The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #26

December 30, 2008

The Bryan Braumberger story has been updated and moved. Please click here to read it.

'Santa Suit' Killer's Rampage Leaves Nine Dead in California

December 29, 2008

Due to the actions of a single individual, at least 13 young people have been orphaned following a brutal massacre that occurred in Covina, California, on Christmas Eve.

Last Wednesday, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, 45, donned a Santa costume and armed himself with four handguns and a flamethrower before knocking on the front door of a home owned by his ex-wife's parents.

According to police, an eight-year-old girl answered the door, at which time Pardo shot her in the face. Pardo then burst inside, interrupting a Christmas Eve party with a hail of gunfire. Sixteen of the 25 guests managed to make it outside, while the others, who never had a chance to react, were shot execution-style.

Once he was satisfied with the carnage he had inflicted on the unsuspecting family, Pardo took out a homemade pressurized device that he had disguised as a present and doused the interior of the house with a flammable cocktail made up of high-octane racing fuel and compressed air. Unfortunately for Pardo, his plan hit a snag when the vapor suddenly ignited. It remains unclear whether a pilot light or candle was the cause; however, the ensuing fire caused Pardo to suffer third-degree burns to his arms and legs. The heat was so intense that portions of the Santa costume melted onto Pardo's flesh.

Partygoers who had managed to escape, some with serious injury, immediately called 911 to report the shootings and fire.

"He's shooting my whole family. My mum's house is on fire," Pardo's ex-sister-in-law, Leticia, told the emergency dispatcher. "We need someone immediately. My daughter's been shot. She was shot in the face."

Listen to the 911 callOpen Audio in New Window

Unbeknownst to police and firefighters who arrived on the scene, a severely injured Pardo had already fled the area and was en route to his brother's house in Sylmar, roughly 25 miles from the scene of the shooting.

It took nearly 100 firefighters an hour and a half to finally get the blaze under control. During a walkthrough of the interior, investigators found the charred remains of three victims in the living room area. Not long thereafter, authorities found the remains of five additional victims.

Happy Holidays!

December 25, 2008

While you're here, please be sure to check out two new packages at Investigation Discovery: Top 10 Crime Stories of 2008 and The Shift - an exciting new series that follows a team of homicide detectives at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

Posts to this blog will resume on Monday.

We hope you have an exciting and crime-free Holiday!

All That Glitters is Not Gold in True Crime

December 23, 2008

I had planned on focusing on holiday crime today. There is certainly no shortage of content - from the convicted sex offender who volunteered to respond to children's letters to Santa, to the pedophile who tried to lure girls dressed as Santa – there were plenty of stories for me to choose from; however, in the course of my research I ended up clicking one link, then another, and before long I was off on subjects that had little to do with my initial plans.

One of the subjects I looked at was holiday suicide rates (yes, I realize it is not the most joyous of subjects). According to psychologist John McIntosh, it has been a long standing misconception that suicides go up during the holidays. Suicide rates are actually higher in the spring and summer. Interesting, but that is just the beginning of where I am going with this.

When I read about McIntosh's research, it made me think of a case I had worked on when I was writing for the Court Television Network's Crime Library – a case which I always found somewhat troubling. In remembering that case, I thought about the pain and suffering that the families must be experiencing right now with the holidays afoot.

The case I am referring to occurred in Belgrave, Australia, in 2007. When I first started to cover it, it was a missing person/runaway case involving two very bright and beautiful teenage girls. Unfortunately, the case took drastic turn and the girls were eventually found dead. The manner of their death was both unusual and heartbreaking.

Stephanie Gestier and Jodie Gater were two 16-year-old girls that both came from loving and caring families. The girls were close friends and spent a lot of their time hanging out together. If you saw one, you generally saw the other.

Unbeknownst to those closest to them, the girls had been suffering great emotional pain during the 2006-2007 school years.

The girls had dyed their hair and started wearing dark makeup to express themselves; however their choices had also made them prime targets for bullies. As a result, they silently suffered from relentless harassment and teasing.

On the morning of April 15, 2007, Stephanie and Jodie got permission from their parents to go shopping at a local mall.  Unaware of the girl's intentions, their parents had no qualms about them spending time together and sent them off on their way. 

As morning turned to night neither girl returned home, which caused both sets of parents to become concerned enough to file missing person reports with local police.

Given that both girls were active users of the Internet, detectives decided to check their online accounts for clues to their sudden disappearance. What they found caused them great concern.

The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #25

December 22, 2008

The Mysterious Disappearance of Joey Lynn Offut

In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the mysterious disappearance of Joey Offutt, a 33-year-old resident of Pennsylvania, who went missing in July 2007.

On July 12, 2007, firefighters were summoned to Joey Lynn Offutt's Sykesville, Pennsylvania home. Unfortunately, the fire gutted the entire house before the fire department could get the blaze under control.

During a walkthrough of the burned-out structure, firefighters and police discovered the body of a young infant inside a bathroom. Investigators were able to determine that the infant was alone inside the house when the fire started. Subsequent DNA testing identified the infant as Joey's son, Alexis "Lex" Alfred Brolin III. Joey was nowhere to be found, and it was soon discovered that her two daughters, ages two and nine, had been staying with family members.

During a subsequent search of Joey's burned out house, investigators found her purse and identification. Other items found inside the house suggested that Joey had not been there since July 5, roughly one week before the house burned to the ground. 

Joey's disappearance remains a mystery to her family and friends, who claim she would have never left her children and vanish voluntarily. The mystery further deepened on July 16, when police found Joey's red Saturn coupe abandoned outside an apartment building near Penn State College. Investigators questioned residents of the apartment complex, but none of them had any information about Joey or how her car came to be parked in front of the building.

In an effort to assist investigators in the search for Joey, her family created the Web site FindJoey.org in an effort to publicize the case on a national level. Since the site's incorporation, some tips have been received, but to date none have panned out.

Joey's own Internet usage has shed some light on her life, which may or may not be relevant to her disappearance.

Top 10 Crime Stories of 2008

December 21, 2008

A Deadly Reality

Some of the most notorious crime stories of the century made headlines in 2008. From alleged baby killers to serial rapists – it is one leap year we won't soon forget. The following crimes are among this group. Who do you think made the list of Top 10 Crime Stories of 2008?

