Remains Found in Saratoga Co - 10/27/09-ID'd as Jennifer M. Hammond,19, CO, msg. 2003

[tbw10567]

http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Childs-Skull-Found-in-Saratoga-County/U3QCPs_Ds0ejkzSWRQFYYQ.cspx

New York State Police are investigating the discovery of a child's skull in rural Saratoga County.

Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy tells us that someone found the bone fragment over the weekend.

Authorities estimate that the skull came from a person who was between ten and 12 years old.

Witnesses say more than a dozen investigators combed a wooded area north of Fox Hill Road in the Town of Greenfield on Tuesday.

As night fell, the only sign of activity was torn yellow "Caution" tape hanging from several trees.

Murphy says police are searching for more bones.

He says the skull is missing a jawbone.

Authorities don't know if the bone belonged to a male or female.

Gender characteristics don't develop in bones until after puberty and the skull is from someone who was prepubescent.

The exact site where the skull was discovered is near where the Town of Edinburg meets the Town of Greenfield and near where Fox Hill Road turns into Lake Desolation Road.

The most recent high-profile missing person case north of Albany is that of 12-year-old Jaliek Rainwalker.

November 1st will mark two years since the Washington County boy disappeared.

In 1993, 12-year-old Sara Anne Wood disappeared from Herkimer County.

Law enforcement officials say it's too early in their investigation to begin speculating about how this skull may help close a cold case.

The skull has been moved to a New York State Police laboratory in Albany where it will be tested for DNA.

Police say it could take as many as six weeks to get results on laboratory tests.

Murphy tells us medical examiner Dr. Michael Sikirica will also be testing the skull.

The district attorney says that state police are scheduled to return to the Greenfield search area on Wednesday morning.

- Also -

Skull fragments found in town of Greenfield
Remains are believed to be those of child; Testing expected to take weeks


Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=858208#ixzz0VCMoTxPd

[camracrazy]

Hopefully they will be able to gather enough evidence to make a positive ID. I wonder how long the bones had been out there?

[BevAnn]

oh I pray, pray, they can make an identification! Its so awful when they make these finds and CANT match them up to anyone missing.

Keeping fingers crossed they get enough skull fragments to piece together, and create a facial image. :unsure:

[darcie]

I'm praying right beside you BevAnn!

I just can't stand the thought of a child being tossed out like trash....never found, never respectfully buried. I sure hope they found out who this child is~~and I hope that whoever is responsible for taking their life, is shaking in their boots about now. I am sure they *thought* they got away with it.....I hope they spend every minut of every day looking over their shoulder.

[Leanne Weich]

Anyone know where this is in proximity to where Jaliek's ?????? was last know to be?

[BevAnn]

Leanne, a quick google map search, shows it's approx 21 miles from Greenwich where he was living. ETA: Greenfield is due west from Greenwich.

That's just town to town on my search....no exact locales. Just wanted an approximation.

I'd say it's DEF a possibility...

[tbw10567]

Search for more remains at skull site postponed

By DENNIS YUSKO, Staff writer

Last updated: 1:16 p.m., Wednesday, October 28, 2009

GREENFIELD -- Today's rain has caused State Police to postpone a search for additional human remains at a Saratoga County site where parts of a child's skull were discovered this week.


Police will revisit the wooded area in northwest Greenfield near Edinburg on Thursday or Friday to see if additional bone fragments belonging to what police believe was a 10- to 12-year-old child can be found, State Police Maj. William Sprague said this morning.

Skull fragments from a prepubescent boy or girl were found at the site, police announced Tuesday. Lab technicians are analyzing the fragments, and while police are trying to expedite getting DNA from them, results aren't expected for four to six weeks, Sprague said.

He declined to say who found the skull bones, exactly where they were or how old they appeared. But he said the remains were not from an ancient burial ground or archaeologically significant.

Definitive DNA tests could help police link the skull bones to reported missing children.

"It's rare to find bones like this," Sprague said. "We don't have an explanation

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=858574

[Leanne Weich]

Leanne, a quick google map search, shows it's approx 21 miles from Greenwich where he was living. ETA: Greenfield is due west from Greenwich.

That's just town to town on my search....no exact locales. Just wanted an approximation.

I'd say it's DEF a possibility...

Thanks Bev. I hope it is Jaliek for his grandmother's sake although, obviously, I'd rather he was still alive but I don't think he is.

[tbw10567]

Basically trying to rule out Jaliek. However, it still is someone's missing child.

Police Rule Out Identity

Last Update: 4:24 pm

Yellow tape hangs from trees in a remote part of Saratoga County on Tuesday night. New York State Police spent the day searching the area where someone found a child's skull days earlier. (Photographer: Marc Jackson) Investigators are postponing the search in the area where parts of a child's skull were found, but they are already starting to rule out who it may be.

Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell told Fox23 News today he's been told that evidence found at the scene indicates the skull does not belong to 12-year-old Jaliek Rainwalker, who went missing almost two years ago.

However, Bell adds that forensics tests that may take a month or more need to be done for confirmation either way.

http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Police-Rule-Out-Identity/gSmeqTrg3EewyqRWn9aaTw.cspx?rss=39

[tbw10567]

I remember this case also. And actually it was her that I thought of before I thought of Jaliek.

Tests to determine if found skull is that of Sara Anne Wood

SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. (WKTV) - New York State Police are investigating the discovery of a child's skull in rural Saratoga County.

According to our affiliate, WNYT in Albany, DNA testing will be used to help police match the skull, which was found over the weekend, to missing person cases.

Twelve-year-old Sara Anne Wood went missing from Herkimer County in August of 1993. Lewis Lent is in prison for her murder after pleading guilty. Wood's body was never recovered. Lent had told authorities he'd taken her to Raquette Lake. An exhaustive search there turned up nothing. Another theory investigators looked into was that Lent might have taken Wood to his home in Massachusetts.

Herkimer County District Attorney Michael Daley, now a Supreme Court Judge, prosecuted Lent. He is aware of the discovery of the skull, but says it's too premature to speculate whether it could belong to Sara Anne Wood.

"It's too premature to speculate; I'm sure NYS Police will conduct an exhaustive investigation and when the individual is identified, I hope it will bring closure to the family of a missing child somewhere in this region of the country," said Daley.

Another child, 12-year-old Jaliek Rainwater went missing from north of Albany in November of 2007.

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/66987262.html

[darcie]

More human bones found
Lower jaw, teeth join skull as rain delays search for more remains


Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=858574&category=SARATOGA#ixzz0VKlvcTE8
*snipped*

Police believe the bone parts belonged to a prepubescent boy or girl no older than 12, but are awaiting tests for a final determination.

[Kip]

More human bones found
Lower jaw, teeth join skull as rain delays search for more remains


Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=858574&category=SARATOGA#ixzz0VKlvcTE8
*snipped*

Police believe the bone parts belonged to a prepubescent boy or girl no older than 12, but are awaiting tests for a final determination.

That's great they found the jawbone - identification might be quicker from dental records than dna testing.

[n/t]

Basically trying to rule out Jaliek. However, it still is someone's missing child.

Police Rule Out Identity

Last Update: 4:24 pm

Yellow tape hangs from trees in a remote part of Saratoga County on Tuesday night. New York State Police spent the day searching the area where someone found a child's skull days earlier. (Photographer: Marc Jackson) Investigators are postponing the search in the area where parts of a child's skull were found, but they are already starting to rule out who it may be.

Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell told Fox23 News today he's been told that evidence found at the scene indicates the skull does not belong to 12-year-old Jaliek Rainwalker, who went missing almost two years ago.

However, Bell adds that forensics tests that may take a month or more need to be done for confirmation either way.

http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/story/Police-Rule-Out-Identity/gSmeqTrg3EewyqRWn9aaTw.cspx?rss=39

Interesting. I wonder how they ruled out Jaliek considering more forensics tests need to be done and they still haven't identified the gender.

[doradoll]

Interesting. I wonder how they ruled out Jaliek considering more forensics tests need to be done and they still haven't identified the gender.

Yes, I wondered that, also. If the age is near his and they don't know the gender, then why rule him out? They said it is due to evidence found at the scene. I can't imagine what could be found to make them sure it isn't him.

[tbw10567]

Results are expected in four to six weeks.

I just wish there was some technology which could move this a little quicker. I cannot image what these families who have to sit back and wait to see if it is their son/daughter must be going through.

[airportwoman]

I remember the Sara Wood case, even though I live nowhere near New York, because she looked EXACTLY like my sister did at that age.

Hope they can find out who this is, and who did whatever happened.

[camracrazy]

Interesting. I wonder how they ruled out Jaliek considering more forensics tests need to be done and they still haven't identified the gender.

My guess would be that the dentals didn't match.

[dreamtime]

My guess would be that the dentals didn't match.

--------------------
I would agree. Dentals did not match.

[tbw10567]

Development in skull case to be announced at 4 p.m.

By DENNIS YUSKO, Staff writer

Last updated: 2:54 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2009

BALLSTON SPA -- A press conference has been called for 4 p.m. today to discuss "an important identification of the skull" found in Greenfield on Tuesday.

Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy III announced the press event in the county's grand jury room in an email this afternoon. He, county Sheriff James Bowen and State Police Maj. William Sprague will speak.

