Pat LaLama Reports: DNA From LAPD's Elite Takes Center Stage

February 10, 2012

[ Pat LaLama's stellar career in broadcast journalism is a chronicle of some of the most iconic events in modern history.  Follow Pat's daily coverage of the Stephanie Lazarus Trial.    Read her Bio >> ]

 

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>>Day 4 of The Stephanie Lazarus Murder Trial<<

 

 

Imagine you are a member of the LAPD’s elite Internal Surveillance Unit, and your job is to tail one of your own.

Such was the case for Detectives Roberto Morales, Dante Palacio and Sgt. Jim Hensley. Back in 2009, the three men followed then LAPD Detective Stephanie Lazarus to a Costco store in Los Angeles. They had one mission….to discreetly snatch a sample of Lazarus’ DNA.

Lazarus didn’t know it, but she was a suspect in a brutal murder case that happened in 1986. At the time, the murder of 29 year old Sherri Rasmussen was determined to be the end result of a burglary gone wrong, perpetrated by two male suspects. But saliva from a bite mark on the victim’s left arm, along with other evidence, was lifted and preserved in the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.

In 2005, cold case detectives took a new look at the case and the bite mark evidence. Using new DNA technology, it was ultimately determined that the saliva belonged to a woman.  As investigators dug deeper, they determined Lazarus, a highly respected detective, was now a viable suspect. But they needed a sample of her DNA to try and match to the bite mark.

On the witness stand today in The People vs. Stephanie Lazarus, Morales, Palacio and Hensley described the undercover detail they executed on May 28^th 2009, to obtain the necessary DNA.

“She was getting something to eat. There was a food court outside,” said Morales. “She had a white cup. She was drinking out of it.” Morales testified that he watched Lazarus for five to seven minutes before Lazarus stood up. Morales said he was surprised when Lazarus began walking toward him, but she discarded the cup in the trash can just three to four feet from Morales then walked toward the entrance to the Costco.

Morales went to the trash can and recovered two similar cups that were lying on top of the garbage. He picked up both cups which still had lids and straws attached.

Morales then met up with Palacio who placed the cups in an envelope. The envelope was then given to Hensley, who delivered the evidence to the LAPD crime lab.

On cross examination, defense attorney Mark Overland asked Morales if Lazarus was alone. “She was not alone. She was with a little kid,” said Morales.  Morales testified that when Lazarus got up she had two cups in her hand. She discarded one and took the other with her.

Prosecutors told the jury in opening statements that DNA on the bite mark indisputably matches DNA evidence obtained from the white cup.

Except there’s a problem…….at least according to the defense.

The bite mark evidence had been stored in a freezer in the custody of the Los Angeles Coroner’s office since 1986. When property custodians went to look for the evidence in 2004, at the request of the LAPD, the envelope containing the tube that held the swab was in bad shape. “The envelope looked tainted. It was pretty ratty looking,” said Supervising Criminalist Dan Anderson of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office. The envelope had a big hole toward the top, exposing the screw-on-cap on top of the tube.

Anderson testified that the envelope was “so destroyed with a hole on top” that the tube containing the physical evidence could have fallen out. Anderson placed the torn envelope with the tube inside, into a bigger envelope and secured it.  But Anderson testified that the tube containing the evidence had not been compromised in any way. “Nothing happened to the tube itself”, he told the court.

On cross examination, Overland said the cap could have been unscrewed. “The envelope is supposed to be secured to protect the evidence that’s inside of it”, said Overland.  Overland is trying to show that the chain of custody makes the DNA comparison unreliable.

 

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Photo Credit: AP Photos

Pat LaLama Reports: Resting On A Bite Mark

February 08, 2012

[ Pat LaLama's stellar career in broadcast journalism is a chronicle of some of the most iconic events in modern history.  Follow Pat's daily coverage of the Stephanie Lazarus Trial.    Read her Bio >> ]

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>>Day 3 of The Stephanie Lazarus Murder Trial<<

Former LAPD detective turned accused killer, Stephanie Lazarus, never looks up from the counsel table in the Los Angeles courtroom where she is being tried for the murder of Sherri Rasmussen 26 years ago. The defendant keeps head down and pen in hand— making constant notations, reviewing documents and evaluating the photographic evidence that is shown on a laptop computer on the table—almost as if this once respected cop was investigating her own murder case. I’ve never seen her make eye contact with the jury…not even when her defense attorney Mark Overland is addressing the court.

The only real glimpse one gets of Stephanie Lazarus comes when she is being brought into the courtroom from the lockup where she is held until proceedings begin each day. When she entered on Wednesday morning, Lazarus smiled warmly at her husband, LAPD detective Scott Young who is seated in the right front row of the courtroom, clutching a bible.  Young seems loyal to a fault

Equally loyal is the victim’s family, parents Nels and Loretta Rasmussen, and sister Teresa Lane. They’re seated in the middle of the courtroom.  As a matter of courtesy today, they were forewarned by prosecutors that upcoming autopsy photos could be quite devastating. The Rasmussen family had the option to leave the courtroom. They stayed.

Then came the compelling testimony of Dr. Susan Selser of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office.  “This individual suffered many injuries”, said Deputy District Attorney Paul Nunez.

 That would be an understatement.

Through graphic pictures and the testimony of Dr. Selser, who performed the autopsy on Rasmussen’s body, the prosecution laid out the details of a horrific murder. They insist the murder was motivated by Lazarus’ jealousy and revenge---NOT by a burglary gone wrong as the LAPD had concluded more than  two and half decades ago.

A large screen depicted a graphic, close up shot of Rasmussen’s chest with three bullet holes. Each one of them fatal, according to Dr. Selser. The bullets penetrated the heart, lungs and spinal cord. All of them were fired at close range. One of the gunshot wounds was particularly disturbing. Dr. Selser testified that black soot and abrasions around the outside of the wound were consistent with a “contact gunshot “. That means the muzzle of the weapon was placed right up against the body—then fired. In this case, right in the middle of the chest.

According to testimony, Sherri Rasmussen had at least 50 other wounds on her body, including contusions, abrasions and lacerations. Her hands, face and skull were riddled with wounds. Dr. Selser testified that Rasmussen suffered blunt force trauma. One wonders if the athletic Rasmussen, who stood 6’ tall and weighed 150 pounds, tried desperately to fight off her attacker.

Dr. Selser testified that wounds on Rasmussen’s wrists were consistent with those caused by a rope or cord. Prosecutors contend Rasmussen may have been tied up by her assailant.

But the prosecution’s most damning evidence may be that of a particular injury pattern found on Rasmussen’s left arm. Dr. Selser identified the wound as being consistent with a bite mark. It was a brutal one--- characterized by bruising and abrasion caused by hemorrhaging of tissue.  Dr. Selser testified that the bite mark occurred at the time of death.

