A Thanksgiving Wish for the Missing

November 27, 2008

Family of Missing Son, Travis Baker Offer New Reward Plea

CUE Center For Missing Persons
For immediate release

Wilmington, N.C. – The Family of Travis Baker and CUE Center for Missing Persons offer a new Reward in an effort to locate the missing youth.

Travis Lee Baker was last seen in Catawba County, North Carolina, on April 16, 2007; approximately early to mid day. He and his vehicle a candy apple red 1998 Camero, with a NC tag number WRP8627 have simply vanished.

Baker has three tattoos, his last name in capital letters across his back, the name "Hallie" on his chest and red and black tribal band on his upper left and right arm.

Travis Lee Baker: Teen's Sudden Disappearance Baffles Police

Now, his family is offering a cash reward that will run for 10 days in hope that someone will step forward and just tell them where they can find their son. The $2,000.00 reward offer will begin November 25 at midnight and run for ten day straight ending on December 5, 2008 - no strings, no questions asked.

"I hope that someone will call the authorities or the CUE Center and end our nightmare; we are so worn out over all of this," said the father of Travis, Dwayne Baker.

In the past year the Baker family along with the CUE Center for Missing Persons, family friends, law officials and the community have conducted searches, held benefits and public awareness campaigns (local and nationally), erected billboards, the list goes on, all in an effort to gain information and ultimately to bring Travis home; to date Travis remains missing along with his vehicle.

Terrorist Bull's Eye on India: A Threat to the West : Guest Blog by Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin

November 26, 2008

[Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin is an expert criminal profiler who has studied and investigated serial killers for over 20 years. At the request of police agencies around the world, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has profiled hundreds of serial murders, aberrant sex crimes, sadistic murders, serial rapes, stalking, abductions, and other unusual cases. Visit Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin's Website at: www.drdsk.com]

November 26, 2008, it has been reported that terrorists have struck at 7 sites in India. Gunmen have attacked targets which include hotels in Mumbai. At least 20 people are dead. This brings a very important threat to light. In my book Disturbed: Terrorist Behavioral Profiles,  I discussed this risk in the conclusion section because based on what I have seen, India is at a great risk.

Israel, Russia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Spain, U.K.,  United States, and so many oher countries face the growing threat of terrorism. And then there is India. Interestingly, India has seen a dramatic increase in these crimes.  As the years have passed, India has argued with Pakistan over Kashmir.  As a result, terror attacks within India have risen.  Some say that Pakistan is behind the attacks which have rocked the fast growing country.  There is a jihad against Hindus in Kashmir, and this carries to India.  Radical Muslims are angered by many things about Hindus.  One, they are descendants of a Jewish tribe.  Second, they are considered idolaters because they worship the cow.  And of course, Muslims feel persecuted in India because of their religion.  The anger can carry over and produce violent attacks.

Abu Salem was involved in the 1993 Mumbai bombings which killed 278 victims.  These bombings were attributed to revenge against the killings of hundreds of Muslims by the Hindu Shiv Sena political party (BBC, 2005).  Muslims felt that they were being treated unfairly and even thrown off sports teams due to their allegiance to Islam.  Specifically, Mohammad Azharuddin was fired from his position of captain of the Cricket team.  Additionally, Muslims were angry because Hindus would not allow Muslims to be elected to power positions.  There is still anger between lower cast Indians and the Muslims who have been flocking into India with oil money (Ashraf, 1999). 

In 2005, terrorists blew up a Janpur commuter train and killed 13 victims.  Similarly, October 29, 2005, terrorists set off several bombs in New Dehli killing 61 victims.  In March 2006, terrorists blew up Varanasi which is the Hindu holy city.  In the multiple bombings, 28 people were killed and over 100 injured.  Within four months, another series of bombings targeted commuter trains again in Mumbai.  At least 209 people were killed and over 700 victims were harmed.  This particular attack was linked to al-Qaeda which was said to fund the attack.  Mohammad Atta, the leader of the martyrs who carried out the 9/11 terrorist attacks trained with 3 men who were involved in the Mumbai attack (South Asian Intelligence Review, 2006).  And the bombings continued as the terrorists returned to a religious target and set off a bomb at a Hindu temple close to Imphal.  Nearly 50 people were wounded and 5 were killed. 

The next attack occurred on September 8, 2006, terrorists targeted a Muslim cemetery in Malegaon during Shab-e-Baraat.  Shab-e-Baraat is a very holy night in Islam when Muslims travel to the cemetery to pray for their ancestors.  The three bombs (rigged to bicycles) killed 37 people.

In August 2007, there were simultaneous bombings at Hyderabad killing 44 and injuring 54.  On October 14th, a bomb went off at the Shingar Cinema and killed 6 people.  Government officials blame Islamic extremists and suggest that the extremists want to exacerbate relations between Muslims and Hindus. Again, Pakistan's involvement is questioned. 

New Documents Allege Computer Searches for "Neck Breaking" and "Household Weapons"

The Orlando Sentinel is reporting that 700 additional discovery documents have been released in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

The documents reportedly alleged that someone had used a computer, accessible to Casey Anthony, to conduct several disturbing searches on the Internet.

