And if that is true, where were those other 3 people during that time.
Sheriff: Evidence points to sex abuse
Jessica Lunsford's father tells suspect: 'I hope you rot in hell'
Monday, March 21, 2005 Posted: 8:23 AM EST (1323 GMT)
HOMOSASSA, Florida (CNN) -- Jessica Marie Lunsford, the 9-year-old Florida girl whose body was found Saturday near her parents' home, was kidnapped from her bedroom, and there is evidence from a medical examiner that she was sexually assaulted, the Citrus County sheriff said Sunday night.
The girl's body was taken to Leesburg, Florida, for autopsy, authorities said.
"There was no forced entry. The residence was unsecured," Sheriff Jeff Dawsy said of the home where Jessica lived with her grandparents and father.
The girl, who was discovered missing by her father February 24, may have been held captive for more than a day, possibly two, investigators said.
"We don't really have a timeline," Dawsy said.
Because the suspect -- a convicted sex offender -- was "drug-hazed," the sequence of events is murky, the sheriff said.
The suspect, John Evander Couey, made his first court appearance in Citrus County Sunday morning, telling a magistrate judge that he understood his rights and the charges he faces.
I am begging God for blessings for the Lunsford family - and at the same time shouting at him - WHY? I know - deep inside I know that it is evil (the devil, whoever one calls the spirit of darkness) that does these things. But my small, human mind has such difficulty finding peace with my own religious beliefs at times like these when such innocents have suffered.
I try to imagine the height in heaven to which Jessica has ascended. Obviously she was a child of great light - perhaps now she can shine more brightly and glide on angel's wings as she helps subdue evil in this world.
Her father is taking up a new cause - to find a way to help prevent such incidents from ever happening again. I am sure Jessica is guiding him. Their hearts and souls are one now.
I heard that report last night on Fox...that Jessica may have been alive several days after she was abducted....can you imagine...her knowing that her house was within shouting distance and the whole community was looking for her....that poor baby.