Prosecutors are resting a big part of their case on that bite mark, which didn’t undergo DNA testing until nearly two decades after the murder, when the case was reopened. Prosecutors believe without a doubt, the bite mark belongs to Lazarus. The defense will try to prove that the integrity of the physical evidence was compromised while in the chain of custody.

 

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Photo Credit - Former Los Angeles Police Officer Stephanie Lazarus with her attorney Mark Overland at Los Angeles Superior hearing Wednesday, July 29, (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pat LaLama Reports: A Portrait Of Jealousy, Rage and Revenge

February 07, 2012

[ Pat LaLama's stellar career in broadcast journalism is a chronicle of some of the most iconic events in modern history.  Follow Pat's daily coverage of the Stephanie Lazarus Trial.    Read her Bio >> ]

 

 Read Pat LaLama's Past Reports On This Case

 

>>Day 2 of The Stephanie Lazarus Murder Trial<<

Watching bloody crime scene photos never gets any easier. Images of 29 year old Sherri Rasmussen’s beaten body, gunned down in the living room of her Los Angeles townhome flashed across a giant courtroom screen…three bullet holes in her chest…her statuesque frame lying lifeless on the ground. Her arms were positioned upward as if she were desperately trying to ward off a spray of bullets. I can see the anguish on Nels and Loretta Rasmussen’s faces. They are seated just inches away in the row behind me. Losing their daughter back in 1986, at the hands of a vicious murderer, seems to hurt as much today as ever.

 

On Tuesday, the prosecution in the murder trial of former LAPD detective Stehpanie Lazarus used crime scene photographs to try and paint a murderous portrait of jealousy, rage and revenge. The key motivation behind Lazarus’ ruthless vendetta, they say.

Prosecutors contend that while Lazarus was a young patrol officer 26 years ago, she murdered Rasmussen, the new bride of Lazarus’ ex-boyfriend, John Ruetten. Back then homicide investigators concluded the murder was the result of a botched burglary attempt. They based their decision on among other things, stereo equipment left at the bottom of a staircase and the drawer of a living room table that had been flung open. Other robberies in the same neighborhood solidified the burglary theory. Cops believed the suspects were two males.

Prosecutors on Tuesday, through a series of photographs tried to paint an entirely different picture. One of personal revenge. A photograph depicted speaker wires and a white blood stained rope that prosecutors believe Lazarus used to tie up Rasmussen. Another shows broken fingernails lying on the ground near the front door. Shelves on an entertainment center were collapsed. A lamp was knocked over. A ceramic vase crashed on the floor. It was a violent struggle. Prosecutors believe Sherri Rasmussen, who stood 5’10” tried desperately to defend herself from Lazarus whom she knew. Family members contend that Lazarus had harassed Rasmussen on many occasions while she was still alive.

The next photograph showed evidence that was essentially ignored by the lead detective in the case back in 1986.  It was a distinct bite mark on Sherri’s left inner forearm. A swab of saliva was taken and the evidence was stored away in the Coroner’s office.

Back then a second detective on the case opined that a bite mark is more symbolic of the work of a female accomplice. The lead detective dismissed the theory, insisting it was a burglary. (The jury hasn’t yet heard this part.) Twenty years after the fact new DNA analysis revealed the bite bark was in fact that of a woman. Prosecutors told the jury there is a 1 in 1.7 sextillion chance that the DNA belongs to someone besides Lazarus. “That’s 17 followed by 20 zeros”, says Prosecutor Shannon Presby.

Lazarus defense attorney Mark Overland is trying to prove that faulty memories on the part of witnesses, shoddy police work and compromised physical evidence will create all the reasonable doubt a jury needs.

 

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Photo Credit: Former Los Angeles Police Officer Stephanie Lazarus with her attorney Mark Overland at Los Angeles Superior hearing Wednesday, July 29, (AP Photo/Nick Ut)

Pat LaLama Reports: The Murder Of Sherri Rasmussen

February 06, 2012

[ Pat LaLama's stellar career in broadcast journalism is a chronicle of some of the most iconic events in modern history.  Follow Pat's daily coverage of the Stephanie Lazarus Trial.    Read her Bio >> ]

 

 

>>Day 1 of The Stephanie Lazarus Murder Trial<<

 

“A bite, a bullet, a gun barrel and a broken heart.” That is the essence of the prosecution’s case against once revered LAPD detective Stephanie Lazarus, now on trial for the brutal murder of a beautiful nursing supervisor 26 years ago. Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Shannon Presby passionately delivered his opening statement Monday morning to a jury of 8 women and 4 men. “This killing was personal”, he told the panel.

Presby portrayed Lazarus as a ruthless killer, obsessed over a case of unrequited love.  In 1986, Lazarus was a patrol officer who prosecutors say was devastated over a breakup with her boyfriend, John Ruetten. When Ruetten married another woman, 29 year old Sherri Rasmussen, Presby says Lazarus showed up at Rasmussen’s townhome, brutally beat the newlywed, bit her on the arm and shot her three times at close range. Prosecutors say Lazarus, trained in lock picking, snuck into the home. They also contend that Lazarus used a gun she had purchased from the LAPD and utilized her police knowledge of fingerprints to destroy evidence at the crime scene. Presby also contends that Lazarus used a robe to muffle the sound of gunshots.

At the time, LAPD detectives concluded the crime was a burglary gone wrong. Lazarus continued as a police officer and worked her way up the ranks—ultimately becoming a detective in the LAPD elite Commercial Crimes division. She married a fellow cop and they adopted a little girl.

The case remained unsolved for nearly two decades, until cold case detectives took a second look. Now, using DNA analysis, they determined the bite mark belonged to a woman. Upon further analysis, Presby told the jury the DNA “matched to the exclusion of every other single person on this planet”.

As Presby laid out his case, photographs of a smiling Sherri Rasmussen flashed on a giant screen. They quickly dissolved into images of her battered body. Her father Nels, sitting behind me, broke into tears.

Lazarus didn’t look up from the counsel table where she is seated with her attorney Mark Overland. Her hair was neatly pulled back. She wore a black suit and glasses as she pored over documents and took notes. It was easy to imagine her as a diligent detective. She has the look. Except now, she is a murder defendant.

Overland used the morning in his opening statement to dispute the reliability of the evidence against Lazarus. He told the jury that over the years, the bite mark DNA has been compromised by a questionable chain of custody. “It violated every procedure”, Overland said. He showed the jury pictures of a torn evidence bag and an unsealed tube. In Overland’s words, “the prosecution utterly failed to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt. Not even close.”

First witnesses are up next.   

>>Read Pat's Day Two Coverage Of The Trial

 

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Photo credit: AP Photos

 

Pat LaLama Reports: Young Lee’s Not-So-Swirly Pinkberry Goodness

January 31, 2012

[ Pat LaLama's stellar career in broadcast journalism is a chronicle of some of the most iconic events in modern history.  Here's her take on a not so sweet Tinsel Town story.    Read her Bio >> ]

 

All you Pinkberry addicts know the hugely successful yogurt company promotes its product as “Swirly Goodness”. Fresh, natural, healthy—a vaulted secret recipe that reinvented the “cultured” craze.