Top 10 Crime Stories of 2008

Disagree with our ranking? Then cast your vote at the end and tell us who you think should be number one.

Related Links:
Investigation Discovery: Crime Countdowns

Most "Fascinating" Sociopaths of 2008 : Guest Blog by Michelle Simonsen

December 20, 2008

[Michelle Simonsen is a true crime blogger who writes for Michelle Says So and Boycott Aruba-Justice for Natalee Holloway. She is also a contributing writer for the citizen journalist website, NowPublic]

It's the end of the year, and just like Barbara Walters picks her "Most Fascinating People" of the year, I think we should point out the top (some alleged) sociopaths of 2008.

Some have evaded justice.  Some are being charged for their crimes. Some are finally paying their price. Some have been ignored.

Top Five Sociopaths (some alleged) of 2008 (In no particular order)

• Joran van der Sloot
• Drew Peterson
• O.J. Simpson
• Casey Anthony
• Gary Michael Hilton

Joran van der Sloot

Joran van der Sloot, a Dutch 21-year-old has evaded Aruban and Dutch authorities for alleged crimes involving sex trafficking in Thailand and secretly confessing to killing 18-year-old Alabama honor student, Natalee Holloway in May 2005, while Holloway was vacationing in Aruba with her high school graduation class.

For over three years, Joran van der Sloot has reportedly sent the family of Natalee and the media on a wild goose chase trying to obtain the truth as to what happened to Natalee. During his initial incarceration in Aruba, he allegedly gave some 20 different stories as to what happened. After being released for lack of evidence by the Aruban/Dutch Judges, Joran fled to the Netherlands to attend college.

However, Joran didn't do much studying.  He started hanging out with an undercover drug friend named Patrick van der Eem who was hired by Dutch crime reporter, Peter De Vries. Joran was secretly videotaped confessing as to how Natalee died and what he did with her body. He stated that he believed she was overdosing - foaming at the mouth - and even mimicked her shaking. He revealed to Van der Eem that he had a "friend" with a boat that took her approximately 2 miles out to sea and dumped her body in the ocean.

When Peter de Vries reported the case and showed the hidden videos, Joran claimed he lied in order to impress Van der Eem and said that he was high on pot.  He was then trailed by crime fighter Peter de Vries to Thailand, where he allegedly set up a sex trafficking operation in Bangkok. Most recently, he was caught on hidden video, allegedly setting up girls to move and work in the Netherlands, in the sex trade business. The most recent case is still pending and Joran remains on the loose.

Immediately after the sex trafficking scandal, Joran went on Fox TV and told Greta van Susteren that he didn't kill Natalee, but had arranged for the sale of Natalee, in the amount of $10,000, to a man he had met in the casino in Aruba several times. He also said that his father, Paulus van der Sloot, had paid the police $50,000 to keep their mouths shut after Natalee went missing.

Eight hours later, Joran emailed Greta and told her he made the entire story up.

Jose Baez Lashes Out at Orange County Sheriff's Office

December 19, 2008

Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, held a small press conference today, during which he expressed his anger towards the Orange County Sheriff's Office - specifically, for the way his client was notified that remains found last week had been positively identified as her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to Baez, he had specifically asked that he be notified ahead of time, so that he could relate the news to Casey Anthony himself, rather than have her receive the news from a third party, as was the case today when a jail Chaplin notified her of the news.

"The lack of professionalism has become predictable," Baez said. "Unfortunately, I predicted that they might do this and I had sent an attorney from my office to be here with her today just in case … we believe they had preliminary results as to who this child was a long time ago. Before DNA [testing], bodies were identified all the time through other means and I just think it was not a professional way of doing things and I am extremely disappointed."

Baez refused to discuss Anthony's reaction, stating that it is her "private moment," but he did say that she is maintaining her innocence in her daughter's death.

Child Skeletal Remains Identified as Caylee Anthony

We all knew it was coming - a positive identification of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony - but until you actually hear it confirmed from an official source, it is a reality that you try not to think about. Unfortunately, that reality hit home today when Orange County Medical Examiner Dr. Jan Garavaglia announced her findings during a press conference in Orlando, Florida.

"With regret, I am here to inform you that the skeletal remains found on December 11 are those of the missing toddler Caylee Anthony," Dr. Garavaglia said. "As is the usual protocol, the next of kin have been notified prior to making this information public. This identification was made by nuclear DNA, taken from a portion of the remains and compared to a known profile of Caylee Anthony.

"The DNA analysis was performed by the FBI lab in Quantico, Virginia. Except for the bone specimen used for the DNA, which has since been returned to my morgue, the remains have been maintained and analyzed at the morgue here in Orlando. These have been analyzed by myself, my chief deputy medical examiner, and two forensic anthropologists - one from the University of Florida and one from the University of Central Florida.

"My examination of the body and the evidence is complete barring no further bones being found and the anthropologic exam will be finished up shortly. The bones are completely skeletonized, with no visible soft tissue present and no ante-mortem trauma evident, meaning there was no trauma to the bones prior to death. Toxicology testing is still to be completed on the bone and hair. While this analysis may prove to be informative, it will be difficult to interpret levels from these specimens and thus will not be definitive in helping to determine the cause of death.

"The manner of death though is an opinion based on available information including examination of the body information from the scene as well as circumstantial evidence. Based on all of this, the manner of death in this case is homicide. The cause of death will be listed as homicide by undetermined means. Should other pertinent information become available, the cause of death may be revisited.

"While I would love to explain the forensic aspects of this case to you, and any of you who know me know I would love to do that, we must remember that everyone is innocent until proven guilty. This case needs to be tried in a court of law and not the media, thus I will not discuss specifics of this case at this time."

Breaking News: Caylee Anthony Press Conference

December 18, 2008

The Orange County Sheriff's Office held a press conference moments ago, during which they revealed several new startling details in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

During the press conference, a sheriff's office spokesperson said that the utility worker who discovered child skeletal remains last week had also contacted authorities on Aug. 11, 12 and 13, to provide tips in the case. An Orange County Sheriff's deputy followed up on the Aug. 13 tip and responded to the scene – the scene where the remains were found last Thursday – however, it remains unclear what if anything he did there.

