Leah Freeman's Mother Asks for Cold Case Team

October 29, 2009

In the past, Cory Courtright celebrated her daughter Leah Freeman's birthday on October 29. Unfortunately, there have been no parties in recent years. Instead of celebrating Leah's 25th birthday, Cory is busy seeking justice in her daughter's murder.

Leah was just 15 years old when, on June 29, 2000, she went for a walk near her home in Coquille, Ore. What happened to her during that walk remains unclear; however, on Aug. 3, 2000, her fate became all too clear when her body was found in a wooded area roughly eight miles from Coquille. An autopsy revealed that Leah had died as a result of "homicidal violence."

Fast forward nearly a decade, and Leah's murder remains unsolved. Waiting such a long time for an answer would discourage most people, but Cory Courtright is determined to see justice prevail and is asking local officials for help.

"I am simply asking Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier to dedicate a cold case team to re-investigate Leah's murder," Cory said. "I don't feel like the agencies handling the case have ever been in sync, and with all of the personnel changes at the Coquille Police Department, I fear that crucial details of the investigation could very well have fallen through the cracks."

Cory says that the police were initially conducting a very active investigation into her daughter's case, but it seemed to cool down quickly, and she has received very few updates on the case in recent years.

According to the Coos County District Attorney's Office, the case is considered "cold," but investigators remain active, following up on all tips that they receive.

"They need to do more than follow-up on tips," Cory said. "They need to have a dedicated team go back and look through all of the files again, re-interview everyone involved, and re-examine all of the evidence."

There is no word yet on whether the Coquille Police Department will consider forming a cold case squad to reinvestigate Leah's murder.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Coquille Police Department at (541) 396-2114 or Coos Stop Crime at (541) 267-6666. Leah Freeman's family is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of those responsible for her murder.

For more information, please visit: www.leahfreeman.com.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Corrie Anderson's Family Remembers Missing Mom on Anniversary of Disappearance

October 28, 2009

Think of the person who means the most to you in your life. Now, think of what your life would be like if he or she suddenly vanished without a trace. That pain – the type of heart wrenching pain you can't truly know unless you have been in a similar situation - is all too real for the family of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Chautauqua County, NY, who went missing exactly one year ago today.

"It's been a very difficult year," Corrie's mother, Vickie Acquisto, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We're a close knit family, and we really miss her every day.

Corrie was last seen at about 1:00 p.m. on October 28, 2008, when she visited her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership in Jamestown. Family members reported her missing at about 3:45 p.m. that day, when she failed to show up at her son's school for a meeting. Items found at Corrie's house suggest that she made it home some time prior to her disappearance; however, whatever happened to her after that remains a mystery.

Two days later, on October 30, 2008, a hunter discovered Corrie's minivan abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti. The location is approximately two miles from Corrie's house.

"There's a hole in our lives and in our hearts," Corrie's cousin, Laurie Keefe, said. "Not knowing where she is or what happened to her is horrible. We cannot move forward with our lives, and yet life continues to move on around us."

The pain of not knowing has had not only a negative effect on Corrie's family, but also on the traditions that they once shared together.

"We can't do any more family gatherings in the dining room because it's too difficult without her," Vickie said.

While local authorities have conducted several searches for Corrie, her family has also taken it upon themselves to do everything in their power to locate her. In addition to hiring a private investigator in the weeks following her disappearance, they also enlisted the help of Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search and recovery organization headquartered in Dickinson, Texas. The group initially promised to lead a community search for Corrie in April 2009; however, just three days before the search was set to take place, they pulled out, leaving the family scrambling to find a replacement group to lead the hundreds of volunteers who had preregistered for the search. Luckily, 3 View Search Services, a new search and recovery group from Indiana, was able to step in and take over. Ultimately, they found no sign of Corrie, but it was certainly not for lack of effort.

"Corrie's case was the first one we worked together as a team after forming our organization," said Mandy Albritton, co-founder of 3 View. "We were disappointed when, despite the efforts of over 400 community volunteers, the search effort failed to turn up any sign of Corrie, but we remain committed to Corrie and her family."

According to Albritton, her organization is already planning a second search for Corrie, scheduled to take place in the spring.

"Corrie's children need to know where their mother is and that she would never have left them on her own," Albritton said.

Local and state officials have released very few details in Corrie's case and have declined to comment on the status of the investigation, other than to say that it remains a top priority. Despite the lack of comments from police, Corrie's family has no illusions as to the reason she is missing.

"It is a criminal investigation," Laurie said, adding, "We seek justice toward the person(s) responsible for taking her away from her family."

In the meantime, Corrie's family must continue to move on with their lives. They must also ensure that her children are cared for and that her youngest son, 7-year-old Zachery, never forgets his mother.

"Zachary saw her picture in the local paper this morning," Vickie said. "He looked up and said, "I remember that day -- we played in the leaves."

The investigation continues…

Corrie Anderson is 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, with green eyes and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. Corrie's family is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. For more information, please visit: www.findcorrie.com.