I remember when the first shop opened in West Hollywood, California in 2005. Each day, throngs of salivating Pinkies (as I call them) lined Santa Monica Boulevard desperately waiting to purchase the tangy new treat. Some of my friends compare taking a taste of the frozen dessert to having a religious experience. People jokingly refer to the product as “Crackberry”. (I don’t get all the fuss, personally.)

In any event, Pinkberry has become an international empire of more than 170 stores. But as with most great Hollywood stories there are interesting characters… and dark chapters.

On Monday, I sat in Department 30 of Los Angeles Superior Court to watch the arraignment of 47 year old Young Lee. He’s the very wealthy co-founder of Pinkberry—and a man in a lot of trouble.

Bow tied and bespectacled, Lee is a fashion conscious vision of utter West Coast hipness. (He was known for his designer suits, fine cigars, Porsche’s and Malibu mansion.) He’s red carpet ready. Lee looks 20 years younger than his age— his demeanor is polite. The allegations against him are not…. Assault with a deadly weapon with the special allegation of causing great bodily injury.

The LAPD says Lee chased down a homeless man with a tire iron and beat him. The story goes like this according to cops:

Lee was driving a rented Range Rover in June of 2011. A passenger was seated next to him. Lee spots a transient at a freeway off ramp who was soliciting money from drivers. At one point--and here is where the story gets truly bizarre—the transient changed his shirt and revealed a sexually explicit tattoo. Lee was offended by the tattoo and began arguing with the homeless man. It didn’t stop there. Lee got out of his car, grabbed a tire iron, chased the man down the street and made him get down on his knees and apologize. The transient did as he was asked, but got a beating from Lee anyway. He was hospitalized with a broken arm and several cuts.

Witnesses got the license plate from Lee’s Range Rover and called the police. An investigation began, and Lee left the country. On January 16, Lee was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport upon his return to the U.S.

Keep in mind the above account comes from the LAPD.

A lawyer for Lee insists there is another side of the story. Philip Kent Cohen says Lee felt threatened by the transient who implied he had a weapon. Cohen promises that there are plenty more details that will exculpate his client.

Lee, who has struggled over the years with drug use and a violent temper, pleaded not guilty and is free on $60,000 bond. He’ll be back in court on March 5.

For the record, the other Pinkberry co-founder is Lee’s ex-wife Shelly Hwang. The company claims it has had no involvement with Lee since 2010 and that his present status with Pinkberry is that of an “inconsequential shareholder.”

Now with these latest allegations of a heinous assault, it seems this once idolized yogurt mogul, is headed for a meltdown.

 

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credit: Young Lee, one of the founders of the Pinkberry yogurt chain stands with his attorney Philip Kent Cohen, right, during
his arraignment in the Los Angeles Criminal Courts Building in Los Angeles, Monday, Jan. 30, 2012. City News Service says Lee
was arraigned in the June 15 beating that left a homeless man with a broken forearm and cuts to his head. (AP Photo/Los Angeles Times, Al Seib, Pool)

 

 

 

 

Charlie Sheen's Violent Torpedo Scores Victory in Cleveland

April 06, 2011

I've been following the Charlie Sheen media blitz for several weeks now and have, at times, thrown my hat into the ring with the occasional article or comment – including this most recent story I did for Investigation Discovery on Most Famous "Bleeps": Charlie Sheen.

When I heard about the Violent Torpedo of Truth tour, it was a no-brainer for me. The reporter in me wanted to go cover the event, while the cynic in me wanted to go watch what I assumed would be a major train wreck.

So, when tickets went on sale for the Cleveland show, I grabbed up a seat in the main dress level and patiently awaited the April 5th show date. I was not surprised when Sheen reportedly bombed in Detroit, Mich. and was booed off the stage, and I nary raised an eyebrow when I read he got a better reception in Chicago – a fluke, I figured.

The Cleveland show took place yesterday at the 3,200-seat State Theatre. Surprisingly, the event sold out just prior to the show, although there was more than one scalper on the street offering tickets and second-rate T-shirts to desperate fans.

The show got off to somewhat of a rough start – beginning about 20 minutes late. I assumed it was just an indication of the disappointment that was yet to come. The mood in the theater did take a positive turn, however, when the 45-year-old actor made his entrance to a thundering guitar rendition of "Wild Thing." The crowd cheered as Sheen, decked out in a No. 99 Ricky Vaughn jersey and glasses, took to the stage.

The actor barely got out a sentence before the rambunctious crowd began chanting "F--- Detroit" and "Winning."

Once the crowd settled down, Sheen took questions from a moderator in a talk show format and discussed everything from a bout with childhood stuttering – "[It] taught me how to listen, which we all have forgotten about" – to his three failed marriages: "It's got to be how you people feel about LeBron James," he joked.

The former "Two and a Half Men" star also explained the "Sheenism," "Duh, winning," saying he was tired of "being told that I was losing."

Sheen's "goddesses" – Rachel Oberlin and Natalie Kenly – made a brief 30-second appearance during the show. At one point, overzealous fans began chanting "Seven-gram rock! Seven-gram rock!" to which Sheen replied: "Sorry, goddesses, but that's the greatest f-----g moment of my life."

A seven-minute satirical clip of Sheen's interview, in which he coined some of his most quoted catchphrases such as: "I'm on a drug, it's called Charlie Sheen," was played during the show, much to the crowd's approval.

Surprisingly, there wasn't any nudity during the act, even after Sheen pointed out several women in the audience that he thought were attractive. There was, however, one humorous moment when a buxom blond took off her shirt and threw it on stage, prompting Sheen to exchange tops with her. The woman never removed her bra, and it should be noted – as the Cleveland Plain Dealer pointed out last night – she looked as though she could have been one of the goddesses' moms.

All in all, I found the show pleasantly surprising. For someone who makes his living as an actor rather than as a comedian or talk show host, Sheen killed in Cleveland and walked out to a standing ovation. Unlike the ticket holders at the Detroit show – many of whom angrily demanded a refund – the guests at the Cleveland show, myself included, felt they got what they paid for.

"It's a rocking night in Cleveland," Sheen himself noted prior to exiting the stage.

Related Link:
Most Famous "Bleeps" Charlie Sheen Edition

Photo Credits: Charlie Sheen smoking: WireImage/Getty Images; All others: Carla Lohr

Body of Missing Ohio Woman Found in Rural Pennsylvania Field

November 09, 2009

The body of a missing Ohio woman that had been dumped in a Pennsylvania field was found this past weekend, sparking a nationwide manhunt for the woman's alleged killer.

According to officials with the Pennsylvania State Police, the body was found Saturday afternoon near Platz and Sterrettania roads in Erie County, Pa. Police say a local resident made the discovery when he went to inspect debris that someone had dumped the day before in a field near his house. Upon further inspection, the man discovered the body wrapped up inside a rug.

