Monday, 10/26 thru 11/1

[CC I See]

A new day and week, hopefully there will be an arrest soon.

[Kathlb]

Good morning to the new thread. :-) Bringing this over and adding to it...

I think we have had SO's around for a long time, maybe just not in the numbers we have now. I grew up in a small central Iowa town and when I was in the 5th grade and walked over a half mile to school (all in the city limits) a girlfriend and I were approached by a man in a car right on main street a block from school who wanted us to get in the car. I can't ever remember my folks warning me of that way back in the day, but we ran the block to school to get away from him. This goes way back. If there had been more incidents like this, parents would have begun figuring out ways to have trusted parents drive the kids to school and the town cop (yep, just one) :-) would have been driving all streets while kids were walking to school. At this point in time, just looking at the sheer numbers of SO's, I think no parent should let their grade school kids (at least gradeschool, maybe higher too) walk to school and home. Rides should be worked out and provided for them anywhere they are going, school, friend's house to play, etc.) JMHO

In writing this, I recalled all the good times mom would pack a sack lunch for me on a Saturday morning, with a jar of cold milk and I would take off and play all day in a wooded area close to home with or without my friends. She never worried that I know of and if it had been today, I would have been monitored and would not have had those fun times creating imaginary Indians skulking through the woods and eating hickory nuts, pretending that the river that ran through our town was the banks of an Indian settlement where I visited and other make believe things that made the day fun. Sadly, our children/grandchildren can't have that free imaginary fun time. :sad::sad:

[desmom]

Visitation Slated For Somer Thompson
Funeral For Slain Girl Scheduled For Tuesday
http://www.wesh.com/news/21424472/detail.html

Saying Goodbye To Somer
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/10/26/saying_goodbye_to_somer.html

Viewing Set for Monday Night for Somer Thompson
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=147103&catid=3

[watson]

Sorry, posted this on the wrong thread:

Quote:
Originally Posted by spydernweb2006
When I lived in Daytona and Tampa the local school policy was NO BUSSES for kids unless they live 2 miles or more to the school. My Niece had to switch jobs so that she could walk her 7 year old the 1.9 miles to the school and home again. It boggles my in in this day and age that schools allow and condone this kind of policy. Heck most streets dont even have crossing guards anymore either.


JMHO

Hugs,

Spyder

I'm a tad off-topic here but I have often thought that the hours for school need to be changed. What is with this 8 am to 3 pm thing? It makes no sense. Where I live (tourist town) MOST businesses don't open until between 9 and 10. Of course they close at the usual time, 5 or 6. Why couldn't the school hours be changed to reflect what's going on in the community? Most working parents either have to make special arrangements for their children after school or their children become latch key kids, spending that 1.5 - 2 hours unattended at the end of the day.

It certainly wouldn't hurt anyone if the school day was increased and quite possibly could be beneficial in more ways than one.

[cassidy]

Sorry, posted this on the wrong thread:

Quote:
Originally Posted by spydernweb2006
When I lived in Daytona and Tampa the local school policy was NO BUSSES for kids unless they live 2 miles or more to the school. My Niece had to switch jobs so that she could walk her 7 year old the 1.9 miles to the school and home again. It boggles my in in this day and age that schools allow and condone this kind of policy. Heck most streets dont even have crossing guards anymore either.


JMHO

Hugs,

Spyder

.

***snipped***


Where I live there is no bussing period. All the kids walk to school. We have 3 neighborhood grade schools but the High School and Jr High are on one end of town , not centrally located. It's a very long walk for lots of kids.

[Marcia3]

Sorry, posted this on the wrong thread:

Respectfully snipped:
I'm a tad off-topic here but I have often thought that the hours for school need to be changed. What is with this 8 am to 3 pm thing? It makes no sense. Where I live (tourist town) MOST businesses don't open until between 9 and 10. Of course they close at the usual time, 5 or 6. Why couldn't the school hours be changed to reflect what's going on in the community? Most working parents either have to make special arrangements for their children after school or their children become latch key kids, spending that 1.5 - 2 hours unattended at the end of the day.

It certainly wouldn't hurt anyone if the school day was increased and quite possibly could be beneficial in more ways than one.

I'm with you on the school hours. When my daughters were young and in school, I had to find someone to get them to school in the morning and take care of them in the afternoons because I had to be at work at 7 AM and didn't get home some days until after 5.

It's just not practical for all parents to have arrangements. In some cases, they are barely making ends meet...how are they going to squeeze another expense into their budget?

There are no easy answers, but something needs to be done to protect our children, IMO.

[Ladygator]

Good morning to the new thread. :-) Bringing this over and adding to it...

I think we have had SO's around for a long time, maybe just not in the numbers we have now. I grew up in a small central Iowa town and when I was in the 5th grade and walked over a half mile to school (all in the city limits) a girlfriend and I were approached by a man in a car right on main street a block from school who wanted us to get in the car. I can't ever remember my folks warning me of that way back in the day, but we ran the block to school to get away from him. This goes way back. If there had been more incidents like this, parents would have begun figuring out ways to have trusted parents drive the kids to school and the town cop (yep, just one) :-) would have been driving all streets while kids were walking to school. At this point in time, just looking at the sheer numbers of SO's, I think no parent should let their grade school kids (at least gradeschool, maybe higher too) walk to school and home. Rides should be worked out and provided for them anywhere they are going, school, friend's house to play, etc.) JMHO

In writing this, I recalled all the good times mom would pack a sack lunch for me on a Saturday morning, with a jar of cold milk and I would take off and play all day in a wooded area close to home with or without my friends. She never worried that I know of and if it had been today, I would have been monitored and would not have had those fun times creating imaginary Indians skulking through the woods and eating hickory nuts, pretending that the river that ran through our town was the banks of an Indian settlement where I visited and other make believe things that made the day fun. Sadly, our children/grandchildren can't have that free imaginary fun time. :sad::sad:

G'morning! ITA with what you said.

We had just moved to Florida when Adam Walsh was abducted from Sears and murderer. That was the first time I recall hearing about these things and I was just a child myself. Living in Florida, the story was on the 6pm news. That was it. There were not thousands of channels with 24 hour news programs and talking heads. The public was not bombarded with the story and details.

My parents didn't worry about allowing us kids to roam the streets. My childhood was just like yours, Kath. We were out playing! Adam Walsh was an isolated incident, as far as my parents were concerned, I believe. They didn't have talking heads to tell them about statistics, or put fear in them about SO.

IMO, I'm not so sure there are more SO these days than there have been in decades past. We just know now days that its okay to talk about it. It's not a taboo subject anymore. Parents are more aware about talking to their kids about inappropriate touching. More people are being arrested for sex offenses. I think they've always been around but they kept their secrets a lot better than they can these days. They get caught!!!

What someone may have called a "Dirty old man' when I was a kid, is now called a 'pervert' or 'pedo'. If not a RSO because they're on the 'list'.

[doradoll]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

[Kathlb]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I truly don't know any more. My grandchildren live in Texas and I haven't asked about the bus schedules there. But in our town long ago, it was if you lived inside the city limits or not. If you did, no bus. If you lived outside of them, you had a bus.

[Kathlb]

G'morning! ITA with what you said.

*Respectful Snip*

What someone may have called a "Dirty old man' when I was a kid, is now called a 'pervert' or 'pedo'. If not a RSO because they're on the 'list'.

That's true...they were never called SO's or anything other than a dirty old man or just someone that there were rumors about and you should avoid them. And they were watched by LE in the various communities. It also included spooky old women too. :-) And they were usually someone's Uncle, Grandfather, Cousin, etc. so the family was known. Everyone pretty much knew everyone else in town back then. Not the case now even in that little town. :-(

[believe]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

Where I live in Tennessee for K-5 over 1/2 mile is bussed. For middle and high school if you live over 1 mile you can ride the bus.

[Daffodil]

I remember my childhood as being out all day on Saturdays or in the summer. We would walk to stores and take a bus by ourselves (probably 3rd grade and up) downtown. I remember we could not play outside after dark.

I also remember being afraid of every green car because there were always rumors about a kidnapper.

In our town, all kids take the bus or are driven by thier parents.



I noticed on the links a story about adult indigos. I just can't figure out what they are or what they have to do with this case. Cany anyone tell me? TIA

[Motomom]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I think it is 2 miles here too, at least in my town. The next town over was rural, everyone was bussed. This year our schools are bussing up to 1st grade. The rest are walkers, or get driven in. Small neighborhood type town though, sidewalks and curbs etc. Our town is only about 7.5 square miles big, and we are smack dab in the middle, so my kids are considered walkers.

[Marcia3]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

When I lived in Michigan, it was one mile or more=bus transportation for all children. 1 mile or less, you walked or got a ride.

In Ohio (where I now live) it's two miles or more=bus transportation for middle school and high school and all elementary students, regardless of distance.

[Mandysmom]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I live in Alabama and we had to live 2 miles from school in order to have buses pick up our kids.

[camracrazy]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I live in Kansas and it is the same. I lived 1.81 miles (according to Mapquest) from my Jr High and the bus wouldn't pick me up. There were about 3-5 families that got together and took turns driving kids to school and picking them up. We didn't always get picked up if the weather was nice, though. I remember doing exactly what Somer did a few times.... getting mad at the person I was supposed to be walking with and walking off by myself.

One thing I have been wondering about this case. Was the photo that they used for the posters recent? She looks so young in it, more like 5 than 7. The photos of her in the bathing suit with the wet hair look more grown up to me. Not that it probably makes a lot of difference, but I would think that they would want the most recent photo out there.

[FindtheLost]

In our district in SC it is one mile. When my son was in 5th grade he and his buddies wanted to walk home. I let them for two days. The first day was fine the second day some "teenage thugs" who should have been in school road by in an old beat up car with loud music and shot something at them. It sounded like a gun shot but we think it was more like a pellet gun. NEVER did he walk again.

My son is a college student living 500 miles away and I am still a hovering mother.

[AmndaRcknwth]

I live in Kansas and it is the same. I lived 1.81 miles (according to Mapquest) from my Jr High and the bus wouldn't pick me up. There were about 3-5 families that got together and took turns driving kids to school and picking them up. We didn't always get picked up if the weather was nice, though. I remember doing exactly what Somer did a few times.... getting mad at the person I was supposed to be walking with and walking off by myself.

One thing I have been wondering about this case. Was the photo that they used for the posters recent? She looks so young in it, more like 5 than 7. The photos of her in the bathing suit with the wet hair look more grown up to me. Not that it probably makes a lot of difference, but I would think that they would want the most recent photo out there.

This is her 2nd grade school proof pic:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/srt-Copy.jpg

(Guessing) her 1st grade:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/somerthompson.jpg

Swim pic, guessing 1st grade too:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/Somer4_CTE.jpg

(Guessing kindergarten to 1st):
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/Somer_Thompson_4.jpg

2007, probably the summer b4 Kindergarten, in NC:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/7-1.jpg

The poster pic looks like 3 years old to me:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/1somer.jpg

None of it matters much, since she was likely killed before the first flyer was ever printed, poor baby.


more pics from the case
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/?start=120

[camracrazy]

Snipped:



None of it matters much, since she was likely killed before the first flyer was ever printed, poor baby.

Yes, but I was thinking what if someone who didn't know her saw her that day? Honestly, looking at that pic, I would be thinking short little K student. If I had seen an older girl I might not think it had anything to do with the case, therefore might not think the info was important to pass on to police.

Thanks for the pics.

[Rayosunshine]

Was curious as to what an "Indigo" person was and found an interesing link that "defines" this. Not sure if I can post link. Someone let me know.

[Rayosunshine]

This is her 2nd grade school proof pic:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/srt-Copy.jpg

(Guessing) her 1st grade:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/somerthompson.jpg

Swim pic, guessing 1st grade too:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/Somer4_CTE.jpg

(Guessing kindergarten to 1st):
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/Somer_Thompson_4.jpg

2007, probably the summer b4 Kindergarten, in NC:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/7-1.jpg

The poster pic looks like 3 years old to me:
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/1somer.jpg

None of it matters much, since she was likely killed before the first flyer was ever printed, poor baby.


more pics from the case
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/?start=120

Do you know who is managing the photobucket site? Just curious. Thanks.

[rockinbird53]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I live in central Ohio and the children have to live 2 miles or more from the school to be permited to ride the bus.

[Leanne Weich]

I'm with you on the school hours. When my daughters were young and in school, I had to find someone to get them to school in the morning and take care of them in the afternoons because I had to be at work at 7 AM and didn't get home some days until after 5.

It's just not practical for all parents to have arrangements. In some cases, they are barely making ends meet...how are they going to squeeze another expense into their budget?

There are no easy answers, but something needs to be done to protect our children, IMO.

When I was a single mom like 25 years ago, the schools had an after care facility for kids whose parents worked and were unable to make safe or could not afford to make alternative arrangements for them. It didn't cost much because one teacher stayed back every day and the kids were all put in the assembly hall to do homework. They also had a lot of extra mural activities in the afternoon which the kids could attend. The teacher on duty marked books, prepared lessons etc. and the kids had lunch (packed at home), did their homework (and on a Friday when they didn't get homework, watched a movie) and we knew our kids were safe. The teachers did not get paid for it but did it out of concern for the kids. They got fabulous presents at the end of the year from very grateful parents though.

[Chica]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

Here is an article on reducing the number of buses = more walkers.

http://www.weeklyreader.com/featurezone/crbus/index.asp

[just42day97]

When I was a single mom like 25 years ago, the schools had an after care facility for kids whose parents worked and were unable to make safe or could not afford to make alternative arrangements for them. It didn't cost much because one teacher stayed back every day and the kids were all put in the assembly hall to do homework. They also had a lot of extra mural activities in the afternoon which the kids could attend. The teacher on duty marked books, prepared lessons etc. and the kids had lunch (packed at home), did their homework (and on a Friday when they didn't get homework, watched a movie) and we knew our kids were safe. The teachers did not get paid for it but did it out of concern for the kids. They got fabulous presents at the end of the year from very grateful parents though.

That is awesome! I sure wish there were more schools that offered that these days...

[Nascargal]

How far away do you have to live in states other than Florida to have the bus pick up your kids? Our weather is almost always good, so I never really thought about it. Anyone from elsewhere care to weigh in?

I am not real sure about the whole state of Indiana but I do know were I grew up all kids had a bus to ride home my dad has and is a bus driver there for the past 30 plus years. I would also like to add any kids who do not have a parent home there is a program for them to stay at until 6pm and the parents can pick them up at the school gym.

I also lived in a bigger town and my son in grade school lived with in 1 mile and there was NO bus so they walked or you picked them up or walked them there and back home which I was lucky enough to do and NO after school care in that town which has much more crime there is a boys and girls club but there was NO busing to get them there they had to be dropped off and it was no where close to any of the many schools

I think our schools need to have after school care for working parents, these days it is just to dangerous for kids to be walking home no matter what, and when I say no busing of course there is the regular town buses but sorry my kids do not ride those they would have had to of walked and waited at a bus stop. ALL JMO

[Nascargal]

Here is an article on reducing the number of buses = more walkers.

http://www.weeklyreader.com/featurezone/crbus/index.asp

Gas prices all about money IMO they are cutting the regular buses here and the nearest bus stop is over a mile which is really bad for people who do not drive, or can not drive or college kids trying to get around. JMO

[desmom]

When I was a single mom like 25 years ago, the schools had an after care facility for kids whose parents worked and were unable to make safe or could not afford to make alternative arrangements for them. It didn't cost much because one teacher stayed back every day and the kids were all put in the assembly hall to do homework. They also had a lot of extra mural activities in the afternoon which the kids could attend. The teacher on duty marked books, prepared lessons etc. and the kids had lunch (packed at home), did their homework (and on a Friday when they didn't get homework, watched a movie) and we knew our kids were safe. The teachers did not get paid for it but did it out of concern for the kids. They got fabulous presents at the end of the year from very grateful parents though.

We have that here in central IL. It is called SCOPE. I am not sure what it stands for.

The program is open 7 a.m. for before school and until 6 p.m. for after school attendees. It is also open on 1/2 days of school, some teacher in house workshop days and during the summer. Attendance is limited and pricing is a little cheaper than one would pay for daycare. The program is not open during state or federal holidays. The program is staffed by a school employee (teacher, secretary, coach) and 2 high school students. jmo

[Leanne Weich]

We have that here in central IL. It is called SCOPE. I am not sure what it stands for.

