Brittanee Drexel: Coroner Completes Examination Of Bones Found In Search Area
David Lohr / Huffington Post / Posted: 03/29/2012
Bones found in an area of South Carolina at the center of the search for missing teen Brittanee Drexel are the remains from an animal, a county coroner determined.
"They are not human. They are animal bones," a spokeswoman for the Georgetown County Coroner's Office told The Huffington Post.
A group of fisherman found the bones on Sunday near the Carroll Campbell Boat Landing. According to the Georgetown City Police Department, hunters have been known to dump deer carcasses in the waterway.
Drexel, of Rochester, N.Y., was 17 years old in April 2009, when she went to Myrtle Beach, S.C., on spring break. The teen was last seen by friends on April 25 of that year, when she left the Bar Harbor Hotel in Myrtle Beach to meet friends at the nearby BlueWater Resort. Surveillance footage shows Drexel arriving at the resort, then leaving roughly 10 minutes later. What happened to her after that remains a mystery.
Her cell phone gave off its last signal the day after she went missing. Investigators narrowed the phone location to an area near the South Santee River in Georgetown County.
Monica Caison, founder and director of the North Carolina-based Community United Effort Center for Missing Persons, has conducted multiple searches for the missing teen. To date, no sign of Drexel has been found.
(snip)
At the time of her disappearance, Drexel was 5 feet tall and 103 pounds. She had blue eyes and blond highlights in her hair. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Myrtle Beach Police at 843-918-1382. Confidential tips can also be submitted via helpfindbrittaneedrexel.com.
READ MORE: WHY HAS IT TAKEN SO LONG TO FIND BRITTANEE DREXEL?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/29/brittanee-drexel-update_n_1389322.html
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
KENTUCKY: 19 KIDS FOUND IN FILTHY SWELTERING HOME, JACKIE FARRAH ARRESTED
AP GRAPHICS
WLKY.com
Authorities say a Kentucky couple left 19 children unattended
for a week in a sweltering, filthy home.
Jackie Farah, told neighbors, she and Irving “Joe” Smith had a family emergency in Michigan.
Mother arrested for leaving kids alone in hot home
Published: July 2, 2012 / The Associated Press
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Police in south central Kentucky have arrested a woman who is the mother of some of the 19 children left alone in a hot, filthy home near Bowling Green.
Police found the kids, including an infant, Monday night after they had been left in the home for a week.
The Daily News ( http://bit.ly/LTmubQ) reports 32-year-old Jackie Farah has been charged with 14 counts of criminal abuse and five counts of wanton endangerment. Farah returned from Chicago on Tuesday and went to the Warren County Sheriff's office, where she was charged.
Farah has been jailed without bond. Police say they are looking for another person to be brought in for questioning.
The children were treated at a hospital and placed in state custody. A neighbor says there were 13 children living in the house before six cousins came to visit for the summer.
Police say Farah and Irving "Joe" Smith left town on June 27, during a heat wave that hit Bowling Green. A neighbor called police to the house, and officers found the children alone with no air conditioning and nine dogs and a cat. A police detective said there was an inch of dog feces on the floor in one room.
A neighbor, Annie Adams, said she noticed that the parents living the house never left for work and the kids were always hanging around the house. Recently, she said, the 13 kids and the two adults were joined by six other children who were their cousins visiting Warren County for the summer.
READ UPDATE: JACKIE FARRAH ARRESTED FOR ABUSE AND ENDANGERMENT OF 19 CHILDREN IN HER CARE...
http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/04/2248312/mother-arrested-for-leaving-kids.html
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
ALBA, TEXAS: TERRY CAFFEY FORGIVES ERIN CAFFEY FOR KILLING FAMILY
Family Handout/ABC
Terry Caffey, his wife Penny, and their children, Tyler, Matthew 'Bubba' and Erin
ALL THAT IS LEFT:
A welcome sign hangs at the front of the Caffey home driveway on Monday in Alba. Penny Caffey, 38, and her two sons, Matthew Caffey, 13, and Tyler Caffey, 8, were stabbed and shot to death on Saturday. Tyler Paper.com (Staff Photo By Mark Roberts)
Convicted of killing the Caffey Family in 2009
Dad whose wife and sons were slaughtered forgives daughter for plotting murders
A Texas man who is the only survivor of a cold-blooded home invasion that left his wife and two sons dead says he has forgiven his daughter for planning her own family's brutal murders.Terry Caffey said he was sound asleep on the morning of March 1, 2008, when an explosion of gunshots filled his Alba, Texas home.
"It was so loud and it's even hard to describe," Caffey told "Nightline." "I mean, can you imagine someone standing over you and shooting when you're sound asleep and now you're being attacked in your bed?"