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=859290

[tbw10567]

Victim identified in Saratoga County skull case

Story Discussion Posted: Thursday, October 29, 2009 2:20 pm | (0) Comments

Jennifer Hammond was last seen in the latter part of August 2003, soliciting magazines in the Creek and Pines Trailer Park, Ballston Spa, New York. The skull found in Saratoga County has been identified as Hammond.

Police and prosecutors will hold a press conference this afternoon to announce who the person was whose skull was found in the woods of Saratoga County this week.

Police have determined the bones were not those of Jaliek Rainwalker, a 12-year-old from Greenwich who disappeared nearly 2 years ago.

Sources familiar with the case indicated the skull was linked through dental records to Jennifer M. Hammond, a 19-year-old Colorado woman who disappeared from Ballston Spa in 2003 while selling magazine subscriptions.

She was last seen in the Creek and Pines Trailer Park in late August, 2003, according to an online posting about her case on a missing persons website.

Hammond had made arrangements to return home ot Colorado at the end of the summer, buying a bus ticket, but the ticket was not used and her belongings left behind in an Albany hotel, according to the Parent Watch website.

More details will be posted as they become available.

http://www.poststar.com/news/local/article_fcd8428a-c4b8-11de-93d9-001cc4c03286.html

R.I.P. Jennifer :rose:

[Kip]

Victim identified in Saratoga County skull case

Story Discussion Posted: Thursday, October 29, 2009 2:20 pm | (0) Comments

Jennifer Hammond was last seen in the latter part of August 2003, soliciting magazines in the Creek and Pines Trailer Park, Ballston Spa, New York. The skull found in Saratoga County has been identified as Hammond.

Police and prosecutors will hold a press conference this afternoon to announce who the person was whose skull was found in the woods of Saratoga County this week.

Police have determined the bones were not those of Jaliek Rainwalker, a 12-year-old from Greenwich who disappeared nearly 2 years ago.

Sources familiar with the case indicated the skull was linked through dental records to Jennifer M. Hammond, a 19-year-old Colorado woman who disappeared from Ballston Spa in 2003 while selling magazine subscriptions.

She was last seen in the Creek and Pines Trailer Park in late August, 2003, according to an online posting about her case on a missing persons website.

Hammond had made arrangements to return home ot Colorado at the end of the summer, buying a bus ticket, but the ticket was not used and her belongings left behind in an Albany hotel, according to the Parent Watch website.

More details will be posted as they become available.

http://www.poststar.com/news/local/article_fcd8428a-c4b8-11de-93d9-001cc4c03286.html

R.I.P. Jennifer :rose:

I'm glad a family has found out what happened to their loved one. I hope her killer will eventually be caught.

[cutiepatootie61]

I live in this area, and reside in the town this girl was last seen in. I never even heard of her. She's been missing 6 years and I do not recall a mention of her at all, because she didnt live here? My adult daughter doesn't recall hearing about this young girl either. What a shame, perhaps some news coverage back then would have prompted a search for her and possibly uncovered clues to her killer. I watched our local LE and their press conference. She was reported missing for 3 months after she was last seen and they traced her last known whereabouts here locally. They never even advertised this girl. There was another 19 year old girl found murdered in the woods in 2007, never found her killer either. The discovery of these two girls are not too far from each other, basically same rural town. What do I pay tax dollars for? What are they doing about these murders, nadda!

[MaryB]

Now live in Florida, but my nephew is a state trooper in NY. near Albany. This is the first case I feel I may be able to help out. Saratoga is about 40 miles north of Albany. I hope they find out what happened to this child.
These stories are becoming a daily occurrence, so heart breaking.

[lune3]

From the first article:
"Authorities estimate that the skull came from a person who was between ten and 12 years old."
A child
http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/...zSWRQFYYQ.cspx

Jennifer Hammond was 19, it's reported. I really hope that forensic examination of bones and skulls is usually more accurate, in future cases.

Very very sad, my heart goes out to her family. Finally "knowing" I hope brings some comfort, but heartbreaking nevertheless.

[tbw10567]

I was feeling the same thing in regards to their age estimate. I know it's probably very difficult when you are working with so little evidence. I live just south of Albany and I think I kind of recall this case. But it did just drop off everyone's radar because I know if I did hear she was missing, I sure never heard it mentioned again. Sad.

[dreamtime]

From the first article:
"Authorities estimate that the skull came from a person who was between ten and 12 years old."
A child
http://www.fox23news.com/news/local/...zSWRQFYYQ.cspx

Jennifer Hammond was 19, it's reported. I really hope that forensic examination of bones and skulls is usually more accurate, in future cases.