The program is open 7 a.m. for before school and until 6 p.m. for after school attendees. It is also open on 1/2 days of school, some teacher in house workshop days and during the summer. Attendance is limited and pricing is a little cheaper than one would pay for daycare. The program is not open during state or federal holidays. The program is staffed by a school employee (teacher, secretary, coach) and 2 high school students. jmo

Ours was also open early in the a.m. and was closed during holidays. I was lucky in that even though my parents lived in a different state to me they always had the kids during school holidays and I took my annual leave during their Christmas holidays. It was a great help although when I look back on some of the things I did when my kids were young, I'm damn lucky no harm came to them. Their dad was a deadbeat and I didn't get maintenance so worked 2 jobs. I worked as a cashier at a night club and started work at 8.00 p.m.and would only get home at about 3.00 a.m. I used to put the kids to bed and my friend who was my next door neighbour (in an apartment building) had a key to my apartment. We drilled a large hole through the wall between the 2 units which was right next to her bed so she could listen for them. Also, the hotel I worked at would phone me just before I left for work and we'd leave the line open and the switchboard operator kept that line open all night so if he heard them crying or anything, he could call me immediately. My home was half a block away. When (and it seldom happened as she was studying) my friend went out at night, I found someone else to sit with the kids. That went on for 6 months and, fortunately, neither one of them ever woke up.

It kills me now to realise how irresponsible I was but, honestly, had I not worked the 2nd job they wouldn't have eaten.

[Marcia3]

When I was a single mom like 25 years ago, the schools had an after care facility for kids whose parents worked and were unable to make safe or could not afford to make alternative arrangements for them. It didn't cost much because one teacher stayed back every day and the kids were all put in the assembly hall to do homework. They also had a lot of extra mural activities in the afternoon which the kids could attend. The teacher on duty marked books, prepared lessons etc. and the kids had lunch (packed at home), did their homework (and on a Friday when they didn't get homework, watched a movie) and we knew our kids were safe. The teachers did not get paid for it but did it out of concern for the kids. They got fabulous presents at the end of the year from very grateful parents though.

What a great thing! We never had that when I was in school, but I'm old enough that most of the moms back then were home full time, so that was not an issue for us.

[Marcia3]

Ours was also open early in the a.m. and was closed during holidays. I was lucky in that even though my parents lived in a different state to me they always had the kids during school holidays and I took my annual leave during their Christmas holidays. It was a great help although when I look back on some of the things I did when my kids were young, I'm damn lucky no harm came to them. Their dad was a deadbeat and I didn't get maintenance so worked 2 jobs. I worked as a cashier at a night club and started work at 8.00 p.m.and would only get home at about 3.00 a.m. I used to put the kids to bed and my friend who was my next door neighbour (in an apartment building) had a key to my apartment. We drilled a large hole through the wall between the 2 units which was right next to her bed so she could listen for them. Also, the hotel I worked at would phone me just before I left for work and we'd leave the line open and the switchboard operator kept that line open all night so if he heard them crying or anything, he could call me immediately. My home was half a block away. When (and it seldom happened as she was studying) my friend went out at night, I found someone else to sit with the kids. That went on for 6 months and, fortunately, neither one of them ever woke up.

It kills me now to realise how irresponsible I was but, honestly, had I not worked the 2nd job they wouldn't have eaten.

Sounds to me like you did the best you could under very difficult circumstances. You were very creative, too! I would never have thought up the open phone line.

You took responsibility for your children and did what you had to - and IMO you have nothing to feel guilty about.

[AnnieKins]

Good morning to the new thread. :-) Bringing this over and adding to it...

I think we have had SO's around for a long time, maybe just not in the numbers we have now. I grew up in a small central Iowa town and when I was in the 5th grade and walked over a half mile to school (all in the city limits) a girlfriend and I were approached by a man in a car right on main street a block from school who wanted us to get in the car. I can't ever remember my folks warning me of that way back in the day, but we ran the block to school to get away from him. This goes way back. If there had been more incidents like this, parents would have begun figuring out ways to have trusted parents drive the kids to school and the town cop (yep, just one) :-) would have been driving all streets while kids were walking to school. At this point in time, just looking at the sheer numbers of SO's, I think no parent should let their grade school kids (at least gradeschool, maybe higher too) walk to school and home. Rides should be worked out and provided for them anywhere they are going, school, friend's house to play, etc.) JMHO

In writing this, I recalled all the good times mom would pack a sack lunch for me on a Saturday morning, with a jar of cold milk and I would take off and play all day in a wooded area close to home with or without my friends. She never worried that I know of and if it had been today, I would have been monitored and would not have had those fun times creating imaginary Indians skulking through the woods and eating hickory nuts, pretending that the river that ran through our town was the banks of an Indian settlement where I visited and other make believe things that made the day fun. Sadly, our children/grandchildren can't have that free imaginary fun time. :sad::sad:

As per your second paragraph, Kath, I so agree. I used to do the same thing back in the day and it was so much fun. It's heartbreaking that our grandchildren can't experience this for themselves. Instead they're cooped up inside playing video games.

I hope this is the day that they announce that they've arrested someone in Somer's murder. My prayers are with that family.

[Leanne Weich]

Sounds to me like you did the best you could under very difficult circumstances. You were very creative, too! I would never have thought up the open phone line.

You took responsibility for your children and did what you had to - and IMO you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Thanks Marcia. It was tough and, to be honest, I don't know that I'd do the same thing today and I'd freak if my DD did that to my g/kids. I guess though, at the end of the day, you've got to do whatever it takes to feed and clothe your kids.

[AnnieKins]

Here is an article on reducing the number of buses = more walkers.

http://www.weeklyreader.com/featurezone/crbus/index.asp

It's time for parents to start organizing "Walking Schoolbuses". My brother, who was a stay-at-home dad in Vancouver BC when his kids were small, did this everyday for years. He would take his three children and pick up all the kids along his to school in the mornings and then back home in the evenings. They eventually ended up with a huge throng of kids, but they absolutely loved it!

It's an idea that originated in Australia and my brother picked up on it, to the delight of the parents.

I hope this new group of MAPs decides to do something like this. In fact, I'll see if I can find a email address and give them the info.

[Leanne Weich]

It's time for parents to start organizing "Walking Schoolbuses". My brother, who was a stay-at-home dad in Vancouver BC when his kids were small, did this everyday for years. He would take his three children and pick up all the kids along his to school in the mornings and then back home in the evenings. They eventually ended up with a huge throng of kids, but they absolutely loved it!

It's an idea that originated in Australia and my brother picked up on it, to the delight of the parents.

I hope this new group of MAPs decides to do something like this. In fact, I'll see if I can find a email address and give them the info.

That's an outstanding idea Annie. Haven't heard of it here and am surprised that it is even necessary with the fantastic public transport available here.

[debbadoo]

Sounds to me like you did the best you could under very difficult circumstances. You were very creative, too! I would never have thought up the open phone line.

You took responsibility for your children and did what you had to - and IMO you have nothing to feel guilty about.

Amen! Leanne, you did the best you could possibly do.....you had to feed your children and you did it! I bet they are wonderful grown ups today, because of YOU! Do NOT feel guilty, you have nothing to feel guilty about! :biggrin:

[AnnieKins]

That's an outstanding idea Annie. Haven't heard of it here and am surprised that it is even necessary with the fantastic public transport available here.

We have a fantastic public transport system as well, but there are parents who want their kids to be walking outside in the fresh air and having fun on their way.

Another reason that it began is that there were traffic problems at the schools with all the parents dropping off and picking up children before and after school.

If anyone figures out how to get in touch with the Moms Against Predators, would you please post it? Thanks.

[FindtheLost]

I don't know if this is something all cities do but in our city on Halloween all SO are REQUIRED to be home with the lights OFF with no Halloween decorations, etc. The special task force visits every SO's home during the night. The SO knows that the task force my come by more than once. If they are not home I think it is considered a parole violation or something and a warrant is taken out for their arrest. I know this is not the same as kids walking home from school but I am glad that the city watches out on Halloween night.

Sorry a bit off topic but it was just mentioned on the news.

[AmndaRcknwth]

<snipped>

I am trying to find out more on the4 unsolved child murders in that area 20 yrs ago that John Walsh was talking about........Spooky to think about!

I'm copying just a portion, but here it is. 1974. It was 35 years ago. It was 5 little girls.
There is much more info at the link:
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-10-25/story/is_it_a_different_world_for_our_kids#

One mother said at least three-fourths of her neighbors are fearful of letting their children out to play or go to the store anymore alone (and) are taking them to and from school. "They're all afraid, and I don't blame them," she said. -- The Jacksonville Journal, Oct. 28, 1974.

On July 21, Jean Marie Schoen, a 9-year-old student at Love Grove Elementary, left her grandmother's house in Springfield and headed to Hanna's Food Store on the corner of Pearl and 17th streets, about two blocks away.

On Aug. 1, Annette Anderson, 11, and her sister, Mylette, 6, were left alone briefly at their Oceanway home. Their mother went to care for a sick relative shortly after 6 p.m. Their father, a commercial fisherman who was expected to get home by 6, got delayed by outboard motor problems. Sometime during a one-hour window, the two girls disappeared.

On Sept. 27, Virginia Helm, 12, disappeared after going to a convenience store one block from her home on the Southside. A story three days later said, "Police have received reports of young girls being approached by two or three persons in a car, then threatened and followed home when they didn't get in the vehicle."

On Oct. 12, Ann Greene, 12, missed the bus and stayed home with her mother. At 10:30 that morning, she went to a nearby grocery store to get some soft drinks. She bought the drinks, talked to the butcher, told him she'd see him later, then left by a side door.

By the fifth apparent abduction, the news was in the paper the next day with a large front-page headline:

Girl, 12, Missing Here;

Fifth in Last 3 Months

There were massive searches involving horses, helicopters, four-wheel drive vehicles and volunteers. The City Council voted to offer a $5,000 reward for information leading to a resolution. In a sign that murder isn't a new concern, one council member questioned setting that precedent, pointing out that three people had been killed in his district in the last week.

More than two weeks later, a couple who had been looking for pine cones for Christmas decorations stumbled upon a body buried near a dirt road off Beach Boulevard. The police were called. Two of the homicide detectives who arrived on the scene were Lester Parmenter and Richard Pruett.

[FrankieBones1]

I live in Alabama and we had to live 2 miles from school in order to have buses pick up our kids.

That is outrageous, Mandy. It was probably great exercise for kids but these days it could prove deadly because of all the SO's out there. In Somer's case, it was about a mile, right?

[SaraSidle]

I remember my childhood as being out all day on Saturdays or in the summer. We would walk to stores and take a bus by ourselves (probably 3rd grade and up) downtown. I remember we could not play outside after dark.

I also remember being afraid of every green car because there were always rumors about a kidnapper.

In our town, all kids take the bus or are driven by thier parents.



I noticed on the links a story about adult indigos. I just can't figure out what they are or what they have to do with this case. Cany anyone tell me? TIA

Daffodil and Rayosunshine the Indigo link is about the man who was at the Thompson home waiting for the kids as a favor to Diena. He has a website that has to do with Indigo and his name is Sean Patton.
IMO

[Rayosunshine]

Daffodil and Rayosunshine the Indigo link is about the man who was at the Thompson home waiting for the kids as a favor to Diena. He has a website that has to do with Indigo and his name is Sean Patton.
IMO


The "indigo link"? Yes, I did know about Sean Patton and the connection to Indigo.
Not sure I follow. Do you mean there is a separate forum for this here? I was researching and found a site that defined "Indigo people" and didn't know if anyone was interested in it. Please let me know what you meant by "indigo link".

[moonlite]

I don't know if this is something all cities do but in our city on Halloween all SO are REQUIRED to be home with the lights OFF with no Halloween decorations, etc. The special task force visits every SO's home during the night. The SO knows that the task force my come by more than once. If they are not home I think it is considered a parole violation or something and a warrant is taken out for their arrest. I know this is not the same as kids walking home from school but I am glad that the city watches out on Halloween night.

Sorry a bit off topic but it was just mentioned on the news.

Greetings'
FindtheLost'

We have that here in Idaho too!! Plus' I think it's mandatory that the SO have to stay home all night long.

Moonlite

[Rayosunshine]

I find it odd that Somer's body was found so fast, and in another state no less, and there are no leads on the perp yet. I'm not buying a perp coming out of retirement. There is something about checking that landfill so fast.

[lune3]

I'm getting worried that there's been no arrest yet. Somer was snatched in the space of seconds, in broad daylight, from a street (we think) where schoolchildren pass by. She was dumped in a local dumpster or trash bin. This made me believe the perp took an opportunity and was sloppy, especially due to so little time.

Now I'm not so sure this guy was all that sloppy, possibly more clever than we expected. Just hope that LE indeed has a suspect in view and are just getting their Ts crossed. But I'm uneasy that this may not be the case.

[VC2]

I wanted to get off the net for a while so sat down with Agatha Christie's "By the pricking of my thumb" for a good read and i said to myself what am i doing back on the board :laugh: I actually thought for an instant i was at my puter bc page 84 a woman was saying they didn't pay much attention to something they were all scared stiff about the "other stuff" which turned out to be little girls taken and murdered and assaulted. Then went on to say "they should all be shot those what goes after children, not locked up in the loonie bin with comforts" and used as her example for that a murder of 2 little girls where the doctors found him cured, released him for a day and he killed another.

So...curious puppy i was, i googled, book written in 1968 and the supposed serial murders were 20 years before. Look what i found:

http://www.murderuk.com/serial_john_thomas_straffen.html

and of course the Brady and Hindley Moors murders, bw 63-65 where at least 5 children bw the ages of 10 and 15 were murdered.
http://www.murderuk.com/serial_myra_hindley_ian_brady.html

This is a country with far less murders than we have yet it was happening in small towns/areas where everyone knew each other back as far as the 50's and the 60's. Others as well but those fit my curious if they were true facts google.

Honestly, it sounded like us here, discussing how no one is safe any longer, not as it used to be..the children can't play freely etc.

This horrible sort of thing happened when we were kids too. It has never stopped and according to the canadian head of our Missing and exploited children, the number of both canadian and american murders like this (stranger abductions) have actually gone down. No link, he was on a legal show we have here. Back then IF you lived in the city or state it happened you might hear a blurb on the 6 pm news as someone said upthread. Now its all over the place.

It is great we can check out the RSO's, but they win if because its discussed more and available, we make our children live in fear, unable to play or visit friends etc. Things have to be balanced with some form of context and acknowledgement that if we over react then we harm our kids ourselves.

IMO

[lune3]

I'm seriously thinking this perp wasn't a RSO. A SO yes, but one who thus far hasn't been caught.

[Texas48]

Sorry if this has been discussed...I found it to be an interesting read...

John Walsh of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ says Somer Thompson's killer may be serial predator ...

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d26-John-Walsh-of-Americas-Most-Wanted-says-Somer-Thompsons-killer-may-be-serial-predator-video?cid=examiner-email

[VC2]

I'm seriously thinking this perp wasn't a RSO. A SO yes, but one who thus far hasn't been caught.

I think that is a very good possibility. I doubt the answer will be found in the RSO's. I have this horrid idea that its the husband of Deina's best friend or someone else that is known and loved by most people and certainly not considered a danger. It is part of why i don't immediately react on RSO's. They know they will be the first looked at so imo would be a little more planned than this. It is someone that no one would suspect i think.

I even wondered about the detective who suggested looking at the trash first rather than later, who didn't want the body to be there forever..no i don't think he did it but those are the types of people i suspect.

imo

[Texas48]

Fla. Town, Family Say Goodbyes To Slain Girl...:sad:
Posted: 12:18 pm EDT October 26, 2009
Updated: 6:16 pm EDT October 26, 2009


http://www.wftv.com/news/21427634/detail.html

[velvetbrown]

Good morning to the new thread. :-) Bringing this over and adding to it...


In writing this, I recalled all the good times mom would pack a sack lunch for me on a Saturday morning, with a jar of cold milk and I would take off and play all day in a wooded area close to home with or without my friends. She never worried that I know of and if it had been today, I would have been monitored and would not have had those fun times creating imaginary Indians skulking through the woods and eating hickory nuts, pretending that the river that ran through our town was the banks of an Indian settlement where I visited and other make believe things that made the day fun. Sadly, our children/grandchildren can't have that free imaginary fun time. :sad::sad:

I thought that was you in the tree next to me...

ITA, those days are long gone...

[sunstar]

You said a mouthfull Ray. Discovering the body at the landfill on just a hunch......:mellow: sounds like more than a hunch to me. Plus all registered SO-now LE is saying within a 5 mile radius --have been cleared.

What is that telling us? That either the perp is not a SO who is registered.............or he/she is someone other than a SO. Also tells us that DNA possibly wasn't under the nails of the victim.
Who killed this child and threw her away as trash?!?!
I literally am shocked that no arrest has been made.

Hi! I agree that if the perp was a RSO and DNA was found on Somer's body, we'd have an arrest by now. So I also agree that it may be somebody who isn't in the system, or maybe any DNA left on her body became so degraded because she was in the trash? :shrug: MOO

[cantstandnuts]

I am not real sure about the whole state of Indiana but I do know were I grew up all kids had a bus to ride home my dad has and is a bus driver there for the past 30 plus years. I would also like to add any kids who do not have a parent home there is a program for them to stay at until 6pm and the parents can pick them up at the school gym.

I also lived in a bigger town and my son in grade school lived with in 1 mile and there was NO bus so they walked or you picked them up or walked them there and back home which I was lucky enough to do and NO after school care in that town which has much more crime there is a boys and girls club but there was NO busing to get them there they had to be dropped off and it was no where close to any of the many schools

I think our schools need to have after school care for working parents, these days it is just to dangerous for kids to be walking home no matter what, and when I say no busing of course there is the regular town buses but sorry my kids do not ride those they would have had to of walked and waited at a bus stop. ALL JMO

Bolding mine.