Jack Daneri, district attorney for Erie County, told the Erie Times News that the victim had a "number of wounds" that appeared to have been caused by a "sharp force instrument." As a result, the cause of death was listed as "suspicious."

State police, with assistance from the Erie County Sheriff's office, worked over the weekend to identify the victim as Carla Westhofen, 58, of Sandusky, Ohio. Carla was last seen by friends on the night of Nov. 5. Family members reported her missing the following day when she failed to show up for a scheduled appointment. A check of Carla's house found that her vehicle was missing, and calls to her cell phone went unanswered.

Authorities are now searching for Carla's former boyfriend, David L. "Jody" Kromer, 56, of Margaretta Township, Ohio.

"After they broke up, it didn't go well," Carla's son, Todd Dahnke, told morningjournal.com. "She felt at risk, so she got the protection order. There had been issues previously while they were dating. I thought he could be aggressive, based on things I had seen."

According to Erie County Sheriff's Capt. Paul Sigsworth, Kromer was recently released from jail after bonding out on charges that he had violated the protection order by sending Carla a letter.

Authorities are not commenting on what, if any, evidence they have connecting Kromer to Carla's death; however, they have issued warrants for his arrest on charges of murder and kidnapping.

The Erie County Coroner's Office is conducting an autopsy on Carla's body today to determine exactly how she died. Meanwhile, authorities in several states, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, are actively seeking Kromer, whom they describe as armed and dangerous.

David Kromer is described as 6' 1" tall, weighing 210 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes. He is possibly driving a blue 2000 Jeep Cherokee with Ohio license plate DQW 3569 or Carla Westhofen's tan 2002 GMC Envoy with Ohio license plate AXS 6883.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Erie County Sheriff's office at 419-625-7951.

Photo Credits: Crime Scene: Carla Lohr; Carla Westhofen: Police file photo; David Kromer: Police file photo

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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 >

Volunteers Search for Mary Denise Lands

September 28, 2009

Teams of volunteers from several states gathered in south-central Michigan this past Saturday to search for Mary Denise Lands, a 39-year-old woman who went missing in 2004. The weekend search marks the fourth time in recent months that volunteers have searched areas throughout Albion and Marshall, both of which are towns in Calhoun County.

Although community volunteers were sparse, several professional search groups – Track Missing, Destiny Search Services from Erie, Pennsylvania, K-9 ONE Search and Rescue from Michigan, Indiana K9 Search and Recovery and Kent County Search and Rescue – were all on scene assisting in the search. In addition, two members from the Doe Network, Tony Evelina and Joanne Russell, made the 14-hour trip from NY State to join in the effort.

"It was a long trip," Evelina said. "We drove straight here and then went out in the field on zero sleep, but we didn't think twice about it. I can sleep anytime. The possibility of bringing closure to this family is way more important."

Members of the local group Track Missing oversaw the search effort, while teams from both K9 groups spread out in several rural areas. Additionally, members from Kent County SAR conducted thorough grid searches and members of Destiny Search Services used high-resolution underwater cameras to peer into abandoned wells. While nothing of interest was found during the search, it was not for lack of effort.

"The problem with this case is that it is over five years old," Walter Perkowski, a search coordinator with Destiny Search Services, said. "Areas that were easily accessible in 2004 are not necessarily accessible now. We had aerial maps from the time period that, in some instances, showed field clearings and things of that nature from when Mary went missing but they are entirely overgrown now. It was a challenge for all the groups, but they did their best and were able to rule out the majority of the locations that were searched. DSS was specifically asked to rule out some wells, and we were able to do that."

In addition to the community volunteer and professional search groups, Mary's parents, Cliff and Anita Marshall, were also present at the command center to show their support of the search.

"We couldn't not be here," Cliff Marshall said. "These people were good enough to come out here to look for our daughter, so we needed to be here with them."

Despite the fact that no finds were made during the search, Mary's mother said that it did not deter their hope that Mary would someday be found.

"It is in God's hands," Anita Marshall said. "When he wants Mary found, she will be. In the meantime, we won't give up and will continue to search for her."

Interestingly, one of the items found during the search was the remnants of a balloon that was launched two years ago during a vigil for Mary. While the item was not relevant to the case, it did bring a smile to Mary's parents.

No further searches will be conducted for Mary this year; however, plans are being made for future efforts. According to Perkowski, DSS would like to return next year with sonar equipment to check local waterways.

In the meantime, everyone will continue to hope that Mary is found soon.

Click here to continue reading this story >

David Lohr to Join Search for Mary Denise Lands

September 22, 2009

David Lohr will be joining several search and recovery groups, including Track Missing and Destiny Search Services, in Marshall, Michigan this coming weekend to help search for Mary Denise Lands.

Mary is a 39-year-old resident of Marshall who mysteriously disappeared on March 12, 2004.

The organized search will be held on Sept. 26, 2009. For more information, please visit: trackmissing.org.

Related Link:
The mysterious disappearance of Mary Denise Lands

Christine Mannina Resumes Blogging for Investigation Discovery

August 26, 2009

Detective Christine Mannina, formerly Minka, from Investigation Discovery's hit TV show The Shift, has resumed blogging for ID. Please be sure to visit her blog by clicking on the following link:

http://blogs.discovery.com/the_shift/

The Shift is a one-hour series that follows a team of homicide detectives at the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Like every other big city, Indianapolis has its share of murders. Unlike many other cities, Indianapolis has an all-star squad of homicide detectives solving them and bringing justice to the victims.

At only 37-years-old, Detective Christine Mannina is one of the youngest homicide detectives in the field. With homicide, she feels as though she is working for the deceased to bring some sort of peace and closure to the victim's family. Detective Mannina enjoys the profession because she likes to be challenged on a daily basis; she wants to catch those criminals she considers to be the worst, murderers, and put them behind bars. Detective Mannina has been honored with several awards and citations, including Detective of the Year, Detective of the Month and, just recently, the Medal of Merit.

Click here for more information on The Shift

Related Links:
Investigation Discovery: TV Shows

Photo Credit: DCL

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David Lohr, True Crime Expert & Writer is this weeks guest on Talk Forensics

August 04, 2009

Press Release

Talk Forensics, a new talk radio show hosted by Larry Daniel of Guardian Digital Forensics, is proud to announce David Lohr, True Crime Expert and Writer of The Criminal Report Daily for Investigation Discovery will be the guest on Talk Forensics Radio for the August 9th Episode.

David Lohr has been writing about crime and criminals for over 15 years. A former senior investigative crime writer for CourtTV's Crime Library, Mr. Lohr received national media attention in 2003, when Dennis Rader modified parts of a story Mr. Lohr had written about the BTK serial killer case and then sent it off to the media, along with proof that he was BTK. In 2005, Rader confessed to killing 10 people between 1974 and 1991.

Readers and critics alike regard Mr. Lohr as one of the most prominent and prolific crime writers of the 21st century.

