Jaliek Rainwalker - 12 yrd old GREENWICH, N.Y- 11/8/07

GREENWICH, N.Y. — The local police chief believes harm may have come to a 12-year-old boy after search teams and divers failed to find him for more than a week.

Jaliek L. Rainwalker of Greenwich has been missing since last Thursday. Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell said Rainwalker was last seen when his adoptive father told him to go to bed that night. During the night Rainwalker placed pillows under his blankets and left a goodbye note, and has not been seen since, according to Bell.

"I believe that something or someone did harm to Jaliek," Bell said Thursday.

Bell said police have followed up on about 150 leads but have found no clues. He said no reports have indicated a direct sighting of the missing boy.

"That makes me concerned as a law enforcement person that something out of the ordinary has happened," he said.

Bell said Rainwalker, who has lived in Greenwich for the past eight years, is a troubled child with an array of mental disorders, and is considered to be homicidal and suicidal. He is not currently on medication, according to Bell.

"We know that there's some serious psychological problems. He has some suicidal and homicidal tendencies, but I don't know if a 12-year-old can have a strong enough will to do that," Bell said.

Rainwalker had been at a respite home in Altamont for four days after threatening another child in his home-school group, according to Bell. He is not considered to be a danger to the public, however, Bell said.

Cambridge-Greenwich police, the New York State Police, the Washington County Sheriff's Department, the New York State Forest Rangers, the Lower Adirondack Search and Rescue and the Greenwich Fire Department have searched land in Greenwich unsuccessfully for several days. State Police helicopters and K-9 units were also brought in to help the search. Dive teams searched the Batten Kill underneath a bridge in Cambridge after police learned that he had threatened to jump before disappearing.

A command post up at the police station in Greenwich will continue to operate and any reported leads will be followed, Bell said.

"At this point there's still people doing a few leads. We've traced every lead as far as we could," Bell said. "I'm asking the people that own wood lots or fields, hunters that may be out there, to call us if they see anything suspicious," he said.

Bell said the FBI has offered its services and behavioral science experts have also been consulted. Several Web sites, including America's Most Wanted and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have been contacted and asked to post information about Rainwalker.

Several religious groups in the Greenwich area, such as the Twelve Tribes in Cambridge, were questioned about Rainwalker's disappearance after police learned that the boy has had contact with them in the past, according to Bell. No new information was obtained, however, Bell said.

Rainwalker is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall, 105 pounds, light brown skin, brown hair and green eyes. Rainwalker may be wearing blue jeans, a yellow fleece and black sneakers, according to police.

Any person with information regarding Rainwalker is asked to contact Cambridge/Greenwich Police Department at (518) 692-9332.

http://www.benningtonbanner.com/headlines/ci_7425010

[n/t]

Bell said Rainwalker, who has lived in Greenwich for the past eight years, is a troubled child with an array of mental disorders, and is considered to be homicidal and suicidal. He is not currently on medication, according to Bell.


Wonder why he isn't on medication.

Where's his mom?

I dont know but this puts off my hinky meter:

Bell said police have followed up on about 150 leads but have found no clues. He said no reports have indicated a direct sighting of the missing boy.

If he would have ran away, someone would of spotted him. Usually kids that run away at his age would go to a friends house or something. Its been a whole week and no sighting at all.

I wonder where the mother is as well. They mentioned the adoptive father but that is all.

Also, if he was diagnosed with mental disorders, why was he not on medication.

[n/t]

My hinky meter:

During the night Rainwalker placed pillows under his blankets and left a goodbye note, and has not been seen since, according to Bell.

I have a hard time believing a 12 year old would write a goodbye note.

[kaylynn]

Originally posted by n/t [*]My hinky meter:

During the night Rainwalker placed pillows under his blankets and left a goodbye note, and has not been seen since, according to Bell.

I have a hard time believing a 12 year old would write a goodbye note. [/*]

do you think this was an abduction, n/t??