We have the same setup at my son's elementary school. We are lucky as DH is a stay at home dad who picks up jobs in carpentry on the side; he can work around our son's schedule.

But, way back when, I was a single mom who had a daughter to raise and a 7-3:30pm work schedule. Stunk both ways, because I couldn't drop her or pick her up. I had to pay for a private day care to do that. Wasn't cheap. Lucky for me, I earned enough to make that work.

For those poor families living hand to mouth, it has to be excruciating. They can't afford what I could, but they have to work. It's no wonder they allow their kids to walk to school. They have (literally) no other choice. I agree, there should be school programs that will allow for that. However, schools have been the subject of budget cuts that barely allow them to function. This could work out nicely if the school didn't have to foot the bill. Maybe that's where "it takes a village" comes in.

[GentleBreeze]

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d26-John-Walsh-of-Americas-Most-Wanted-says-Somer-Thompsons-killer-may-be-serial-predator-video

John Walsh of ‘America’s Most Wanted’ says Somer Thompson's killer may be serial predator (video)

[n/t]

You said a mouthfull Ray. Discovering the body at the landfill on just a hunch......:mellow: sounds like more than a hunch to me. Plus all registered SO-now LE is saying within a 5 mile radius --have been cleared.

What is that telling us? That either the perp is not a SO who is registered.............or he/she is someone other than a SO. Also tells us that DNA possibly wasn't under the nails of the victim.
Who killed this child and threw her away as trash?!?!
I literally am shocked that no arrest has been made.

I'm shocked too. When they searched the landfill, I thought for sure they acted on a tip and they knew who did this. Now I'm asking myself a gazillion questions and some make me very uneasy.

I just pray this case doesn't go cold like so many others.

[sunstar]

I'm shocked too. When they searched the landfill, I thought for sure they acted on a tip and they knew who did this. Now I'm asking myself a gazillion questions and some make me very uneasy.

I just pray this case doesn't go cold like so many others.

It is even more "strange" (for lack of a better word) that LE's hunch proved true without even a suspect in mind. Thank goodness Somer's body was recovered though! MOO

[Jayne]

I'm shocked too. When they searched the landfill, I thought for sure they acted on a tip and they knew who did this. Now I'm asking myself a gazillion questions and some make me very uneasy.

I just pray this case doesn't go cold like so many others.

I thought I posted this..but guess not.

When a body/person is missing...they check dumpsters..if they've been picked up..they follow them. It's protocol.

As I knew it

jmo

J

[lune3]

Line Stretches at Somer Thompson Visitation with a video, briefly showing Diena and her three children. Many many people going to the visitation, ..such community support.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=147103&catid=3

[sunstar]

I thought I posted this..but guess not.

When a body/person is missing...they check dumpsters..if they've been picked up..they follow them. It's protocol.

As I knew it

jmo

J

Thanks Jayne ~ in this case it seemed to be described more as a "hunch" by one LE detective so I think that's why it seemed odd to me that there wasn't a POI in mind, at least by now. Do you think DNA would've been completely compromised by her being in the trash and landfill? MOO

[Leanne Weich]

I'm getting worried that there's been no arrest yet. Somer was snatched in the space of seconds, in broad daylight, from a street (we think) where schoolchildren pass by. She was dumped in a local dumpster or trash bin. This made me believe the perp took an opportunity and was sloppy, especially due to so little time.

Now I'm not so sure this guy was all that sloppy, possibly more clever than we expected. Just hope that LE indeed has a suspect in view and are just getting their Ts crossed. But I'm uneasy that this may not be the case.

They may have scads of forensic evidence but if the perp. has not been convicted and had DNA entered into the system, LE is still searching for a needle in a haystack, imo.

[Rayosunshine]

OMG, did you hear the woman who called into Prime News and said that the mother (Deina) should be looked at more closely because she doesn't appear to be grieving at all and that they believed basically that the mother did this. How could you not see this womans genuine pain??? Even Mike looked completely shocked. I know and we know it can happen, but I'm sorry... nothing this woman has done warrants anything such accusation. IMO.

Those who have not been there have absolutely no clue as to how "we" should react upon losing a child. Hopefully, they will never find out. I understand Somer's mom's grief; I can say "I know and I understand".

[Rayosunshine]

I'm shocked too. When they searched the landfill, I thought for sure they acted on a tip and they knew who did this. Now I'm asking myself a gazillion questions and some make me very uneasy.

I just pray this case doesn't go cold like so many others.

Makes me real uneasy too. I think a certain group needs to look amongst themselves.

[lune3]

They may have scads of forensic evidence but if the perp. has not been convicted and had DNA entered into the system, LE is still searching for a needle in a haystack, imo.

This is precisely what's worrying me. A perp who has either never been caught or one who is brand new....even a teenager. No criminal record, no DNA in a data base, no fingerprints on file. ( or does FL require thumbprints on a driver's license?)
Or...a very clever serial killer who is not a resident of the area and is long out of town.

[Rayosunshine]

What are the odds that LE knows who the perp is and will make an arrest after services tomorrow?

[Jayne]

What are the odds that LE knows who the perp is and will make an arrest after services tomorrow?

50% (I'd say more...but am being conservative).

jmo

J

[lune3]

50% (I'd say more...but am being conservative).

jmo

J

I sure hope so. The fact that LE is making no statements and no new info has been reported, no PC updating, no new requests for tips, nothing, ..I hope means that they DO in fact have someone and are waiting till after the service.

[SaraSidle]

The "indigo link"? Yes, I did know about Sean Patton and the connection to Indigo.
Not sure I follow. Do you mean there is a separate forum for this here? I was researching and found a site that defined "Indigo people" and didn't know if anyone was interested in it. Please let me know what you meant by "indigo link".
http://www.quantumtouch.com/index.php?country=1&search_loc=593&search=sean+patton&limit=0&limitstart=0&type=practitioners&limitstart=0&option=com_profiles&view=profiles
From the links thread Rayosunshine. I am sorry if there was confusion on my part. I thought you were looking for it. sara

[Nascargal]

For little Somer and her family as she is laid to rest fly with the angels baby girl:rose:

[Rayosunshine]

I just wish they would do it like yesterday.

WTH is NG thinking. There is a child killer stalking babies and she is talking about balloon boy.

I want LE to find the killer so bad it just makes me sick. Last night I was having a dream and I kept asking for the answer. I think of all the family but mostly her twin. Mine have always told me how they could not live without the other. I took one on a trip once just the two of us and he kept calling home to talk to him. He told me he missed looking in his eyes when they tell jokes. I just keep thinking about that bond.....

THESE MONSTERS ARE OUT RUIN AS MANY LIVES AS THEY CAN.......

I have no idea how LE can work these cases and see these broken bodies!

I too was ticked off to see how much air time and exposure is being given to the Heeney's. Sick.

[AnnieKins]

What are the odds that LE knows who the perp is and will make an arrest after services tomorrow?

I don't know... but why would they wait?

[AnnieKins]

I just wish they would do it like yesterday.

WTH is NG thinking. There is a child killer stalking babies and she is talking about balloon boy.

I want LE to find the killer so bad it just makes me sick. Last night I was having a dream and I kept asking for the answer. I think of all the family but mostly her twin. Mine have always told me how they could not live without the other. I took one on a trip once just the two of us and he kept calling home to talk to him. He told me he missed looking in his eyes when they tell jokes. I just keep thinking about that bond.....

THESE MONSTERS ARE OUT RUIN AS MANY LIVES AS THEY CAN.......

I have no idea how LE can work these cases and see these broken bodies!

I so agree with what I've bolded, TT! What is she thinking?! There are so many missing/murdered young women/girls right now who need to have their cases out in the public eye. I've written to to NG at the CNN site, but I'm sure that will go in one ear and out the other with the producers.

[moonlite]

I find it odd that Somer's body was found so fast, and in another state no less, and there are no leads on the perp yet. I'm not buying a perp coming out of retirement. There is something about checking that landfill so fast.

Greetings"
Rayosunshine"

I heard that too about the perp coming out of retirement on HLN. IMO' I don't think the perp is that old or has a high level of maturity.I agree the perp was sloppy and acted in haste. I think if this was seasoned perp; so to speak he/she would not have dumped Somer in the trash.

Moonlite

[Not Telling]

I know I just want this monster arrested soon. It could be a RSO from another area........or one of the 100,000 who have gone missing. That is what spooks me.

That is why this keeps happening over and over. Every time I do a little more research and I get sicker and sicker about this subject. These SO create future SO out of their repeated victims. Something has to be done about it.

I just have to say again that computer chips are what we need to do. We cannot depend on these Monsters to register themselves.......that does not do much good anyway. When a child goes missing we need to be able to track the SO and hopefully also the children right away. We cannot wait for DNA and all that........once they are gone they are gone........either tortured then murdered or tortured repeatedly and maybe we get them by by some chance happening. That is just is not enough. GPS Chips would save time, money and most importantly LIVES!!


I don't believe GPS chips are the answer... Often times, by the time victims are reported missing and a search is organized, they are already dead... If there are more than a few SO in the area it will take some time for LE to figure out where each of them is and has been recently...It may help LE to locate the body, but I doubt it will prevent many victims from being killed... Other than incarceration, chemical castration is the best chance to stop a SO... jmo

[Not Telling]

What are the odds that LE knows who the perp is and will make an arrest after services tomorrow?

Why would LE wait until after the services tomorrow to make an arrest? It would just give the suspect more time to destroy any evidence, cover his tracks, commit suicide or even possibly escape from their surveillance...

[Not Telling]

I am thinking that she was put in a landfill because it was perhaps daylight hours, instead of water........so perhaps she was in a trash bag to help conceal the body. That would help preserve evidence.

God there should be some kind of camera somewhere that caught something. They said they found which trash truck was used......wonder if it came from a store lot......

Remember LE took some heat for waiting so long to search that dumpster in the Haleigh case also in Florida......possibly most vowed not to make such a mistake.

I don't think she was in a trash bag because LE said they located her body because they saw her legs sticking out from the trash...

[moonlite]

Line Stretches at Somer Thompson Visitation with a video, briefly showing Diena and her three children. Many many people going to the visitation, ..such community support.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=147103&catid=3

Greetings'
Lune3'

Thanks for the link. I really hope the police are taping all the events connected to Somer. I mean the perp could be among the crowd. I hope police are watching peoples body language too. Plus' if the perp is in the crowd he/she could act out later in the evening or after the event.IMO Too bad we can't check the police log for Wednesday and Thursday. I mean to see if the police get called out into the neighborhood for a disturbance or anything that might draw out the perp.

Moonlite

[moonlite]

Why would LE wait until after the services tomorrow to make an arrest? It would just give the suspect more time to destroy any evidence, cover his tracks, commit suicide or even possibly escape from their surveillance...

Greetings"
Not Telling"

The police could be waiting for an arrest if they do have suspect. Because it could be part of their strategy to see how the perp reacts to his/her actions of murdering a child. I mean it could be possible that the police know and just want the perp to crack.IMO

Moonlite

[beachpatty]

Anybody see this?

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d26-Report-4-men-arrested-for-armed-robbery-at-Somer-Thompsons-home-hours-before-body-found

I'm confused :(
Beachpatty

[darcie]

May God keep you forevermore in the garden of Saints little one. Rest in peace Somer, rest in peace.

[BevAnn]

museumgirl - your last sentence sent shivers down my spine... :sad:

[n/t]

Prayers going out to Somer's family today as she is laid to rest :rose:

RIP sweet baby girl. :rose:

[kelloggirl]

My belief is that the suspect was working at or near the vacant house, and police know it, but don't have the evidence to either point to the specific person or for probable cause until all the evidence from the house is processed and comes back from the labs. The details of the crime do speak to a hasty, abduction of opportunity, with an even hastier disposal - someone who either had to get back somewhere before they were missed and/or did not have access to a car to dispose of the body later.

As far as the detective's hunch - it wasn't really a hunch that the body was there. My readings of all the articles on this matter says they were desperate for clues, and often evidence such as knives, bloody clothing, shoes, gloves, etc are discarded in dumpsters by murderers. His suggestion was to look in the dumpsters, follow the trucks, to look for these type of clues, NOT for the body. They did not expect to find the body at all. And it wasn't like they just got there, and went to one area and someone pointed out the body. It was painstaking, dirty, agonizing work of sifting through 100 tons of trash before they found Somer. It was a combination of detectives' experience and intuition, with hours and hours of hard, grueling, horrible work, and luck or divine providence that led to the discovery of Somers' body, IMO.

[Rayosunshine]

I don't think she was in a trash bag because LE said they located her body because they saw her legs sticking out from the trash...

Given that her body was found in another state, the perp probably knew this and thought her body wouldn't be found. If it wasn't for the brilliant idea that a member of LE woke up with, she may have not ever been found.

[Rayosunshine]

Anybody see this?

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d26-Report-4-men-arrested-for-armed-robbery-at-Somer-Thompsons-home-hours-before-body-found

I'm confused :(
Beachpatty

I'd be interested in knowing the time on these arrests and when SP removed his pic from his website. He's hiding from something.

[Chica]

I'd be interested in knowing the time on these arrests and when SP removed his pic from his website. He's hiding from something.

Why do you think that he is involved? Just wondering. How long has Diena known Sean?

[Chica]

I do beleive I remember reading early on in this case, that they had the wrong address on the police report and this did not occur at their home. IIRC...I'm sure another poster will know for sure. MOO

I do not remember reading that the report had the wrong address. I thought they were arrested while at the home.

[Kathlb]

Given that her body was found in another state, the perp probably knew this and thought her body wouldn't be found. If it wasn't for the brilliant idea that a member of LE woke up with, she may have not ever been found.

Usually when homes, apartments, etc are being renovated and especially one after a fire, down here they contract with the local trash companies to have one of those huge dumpsters parked in front of the home and everything gutted out of the home getting it ready to redo, goes into that. And they usually know where it's going. So that could have played a part in the dective's decision and if they found her in a rubble of items from that home being fixed, they would have a pretty fair idea that one of them did it. Probably why they are looking hard at the workers. JMHO

[koawally]

May God keep you forevermore in the garden of Saints little one. Rest in peace Somer, rest in peace.

So sweet darcie!!

What a heartbreaking day:rose: God Bless you lil Somer


WOW...LE stating this horrific crime not being solved quickly makes me think there was more than meets the eye with John Walsh mentioning the unsolved cases of missing children years back in the same area lil Somer went missing...John stated a SO may have come out from retirement

[Rayosunshine]

Usually when homes, apartments, etc are being renovated and especially one after a fire, down here they contract with the local trash companies to have one of those huge dumpsters parked in front of the home and everything gutted out of the home getting it ready to redo, goes into that. And they usually know where it's going. So that could have played a part in the dective's decision and if they found her in a rubble of items from that home being fixed, they would have a pretty fair idea that one of them did it. Probably why they are looking hard at the workers. JMHO

Someone refresh my memory please.

The landfill site the body was found in was a site for what garbage? Regular household garbage or business dumpster garbage? Thanks.

[Rayosunshine]

Was Somer's body released in time for the services today?

[Riverwalk!]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=188317&catid=28

WTSP) ORANGE PARK, FL -- Many who turned out to say goodbye to 7-year old Somer Thompson had their own personal story.

As traffic slowed outside of First Baptist Church in Orange Park, mourners trickled out. That included Dickie Thomas, the first in line.

+ video

[Rayosunshine]

http://www.ksdk.com/news/national/story.aspx?storyid=188317&catid=28

WTSP) ORANGE PARK, FL -- Many who turned out to say goodbye to 7-year old Somer Thompson had their own personal story.

As traffic slowed outside of First Baptist Church in Orange Park, mourners trickled out. That included Dickie Thomas, the first in line.

+ video

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Dickie Thomas?

[Riverwalk!]

Pardon my ignorance, but who is Dickie Thomas?

I haven't the slightest idea. He's just mentioned in the report and on the video. :confused:

[BorderCollieMom]

I truly don't know any more. My grandchildren live in Texas and I haven't asked about the bus schedules there. But in our town long ago, it was if you lived inside the city limits or not. If you did, no bus. If you lived outside of them, you had a bus.


You can catch the bus IF you live MORE than 2 miles from the school.

[Riverwalk!]

You can catch the bus IF you live MORE than 2 miles from the school.

Correct or if the area is considered "dangerous for children" ... i.e. a narrow bridge, over a dam, low water crossing, etc. = then eligible for the school bus.

[Chica]

It was the wrong address on the reports IMO. Someone here posted emails traded with a couple of local reporters. They asked and LE said just was entered wrong.

Well. for Pete's sake.....can't anyone print anything factual? What a weird thing to do. What about the SO who was missing? DidLE ever find him after interviewing him at the home? TIA

[Chica]

Correct or if the area is considered "dangerous for children" ... i.e. a narrow bridge, over a dam, low water crossing, etc. = then eligible for the school bus.