Very very sad, my heart goes out to her family. Finally "knowing" I hope brings some comfort, but heartbreaking nevertheless.


==================================
Jennifer Hammon was a very petite girl.

I sent a list of women missing to the county where the bones were found in the Allegheny Reservoir.
She was listed among them.
But I had not thought of her for this one, since I thought it was a young boy.

But I am glad her family will know what happened to her.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=125989&catid=339
pic at link

[Kip]

I live in this area, and reside in the town this girl was last seen in. I never even heard of her. She's been missing 6 years and I do not recall a mention of her at all, because she didnt live here? My adult daughter doesn't recall hearing about this young girl either. What a shame, perhaps some news coverage back then would have prompted a search for her and possibly uncovered clues to her killer. I watched our local LE and their press conference. She was reported missing for 3 months after she was last seen and they traced her last known whereabouts here locally. They never even advertised this girl. There was another 19 year old girl found murdered in the woods in 2007, never found her killer either. The discovery of these two girls are not too far from each other, basically same rural town. What do I pay tax dollars for? What are they doing about these murders, nadda!

That's a real shame that Jennifer's disappearance didn't get much local coverage. She disappeared in a relatively short time frame. She was selling magazine subscriptions in a trailer park. Her manager went to pick her up at the appointed meeting place and she wasn't there. It seems like residents, guests, and workers at the trailer park should be looked at, as well as her manager. I haven't read where she was supposed to meet her manager, but something also could have happened between the trailer park and the meeting place.

[n/t]

==================================
Jennifer Hammon was a very petite girl.

I sent a list of women missing to the county where the bones were found in the Allegheny Reservoir.
She was listed among them.
But I had not thought of her for this one, since I thought it was a young boy.

But I am glad her family will know what happened to her.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=125989&catid=339
pic at link

They can't locate her parents per your link.

[dreamtime]

Gee, I could have sworn I saw that the parents were notified.
Will go check links.

Here is what I found.
It is said that LE did call the father about 6 months ago, checking in with family.
Somehow, I took that to mean, family knows.
Sorry for the mistake.

http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=125989&catid=339
'snipped'
We never [forgot]. We called six months ago and checked with the father to see if she had ever returned. And the father hadn't heard anything from her.

[Maelstrom5]

Hi All,

Jennifer's remains were found in the same general location as those of 19 year old Christina White's. Christina when missing from the same town, same street, on July 1 2005. Her remains were discovered in March of 2006. Her homicide has not yet been solved.

My link to pictures and news articles/missing persons report.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=143252708&albumID=951274&imageID=40022172

[USACQ]

Young caucasian woman's body found in York County SC (about 15 miles SW of Charlotte NC). York County Sheriff is investigating. Body was not there long, found 1:14 pm on Thursday

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/stories/wcnc-102909-mw-body-found.26542f5cf.html

[Danette44]

Young caucasian woman's body found in York County SC (about 15 miles SW of Charlotte NC). York County Sheriff is investigating. Body was not there long, found 1:14 pm on Thursday

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/stories/wcnc-102909-mw-body-found.26542f5cf.html

Thank you for the link - not much information, some of the people on the comments wonder if it's Morgan Harrington since they say in her 20's, and the body hasn't been there long. How sad another woman gone to soon.....:(

[Destini]

There are pictures of her clothing & jewelry at this link.

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/questions-39741-answers-related.html

The body is that of a white woman about 5 feet 6 inches tall weighing between 150 and 160 pounds. The woman had dark eyes and brown hair about 12½ inches long, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

[Santa'sMom]

Hi All,

Jennifer's remains were found in the same general location as those of 19 year old Christina White's. Christina when missing from the same town, same street, on July 1 2005. Her remains were discovered in March of 2006. Her homicide has not yet been solved.

My link to pictures and news articles/missing persons report.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=143252708&albumID=951274&imageID=40022172

The two kind of favor one another a bit. They both also look much younger than 18 and 19 to me. Two lives ended way before their times. RIP young ladies. :rose::rose:

[Danette44]

There are pictures of her clothing & jewelry at this link.

http://www.gastongazette.com/news/questions-39741-answers-related.html

The body is that of a white woman about 5 feet 6 inches tall weighing between 150 and 160 pounds. The woman had dark eyes and brown hair about 12½ inches long, according to a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

Thank you Destini - that leaves Morgan out of this missing person case - hope they find out who this poor child is and find the person who did this to her!

[Cheri_G]

http://www.wten.com/Global/story.asp?S=11408279


According to District Attorney James Murphy, the remains belong to 18-year-old Jennifer Hammond, a young woman originally from Colorado who was last seen in August 2003 at the Creek and Pines Trailer Park in Ballston Spa.