Investigation Discovery

In January 2008, David Lohr joined Investigation Discovery, a new network from Discovery Communications. Lohr is now the True Crime expert for the networks online Website, Investigationdiscovery.com, where he covers breaking crime news for The Criminal Report Daily.

David Lohr is also a volunteer with several search and recovery organizations who help look for missing persons.

About the Show:

The purpose of our show is to educate and entertain the public on the various fields of forensic science, crime scene investigation, missing person searches and various aspects of the legal system as it relates to forensic science.

You can call (646) 727-3674 and ask questions of our Expert Guest during the live show.

About our host:

The host of our show is Larry E. Daniel. Larry is the primary expert for Guardian Digital Forensics. Larry is well known for his work on capital cases and is an expert in computer forensics. Larry also writes a popular internet blog on forensics at www.exforensis.blogspot.com.

The show airs on www.blogtalkradio.com/TalkForensics each Sunday at 4PM Eastern. Shows will be available soon after on iTunes as pod casts.

Press Information:
Guardian Digital Forenisics

150 Annaron Court
Raleigh, NC 27603

Contact Person:
Leslie Denton
Marketing Manager/Producer
Phone: 919-880-0658

Web: www.exforensis.blogspot.com

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi – Part IV

July 30, 2009

Part four of a four-part series - click here to read part III

Today I wrap up the four-part series that began earlier this week on the case of Leigh Marine Occhi, a 13-year-old girl from Tupelo, Miss., who mysteriously disappeared on Aug. 27, 1992. Part one of the series covered Leigh's disappearance and left off with authorities launching a large-scale search to find her. Part two provided information on who Leigh was and her relationship with her father. Part three delved into the police investigation and where it stands today. Now, in part four, we hear from Leigh's mother, boyfriend, and the diligent crime reporter who first covered the case.

According to Leigh's mother, Vickie Felton, formerly Yarborough, the most important thing is that people don't forget about her daughter.

"That is the biggest thing. That's all," she said. "Not to forget about her."

Despite the police department's belief that Leigh was murdered, Vickie said that she is unwilling to give up the hope that her daughter is still alive.

"I am not going to accept anything for sure. I am not going to do that … I have to keep focused on factual things, logical things, not emotional things, or I wouldn't be able to cope very well. I just don't want to do that again."

Vickie said she is well aware of the rumors and speculation regarding her possible involvement in the case; however, she does not let that bother her.

"That has never been a bother to me," she said. "It's never been about me. It's about finding Leigh, and I didn't care and I [still] don't care what anyone says about any of it … I have never not cooperated with anybody because I am not going to not cooperate with anyone because of what they might think. I don't care about that. I want to find my daughter. I am not fazed by what they say. I have thicker skin than that. I am more reasonable than that. If that bothered me, I would not have been able to cope, but that is not the focus and that is not a problem."

According to Vickie, she has her own idea of who is responsible for her daughter's disappearance.

"There is an individual that is currently incarcerated in prison, and he is linked to two missing people in Tupelo," Vickie said. "[It] is quite a coincidence that one person would be linked to two cases … I believe he is the one responsible. I don't have any proof; I just have my feelings."

Vickie said that both she and Leigh knew the individual and that after Leigh went missing, he began acting strange whenever he was around Vickie.

"Things that he did after the disappearance were strange to me, and when I looked him straight in the eye, his avoidance of eye contact was very awkward," she said. "He had never been over to my house [before that], but then he stopped over to bring me a picture of her. When he first did it, I didn't think anything of it. I thought he was just concerned, but then after that, when I found out some of the things that he did to another young girl … it all fit in place pretty much in my mind that he had to have been the one responsible. He has horses, and Leigh had commented that he had asked her when she would want to go riding. She would have jumped at the chance for that. She would never ever open my door to a stranger, and she had to have opened the door. I am 100 percent sure of that."

When asked for her opinion on the investigation into her daughter's disappearance, Vickie had this to say:

"I want to believe that they did everything the best they could. I want to think that. I want to have faith in them … I know they were very diligent. I am trying to believe that everything they did was in the best interest of finding Leigh."

As for the future, Vickie hopes that the person responsible will someday step forward and reveal what happened.

"Hopefully, people will perk up and maybe if <redacted> wasn't involved - if it was someone else - maybe they are older now and maybe they have a conscience now."

Vickie's hope for a resolution is shared by Leigh's former boyfriend, Jordan Morse.

Jordan and Leigh met roughly two years before her disappearance. The time they knew each other might be considered short by some standards; however, according to Jordan, the time they spent together was priceless. The last time Jordan saw Leigh was at her 13th birthday party, which was held at an arcade inside the Tupelo mall.

"She seemed happier at that birthday party than she had on any other day that I knew her," Jordan said. "She looked like she was having a good time; she looked like she was happy, and that is a good memory for me to have. I could tell you exactly what she was wearing – that is how vividly I remember it."

Jordan says that he and Leigh attended different schools. As a result, school started for him one week before her's would go into session. The timing hindered their ability to see each other, so he would call her when he got home to chat about the day's events. August 27, 1992 would prove to be the last time Jordan would call the Yarborough residence.

"I called her house, and her mom picked up the phone," Jordan said. "I asked to speak with Leigh, and she said, 'Sorry Hon. Leigh is missing.' I thought 'missing,' what is 'missing'? I mean, at that point in time, I didn't compute missing. I had never been exposed to anything like it before. Vickie started to cry, and then my mom took the phone. [She and Vickie] spoke for a few minutes, and then my mom tried to explain it, but I didn't quite get it until I saw the news that night, and they talked about blood in the house. That is when I understood something really bad had happened."

Despite the passing of nearly two decades, Jordan says that he still remembers the pain and heartache that he felt back then. Those are emotions that he says he continues to carry with him to this day.

"My world fell apart. My childhood ended," he said. "… a couple days [don't] go by that I don't pass something and it makes me think about her. And there is still no answer. That's the worst of it."

Rick Hammond, a former crime reporter for the Daily Journal, also continues to wonder what happened to Leigh.

"I lived only a few blocks from Leigh's house, and when it came across the scanner that there was a call for a missing person at her house, I beat some of the police there. Gosh, it seems like I wrote about it every day for months. I, frankly, always suspected 10 years later or something that a body would be found and they would figure out it was her. There were a couple of false alarms in the few years after that. They would find a body, and people would wonder if it was her, and it wasn't her. I think she is still out there in the country somewhere in some grave waiting to be found."

Leigh Occhi touched a lot of people in her short life and she continues to do so today. There are a number of possibilities in the case – plenty of maybes and what ifs – but the complete portrait of the crime remains blurred. A lot of blank canvas remains, but with it there is also the hope that the final brush strokes will someday appear so that Leigh Occhi can finally be put to rest.

Leigh Marine Occhi is described as a Caucasian female, 4'10" and 95 lbs. She has blonde hair and hazel eyes. Click here to view an age progressed photo. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tupelo Police Department at 662-841-6491.