Where I live it is 2 miles.

[camracrazy]

For some reason, the idea popped into my head last night that the perp might be someone who had some kind of run-in with the family in the past (maybe a seemingly minor one). Remember that man that shot the teenager for walking across his yard?

Maybe it was someone who is a little mentally "off" but generally considered harmless in the neighborhood. Possibly could have gotten tired of kids cutting through a yard, or tired of kids toys landing in the yard (baseballs, basketballs) and for some reason something triggered an anger that day like Somer taking a shortcut through the yard to hide from her siblings. I wonder if there have ever been any incidents with any of the neighbors?

Just my imagination working overtime, I suppose!

[n/t]

I apologize if this was already posted. So discouraging.

====


As for the investigation, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler warned the public the case could take a long time to solve. He said he believes Somer's slaying may be the work of someone who's done this before.

http://www.wesh.com/news/21435396/detail.html

[debbadoo]

Prayers for the family. Pictures at link.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0ZKNq-opItZX0tIqxh3XHB2v9WQD9BJJH1G0
Funeral held for slain Fla. girl
By RON WORD (AP) – 22 minutes ago
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/tampa-conference-aims-to-improve-amber-alert-system/1047287
Tampa conference aims to improve Amber Alert system



How could ANYONE look at that mother's face and think she had ANYTHING to do with the murder of her baby? I just do not get people.....re: post 58......

RIP, Somer.......my heart aches for you, Diena.....mommy to mommy :rose:

[Rayosunshine]

I apologize if this was already posted. So discouraging.

====


As for the investigation, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler warned the public the case could take a long time to solve. He said he believes Somer's slaying may be the work of someone who's done this before.

http://www.wesh.com/news/21435396/detail.html

Well isn't that just peachy keen. So what are parents to do knowing that there is a child killing monster on the prowl? I think they better get over the "long time" and work their tails to the bone on this.

[just42day97]

:thumbsup:

That exact question should be asked at the next and at every school board meeting across the nation.

Parents should continue to ask until they get the right answers.

Safety before money. Period.
This kind of stuff must be stopped. In begins with "us"

ITA!!!!! Every Parent should show up at the next board meeting and get some answers...Children should not have to walk that far to school with SO on the loose the way they are...it's insane..

[Riverwalk!]

http://www.wftv.com/news/21436229/detail.html

George and Cindy Anthony attended and so did Mark Lunsford, whose daughter Jessica was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 2005.

BBM :cursing:

[Riverwalk!]

How far did THESE children walk that day? I can't seem to find that.

I saw a 40minute walk posted, but thought they were only 1/4 mile from the school.

Why would 1/4 mile take 40 minutes?

Earlier I had read it was a little over a mile.

ETA a link
http://news.aol.com/article/somer-thompsons-mother-diena-thompson/464270
Missing child posters featuring Somer's face, with chubby cheeks and thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her home.

[Riverwalk!]

http://www.apimages.com/Search.aspx?st=det&sort=date&id=Girl%20In%20Landfill&showact=events&prds=10092&intv=3d&sh=10&kwstyle=and&adte=1256666576&pagez=60&cfasstyle=AND&

[just42day97]

What??? Looking for tips on how Casey should START acting... how insulting to Diena!!! Mark I can see and I almost expected him to come out and be supportive!

Yea, I was pretty sure Mark would be there..But the Anthony's? I can't say that I am suprised, cause it's just like something they would do...

[Riverwalk!]

The dad, Samuel Thompson, is on HLN by phone. He's remembering his daughter. :crying:

[5boxersmom]

http://www.wftv.com/news/21436229/detail.html

George and Cindy Anthony attended and so did Mark Lunsford, whose daughter Jessica was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 2005.

BBM :cursing:

I knew it. :rolleyes: Not Mark but the Anthony's. I knew they wouldn't pass this up and look they got mentioned in the news. They make me so mad.

:cursing:

jmo

[n/t]

If they pinned it down to which garbage truck, I don't understand why the Sheriff said this is a complexe case. They found her body, they have evidence from the landfill, they have evidence of where she was last seen. Why is it taking such a long time to find this monster? I don't get it.

He also said it won't take computer guru (or something like that) to solve this case but real police work. OK...well....ummmmm let's get to it and get 'er done!

[Rayosunshine]

If they pinned it down to which garbage truck, I don't understand why the Sheriff said this is a complexe case. They found her body, they have evidence from the landfill, they have evidence of where she was last seen. Why is it taking such a long time to find this monster? I don't get it.

He also said it won't take computer guru (or something like that) to solve this case but real police work. OK...well....ummmmm let's get to it and get 'er done!


I don't understand it either. You know that truck has a specific route and doesn't just drive around randomly picking and choosing where to pick up garbage.

[Riverwalk!]

If they pinned it down to which garbage truck, I don't understand why the Sheriff said this is a complexe case. They found her body, they have evidence from the landfill, they have evidence of where she was last seen. Why is it taking such a long time to find this monster? I don't get it.

He also said it won't take computer guru (or something like that) to solve this case but real police work. OK...well....ummmmm let's get to it and get 'er done!

http://jacksonville.com/community/my_clay_sun/2009-10-27/story/memorial_service_for_orange_parks_somer_thompson_a bout_love_a

Note: Monday, Clay Sheriff Rick Beseler said investigators were continuing to work but were keeping a low profile until the services were over.

My GUESS ... is what the sheriff said. Funeral is over. Respects were paid. Now we might see some movement?

[Rayosunshine]

Did anyone here know about the changes SP made to his website, other than to remove his pic? I wonder if LE is aware of the changes.

[Riverwalk!]

Did anyone here know about the changes SP made to his website, other than to remove his pic? I wonder if LE is aware of the changes.

He removed his picture and changed some wording about his "treatment" or whatever he calls it. He added the word "adult" where before it was just children. IMO since I don't have screenshots of his website before.

[Riverwalk!]

http://www.examiner.com/x-23328-True-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Somer-Thompson-new-information-forthcoming

Following Somer Thompson's heavily-attended funeral service at Orange Park Baptist Church and after her burial in Jacksonville Memory Gardens today, Clay County (Florida) Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mary Justino issued an advisory relating to forthcoming information on the 7 year old girl's murder investigation.

more at link

[VC2]

If they pinned it down to which garbage truck, I don't understand why the Sheriff said this is a complexe case. They found her body, they have evidence from the landfill, they have evidence of where she was last seen. Why is it taking such a long time to find this monster? I don't get it.

He also said it won't take computer guru (or something like that) to solve this case but real police work. OK...well....ummmmm let's get to it and get 'er done!


umm i think what it means is they have no DNA/fingerprints/hair that matches anyone known. Even the trash won't necessarily say who did it if it was in the vacant house eta and if it was still having work done it would have had a dumpster :(

So it won't be solved by computer matches, it is going to take old fashioned legwork and prayers

[Riverwalk!]

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/102709_somer_investigation

New video too

On Tuesday more interviews were done in the community. Questions being asked to those who think they saw something and to those who say they didn’t.

Sheriff Beseler says they are still waiting on lab results from the dumpster, the landfill and a house on Gano Street. That evidence could take days even months.

[Riverwalk!]

Samuel Thompson, Somer's dad, will be on Jane Velez Mitchell show tonight on HLN.

[VC2]

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/102709_somer_investigation

New video too

On Tuesday more interviews were done in the community. Questions being asked to those who think they saw something and to those who say they didn’t.

Sheriff Beseler says they are still waiting on lab results from the dumpster, the landfill and a house on Gano Street. That evidence could take days even months.

from the article about new information:
With their extensive investigation ongoing, according to Mary Justino, "At this hour, work is being done to compile specific information about behavior that the suspect in this case might exhibit."

She adds, "This will be finalized by our team overnight and will announced tomorrow."

Justino relates, "As you know, our investigative team includes specialists from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and they continue to provide insight into how best to identify Somer's killer based on their past experience with similar cases in other areas of our country."

sounds like they will be releasing a profile of the suspect.

Some lab work will take days or months but any dna found on her body would have already been processed in a case like this with a child killer loose. IMO it matches to no RSO.

[Riverwalk!]

from the article about new information:


sounds like they will be releasing a profile of the suspect.

Some lab work will take days or months but any dna found on her body would have already been processed in a case like this with a child killer loose. IMO it matches to no RSO.

I agree......

[Rayosunshine]

http://www.examiner.com/x-23328-True-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Somer-Thompson-new-information-forthcoming

Following Somer Thompson's heavily-attended funeral service at Orange Park Baptist Church and after her burial in Jacksonville Memory Gardens today, Clay County (Florida) Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mary Justino issued an advisory relating to forthcoming information on the 7 year old girl's murder investigation.

more at link

I imagine we will probably get a criminal profile.

[VC2]

i listened to the dad on JVM just now it reminded me of th eone article where they sat in different sides of the aisles when he said they have some issues (he and mom) and are working out the interaction with the children :(

so sad.

[Riverwalk!]

i listened to the dad on JVM just now it reminded me of th eone article where they sat in different sides of the aisles when he said they have some issues (he and mom) and are working out the interaction with the children :(

so sad.

Dad was omitted from the obit:

http://www.tributes.com/show/Somer-Thompson-87006332

[n/t]

I agree. I don't believe DNA matches any of the known RSO in their database, however it does puzzle me that the Sheriff would say that it could be someone who has done this before. If that's the case, wouldn't they have a match?

Glad to hear some sort of development will be announced tomorrow. Not sure what good a criminal profile will do if that's what will be announced.

I'd rather hear that they've eliminated relatives and close friends and are now focused on a certain area (garbage truck route) and are reinterviewing and/or have reinterviewed neighbours/acquaintances and witnesses.

Better still, they have a suspect. I wish.:sad:

[n/t]

Dad was omitted from the obit:

http://www.tributes.com/show/Somer-Thompson-87006332

Wow. Wonder what's up with that.

[n/t]

I can't believe the mom left the dad's name off the obit.:confused: That's nothing but cruel.

Anyone notice that Somer's moms sister's last name and one of the 4 men arrested are one and the same? I just read somewhere that the arrested guy and Somer's sister were married at one time.

The home burglary? Not sure what arrest you're talking about.

[sunstar]

http://www.examiner.com/x-23328-True-Crime-Examiner~y2009m10d27-Somer-Thompson-new-information-forthcoming

Following Somer Thompson's heavily-attended funeral service at Orange Park Baptist Church and after her burial in Jacksonville Memory Gardens today, Clay County (Florida) Sheriff's Office spokesperson Mary Justino issued an advisory relating to forthcoming information on the 7 year old girl's murder investigation.

more at link

Hi! Thanks so much for posting the update! I'm trying to catch up on coverage of the funeral and everything else. I hope LE may have formed a profile of the perp? MOO

[n/t]

Yes, I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. There were 4 men arrested at the home and charged with burglary. One of those men and Some's aunt have the same last night. I just read that the aunt and the arrested man were married at one time.

hmmm...interesting. Thanks

[Riverwalk!]

I can't believe the mom left the dad's name off the obit.:confused: That's nothing but cruel.

Anyone notice that Somer's moms sister's last name and one of the 4 men arrested are one and the same? I just read somewhere that the arrested guy and Somer's sister were married at one time.

I noticed that.

"Might" be D. Thompson nephew????????????

[sunstar]

Yes, I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. There were 4 men arrested at the home and charged with burglary. One of those men and Some's aunt have the same last night. I just read that the aunt and the arrested man were married at one time.

OMG! It's bad enough that the burglary took place when it did, but to find out there's a prior family connection to one of the suspects ~ how awful. :angry: MOO

[Riverwalk!]

They are not divorced.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=146932&catid=3

The girl's father is separated from Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, and lives in Graham, N.C.

He's an Iraqi vet. His service in the U.S. Army included a tour of duty in Iraq, where he was injured by being thrown from a truck.
moo

ETA: the other link: http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/florida-29006-bodycopy-daughter.html
Thompson said he’s ready to make a trip to Florida but has been advised by law enforcement there to wait to see what happens.

[Chica]

They are not divorced.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=146932&catid=3

The girl's father is separated from Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, and lives in Graham, N.C.

He's an Iraqi vet. His service in the U.S. Army included a tour of duty in Iraq, where he was injured by being thrown from a truck.
moo

ETA: the other link: http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/florida-29006-bodycopy-daughter.html
Thompson said he’s ready to make a trip to Florida but has been advised by law enforcement there to wait to see what happens.

I was under the impression that a van had been provided for him and friends to make the trip to Florida. Are you saying he never arrived?

[Riverwalk!]

I was under the impression that a van had been provided for him and friends to make the trip to Florida. Are you saying he never arrived?

He was there today. The old LINK (10/21/09) was talking about why he waited before going to Florida. LE asked him to stay in NC. He was at the funeral today.

[sunstar]

He was there today. The old LINK (10/21/09) was talking about why he waited before going to Florida. LE asked him to stay in NC. He was at the funeral today.

I feel sorry for Somer's dad. He served his country and was injured. Then he was injured again when he got home. Now his daughter has been murdered. He's in a wheelchair, and dependent on others' generosity in order for him to go to FL for his daughter's funeral. Bless his heart, and I pray for strength for him to get through this. :crying: MOO

[GentleBreeze]

They are not divorced.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=146932&catid=3

The girl's father is separated from Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, and lives in Graham, N.C.

He's an Iraqi vet. His service in the U.S. Army included a tour of duty in Iraq, where he was injured by being thrown from a truck.
moo

ETA: the other link: http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/florida-29006-bodycopy-daughter.html
Thompson said he’s ready to make a trip to Florida but has been advised by law enforcement there to wait to see what happens.

So they are still married? Doesn't she have a boyfriend?

tia

[Riverwalk!]

So they are still married? Doesn't she have a boyfriend?

tia

She does: Charles Perry Currier and goes by Perry. The parents are separated but not divorced, yet.

Here's his picture

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-somer-thompson420091027085442,0,1531351.photo

[Riverwalk!]

Even here: Somer's parents, Diena and Samuel Thompson, who are estranged, sat across the aisle from each other during the funeral.

http://news.aol.com/article/funeral-held-for-slain-florida-girl/739296
+ slide show

Bothers me that he wasn't sitting with the family. Just my thing. Bugs me. Makes me sad for this Army Vet. Sorry. Going to bed now.

I hope the LE has leads to find who did this to Somer. RIP pretty girl.

[GentleBreeze]

She does: Charles Perry Currier and goes by Perry. The parents are separated but not divorced, yet.

Here's his picture

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-somer-thompson420091027085442,0,1531351.photo

Thank you so much, River.

imo

[Jayne]

IA..

I find it despicable that they sat on other sides of the aisle? Good Lord..they created this beautiful little Girl. SHOVE any animosity or child support, etc. aside. Their little girl died at the hands of some monster (or some horrific accident - which I don't think)..but they are the parents. God knows..if I were married to someone who lost a child..I'd be there by HIS side..but I'd Step Aside, if necessary and appropriate, to let - Encourage - him sit by his child's mother's side.

Why can't people Get Along? Can't they ALL hug each other? Be There Together? this wasn't a cocktail party..it was a memorial/funeral for their child.

So very very Odd...Weddings..they can be awful..with parents who are divorced and at odds..then Birth of a Grandchild..same thing often..then something like this? Death of THEIR Child?

jmo

j

[VC2]

If the father committed an unspeakable act against his daughter, Somer, then yes, to omit his name would be justified. But, for ANY other reason such as a bitter divorce, there is NO excuse. Why can't some GET OVER their own anger and selfish ego for the sake of their child? When you lose a child, there is no more ego. There is no more selfishness. There is only the loss of a child two people created together with love at some point in their lives. Come together for Somer. Can't bitterness be put aside? If not for this tragic event, then God help your soul.

There are a few things we don't know. 1. its possible that he was abusive as a father, remember he has not seen the children for 2years. (i don't know when he came back from iraq so that could or could not be a factor. His recent car accident means he can put no weight on his leg for 3 months). He could have chosen not to see them, again we don't know. It could be court ordered that he doesn't see them, we don't know.

2. Diena probably did not write the obit herself but if she did, under the stress and grief she may just not have realised she omitted him, thinking of "the family" as the ones around Somer.

3. If she did not write it herself the blame may be on someone else, or again it was an oversight by them.

Lets not bash either until we know.

IMO

[GentleBreeze]

Me, too. That was insensitive and cruel (unless..like you said..and if so...then what?) And, STUPID?

My opinion has definitely changed...yes..she is the Mom..and she lost her daughter..but she denied her daughter's FATHER - who is in horrible shape..and no matter if he wasn't the Best Dad Ever..he is her Father.

jmo

J

ITA Jayne

Imo she not only made it look like Somer had no father she excluded him as if this wasn't his daughter.

I feel sorry for him as well as Somer. She has a daddy and he should have been listed.

imo

[Jayne]

There are a few things we don't know. 1. its possible that he was abusive as a father, remember he has not seen the children for 2years. (i don't know when he came back from iraq so that could or could not be a factor. His recent car accident means he can put no weight on his leg for 3 months). He could have chosen not to see them, again we don't know. It could be court ordered that he doesn't see them, we don't know.