"There was a window of opportunity possibly. We had a deputy respond to this area on August 13," the spokesperson said. "We are currently trying to determine the situation of that response to determine what the deputy did on scene at that time with the tipster that he received the information from and we continue to be as thorough as possible to determine the circumstances of that on that afternoon.

"The tip that was received on August 13 was the same individual that reported the findings on December 11. It was the same individual that called into the communications center and called us this past Thursday that made the discovery.

"We have three tips from that individual. We are trying to determine the circumstances and the thoroughness of the deputy that responded that day and will continue to do so in the coming days."

The utility worker initially told authorities that he discovered the remains when he stepped into the weeds to relieve himself by Chickasaw Trail and Suburban Drive in Orlando; however now authorities believe that he had returned to the scene out of curiosity.

A Journey for Justice - The Adam Walsh Story

December 17, 2008

The Walsh family suffered for more than two decades with the knowledge that their son's case might never be solved. Twenty-seven years is a long time to live with that type of heartache. A pain compounded by the family memories that they missed: school plays, graduations, marriage, grandchildren. While nothing can alleviate their pain, the Walsh family did receive some closure yesterday when Florida police officially named the person responsible for six-year-old Adam Walsh's death.

Yesterday's events resolved a horrific incident that was set in motion on July 27, 1981, when Adam's mother, Reve Walsh, took him on a shopping trip to Sears in Hollywood, Florida. In the store, Adam asked his mother if he could watch some children play video games while she finished her shopping. She agreed, and he stayed behind while she searched for a new lamp.

Reve was not gone long, but when she returned to the video game section, Adam was nowhere to be found. Frightened, she asked a store clerk to page her son over the intercom. Seconds turned into minutes, but there was no sign of Adam. He had disappeared.

The events leading to Adam's disappearance remain unclear. According to some reports, the group of children that Adam was with was thrown out of the store for arguing over a game and Adam was mistakenly asked to leave with them. Investigators believe that Adam went outside, where he was abducted near the store entrance.

The case continued without viable clues or evidence until August 10, 1981, when Adam's severed head was found in a drainage canal in Vero Beach, Florida. The location was roughly 120 miles from the site of Adam's abduction. To date, the rest of his remains have never been found.

Five days later, on August 15, 1981, Adam's parents had an empty-casket funeral for their son.

Rather than dwell on their sorrow, Reve and her husband, John Walsh, established the Adam Walsh Outreach Center for Missing Children on August 19, 1981. Two months later, the couple testified before Congress on behalf of the Missing Children Act and the Missing Children's Assistance Act. As a result of their efforts, both of these bills were passed.

The first break in Adam's case came in October 1983, when suspected serial killer, Ottis Toole, confessed to the brutal slaying. However, despite having provided investigators with an accurate description of the crime, police were unwilling to name him as the killer. Several key pieces of evidence, including blood-stained carpeting from Toole's car and the car itself were lost by police, leaving them with little evidence to tie him to the crime. Toole eventually recanted his confession.

Despite the reluctance by police to charge Toole in his son's death, John Walsh remained convinced that Toole was responsible. According to Walsh, there were other items found at Toole's home which suggested that he was involved with the crime, including a pair of green shorts and a sandal that were similar to what Adam was wearing the day he disappeared.

Recent Happenings in the Caylee Anthony Case

December 16, 2008

It has been almost a week since child skeletal remains were found in a wooded area near the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing 2-year-old, Caylee Anthony. A positive identification has yet to be made; however it is the belief among investigators that they are Caylee's. 

Earlier today, Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland agreed to hear a series of emergency motions that had been filed by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez.

Baez had asked for a second autopsy, access to the crime scene photos and permission to oversee the preservation of the remains.

"It is imperative to the defense to have its own experts process the crime scene in as close to its original condition as possible," the motion said. "Due to the large amount of time and anticipated destruction of the crime scene it may be impossible for the defense to have an accurate representation of what the crime scene looked like when the remains were found, much less the location.

"Photographs, video and schematic drawings are required, so that the defense will at the bare minimum have an idea of what the crime scene might have looked like before it was processed and possibly contaminated."

Upon reading the ruling and hearing arguments from both sides, Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland said that he would continue the request for the autopsy. In regards to the defense's request to oversee the crime scene, Strickland said it was "not a requirement by law."

"I can't assist you in interfering with a murder investigation," Strickland said. "They're entitled to continue ... until they get what it is they need to get."

Casey Anthony's "Dream Team"

December 15, 2008

Jose Baez, lead attorney for Casey Anthony (mother of two-year-old Caylee Anthony), has assembled a seasoned team of defense attorneys and forensic experts for his client's impending first-degree murder trial. Investigation Discovery has compiled a bio on each of those experts to give you a better understanding of who they are and what they do.

Jose Baez

Baez is Casey Anthony's lead defense attorney. According to his Web site, Baez is a former criminologist who received a B.S. degree in criminology from Florida State University.

"Mr. Baez began working for the Miami-Dade County Public Defender's office in 1995. He immediately created a reputation as a fierce advocate who fought his cases until the very end and also distinguished himself by creating a division record for the most trials where he won 32 of 34 jury trials within his first two years with the office. (It should be noted that one of his two losses was a reversed appeal)."

Prior to opening his own private practice, Baez worked for Lexis-Nexis, where he taught judges, lawyers, and law students about methods of using the Internet for investigation.

Baez has been involved in several high-profile cases in Florida, including the defense of Nilton Diaz, Kissimmee Mayor George Gant, and Elvira Garcia.

Linda Kenney Baden

A new member of Jose Baez's defense team, Baden is a New York attorney who specializes in forensic evidence. Baden has been doing forensic work since the 1980s when she was in the prosecutor's office in New Jersey. She is the wife of Dr. Michael M. Baden, a medical doctor and board-certified forensic pathologist, who is also the host of HBO's Autopsy.

Baden has been involved in several high-profile cases, including the recent defense of music producer Phil Spector. Baden is also well known for her analysis in the controversial death of supermodel Anna Nicole Smith.

Terence Lenamon

Lenamon is a Miami criminal defense attorney who recently joined Baez's defense team.

According to WFTV.com, Lenamon has defended several high-profile clients, including Harrel Franklin Braddy, who is known as "The Miami Strangler," and accused killer Wadada Delhall.

In both of those cases, Lenamon’s clients were sentenced to death.

