[Southflanknorthpawsis]

And the timing is weird, too. I most likely would have spent some time searching the house, the yards, the park at the end of our street, scouring the neighborhood and calling friends' homes first, instead of walking downstairs from the child's bedroom straight to the telephone. But that's just me, I guess.

No, it's most of us, shezza. Their response was abnormal.

That is suspicious in itself. Not only did they immediately get it reported before even touching the neighborhood, but they did what someone here called "premature disclosure".

If you notice, Brenda made sure to give all the details, including times, to lay out the "story" from the night before. Is that normal for a panic-stricken mother?

Isn't it far more likely that the person would be near hysteria instead of giving details that were not even sought?

It stunk from those first moments and it's been downhill ever since.

[FresnoDA]

Howdy all...are you guys burned out with my Song Parodies, or shall I toss out another 'un.....FresnoDA??

[cyncooper]

I'm sorry, but I really don't understand why it is abnormal to call 911 when your child is missing from her room. They did go outside the house, but not knocking on doors---they got the police to help. When the police arrived Damon was driving around the block. I would have done the same because I know my child and she would NOT be out of the house at a neighbor's without permission. And if she had snuck out (if you care to cite the time Danielle when over the fence), then a little visit from the police would make sure she never did it again.

I am NOT saying it is not OK to go ahead and do your own search first of neighbors and such if you feel comfortable doing that, but I know without a doubt I'd be on the phone immediately in this situation.