According to the documents, in March 2008, someone used Google to search for "neck breaking," "lost numbers," "how to make chloraform [sic]" and "household weapons."

Discovery Documents: Set 1, Set 2, Set 3, Set 4, Set 5, Set 6, Set 7, Set 8, Set 9, Set 10, Set 11, Set 12, Set 13, Set 14, Set 15.

Further searches were allegedly conducted that same month at Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia Website, for "inhalation," "chloroform," "acetone," "shovel" and "death."

Other sites that were allegedly used for online research include: sci-spot.com, druglibrary.org and instructables.com. The documents further allege that the search terms used at those sites consist of "making weapons out of household products," "chloroformhabit," "how to make chloroform," and "chloro2."

Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, has yet to comment on the newly released documents.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Judge Denies Gag Order in Caylee Anthony Case

Yesterday, Judge Stan Strickland withheld his ruling on a motion that prosecutors had filed to restrict information that is released to the public in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Today, Strickland denied the motion.

"The State Attorney's office argued that the defense team, as well as the Anthony family's lust for the 'limelight' may well sabotage the potential jury pool when the case is ultimately tried. While this argument has some appeal it does not rise to the level of being a serious and imminent threat to the administration of justice," Strickland wrote in his order. "Further, this court is confident that even with a 'gag order' the publicity and media attention would continue unabated."

As a result of Strickland's decision, Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, along with the Anthony family's representatives, may continue discussing the case in public.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Judge Postpones Ruling on Gag Order in Caylee Anthony Case

November 25, 2008

Judge Stan Strickland withheld his ruling today on a motion prosecutors had filed to restrict information that is released to the public in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

In today's hearing, Assistant State Attorney Jeff Ashton asked the court to restrict what could be discussed in public by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, and by the Anthony family's representatives. According to Ashton, further statements to the media could make it difficult to find an impartial jury.

Together, Baez and members of the local media challenged the gag order, citing the First Amendment.

"It's a whole lot of hot air and not a whole lot of law," Baez said.

In response, Ashton cited a Florida Supreme Court ruling, which says that a judge can impose a gag order for "good cause."

"If I go out in front of the cameras right now and say Caylee Anthony is dead, that would be grievous. That's not my job." Ashton said, adding, "We are not suggesting that the motion prohibit the media from publishing anything."

Ashton said that he was mainly concerned by public comments Baez has made, in which he questioned the credibility of the evidence that has been collected by investigators.

The hearing then took a drastic turn, with both sides accusing each other of leaking sensitive information to the media. The hearing became heated and before long Judge Strickland interrupted the testimony.

"You two are going after each other and I'm really getting tired of it," Strickland said. "This in enough. Someone's facing life imprisonment. Let's act like we're supposed to."

Teen Who Killed Younger Brother Over Dessert Pleads No Contest

November 24, 2008

There has been a new development in an Orlando, Florida, case that I covered last year, in which a young boy was allegedly killed by his teenage brother over desert.

On Sept. 29, 2007, 13-year-old Demetrius Key told police that he had been babysitting half a dozen children when his brother, eight-year-old Levares Key, ate a dessert he was not allowed to have. Demetrius said the incident made him angry and as punishment he punched, kicked, and choked his brother. Afterwards, he went to a nearby relative's house and told his mother, Tangela Key, 34, that his brother had "passed out."

"Demetrius offered that Levares upset him by eating a dessert that [he] was not to have eaten," Detective Appling Wells wrote in the arrest affidavit. "He also advised Levares upset him by picking a scab and causing it to bleed. Demetrius said he feared Levares would blame both circumstances on him and tell his mother he had struck him and eaten the dessert."

The injuries Levares received from the beating proved to be fatal and he was later pronounced dead at Orlando Regional Medical Center.

The Orange County Medical Examiner ruled Levares's death a homicide from closed head injuries; however during Levares's autopsy, the medical examiner found evidence of preexisting injuries, which were in various stages of healing. Those injuries, in conjunction with some 30 scars found on the child's body, led investigators to suspect that the beating resulting in his death may not have been an isolated incident.

"He had fresh injuries and he had old injuries," Orange County Sheriff's Sgt. John Allen said in a September 2007 interview with WFTV.com. "It certainly appears at this point the child has been beaten over a long period of time."

As the investigation proceeded, Demetrius was charged with first-degree murder and was remanded to the Osceola County Juvenile Detention center.

The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #23

November 23, 2008

The Mysterious Disappearance of Christopher Robin Coan

In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the case of 18-year-old Christopher Robin Coan, an endangered and missing adult from Cedar City, Utah, who was last seen in September 2007.

"There is a family here that is hurting and they need answers," Private Investigator Marquita "Marki" Davis said in an interview with Investigation Discovery, adding, "Chris is out there somewhere and we are not going to stop until we find him."

According to Marki, on the night of September 3, 2007, Chris completed a three-hour shift at a Subway sandwich shop in Cedar City and walked out the front door, never to be seen again. Normally, Chris would have made the five-mile drive to the small garage apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Sasha Turner, but police found no evidence that he returned home that night. His wallet, which contained $100.00 in cash, along with his bank card, were both later found in the apartment.