[n/t]

Originally posted by kaylynn [*]

do you think this was an abduction, n/t?? [/*]

There's not enough information yet to rule out abduction or foul play. I just found it odd that a 12 year old boy would write a goodbye note.

I'd like to know more about his mom and adoptive father. Why was this boy on medication? Why do they think he's homicidal or suicidal at such a young age? What kind of pyschological problems were diagnosed?

He said police have offered polygraph tests to both the boy's adoptive parents. The mother has completed the test, he said. The adoptive father has not, Bell said.

http://www.saratogian.com/site/news....d=602469&rfi=6

[n/t]

Originally posted by KindraLore [*]




http://www.saratogian.com/site/news....d=602469&rfi=6 [/*]

Thanks for the update.

2 statements stood out.

1) He said police have offered polygraph tests to both the boy's adoptive parents. The mother has completed the test, he said. The adoptive father has not,Bell said.
He said no comment when asked to elaborate.


2) Rainwalker was last seen Nov. 1 and left an ambiguous note behind. Chief Bell described the boy as troubled, having had recent discipline problems.


I hope I'm wrong but I'm suspicious about the father. He's the last person to have seen Jaliek after he sent him to bed. He's the one who found the note and now he's refusing to take a polygraph test.

The boy had discipline problems. My feeling is Jaliek probably refused to go to bed and dad snapped.

All speculation on my part. Hope I'm wrong.

This bothers me too:

Neither McDonald nor Kerr would discuss the matter with a reporter who reached them by telephone Wednesday.

If your child is missing, the media is your friend. You need to get as much info out as you can about the child, over and over so that people can see him or her. Without the public's help, its hard to find someone that's missing.


http://www.poststar.com/articles/200...l/13064861.txt

[n/t]

Kindra, any updates?

Thanks for bumping N/T. Something is wrong here. Just a gut feeling. Reminds me of Colton Clark. That's one reason I have been following it.

Here is the most recent update I could find:
[*]Hope Fades for Boy Missing in Upstate New York[/*]

The search for apparent runaway Jaliek Rainwalker in upstate New York has produced at least 150 leads, but no missing 12-year-old boy.

Rainwalker was last seen more than a week ago by his adopted father, Stephen Kerr, Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell told ABC News.

Kerr reported the boy missing Nov. 2 after finding him gone from his bed at his adopted grandfather's house. Rainwalker, who suffers from mental illness, had stuffed clothes and pillows under the sheets and left behind a note, Kerr told police.

"He was sorry for all he did and he wouldn't be a problem anymore," Bell said, describing the contents of the note, which appeared to be written in Rainwalker's handwriting. "He said, 'Goodbye.'"

The note could be construed as a runaway or suicide note, Bell said, but more than 10 days after the boy's disappearance, the chief fears that Rainwalker has fallen victim to someone or something.

"In 30 years, a kid of 12 years old, and I don't care what his mindset is, he doesn't fall off the face of the world," Bell said. "We just don't have a runaway kid here."

Rainwalker had been in and out of foster care seven times before he was officially adopted by Kerr and his wife, Jocelyn McDonald, when he was 5. He recently had gotten in trouble for threatening a student and was sent to a respite home in Altamont, N.Y. Witnesses have placed Rainwalker and Kerr at a restaurant the Thursday night before he was reported missing as the two drove back to Greenwich from Altamont.

The search has included dive teams, K-9 units and helicopters. The New York State police, local sheriff's office, forest rangers and search and rescue teams have all assisted the Cambridge-Greenwich police in the effort.

Bell said that both the grandfather's house, as well as the house where Kerr and McDonald live, were searched as potential crime scenes. Police are not calling anyone a suspect in the disappearance, but Bell added that, at this point, "I can't rule anything out."

He also said that police offered polygraph tests to both Kerr and McDonald -- an offer that only McDonald accepted. "We've offered to have both parents take the polygraphs and the mother has taken a polygraph," Bell said. "That's where I'll end it." The family, Bell added, conducted its own search for the boy.

A message left by ABC News with a woman who identified herself as Kerr's sister was not returned.