Anyone with information regarding Corrie's disappearance or whereabouts is asked to call the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Click here to read an article on the one year anniversary that was written by my friend and collegue, Robert Rizzuto.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credits: Contributed

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

Human Bones Found in Edinburg, New York

October 27, 2009

According to officials with the New York State Police, fragments of a human skull have been discovered in a wooded area near Fox Hill road in Edinburg, New York. The state police forensic identification unit is in possession of the bone fragments and tests are underway to determine how old the skull is and how long it has been in the woods. State and local authorities are also conducting a full-scale search of the area for other human remains

Local residents suspect the remains could belong to Jaliek Rainwalker, a 12-year-old boy who went missing under mysterious circumstances in November 2007. If not Jaliek, there are several other unsolved cases in the area, including that of Kellisue Ackernecht, a 35-year-old woman from nearby Johnstown, who went missing in September 2008.

"We do have a number of missing person cases in the area," Saratoga County District Attorney James Murphy said in an interview with poststar.com. "It's still too early to say. There are lots of questions. It's going to take some significant time."

No further details have been released.

UPDATE:
Authorities are now saying that a large portion of the skull was found and that it is possibly that of a child.

Related Link:
Unsolved: The Missing and Murdered Women of Chautauqua County

Photo Credit: Investigation Discovery 

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

Help Find the Missing Act

Have you heard about H.R. 3695, the "Help Find the Missing Act (Billy's Law)," introduced by Representatives Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Ted Poe(R-TX)?

This important legislation would aid in filling the gaps in the nation's missing persons system and would help bring closure to the loved ones of the missing. It is no longer a rare occasion in which one may become a missing statistic. Every year tens of thousands of Americans go missing, never to be seen by their loved ones again. Additionally, there are also an estimated 40,000 sets of unidentified human remains that are being held or disposed of across the country. Sadly, because of gaps in the nation's missing persons systems, missing persons and unidentified remains are rarely matched. The Help Find the Missing Act (Billy's Law) is an effort to fix these gaps. We want to help families to have the resources so that we can lessen the burden on the system as well as bringing loved ones home for a proper burial.

PLEASE HELP. We want to have the gaps closed that will enable families of missing to have one source to be able to search for their missing loved ones. Presently, there are no federal mandates in place to have one system in place. This complicates searches when the Government has a database and the FBI has a separate database. This leaves many cracks that those missing, or unidentified, can fall through.

Presently, there are many missing that may be left unattended in a morgue, unidentified. Fact is, 200 unidentified bodies are in Florida, right now from the 60's and 70's.

In Los Angeles, there are 4815 unclaimed. We want to help families to have the resources so that we can lessen the burden on the system as well as bringing loved ones home for a proper burial.

H.R. 3695 is a bill in which we are striving towards federal legislation, not state-to-state.

Please review the below and help by supporting H.R. 3695

Filling in the Gaps of the Nation's Missing Persons Systems

Endorsed By: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Fraternal Order of Police, National Associations of Police Organizations (NAPO), Connecticut Department of Public Safety, National Forensic Science Technology Center, National Center for Forensic Science, Destiny Search Services, Doe Missing Persons Network, Families of Homicide Victims and Missing Persons, Inc., Peace4TheMissing, Please Help Find The Missing Group, Project EDAN, LostNMissing Inc., Center for Hope.

Sponsored by Representatives Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Ted Poe (R-TX)

Current Cosponsors: Walt Minnick (ID-I), Ed Whitfield (R-KY)

We are appreciative of the endorsement for H.R. 3695 from the National Associations of Police Organizations. (NAPO). Please click here to read their endorsement letter

Click here to continue reading about this proposed bill >

Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Seeks Information on Skeletal Remains

Somewhere there's a person who holds the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding human skeletal remains that were recently found along the edge of the Allegheny Reservoir in upstate New York. Authorities have used dental records to rule out a connection to at least two local missing person cases; however, they are still no closer to determining the identity of the individual. As a result, they recently released new information on an important piece of evidence in the case, hoping that someone might be able to put a face on Jane Doe.

According to acting Cattaraugus County Sheriff Timothy Whitcomb, authorities found a boot with the remains, which they believe belonged to the individual.

"We feel very confident it was attached to the remains because some of the remains were in the boot," Whitcomb told WGRZ.com. "The boot had been there as long as the body. It was muddy; it was dirty."

A sheriff's office press release describes the boot as a "left winter type boot, made of tan suede. [It] is mid-calf in length and size 6. The boot is fleece-lined and made in China under the brand name of Hotcakes. The front of the boot is embroidered with red, white and blue flowers and a green leaf."

Additionally, the press release stated that the forensic examination revealed that one of the skeleton's ribs showed evidence of a healed fracture. A fractured left tibia was also noted.

"Jane" is believed to be between the ages of 25 to 45 (likely 30-40), 5'1"-5' 8", 105-125 pounds, with a small build. Authorities surmise the body was in the water for a period of one to five years.

According to Whitcomb, his office is awaiting DNA test results, which it plans to enter into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) so that it can be compared to a national database of DNA profiles.

Anyone who believes he or she has any information regarding the identity of Jane Doe is asked to contact the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office at (716) 938-9191.

Related Link:
New Information Released on Human Skeletal Remains Found in Upstate NY

Photo Credits: Crime Scene: David Lohr; Boot: Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office

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

Metallica Ups Reward in Morgan Dana Harrington Case

The heavy metal band Metallica has added $50,000 to a $100,000 reward that is being offered for information on Morgan Dana Harrington, a Metallica fan and Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended the group's Oct. 17 concert in Charlottesville, VA.

The band has yet to publicly comment on this latest development. Last week band members posted a message to their Web site, encouraging anyone with information in the case to come forward and contact the authorities.