Four years after the massacre, Caffey's story is being reenacted for the ABC TV series, "Final Witness," set to air Wednesday night at 10 p.m. He told “Nightline” that he’s learned to accept the death of his family, and has even reconnected with his daughter, Erin, who orchestrated the massacre.
The show recreates the moment Caffey was awoken by two intruders - one was Charlie Wilkinson, his 16-year-old daughter's boyfriend.
He didn't learn until later that Erin was also in on the attack.
Wilkinson and an accomplice shot Caffey's wife Penny to death and set the family's home on fire. They fired a bullet in his 13-year-old son Matthew's face and stabbed 8-year-old Tyler to death in a closet. Caffey himself was shot several times.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
GLORIA LEONIDAS: ORIGAMI BIRDS
Good evening, Miss Gloria. (I call her Miss Gloria now.) Last week some very nice, very kind person made some pretty little origami birds, and placed them at your memorial site all around the lovely flowers and cards.
This week the beautiful flowers and thoughtful cards have been removed. The furry stuffed animals, bright balloons, and touching messages placed at parking spot number 97 from people who care about you and your family have been removed. But somehow they missed something.
Little origami birds!
This evening the number 2 bus slipped up the hill from downtown Seattle on Spring Street, and drove by the back of the Town Hall parking lot. I always look for you, Miss Gloria, when I'm on that bus. It pulled around the corner, and stopped at Seneca and 8th. I stepped down onto the sidewalk. Maybe no one noticed the tiny folded paper birds nesting in the plants by the bus stop. I noticed. I picked up two birds with beautiful patterns on their wings.
I took them home. I took you home, too, Miss Gloria.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
GLORIA LEONIDAS: SEATTLE FRIENDS BRING FLOWERS AND WORDS TO SPOT WHERE SHE DIED
GLORIA LEONIDAS, FACEBOOK PHOTO
By Chomp
It was Wednesday May, 30, 2012. Gloria Leonidas had parked her black Mercedes SUV in the lot behind downtown Seattle's Townhall at 8th Avenue and Seneca Street. It was here that Ian Stawicki found Gloria, and demanded her car. After all, Stawicki had just killed three people at Cafe Racer, in the University District, and had shot two others. He needed a getaway car. Gloria was between this mentally erratic, angry man, and the car he was determined to take. He shot Gloria in the head, gave the middle-finger to people nearby, and sped away in Gloria's Mercedes.
The police tracked Gloria's Mercedes and Ian Stawicki to West Seattle. He knelt down, and shot himself in the head. He was taken to Harborview Hospital where he died. Another of his victims also died at Harborview Hospital. Only one of the victims that Stawicki shot has survived.
A total of six people died that Wednesday in Seattle, for no reason!
Jo Ann Stremler heard Gloria Leonidas scream for help, and she called 9-1-1. Jo Ann Stremler saw it all. Stremler and another Good Samaritan rushed to Gloria's side. They tried to give CPR while they waited for help.
"I didn't think we could save her when we started working on her, but that wasn't the point," Stremler said. "I knew that her family would not have wanted her to die alone."
She held Gloria's hand, "Whoever you are, we are here. You are not alone."
Another bystander heard the shots and rushed to help.
"I ran up to her right away, and there was just a massive pool of blood there," said Jason Yori. "I didn't know anything about her, so I spoke to her as a human being who was in the wrong place at the wrong time."
The Navy veteran said he gave her last rites. "I felt really special to be able to do that - for us to be there when nobody else was there with her," said Yori.
Now I will tell you another side of the story. I live nearby, but that day I was at school. I read on the Internet that there was a shooting at 8th and Seneca. I didn't know what happened until I got home. I was afraid to ride the bus that day.
The view of the Townhall parking lot isn't visible because the trees are heavy and thick with summer leaves. I could see nothing. I asked a couple people, and they had not heard anything. It took a couple days before I realized that the shooting was behind the Townhall.
Yesterday, I walked down the street, and down the ramp into the parking lot. I found the flowers and cards and stuffed animals. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. I couldn't stay long; tears flowed and saddness tore at my heart. I would come back tomorrow, and bring my flowers to add to others. I would honor Gloria Leonidas.
Today, I walked down the street again, and down the ramp into the parking lot where Gloria died. I added my flowers to the memorial. Several people walked by, and stopped to read the cards. I wrote down the words from many of the cards, and will post them below. People wrote such beautiful words for you Gloria. I am sorry that each of us never got to meet you.
To Gloria Leonidas and your family, here are the words from the memorial. Words from people who knew you; words from people who wish they knew you.
"I lost a friend today, a co-worker and a mentor, a person who had taken me under her wing and was my partner in crime... In a senseless carjacking by a cafe murderer who needed a get away car and chose her...she fought, as she would do, and he took her life and presence. Gloria was beautiful, funny, and an incredibly intelligent woman. She was without a doubt the smartest human being I have ever known. I hurt that she's gone and I don't know what to do."