The search area is focused on a rugged wilderness area along the banks of the Batten Kill River. Authorities also questioned several religious groups in the area, including the Twelve Tribes in Cambridge, a religious farming community near Rainwalker's home.

Citizens have reported seeing Rainwalker as far away as Saratoga and Albany, N.Y. While each lead takes time to investigate, Bell said they will continue to follow up on what he described as "good intent calls."

Rainwalker is not currently taking any medications, but should not be considered a danger to approach, police said. He is described as a light-skinned black boy, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 105 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He may be wearing blue jeans and a yellow fleece.

http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/Story?id=3853746&page=1

[n/t]

Hi Kindra,

Thanks for the update. I don't know the Colton Clark case. I'll look it up.

I agree. Something doesn't sound right about this case. The note is very bizarre. I hope they've checked it to ensure it is indeed Jaliek's handwriting.

Why hasn't the father taken the LDT? Why is the family doing their own search?



Hope he's found soon.

[darcie]

How terribly sad. So many things go on in this ole world anymore. It's heartbreaking.

Thinking of you, and praying that you are safe Jaliek.

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S254934.shtml?cat=300

Why do people take in children with problems if they can't handle it...

[jtazzy]

Originally posted by n/t [*]

Thanks for the update.

2 statements stood out.

1) He said police have offered polygraph tests to both the boy's adoptive parents. The mother has completed the test, he said. The adoptive father has not,Bell said.
He said no comment when asked to elaborate.


2) Rainwalker was last seen Nov. 1 and left an ambiguous note behind. Chief Bell described the boy as troubled, having had recent discipline problems.


I hope I'm wrong but I'm suspicious about the father. He's the last person to have seen Jaliek after he sent him to bed. He's the one who found the note and now he's refusing to take a polygraph test.

The boy had discipline problems. My feeling is Jaliek probably refused to go to bed and dad snapped.

All speculation on my part. Hope I'm wrong. [/*]

Something is not right here. I don't understand why the dad didn't take the polygraph test. If you have nothing to hide esp. when you have a missing child. Parents are always the first one's that they have to rule out....just standard practice.

Here is the latest on Jaliek. Yesterday they drained a pond at a near by golf course. Cadaver dogs showed lots of interest there. They still found nothing. Today they are doing a shoulder to shoulder grid search in the same area with the dogs.

Here is one article that gives some updates:

http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/...24982&SecID=33

Originally posted by n/t


Wonder why he isn't on medication.

I may be able to answer this one. My youngest daughter had bi-polar disorder and trying to find a dr that would let her take mads for it while she was under 18 was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Because of the huge lawsuits by parents of suicide children the pharm companies and many dr.s now refuse to treat minors with meds. This had just the opposite effect on my daughter, because they would not give her lithium she rapid cycled into suicide. Having a mentally ill child these days is a nightmare when it comes to treatment, at least here anyway.

[Santa'sMom]

Originally posted by lillwild1 [*]

I may be able to answer this one. My youngest daughter had bi-polar disorder and trying to find a dr that would let her take mads for it while she was under 18 was like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Because of the huge lawsuits by parents of suicide children the pharm companies and many dr.s now refuse to treat minors with meds. This had just the opposite effect on my daughter, because they would not give her lithium she rapid cycled into suicide. Having a mentally ill child these days is a nightmare when it comes to treatment, at least here anyway. [/*]

lil, it isn't any better down here. if you find a dr. with enough sense to write a scrip for the needed meds you better stick with that doc. i am so sorry that they let your daughter down. it isn't your fault. people have this weird idea that mental illness suddenly happens after a person reaches the age of majority and it just ain't so. kids as young as 6 have committed or attempted suicide. it's such a horrible situation and as long as the media plays up the ant-medication hype, it won't get better any time soon. hugs to you and your remaining child/ren. i'm sure your daughter knew you loved her. when you are at the bottom, love alone sometimes can't reach you.