2. Diena probably did not write the obit herself but if she did, under the stress and grief she may just not have realised she omitted him, thinking of "the family" as the ones around Somer.

3. If she did not write it herself the blame may be on someone else, or again it was an oversight by them.

Lets not bash either until we know.

IMO

Yes, in a sense, my cyber friend VC. If a court ordered it, he wouldn't be there for the funeral. I would think..or the media would have been all over this one. Maybe Diena didn't write it..don't know..but my brother and I (and with some help from Dad) wrote our mother's obit and wrote back and forth and back and forth..until we got it "Right". We included all Family...especially Immediate Family..and would have if a parent had been "Estranged". How? Can someone omit the Father of this little girl? IF he abused her, I would make sure he didn't step a foot into Florida..one way or another. I doubt that is the case..but who knows?

Maybe it was an oversight..but I'd think she'd step up to the plate and Say So at the service. Maybe she did and we just don't know about it?

I do not mean to bash her at all, but this is horrible if it was deliberate, or an accident and not "fixed". I would think that even if they had a sad divorce, even if Dad wasn't always there or didn't provide like she wanted or expected or kept up with court orders, here is his daughter - dead. At least he wasn't pushed outside the doors. However..do we know if he decided to sit across from her and she just sat there and didn't go comfort him? Think about it..

jmo

J

[AmndaRcknwth]

The first clue was when Sammy said the Sheriff's office called to ask if Somer called him.

The second clue was when the Sheriff's office called him to say they found a girl with a birthmark on her shin.

What makes you (anyone) think she'd list him in the obit.

Well, I was surprised and yes, it is cruel. nasty divorce or not, this is vindictive.

[marinewife5]

The first clue was when Sammy said the Sheriff's office called to ask if Somer called him.

The second clue was when the Sheriff's office called him to say they found a girl with a birthmark on her shin.

What makes you (anyone) think she'd list him in the obit.

Well, I was surprised and yes, it is cruel. nasty divorce or not, this is vindictive.

how sad for everyone involved. and even a "correction" can't undo what's been done. i've never been in a situation with my daughter's father (my husband) where i would have animosity towards him, so i hesitate to judge. but it is something that not only somer's father, but his children will always know.

jmo

[Riverwalk!]

The first clue was when Sammy said the Sheriff's office called to ask if Somer called him.

The second clue was when the Sheriff's office called him to say they found a girl with a birthmark on her shin.

What makes you (anyone) think she'd list him in the obit.

Well, I was surprised and yes, it is cruel. nasty divorce or not, this is vindictive.

False reports to daddy Samuel Thompson:

That news was an awful blow to her brother, Holt said. He nearly had a breakdown not long after, when someone claiming to be part of the search team in Florida told him they had positively identified the child as his daughter because of a birthmark. The claim was quickly found to be false after a call to the sheriff, she said.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Body-found-in-search-for-Somer-Thompson/3BnhZ7zntkabHN2YXWCsyw.cspx

10/22/09 was the date of this "news". SICK

From AP: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jku48f5fXyywrpAYRzKaZ-jgoEFAD9BFPST80

Same thing: false report to Dad.

Trying to go to bed. This is disturbing to me.

MOO

[nana2]

Dad was omitted from the obit:

http://www.tributes.com/show/Somer-Thompson-87006332

oh wow!! That puts my hinky meter into high gear!!! Im sorry but her mom just rubs me the wrong way, I find myself searching for the tears everytime??!!

[AmndaRcknwth]

False reports to daddy Samuel Thompson:

That news was an awful blow to her brother, Holt said. He nearly had a breakdown not long after, when someone claiming to be part of the search team in Florida told him they had positively identified the child as his daughter because of a birthmark. The claim was quickly found to be false after a call to the sheriff, she said.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Body-found-in-search-for-Somer-Thompson/3BnhZ7zntkabHN2YXWCsyw.cspx

10/22/09 was the date of this "news". SICK

From AP: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jku48f5fXyywrpAYRzKaZ-jgoEFAD9BFPST80

Same thing: false report to Dad.

Trying to go to bed. This is disturbing to me.

MOO

Riverwalk, I know it was recanted, they said no, no, no... and then a few hours later, they announced tentative ID based on the clothes and birthmark.

No search party was in the landfill, only the cops. So, my assumption is... one of the officers called Sam.

[Rayosunshine]

Hi, Elyssa,

Who wrote the obit? Was the divorce a bitter one? I can't really judge until I really know more. I don't think I'll judge even then. :sad:

My son's obit was written by myself and my husband, while we were at the funeral home making arrangements. I think it has to be written by next of kin, when available. I know that photos to be placed in the obit must be hand delivered by next of kin to the newspaper office, or they will not accept them.

[Rayosunshine]

So they are still married? Doesn't she have a boyfriend?

tia

Don't know about still being married, but she lives with her boyfriend.

It is just horrible that Diena would omit Somer's father from the obit. Not only was Somer's dad wronged, but Somer was too.

[Rayosunshine]

There are a few things we don't know. 1. its possible that he was abusive as a father, remember he has not seen the children for 2years. (i don't know when he came back from iraq so that could or could not be a factor. His recent car accident means he can put no weight on his leg for 3 months). He could have chosen not to see them, again we don't know. It could be court ordered that he doesn't see them, we don't know.

2. Diena probably did not write the obit herself but if she did, under the stress and grief she may just not have realised she omitted him, thinking of "the family" as the ones around Somer.

3. If she did not write it herself the blame may be on someone else, or again it was an oversight by them.

Lets not bash either until we know.

IMO

I read the obits every day, and most mention the mother and father's name, as well as step-parents. I'm not buying the "stress" thing. Diena obviously knows that Somer had two parents and chose to omit one of them. I, for one, will not cut her any slack for this omission, that will forever be in the records.

[AmndaRcknwth]

Tearful interview with Dad, includes video:

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/actionlocal/story/Somers-father-shares-his-pain/MBbEYtT-xEmxnyd-Fz0DTw.cspx

[AmndaRcknwth]

Snow White, I'm leaning the same way, and I do not want to imagine. My God.

[Rayosunshine]

False reports to daddy Samuel Thompson:

That news was an awful blow to her brother, Holt said. He nearly had a breakdown not long after, when someone claiming to be part of the search team in Florida told him they had positively identified the child as his daughter because of a birthmark. The claim was quickly found to be false after a call to the sheriff, she said.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Body-found-in-search-for-Somer-Thompson/3BnhZ7zntkabHN2YXWCsyw.cspx

10/22/09 was the date of this "news". SICK

From AP: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jku48f5fXyywrpAYRzKaZ-jgoEFAD9BFPST80

Same thing: false report to Dad.

Trying to go to bed. This is disturbing to me.

MOO

Wonder who it was that made the false calls? Could the perp be the one?

[Rayosunshine]

If the perp is a serial, pedophile, Satanic killer why doesn't LE have his DNA? Why hasn't an arrest been made? I don't think LE has a viable clue as to who did this horrendous thing. IF they did they'd have made an arrest now, imo. Look how many days ago the remains were found and no one's been named a POI much less a suspect. Something is very wrong with this entire case.

They would have the DNA only if he/she has already been caught for another crime previously. This could well be someone who has never been arrested/caught.

[AmndaRcknwth]

First time. Let's hope if this is the case they find him/her.

Look at the Elizabeth Olten case... 15 yr old girl. Rumored to be post-death mutilation, and premeditated.

[lune3]

If the perp is a serial, pedophile, Satanic killer why doesn't LE have his DNA? Why hasn't an arrest been made? I don't think LE has a viable clue as to who did this horrendous thing. IF they did they'd have made an arrest now, imo. Look how many days ago the remains were found and no one's been named a POI much less a suspect. Something is very wrong with this entire case.

What's really chilling me is that this perp may be both a serial killer and clever enough not to leave evidence. After all, if he's done this before, he hasn't been caught. Other victims may never have been found. There may BE no DNA in any data base.
How was he to know some cop would come up with the brilliant idea to chase the garbage route at the very BEGINNING....it's not usual.

I considered a teenager, a sadistic crazy woman even, like Melissa Huckaby, a sicko neighbour ...but I'd think such a person would have been caught by now. The crime SEEMED sloppy, so little time, yet maybe this guy PLANNED it to look sloppy, nearly obvious with that abandoned house there. I'm starting to wonder if this guy isn't only vicious and clever, but is making a statement to authorities, playing a game with them. God, it's just horrible.

[Jayne]

OMgosh, I forgot about Melissa Huckaby. You're right lune3 on all points.
Sure seems planned doesn't it?

yep...you and lune3...

he could be sending them on a wild goose chase..

jmo

J

They are NOT stupid..they are very crafty..and sinister..but if they change their MO time to time..it's difficult to find..even with the FBI

This could have been an "accident"? I don't think so..can a 6/7 year old throw themselves into a garbage container? And, we still don't know if she was sexually assaulted, etc. right?

I think the LE has a "lead" of some sort...they know it isn't known/local SOs..but it fits some sort of dimension. If it were an accident..they'd have said so by now, I'd think.

I'd say a neighbor or..yes..a serial killer..But WHY there? I guess they just go around looking for victims? NOPE..they FIND them.

jmo

[lune3]

If this perp is not found, then I have to say it's a guy who knows what he's doing..and has EXPERIENCE. A guy who upping his own savage "game", the challenge if you will. Broad daylight, residential area, kids walking home from school, possibility of lots of witnesses, very little time...
Premeditated, carefully planned.

As Snow White said....we could be reading about a next case sooner than later.

Chills me to think this person could be watching, reading everything if he's such a type.

I'm afraid of what we are going to hear tomorrow regarding a possible profile and "behaviour".

[debbadoo]

IF Somer's mother was the one to write the obit, then SHAME on her. If it was someone else, then shame on them! Sam was her father and nothing will EVER change that....divorce, death, whatever the case may be. I am sure that although Somer didn't see her father much the last couple of years that she didn't think of him often and vice versa!

Reading that obit made me very sad. :sad:

[AnnieKins]

Dad was omitted from the obit:

http://www.tributes.com/show/Somer-Thompson-87006332

This absolutely makes me sick. I don't care how much she despises her ex-husband; he is STILL the father of those children.

There has got to be a huge amount of hatred in that woman's heart to do that to Somer's dad. I am not impressed. :mad:

[AnnieKins]

The home burglary? Not sure what arrest you're talking about.

Someone... please fill me in here. The last I heard on this board was that there was no home burglary, that the address on the police report was wrong.

Then I heard on JVM that it actually happened. What is the truth?

[AnnieKins]

To omit the father from the obit has changed my opinion of the mother. There is NO reason on God's green earth to hurt the father like this. I don't care what he has done in the past unless he abused his daughter for the mother to do this. When you omit someone as a loving person in the deceased's life it is a personal vendetta perpetuated by the remaining parent. Ron and Chrystal can not come together for their Haleigh either. To me, it reveals selfishness on the mother's part. Unless the father has molested or abused his daughter, being omitted from the obituary was nothing but selfish and cruel. I feel even worse for Elizabeth now that I see that her mother is so vindictive and hurtful. imo

I completely agree with your post, Chica. I am now looking at the mother with a different eye. It takes someone really 'speshul' to do something this cruel at such a horrific time in their lives.

[Leanne Weich]

I just noticed you also live on the Chesapeake Bay...you must be smart! This is my first post on this case. I cannot think of anything that a parent could do that would justify being omitted from the obit. I am not sure what to think about this sad, sad case. It was very smart of them to look in the landfills right away. If it is not already I feel that should be a SOP for child cases. I wonder if this person was watching the children or just had the luckiest moment of his life when she came along alone. Where did he take her? Was it to the house? I promise I will go back and read. I know posters here know so much more than the talking heads. jmo

I don't understand it either. I think there is a lot to do with the dynamics between mom and dad that we don't know. He didn't even sit on the same side of the church and I did notice in his pleas for Somer's return he referred to himself as "Daddy Sam". Thought that was odd. I'd think one could put one's differences aside for one day if you are divorced (unless he'd molested her) for a wedding or a funeral. JMHO.

[just42day97]

I don't understand it either. I think there is a lot to do with the dynamics between mom and dad that we don't know. He didn't even sit on the same side of the church and I did notice in his pleas for Somer's return he referred to himself as "Daddy Sam". Thought that was odd. I'd think one could put one's differences aside for one day if you are divorced (unless he'd molested her) for a wedding or a funeral. JMHO.

I would think..(there I go thinking again..lol) that if he had molested her then it would have came out by now...
ITA with you...seems like they could put aside any differences for the sake of Somer on the day she is buried..
IDK..that is kinda strange to me to leave him out of the obit...

[Ninja108]

I hope this guy hasn't done this before. If he has, I hope there's a pattern that they can nail $#@ with. I just hope police look at all angles. The chances it's a male, very high but the Sandra Cantu case and the Elizabeth Olten recently, means LE shouldn't rule out anything about the perp.

[doctor_J]

The obit was not an oversight. I am, unfortunately, very familiar with the procedure for writing obits. The funeral home would have been deliberately required by the custodial parent to omit the father's name. The standard procedure is to determine the father's name from the birth and death certificate (they must match) and they must be listed unless the person with the legal authority to do so requires that it be omitted. They would not take the recommendations of another relative. There are liability issues at stake for the funeral home. She almost certainly had to sign a document releasing the funeral home from any liability. It is unlikely that the funeral home would be negligent in such a high profile case. They will be sued unless they followed procedure.

I am disturbed by this. Very vindictive. We know he payed child support. As a veteran, he had no choice. Downright mean, actually. Makes me seriously guestion her judgement when combined with whatever she was doing with this Indigo whackjob watching the kids (I don't know him but that website is total bs and a scam to boot)

Regardless of the kind of person or even the kind of mother she is, I feel sorry for her. I just hate to see such an example set for the remaining children.

[Not Telling]

Yes, and you have to strike while the iron is hot, while this is fresh in peoples minds. Sure would be nice if they had after school programs also for working parents. People have to work....... it is a fact of life.

I really strongly believe they need GPS computer chips for these RSO.......there is over 100,000 of them missing, the system is not working. If they had it for kids I would get it for my twins and even myself if possible. In the long run it would save a ton of money and LIVES!

Think about it, if there was a sickness within a certain part of the population that caused people to prey upon the lawmakers.......they would find a way to track them pronto.

I doubt I have ever felt so strongly about anything.

There is a sickness within a certain part of the population that causes them to prey upon children and most lawmakers I know have children... Do you believe they don't care about children?

What causes sexual predators to kidnap and kill children isn't the inability to track them, it's the sick and deviant inner compulsion that drives them... That inner compulsion needs to be killed by chemical castration... By the time a child is reported missing, a search organized, all of the RSO in the area are located and their recent locations tracked down, the child is most often already dead... GPS tracking can he helpful in identifying a perpetrator and/or locating and recovering a body, but it is usually not timely enough to stop the murders from taking place....

When used as a mandatory condition of parole, chemical castration decreases the occurance of repeat offenses from 75% to 2%. Pedophiles who spend time festering in a prison cell are given extensive downtime to concoct new sordid sexual fantasies involving children. These horrific visions are translated into terrifying realities once the criminal comes back into contact with children following his inevitable release from prison. Prison simply produces sneakier criminals. Pedophiles do not want to be incarcerated again so they think of new ways to rape children that will avoid detection and future detention. Prison increases aggressive tendencies in male pedophiles while chemical castration addresses the root causes of sexual assault and decreases further sexual deviance.

There are problems with the way GPS technology is used and monitored. False alarms number in the thousands in some jurisdictions, straining manpower and casting doubt on the viability of GPS as a tracking tool for high-profile felons.

In Arizona, a 2007 legislative study found more than 35,000 false alerts by 140 subjects wearing the GPS-monitoring devices. In California, the percentage of transient parolees, those who've been declared homeless, has increased by 900 percent since a law was passed that included GPS as part of the solution. Now, officials say, they're guessing about where the offenders are because more have become transient and the GPS monitoring can be unreliable, especially when the offenders lack real housing where they can charge the devices....

A problem with both GPS tracking and chemical castration is they aren't going to prevent any of the missing RSOs or SO that haven't been caught yet from being tracked, kidnapping and killing.... jmo

http://sentencing.typepad.com/sentencing_law_and_policy/2009/01/sex-offenders-gps-devices-not-a-silver-bullet-states-say.html

[Not Telling]

IA..

I find it despicable that they sat on other sides of the aisle? Good Lord..they created this beautiful little Girl. SHOVE any animosity or child support, etc. aside. Their little girl died at the hands of some monster (or some horrific accident - which I don't think)..but they are the parents. God knows..if I were married to someone who lost a child..I'd be there by HIS side..but I'd Step Aside, if necessary and appropriate, to let - Encourage - him sit by his child's mother's side.

Why can't people Get Along? Can't they ALL hug each other? Be There Together? this wasn't a cocktail party..it was a memorial/funeral for their child.