Jose Luis Garcia

Another member of Baez's defense team, Garcia has experience in both family and criminal law.

Garcia attended Barry University School of Law, where he received his J.D. He continued his undergraduate education and obtained his B.A. degree at Florida International University. His professional associations and memberships include the American Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Young Lawyers Association, and Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Garcia's previous legal experience includes a stint as a public defender in Orlando's Ninth Judicial Circuit Court.

Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee

Dr. Henry Chang-Yu Lee is the current Chief Emeritus for Scientific Services for the State of Connecticut and one of the founders of the Henry C. Lee Forensic Institute. He has worked on several high-profile cases, including the O.J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases.

According to his Web site, Dr. Lee is a "legendary investigator [who] is known for finding the tiniest clues. He has even solved a murder without a body. Over the past 40 years, Lee assisted in the investigations of more than 6,000 cases, including war crimes in Bosnia and Croatia; the suicide of President Clinton's former White House attorney, Vince Foster; review of the JFK assassination; and the death of JonBenet Ramsey."

A native of Rugao City, China, Lee obtained a degree in Police Science from Central Police College in 1960. He went on to become captain of the Taipei Police Department. In 1972, Lee moved to the United States and enrolled in the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, where he obtained a B.S. in Forensic Science. Afterwards, he enrolled in New York University, where he earned an M.S. and a Ph. D. in Biochemistry. Since that time, he has received honorary degrees from several universities, including American International College, Bridgeport University, Williams Law School, Saint Joseph College, and the University of New Haven.

Please Help Find Kelly Currin Morris

December 12, 2008

The following is a press release from Kelly Morris search coordinator Al Mignacci:

Missing Person

• Kelly Currin Morris, Age 28
• Last seen September 3, 2008
• Married, 2 children, ages 5 and 8
• House burned September 4, 2008 – Determined to be arson
• Car found abandoned less than a mile from house

Requesting:

• Volunteer searchers (walkers) for Sunday December 14, 2008
• Information on the location of abandoned hand dug wells within a 40 mile radius of Stem, NC
• Hunters to be on the look-out for anything unusual that they may come across

Location of Search:

• Kelly Currin Morris Comand Center– 8:00 a.m.
• Hwy 50 / 2816 Old Weaver Trail
• Creedmoor, NC 
• Command Center Phone: (919) 812-2310
• E-mail: helpfindkelly@gmail.com
• Website: www.kellycurrinmorris.com
• MySpace: Myspace.com/kellycurrinmorris

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Kelly Currin Morris or information on the arson, please contact the Granville County Sheriff’s Department at (919) 693-3213 or the Granville County Crime Stoppers at (919) 693-3100.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credits: Kelly Morris: Pat Currin

Skull Discovery 911 Audio Recording Released

The Orange County employee who called 911 yesterday to report the discovery of a human skull told the dispatcher that the skull was found in "the Caylee Anthony area." That call has since been released to the media and can be heard here:

Listen to the 911 callInvestigation Discovery

The skeletal remains are currently being examined by the FBI to determine if they are Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin Weighs in on Casey Anthony

Earlier today, we heard from criminal profiler Pat Brown, who offered her thoughts on how yesterday's discovery of child skeletal remains will affect Casey Anthony's cooperation in the case - if those remains are identified as that of Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

Since that time, criminal profiler Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin has offered her own opinion on what might happen next.

"Now would be the time to pressure her. If this is Caylee's body, then Casey knows it and realizes she lost any hope of pretending the baby is alive," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "Of course, she will change her story. She has to. But this is THE critical time. This would be when detectives could get her to talk."

According to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, Anthony's confession is the only thing she has left to offer in exchange for leniency.

Criminal Profiler Pat Brown Discusses the Casey Anthony Case

Investigation Discovery contacted top criminal profiler Pat Brown today and asked her to share her thoughts on how yesterday's discovery of child skeletal remains will affect Casey Anthony's cooperation in the case, if those remains are identified as that of Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee.

"Casey Anthony, since she exhibits psychopathological behaviors and has a history of pathological lying, can be expected to change her story as is necessary to be of fullest benefit to her own survival," Brown said. "The original story of the babysitter/kidnapper served as a distraction to the more likely scenario that Casey had done something to Caylee and that Caylee was no longer alive. If she could get people to believe that Caylee was a missing child case, then the searches for Caylee would allow time for the body to decompose, the evidence to vanish, and the witnesses' memories to dwindle and become less credible. Then when the believability factor of that story began to slide, especially when evidence from the trunk indicated Caylee was dead, Casey still could hope the body wouldn’t be found, so she stuck to the story."

According to Brown, Casey will most likely meet with her attorney to determine which story she should move forward with, so as to get the least amount of time behind bars.

"If no evidence points to the house, then likely Casey will still claim someone else did it, but when the police were closing in, killed Caylee and tried to frame her (by placing the body close to her house)," Brown said. "If on the other hand, there is evidence that clearly implicates the Anthony home, then Casey will likely change the story to one of accidental death followed by an anguished and terrified mother trying to deal with a horrific situation. Of course, Casey’s behaviors of partying and such will not make her very lovable in the eyes of a jury. The lawyers may then go for the old line, ‘Yes, Casey is a disturbed woman, maybe even narcissistic, but she is not a coldblooded killer; she is merely a young, foolish girl who made a poor choice by --------fill in the blank -----leaving Caylee alone in the pool where she accidentally drowned, etc. etc."

Casey Anthony Defense Team Press Conference

Earlier today, Orange Circuit Judge Stan Strickland denied a motion made by Casey Anthony's defense team, who was requesting access to the current autopsy being conducted on child skeletal remains that were found yesterday, which are suspected of being Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Following that hearing, Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez, along with co-counsel, Linda Kenney Baden, held a press conference outside the court house.

In response to questions about the motion the defense team had filed, Baez had this to say:

"We want in as quickly as possible to be able to inspect it in the same manner in which it is and to be able to inspect it appropriately. We have qualified people, the best in the business reviewing this evidence, so we will actually be able to verify it independently and that's all we're asking for. Nothing more and we're not even asking to hide it, we're allowing them to observe whatever we do.

