Louis Ross Interview

When I watch Louis Ross talk, the first thing that jumps out at me is how calm and controlled his demeanor is considering the circumstances. The second thing I notice is how long and detailed his first answer is to the question asked by the reporter, “So walk me through the day that Hassani disappeared…”

Read moreLouis gives so many details, its mind-boggling for me. I can appreciate being precise, but isn’t the point to get the information out about Hassani and to find him? I find Ross’ focus is off. Why isn’t he most focused on finding Hassini, instead of explaining himself here? Why is he telling us what he “always” did, instead of just what happened that day?

I also see no urgency or anxiety from either foster parent that Hassani needs to be found. This is the biggest red flag for me. This is unnerving, because we all know time is of the essence, if Hassani truly wandered off or was abducted.

Also, when Louis recalls the time that they realize Hassani is gone, his face is devoid of any emotional stress, concern or fear. This is a huge red flag. This should have been a difficult time emotionally, if this is what happened, but I see no supportive emotions whatsoever here. It deeply concerns me.

I find Louis’ statement, “I automatically know we have a problem because Hassani does not walk away” disconcerting. First, he tells us that Hassani can walk to the back door without him, without a problem, so how can he say that Hassani doesn’t walk away? It’s flat out inconsistent.

Furthermore, most people don’t jump to the instant conclusion after only a couple of minutes that something tragic happened to their child when they don’t immediately see them. Any logical person would just assume Hassani was simply hiding behind the garbage dumpster or something, and would likely call out for him, but this is not what Louis thought at the time. His behavior is indicative he knows that Hassani was not there.

Louis says, “…and I took out the back door…to go look for my so.., well, I actually went to my car to my phone and called police…”

This statement is interesting above. He starts out with a story and then tells us the truth. Why didn’t he look for Hassani more? This perplexes me. He thinks about it, but he didn’t do it? This is notably odd.

Louis continues on rambling about how he doesn’t take the kids through the store. Where is his focus to find Hassani? It seems this is more about him than Hassani. This bothers me.

Louis says, “When I didn’t see him there, I was like he doesn’t walk away.” People who are victims of a situation like this are open to entertaining multiple scenarios. They don’t just jump to one conclusion –especially the most tragic, unless they are forced to do so. They explore everything else first. Why does Louis only accept one possibility?

It isn’t until the six minute mark that Louis starts talking about the most important thing they want to get out into the media, “Our son does not wear leg braces and this is the most frustrating part, because we all know we have a small window of time…” When Louis says this, notice there is no anxiety or urgency to help find Hassani?

Also notice that they don’t have any photos or fliers of him? There is just this resolve, as if they know what happened to him that I can’t explain. Perhaps it is the lack of emotional support for what they are saying.

Louis then says, “Does he need them [leg braces] to walk? No. They are there to help his feet develop.” Then why didn’t he wonder if Hassani could have walked away, or played hide and seek that day? Louis is very inconsistent.

Louis says “We invited you to our home so you can get the correct information out to the public.” Notice he doesn’t say, “We invited you to our home so you can help us find Hassani.” This troubles me.

Louis says, “If some…if the person who…….if someone took our son……or didn’t take him and he just wandered somewhere, and you took him, just return him. He probably won’t remember you, just don’t hurt him.”

Why doesn’t Louis look at the camera when he says this statement above? It’s as if Louis doesn’t believe what he is saying here… Also, now, notice how he entertains that Hassani could have just “wandered somewhere”. This is very inconsistent from what he has suggested earlier. Louis seems to change his tune as the wind blows and says whatever is convenient at the time.

A couple of minutes later Louis says, “Do I feel responsible for this? Yes.” You can see true pain when he says this. Why on earth, if he is innocent, would he feel responsible if Hassani wandered off or was kidnapped? This is very notable, and strange and unusual.

He continues, “There are parents out there, they take it for granted, ‘Oh that’ll never happen to me,’ only a few minutes, a quick second (expression of disgust followed by contempt)…turn your back, they’re gone.” I can’t help but wonder if he is thinking back to another memory here and at the pause, he thinks and changes the end of his sentence!

I personally don’t believe Louis is telling us what he knows to be the truth. I hope I am wrong for Hassani’s sake…