why your sister changed her name so many times and other personal info.
My heart is with your family as well as the Mcstay family, how you all are sufering, no one should have to.
Hopefully someday there will be a happy ending for you all.
As for the hurtful comments, I am sorry for that too.
Have been following this story since it broke, I hope your family is found healthy one day soon. I just watched the Laura Ling follow up story and it leaves many questions unanswered. Will say a prayer just for you tonight. Bless you McStay family, all of you.
I am truly affected from this story. It is so mind blowing and sad. Two years later and people still have NO idea where this family is or went. If the Mcstays dont want to be found then why dont they just contact their family so they can get a full night of sleep at night. But if thats not the case, and they do want to be found, then all my prayers go out to them and their family. I check up on this story daily hoping to see ‘Mcstay Family Found.’ Ive watched the E! investigation story about 10 times and know exactly what their faces look like. I live in the area where the Mcstay’s lived and always keep a close eye for them. Hopefully this mystery will be solved soon.
With Concern, Amanda.
This site would be the perfect place for Summer’s sister Tracy to give the public information and especially address the speculation about Summer (former marriage, changing her name several times, origins/family background, psychological profile, etc.). The rumor mill will only spin faster and faster when there is no one to counter act.
Just a suggestion!
Tracy,
Thank you for taking the time to put your words out there. I found it odd on the E! episode that none of Summer’s family made an apperance but now, after reading your words…it makes sense as to why you and the remainder of your family do not come out more.
I will be the first to admit, I thought it was extremely odd that Summer had changed her name. But than, I started thinking about some of the people I know. A huge number of my friends have never changed their name legally but they hardly ever go by their real birth names. I have friends that have “nicknames” that are nothing similar to their actual name. And, ironically, when I do find out their real name…I don’t think twice as to why they decided to call themselves something different. If anything, I may ask them why they decided to change their name…their usual response is “It fits me/my personality better…” or “I just don’t like my real name…” I think in light of the situation regarding your sister Summer and the rest of the McStays, everyone wants to put a microscope on them and pick apart every detail…sometimes in doing so they associate different details to being sinister or shady. But if this was not going on, if Summer, Joseph and their lovely boys were sitting at home right now…it wouldn’t be any big deal. Summer is Summer…plain and simple.
I am sorry you, your family, and the McStays are having to endure this right now…I could not fathom what it is like…nor will I try to put myself in your shoes. I will never know what you and yours are going through and what you have been through during these past few years. All I can say is…deep down inside of me, whenever your family and the McStay’s enter my mind, I have a feeling they are alright. I just don’t want to believe anything has happened to them and for some unknown reason they had to leave. I know that is hard for everyone to endure.
My thoughts are with you and the McStays…I really do hope a very welcomed and happy ending is going to happen regarding this unexplainable situation. I know this may be easier said than done…but don’t let the lies/harsh words get to you. Everyone personally involved with this situation have some very thick skin. I commend you for all you have been through, for all you are going through and for the tough times that may come in the future.
-Tabitha
My heart hurts for this family. I will keep you in my prayers and hope that some day there will be a happy ending to this all… I couldn’t imagine what you are going threw. All I can say is to stay strong and keep there memories close to your heart.
I wish everyone could stop thinking about what Summer was thinking when she changed her name and start worrying about what she might need to find her way home. This is a loving wife and mother who for whatever reason is unable to be with her family and friends. Someone HAS TO KNOW WHERE THEY ARE!! I am praying for the McStays and I have absolutley no interest in why Summer changed her name
God Bless you!
Rosie
I WOULD LIKE TO JUST SAY ONE THING. THAT ON THE SHOW WITH LARA LING, SHE SAID, THAT SUMMER WOULD NOT EXCEPT JOEYs 8 YEAR OLD SON. I GUESS, FROM ANOTHER MARRIAGE. THAT IS STRANGE.
THANK YOU
Susan,
Don’t know what show u were watching but Laura Long Never said that
I can’t imagine the pain you suffer as you look for your sister, nephews, and brother in law with the added stress of defending your beautiful sisters reputation.
People can be cruel, nasty, and plain stupid.
Please know that not everyone believes the hyped up information spun by the media.
Well said. There are 4 very loved people missing and their families are hurting. I pray you get the tip that will bring them home. All of them!
God Bless.