"I have mentioned for many weeks now and I know a lot of people have not paid attention or it's been discounted, but I have been forming a defense team and Ms. Kenney Baden Is just another member of our team who was brought on it in her area, which is forensic science ... I'm not about pumping our chest and flaunting who we have or who we're bringing in, you'll see it when they come. We just want to do things right and do a professional job for Ms. Anthony."

Baez then turned the conference over to Baden. In regards to questions about a tentative ID of the skeletal remains, Baden responded:

"I have been doing forensic work since I was in the prosecutor's office in New Jersey and with the county since 1980. A medical examiner always makes a tentative ID on a case and before DNA what is now a tentative ID was always an official ID, because you didn't have DNA until the early 90s. So there is always dental records, hair color [and] charts in term of age when you have skeletal remains or partial skeletal remains, so there is always a tentative ID in any medical examiner's office as to who they think the person is. Then they do a confirmation with regular DNA. That's been my experience and I'd be quite surprised if the medical examiner's office is sitting out there and saying this is somebody unknown and devoting all this time and all this energy and all this press and all these objections because [they] don't believe that this is the child."

Casey Anthony's Defense Team Denied Access to Autopsy

Orange Circuit Judge Stan Strickland has issued a ruling on an emergency motion that was filed yesterday by Casey Anthony's attorney, Jose Baez.

Within the motion, Baez asked the court to grant the defense team access to the current autopsy being conducted on child skeletal remains that were found yesterday, which are suspected of being Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. In addition, Baez wanted permission to have his experts conduct a second autopsy. He also wanted access to the crime scene before it is released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

Upon hearing arguments from both sides, Strickland denied the defenses motion regarding the autopsies, citing the fact that a positive identification has yet to be made. Strickland said that the FBI needed to make the identification without interference from outside parties.

"We will have you notified as soon as the final identification is made," Strickland said, adding, "evidence will be preserved for you to look at in any shape or manor."

Strickland said he would reexamine the request once a positive identification is made.

In regards to the crime scene, the prosecution agreed to allow the defense to have access to the crime scene as soon as the investigation is complete; however they were unable to offer a time frame as to when that might occur.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the hearing was the fact that the defense team informed the court that they had been notified that anthropological measurements taken of the skeleton match that of Caylee Anthony. They also said that hair found with the remains matches Caylee's hair color.

Caylee Anthony Update: Several Items of Interest Found

The Caylee Anthony case took a dramatic turn yesterday when a child's skeletal remains were found approximately three-tenths of a mile from the home of Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony. Since that time, the remains have been sent off for positive identification and a search warrant has been obtained for the Anthony family home.

Investigators conducting the search of the home have been seen removing enough items to fill up at least three vehicles. The search, which began yesterday evening, continued until early this morning.

A sheriff's deputy has been posted in front of the house to guard what is now being described as a "crime scene" by the sheriff's office. A sheriff's office helicopter is also patrolling the area to ensure that no one attempts to corrupt the scene.

Items removed from the Anthony family home include: three vacuum cleaners, two pesticide tanks, a small pillow, seven large paper bags and four boxes of potential evidence.

During an interview with CNN, Orange County sheriff Kevin Beary said that investigators "absolutely" found something of interest while searching the home.

In a separate interview with "The Today Show," Beary said that something found with the child skeletal remains prompted the search.

"We know that there's some clues that came out of the remains found yesterday and that's why we've kind of linked it back to the house. That's why we did everything proper, got a search warrant and secured the premises and searched into the wee hours this morning," Beary said.

Search Underway at Anthony Family Home

December 11, 2008

According to Orange County sheriff's spokesman Angelo Nieves, investigators have obtained the search warrant that they were seeking for the house of George and Cindy Anthony. The house has been taped off with crime scene tape and investigators are examining it for evidence.

It is believed the search is related to the discovery of a small child's remains that were discovered not far from the house earlier today. While a positive identification is still pending, they are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, he was at the scene where the remains were found earlier today. During an interview with Nancy Graze, Miller said that there was an indentation in the ground, suggesting that they had been there for several months.

The child's remains have since been sent to the FBI crime lab in Quantico, Virginia, where experts are conducting expedited testing to identify the remains.

Investigators plan on conducting another search of the area where the remains were found again tomorrow. They plan on examining the soil and collecting any potential evidence that remains in the area.

Meanwhile, sources at the Orange County Jail are saying that Casey Anthony was "visibly shaken" when she received news of today's discovery. A mental health professional was sent to the jail to meet with her, at which time she was allegedly given a sedative to calm her nerves. Anthony is currently under psychological observation.

New Search Warrant Sought in Caylee Anthony Case

The Orange County Sheriff's Office is seeking a warrant to search the home of Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony. It remains unclear what investigators are looking for.

It is believed the warrant is related to the discovery of a small child's remains that were discovered not far from the house earlier today. While a positive identification is still pending, they are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

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Media Briefing on Discovery of Child's Remains Found Near Anthony Home

Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary held a press conference this afternoon about the discovery of human remains found earlier today, which are believed to be the remains of Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

"Florida Department of Law Enforcement is here, our crime scene people are here, the FBI is here and we are all working this case," Beary said. "As you can see, the weather is absolutely atrocious. This area was a very flooded area during the earlier searches and right now we are trying to put it all together. We've been in touch with the FBI in Quantico and their lab is ready to receive whatever Dr. G determines necessary to send up there so that we can try to get some analysis on it."

According to Beary, the FBI has instructed their forensic investigators to prioritize any material sent to them by the Orange County Medical Examiner's Office.

"If they have to work through the weekend then they'll work through the weekend," Beary said.

Beary confirmed that the skull does appear to be that of a small child; however he cautioned that further tests would be needed to confirm the age and gender.

"We've got a lot of lab work to do, a lot of DNA work to do, a lot of crime scene work to do and we may be here all night," Beary said.

Criminal Profiler on Today's Discovery: "When Will They Listen?"

In October, Dr. Maurice Godwin used his Predator computerized system to identify specific areas of interest in the search for Casey Anthony's missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

If the remains found today are proven to be Caylee, they could have been found sooner if his analysis of the case had been utilized.

The locations used in his analysis were: Casey Anthony's parent's house, the location where her car was found and a buffer area for cell phone pings at the airport.

Map 1 depicted the search area (anchor point area) showing the Predator computer results and map overlay of the predicted area. Map 2 depicted a more specific search area, highlighted by the light yellow circle. Map 3 depicted the specific area to search.