So very very Odd...Weddings..they can be awful..with parents who are divorced and at odds..then Birth of a Grandchild..same thing often..then something like this? Death of THEIR Child?

jmo

j

Sitting next to each other isn't going to bring their daughter back... If they no longer have the ability to comfort or be comforted by each other, let them at least sit apart and focus on their daughter's funeral instead of how much they hate the person sitting next to them...

I think whatever worked for them is fine with me...It may not have made either of them feel better to sit apart but at the very least it didn't make them feel worse than they already do... I certainly would never call parents whose daughter was just murdered, "despicable" simply because they didn't sit together at the funeral... And how is hugging or being hugged by someone you don't want to be around going to help anyone?

Who knows....maybe the father didn't want to sit next to the mother because she left him out of their daughter's obit?... Why would anyone choose to blame him for that? jmo

[Not Telling]

I've read a lot of bad things in my day but this post absolutely took my breath away.


1). So far police have said, (paraphrasing here) that this was probably
done by someone who had done this before.

2). That the mother shouldn't be allowed to view the child's body.

3). Now they are developing, "according to Mary Justino, "At this hour, work is being done to compile specific information about behavior that the suspect in this case might exhibit."


More than anything that last sentence sent complete chills down my spine.

I know what they are now looking for here and this is the worst case scenario. The police now are looking for a SADISTIC serial killer here.

This ain't good. This ain't good at all and I don't even want to let my mind go to wondering how this little girl lived during the last few moments of her life. God help her. God help the person that did this from doing it to anyone else until the can catch him/her.

Are there any other kinds of serial killers besides sadistic?

[phylcore]

Ray,you said what I was thinking."Not only was Somer's dad wronged, but Somer was too." Leaving out the Dad in the obit was, IMO deliberate.
My hinky meter has been going off along time on the Mom.

[watson]

Sitting next to each other isn't going to bring their daughter back... If they no longer have the ability to comfort or be comforted by each other, let them at least sit apart and focus on their daughter's funeral instead of how much they hate the person sitting next to them...

I think whatever worked for them is fine with me...It may not have made either of them feel better to sit apart but at the very least it didn't make them feel worse than they already do... I certainly would never call parents whose daughter was just murdered, "despicable" simply because they didn't sit together at the funeral... And how is hugging or being hugged by someone you don't want to be around going to help anyone?

Who knows....maybe the father didn't want to sit next to the mother because she left him out of their daughter's obit?... Why would anyone choose to blame him for that? jmo

I completely agree although I will also add that I think all the anger, outrage and nastiness directed toward the mother because the dad's name was not in the obit, is downright silly. I could care less and it has nothing to do with the murder of this child.

[n/t]

I'm still going to stick with my original theory that this horrific crime was committed by someone she knew and trusted. Not necessarily a family member but could be a neighbour, an acquaintance...heck anyone she could've come in contact with in her short life.

I don't believe it was a serial killer.

[watson]

I agree it has nothing to do with her murder, but he lost his daughter physically and by him being left out of the obit, it's like saying he never existed in her life either.

My dad and his first wife put their nastiness aside when my brother died and didn't even go that far and their war had been going on almost 40 years!!!

Whatever anyone else's experience is, is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with anything - except THEIR relationship. I'm not really interested in what this "says" to the dad, this is about Somer.

[marinewife5]

Whatever anyone else's experience is, is irrelevant. It has nothing to do with anything - except THEIR relationship. I'm not really interested in what this "says" to the dad, this is about Somer.

Exactly, this is about Somer, not other poster's posts. and THEIR relationship is extremely relevant to somer and what may have happened to her. We don't know the whole story, but it may have provided the perp with the opportunity to prey on somer. if there was known discord between the parents its possible that somer turned to another adult for comfort and that adult exploited that. somer won't have a wedding or a graduation. that memorial was the closest thing that little girl will have to a "big day" and it is forever tarnished by petty squabbling between her parents. and i don't care what the issue is or was. it was petty compared to the horrific end to that little girl's life. she deserved better than that, and so do her siblings.

also, i agree with n/t...i don't think this was a stranger abduction. it was someone that didn't draw any attention at the time.

jmo

[debbadoo]

The obit was not an oversight. I am, unfortunately, very familiar with the procedure for writing obits. The funeral home would have been deliberately required by the custodial parent to omit the father's name. The standard procedure is to determine the father's name from the birth and death certificate (they must match) and they must be listed unless the person with the legal authority to do so requires that it be omitted. They would not take the recommendations of another relative. There are liability issues at stake for the funeral home. She almost certainly had to sign a document releasing the funeral home from any liability. It is unlikely that the funeral home would be negligent in such a high profile case. They will be sued unless they followed procedure.

I am disturbed by this. Very vindictive. We know he payed child support. As a veteran, he had no choice. Downright mean, actually. Makes me seriously guestion her judgement when combined with whatever she was doing with this Indigo whackjob watching the kids (I don't know him but that website is total bs and a scam to boot)

Regardless of the kind of person or even the kind of mother she is, I feel sorry for her. I just hate to see such an example set for the remaining children.

OK, this MUST have been mom's choosing, to leave out Sam, if this is the way that funeral homes do the obits. Disgusting is the only word that describes her actions. HOW could she do that to this man.....does she think because he hadn't seen his kids for a while, that he would feel NO pain from the loss of HIS daughter, too? I have had it with people who cannot put their differences aside for ONE day for THEIR daughter! :cursing:

[Ladygator]

There is a NC on right now.

Sheriff is telling the community to look for 'changes' in people they know.

[Ladygator]

Is that it? Anything else???

Yeah, that was about it. I have the news on in another room and when I heard breaking news noise, I went in, to listen for a moment.

He was going over different behaviors with the public. And saying that if anyone notices any changes in people around them, to please call the tip line.

[Chica]

I agree it has nothing to do with her murder, but he lost his daughter physically and by him being left out of the obit, it's like saying he never existed in her life either.

My dad and his first wife put their nastiness aside when my brother died and didn't even go that far and their war had been going on almost 40 years!!!


When my son died, it was my ex who came to my house at 3am to tell me.

[StickyBeak]

Could it be something as simple as the other siblings in the home had different fathers? Hence, Daddy Sam, Daddy Jo, etc. Had to be confusing when one or the other said Daddy is coming to get me.
JMO
Maybe Sam sat across the aisle because he needed a spot to extend his hurt leg.
As for the Obit, now that seemed deliberate. Wonder if there was a obit in Sams hometown.

[Chica]

It was 'THEIR' decision, it should not be debated nor commented, it really is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS, as that is personal & unless any of you know the family or who wrote the obit I don't think you have a right to discuss it, this board is about the child, not what the family does personally.

ok, then.................

[Chica]

Could it be something as simple as the other siblings in the home had different fathers? Hence, Daddy Sam, Daddy Jo, etc. Had to be confusing when one or the other said Daddy is coming to get me.
JMO
Maybe Sam sat across the aisle because he needed a spot to extend his hurt leg.
As for the Obit, now that seemed deliberate. Wonder if there was a obit in Sams hometown.

I believe Sam is the father of 3 of the children living with Diena.

[Ice Cycle]

Was hoping I would see their had been a arrest here but I see not. I all along have thought this was a perp neighbor or child stalker but not so sure now that it is not someone closer. Being that this has occurred in FLA, aren't they suppose to release their findings, or is that just if a arrest is made?

[n/t]

Yeah, that was about it. I have the news on in another room and when I heard breaking news noise, I went in, to listen for a moment.

He was going over different behaviors with the public. And saying that if anyone notices any changes in people around them, to please call the tip line.

This tells me they think it's someone local.

How disappointing that's all they had to say. Nothing about the route of the garbage truck or other evidence?? *sigh*

[lune3]

Just read the last one and a half pages of this morning's posts. I was hoping to see I missed at least 6 pages which would have indicated some major new info.

So we didn't get a "profile" evidently, just the "strange" behaviour thing.
Gosh, does this mean they are pretty certain the perp is someone right there in the community, or are they completely at a loss?

It sounds rather discouraging.

[Ladygator]

This tells me they think it's someone local.

How disappointing that's all they had to say. Nothing about the route of the garbage truck or other evidence?? *sigh*

'Working with an FBI, Beseler developed a list of behavior changes that could be expected in someone who had killed a child.

The sheriff is asking people to report any significant changes in behavior of anyone since Somer vanished while walking home from Grove Park Elementary School.'

http://www.news4jax.com/news/21449384/detail.html

ETA - There is a video for the NC

[Jayne]

<snipped for length, only>

It won't be until we get people to understand this very principle that we will be able to change the way we allow our children to go out and interact with society.

I also realize this subject is for a different thread but I see a lot of talk on here on this thread about what to do with SO's. GPS and castration will only do something to punish the offender AFTER THE FACT. We need to be proactive and PREVENT this from happening.

Snow..at CW's suggestion, etc. I started a thread to discuss SO and such. Some of us are battling the issues in a very nice way.

I hope you and Impartial and Many others come there to discuss it, where we can, without upsetting the rules here for posting.

jmo

J

[Ladygator]

Discouraging to say the least. If they are asking the community to be on the look out for strange behavior..seems to me that don't have many leads or they are grasping for info. IMO

ITA, looks like don't have any idea as to who did this.

I was expecting an arrest pretty fast after Somer's body was found.:sad:

[lune3]

Regarding the behavioural changes list, everyone in the community is going to be on the alert for any little change of routine in everyone around them. It's going to cause such paranoia, but what else can they advise ?

One item: "unnatural interest in the investigation"...a tough one as I expect everyone is staying informed and is pretty obsessed just out of fear. And I have the creepy feeling that IF this is a local right there, he's following everything,,,including these boards.

[Ladygator]

Regarding the behavioural changes list, everyone in the community is going to be on the alert for any little change of routine in everyone around them. It's going to cause such paranoia, but what else can they advise ?

One item: "unnatural interest in the investigation"...a tough one as I expect everyone is staying informed and is pretty obsessed just out of fear. And I have the creepy feeling that IF this is a local right there, he's following everything,,,including these boards.

They have probably already gotten a lot of phone calls into the tip line about someone saying their neighbor did this, or that their Brother acts like that. Sure, people are paranoid and wondering about people around them. LE's probably followed up on a lot of calls like this.

With today's NC, even more calls will come in. Hopefully, the right one, that leads to a suspect.

I got the feeling from the NC that the Sheriff is worried that someone who may know something isn't calling in. He made it sound innocent enough by saying that the person may not know they have important information. But I'm thinking along the lines of someone covering for someone.

ITA with ya about everyone in that area following this case. How would you tell if one person shows more interest than the next? 1,500 peeps showed up to Somer's funeral service.

[Rayosunshine]

When my son died, it was my ex who came to my house at 3am to tell me.

So sorry Chica. State Police came to our home to tell us about our son's death.

[Rayosunshine]

ITA, looks like don't have any idea as to who did this.

I was expecting an arrest pretty fast after Somer's body was found.:sad:

Might need to do door to door DNA swabs. Did that in my neck of the woods and found the Baton Rouge Serial Killer. LE was even set up at intersections, stopping vehicles for DNA swabs. They were dead serious about catching that monster, and thankfully they did.

[Rayosunshine]

BBM

Heck..this could be any one of us here on the boards. We all have a bit of an unnatural interest in these investigations. IMO

Am afraid LE will be snowed under with stupid calls that will waste their time, allowing the monster to continue to roam free, looking for his next kill.

[Ladygator]

BBM

Heck..this could be any one of us here on the boards. We all have a bit of an unnatural interest in these investigations. IMO

Oh, if this happened in my neighborhood there would be a couple of people calling ME in to the tip line, for sure.

Yeah, we'd all be POI's to others, lol.

[ms1950]

I watched the press conference and noted that they appear to be looking for a local person, a person who drove a vehicle and perhaps may have injured themselves during the abduction. I got the feeling that a knife may be involved.

JMO

[Chica]

Might need to do door to door DNA swabs. Did that in my neck of the woods and found the Baton Rouge Serial Killer. LE was even set up at intersections, stopping vehicles for DNA swabs. They were dead serious about catching that monster, and thankfully they did.

Wow. I thought it was very expensive and time consuming to check DNA. I would think the perpetrator would avoid the swab at all costs. Is that how the killer was caught?

[Riverwalk!]

Hummmm Did LE say a knife was possibly used? BTW, I'm looking for a link to the NC. :thumbup:

http://www.news4jax.com/video/21451281/index.html

[ms1950]

Hummmm Did LE say a knife was possibly used? BTW, I'm looking for a link to the NC. :thumbup:

No, not specifically, but he elaborated on the fact that the perp may have sustained injuries in this abduction. Also, the sheriff said, "I need help from "certain individuals"... to me that implied that they know who these people are. I also think that maybe LE thinks that persons are "hiding or abedding" this perp.

Link to NC http://www.clickorlando.com/video/21450008/index.html

JMO

[ms1950]

This is exactly how rumors get started.

I agree with you on that but why put that information out at all? To be so closed mouthed earlier to a full blown profile is thought provoking.

JMO

Link to PC

http://www.clickorlando.com/video/21450008/index.html

[ms1950]

ms1950,
Hi and thanks for the link. Looks like you and I posted at the same time. I definitely think a car was used since the kidnapping was so fast. I posted that here last night somewhere. lol :blushing:

Hi Elyssa

I agree. For this to have happened in broad daylight, in a populous area and no one see or hear anything, to me it says he/she snatched her and drove off. This person may have been known by Somer as a neighbor or a former neighbor and she just got in the car. Speculation is all...



JMO

[ms1950]

I just had another thought. The sheriff implied "certain people" have information. Maybe they feel that other children may have been approached by this perp in the past.

JMO

[Marcia3]

Hi Elyssa

I agree. For this to have happened in broad daylight, in a populous area and no one see or hear anything, to me it says he/she snatched her and drove off. This person may have been known by Somer as a neighbor or a former neighbor and she just got in the car. Speculation is all...



JMO

It could also have been a stranger to Somer...look at the Dugard (sp?) kidnapping. Those people just stole Jaycee from a parking lot...pulled her into the car and drove away.

[AnnieKins]

Regarding the behavioural changes list, everyone in the community is going to be on the alert for any little change of routine in everyone around them. It's going to cause such paranoia, but what else can they advise ?

One item: "unnatural interest in the investigation"...a tough one as I expect everyone is staying informed and is pretty obsessed just out of fear. And I have the creepy feeling that IF this is a local right there, he's following everything,,,including these boards.

This made me snicker. I know the case isn't funny in the least, but couldn't this be one of us on this board?

[AnnieKins]

Oh, if this happened in my neighborhood there would be a couple of people calling ME in to the tip line, for sure.

Yeah, we'd all be POI's to others, lol.

The only people who would be calling me in would be my family. I keep my obsession (especially to the Caylee Anthony case) under wraps from others who wouldn't understand. :smile:

I was so hoping that I'd come on here this morning to find that they'd arrested someone. I hope today is the day.

[n/t]

From above link-- resp. snipped:

Heck this sounds so similar to what LE in Lindsey Baum's case said. Lindsey is still missing. It's been 5 months! That case was/is a total mess.

[Jayne]

What is the timeline here? Do we know?

Somer separates from her siblings..

Siblings show up at home.

How much time between that? What were the siblings doing in the meantime? Lollygagging around..looking for Somer? (NO..I'm not blaming the siblings).

Could Somer have run Home..round about and past them? Arrived at her house..been assaulted..dumped in a dumpster (anywhere?)..siblings show up at home.."Somer's missing"..nobody says anything for a WHILE?

Oh NO..I'm not blaming the "nanny/babysitter"..but just saying..that scenario wouldn't surprise me at all.

My speculation is that it may include the scenario with the Kid she had an argument with at school that day..the kid and/or parent..just "HAD" it with this..then realized they went "too far"..and dumped her.

I haven't read anything that says she was sexually assaulted..I don't think We know..that would make a huge difference here. Why would they be searching through RSO records if there wasn't a sexual assault? Maybe they figure..check them out even if not sexually assaulted? I sure would..abduction is abduction whether sexually assaulted or not..and the child ends up dead? May have never completed the act..then dumped her little body and ran off?

I don't buy the idea of someone with a Car abducting her. If so..why leave her body there?

jmo

J

[Rayosunshine]

Wow. I thought it was very expensive and time consuming to check DNA. I would think the perpetrator would avoid the swab at all costs. Is that how the killer was caught?

Yes it is expensive. Yes, that is how he was caught. No matter what the cost, to save one life is, as the commercial says, "priceless". I'd vote for it, I'd even pay more taxes for it.

[moonlite]

I'm still going to stick with my original theory that this horrific crime was committed by someone she knew and trusted. Not necessarily a family member but could be a neighbour, an acquaintance...heck anyone she could've come in contact with in her short life.

I don't believe it was a serial killer.

Greetings"
N/T'

I agree with you!! I don't think it is a serial killer either.IMO I think it is someone who Somer knew.IMO

Moonlite

[VC2]

Regarding the behavioural changes list, everyone in the community is going to be on the alert for any little change of routine in everyone around them. It's going to cause such paranoia, but what else can they advise ?