Originally posted by Santa'sMom


lil, it isn't any better down here. if you find a dr. with enough sense to write a scrip for the needed meds you better stick with that doc. i am so sorry that they let your daughter down. it isn't your fault. people have this weird idea that mental illness suddenly happens after a person reaches the age of majority and it just ain't so. kids as young as 6 have committed or attempted suicide. it's such a horrible situation and as long as the media plays up the ant-medication hype, it won't get better any time soon. hugs to you and your remaining child/ren. i'm sure your daughter knew you loved her. when you are at the bottom, love alone sometimes can't reach you.

Thank you for such sweet thoughts. When you have to deal with mental illness everyday you know that it can literally be a terminal illness if untreated.

[huskiki]

This area is only an hour away from where I live. I've heard some news coverage but not much so I just thought to look here. You would think that I would have done that first!

I'm a little suspicious of the goodbye note too. My daughter is 13 and if she were upset enough to attempt to runaway I would think that leaving a note would be the last thing she would do. I don't know, I hope I'm never placed in this situation.

I'm going to poke around to see if I can come up with any more info.

[huskiki]

NYS Police Missing Person link:

http://troopers.state.ny.us/Wanted_a...5-9093db18218a

Article from today's Times Union (news paper serving the Captial District):

http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories...storyID=638852

AMW:

http://www.amw.com/missing_children/brief.cfm?id=50696

ABC News with reference to farewell letter:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=3853746&page=1

[huskiki]

Today's news paper leaves me wondering exactly what happened to Jaliek. Please read the following:

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/sto...ate=11/16/2007

I do not understand how someone can UNadopt a child. There are many things that I quesetion when reading this article. Please share your thoughts.

Originally posted by huskiki [*]Today's news paper leaves me wondering exactly what happened to Jaliek. Please read the following:

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/sto...ate=11/16/2007

I do not understand how someone can UNadopt a child. There are many things that I quesetion when reading this article. Please share your thoughts. [/*]

The adopted grandfather's name is Graham Kerr. Isn't/wasn't there a chef on TV years back by the same name?

[omsk99]

Originally posted by huskiki [*]Today's news paper leaves me wondering exactly what happened to Jaliek. Please read the following:

http://timesunion.com/AspStories/sto...ate=11/16/2007

I do not understand how someone can UNadopt a child. There are many things that I quesetion when reading this article. Please share your thoughts. [/*]

I have to say I probably wouldn't be able to adjust to their "unusual" lifestyle, either! They have 5 children! Of course,m I don't judge, but it's understandable why Jaliek would not be happy there. Perhaps he did run away? If so, I hope he is somewhere warm and safe until he is found.

I wonder, if that was one of their own children, would they give him up as well??

[huskiki]

Originally posted by omsk99 [*]

I have to say I probably wouldn't be able to adjust to their "unusual" lifestyle, either! They have 5 children! Of course,m I don't judge, but it's understandable why Jaliek would not be happy there. Perhaps he did run away? If so, I hope he is somewhere warm and safe until he is found.

I wonder, if that was one of their own children, would they give him up as well?? [/*]

Hi omsk99,

I wonder that as well. How do you take on the responsibility of rasing a child and then give up when it's not working out. I would think that they would have known that he had some issues when he first came to live with them and yet they still decided to adopt him. If you can't tough it out then perhaps you should only be a foster home, kids have feelings too.

I do hope he ran away and will be found safe. Add to that, taken from that home.

No running water, no electricity & the kids are home schooled. They have no connection to the outside world. They showed the picture of their house (not the grandfather's house) on TV during the first couple of days he was missing. It looked no bigger than a tall garage. I don't know how 2 adults & five children live there.
I believe they have dogs & cats also.
The grandmother said "It's not poverty, but a desire to be ultra eco-friendly". What is worse? HAVING to bring children up in poverty or CHOOSING to bring children up in as if it were poverty?
Some of the other children are also adopted. I doubt that would have happened if the parents were already living this way. They children were already adopted by the time the parents chose this lifestyle.
These kids are going to resent their parents when the grow up and I wouldn't blame them. I wonder if they adopted children can be taken away from the permanently.