The profile showed a high probability that Caylee would be found within a 1.5 mile radius (North, South, East and West) from South Goldenrod Road.

"The location where the body was found is near my predicted area," Godwin said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "If they had used the information I came up with, Caylee would have been found months ago. I have proven time and time again the value of the Predator system. When Will They Listen?"

Update On Human Remains Found Near Anthony Family Home

Investigation Discovery has obtained more details about the discovery of a child's skeletal remains that were found today, approximately three-tenths of a mile from the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing two-year-old, Caylee Anthony.

The remains were found early this morning by an Orange County water meter reader who had stepped into the weeds to relieve himself by Chickasaw Trail and Suburban Drive in Orlando. While standing there, the worker observed a plastic trash bag. When he kicked the bag to see what was in it, a small child's skull fell out onto the ground in front of him. The worker immediately notified police and the area was cordoned off as a crime scene.

Sources close to the investigation say that remnants of duct tape were found on both the skull and the trash bag. Those items are now being compared to tape and bags that had previously been collected from the car Casey Anthony was driving at the time of her daughter's disappearance.

According to the sheriff's department, they are expediting DNA tests to confirm whether the remains are that of Caylee Anthony.

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, said that he is in agreement with other sources close to the investigation that have told Investigation Discovery that they believe the remains are Caylee.

"My prayers go out to the family of the deceased child," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "I hope they can now come to peace and begin to put back together the pieces of their shattered lives."

Tim Miller Reacts to Discovery Near Anthony Family Home

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, said that he is in agreement with sources close to the investigation who feel that remains found near the home of Casey Anthony are that of her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

"My prayers go out to the family of the deceased child," Miller told Investigation Discovery. "I hope they can now come to peace and begin to put back together the pieces of their shattered lives."

Casey Anthony's parents, George and Cindy Anthony, are currently on their way to Orlando, from California, where they made an appearance on Larry King Live last night. It is unknown if they are aware of these most recent developments.

Earlier today, Investigation Discovery received a call from a source close to the investigation in the case who said that investigators believe the remains found today by a meter reader, at the intersection of Suburban Drive and Chickasaw, are Caylee Anthony; however DNA tests will be needed to make a positive identification.

The source claims the remains were found in a plastic bag with duct tape.

According to a spokesperson for Texas EquuSearch, the area where the remains were found could not be searched during the first search effort because the area was under water. During the second search effort the area was fenced off.

Keep checking back for more details on this breaking development.

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Remains Found Believed to be Caylee Anthony

I just received a call from a source close to the investigation in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Investigators believe the remains found today by a meter reader at the intersection of Suburban Drive and Chickasaw are Caylee Anthony; however DNA tests will be needed to make a positive identification.

The source claims the remains were found in a plastic bag with duct tape.

According to a spokesperson with Texas EquuSearch, the area where the remains were found could not be searched during the first search effort because the area was under water. During the second search effort the area was fenced off.

Keep checking back for more details on this breaking development.

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This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Child's Remains Found Near Home Of Casey Anthony

Sources tell Investigation Discovery that the remains of a small child have been found near the home of Casey Anthony, mother of missing two-year-old Caylee Anthony.

According to the Orlando Sheriff's Department, a utility worker found the remains by Suburban Drive.

The gender and age of the victim are unknown. No further details are available at this time.

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The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #24

December 10, 2008

The Mysterious Disappearance of Jamie Harper and Heather Zimmerman

In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the case of 20-year-old Jamie Harper, a missing adult from Paxton, Illinois, who was last seen in March 2007 and the eerily similar case of 19-year-old Heather Dawn Mullins Zimmerman, a young woman who disappeared in the same area over a decade ago.

Jamie Harper was last seen on March 8, 2007, when she left her parent's house to attend a party in nearby Rantoul. When Jamie failed to return home the following day, her mother was concerned but assumed that she was hanging out with friends and decided to wait a few days before reporting her missing.

When Paxton Police Chief Robert G. Bane finally received Jamie's missing persons report, he contacted a local man who had accompanied Jamie to the party. According to his statements to police, the man had not seen her since the night of the party. He said that she had opted to stay behind when he left. Police questioned witnesses who were at the party and conducted a thorough search of the area, but in the end, their efforts resulted in very few leads.

As the investigation continued, police received an anonymous call from a person who claimed that Jamie had died as a result of a drug overdose. The caller went on to say that her body had been dumped in a gravel pit southeast of Paxton-the same area another woman's body had been dumped in 1984. In that case, the woman's former husband was later arrested and convicted in her murder.

Taking the caller's lead, police scoured the area with cadaver-sniffing canines and used sonar-equipped boats to sweep the bottom of the rivers. Unfortunately, none of the searches turned up any trace of Jamie.

Jeremy Steinke Found Guilty of Murdering Preteen Lover's Family

December 09, 2008

It has been a long and tedious road for Canadian investigators working on the case of Jeremy Steinke, a 25-year-old man from Alberta, Canada, who was accused of murdering his 12-year-old girlfriend's family in 2006. A change of venue and other miscellaneous delays delayed the hand of justice; however the Steinke case finally made it to court last month and after several grueling weeks of testimony, a verdict has been announced.

This case first came to light on April 23, 2006, when a 6-year-old boy in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, told his parents he saw a body lying on the floor of their neighbor's house. Concerned, the young boy's parents notified police and a unit was quickly dispatched to 304 Cameron Road.

When officers entered the two-story home, they discovered the bodies of Marc Richardson, 42, and his wife Debra, 48, sprawled out on the home's first floor. In an upstairs bedroom they discovered the lifeless body of the Richardson’s son, 8-year-old Jacob, lying on a bed.

After questioning neighbors, detectives realized the Richardson's daughter, 12-year-old Jasmine Richardson, was missing, and possibly the victim of a kidnapping. However, as the investigation progressed, evidence quickly pointed to her involvement in the murders.

On April 24, 2006, police located Richardson and Steinke, 100 miles away in the town of Leader. Both suspects were arrested at the scene and later charged with three counts of first-degree murder. At that moment, Jasmine Richardson became the youngest person ever charged with multiple counts of murder in Canada.

Police alleged that Richardson and Steinke's secret relationship was the motive behind the murders. Marc and Debra had recently forbid the two from having contact with each other, a move that had angered both young lovers.