Sasha worked a double shift on the night of Chris's disappearance and did not return home until 8:00 am on September 4. It was then that she discovered that Chris was missing and alerted the authorities.

"The manager [of Subway] watched him leave," Enoch Police Chief Dave Browning said in a September 2007 interview with Suujournal.com. "There was no one around, because the Subway is in a shopping area where the rest of the stores aren't built yet."

In the days and weeks that followed, Chris's family, local authorities, and community volunteers, conducted several aerial and ground searches for Chris and his 1994 maroon, burgundy and silver, Chevrolet S-10 Blazer. Unfortunately, none of the searches turned up any evidence related to the case.

Chris's profile on MySpace.com describes him as a young man who prefers books to TV.

"On average, I probably watch a little less than one hour of television in any given two weeks," his profile reads. "If I'm going to watch television, I usually watch CNN, the Discovery Channel [or] the History Channel. I like to read about the counter-culture of the sixties and about the Vietnam War."

Christopher has several photos of his girlfriend, Sasha, uploaded to the photo section of his page. She is also listed as his top friend. In her own MySpace profile, Sasha discusses Chris's disappearance in March 11, 2008 blog entry. It reads in part:

"Chris going missing without a trace is the worst possible thing that could have ever happened to me. I never expected it. It was like a piano falling on me, you know like in the cartoons. No one understands how much I miss Chris or how much I really love Chris. I can say that as much as I want and you will still just blow it off, like 'oh man that sucks for her,' or 'I feel bad for her.' But you really don't understand, and I don't expect you to. You couldn't unless this had happened to you."

New Development in Kelly Morris Case

November 21, 2008

There has been an interesting development in the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, North Carolina, home on September 3, 2008.

On Tuesday, State Bureau of Investigation agent Brian Flemming obtained a warrant to search Kelly's husband, William "Scott" Morris, to obtain "blood, saliva, hair, including head hair and pubic hair."

The "probable cause" section of the warrant reads the same as the Sept. 24 warrant that was issued for the search of a truck belonging to Scott Morris's father, Jimmy Morris.

The warrant alleges that Scott Morris was not forthcoming with investigators; Morris had allegedly told them that he went to bed on Sept. 3, while his wife went out searching for the family dog. However, according to a statement given to police by Jimmy Morris, his son had called him that night and asked him to watch the kids so that he could go look for Kelly, because he thought she was cheating on him.

The warrant also provides information on cell phone pings, which police point to as evidence that Scott Morris was not at home sleeping while his wife was searching for the dog. Alleged video footage is also cited in the warrant as further evidence of an inconsistent alibi.

What I found most interesting about the warrant was the last paragraph of the "probable cause" section, which reads:

"This affiant is aware, based upon his training and experience, that persons who commit crimes sometimes leave physical evidence of the commission of those crimes. Certain samples are needed in order for evidence to be analyzed and compared."

Read the Warrant

Why was this warrant issued now? What exactly do investigators want to compare the samples to? Perhaps they have something that we are not yet aware of. Whatever the case may be they are not sharing any details. Let's just hope it helps bring about some answers to this tragic case.

Kelly's family was shocked by the release of the warrant and they remain clueless as to the reason behind it.

Mark NeJame Press Release

November 20, 2008

Mark NeJame, the attorney who has been representing George and Cindy Anthony - the parents of Casey Anthony and the grandparents of Caylee Anthony - has resigned. NeJame has released the following statement about that decision:

"Unfortunately, I have made the decision that it is best not to continue my representation of George and Cindy Anthony.

"George and Cindy have a belief that their beloved granddaughter, Caylee, is still alive. Tips and leads continue to come in. I believe strongly that they should have every right to maintain their hope and faith that one of these "sightings" will miraculously be the one that brings Caylee home to them. What parent or grandparent would surrender such hope?

"Who is one person to tell another parent or grandparent when it is time for them to abandon their faith? When does a stranger have the right to judge another who has endured such a loss? The attacks made against them by some are deplorable.

"Let them be to do what they feel they must to find their beloved granddaughter, Caylee. Knowing this case as well as probably anyone on earth, there is no doubt that they do not know where Caylee is. Allow them to walk their own path.

"I only agreed to represent George and Cindy Anthony, so long as there were no restrictions placed on me whatsoever as to finding Caylee, regardless of where this might lead. Quite simply, this meant that I could do whatever I needed to find Caylee whether she was alive or not. It impressed me that George and Cindy, both believing that Caylee was still with us, had an overriding and primary concern in finding Caylee, even if the result was not as they would hope. The other condition I required was that I would have absolutely nothing to do with representing Casey or assisting in her legal defense.

"Abundant efforts have been made towards finding Caylee. I have worked with so many involved in this matter towards the goal of finding this dear, missing child who has captured the hearts of so many. Some ignorant and judgmental members of the public though have made hateful and inaccurate accusations against me and others, when they had no idea whatsoever what was really going on. As my new, good friend, Tim Miller from Equusearch, tells me 'everybody associated with this case gets body slammed.' However, like Tim, when you know in your heart that you're doing the right thing, you just move forward knowing that right will ultimately win out. Some have falsely accused me and some others of being in this for the money. If they only knew how utterly wrong and misguided they are."

