In September 2007, on an early fall Saturday evening, there was more intrigue and mystery added to John’s case when a fire truck was dispatched to a mysterious blaze at his construction company. Despite firefighters’ best efforts, the business was a total loss. Despite the fact that the fire appeared to be suspicious, investigators have been reluctant to label it arson.
In addition to the fire, across the street from the business, someone had destroyed a large banner with John’s picture and information on it. John’s business partner, David Stubben, and younger brother, Tom Spira, both remain convinced that these incidents are connected to John’s disappearance.
"It wasn't just a coincidence," Tom told Cbs2chicago.com. "There might be a motive because someone somewhere is going to get that money, so maybe that will prompt the police to take a look at somebody. They've never brought anyone in for formal questioning."
Trying to develop support for John’s search has been difficult for John’s family and friends. They have regularly voiced their frustration over not getting media coverage comparable to that of other missing persons cases in the city, resulting in their having to take the bulk of the search responsibilities into their own hands.
In recent months, John’s family has organized several vigils as a way to keep his face in the newspapers and on television. Dozens of volunteers have also donated time to pass out leaflets and posters to keep his story from fading into the background. Family members of Stacy Peterson and Lisa Stebic, two women who also went missing in 2007, have admitted that it is unfortunate that young, attractive missing females seem to get more media attention than missing men, a fact that they would all like to see changed.
John Spira is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, 140 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. A $10,000.00 reward is being offered for information leading to the discovery of his whereabouts. Anyone with information should contact the St. Charles Police Department at +1-630-377-4435 or the DuPage County Sheriff’s Department at +1-630-407-2321.