One item: "unnatural interest in the investigation"...a tough one as I expect everyone is staying informed and is pretty obsessed just out of fear. And I have the creepy feeling that IF this is a local right there, he's following everything,,,including these boards.

Oh they know what they are saying when they give these profiles publicly, part of the presser is to directly talk to the perp. If you read John Douglas or Robert Ressler or even what criminal minds, you see why some tacks are chosen.

An unnatural interest though is just that, unnatural. Clipping out all the articles on it, wondering aloud with their family or a friend if xxx was done to Somer's body- very graphically, not just "was she raped"- trying to talk to EMT's or asking someone who knows a cop if they have thought of xxx or why they haven't done xyz and could they ask. Inserting themself into the investigation itself by becoming a witness etc. That was Sandra Cantu's murderer's big mistake and it is a classic one. The other things may only be noticed by a friend or family member and they don't realize that it is a red flag.

ETA also someone who doesn't normally watch the news for example, refusing to allow a family member to watch their show because they want it on the local news for hours to catch anything about the crime..i.e themselves. More an obsessive interest than the natural one

IMO

[ms1950]

What is the timeline here? Do we know?

<respectfully snipped>

I don't buy the idea of someone with a Car abducting her. If so..why leave her body there?

jmo

J

I agree. The area of the landfill where she was found was trash collected from a demographic at and around her neighborhood. That leads me to believe that she was killed near home. The fact that she went missing so quickly leads me to believe that a vehicle was involved. JMO of course. They have made a search of that vacant house. It appears nothing lead them to believe she was taken from there, even though it was taped off as a crime scene. IIRC there was digging in the back of the house done too? (Before the search of the landfill)? Anyway,, this is one mysterious case. Nothing to really sink your teeth into. It's baffling.

JMO

[VC2]

BBM

Heck..this could be any one of us here on the boards. We all have a bit of an unnatural interest in these investigations. IMO

No we don't. We are known to follow crimes and the boards by our family and friends. Our interest is natural for us in somer's case

[VC2]

I agree with you on that but why put that information out at all? To be so closed mouthed earlier to a full blown profile is thought provoking.

JMO

Link to PC

http://www.clickorlando.com/video/21450008/index.html

???? this is standard procedure for profiler's in certain crimes when this tactic is indicated. They did it in a number of major cases and others not as well known.

It does not "warn" the perp in the sense of him hiding his behavior, it would already be noted, the other behaviors are almost involuntary..sleep, alcohol etc. It actually reads very like the profile i expected having gone through so many of them when i read about child killers and serial killers for this case. Someone who blends in well in the community, but having committed this murder they are now exhibiting behaviors that those close to them will recognize and need to hear about as flags.

I haven't actually read the pc yet, just comments here but i would not be surprised if they also mentioned a recent stresser..loss of a job, relationship break up or a death of a parent/loved one not to long before the murder of Somer. That would also fit someone who did it before even a few years ago or elsehwere and then stayed quiet until the recent new stresser.

I think they believe that whomever did it is either a serial (as in 3 or more murders) or is on his way to it based on the evidence of the body itself which we aren't privy to. Someone totally under the radar.

IMO

[ms1950]

Finding Somer's body has not assisted LE in finding who did this. Do you think they have any DNA from the perp? If so, they haven't matched it to records they have. When the Sheriff spoke of possible injuries to the perp that may mean that they did find DNA? Her poor little body being placed in a landfill does not help in determing if any foreign DNA is the perp. I'm thinking, unfortuately, that this perp has done this before. I think maybe "certain individuals" police are asking for assistance from could be school children and/or someone who may have had this perp try to snatch them in the past. JMO

[ms1950]

???? this is standard procedure for profiler's in certain crimes when this tactic is indicated. They did it in a number of major cases and others not as well known.

It does not "warn" the perp in the sense of him hiding his behavior, it would already be noted, the other behaviors are almost involuntary..sleep, alcohol etc. It actually reads very like the profile i expected having gone through so many of them when i read about child killers and serial killers for this case. Someone who blends in well in the community, but having committed this murder they are now exhibiting behaviors that those close to them will recognize and need to hear about as flags.

I haven't actually read the pc yet, just comments here but i would not be surprised if they also mentioned a recent stresser..loss of a job, relationship break up or a death of a parent/loved one not to long before the murder of Somer. That would also fit someone who did it before even a few years ago or elsehwere and then stayed quiet until the recent new stresser.

I think they believe that whomever did it is either a serial (as in 3 or more murders) or is on his way to it based on the evidence of the body itself which we aren't privy to. Someone totally under the radar.

IMO

Great post! Thanks for your input. I too think that Somer is not the first child for this perp. Sitting in a car, near a school, watching and waiting.... poor Somer.

[VC2]

Greetings"
N/T'

I agree with you!! I don't think it is a serial killer either.IMO I think it is someone who Somer knew.IMO

Moonlite

The two are not mutually exclusive. Serials can have dormant periods, they can normally kill outside of their home area, or they can stay beneath the radar for years like BTK. They can be and are at church with you, at block parties, manning suicide hotlines to help others -bundy, your bridge partner, a member of your gardening club, the bank president or the local doctor.

The teacher, the coach, the dog catcher, the crossing guard.

I believe it was someone Somer knew and it may be a serial killer too. Somer as the pastor said, hugged everyone, even the crossing guard. She was the hugger of the community, which is wonderful but it makes it likely she knew the person. So stranger danger wouldn't be an issue for her.

It also could be someone younger and this is his first kill but that the way he killed, any message the body gave etc tells LE that he will not stop.

All are possible

IMO

[Jayne]

Hi Jayne.
See you and I differ on that thought because a car imo, is the only thing that makes sense. IMHOO, the perp waited for Somer, got her into their car, took her to whereever she was killed and then drove to dispose of the body.

If no car was used, how do you explain the quickness of her disappearance?
Rhetorical question for anyone of course.

OK..I can see that, and yes, your point is valid.

But, I'm just speculating (not accusing) that someone nearby could have done this (without a car)..put her in a garbage bag..then later dumped it in the trash (or changed trash containers from where it was originally dumped?). Or yeah..someone lying in wait..grabbed her into the car..did the horrible act to her..then dumped her. There, though? I mean..if it was someone local or not with a Car, I'd think they'd drive the car to a desolate area and dump her body..not in a local trash can. Yet..yeah..that could certainly put off the investigation..they'd figure no one locally did it or would they? It's baffling. And so very sad.

So..yes..no matter how the LE is thinking, they should be investigating every single car seen on those roads during that time.

jmo

J

[AmndaRcknwth]

I agree with you on that but why put that information out at all? To be so closed mouthed earlier to a full blown profile is thought provoking.

JMO

Link to PC

http://www.clickorlando.com/video/21450008/index.html

OH NO! They have exactly ZERO.

[VC2]

OH NO! They have exactly ZERO.

Have faith Amanda. I think they have a massive load of evidence, far from zero.

What they don't have is the person it matches to. That will come. IMO this department is using every single possible tool including the fbi and will get him.

They also may want the perp cocky..more likely to make a mistake

[n/t]

Have faith Amanda. I think they have a massive load of evidence, far from zero.

What they don't have is the person it matches to. That will come. IMO this department is using every single possible tool including the fbi and will get him.

They also may want the perp cocky..more likely to make a mistake

That's what they said in Nevaeh's case. It's 5 months. Nothing.

Oh...and they're still saying they will get him.....eventually. Unfortunately, I wanted to post a link but her thread is locked.

In the meantime, these baby killers are on the loose while LE is putting profiles together.

Sorry. I'm very frustrated about the way these last few cases have been handled.

Not sure what else they need to get the monster. Many times we hear,,,,if only they would find a body ,,,,etc. Now they do and still zero.

[doradoll]

The obit was not an oversight. I am, unfortunately, very familiar with the procedure for writing obits. The funeral home would have been deliberately required by the custodial parent to omit the father's name. The standard procedure is to determine the father's name from the birth and death certificate (they must match) and they must be listed unless the person with the legal authority to do so requires that it be omitted. They would not take the recommendations of another relative. There are liability issues at stake for the funeral home. She almost certainly had to sign a document releasing the funeral home from any liability. It is unlikely that the funeral home would be negligent in such a high profile case. They will be sued unless they followed procedure.

I am disturbed by this. Very vindictive. We know he payed child support. As a veteran, he had no choice. Downright mean, actually. Makes me seriously guestion her judgement when combined with whatever she was doing with this Indigo whackjob watching the kids (I don't know him but that website is total bs and a scam to boot)

Regardless of the kind of person or even the kind of mother she is, I feel sorry for her. I just hate to see such an example set for the remaining children.


Not that it matters, how do we know he paid child support just because he is a veteran? There are many, many veterans out there not paying child support. I did hear that he was "disabled", but that does not mean he is receiving veteran's benefits or qualifies for any benefits at all. If I missed it, I apologize in advance.

When my mother died, they asked us the names of her family, but it didn't seem like it was a legality or asked in any formal way.

We do not know if Somer's mother did this on purpose or not, or if she did, the reason for it. Why can we not give her the benefit of the doubt?

As a matter of fact, our newspaper only lists the person's name and the date of death and the funeral home. Anything extra is paid for by the family.

The official death certificate will have the legal names, which should be required by law. I don't think there is any law that requires certain names to be printed in a newspaper.

[ann10]

Have faith Amanda. I think they have a massive load of evidence, far from zero.

What they don't have is the person it matches to. That will come. IMO this department is using every single possible tool including the fbi and will get him.

They also may want the perp cocky..more likely to make a mistake

I think they know, and have from day one. Just my opinion.

Not really worth it to post theories here, as it is 1984.

[lune3]

I'm starting to wonder if Somer did turn the corner onto Debarry, and that the vacant house had nothing to do with this.
Debarry has fenced backyards on one side, and that strorage facility on the other, plus that wooded area she would have had to walk by before she reached Horton.

A road that has no driveways into residences, likely a road that has little traffic.

I'm thinking now that it is possible she was quickly snatched by a perp in a car too after all, ..someone she knew? offered a ride home? or a stranger who forced her?

That her body was dumped locally makes me lean to a local person ...a Westerfield, a Huckaby...

Having a car and Somer being dumped nearby are not mutually exclusive. The guy may have needed to be somewhere at some hour no time to take her out of town, or he wanted to be rid of the body asap. Howwas he to know LE would start with the garbage trail?

[Marcia3]

Finding Somer's body has not assisted LE in finding who did this. Do you think they have any DNA from the perp? If so, they haven't matched it to records they have. When the Sheriff spoke of possible injuries to the perp that may mean that they did find DNA? Her poor little body being placed in a landfill does not help in determing if any foreign DNA is the perp. I'm thinking, unfortuately, that this perp has done this before. I think maybe "certain individuals" police are asking for assistance from could be school children and/or someone who may have had this perp try to snatch them in the past. JMO

Even if they retrieved DNA, it's not like TV and movies, it takes much longer to process than what we might assume.

If this monster who killed Somer has done it before, and not been caught, then he or she could go undetected and undeterred for years to come.

I hate to be so pessimistic, but it almost feels like I'm just being realistic.

[Marcia3]

I'm starting to wonder if Somer did turn the corner onto Debarry, and that the vacant house had nothing to do with this.
Debarry has fenced backyards on one side, and that strorage facility on the other, plus that wooded area she would have had to walk by before she reached Horton.

A road that has no driveways into residences, likely a road that has little traffic.

I'm thinking now that it is possible she was quickly snatched by a perp in a car too after all, ..someone she knew? offered a ride home? or a stranger who forced her?

That her body was dumped locally makes me lean to a local person ...a Westerfield, a Huckaby...

Having a car and Somer being dumped nearby are not mutually exclusive. The guy may have needed to be somewhere at some hour no time to take her out of town, or he wanted to be rid of the body asap. Howwas he to know LE would start with the garbage trail?

Good point about the garbage trail. I hadn't thought of that. Good catch.

[Leanne Weich]

So, despite having interviewed 616 RSO, none of them are suspects or POI but have not been cleared yet.

[koawally]

Somer Thompson's Mother Thanks Community In Letter
http://www.wesh.com/news/21453377/detail.html

tramatic life event <---strange choice of words

[lune3]

I find this statement chilling...combined with the fact that LE is not releasing the manner of death. What about her body may have indicated cuts on the perp?

"The Clay County Sheriff's Office, which released the letter, said Wednesday that the person who abducted and killed Somer might have cuts and bruises on his or her upper body."

[Jayne]

Somer Thompson's Mother Thanks Community In Letter
http://www.wesh.com/news/21453377/detail.html

tramatic life event <---strange choice of words

yes..it seems strange..but who knows from whence she learned to or speaks. I and you and many wouldn't call it a traumatic life event..but what? I'd probably simply say the Tragic Death of my Child??


and the LE writing the suspect may have cuts and/or bruises on the upper body (or was it Chest?)...sure seems to mean they might be thinking those came from thrusting her body into the dumpster/can. Or evidence under her little fingernails from trying to fight off the attacker but they have no DNA retrieved in any database?

BTW..I'm still not clear on this..was her body ever known to be in a regular garbage can..or a larger dumpster?

jmo

j

[Justice4all]

I find this statement chilling...combined with the fact that LE is not releasing the manner of death. What about her body may have indicated cuts on the perp?

"The Clay County Sheriff's Office, which released the letter, said Wednesday that the person who abducted and killed Somer might have cuts and bruises on his or her upper body."

OMG poor Somer must have fought for her life :crying:
she probably had the perps dna, skin, or blood under her nails.

[Marcia3]

Somer Thompson's Mother Thanks Community In Letter
http://www.wesh.com/news/21453377/detail.html

tramatic life event <---strange choice of words

New tears in my eyes after reading that letter.

The Thompsons have a long road ahead of them, my heart goes out to each and every one of those who loved Somer and will miss her every day for the rest of their lives.

[VC2]

That's what they said in Nevaeh's case. It's 5 months. Nothing.

Oh...and they're still saying they will get him.....eventually. Unfortunately, I wanted to post a link but her thread is locked.

In the meantime, these baby killers are on the loose while LE is putting profiles together.

Sorry. I'm very frustrated about the way these last few cases have been handled.

Not sure what else they need to get the monster. Many times we hear,,,,if only they would find a body ,,,,etc. Now they do and still zero.

I know n/t but unless the forensics matches someone already in the system they can have loads of it but still takes time to find the person the fingerprint or dna belongs to.

Things they know that we don't. If it was an organized or disorganized killer.
-This makes a difference in how much dna there was left etc. If he was organized he probably used a condom, cleaned up after himself evidence wise etc. disorganized are easier to catch.

Did he sexually assault her (i think its likely) and what else did he do to the body..was it premortem or postmortem. Those are important in type of killer and motives as well. For example a killer who blindfolds the victim or otherwise ensures they can't see they plan to kill, often don't want them looking at them as they commit the acts showing some form of guilt and may be more likely to know the victim. The ones who force eyes open are a different type as well.

Was there any mutilation especially unnecessary mutilation that would be a signature, something important to the perpetrator that is beyond the actual crime itself..assault and murder. Often the way a body is posed gives information on the type of person they are looking for, in this case that is moot but where she was found says a lot too and if she had been covered or wrapped in a blanket originally when placed in a dumpster.

If there was assault was it with the perps body or was an object used, again a small clue to the type of person, someone who is feels very inadequate or someone with more confidence in public etc.

Somer seems to have fought back given the mention of injuries on the perp as possibilities. So they almost certainly have DNA they can use when they find the creep.

I see a huge difference between this case and Neveah's. In her case everyone including LE made the mistake of focusing on her friend and got tunnel vision rather than keeping the investigation wide open as they have here. By the time they found Neveah LE had already decided he was the perp even tho the alibi did work, the blood was his and fish blood on his knife etc. and every piece of so called evidence ended up not matching him. I don't think a lot of LE went further than him even afterwards. Sort of "well the guy is back in prison, so we will keep trying to make a case but"

jmo

[doctor_J]

Just to be clear, My post on obits was only regarding the posting of obits for minor children. It is a common problem for funeral homes to have bitter divorced parents. One weill often try to leave the other off, etc. That's the reason the ones that I am familiar with take special precautions in these cases, even when they are not high profile. Again, it has to do with civil liability and an angry parent or one side of the family blaming the FH.

I don't wish to say more, just clear that up. CW does not want the mother's actions disparaged and I understand that. Both parents are going through the worst thing imaginable.

I would like to see a little patience shown with LE. It seems to me they have preformed extraordinarily well. I don't doubt that they are putting in lots of overtime and having to neglect their own families. Sifting thru a landfill to retrieve a body is an enormous task when presented to the lab for DNA. There would be 100's of 1000's of pieces of trace and any of them could contain DNA, Between the landfill and the garbage truck and the empty house, the process must be overwhelming. It will take weeks even on the fast track. Just imagine all the innocent DNA surrounding the body. Cigarette butts, kleenex, paper towels, cups, straws, q-tips, the list is endless and most will be unrelated to the murder. Humongous job for the lab. And that's just DNA, there''s also all the fibers and other trace to examine. WHEW! Pretty daunting task.