Kelly Morris Search Expands Into New Areas

November 16, 2008

The search for Kelly Currin Morris resumed today with approximately 40 volunteers showing up at the temporary command center in Oxford, N.C.

"I am hopeful that today's search will bring answers and peace to the family," said Texas EquuSearch team member Barbie Tarr. "It has been 74 days and that is an unimaginable length of time for any family to live with this nightmare."

Following a briefing by Al Mignacci, a local search coordinator, six teams were dispatched to a variety of areas along the outskirts of Granville County. The teams consisted of ATV riders, horse searchers and walkers. Several properties were explored, including a 198 parcel of wooded land. Whenever an item of interest was found – a discarded shirt or similar item - a K9 unit was brought in to assist.

Unfortunately, today's search did not result in Kelly's discovery; however it was successful in that they were able to rule out several more areas of interest in the case.

"In spite of the fact that we did not find Kelly today, it is obvious that this young woman and her family have a lot of love and support and the search will continue," Tarr said, adding, "I have no doubt that Kelly will be found and justice will be served."

Tomorrow, searchers will continue to explore area waterways with newly purchased side-scan sonar equipment. In addition, ground penetrating radar will be used to check locations that merit further scrutiny.

Kelly's father, Pat Currin, remains determined and has vowed to continue searching until his daughter is brought home.

The Search Continues for Missing Mother of Two, Kelly Currin Morris

November 15, 2008

It has been two months since the disappearance of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, North Carolina, home on September 3, 2008. There have been no new leads in the case, and police have scaled down their investigation. Nonetheless, the search continues, and Investigation Discovery is back on the scene.

I am in Creedmoor, North Carolina, tonight, preparing for a weekend search effort with Kelly's family, friends, volunteers, and members of Texas EquuSearch. For all intents and purposes, I could be within 10 miles of Kelly as I sit here and type this. That is not a very pleasant thought, and knowing that eats at me like a cancer. I hate these cases. They are the worst of the worst. I hate not knowing, and I hate the fact that people suffer because of that.

I never knew Kelly in her life. I would not have known her if I passed her on the street, and yet I feel a strong connection to this young woman. There is a rule in this job, and I have mentioned it before: DO NOT GET EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED. Perhaps that works for some journalists, but I can't do that.

The day a missing person case becomes a job to me is the day I hang up my hat. How can I not get emotionally involved in these cases? I have sat down with Kelly's family for dinner, I have heard the stories that they have shared about her, I have spoken with her best friends, and I have searched side by side with her father, Pat Currin. I have put my blood, sweat, and tears into the search for this young woman whom I have never met. Why? Because I have to. Sure, I could sit at home and report on this from a distance. I could place a few calls, click on a few news links and be done with it. I could do that, but that is not who I am. Anyone who knows me will tell you that. What I do is far more than a 9-to-5 job. It is my passion. I feel for the families of the missing, and I suffer watching their pain. As often as I can, I set out to join in these searches, to get down and dirty in the field and give them the coverage they deserve.

Sadly, Kelly's case never had much of a chance in the media. Had she gone missing four or five months ago - prior to the Caylee Anthony case - she might have stood a chance. But as it stands now, the nation continues to look on as this family struggles to get volunteers to help them find their missing loved one. This family needs answers. They need to bring Kelly home. Knowing her father like I do, I don't think he will ever get the closure that he seeks until he is able to do that.

Officials Say Items Found in River Have "No Evidentiary Value" to Caylee Anthony Case

November 13, 2008

According to a spokesperson for the Orange County Sheriff's Office, items which were recovered by Leonard Padilla's dive team in the Little Econ River around Blanchard Park have "no evidentiary value" in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

This afternoon the divers reported finding two separate bags in the river, which reportedly contained bones, and stuffed animals.

No word on why the items were there; however they do not appear to be related to the case.

Related Links:
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Divers Claim Bones Found in Caylee Anthony Search

A team of divers, working with bounty hunter Leonard Padilla, claim that they have made a discovery in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

The items were found in two separate bags in the waters of the Little Econ River around Blanchard Park. The bags, which were reportedly held down by bricks, allegedly contained bones, and stuffed animals.

The FBI is on the scene and is currently looking into the find. The Orange County Sheriff's Office has refused to comment on whether the bones could be human.

We have seen discoveries of bones in the past, so I caution you not to get excited about this find until it is officially confirmed by law enforcement.

UPDATE:
Officials Say Items Found in River Have "No Evidentiary Value" to Caylee Anthony Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

David Lohr Radio Media Tour

November 12, 2008

David Lohr will the focus of a national radio media tour, starting tomorrow at 7:45 a.m. Topics will include the Caylee Anthony case and, depending on the station, the Kelly Currin Morris, Jennifer Rivkin, Mouy Tang and Jamie Michelle Fraley cases.