As the investigation continued, detectives soon learned that Richardson had Internet profiles on MySpace, VampireFreaks.com and Zorpia.com.

Richardson's MySpace profile contained little information, other than her personal "heroes," including notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer and death metal musician Marilyn Manson.

Texas EquuSearch Joins Search for Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson

December 08, 2008

The search and recovery firm Texas EquuSearch is in Chautauqua County, New York, looking into the disappearance of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three who went missing in October.

"We were contacted by the family of Corrie and asked to join the search," EquuSearch spokesperson Barbie Tarr told Investigation Discovery. "Members of our group arrived in Jamestown on Sunday to begin going over the case."

Earlier today, I traveled to Ashville, NY, where I met with Mike Ray, one of the EquuSearch team members that is on the scene to coordinate the search effort. According to Ray, he has visited areas of interest in the case and has identified specific grids to conduct searches in.

"We've been working close with the family and police, gathering information and reviewing satellite data," Ray told Investigation Discovery. "We are confident this is a case that can be solved."

Unfortunately, weather conditions in the area are hampering a full scale search effort, something which will most likely have to be put on hold until the spring.

"The conditions here are not favorable, so we are currently trying to come up with a feasible search date," Ray said. "Once we have ascertained when that will occur, we will need the community's support in moving forward. The more volunteers we can get, the quicker we can clear the search grids."

In the meantime, EquuSearch will continue to gather logistical data.

"The family is not alone in their search," Ray said. "We are committed to this case and we will do whatever we can to assist them."

In related news, EquuSearch team member Gary Peterson is in Rochester, Minnesota, testing cadaver dogs to see if they can track scents deep in the snow. In a telephone conversation with Investigation Discovery, Peterson said that the field tests were successful. A team of dogs is currently on standby and could be brought in as early as next week for a small scale search.

Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson, Needs Your Help

December 06, 2008

Unless you have been in a similar situation, chances are you cannot fathom what it is like when someone you love goes missing. You see the cases on the news all the time, but how often do you actually take the time to contemplate what the families are going through? It is not easy, nor is it pleasant; however, it is something everyone needs to do, for that person could easily be your own spouse or relative.

One of the families experiencing the pain and the frustration of the unknown is that of 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a mother of three from Chautauqua County, New York, who went missing in October of this year. Since that time, investigators with the New York State Police have released few details regarding the status of the case, and it has all but slipped off the radar of many local media outlets.

"Our hearts ache. How could this happen? It feels as though time is standing still," Corrie's cousin, Laurie Keefe, told Investigation Discovery. "While we struggle to be heard and tell all who will listen, the real world moves at its normal rapid pace, preparing for the holidays, oblivious to our pain. Did this really happen? It is surreal."

In order to help you connect to this family – to understand who Corrie was and to relate to the situation at hand - I asked Corrie's closest family members to give us a glimpse into her life. I wanted to give you, the reader, a connection that you cannot obtain from a photo on a flyer. As expected, the family's response was both genuine, and heartfelt.

"Corrie is strong, resilient, loving, generous and kind," her older brother, Scott Barker, told Investigation Discovery.

Scott's wife, Jenny Barker, agreed, and went on to describe Corrie as someone who always put others before herself.

"She has a really great smile," Jenny said. "She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable. She is never the center of attention and always puts herself last. First and foremost, she is a mom to her three children."

Corrie is the second of four children. She and her family enjoyed life, growing up on a dairy farm in western New York. According to Corrie's mom, Vicki Acquisto, her daughter has always been full of life and adventure.

"She would spend many hours outdoors with her brother Scott, exploring the creeks and woods," Vickie recalled with a smile.

When they were young, Corrie and her sister, Autumn Boardman, had their share of sisterly spats, but, as the years went by, they became very close and grew to rely upon on each other.

"Every Christmas season, with everything getting hectic - all those different family personalities and all - we would always buy a bottle of wine or something to drink when the holidays were done, but would never get to it," Autumn told Investigation Discovery. "We always seemed to get through by laughing instead. Corrie and I just enjoyed being able to talk about everything and anything, what life was and is currently handing us and listen to each other and gossiping. It seems it is just the simple things in life that we enjoyed and made us laugh.

"She loves watching my kids grow.  She was at the hospital for their births, so eager to meet them.  She loves holding them, watching their first teeth come in, starting to crawl, first steps, and just becoming their own persons.  I am hoping that I am at least half the mom she is."

Corrie married Mike Hillerby when she was 18. Her daughter, Kaitlyn, was born a year later, followed by Shannon, a year and a half after that. Although Corrie tried her best to make the marriage work, it didn't.  After seven years, she and the girls moved back home with Vicki and stepdad, Mickey. Her parents, along with her sister, Autumn, provided support and love to Corrie and the girls, and Corrie provided the same in return.

In 2000, Corrie met Ken Anderson, and they married soon thereafter. The couple's son, Zack, was born a year later. Corrie became discouraged early in the marriage, but continued to try to make the relationship work. Unfortunately, Corrie soon came to find out that Ken had not divorced his previous wife, something which made her marriage to him invalid.

No Death Penalty For Casey Anthony

December 05, 2008

We've just learned of some breaking news in the case of Casey Anthony and her missing two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

According to the Orange-Osceola State Attorney's Office, they will not be seeking the death penalty against Casey Anthony in the first-degree murder of her missing daughter.

"After due consideration of the facts and law applicable to this case, it is not in the best interest of the people of the State of Florida to pursue the Death Penalty as a potential sentence," reads a notice that was released today by Assistant State Attorney Linda Drane Burdick. "Therefore, the State of Florida will not be seeking the death penalty as to Casey Marie Anthony."

Anthony remains in jail without bond. Her trial is scheduled to begin on January 5.

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OJ Simpson Sentenced to 15 Years for Armed Robbery and Kidnapping

OJ Simpson, 61, was sentenced to a 15 year prison term today for his part in a botched robbery attempt to recover sports memorabilia.

Prior to sentencing, Simpson addressed the court, apologizing for the actions that led to today's hearing.

"In no way did I mean to hurt anybody and to steal anything from anyone," Simpson said. "I just didn’t want anybody else’s stuff; I just wanted my own. I realize that it was stupid of me. I didn’t think that I was doing anything illegal.  I thought I was retrieving my things. So I am sorry."