There is not way these people are alive. Someone killed the parents and sold those kids or killed the children in some blood ritual or some unknown serial killer ot them. I am not saying this to be hateful or cruel but this is the only logical conclusion. From what I have read about these people they would have never left their family or pets without so much as a good bye or put their kids in any kind of danger. I am afraid they are dead and will never be found.
I’m posting the video “Mystery at the border” on my fb. I will include your family in my prayers and I hope this simple act of posting the video will help somehow. I’m in the Philippines and I hope that everybody hears about your story until it reaches those who might be able to help locate the family. God bless you all.
First I would like to say my prayers are with all of you going through this tragedy. My 13yr old daughter disappeared, but I was lucky she was found a week later. I remember how I felt for that week and I didn’t eat or sleep at all so I don’t know how you have all managed to go on. Second, changing a name is no big deal. I changed mine legally because I didn’t think my original name suited me. The only thing people should focus on is the fact that there are 4 people missing and people left behind devastated. Third, if a person is put in a witness protection program the local police won’t know. It seems strange the area their phones were last wasn’t searched and a few other things seemed as though they weren’t followed up by the police. That makes me think they are in witness protection. Usually all leads are exhausted so maybe the FBI told the police they are safe. In the program you cannot tell anyone you know, even close family. Finally, whatever happens I am praying the family get the news they need soon and that it is good news. God Bless
I am so confused by this story/case. I hope there safe and alive, what a mystery.
The tv shows and articles I have read do not give much information to the private life, finacial situation, just a basis background sweep over everything.
I wonder about things like, was the house ever investigated with luminol?
I have seen the “Disappeared” episode several times and my heart breaks for all of you. I want so badly for this entire family to be found alive and well. There is so much that is unknown and unanswerable about all of this, but I’m wondering one thing. I just read that about an hour after the vehicle left, a call of about one minute duration was made from Joseph McStay to his business partner. Is that true? If so, what did the business partner say this call was about? I think that would tell the authorities something about the family’s state of mind as they were leaving.
I, obviously, have no idea if the family crossing the border is the McStay family. However, I disagree with those who say the man appears to be wearing a child carrier. It looks like he’s carrying an umbrella stroller to me.
Not knowing what happened, I choose to believe that they are alive and well and will come home some day.
Good luck and God bless.
I sure understand media screw-ups, false reports, and “stories” that go around about what happened in such and such case and I see that happening here. In 1988 my very loved stepfather was muredered in a small town and the stories that went around, even by media who would talk to his family and not us and get the wrong info of what happened leading up to everything, was insanely crazy and even more hurtful. I do not believe our local law enforcement did everything they could….they focused on one person who was probably (most probable) but never arrested him……he has now since died himself. So, we will never know the truth. I could not imagine if he would have been missing….nor, as a mother myself, could I handle such a thing as my daughter and son-in-law or younger daughter missing. Believe me people…..this family is using EVERY resourse that becomes available….it is absurd to think otherwise. I say this with the deepest love and respect and my prayers are will this family ( they missing and their families as well). I know what not knowing about something is about…….difficult. My deepest sympathies for the struggles you all face every day.
Adrian….I COMPLETELY disagree with the comment you left. Those types of words hurt worse than anything. Do you know the images you are putting in these peoples minds? I DO as my stepfather was murdered and I had to endure a lot of “words” said about it…..greusome, as yours were, that weren’t even true. Please refrain from making claims to something you have NO CLUE of knowing with certainty and no way of knowing this…….It was very cold.
I saw the program on TV and it broke my heart for the family of the McStays. I cannot even imagine how you feel. Know people are out here that care and pray for you. There reall;y isn’t much a person can say. I feel you are a wonderful family and I hope your loved ones are found.
I just finished watching the story on TV. Has the family over contacted a physic medium? They have helped find alot of missing people and would be able to know if the family was safe, alive, ect. Praying for your family and a safe return.
People don”t just disapear. There is a logical explanantion we jusat don”t know what it is.
I am sorry to hear that your family has not been found yet. I have an uncle out there somewhere who does not want to be found. I found him once but he has since then dropped off the face earth again.there is a reason but I don’t know why. I am worried that they don’t want to be found and as people look for them they have to move around. There is a reason why they have left, maybe they had to disappear to protect there family & families from something or someone.That could be the only reason they haven’t contacted any family members . Any way I hope that this is the case and not anything else. Until they are found one way or another there is hope they are alive ,they seem to be people who loved each other and there children and we all know we will do whatever it takes to protect the ones we love. You guys stay strong and remember people say to mean hateful things be cause they are ignorant. KEEP THE FAITH
I think they ran from something and safe in mexico
Wah wah wah. People post comments that appear offensive because SOME people have figured out that they are being hoodwinked. IF you don’t want people posting comments, then simply remove the option to post comments from a forum, webpage, etc. You can’t have your cake and eat it, too.