Four of the stations, WFLA-AM, KFBK-AM, KXL-AM and Allegheny Mountain Network, will be broadcasting the interviews live, at 8:20 a.m., 8:40 a.m., 9:40 a.m., and 10:30 a.m., respectively. Times may vary, depending on the length of each interview.

The other stations included in the tour: KHHT-FM, Metro Source NX--860 affiliates, Florida Radio Network NX--89 affiliates, WBZ-AM, CNN Radio, Metro Networks NX--5 affiliates, WIOD-AM, Jones Radio Network, American Urban Radio NX--238 affiliates, WPWX-FM, will be broadcasting their interviews with David Lohr at various times throughout the day.

Related Links:
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

The Stories Behind the Caylee Anthony Search Effort

November 11, 2008

Yesterday, I reported on the circus surrounding the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Since I arrived in Orlando, Florida, last week, I have seen both positive and negative coverage surrounding this entire ordeal. What I have not seen is anything about the people who have volunteered their time for the search effort.

One of those people was Larry, a 40-something-year-old man who volunteered.  Larry has terminal cancer and has been told by his doctors that he has less than a month to live. Despite his condition, Larry chose to spend his time working at the registration booth, helping sign in other volunteers. What he did was one of the most touching and selfless acts I have ever witnessed.

Another person who volunteered at the registration booth was Jesse Matthews, a mentally challenged young man, who took on a variety of jobs around the command post. Jesse has a heart of gold and was always willing to do anything he could to help out.

I also met a wonderful woman named Kristen Stephens. Kristen's daughter, 16-year-old Staci Stephens, died suddenly on March 13, 2005, as a result of Viral Myocarditis. Since that time, Kristen has established The Staci Stephens Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization that makes contributions to research Viral Myocarditis and heart related conditions. They also assist people diagnosed with the devastating condition. Kristen's mom devoted a lot of time to the search effort and, despite her own personal tragedy, was able to lift the spirits of many volunteers.

Another person who volunteered was a woman whose brother had been murdered in the area several years ago. What makes her story interesting is the fact that she ended up on a search team with the homicide detective who had handled her brother's case. As a result, she was able to get answers to a lot of questions that had been bothering her over the years – answers that helped give her closure in her brother's death.

The family of 45-year-old Mouy Tang also came to offer their support. Mouy's family had helped out during the first search effort. It was during that search, on Sept. 3, 2008, that Mouy walked away from an assisted living home and vanished. Her disappearance remains a mystery. EquuSearch is currently on their way to North Carolina to search for Mouy.

These are just the stories that I know of. I am sure there are others out there and I would love to hear them. If you helped search for Caylee, please post your personal story as a comment here. Share what made you come help look for this beautiful missing child.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Strait Talk with Texas EquuSearch's Tim Miller

Earlier today, I had a chance to sit down with Tim Miller, the founder and director of Texas EquuSearch. The purpose of that meeting was to focus on some of the questions that have been asked about EquuSearch and their involvement in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

When I asked him why he suspended the search effort, Tim had this to say:

"I feel as though we accomplished a lot. Nearly all of the areas that law enforcement wanted covered have been searched. We generated far more resources than before. We now have 100 local members on the scene. They are capable of doing a good job and they are going to continue looking for Caylee. I challenge anyone to sit in my office and when the family of a missing person calls, tell them that they can't be helped until Caylee is found. Someone else can, cause I'm not going to do that. "

There have been some recent inquiries about the amount of donations EquuSearch has received during the Caylee search, versus how much money has been invested in the search effort. When asked about this, Tim responded:

"The donations came to about $70.000. One of them was a $20,000 general fund donation. We are working on a final accounting, but between the rental cars, tents, hotels, equipment, generators and other resources, we have invested about $100.000 into the Caylee search. We have spent more money on this case than all other cases combined this year. We are a 501 [non-profit organization] and our books are always open. Is it fair to use all of our money and resources on one case, when we have other families who need us?"

A Day of Crazy Developments in the Caylee Anthony Case

November 10, 2008

There have been some crazy developments in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

As you are aware, Tim Miller, director and founder of Texas EquuSearch, announced yesterday that the search for Caylee was being suspended. Tim said that he felt he had done all he could to find Caylee right now and that he needed to move on to help the family of another missing person.

While all of this was going on yesterday, bounty hunter Leonard Padilla approached Tim and told him that he needed to send divers into the Little Econ River in Blanchard Park. Padilla was convinced that Caylee would be found in the water there, based upon the discovery of a cross necklace that EquuSearch team member Lisa Hoffman had found on a nearby tree during the first search effort. That necklace, according to Padilla, had beads on it that were "identical" to beads that the female bounty hunter (the one who stayed in the house when Casey was out on bond) had seen on jewelry that Casey had allegedly made.

Leonard's theory was that Casey Anthony had transported a deceased Caylee to the park, hung the cross on a tree branch and then threw her in the water.

"I had my people use side-scan sonar to examine that water yesterday and then I went back myself and checked it again," Tim Miller said today in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "I told Leonard that it only takes an hour to scan it and that we had put four or five hours into it just so there would be no question as to whether she was there. I can tell you where every tire is at, I can show you where there is a bucket, where there is an old wheelbarrow and fender from a car. I can show you how deep the water is in every place and what the water temperature is. There is not a body in there."