Photo Credits: Clippings: Daily Journal; Leigh Occhi (2): Contributed; Tupelo Mall Arcade: Carla Lohr; Daily Journal: Carla Lohr

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

David Lohr on Investigation Discovery Tonight

In January, M2Pictures - producers of the ID show Wicked Attraction - flew me to Hampton, Va., where they interviewed me on camera about the Theresa Cross case. That episode is set to debut tonight on Investigation Discovery. Click here to view the TV schedule.

Be sure to check back here again later today, as the forth and final installment of the Mysterious Disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi will be going up. In the mean time, be sure to read Gary C. King's new article on Otty Sanchez, a Texas woman who allegedly murdered her baby because the "devil made her do it."

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi – Part III

July 29, 2009

Part three of a four-part series - click here to read part II

Yesterday, I continued the four-part series on the case of Leigh Marine Occhi, a 13-year-old girl from Tupelo, Miss., who mysteriously disappeared on Aug. 27, 1992. Part one of the series covered Leigh's disappearance and left off with authorities launching a large-scale search to find her. Part two provided information on who Leigh was and her relationship with her father. Now, in part three, we go back to the time of her disappearance and learn what police think of the unsolved case.

One of the Tupelo police investigators who was originally a part of the Leigh Occhi case and who also continues to work it today is Captain Bart Aguirre. He remembers vividly the day Leigh went missing and has been an active participant in the investigation to find the person responsible.

"I remember we had Hurricane [Andrew] coming through and it was just a stormy day that day," Aguirre said. "I think we received a phone call from the mother [at about] 9 a.m. It was pretty early, and our detectives responded out there, and at the scene, we found blood splatter on the interior door facing the kitchen area and a pool of blood on the carpet in the hallway leading to her bedroom … [the blood] wasn't hard. It didn't have what I call a 'skin' over the top of it. It was fresh … When we started looking at the bathroom area, [we could] actually see where somebody had attempted to clean up the crime scene. The mother, she wasn't hysterical. She had her own mother and father at the scene when we arrived, and they tried to comfort her and to figure out what events took place in the house."

According to Aguirre, one of the first places Leigh's mother, Vickie Yarborough, took police was to Leigh's bedroom.

"There was a bloody nightgown [on] the floor in Leigh Occhi's room. That nightgown was collected for further use. If we are ever able to find a suspect, we could use that nightgown to trace hair fibers and determine [whether] the blood on it is actually Leigh Occhi's or the suspect's."

Based upon the evidence found at the scene, Aguirre said it is likely that Leigh was killed inside the house and then transported elsewhere. In addition, Aguirre said that elements of the crime scene were not typical of what his department would expect to find in this type of case.

"There [was] no sign of any kind of forced entry to the house or anything like that. The house was not torn up or in disarray. There was evidence there that would lead [one] to believe that Leigh Occhi's head struck that door frame, received an injury, and laid there on that carpet and bled. There was quite a bit of pooling of blood, not a huge pooling of blood, but it was probably about the size of my fist. An area about that big, and it was still wet, very wet … A [random] criminal would not take the time trying to clean up and wipe down the bathroom countertop and the sink to make sure all the blood was washed out of there. There was definitely blood on the countertop – a very light pink haze was on the sink countertop and down in the bowl, and there was a swab that was taken and tested and proved to be blood, so it makes me very suspicious. The child was awake and had eaten breakfast with her mother before [the latter] went to work. Now, if you look at that timeline, from the time she left and went to work and the time she started calling and getting no answer – probably an hour, hour and a half – our perpetrator, whoever it may be, is going to come in that house, assault Leigh Occhi, and clean up that crime scene in that hour, hour and a half time frame?"

When the case was first covered in the media, reports surfaced that a pair of scissors with a reddish stain on them had been found on top of a refrigerator inside the home. According to Aguirre, the substance was later found to be irrelevant to the case.

"We took a look at that [and] there [was] some rust on them," Aguirre said. "We did a presumptive test on them and it wasn't blood."

In addition to the Yarborough home, authorities also searched the family car.

"We took the liner out of [the] car - out of the trunk of her car," Aguirre said. "I don't know why we took that but I think that we felt like it may hold some evidence of some sort, and I know that was sent to the state crime lab and it was gone over, but nothing to my knowledge came of that. Even if they found blood or hair in the trunk - unless it was fresh blood or something like that - [we] wouldn't have been able to do a whole lot with it. Even if we found some traces of hair or fibers from some of her clothing, unless, I mean, why wouldn't her hair be there? She [could have] threw her clothes and her other gear in the trunk of the car, there could have been a transfer, and some of that stuff could have fallen off in there; and if it was in there, so what? That is quite normal for people, for hair to be in their car. So, unless [we] found big knots of hair with the roots pulled out, it wouldn't be too suspicious."

As the investigation continued, police conducted both ground and aerial searches in an attempt to locate Leigh. In addition, some 130 citizen volunteers searched large areas of undeveloped land in the surrounding area. Despite everyone's best efforts, no sign of Leigh was found during any of the searches. The case was coming to an abrupt standstill, but all that seemed to change on Sept. 9, 1992, when Leigh's mother contacted police and informed them that she had received a mysterious package in the mail that contained Leigh's missing eye glasses. Nothing else was included in the package. The glasses had arrived in an 8-inch envelope, addressed in block letters to "B Yarborough." The return address was listed as the same. The address contained one misspelling; instead of 105 Honey Locust, it read, "105 Hony Locust."

"Her glasses were mailed from a city about 30 miles north of here," Aguirre said. "[The package] had a postage stamp on it from Booneville, Miss."

The envelope was sent to the state crime lab in Jackson for handwriting analysis and DNA testing; however, Aguirre says, "nothing of evidentiary value" was found. Despite this, investigators began to shift the focus of the case.

"We polygraphed the mother. The mother was the last one to see her alive," Aguirre said. "She was polygraphed three different times, once by a local polygraph examiner and twice by the FBI. She failed it 3 times."

According to Aguirre, Vickie Yarborough's husband, Barney Yarborough, was also given a polygraph, but he passed the examination.

"He was very cooperative. He was not living with Leigh and her mother at the time," Aguirre said. "He lived in an apartment complex here in Tupelo and he was very forthcoming and tried to assist us in any way to try to help locate her. He would join us anytime we went out to search fields and woods or whatever. [He] was always willing to assist and to help, but he later died."

Despite the passage of time, Aguirre said that his department continues to receive tips from time to time.

"I believe the last tip we may have gotten was back last year sometime," he said. "We have departments that call and want us to check and make sure that our files are up to date, especially our NCIC (National Crime Information Center) files about our missing persons. We get people calling, wanting to know if Leigh Occhi is still missing, and the last tip we got is from a psychic … So we have been told to look under a storage shed at a certain address, but it's hard to go out there and convince a circuit court judge to give us a search warrant for a piece of property based on conjecture or a psychic's tip. The best thing we can do is go to that property, knock on the door, and say, 'We are investigating a cold case file. Would you give us permission to go over there and look under that shed?' Once they give us permission, we can go over there and look under dog houses, sheds, and everything else."