Another tribute is a lovely light green card with a red tulip and a butterfly.
"What a beautiful difference one single life made"
Inside someone wrote, " It breaks my heart to think of everyone Gloria touched in her life. I cannot imagine what her children are going through right now--but find comfort in knowing what a strong, successful woman she was--that so many people will always love and remember Sunshine"
Another message was hard to read, and a couple were a bit smudged from the rain, but the important thing to remember is Gloria knows your kind and loving words. There were more words inside this card showing love for this woman. My apologies for the words I couldn't read.
Patti wrote something touching about Gloria's girls and her husband. "My heart goes out to them at this tragic time. She had a big beautiful heart that will be missed."
With Deepest Sympathy, Lighting Supply
Another card said this on the front (I couldn't read the words inside.)
Now and always may time be your friend
May hope be your refuge
May love be your guide
May peace be your ally
May comfort be your keeper
Another message was hand written, and placed in plastic to protect it from Seattle's rain.
"Dear Friend
I'm sad to say that I never met you, never had the chance to have coffee or have polite conversation at a local coffee house. Never saw you smile or cry or love. I do know these were gifts taken from you too soon. I hope you knew good people were around and your family should see all good. It's sad you were taken from us in such a violent way. I hope your family heals soon because you are in heaven now. I have sprinkled love over this spot, prayed and cried for you. I walk by every day, in silence, remembrance. Know that you were love. Know that we care. Know that good is all around and know that you can use your angel wings to soar above us all.
(heart symbol)
your fellow human and friend
- Kole"
I can say no more.
This family has been so terribly hurt, so terribly injured. I posted these messages so someday they may read them, and they may know that we cared, and they may know that not everyone in the world is evil. Most of us are good, caring people, and we feel so bad and so sad about what happened.
Signed: Chomp, June 2, 2012
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
MICHAEL ALGUERA: WE REMEMBER; 2 ARRESTED FOR SENSELESS MURDER
Photo credit: Howard Schnapp | A photo of Michael Alguera, who was fatally stabbed last week, sits in a memorial that in set in his home on Jan. 22, 2008 in Hempstead, N.Y.
YouTube: Uploaded by YANESITA13 on Feb 23, 2008
R.i.p Michael Alguera
8/24/1992 to 1/19/2008
2 charged with murder in Hempstead slaying
David Valle and Louis Ruiz, described as lieutenants in the MS-13 street gang's Hempstead clique, or chapter, were indicted Thursday at the federal courthouse in Central Islip in the murder of Michael Alguera, then 15, according to court papers filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Durham.The arrests followed a three-year investigation by the FBI and Nassau County homicide detectives, which concluded that Alguera was accidentally caught up in gang rivalry, according to officials.
"He was not a gang member. . . . He was an innocent child. What a way to lose his life," said Det. Lt. John Azzata, of the Nassau County police homicide squad. "It's something that every parent has to feel" concerned about when they send their kids to school, he added.
Valle and Ruiz had come to Hempstead High School in the afternoon along with half a dozen other MS-13 members, seeking revenge against members of the rival SWP gang, which supposedly had stolen the blue-and-white "flag" or bandanna of a student MS-13 member, according to sources familiar with the case.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
MEMORIAL DAY: PATRIOTS EXTRAORDINAIRE, ROLLING THUNDER ROLLS, 250,000 MOTORCYCLES HONOR AMERICAN MILITARY
Memorial Day
Patriotism and Respect for American Soldiers and Veterans
More than 250,000 motorcycles from Rolling Thunder roll into Washington, DC each Memorial Day to honor our American military men and women. Since 1987, Rolling Thunder brings awareness each year about prisoners of war (POW), and about those troops missing in action (MIA).A music video tribute of the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally on Memorial Day weekend in Washington, DC. This is the official video used by Rolling Thunder to help bring awareness to the issue of POW/MIAs. http://www.rollingthundermotorcyclerally.com/
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
MORGAN HILL, CA: ANTOLIN GARCIA-TORRES DNA TIED TO MISSING SIERRA LaMARR
Antolin Garcia-Torres, age 21 (Santa Clara County Sheriff)
Sierra LaMar Suspect Watched for Weeks Hoping He Would Lead Them To Teen
By ALYSSA NEWCOMB (@alyssanewcomb) , KEVIN DOLAK (@kdolak) and DEAN SCHABNER
abcNEWS / May 22, 2012
Santa Clara County police said today they had been following the suspect in the kidnapping and murder of Sierra LaMar since March 28, hoping he would lead them to the missing teen.
Antolin Garcia Torres, 21, was arrested Monday and booked into the Santa Clara County Jail on suspicion of murder and kidnapping, according to the sheriff's department.
