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 ...
Poor babies...
Hey...I said I did not comment out of anger. I am simply very upset for Jessica, and I am sorry, but I don't believe anyone likes to be misquoted, so I respectfully asked that of you. I was not unkind. Now, however, the grip is yours to get, my friend.
Oakley twenties cost 105.00, even my 11 yr old grandaughter has a pair.
You're right.
IMO they could have hauled in the entire neighborhood as suspects.
My heart was with Jessica, therefore my postings of countless news articles, links and a couple opinions/questions.
Child abuse and neglect is pure evil.
Amen.
You idiot. I didn't quote or misquote you. I asked if it wasn't you? All you had to do was say no not me. Get a grip... nevermind, I see you already have it firmly in hand.
is = are
You can say that again!
Ok, the Lunsford family was put into the mix because of some of their strange statements. When it seems like almost everyone in this neighborhood has a criminal record, it's hard to rule anyone out. Plus the profilers used in this case insisted that it was someone known to Jessica.
One thing I do know for sure, they kept Jessie away from her own Mother. That was about as selfish as it gets. Now her Mom will never have the chance to see or hold her baby girl ever again.
AND while I'm at it, just take a look at the way Couey has been described. But THAT's OK, cause he's guilty. But what if he hadn't been? Nevermind...people have judged others by their appearances since the beginning of time. That's life.
I had nothing to get over. I was right, remember?
Pedophile neighbors can and do spirit away sleeping angels.
sw
No, you live for the sliming of the parents of missing children.
she didn't slime anybody.
I am the one who thought that Mark might be or have used meth because of his teeth, his thinness and nervousness. I investigate murders for a living so it's my business to notice little clues. It was not wrong to notice. It was not wrong to notice that all his clothes were new. It's important to look for clues. Someone said that Law Enforcement looks at things with a different eye, that is true. That's why I pick out little things about behavior that could make all the difference in how a case is solved.
Thank you all. How very tragic.
My eldest is nine.
Will you refrain from calling names? Or is that the level of your vocabulary? I will, therefore, have pity on you.
Don't ever post to me again, Red. Get over it.
Heads up ... Danielle van Dam's mom on LKL tonight. ;)
Parents who have lost little girls to pedophiles.
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