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 ...
I agree.
They searched the computer, which was only bought 3 weeks ago, I believe, and found no contact with anyone via internet.
I think there is a missing stuffed animal, possibly a tiger. In which case she may have been called out of the house by a known person and carried her toy with her. Just knowing the dad kept her from her Mom shows he does NOT have the child's interest first off in this situation. An investigation into his affairs might reveal someone he owes a debt to, or there might be a rival to his g/f who wants to get back at the dad. Either way, I think the little girl knew her abductor.
Feh. The dad knows whats up.
bump
There's bodies all over Florida. It's a way of life here.
bump
You sure you don't live in Joisey?
"I am not saying there can be false positives and negatives, but I'm more aware of their accuracy. Which is why they are used as a tool".
I agree with you about lie detectors, and as far as I know, the guilty who pass have studied and practiced, and know just what they need to focus on while being interrogated.
There was a video of her bedroom on one of the shows last night, and the bed was made up. Now you know the police took the bedclothes if she had in fact slept in it. But I did wonder why the bed is made up-- why is anyone allowed in there at this time. Also, when a family member is responsible, and the child may have been inadvertantly killed, often times they bury her with something she treasured, and the pink hat and purple dinosaur are missing.
This was my first guess, but I haven't heard anything else about it. But my wife and I both thought immediately of the girl that Children's disServices lost.
There's been mention of a sex offender living behind them. Does anyone know if the police have spoken with this person and or if the police are allowed to search his living area because of his past?
It's heart wrenching to see Jessica's father's pleas on TV. It absolutely pulls my heart out. I pray for him that his sweet Jessica if found alive and safe. I pray for Jessica and her mother, oh Lord, I pray. This is so very, very sad. Lord, have mercy.
My stomach is in knots as well. I have a 10 year old and one day when she was about 4 a woman approached me and warned me to keep an eye on her at all times because "she looks just like the little girl that was murdered". I asked her if she meant JonBenet and she said yes. I was shocked but then I said that JonBenet was a blond and my little girl didn't really look that much like her. She told me something about my daughter reminded her of the pictures she'd seen on TV about the Ramsey girl and then she said "She's got the look. Some kids just attract the sick ones". Needless to say I was pretty shaken up over this encounter.
Elizabeth Smart was 14....this girl is only 9, and a wee bit of a thing at that....
Has anyoner heard anything about this little girl being a sleep walker? Are there bodies of water surrounding this house?
I too believe its someone close to the family or at least knows the family dynamics and layout.....
check all extended family members as well as neighbors and friends.....
remember, David Westerfield was found guilty of murder of the little VanDam girl, he supposedly took her when he knew the mommy was out on the town.....could be similar thing here...the perp knowing daddy was not at home....
I've come to believe that much of the evil today comes from those hiding out as religious people.......
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.