Today, the case is cold because investigators have been unable to obtain enough information to make an arrest or name an official suspect; however, Aguirre said his department has evidence it has not made public, as well as a person of interest in the case.

"There are still some things that we know that we are not releasing or talking about to the public, which could possibly tie a suspect to her death," Aguirre said. In regard to a possible person of interest, he said, "I don't think it would be wrong to call Vickie a person of interest, [but] we definitely don't want to call her a suspect at this time … Until Leigh's body is found, and until we know exactly the cause and manner of death, [the case] will always remain open."

To be continued...

Click here to read Part 4 of this in-depth four-part series on the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi

Check back tomorrow to read the fourth and final part of this in-depth series on the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi, and find out what Vickie Yarborough thinks about the case and what could have happened to her daughter.

Photo Credits: Clippings: Daily Journal; Bart Aguirre: Carla Lohr; Tupelo Police Department: Carla Lohr; Tupelo Police car: Carla Lohr

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

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi – Part II

July 28, 2009

Part 2 of a four-part series - click here to read part 1

Yesterday, I introduced you to the case of Leigh Marine Occhi, a 13-year-old girl from Tupelo, Miss., who mysteriously disappeared on Aug. 27, 1992. When Leigh first went missing, authorities launched a large-scale search that covered a lot of ground throughout the Tupelo area. Joining them in that search was Leigh's father, Donald Occhi. The story continues here today with Donald's memories of his daughter and the lengths to which he has gone to try to find her.

Donald Occhi and Vickie Felton met while serving in the Army together in California. According to Donald, the couple courted for about a year before marrying in 1977. Not long thereafter, they transferred to a military base in Honolulu, Hawaii. Roughly two years later, on Aug. 21, 1979, Donald and Vickie welcomed the birth of their first and only child, Leigh Marine Occhi.

"Her birth was difficult because Vickie was in labor for about 18 hours," Donald Occhi said. "Leigh was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen. I felt so much love that I did not know I was capable of feeling. When I first held her, I cried like a baby. I had been responsible for the lives of many soldiers, but this tiny baby was mine to care for until one of us died. There was no comparison for this increased degree of responsibility. She smelled so sweet; her skin was so soft. To me, each of her movements was a marvel. This tiny baby was actually mine, and that would never change."

While Leigh was still just a toddler, Donald was dispatched on a mission to rescue two soldiers who had gone missing in a Hawaii jungle. Donald was injured during the rescue; however, the incident led to one of his most treasured memories of his daughter.

"I had fallen off a cliff and landed in a stream," he said. "I seriously injured my eye and had to climb back up the muddy cliff to get to the medics. When I got home later in the afternoon, Vickie was getting Leigh up from her nap and dressed to take me to the emergency room. As I waited, Leigh came down the hallway with all of the confidence of any baby who just discovered that she can walk. She saw the bright white bandage on my muddy face - made a sort of gasping sound - and with an odd look on her face she came across the room making little noises. She looked at my good eye and very gently touched my bandage, then planted her first kiss on my nose."

Unfortunately, Donald and Vickie's relationship soured, and they divorced in April 1981. Not long thereafter, Donald was transferred to a military installation in Germany. Nevertheless, he continued to keep in contact with his daughter, and when Leigh was about 7 or 8, she stayed with her father for several months. During this time, the two spent countless hours together bonding as they participated in a variety of activities.

"The summer she came to Germany for a month or so I enjoyed taking her to the castles, teaching her to speak German, and taking long bike rides," Donald said. "I taught her a phrase, and a German man behind us almost fell over laughing hysterically. She said, 'What did I say?' I answered, 'You want to buy a lovely blouse made out of a cat?' She was both embarrassed and delighted. That was a beautiful time. We also had fun shooting. She was a good shot. She was not afraid to shoot my most powerful handguns. Another of our favorite things to do was to go out after a heavy rain and drive the muddy trails in my 4WD at a high rate of speed. The first time we hit a huge puddle and the mud got all over her, she had a shocked look on her precious face. It was unforgettable. We laughed like fools."

When the trip to Germany came to an end, Donald said he and Leigh were unable to spend as much time together as he would have liked. He was transferred several times to a variety of bases; however, he said he made sure to secure a brief leave to visit his daughter during the summer of 1991. Unfortunately, Donald was unable to remain in the states long, and he was soon called to duty in Iraq for Operation Desert Storm. Donald served one tour of duty in Iraq and was back in the United States for less than 6 months before he received word that his daughter was missing.

"It felt like someone punched me in the stomach," he said. "All day I did not know what I did at work. Initially I thought that she may have run away, so I did not go to Mississippi right away. For days I walked around in a daze and kept thinking about getting my .45 pistol and going to Tupelo and killing someone, but I did not know who to kill. I still don't."

After two weeks of waiting and wondering, Donald traveled to Tupelo to assist in the search effort for his daughter.

"I have gone to Tupelo on four occasions, the first time for a month; the other times I went for three or four days," Donald said. "Each time, I searched remote areas and followed leads that people would give me. Mostly, the time spent was dawn to dusk. The first and second time, some wonderful people from Tupelo accompanied me. On the other occasions, I went with psychics from the United States and Japan. Once, I went with Craig Rivera from the TV show Inside Edition, though they never aired the episode. Also, I was invited on the Geraldo Rivera show set for airing in February 1993, though I don't know if it aired, as I was at work at the time."

Unless you have been in a similar situation, it is difficult to grasp the emotions that come with the disappearance of a child. Next month will mark the 17th anniversary of Leigh's disappearance. She never got a chance to learn to drive, graduate high school, or to attend her prom. The lost time together has weighed on her family, and the emotional rollercoaster ride they have been on is one that no one should have to endure. According to Donald, anger, regret and sadness are all par for the course.

Even though Leigh's body has not been found, there is some evidence that suggests her fate. The clues stoke her father's rage.

Anger

"I wish that the murdering son of a [redacted] who killed her had killed me instead or tried," Donald said. "This coward must have really felt like a tough man or woman to beat a little girl to death. Often, I cannot help but think of how horrified Leigh must have been while this piece of garbage beat her to death and watched her bleed out in the hall."

Regret

"I wish that I had told her how much she meant to me and how much I loved her," he said. "I was not a very affectionate person then and did not care much for hugging and such, though she sure enjoyed it. I should have been more accessible for that because it was not about me, it was about her. It was for her, and now it's too late… I will regret this until the day I die. I don't avoid that anymore with the kids I have today. Though I can get mad at them when they misbehave, I try to demonstrate how much I love them and how much I value them."

Sadness

"I was supposed to care for her for her whole life. Next month she would have turned thirty," Donald said. "Maybe she would have had her own kids and lived near me. Maybe I could have helped her with problems and let her know that I was here for her. Maybe I could have comforted her in hard times.