Police said he was not being cooperative and they are still looking for LaMar.
The girl's mother, Marlene LaMar, made an emotional plea to Garcia-Torres at a news conference today.
"Please give the information that you have to lead us to Sierra to help end this nightmare. I would like you to come forward and say where she is and end this nightmare for us as a family." she said.
LaMar said she is holding out hope her daughter is still alive.
"Until she is found,our search is still not going to end," she said. "As a mother, still I am hopeful because her body has not been found and that gives me hope."
The cheerleader disappeared on March 16 on her way to a school bus. Two days later, authorities found her cellphone and Juicy brand bag containing a pair of folded jeans and a T-shirt two miles from her home.
DNA was found on several of the teen's belongings and was run through a state database, said Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith. That DNA was a match for Antolin Garcia Torres who had a submitted DNA during a felony arrest that had not been prosecuted, she said.
BREAKING NEWS: ANTOLIN GARCIA-TORRES TIED TO MISSING SIERRA LaMARR
Thursday, May 10, 2012
MISSISSIPPI: ADAM MAYES DEAD, TWO BAIN GIRLS SAFE; TERESA MAYES CHARGED WITH MURDER
Alleged Tennessee family kidnapper dead, girls found safe
Published May 10, 2012 / FoxNews.comThe Mississippi man suspected of killing a Tennessee mother and daughter was caught Thursday evening and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, authorities say, while the other two young daughters he is suspected of kidnapping were found alive and safe.
Adam Mayes, 35, on who was added to the FBI's Most Wanted Fugitive List Wednesday, was caught in Mississippi after police received a tip.
Guntown Police Chief Michael Hall says a SWAT team located Mayes in New Albany, Miss., and when they moved in to apprehend him, he shot himself.
Edwards said Mayes was still alive -- in critical condition -- after police took him into custody. He later died from wounds, the FBI confirmed.
Police say the two daughters that Mayes allegedly abducted, Alexandria Bain, 12, and Kyliyah Bain, 8, were found alive and safe. Both girls were being taken to a hospital for observation. It was not immediately clear if they were with Mayes when he was found.
Mayes and his wife, Teresa, are charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Jo Ann Bain, 31, and her daughter, Adrienne, 14. Their bodies were found buried outside the Mayes' home a week after they were reported missing by Jo Ann Bain's husband, Gary.
Teresa Mayes told investigators that after she saw her husband kill the two in the garage at the Bain home, she drove him, the younger girls and the bodies to Mississippi, according to affidavits filed in court. She faces six felony counts in the case: two first-degree murder charges and four especially aggravated kidnapping charges.
READ: ADAM MAYES DEAD, ALEXADRIA BAIN AND KYLIYAH FOUND ALIVE...
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/10/alleged-tennessee-family-kidnapper-caught-girls-found-safe-police-say/
Monday, April 30, 2012
SEATTLE: MARIZELA PEREZ -WHAT ARE POLICE DOING TO FIND HER???
MARIZELA PEREZ
Where is Marizela Perez? Families frustrated when loved ones vanish
Marizela Perez's family believes Seattle police could be doing more to find the missing University of Washington student. But they have also learned what other families in similarly heartbreaking situations face: There are few resources devoted to finding missing adults and limited avenues for law enforcement to pursue when there's no evidence of foul play.
By Christine Clarridge / Seattle Times staff reporter
Originally published May 19, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Perhaps Marizela Perez is hiding out somewhere, gathering the courage to tell her parents she dropped out of chemistry, switched her major to art and got a tattoo.
At least that's what her parents hope.
The alternatives, say Jasmin and Edgar Perez, are too horrible to accept.
Marizela, an 18-year-old University of Washington freshman, was seen leaving a Safeway store on Brooklyn Avenue Northeast on March 5. She has not been seen since.
Police and her relatives say there was no evidence of an abduction, no note left by Marizela, no indication of what may have happened to the only child, whom her father called "the center of our family."
Her relatives filed a police report and put up hundreds of fliers, held fundraisers, created Facebook pages, hired a private investigator, searched woods and parks with teams of trained dogs and even had the case featured twice on television's "America's Most Wanted." Marizela's cousin, conservative columnist Michelle Malkin, has written about the disappearance in her nationally syndicated column and on the website http://www.findmarizela.com/.
Still, nothing.
Database on missing adults
IN AN EFFORT TO CREATE a comprehensive national database on missing adults, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is asking people with information about specific missing-person cases to enter it into a free online database, which is accessible to medical examiners, coroners, law enforcement and the general public.
In the past, the only national repository of missing-persons' data was
the FBI's National Crime Information Center,
which can be used only by law-enforcement agencies.
For more information, see http://www.namus.gov/
Marizela Perez's family has set up a tip line for information on her whereabouts:
1-855-MARIZEL.
Callers will remain anonymous.
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