Come clean, by the way.
I live in San Diego county in Oceansidtheye… I never heard about this case. Just a fyi I don’t watch the news… But just saw the case on E and was wondering if they are wanted???? I understand the family misses them and would like some kind of answer. But if that is there choice no matter how selfish…. Its there choice. Who knows maybe there doing there own study on how to disappear.. Write a book…
My true heart felt condolences.
I think they are in a witness protection program, the government usually FBI knows and privately takes them to a secret location with some money (cash) and relocates them. When you are in the witness protection program and your lives are in danger you drop everything else even your beloved dogs to save your family everything else comes secondary. I feel that this is the reason that their families might not know nothing because usually the people in this program are not allowed to tell no one and I mean no one. I believe that they are safe and I hope that they will be safe, and I also hope one day whatever the reason that they had to flee, that they will be able to contact at least someone to let them know that they are alright.
I watched the show on E! earlier today and I just cant get the McStay family out of my mind. I cant imagine how hard this is on all of their family members and friends, not knowing what happened is driving me crazy and Ive never met them.
I cant imagine JM leaving his eldest son behind willingly let alone his friends and other family members so something dreadful must have taken place.
People are going to speculate, it happens in every missing case that Ive followed no matter what the facts are.
I too wonder why SM changed her name several times and lied about her age but that doesnt make her a murderer. Has there ever been any explanation as to why she changed her name?
It showed that the neighbors camera showed them leaving a bit after (I think) 8:30 and his last call being minutes later from his bisiness partner. I wonder of he had something to do with it?
Like I said, all we can do is speculate and pray to God that their family members get some answers.
My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this. I hope you get the answers that youre looking for.
I watched the Laura Ling story and want to say my thoughts are with all the family and friends of the Mcstays. I hope one day all your questions are answered.
I watched the story on E! before, and again today. What is so annoying is that clearly he and she WANTED to disappear. Why doesn’t the family just leave this alone and be content with their personal decision. Bottom line, you’re all going to get them possibly hurt if you keep this search ongoing.
Anyone who thinks the Family should leave this alone (searching for the Mcstays), is so wrong. Would you leave it alone if it were your family missing? Ithink not. The other family members and friends miss and love their missing loved ones, it is only natural to want to know what happened to them.
its really sad story and I
i feel for the family.something strange though.
ADRIAN…..whether you meant your comment to be hateful or not, these are the kinds of comments the family DOES NOT NEED! There is no proof ANYTHING like that has happened and your speculation is ruthless, cruel and very misguided. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound like a wretch, but be very careful what you say! As a family member of someone who WAS murdered 25 years ago with no justice served, I have lived with comments such as yours. It is so extremely painful and with everything else going on, the family sure doesn’t need to hear that kind of garbage. Please, if you are not going to comment with useful information and/or condolences, refrain from commenting.
Cru Barron……could you just leave it alone? If u are truly a caring human being, I would say, NO YOU COULDN’T. Family members are not “ingrained” to just let their loved ones be missing and not try do ANYTHING possible to find them…….my opinion.
I’m curious about the investigation into this family’s disappearance…..was a thorough look taken at anyone who may have been hired to work inside the home on the remodeling, or anyone who visited the home, perhaps just to give an estimated price on some of the work or material required? What about persons at the various businesses where the McStays purchased and/or priced out the material needed for any of the DIY projects around the house ?
On a completely different note……it seems ludicrous that there would be just one camera trained on pedestrian traffic on this side of the border and none at all on the Mexican side! Especially with the technology available in 2010, and the intense focus of the US government and its citizens on the very serious issue regarding illegal immigration/drug smuggling, etc…
Dearest Tracy, I’m so sorry for your continuing loss. Every day that there is no answer is another day of not knowing. I can’t imagine the grief you experience constantly. I don’t know what lies people are saying or why anyone would even choose to say anything negative to you or your family. Please know that so many are with you, on your side, just wanting to know what happened. I wish you peace; whatever peace you can have with your family still missing.