Despite the fact that Tim had cleared the river, Leonard contacted an amateur news site and made the announcement during a live Internet feed. What followed was a media frenzy, which has left Tim Miller with a sour taste in his mouth.

"We are associated in no way with the actions of Leonard Padilla," Tim told Investigation Discovery. "

Re: Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

November 09, 2008

I have just been informed that EquuSearch has decided to continue to search for Caylee Anthony tomorrow while they break down the command center for the North Carolina trip. Volunteers are still welcome and encouraged to come out and look for Caylee during that time.

Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

The search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, has been suspended. According to Tim Miller, he has done everything in his power to locate Caylee and there is nothing more he can do.

"I don't think Caylee will ever be found," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "We have done all that we can do. We have thoroughly searched every inch of the targeted areas. Unfortunately, there is only one person who can bring this to an end and she's not talking."

It is unfortunate that the search for Caylee is over; however without any new leads or information there is little more that can be done. Everyone here is sad to be leaving – may hugs and tears have been exchanged – but in the end we all know that they put their best foot forward. Perhaps in the future something new will come of this case. In the mean time, Caylee will remain on our thoughts and in our hearts.

Meanwhile, Texas EquuSearch will be breaking down the command post tomorrow, at which time they will head to North Carolina to conduct joint searches for Kelly Currin Morris, Jennifer Rivkin, Mouy Tang and Jamie Michelle Fraley.

Jamie Michelle Fraley, 22, was last seen on April 8, 2008, at her apartment on Lowell Bethesda Rd in Gastonia, North Carolina. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Kelly Currin Morris, 28, is a mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

Mouy Tang, 45, was last seen on Sept. 3, 2008. She was living in an assisted living home for when she reportedly got up and walked away. Mouy is in need of her diabetic medicine, which she is supposed to take four times a day.

Jennifer Rivkin, 43, was last seen on May 4, 2008. Her car was found at The Winners Circle Bar and Grill with her purse, drivers license and make-up bag in it. 

I feel terrible that there was no resolution to the Caylee search this weekend. I wish I could have brought you better news today, but that was not to be. This is one of those cases that will continue to haunt me.

*UPDATE* - Tim is now saying the search might continue again in the future. It is unknown if or when that might happen.

*Update 2 - I have just been informed that EquuSearch has decided to continue to search for Caylee Anthony tomorrow while they break down the command center for the North Carolina trip. Volunteers are still welcome and encouraged to come out and look for Caylee during that time.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

Photo Credits: Caylee Anthony - Associated Press; Tim Miller - Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Update; Day 2

The search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, continues today in Orlando, Florida.

The number of volunteers who showed up today was significantly less than the turn out we had yesterday. As of 10:30 a.m., only about 300 people have showed up. In addition, the 500 bounty hunters that were supposed to volunteer have yet to make an appearance.

Leonard Padilla, the bounty hunter from California who helped bail Anthony out, brought a group of about five people with him. Yesterday, Padilla spent the majority of the day at the command center. Today, he was present for the search briefing and then left with his entourage to assist in the search effort.

At the briefing this morning, Richard Grund, the father of Anthony's former fiancée, Jessie Grund, addressed the crowd of volunteers and offered his prayers and support. Watch the video here.

Internet Community Helps Volunteers in Caylee Anthony Search

This is not so much an update about the search effort but more so a thank you to all of the people who have come forward to help provide the volunteers in the Caylee Anthony search with much needed food and supplies.

Readers of Investigation Discovery's Criminal Report Daily, along with members of Scared Monkeys, Websleuths, Caylee's Angels, CourtTV/In Session and Murt Witness One, have all ordered food from area restaurants in the past two days and had it delivered to the command post. These groups and their members should be recognized for the generosity they have shown to the volunteers who are actively searching for Caylee. Were it not for them, this search would not be possible.

Texas EquuSearch is grateful to everyone for their support during this search effort.

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The Latest Developments in the Caylee Anthony Search

November 08, 2008

It was a busy day today in the search for Casey Anthony's missing daughter, 2-year-old Caylee Anthony. While we did not get the expected turnout – about 1,300 volunteers showed up – we were able to cover a lot of ground and clear over one third of the search grid.

Unfortunately, some things got a bit out of hand today when some volunteers leaked information on the Internet about some of the items that were found.

Earlier today, I attempted to clear up the details about the team of forensic students that made a find near Jay Blanchard Park. There was initially a bit of confusion over that because there were several finds made in the park today.

Some bones, which have since been identified as dog bones, were found near a lake. Another set of bones, found with what appeared to be internal organs, were also found; however it is my understanding that they are also believed to be animal bones.

At about the same time those items were found, the team of forensic students, along with another group of volunteers, found a pair of children's underwear, a plastic bag with shoes, a rubber glove and a machete discarded in the weeds. I am being very specific about these items because one of the volunteers has already leaked the information on another message board.