PinkPony--yes there is a chef by the same name but the grandfather is not him

How did this family pass to be adoptive parents..
and this dad does not pass my smell test...


Is there anything new to report? I think they will find him burried somewhere in the area....

[n/t]

"Kerr volunteered to take Rainwalker to the empty house at 11 Hill St. in Greenwich, which is owned by Kerr's father, Graham."

http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/...25272&SecID=33

Hunters looking for missing Greenwich boy

For the ones asking why he wasn't on medication, look how the live. this is 2007 there is no reason not to have running water, electric, etc..

[n/t]

Originally posted by txfemale45 [*]For the ones asking why he wasn't on medication, look how the live. this is 2007 there is no reason not to have running water, electric, etc.. [/*]

I don't understand how these parents were able to adopt this boy.

Did you notice my quoted post earlier?

"Kerr volunteered to take Rainwalker to the empty house at 11 Hill St. in Greenwich, which is owned by Kerr's father, Graham."


Kerr is the adoptive dad, right? He volunteered to take this boy to an empty house???? Is this for real? Am I misunderstanding something? Did he just leave him there?

n/t

This dad does not pass my smell test at all
the other kids should be put in a safe place while this is investigated..we all know what the outcome is going to be.

carol

i am typing with one hand and holding my grandson

[Santa'sMom]

Originally posted by n/t [*]

I don't understand how these parents were able to adopt this boy.

Did you notice my quoted post earlier?

"Kerr volunteered to take Rainwalker to the empty house at 11 Hill St. in Greenwich, which is owned by Kerr's father, Graham."


Kerr is the adoptive dad, right? He volunteered to take this boy to an empty house???? Is this for real? Am I misunderstanding something? Did he just leave him there? [/*]

I have trouble seeing Protective Services letting people who live like that adopt a child but if they are clean, fed, and have a roof over their heads, maybe they can't keep them from adopting because of the lifestyle. Some children would thrive in that type of environment. Maybe it was felt that he was one of those kids. Were they living like that prior to adoption? or is this something new? As for the empty house, maybe he was so out-of-control that he had to be removed from the other kids for their safety? I was assuming that the father was staying at the empty house but after I read your post I have to wonder? I feel so bad for the poor kid. Mental issues are hard enough for adults, they are devastating for kids. Sometimes the meds work and sometimes they don't. There are a lot of things that we don't know about with the family so I am trying to with hold judgement but it doesn't look good. I hope Jaliek is only hiding and is ok but my heart doesn't tell me that that is the case. Prayers for Jaliek.

[huskiki]

Originally posted by n/t [*]"Kerr volunteered to take Rainwalker to the empty house at 11 Hill St. in Greenwich, which is owned by Kerr's father, Graham."

[/*]

Hi n/t!

That statement struck me as odd when I first read it and every time I read it. The only thing I can think of is that they were planning on bringing him to another one of those respite homes the next day and perhaps they didn't want to bring him home to be around the other kids.

I wish I had more details, I'm going to do some more poking around. I really would like to know if Jaliek knew that his adoptive parents were planning on un-adopting him. It would at least speak to his state of mind that evening.

[huskiki]

Article from today:

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S260236.shtml?cat=300

Originally posted by Biff [*]PinkPony--yes there is a chef by the same name but the grandfather is not him [/*]

Thanks Biff.
That just jumped out at me when I read it. Wasn't sure if the chef Graham Kerr is still around or not.

Originally posted by huskiki [*]Article from today:

http://wnyt.com/article/stories/S260236.shtml?cat=300 [/*]

So the adoptive maternal grandparents are questioning whether the adoptive father has some involvement. Hmmmmmmm..........

[Santa'sMom]

ok. i have tried really hard to not be judgemental of the parents but the adoptive father is really beginning to sound a bit mentally unstable. how does one go from a missing child to spouting mlk? i understand what he was trying to say but if he honestly feels that way, why was he trying to "unadopt" the poor kid? add that to the way of Life and it gets scarier and scarier. my heart is breaking for that poor young man.