How The Case Unfolded

ocRegister.com ^ | 20 July 2002 | John McDonald

[Darlin']

The arrest of Alejandro Avila capped one of the largest manhunts in Orange County history. The FBI profiler who worked the case called it "an absolute model" of how to apprehend an elusive killer. Between 6:45 p.m. Monday, when Samantha Runnion was kidnapped, and 9:55 a.m. Friday, when Avila was arrested, federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies logged more than 60,000 hours of work to capture the suspect.

[Darlin']

"The reason was the cooperation between law enforcement and the joint effort of the media and the public. It's an absolute model of how this should work and can work."

This investigation was a well-organized, well-coordinated effort and the results is a sure, swift and solid case.

I nominate Sheriff Carona to head the Department of Homeland Security.

[Darlin']

You were right, they do have DNA evidence.

[Darlin']

Ping

[Catspaw]

This was some fine police work. They caught some very lucky breaks--a very smart kid who could give a detailed ID, finding the body very soon after the crime was committed, and an involved public that turned him in. But it was thousands of hours of solid police work that broke this case.

I wouldn't mess with Sheriff Carona. He's one guy I wouldn't want coming after me.

[per loin]

Between 6:45 p.m. Monday, when Samantha Runnion was kidnapped, and 9:55 a.m. Friday, when Avila was arrested, federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies logged more than 60,000 hours of work to capture the suspect.

Now wait a minute. There are just over 87 hours between those two stated times. That figures out to 1034 people working full time 16 hour shifts on this case.

[poet]

Did you notice they spent twenty+ minutes congratulating each other? I had to turn the radion station. Perhaps an insight into the mentality of law enforcement needing approval and congratulations and a "pat" on the back? BTW, even some of the talk show hosts got fed up with their self aggrandizement and cut away from the news conference. They made themselves the story. Disgusting.

[IoCaster]

"The tip that eventually led to the arrest came in at about noon on Wednesday, from a person who mentioned Avila by name..."

"Rewards totaling about $160,000 were offered. As of Friday, it was not clear who would receive the reward."

Split the reward between this person and the little girl (Sarah?) who gave the initial description of the perp.

[Darlin']

Ping

[Wingsofgold]

I think they deserved it. FBI guy said this was best police work he'd seen in 27 years in the business. I'm glad to offer 'em a pat on the back.

[Wingsofgold]

We here Baby. Heheeeeeee. Yep, knew that Sheriff had to have the DNA goods on the jerk. No Sheriff anywhere would stick his neck out like that. Not this day and time, when every flea bitten liberal is roamin the countryside lookin for something to raise a stink about.

[OldBlondBabe]

Agreed, the little friend of Samantha deserves some of that reward. Her parents may need to provide some professional couseling to help her get through all this later on. I give her parents a lot of credit for allowing her to help with the investigation, many may not have allowed it. I think that they recognized that allowing her to help was the first step to her own emotional recovery.

[joyce11111]

The Police did a great job and deserve KUDOS. Too bad the SALC and DC kops weren't on the ball, like this Sheriff's Dept.

[Valpal1]

I wonder if they will ever reveal the name of the tipster?

I think the body finder "Justin" should get a cut, too. He has that image in his brain forever, poor guy.

[Darlin']

Well, you know, they poured their heart and soul into solving this case and they did it in record time. It seems to me they had good reason to be pleased with their collective efforts. No doubt it was an emotional moment for all of them.

Yes, I'm aware that Chris Matthews ridiculed them. That was unfortunate, his behavior was sophomoric and unseemly. As for me, I'll take a group of happy, successful well-trained, disciplined officers who are proud of their work any day over that group of bungling buffoons in Washington DC. police department. Compare this effort with that of the Chandra Levy case.

[Darlin']

Exactly. :)

[Darlin']

That little girl was amazing. Had it not been for her excellant description of the man and his car they might not have had this kind of success.

[Darlin']

Do your math again. LOL

[IoCaster]

"I think that they recognized that allowing her to help was the first step to her own emotional recovery. "

I'm sure that you're correct. Good citizens and an exceptionally astute little gal.

[Darlin']

Ping

[adversarial]

I think they deserve congratulations, and the took a child killer off the streets in short order.

I think it's comments like yours that are disgusting