"We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen while attending our concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA," reads the message.

Authorities have been mum this week. The last press conference in the case was held on Oct. 21, and no new information has been released since that time.

Meanwhile, Morgan's parents, Dan and Gil Harrington, continue to devote all their energy to finding their daughter.

"This is probably a parent's worst nightmare," Dan Harrington said on NBC's "Today" show. "Clearly, no one ever expects to be in this situation, and we have to hold out hope that we're going to see our daughter again."

Gil echoed Dan's statement and said that the family wants to do as much as it can "while people's memories are still fresh."

Morgan Dana Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

www.findmorgan.com

A $150,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Morgan's safe return or information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for her disappearance. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 434-352-3467 or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credits: Metallica: Gary Miller/FilmMagic; Morgan Dana Harrington: Contributed

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

Criminal Profiler Shares Insights on Morgan Dana Harrington Case

October 23, 2009

Law enforcement agencies around the world have often relied on the expertise of Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin, a renowned criminal profiler who has studied and investigated some of the world's most elusive criminals. As a result of her firsthand experience, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has developed a vast knowledge about predators - a knowledge that allows her to have unique insight into the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who went missing on Oct. 17 during a heavy metal concert in Charlottesville, VA.

"This case highlights the dangers inherent at public events. People who go there generally don’t know the vicinity, and this can cost them," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "They can wander into areas they didn’t mean to and get themselves into trouble. Once separated from others, the victim is uncomfortable and more ready to make a bad judgment."

Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said that it is not unusual for sexual predators and murderers to stalk arena parking lots in search of victims. She said they operate in a similar manner to child molesters, who generally cruise areas around schools looking for children to snatch

"Predators in the wild go where the meal is. The same is true for psychopathic criminals - they go where the 'meal' is," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said, adding, "Being in an unfamiliar environment, coupled with potential drug/alcohol use, can make victim selection easy. This is what the offender wants."

The location where Morgan's purse was found, a parking area not far from the arena, comes as no surprise to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin.

 "If I am going to take a victim, I don’t want anyone to see," she said. "I want to spend the least amount of time in a public place with a victim that doesn’t realize how much danger she has put herself in. Darkness is my friend in this case. It protects me and challenges my victim. This is alluring to potential offenders."

In regard to how Morgan's alleged abduction may have occurred, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin offered the following insight:

"People often make the mistake of thinking that all abductions have to be blitz style attacks where perpetrators suddenly overpower their victims. That is not always how it happens," she said. "A smooth criminal can easily gain the trust of someone who is in unfamiliar territory. All it takes is a good appearance and an ability to chat up anyone. Most psychopaths can pull that off if they have done it before."

Click here to continue reading this story >

A Murder in Pleasant Valley

On Oct. 28, 1999, Susan Fassett, a 48-year-old woman from a small town in the suburbs of New York City, was mercilessly gunned down outside the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church.

An unlikely target, friends and family members were stunned by the killing.

According to crime writer M. William Phelps, Susan was the "perfect mother of two wonderful boys, the pretty wife of a local, well-respected, police officer, a very active member of her church and well-known at her job as the Town of Poughkeepsie personnel assistant."

Why?

During the course of the investigation, authorities discovered that Susan had been having marital problems, including infidelity issues. As a result, suspicion naturally fell on both her husband and her lover. However, as the investigation continued, a female suspect named Dawn Silvernail entered the picture. The more police looked into Silvernail the more details they uncovered - exposing a world of dominance, lesbian sex and betrayal.

This Sunday, at 10:00 p.m., ET, Paula Zahn will examine the case and interview Silvernail, who speaks for the first time after being convicted for the murder of Susan Fassett.

For more details, visit Investigation Discovery's fansite for On the Case with Paula Zahn.

In each episode of ON THE CASE, Zahn tracks the real-life drama of each story by featuring the personal points of view of the people closest to the case, including exploring the motivation and thought processes of the men and women responsible for these crimes.  The series includes perspective from law enforcement investigators, families of the victims and the incarcerated, and lawyers representing both sides of legal proceedings.  Zahn's interviews reveal fascinating details that uncover the truth while presenting the spectrum of viewpoints directly touched by these cases.

Family of Morgan Dana Harrington Share 'Special Message'

October 22, 2009

It has been four days since anyone has seen Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who went missing during a Metallica concert in Charlottesville, VA. Despite their best efforts, authorities still not know Morgan's current whereabouts or the exact details of what happened to her. Nevertheless, Morgan's parents, Dan and Gil Harrington, are not yet ready to give up hope, as is evident in a statement that was released this afternoon by a family spokesperson.

"Dr. Harrington and his wife have asked that the following message be shared with everyone possible," the statement reads. "The Harrington's have a special message of love they communicate with one another verbally, in notes, and even in signing."

The message, according to the statement, looks like this:

According to the statement, the Harrington's believe if the message is shared with others Morgan will experience "love, comfort and peace."

T-shirts and other items bearing the Harrington's special message will be available tonight at a vigil that is scheduled to take place at Northside High school in Roanoke, Virginia. The vigil will be held on the football field at 7:00 p.m.

Morgan Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the tip line at 434-352-3467, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credit: Contributed

Morgan Dana Harrington Press Conference

October 21, 2009

The Virginia State Police held a news conference this afternoon to update the public on the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since Oct. 17.

