Posted on 03/01/2005 6:28:07 AM PST by MisterRepublican
HOMOSASSA, Fla. — The full-scale search for a missing 9-year-old girl ended its final day as law enforcement officers turned to child abduction experts for help.
Investigators and hundreds of volunteer searchers have uncovered little evidence during five days of scouring the rural area where Jessica Lunsford disappeared, and the full-scale search was suspended Monday afternoon.
"To continue this, we would be spinning our wheels," said Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy.
Instead, law enforcement officers were turning to 20 experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to help crack the case. They planned to focus on a three-quarter mile radius area around Jessica's home.
Jessica's father described the change as a second phase of the investigation. After making a plea for her safe return while choking back tears, he expressed confidence that his daughter would come home.
"Just drop her off. I'll come get her," Mark Lunsford answered when asked what he would say to whoever had Jessica. "I know whoever has got Jessie, they have to have a heart."
He also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. "It's been overwhelming, the people that have shown up," he said. "It makes me feel real good to know everyone's trying to help me out."
Lunsford said he remains convinced that his daughter did not leave home voluntarily even though authorities have uncovered no evidence she was abducted. He said it's unlikely Jessica was lured away.
"She just didn't go with strangers," Lunsford said. He said authorities also are looking for a stuffed purple dolphin missing from his daughter's room.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
news at 6 al stations
Over here....
Yet another FR scoop, I see.
Well done.
I'm sorry to see it appears to be the worst news is about to be announced. Thanks for your post.
At 6 or 6:30? I've got Abrams on, and he says he'll have it live.
Presser moved to 6:15
Lunsford property being taped off too
Tampa 10
Wonder if FNC will go to the update or if we will have to rely on stream.
Just a very sad situation...why are the predators allowed out on the street? Just doesn't make any sense. No reason a child should be deprived of their future.
MSNBC kept saying 6pm but those who watched Fox (which I am on now) appear to be correct with 6:30.
I heard Monica Crowley announce it a while ago, but noticed the Freeper time-stamp was before the news hit the media. Amazing freepers everywhere.
6:15 says maggie (thanks)
MBNBC will have it, since it's their crime report hour anyway.
This evokes many awful questions.
I would expect Tampa 10 to show a shot of the homes from Sky 10.
Announcement will be at 6:15pm
It was on live broadcast. Orlando Selinas was reporting right after they put the tape up. He called it a "crime scene".
sw
Think the developments are happening fast now...they have delayed the news conference again...maybe more information is coming in.
Maybe they know where to look, now.
Poor Jessie..
Where was the Lunsford spare house key kept? Front of the house or back?
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