I arrived on the scene shortly after the second find and I was there when the CSI's came in to examine the items. To clarify what some other boards are reporting, the shoes were men's – I think size 9 - and the children's undergarments that were found were identified as boys underwear. The machete was rusty and appeared to have been in the weeds for some time. Last time we were in this area – during the Aug.-Sept. search – this particular area was under several feet of water. At any rate, none of the items are believed to be related to the case.

Meanwhile, there is a lot of chatter and rumors about a beaded cross necklace that was found in the woods. I have been aware of this find but was asked not to share the information. That information got leaked by a blogger on another site today and it has since been twisted into several different versions.

The "Discovery" Everyone is Talking About

I am on the scene in Orlando, Florida, covering the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. This afternoon, the local media started to report on a "suspicious bag" that was found by Blanchard Park YMCA Family Center. I caution you not to get excited over this find.

I was aware of this find over an hour ago but did not report on it, as these types of discovery's are made all the time. There is no sense getting everyone worked up into a frenzy over something that is most probably nothing. Unfortunately, since that time one of the volunteers has leaked it to the media and now everyone is tripping all over themselves to get more information.

I was at the command center when that call came in from the search group. It was at about 11:00 a.m. My understanding was that it was not divers, but a group of students who study forensics at a local college. They found a towel or a bag - still waiting for clarification – and some bones. Law enforcement has gone out to the scene to investigate.

Now before everyone gets all excited, please keep in mind that volunteers are constantly reporting the discovery of bones. There are animal bones all throughout this area. Hundreds of bones have already been found today and as of yet none of them has been proven to be human. Hence, there is no reason to get excited by this "breaking news."

Keep checking back here and I will provide you will all the latest details as they come in.

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Search Command Post In Desperate Need of Supplies

The command post for the Caylee Anthony search is in desperate need of supplies. It is not even noon and they have already ran out of water and food for the search volunteers.

Tim Miller has asked me to post a request for supplies. Anything anyone could send over here would be greatly appreciated.

Items can be delivered to:

The corner of Judge and Shadowridge
SE Corner
Orlando, FL Click here for map

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

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Caylee Anthony Ground Search : On Scene Update 1

When I arrived at the command post there were about 200 volunteers on standby. In the last hour, that number has grown to roughly 500.

"We are very optimistic. We are only 30 minutes in and we already have a lot of people showing up," said Mandy Albritton, Deputy Director of Equusearch. "Everyone has a great attitude and they are determined to accomplish the job."

The volunteers are currently being assigned to team leaders. Each team leader is responsible for up to 20 volunteers.  The teams are being dispatched to several hot spots surrounding the Orlando International airport.

Members of the Texas EquuSearch core team remain confident that a resolution is close at hand. They have thoroughly mapped out the entire area and narrowed down the original areas of interest.

I am reporting to you from inside the EquuSearch command center RV. I will soon be leaving here with one of the search teams to explore some of the areas of interest that have been flagged as "hot spots."

"We are going to put all our efforts into to this but at the end of the day it is up to one person and that is God," Tim Miller said. "If we don't find her it will not be because we have not tried, it will be because it is not God's time."

In related news, I did attend the team leader meeting last night. I was hoping to get that video up right away but I was having difficulty transferring it to my laptop. I will work on that again later today and will have it up as soon as possible.

Stay tuned throughout the day for further updates!

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Update

November 07, 2008

I arrived in Orlando, Florida last night and went into a brief strategy meeting with Tim Miller, Leonard Padilla, Robert Dick and several other members of the Texas EquuSearch core team. That meeting was continued again this morning, at which time we were joined by lead detective Sgt. John Allen. I was the only member of the media allowed in the room during the meetings, which centered on areas of interest in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Due to the sensitive nature of the information I was privy to I am unable to provide you with details on the location of the hot zones; however, I can tell you that search grid is a 25-square mile area that stretches from Maitland south to Flamingo and east to Christmas

This afternoon, two groups, one in a Cessna airplane and another in a sheriff's office helicopter, went up in the air to photograph the areas of interest so that they could be entered into a state of the art 3D mapping program, which was originally developed for the Department of Defense.

Meanwhile, the rest of the EquuSearch team has been busy preparing the command post, in anticipation of the thousands of volunteers that are expected to show up tomorrow. 

"We are working on our logistics today and we're bringing up our command station, our mobile minis and all of the equipment we need to make the search happen first thing in the morning," Deputy Director of Equusearch, Mandy Albritton, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We are ramping up for what looks to be the largest search in history. We are expecting between three and four thousand volunteers to show up. As of right now, we have 362 team leaders."

Later tonight, EquuSearch will be conducting a Pre-Search Training and Orientation Meeting.  All team leaders are encouraged to attend. Search volunteers are also welcome. I will be in attendance and will be posting information about that meeting to this blog later tonight. 

If you are interested in attending, please click here for details on the location and time of the orientation meeting.

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Command Post Changed

November 05, 2008

The location of the command post in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, has been changed.

Due to scheduling issues, the command post will no longer be located on Boggy Creek Road. The new location is at:

The corner of Judge and Shadowridge
SE Corner
Orlando, FL
Click here for map

The search is set to begin at 8 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 and will continue until further notice.