"Today, we have concluded what we believe is an appropriate amount of time spent on a localized ground search," Lt. Joe Rader said. "A localized ground search has been [conducted] around the University of Virginia, in the area of John Paul Jones arena, as well as the athletic fields." 

Rader also commented on speculation surrounding the discovery of Morgan's cell phone, which was found with her purse in a parking area of the arena. Rader confirmed the discovery and also reports that the battery had been removed from the phone; however he also said it is too early to determine how important those finds are.

"[It] may at some point be pertinent but in this particular situation, based on interviews we have conducted, it would not be unusual [for] the battery [to] drop out of the cell phone. So that is what it is, until we develop anything else that leads us into a criminal matter."

Rader said that interviews in the case are ongoing and that investigators have spoken with Morgan's friends and individuals who were in attendance at the concert.

"We can confirm that she was at least on the grounds in the John Paul Jones arena up through 9:30 Saturday night," Rader said. "We can confirm that [but] please do not get stuck on that time table, especially if you are out there hearing this and might have information that may [go] beyond 9:30. 

The tip line, Rader said, has been inundated with calls but not all of them have proven to be helpful.

"The tip line is really beneficial to police from the aspect that we need information that is relevant to facts that may surround the disappearance of Morgan," Rader said. "I mean that is simply what it's for. Many calls have come in [suggesting] theories of what happened [and] what the police should be doing. That is very acceptable; however it doesn't add a tremendous amount to the facts - to try to resolve the investigation. I would just ask that people keep that in mind. We need information pertinent to the disappearance."

Click here to continue reading this story >

Morgan Dana Harrington Update

Officials with the Virginia State police are planning to hold a news conference at 3:00 p.m. EST. today, to update the public on the case of Morgan Dana Harrington, a 20-year-old Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since attending a Metallica concert on Oct. 17 at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA.

In related news, the search for Morgan continues. Local authorities, along with Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, were spotted searching in several locations today, including areas surrounding Davenport Field and Klockner Stadium. Both locations are not far from the arena where Morgan went missing.

Morgan Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the University of Virginia Police Department at 434-924-7166; the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3435, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?
Metallica Alerts Fans to Missing College Student, Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credit: Contributed

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

Metallica Alerts Fans to Missing College Student, Morgan Dana Harrington

The heavy metal band Metallica has posted a message on their Web site regarding Morgan Dana Harrington, a Metallica fan and Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended the groups Oct. 17 concert.

"We are deeply concerned about the disappearance of 20-year-old Virginia Tech student Morgan Dana Harrington, who was last seen while attending our concert at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, on Saturday night," reads the message.

The band is encouraging anyone with information in the case to come forward and contact the authorities.

"Additionally, if you or anyone you know shot video footage or took photos of the concert or audience, please check to see if there is anyone in your photos who might resemble Morgan … Our thoughts are with Morgan and her family for her safe return."

Meanwhile, Morgan's friends have planned a vigil for her scheduled to take place tomorrow night at Northside High school in Roanoke, Virginia. For more information, please visit: www.morgandanaharrington.com.

According to State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller, authorities are continuing to follow up on leads.

Morgan Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the University of Virginia Police Department at 434-924-7166; the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3435, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?

Photo Credits: Metallica: Gary Miller/FilmMagic; Morgan Dana Harrington: Contributed

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

Morgan Dana Harrington – Where Are You?

October 20, 2009

Virginia State Police and the University of Virginia Police are searching for 20-year-old Morgan Dana Harrington, a Virginia Tech student who has not been seen since she attended a heavy metal concert last weekend.

Police say Morgan and two friends traveled to Charlottesville on Saturday to attend a Metallica concert at the John Paul Jones Arena. At about 8:40 p.m., Morgan became separated from her friends when she went outside the arena, and she has not been seen since.

Harrington's father, Dr. Daniel P. Harrington, associate dean of Roanoke programs for the University of Virginia School of Medicine, reported his daughter missing on Sunday afternoon when she failed to return home as expected.

University police questioned several of Morgan's friends, who told them that they had not heard from her. Shortly thereafter, Virginia State Police joined the investigation.

According to Lt. Joe Rader, Morgan did not have her cell phone or identification with her at the time of her disappearance. Police have not commented on why she was not carrying those items; however, sources close to the investigation claim that her cellphone – minus the battery - and her purse have since been found in the stadium's parking lot.

Rader said that investigators are treating the case as a missing person's situation; however, he also said that investigators are "concerned" due to the circumstances surrounding the case.

"We encourage her friends who know her habits: Please take an interest in this case," Rader said.

Download Morgan Dana Harrington's Missing Person Flyer

A ground and aerial search have been conducted around the area, but neither has reportedly resulted in any clues. Authorities are continuing to comb the area today, and they are also busy following up on tips that have been generated by growing media coverage.

Unfortunately, a source says that the arena from which Morgan disappeared does not have a security system*. It remains unclear if this is true; however police are asking that people who may have been videoing or taking pictures at the arena review their footage and photos for any sign of Morgan, and if they do see her, they should contact the state police or UVA police.

*UPDATE: Police are now saying that the arena does have a security system and that thay are currently reviewing the footage.

"If someone has Morgan, please let her come home safely," Morgan's father said. 