In sentencing Simpson, Clark County District Court Judge Jackie Glass said that it was against the law in the state of Nevada to take back property by force.

"It's much more than stupidity," Glass said. "You went to the room took guns, meaning you and the group, you used force, you took property whether yours or someone else's. That amounts to robbery."

Timothy Havens Says He Accidentally Shot Wife During Sex

December 04, 2008

Authorities in Springfield, Ohio, are looking into a bizarre case, in which a man claims to have accidentally shot his estranged wife while the couple was engaged in sex.

Timothy Havens, 38, placed an emergency 911 call at about 7 a.m. Sunday, and reported that a handgun had accidentally discharged, striking his wife, Carolyn Havens, 42, in the chest.

"Where was she shot at?" the operator asked.

"Upper right in the chest," Havens responded.

"Where was the gun laying beside the bed at Tim?" the operator replied.

"Right beside the bed," Havens replied. "I picked it up and put it off to the side. We were having sex and it went off."

Listen to part of the 911 callInvestigation Discovery

Paramedics transported Carolyn to Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, where she remains in critical condition.

Investigators are now trying to determine if the Havens's were engaged in consensual sex and whether the shooting was truly accidental. These questions have arisen as a result of past incidents, which resulted in Carolyn obtaining a protection order against her estranged husband.

Third Suspect Arrested in Case of Shackled California Teen

December 03, 2008

Investigators have arrested a third suspect in a disturbing case of alleged child abuse and torture that recently came to light in Tracy, California.

According to authorities, they now have the aunt of the 17-year-old boy in custody. She has been identified as 43-year-old Caren Ramirez. Police arrested Ramirez late last night after they received a tip that she was staying in Berkeley.

Police had been looking for Ramirez since the arrest of 30-year-old Kelly Layne Lau-Schumacher, and her husband, 34-year-old Michael Schumacher. The Schumacher's have been in custody since Tuesday morning, when they were booked on suspicion of felony conspiracy to commit a misdemeanor, torture, kidnapping, false imprisonment by violence, and child beating. Both are being held in lieu of nearly $1.2 million in bail.

Police say Ramirez had become the teen's legal guardian approximately four years ago, when child-welfare officials took him away from his father. Not long thereafter, a warrant was issued for Ramirez, for assaulting and abusing the boy and he was placed into a Sacramento foster home.

The boy remained in the foster home until 2007, when he ran away to find a member of his biological family. The boy was reported missing; and, at some point made his way from Sacramento to Tracy, a 70-mile journey, and allegedly ended up being held captive at the Schumacher's residence.

According to Sacramento County court records, Ramirez was convicted in 2007 on one felony count of inflicting corporal injury on a child. Police say Ramirez also has three outstanding warrants for her arrest in the same county.

"We think the charges filed against her [Ramirez] will be the same as the Schumacher's," Matt Robinson of the Tracy Police Department said at a news conference this afternoon.

Shackled California Teen Tells Police He Escaped Torture and Captivity

December 02, 2008

A disturbing case of alleged child abuse and torture came to light in Tracy, California, yesterday, when a half-naked and emaciated 17-year-old boy managed to escape from a residence where he reportedly had been held captive for roughly one year.

According to police, the boy, who has not yet been identified, ran into In-Shape City gym at about 4 p.m. Monday and asked an employee to hide him. Witnesses say that the boy, who was covered in soot, urine, and feces, was carrying a chain that was padlocked to his ankle.

"He just said, 'Hide me, please, hide me. They're coming for me.' He was cowering, trying not to be seen," In-Shape Assistant Manager Lea Leonardo told Recordnet.com. "I thought he was a burn victim at first. He was so thin; I thought he was a 12 year old. I couldn't believe what was happening."

According to police, the boy was initially confused about where he was and how he got there; however, he eventually told them that he ran away from a Sacramento foster home in 2007 to look for his biological family. The boy was reported missing; and, at some point he made his way from Sacramento to Tracy, a 70-mile journey, and allegedly ended up being held captive in a tract home less than a block from the gym.

"The wounds he had and his physical condition, as well as having a chain around his leg, corroborated his basic statement that he was being held against his will," Matt Robinson, a spokesman from the Tracy Police Department told Foxnews.com.

As the investigation continued, the boy was transported to Sutter Tracy Community Hospital, where he remains in serious but stable condition. Police say injuries on the boy's body suggest that he had been sexually abused.

Criminal Profiler Predicted India Would Be Hit

December 01, 2008

A series of coordinated terrorist attacks took place in Mumbai, India, last month, claiming the lives of at least 172 people. Another 293 people have been reported injured. Eight of the attacks took place in South Mumbai, with the other two occurring at Vile Parle and in the Mumbai port area. According to an email sent to the press, a group identifying itself as Deccan Mujahideen is responsible for the attacks; however, a terrorist who was captured alive claims to be a member of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba Islamist group. Others place the blame on Indian domestic terrorism.

Two weeks prior to the attacks, expert criminal profiler Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin released her new book, Disturbed: Terrorist Behavioral Profiles, in which she predicted India would be the next big terror target.

According to a weekend interview with Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, the citizens of India remain in danger of further terrorist attacks.

"India is in really big trouble, and tensions have been rising for a long time," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Investigation Discovery. "Various disaffected groups have grown increasingly bold and vicious in their attacks. Terror groups have been continually springing up in India, but the government response has been lackluster. Some groups are Hindu; others are Muslim. And the fighting has been horrific. One group attacks, and then the other strikes back."

According to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, the terrorists have set their sights on the financial sector and entertainment districts "due to the value of targeting wealthy Westerners."

Many Muslims believe they are facing discrimination, and others are concerned with the increasing Hindu ties to the West.

"Radical Hindu groups have been extremely vicious and have worked to strengthen alliance with Israel," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "The idea is that Israel has Washington's ear, and Israel does not look kindly upon any violent Muslim population. To Hindu extremists, this would hopefully lead to Israel and the U.S. being sympathetic and, thus, helping them attain weapons and training. Add the fact that many Muslim radicals believe that Hindus are descendants of a Jewish tribe, and this stirs hatred. Then, with the troubles of Kashmir, growing Western influence, and the lack of communication between enforcement agencies, there was no doubt India would be hit."