Click here for pre-search training and information on the orientation and team leader meeting

EquuSearch will be in need of foot searchers, ATV's and horse searchers, along with volunteers to man the command post. All volunteers are welcome. You must be 18-years-old and present a valid photo ID. Plan to wear long pants, long sleeve shirt, have a walking stick, good walking shoes or boots and bug spray.

Investigation Discovery has obtained a copy of the volunteer sign up form that will be passed out to participants. People interested in helping search for Caylee should fill out the form and bring it with them to the command post.

The form will also be made available at the command post; however you can help save the organization both time and money by filling it out ahead of time and bringing it with you.

If you cannot join in the search you can still help EquuSearch by sending a much needed donation to them via their website: www.texasequusearch.org or postal mail: Texas EquuSearch, P. O. Box 395, Dickinson, Texas 77539.

I am flying to Orlando tomorrow to join Tim Miller in the search effort. Starting on Friday, I will begin posting regular updates on the search effort.

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Investigation Discovery Joining Second Search For Caylee Anthony

I am flying to Orlando tomorrow to join Tim Miller in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

I just spoke with Tim's Executive Assistant, Barbie Tarr, and she has informed me that the location of the command post has been changed. As soon as I have an address for the new location I will post it here.

Starting on Friday, I will begin posting regular updates on the search effort. Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

Wish us luck!

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Who Killed Yolanda Bindics?

November 04, 2008

Earlier this week I was in Jamestown, N.Y., looking into the case of 36-year-old Corrie Anderson, a southern-tier mother of three who went missing on Oct. 28. Since that time, I have received several e-mails from readers alerting me to similar cases in the area. While there does not appear to be a connection to Corrie's case, I did find one involving a missing mother of four that I found particularly interesting.

Aug. 10, 2004, started out as a typical day for 25-year-old Yolanda Bindics. She left her kids in the care of her brother and went to her job at the Family Dollar store in Jamestown. Later that night, at about 8:20 p.m., Yolanda called her brother and told him that she was on her way to the store to pick up a few groceries and would be home soon. Yolanda's brother called her back roughly 15 minutes later, but she never picked up the phone.

The following day, police found Yolanda's car in the parking lot of an Arby's restaurant on Fluvanna Ave. The location is about a half a mile from the Family Dollar store. In the days that followed, dozens of volunteers began searching wooded areas around the region for any sign of Yolanda. During this time, it was revealed that Yolanda had been involved in a relationship with Michael Watson, a Jamestown police officer. As a result, the officer was placed on paid leave to avoid a conflict of interest.

On Sept. 8, 2004, police found Yolanda's purse, keys, and other personal items in two separate storm drains in Jamestown—one at the intersection of 8th and Monroe and the other near the intersection of 6th and Jefferson. All of the items were sent to a forensics lab so that they could be examined for fingerprints and DNA evidence.

Roughly one month later, police arrested Michael Watson on unrelated stalking charges, which included one count of official misconduct, two counts of stalking, two counts of harassment, and four counts of aggravated harassment.

"It's certainly disturbing to find out that something has gone on and that it's been going on over a period of time," Capt. Lee Davies of the Jamestown Police told WKBW.com. "It's certainly problematic, and we want to make sure that we take steps to ensure that in the future any of that type of information would come forward much more quickly."

Watson was released after posting a $10,000 bond. Investigators said the charges were not related to Yolanda's case; however, they did say that he was considered a "person of interest."

The Search for Missing Mother of Three Corrie Anderson

November 02, 2008

I was on the scene in Jamestown, N.Y. today looking into the case of 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a southern-tier mother of three who went missing early last week.

According to police, Corrie was last seen on the afternoon of October 28, leaving the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown. Family members reported Corrie missing later that day when she failed to pick up her 6-year-old son from school. Investigators with the New York State Police opened a file on the case and issued an APB (all points bulletin) for Corrie's blue 2005 Dodge Caravan, New York license number CX404.

"We're appealing to people who have large parking lots... hotels or motels that this vehicle could be left abandoned where it wouldn't soon be noticed, so if people can, please check lots to see if any vehicles were left abandoned," State Police Major Christopher Cummings told WIVB.com.

On October 30, a hunter discovered Corey's car abandoned at a gas well off of Kortwright Road in the town of Busti.

"I was working outside, when an old fellow I know came walking out of the woods and said that he had found the woman's car on my property," the landowner, who does not wish to be identified, told Investigation Discovery. "He said he did not want any part of it, so I took my farmhand up there to have a look. The van was just past the gas well, out of site from the road. I walked up to it and looked inside, but I did not see anyone or any sign of trouble. We compared the license plate numbers to the one listed in the paper, and sure enough, it was her car. I phoned the police and within an hour they had the whole area cordoned off."

State police recovered the vehicle from the field, and sent it to Batavia for forensic testing.

That night, investigators searched the Celoron, N.Y. home of Corrie's second husband, Kenneth Anderson. It should be noted that several outlets are reporting that the Andersons are divorced; however, neighbors with whom I spoke said that their divorce had not yet been finalized.

Investigators reportedly questioned Anderson for several hours; however, what – if anything – they learned is unknown. Police have not called Anderson a suspect or person of interest in his wife's disappearance.