Morgan Harrington is described as a white female, 5' 6" tall, weighing 120 pounds, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with "Pantera" written across the front in tan lettering, a black mini skirt, black tights and black knee-high boots.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the University of Virginia Police Department at 434-924-7166; the Virginia State Police at 434-352-3435, or contact authorities by e-mail at bci-appomattox@vsp.virginia.gov.

Related Link:
Help Find Morgan Dana Harrington
Please Help Find Morgan Dana Harrington

Photo Credits: Contributed

Disturbing New Details Released in Case of Teen Who Was Torched by Classmates

October 19, 2009

Authorities in Deerfield Beach, Fla, have released new details in the case of a Michael Brewer, a 15-year-old who was recently set ablaze by a group of teens, leaving him hospitalized with burns over 80 percent of his body.

"Please, please, please,'' Michael is heard screaming on a 911 recording."Please help me."

It was those agonizing screams that alerted several residents of Lime Tree Village apartments that something terrible had happened on the afternoon of Oct. 12. When they ran outside to investigate, they were shocked to find Michael, with much of his body engulfed in flames. Acting on impulse, one neighbor ran for a fire extinguisher, while another dashed to the boy's aide. Once the flames were extinguished, Michael ripped off his shirt and jumped into the complex's swimming pool. Unfortunately, much of the damage had already been done. According to eyewitnesses, the top layer of Michael's skin was literally falling off his body.

"He's screaming; he's alert," an unidentified caller told a Deerfield 911 dispatcher.

When the caller asked the boy what had happened, he responded by saying, "Somebody poured stuff on me.''

**Warning Graphic Content**Listen to the 911 call

Once the paramedics arrived on the scene and transported the injured teen to the hospital, investigators with the Broward County Sheriff's Office secured the scene and began interviewing witnesses in an attempt to determine what had happened to Michael. It was during this questioning that an unidentified resident of the complex allegedly told an investigator that he or she had witnessed a group of teens surround Michael, and that one of them threw an unknown substance on him moments before flames engulfed his body.

Through the course of their investigation, authorities were able to identify the teens as Matthew Bent, 15; Denver Colorado Jarvis, 15; his brother, Jeremy Jarvis, 13; Steven Shelton, 15; and Jesus Mendez, 15.

According to police, Mendez was the only member of the group to confess to his involvement in the assault. He allegedly told a Broward County Sheriff's Office deputy that he made "a bad decision."

In speaking with the media about the case, Broward County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Steve Feeley said that the assault stemmed from a series of earlier incidents. Michael had allegedly failed to pay Bent $40 that he owed him for a video game. In retaliation, Bent allegedly attempted to get even by stealing a custom-made bicycle that was owned by Michael's father. However, the theft went south when Bent was caught in the act, and arrested.

The following day, neither Michael nor Bent went to school. Bent stayed home after his brief stay in a juvenile facility and Michael, according to his parents, did not attend because he was afraid of retaliation.

Later that day, Michael went to visit a friend at the Deerfield Beach apartment complex at 429 SE 13th Ct. Police say that Bent was also at the complex and, upon seeing Michael, he and the other teens hatched their plan.

Click here to continue reading this story >

The Missing – A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls – Issue #37

October 13, 2009

The mysterious disappearance of Jesse Warren Ross

In this edition of "The Missing," we revisit the mysterious disappearance of Jesse Warren Ross, a 19-year-old University of Missouri sophomore who went missing in 2006.

The story of Jesse's disappearance began in Chicago, Ill., during the early morning hours of Nov. 21, 2006. Jesse was attending a mock United Nations conference at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers in Chicago, and at about 2:00 a.m. he was at a dance that was part of that event. Jesse was last seen a half-hour later when friends say he left to go back to his hotel, the Four Points Sheraton, which was located about ten minutes away. What happened to Jesse next remains a mystery. He never made it to his room, and he has not been seen since.

According to his friends, Jesse, or "Opie" as they liked to call him, is a likeable guy with no known enemies.

"We are really tight friends," an unidentified coworker of Jesse's said in a 2006 interview with Crime Library. "His internship put him in my [radio station] on day one, just to give him some insight on radio. From there he went from intern to promotions, to being on the air for our morning show as a side kick, stunt boy, kinda fun guy. He is hilarious and his humor and his intelligence put him exactly where he wanted to be."

There was initial speculation that Jesse might have been drinking prior to his disappearance and that it might have somehow played a role in what occurred; however, surveillance footage from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel gave no indication that he was intoxicated.

Police say they have interviewed more than 100 people and have invested countless man hours in the case to no avail. Lack of evidence in the case led police to suspect Jesse might have fallen into the Chicago River, as it runs right next to the hotel where he stayed; however, both police and private search groups have searched the lakefront and river several times and found nothing to indicate Jesse had fallen in.

Click here to continue reading this story >

John Forehand Arrested for Allegedly Propositioning Daughter for Sex via Facebook

October 12, 2009

Authorities in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania arrested 39-year-old John Christopher Forehand last week for allegedly using the social networking Web site Facebook to locate and sexually proposition his estranged 13-year-old biological daughter.

According to the criminal complaint, Forehand, using the name "Bad Daddy," recently contacted his daughter and told her that he had been having "inappropriate" dreams about her. He graphically described a variety of sexual acts and proposed meeting her for sex, allegedly telling her, "Not many other fathers and daughters are this brave, so not many of them are so lucky to experience all these pleasures."