I had said the father had to pay child support because it would be taken while he was on duty and when recovering from war injuries. After that, it was reported it was not long before the car accident in which he would qualify for temporary SS disability, possibly income from the car insurance (and possibly veteran's benefits, IDK about that). Child support would be taken from either of those, even if he objected (and we have no evidence that he did).

It bothers me that he hadn't seen Somer in 2 years and I'm sure it haunts him now. He could have been doing his tour of duty. We just don't know. It was reported earlier that the kids used to live with him.

[VC2]

I find this statement chilling...combined with the fact that LE is not releasing the manner of death. What about her body may have indicated cuts on the perp?

"The Clay County Sheriff's Office, which released the letter, said Wednesday that the person who abducted and killed Somer might have cuts and bruises on his or her upper body."

Upper body may mean they know the dumpster but i think they have some lab results back that how hair from the perp that is upper body hair rather than pubic, leg or scalp. Hair that has his blood on it.

It would be: Pectoral; moderate to considerable diameter variation; long fine archlike tip;
usually longer than public hair.
http://www.chymist.com/HAIR%20ANALYSIS.pdf

perhaps side by side with Vellus hair.

That link by the way is a fascinating one on hair analysis. Page 7 has a chart with descriptions of the type of hair all over the body.

[kelloggirl]

...respectfully snipped...

I would like to see a little patience shown with LE. It seems to me they have preformed extraordinarily well. I don't doubt that they are putting in lots of overtime and having to neglect their own families. Sifting thru a landfill to retrieve a body is an enormous task when presented to the lab for DNA. There would be 100's of 1000's of pieces of trace and any of them could contain DNA, Between the landfill and the garbage truck and the empty house, the process must be overwhelming. It will take weeks even on the fast track. Just imagine all the innocent DNA surrounding the body. Cigarette butts, kleenex, paper towels, cups, straws, q-tips, the list is endless and most will be unrelated to the murder. Humongous job for the lab. And that's just DNA, there''s also all the fibers and other trace to examine. WHEW! Pretty daunting task.

I completely agree. And even if, nothing from that evidence pans out, we have to remember that sometimes, LE can do everything right, and yet the case remains unsolved, simply because the murderer just happened to get really, really lucky. Sad, but true.

[Kip]

Where we live, the newspaper publishes death notices, but the obits are written and paid for by family members. When we've put obits in the newspaper, nobody checks them.

[Cheri_G]

I need to clarify "seeing the mothers actions"..I am only an outsider..but the fact they did not sit together..seems to me..they were not on harmonious terms at this time...I am not harmonious with my son's father either..but God forbid.anything happen to my son..I would include his father in his obit no matter what the circumstance...I would not have my son if not for him...therefore he is part of us. Again..MOO

I didn't see the actual obit. Was Somer's father not listed as one of her survivors? I guess I can understand if the divorce was severely hostile that they wouldn't sit together despite the circumstance but as a result is it being concluded that one or the other knows something about what happened to Somer? Maybe they blame each other even if they are not at fault?

[VC2]

That letter of the mom's made me sad again too. It takes grace to write a letter of thanks to everyone while still dealing with the immediate horrific murder and loss of her daughter right after the service.

I completely understand her wording because it is a phrase often used by therapists, counseler's and others who probably have talked to her. It is a way to keep away the horror of the murder and assault (imo assault is pretty well a given here) from her immediate mind. It is one thing to be talking about the loss of a child which many have had to do but it is hard to word it when the thanks are due to a horrific murder of a child that generated a response beyond the normal one when a child dies in a community.

It seems to say "traumatic life event" perfectly describes it ALL while not dwelling on the word murder or the cause per se, and probably a way for her to keep coping.

She needs to find ways to get through every minute of every day right now. If avoiding the direct words is the way she finds easiest then that is fine.

I still think to have taken the time to thank everyone now rather than wait until some will have scattered back to homes and states and cities was a very kind thing to do.

IMO

[VC2]

Reminder to us all..

CW warned us page 6 i believe to not discuss the Obit or why the name may have been left out.

[n/t]

I'm starting to wonder if Somer did turn the corner onto Debarry, and that the vacant house had nothing to do with this.
Debarry has fenced backyards on one side, and that strorage facility on the other, plus that wooded area she would have had to walk by before she reached Horton.

A road that has no driveways into residences, likely a road that has little traffic.

I'm thinking now that it is possible she was quickly snatched by a perp in a car too after all, ..someone she knew? offered a ride home? or a stranger who forced her?

That her body was dumped locally makes me lean to a local person ...a Westerfield, a Huckaby...

Having a car and Somer being dumped nearby are not mutually exclusive. The guy may have needed to be somewhere at some hour no time to take her out of town, or he wanted to be rid of the body asap. Howwas he to know LE would start with the garbage trail?

Of course it's a local. They're waiting for someone to step up and point fingers. Sadly, it won't work unless someone leaves a trail like in Elizabeth's case (15 year old). This will only cause speculation and confusion and lead to tips that will waste time and resources. Look at the mess in Lindsey's case when LE came out and said the exact same thing ....to look at behavioural changes, appearances, etc etc.

I wish I had confidence but I don't. I honestly thought they were on on someone's tail and knew who the perp was/is. Not anymore.

The fact that they haven't ruled anyone out says alot.

I'm very disappointed.

[cantstandnuts]

Just to be clear, My post on obits was only regarding the posting of obits for minor children. It is a common problem for funeral homes to have bitter divorced parents. One weill often try to leave the other off, etc. That's the reason the ones that I am familiar with take special precautions in these cases, even when they are not high profile. Again, it has to do with civil liability and an angry parent or one side of the family blaming the FH.

I don't wish to say more, just clear that up. CW does not want the mother's actions disparaged and I understand that. Both parents are going through the worst thing imaginable.

I would like to see a little patience shown with LE. It seems to me they have preformed extraordinarily well. I don't doubt that they are putting in lots of overtime and having to neglect their own families. Sifting thru a landfill to retrieve a body is an enormous task when presented to the lab for DNA. There would be 100's of 1000's of pieces of trace and any of them could contain DNA, Between the landfill and the garbage truck and the empty house, the process must be overwhelming. It will take weeks even on the fast track. Just imagine all the innocent DNA surrounding the body. Cigarette butts, kleenex, paper towels, cups, straws, q-tips, the list is endless and most will be unrelated to the murder. Humongous job for the lab. And that's just DNA, there''s also all the fibers and other trace to examine. WHEW! Pretty daunting task.

I had said the father had to pay child support because it would be taken while he was on duty and when recovering from war injuries. After that, it was reported it was not long before the car accident in which he would qualify for temporary SS disability, possibly income from the car insurance (and possibly veteran's benefits, IDK about that). Child support would be taken from either of those, even if he objected (and we have no evidence that he did).

It bothers me that he hadn't seen Somer in 2 years and I'm sure it haunts him now. He could have been doing his tour of duty. We just don't know. It was reported earlier that the kids used to live with him.

Great post, Dr. J, as usual. You're one bright bulb!

I have never lost a child, but I can imagine that when that happens, since grief has it's stages, that anger is a huge factor. So, perhaps Mom is so angry that she lashed out at Dad. I think it's forgivable. Let's not forget her child is dead, she may not even have all faculties present, either, to remember to include him...wonder when they spoke last. They have a history, bad it seems...maybe she was just lashing out (her child is dead) and he was the guy to lash out on b/c of the divorce or because he was the only one she could find reason to. Also, as VC2 pointed out, we don't have all the details about Dad. Maybe he was awesome, maybe he was a nightmare. We just don't know. His being military does not make him a saint, maybe he is, maybe not. I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt until more is known. I mean, it's clear she is devastated and she isn't faking. She has lost her baby! Some of the posters saying that she was honestly grieving just a few days ago are now judging this action of hers (if it even was her action) now. Which is it?

Paying child support, especially when you have no choice, isn't necessarily a badge of honor and doesn't make a great dad. Why was he missing for two years from the children's lives? You gotta ask that question before you start judging mom.

LE has been pretty spot on IMO and have acted in this case better than most LE ever do. Maybe they won't find her killer, but they sure are going about it in a great way. Nobody has been able to point to a mistake so far and usually in a case, we're all over them from the get go. Kudos to them, they found her! How many cases are still missing the body? Top notch group, they are.

IMO.

[lune3]

Of course it's a local. They're waiting for someone to step up and point fingers. Sadly, it won't work unless someone leaves a trail like in Elizabeth's case (15 year old). This will only cause speculation and confusion and lead to tips that will waste time and resources. Look at the mess in Lindsey's case when LE came out and said the exact same thing ....to look at behavioural changes, appearances, etc etc.

I wish I had confidence but I don't. I honestly thought they were on on someone's tail and knew who the perp was/is. Not anymore.

The fact that they haven't ruled anyone out says alot.

I'm very disappointed.

I don't know n/t, it's probable it's a local who did this, but it's always possible it's somebody who doesn't live there. Someone who trolled around elementary schools in residential communities, found one which suited his predatory instincts, watched children's walking habits for a while, and then saw the opportunity. Attacked her inside his car or van even, then dumped her in the nearest dumpster and took off out of the area. If it's a monster like this, he may never be found.

I HOPE LE is instructing the community to watch each other, point fingers,because they have REASON to believe it's a local....but what if this is just grasping out, in case, and they are at a complete loss. It's hard to ask the whole state of FL to look at each other.

I feel as you do, very discouraged.

[doctor_J]

Speaking of DNA..I had a thought today.
Does anyone know if "they" have a DNA bank of like "unidentified" that they keep just in case they get a jit on another "unidentifed" DNA..like a Jane Doe 1..John Doe 2..J or J Doe not matched yet..maybe they fgot DNA from another crime scene..does not match with another DNA already verified in the system..but they can keep track of "Doe's" somehow?

Angel, the answer is absolutely yes. Once a DNA profile goes into the system, it stays in the system. If a perp is caught 30 years from now,,,,,,and this case has gone cold (God forbid) and some lab tech runs the newly caught perp's profile thru the data base, it will hit on Somer's case. More and more states are requiring that convicted felons give up their DNA for that national database for that very reason. Some states also still give the convict the right to privacy against invasive procedures, like buccal swabs, :rolleyes: and a court order is required including probable cause.

As an aside, these are some of the small changes that could help expediate collaring these perps.... A national criminal database in which all convicts lose their right to keep their DNA profile secret.

[lune3]

Angel, the answer is absolutely yes. Once a DNA profile goes into the system, it stays in the system. If a perp is caught 30 years from now,,,,,,and this case has gone cold (God forbid) and some lab tech runs the newly caught perp's profile thru the data base, it will hit on Somer's case. More and more states are requiring that convicted felons give up their DNA for that national database for that very reason. Some states also still give the convict the right to privacy against invasive procedures, like buccal swabs, :rolleyes: and a court order is required including probable cause.

As an aside, these are some of the small changes that could help expediate collaring these perps.... A national criminal database in which all convicts lose their right to keep their DNA profile secret.

Well this is exactly how the rapist who left the 8 year old with her throat cut (can't recall her name, in the news recently) some 20 years ago, was caught.
Too little forensic evidence then, but with the tiny bit of DNA they kept all those years, (on clothing found in the field), and with more advanced technology, the perp was identified.
It came about when certain cold cases were reopened and this one was amongst those chosen because the victim had survived.

[n/t]

I don't know n/t, it's probable it's a local who did this, but it's always possible it's somebody who doesn't live there. Someone who trolled around elementary schools in residential communities, found one which suited his predatory instincts, watched children's walking habits for a while, and then saw the opportunity. Attacked her inside his car or van even, then dumped her in the nearest dumpster and took off out of the area. If it's a monster like this, he may never be found.

I HOPE LE is instructing the community to watch each other, point fingers,because they have REASON to believe it's a local....but what if this is just grasping out, in case, and they are at a complete loss. It's hard to ask the whole state of FL to look at each other.

I feel as you do, very discouraged.

Yes it could be but the fact that they came out and said what they did leads people to believe it's someone local.

Exactly my point, lune regarding looking at the whole state of FL to look at each other or any other state for that matter. What? They see a neighbour in Washington State who shaved their beard and suspect the guy or if a guy in Miami lost his job and isn't working, suspect him. KWIM? I know I'm exaggerating but that's why I believe LE thinks it's someone local. I could almost guarantee that it will be a cat and mouse game. People who have grudges with neighbours or some silly feud with and ex boyfriend or husband will report them.........ack.

[sunstar]

This made me snicker. I know the case isn't funny in the least, but couldn't this be one of us on this board?

Not really if we've been here a while and have followed several different cases. What they mean, imo, is somebody who normally isn't interested in missing persons, crimes against children, doesn't follow the local news, etc. and is especially interested in details involving Somer's death. MOO

[doradoll]

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view.bg?articleid=1206638&format=&page=2&listingType=natsouth

"Thompson said he intends to come to Florida and wants to take Somer’s twin brother and two of his other children who’ve been living with their mother back to his home in North Carolina, where he thinks they’ll be safe.

"They’re not going to live in Orange Park, Florida, anymore," Thompson said."

I am sure this was said in anger, but I am sure the Mom has a lot on her mind about her other kids, too.

[doradoll]

Dr J.

I totally agree that LE are probably working around the clock, doing all they can to find this person.

[sunstar]

Angel, the answer is absolutely yes. Once a DNA profile goes into the system, it stays in the system. If a perp is caught 30 years from now,,,,,,and this case has gone cold (God forbid) and some lab tech runs the newly caught perp's profile thru the data base, it will hit on Somer's case. More and more states are requiring that convicted felons give up their DNA for that national database for that very reason. Some states also still give the convict the right to privacy against invasive procedures, like buccal swabs, :rolleyes: and a court order is required including probable cause.

As an aside, these are some of the small changes that could help expediate collaring these perps.... A national criminal database in which all convicts lose their right to keep their DNA profile secret.
I totally agree with you, especially the last part about all convicted felons ~ especially those convicted of crimes against other persons ~ giving up their right to not give DNA samples. I still wonder though in this case if any DNA left on Somer's body could've been degraded/contaminated by the trash that surrounded her? Also, I thought LE was sifting through the trash that was found near her body with the hope that it would lead back to exactly where she was initially dumped. Have we heard anything more on that? :shrug: MOO

[n/t]

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view.bg?articleid=1206638&format=&page=2&listingType=natsouth

"Thompson said he intends to come to Florida and wants to take Somer’s twin brother and two of his other children who’ve been living with their mother back to his home in North Carolina, where he thinks they’ll be safe.

"They’re not going to live in Orange Park, Florida, anymore," Thompson said."

I am sure this was said in anger, but I am sure the Mom has a lot on her mind about her other kids, too.

Ouch!:unsure:

[lune3]

Ouch!:unsure:

That was said on Oct 22, right after Somer's body was found. He was in shock. He was terrified for the siblings. Nothing yet was known about anything...(well, not much seems to have developed from then either.)
I think it was a normal reaction under the circumstances of having just found out his daughter had been murdered.

[VC2]

http://news.bostonherald.com/news/national/south/view.bg?articleid=1206638&format=&page=2&listingType=natsouth

"Thompson said he intends to come to Florida and wants to take Somer’s twin brother and two of his other children who’ve been living with their mother back to his home in North Carolina, where he thinks they’ll be safe.

"They’re not going to live in Orange Park, Florida, anymore," Thompson said."

I am sure this was said in anger, but I am sure the Mom has a lot on her mind about her other kids, too.

well i think we discovered part of the answer to why of one thing, and that is all i will say about that per se.

Hope it was in anger, this article was on the 22nd of october. What an awful thing for the custodial parent to have to worry about during this sort of grief. Losing the other children or a custody battle. I think after the loss of Somer that would be enough to put her mom or any over the top..i am surprised she has hung together so well.

I also understand why dad may want that but...this isnt the case of a neglectful parent whose child was on her own and there are predators everywhere, no town is safe from them.

IMO

[Jayne]

well i think we discovered part of the answer to why of one thing, and that is all i will say about that per se.

Hope it was in anger, this article was on the 22nd of october. What an awful thing for the custodial parent to have to worry about during this sort of grief. Losing the other children or a custody battle. I think after the loss of Somer that would be enough to put her mom or any over the top..i am surprised she has hung together so well.

I also understand why dad may want that but...this isnt the case of a neglectful parent whose child was on her own and there are predators everywhere, no town is safe from them.

IMO

IA. I'm sure both parents were in shock, grief, feeling anger..no wonder the reactions by the Dad and if this precipitated what Mom did. They both need emotional help and curing and caring. I doubt the kids will move up with Dad. Last thing Mom needs is to lose the children she's been caring for all this time when she obviously had nothing to do with this. And, you're right..predators are everywhere, but, on the other hand, some places they are more prevalent.

I hope everyone in FLA there are more vigilent and 'on the lookout'.

RIP Somer..and best wishes that her Entire family can heal and hear the news soon that the perpetrator has been found.

jmo

J