Police say the girl did not fully understand everything Forehand was saying to her and that it was not until she looked up the meaning of some of the words that he used that she realized what he was asking; at that point, she reported the situation to her mother, who, in turn, contacted the Ephrata Borough Police Department.

On Oct. 6, an agent with the state Child Predator Unit took over the girl's email account, during which time Forehand allegedly sent multiple messages, urging his daughter to meet him for a sexual liaison. Posing as the girl, the agent agreed to a meeting with Forehand.

"I'll take very good care of my little girl," Forehand wrote, according to the affidavit.

The following day, agents from the Child Predator Unit and Ephrata Police arrested Forehand when he arrived at a predetermined meeting place. During a search of Forehand's vehicle, authorities seized a camera, tripod and box of condoms. A second search, conducted at his home Lititz, resulted in the seizure of several additional items, including a digital camera, a camcorder and computers. Those items are currently being analyzed by the Attorney General's Computer Forensics Unit.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Pennsylvania Researchers Study the "Smell of Death"

October 09, 2009

Two researchers from the Penn State University recently presented a report at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), which detailed work they have been conducting in an attempt to establish the chemical fingerprint from the smell of death.

According to Dan Sykes, a lecturer in the Dept. of Chemistry, and Sara Jones, a grad student in the Dept. of Forensic Chemistry, their research could lead to an electronic device that could be used to detect human bodies buried in disasters and at crime scenes. The device would also be able to determine how much time had elapsed since death.

"Decomposing bodies release more than 30 compounds. Some, like the aptly-named "putrescine" and "cadaverine," develop early in the decomposition process," reads a press release issued by ACS.

Past studies on the smell of decomposition were conducted using donated human bodies; however, most had been dead for several days, making it impossible to detect putrescine, cadaverine, and other compounds that appear very early in the decomposition process. Jones and Sykes solved this problem by using pigs that had been euthanized under humane conditions. As a result, they were able to study decomposition immediately after death. Pigs were also chosen because of their similarities to humans.

"They go through the same phases of decomposition as humans, as well as the same number of stages," Jones said, adding, "And those stages last about as long in pigs as they do in humans before complete decomposition occurs and only the bones remain."

During testing, the deceased pigs were placed inside odor-collecting units, equipped with special sensors designed to capture gases that are emitted during decomposition. Data from the sensors was collected every six to 12 hours over the course of a week. Upon studying the data, Sykes and Jones identified a clear chemical profile.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Misty Cummings Cuffed in Alleged Road Rage Incident

October 08, 2009

Misty Cummings, stepmother of missing 6-year-old Haleigh Cummings, was briefly taken into police custody Wednesday, following an incident in which she and another woman, Donna Brock, allegedly made obscene gestures at a woman while driving on Interstate 4 in Lake Mary, Florida.

In the 911 call the woman told the dispatcher that Cummings and Brock were threatening her and waving something at her.

"I think, like, way back she beeped at me or something, and I just kept driving and ignoring it, and now she's following me," the caller said. "Her and her friend are flipping me off. She rode up next to me and said, 'I'm going to beat your a--,' and they're waving something around. I don't know what it is, but I don't want to find out."

Not long after the call, Seminole County Sheriff's deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle the two women were riding in and handcuffed both Cummings and Brock. Following a search of the vehicle, during which no weapons were found, Cummings and Brock were unhandcuffed and permitted to leave. No charges were filed against either woman.

Interestingly, a woman named Donna Brock has assisted Texas EquuSearch [TES] during searches for Haleigh, Caylee Anthony and Kelly Currin Morris. When asked whether the Brock who was arrested with Cummings is a member of TES, a source within the organization said that they believed they were one in the same.

A spokesperson for the Putnam County Sheriff's Office declined to comment on the incident, other than to say Brock is not affiliated with their department.

Related Link:
Haleigh Cummings Full Coverage

Photo Credit: Haleigh Cummings: Contributed 

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

Do Law Enforcement Officers Contribute to Crime? : Guest Blog by Adrienne Carlson

October 07, 2009

[Adrienne Carlson regularly writes on the topic of forensic science. She welcomes your comments and questions and can be contacted via email at: adrienne.carlson83@yahoo.com]

I must admit, I'm a fan of television series that feature detectives, forensic science, cops and robbers, and any other kind of whodunit mystery. So you can guess that Bones, Shark, Criminal Minds, CSI (the original and all the spin-offs), Numbers and various other shows are featured on my list of favorites. I also don't mind watching the re-runs - if I haven't caught the show on the original air date that is. It was one such re-run of Criminal Minds that raised the question in my mind – do law enforcement officers contribute to the perpetration of crime?

The incident in question featured a press conference by the spokesperson of the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, which appealed to the public to provide information on a suspect based on a profile. For the perpetrator who is mentally deranged because of a trauma, the appeal triggers off another bout of killing, and the spokesperson feels that she is to blame for the murder. So, would you say that it was true and that cops and others in the law enforcement field are sometimes responsible, albeit by accident, for the perpetration of a crime?

In my mind, the answer is a definite no, unless the officer in question is directly responsible for the crime. They cannot be held responsible for doing their job, and if criminals go off on a tangent and go on another murderous spree because the cops were doing their job, then it's just another unfortunate incident that we have no control over.

Click here to continue reading this story >

No Family Left Behind

The Keys to Healing may be in your hands.

By: Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder, Project Jason

Yes, you. Why, you ask?

Imagine one of the people you love most disappears. There is no goodbye, no letter or last phone call. There is only silence and an empty place in your heart that can’t be filled by anything or anyone but that person.

There are fear, guilt, anxiety, loneliness, and frustration as you spend every waking minute on the search. You've registered your missing loved on every website you can find and sought the advice of several trained nonprofits. You’ve worked with your law enforcement to do everything in your power to bring him/her home. Searches have taken place and media came to your aid. There is nothing left to do right now but wait and hope for the lead to come in that will resolve this awful situation.

Help may come for the search, but there is little help for your emotional needs.  No counselor in your area has experience with this situation. There are no local support groups for families of the missing, and you feel alienated in victims’ or grief groups -- they have answers. You don’t.

Then you hear about the Keys to Healing retreat where you can learn why you feel as you do and how to best live in your new reality. At this place, you’ll meet people just like you, people who understand how you feel. This is what you need in order to go on because you’re at the end of your rope and no one is listening.

Your heart leaps at the thought of the relief the retreat has brought to others Then you look at your bank account balance and pile of bills on the table. You spent your savings on a reward fund, billboards, posters and private investigators. You paid his/her bills, never predicting this would go on so long. You may, as many, have taken a second job to compensate for the loss of their paycheck. You also have no vacation pay left, and those bills keep piling up.

Suddenly, you are overwhelmed with the weight of it all. You need this retreat but without the money, you can’t go. The thought of yet another day like this brings you to your knees. The tears come, slowly at first, but then erupt into sobs. And no one hears you.

Families of the Missing Need Emotional Support

This isn’t just a sad story....this was reality for numerous families who wanted…no, needed to come to our 2009 retreat but could not afford it.

While some online support is available, there is no substitute for an in-person gathering like Project Jason’s Keys to Healing retreat. We have the very best and most knowledgeable counselor in the country explaining why attendees they feel as they do and detailing what they can do about it. For three days, families of the missing are enveloped in mental, physical, and spiritual health guidance, massage therapy, peaceful, quiet surroundings, and much more. They meet others who truly understand, and they forge bonds that will help them with support long after the retreat ends.

We asked you to imagine a life in their situation. We now ask you to find it in your heart to help us help them. We need your help to be able to bring as many families to the 2010 retreat as possible. You hold the Keys to Healing for these families in your hands.

Last year, 20 families came to the first Keys to Healing retreat. On the first day, Friday, the pain of their loss and the weight of the situation was clearly etched upon their faces. By the end of the second day, we witnessed the families bonding, and even heard laughter now and then. By the time they left Sunday, there were smiles on those same faces. They were transformed both inside and out. We wondered if we were imagining what we witnessed, but we weren’t.

See for yourself by watching this video. Observe the faces at the beginning and at the end.

What Attendees Have to Say

The families who attended the 2009 retreat will tell you in their own words how life was for them and how the retreat helped them know they can go on.

"On June 26, 2007 my entire life changed, my 26 year old son disappeared. This began a new chapter that altered the path of my life completely.  Through the beginning days of darkness I struggled, and with the instruction from Law Enforcement that they have limited resources and that they would do all they could but that the family must do the rest ringing in my head.

"Every aspect of the retreat had impact on me personally, and I took away from it tools that will help me over the coming months and years to not only cope, but to move forward with more strength, health and armed with knowledge that not only I can use, but that I can share with others to help in their walk."

Christy Davis, Mother of missing Michael Austin Davis

"I feel as though the Keys to Healing Retreat made such a major impact on my life and family! Before the retreat I was going down a negative and destructive path. I was devastated by the loss and presumed death of my loved one. Because of the retreat, I have started making better choices, and my husband and I are working on our marriage instead of being determined to end our marriage. I felt so alone and afraid...I felt incapable of dealing with the pain and emotion of losing my loved one.  Because of the retreat, I feel like my family is on the road to healing....although I don’t know when, or even if this traumatic event will end...I know that my husband, child, and I will survive and hopefully even thrive."

Carolyn Johnson, Mother of missing Clinton Nelson

"During the early days of my daughter's disappearance, I was frantic for something to do, or someone to connect with who could help us. The only resources I was finding were located in Australia! I think I gave up. I was struggling personally, not only with my guilt and fears for my missing child, but also with cancer. The latter two are history, but my missing child is always there. The few people that I could share with were helpless and sometimes cruel, so I just closed up. I had no money for reward or a trip to the state where she disappeared, and I just got angrier and angrier!

"Through the experience of the retreat I had to come to terms with that anger and frustration. Yes 'dumping all this' may not resolve my daughter's fate but the process certainly was enlightening. I didn't realize how destructive my silence and anger were. Also, the strength of the other families affected me profoundly. The education at the retreat reinforced what I was experiencing but also provided insight and constructive things I can practice to become a better 'me', even a 'me not knowing what has become of my child.'"

Malinda Hoyt, Mother of missing Emillie Hoyt

Click here to continue reading this story >

Kansas Students Warned about Serial Rapist

October 06, 2009

Kansas Attorney General Steve Six, along with the Riley County and Lawrence police departments, are asking college students to be vigilant during collegiate fall breaks because of a serial rapist who is suspected of committing multiple rapes in Lawrence and Manhattan.

According to police, more than a dozen attacks that have occurred in the two areas since 2000 share significant similarities. The victims' characteristics as well as the manner of the attacks and the times when they occurred all suggest that a single serial rapist is responsible.

The rapist is believed to stalk his victims prior to the attack. He targets female students who live off-campus in homes or apartments and breaks in at night while they are asleep. In some instances, no sign of forced entry was found, suggesting the rapist had gained entry through an unlocked door or window.

Descriptions of the rapist's height and weight have varied in the victims' reports; however, police believe he is a slender, white male of medium height in his mid-20s. Police say the suspect is usually armed and wears something over his face to disguise his identity.

Students are asked to limit their travel during fall break and to pay close attention to activities in their neighborhoods.

"Take extra safety precautions and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement immediately," Six said.

Six said that law enforcement agencies are working diligently not only to identify the rapist but also to educate the public about how they can avoid being victimized.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Stand Up for Kids: National Safe Schools Week

National PTA® and Investigation Discovery are teaming up to keep schools safe by encouraging students, parents and families to stand up against school violence. The joint initiative, called "Stand Up for Kids: National Safe Schools Week," is aimed at raising awareness of effective ways to keep children safe in the classroom, on the playground and on the computer.

Throughout the week, Investigation Discovery will air child safety tips and public service announcements that feature PTA as a go-to resource for families. On October 24 at 10pm EST, Investigation Discovery will premiere a one-hour special titled BLACKBOARDS AND BULLIES: ARE YOUR KIDS SAFE?

For more information, along with tips and resources, please visit Investigation Discovery's school safety week Web site and the National PTA® Web site.

New Information Released on Human Skeletal Remains Found in Upstate NY

October 05, 2009

Two weeks ago a fisherman in Cattaraugus County, NY, found human skeletal remains along the edge of the Allegheny Reservoir. According to a source close to the investigation, a skull and miscellaneous bones were recovered at the scene.

Last week, authorities announced that medical examiners had ruled out missing Chautauqua County mom Corrie Anderson using dental records. Authorities are now saying that dental records have also excluded Lori Ceci-Bova, a 26-year-old woman who disappeared in June 1997.

The remains are currently in the hands of Doctor Dennis Dirkmaat, a forensic anthropologist at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. According to local authorities, they have provided pertinent medical information regarding several other missing person cases to Dirkmaat and his team.

A preliminary forensic examination by Dr. Dirkmaat has revealed that the remains are most likely those of a woman between the ages of 25 and 45. The estimated height is 5'1" to 5'8". The victim's race is not yet known.

Dr. Dirkmaat is now trying to determine how long the remains were at the site and how the victim died. No word yet on how long that will take.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department at 716-983-9191.

Related Link:
Human Skeletal Remains Found in NY Not Corrie Anderson
Unsolved: The Missing and Murdered Women of Chautauqua County

Photo Credits: David Lohr

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

Fifth Annual Squeaky Wheel Tour®

GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation is gearing up for its fifth annual Squeaky Wheel Tour®, set to begin on Oct. 17 and continue until Nov. 4. The 19-day series of concerts will feature hundreds of artists in an attempt to raise awareness of missing people. The tour will include visits to multiple cities within 23 U.S. states.

The GINA for Missing Persons Foundation is a nonprofit organization that was created by performer Jannel Rap in honor of her sister Gina Bos.

In October 2000, Gina vanished following a performance in Lincoln, Neb. Her car was later found across the street from the pub where she had performed. The trunk was open, and her guitar was found inside. To this day, that guitar is the only piece of evidence Gina's family has

In the months that followed Gina's disappearance, her family fought tirelessly to get her story told. However, they had no scandalous details that would pique the media's interest. As a result, Jannel decided to use her greatest gift, music, to mobilize an international community of families of missing people to generate much-needed attention and inspire hope.

Nine years later, thousands of GINA artists worldwide work together to create the Squeaky Wheel Tour®. Each stop on the annual tour features information about at least one missing person's case. Attendees of the concerts enjoy listening to the artists perform, and afterward they are asked to pass out flyers to educate members of their community. The tour has been a great success, and to date more than 400 people profiled by GINA artists and GINA programs have been located.

GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation programs include: flyer distribution, support to families of the missing in their search, Web casts, Web site referrals for families, GINA concerts, a GINA singer/songwriter contest, the Squeaky Wheel Tour®, and the Look, Listen and Pass it On DVD. Additionally, a TV Series, FINDing Gina, is being developed.

For more information, please visit the GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation Web site at www.411Gina.org.

Photo Credits: GINA for Missing Persons FOUNDation

Human Skeletal Remains Found in NY Not Corrie Anderson

October 01, 2009

Last weekend a fisherman in Cattaraugus County, NY, found human skeletal remains along the edge of the Allegheny Reservoir. According to a source close to the investigation, a skull and miscellaneous bones were recovered from the scene. For the past several days family members of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Ashville who went missing in October 2008, have been waiting and wondering if their search was finally over. Unfortunately, that was not the case and the family received word this afternoon that Corrie's dental records did not match the remains. A source within the NY State Police has also confirmed that they do not belong to Corrie.

The remains are currently in the hands of Doctor Dennis Dirkmaat, a forensic anthropologist at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. According to local authorities, they have provided pertinent medical information regarding several other missing person cases to Dirkmaat and his team. Among those cases are Lori Ceci-Bova and Damien Sharp.

Click here to continue reading this story >