"I still have a book [in which] I would write little tidbits of advice, things that I had read and felt they were important that she could learn from. It would have also shown her that I was always thinking of her. I wanted to give it to her at 16 or 21. Now it sits gathering dust in a curio cabinet. I can't bring myself to throw it away."

Donald said that the most difficult days have always been Leigh's birthday and the anniversary of her disappearance.

"I used to get drunk, but there was no future in that, so I bought a living memorial for her and placed it near my parent's grave in a local cemetery," Donald said. "I visit it several times a year. The first one I had made I had 'Leigh Occhi, Aug. 21, 1979-Aug. 26, 1992, MURDERED' put on it. I guess the superintendent saw it one day, and we had a big fight over the phone and then person to person. He felt that people would be offended by the word 'murdered,' so I told him that I was really offended by it. Eventually, we compromised, and I took the plaque and built a small memorial to Leigh in my back yard."

Despite the anguish and sorrow that comes with the loss of a child, Donald remains hopeful that he will someday know what happened to his daughter.

"I want to live to see her body located so that I can see that she is properly buried," Donald said. "Then I will smile when the [redacted] who did this dies in the Mississippi state death chamber."

For now, Donald has to take solace in the memories of his little girl who he says is never far from his mind.

"Leigh was a beautiful little girl with unlimited potential," he said. "All I have is the memories. God, I miss her."

To be continued…

Click here to read Part 3 of this in-depth four-part series on the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi

Check back tomorrow to read Part 3 of this in-depth, four-part series on the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi. Find out about the mysterious package her mother received in the mail and hear from a top investigator with the Tupelo Police Department who has been involved since the start of the case.

Photo Credits: Clippings: Daily Journal; Leigh Occhi: Contributed; Police car: Carla Lohr

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

The Mysterious Disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi

July 27, 2009

Part 1 of a four-part series

I recently spent a week in Tupelo, Mississippi, looking into the disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi. I had been vaguely aware of the case prior to my trip, having visited the area several times over the years. It was one of the cases – all writers have them – that I had filed into memory and intended to look into at one time or another. That time finally came this past week. Given the passage of nearly two decades since the disappearance, I was skeptical as to what I would be able to uncover; however to my surprise I could track down several key players in the case, including Leigh's parents, one of the original police investigators, Leigh's boyfriend, and the diligent investigative reporter who first covered the case for the Tupelo Daily Journal. Throughout this four-part series, you will hear many sides to this case, which will paint a picture of Leigh and her unexplained disappearance. In the end, you can decide for yourself what happened that fateful day in 1992.

On August 27, 1992, the residents of Tupelo were preoccupied with Hurricane Andrew; the storm was bearing down on them from the south like a freight train. The storm had cut a destructive swath through Florida, leaving some 180,000 people homeless and inflicting an equal amount of damage on Louisiana, as it made its way towards the Magnolia state.

"The destruction of this storm goes beyond anything we have known in recent years," President George H.W. Bush said.

Luckily, the storm had lost much of its force by the time it reached Tupelo and was downgraded to a tropical storm, but it still produced torrential rains and 15-25 mph winds. Power outages and downed trees proved to be the worst consequences of the storm; however, unbeknownst to many, it also brought with it a killer – not a natural one - but a human one that would prove to be equally destructive.

The radio alarm at the Yarbrough home went off at about 6:45 a.m. on August 27. According to Vickie Yarborough, she and her daughter, 13-year-old Leigh Marine Occhi, had slept in the same bed the previous night – perhaps because Leigh was afraid of lightning and thunderstorms. Vickie had recently separated from Leigh's stepfather, Barney, and it was just the two of them on that rainy Thursday morning.

Nearly a week earlier, on August 21, 1992, the blonde-haired, bright-eyed Leigh had celebrated her thirteenth birthday. Although Mississippi was a world away from the Hawaii military base where she had been born, it suited her well.

Leigh's father, Donald Occhi, was a Master Sergeant in the Army. He and Vickie had met and married while serving together in the military. Leigh was their only child. Unfortunately, the relationship soured and the couple divorced. Vickie left the service and made her way to Mississippi, while Donald transferred to Fort Myer, Virginia. Despite the distance, Leigh was always at the forefront of her father's mind and she knew that he would always be there for her.

With her birthday, Leigh, was excited about entering her teen years and was busy preparing for her first day at Tupelo Middle School. Having been a transplant to the south, her accent set her aside from the other students; however she had never had a problem making friends.

Unfortunately, fate had a different plan for Leigh.

At about 9:00 a.m., Vickie made a frantic 911 call to the Tupelo Police Department. She requested immediate assistance at her 105 Honey Locust Drive home - a cul-de-sac on the city's west side. Vickie told the dispatcher that her daughter was missing and traces of blood were inside the house.

When police entered the house, they discovered blood stains in the hallway and the bathroom. They also observed blood stains and strands of hair on a door frame. In Leigh's room, they found a bloody blue nightgown and bra. The only items missing were Leigh's shoes, reading glasses and underclothes.

Investigators knew immediately that they were not dealing with a runaway. Something far more sinister had taken place inside the Yarbrough home.

A team of officers was dispatched– some going door-to-door, others searching wooded areas around the neighborhood. With the search in high gear, detectives sat down with Vickie Yarbrough and questioned her about the events that had led up to Leigh's disappearance.

"If you don't mind, start this morning from the time when you got up and go all the way up until you made the 911 call to the police department," said Det. S. R. Green.

"The radio comes on for the alarm at quarter to 7 in the morning," Vickie said. "And the radio came on and I think I laid there for a couple of minutes. Leigh was sleeping with me in the bed. She was sleeping opposite. Her head was down by my feet and her feet up by my head. That was because I snore so much and she doesn't hear it so much if she lays like that. I got up; I looked over at her to see if she was sleeping and I brushed her hair by her ear here and said something about 'Are you awake?' I wasn't going to turn the light on because I didn't want her to wake … I went into take my shower. It took about 10 minutes. I don't know. And I came out and Leigh was still lying in bed but she was awake then and I was dressing and then she came out and I went and got the paper from the front yard."

According to Vickie, she read the paper and said goodbye to her daughter, before heading off to work at about 7:40 a.m.

"I don't remember if I put the garage door down. I do every day so I'm sure I did but I just don't remember that. Didn't stick out in my mind," Vickie said. "I went to work, got there probably about, I don't know, about 10 till … I went and got the radio out of my boss' office and put it on my desk so I could listen to the news for the weather 'cause Leigh is very afraid of thunderstorms … [The radio commentator] was talking about the weather and the tornado watches or warnings or whatever it was and the severe thunder storms and after that I decided I had better call home 'cause I knew Leigh was really scared of the weather. So I called and we have a special ring, all right, where I let it ring twice and I hang up and then I call right back and that's how she knows to answer. I did that. I let it ring for a long time that second time. Nobody answered."

Vickie said she became concerned when her daughter did not answer the phone, so she called her mother and asked her to go check on her. Despite this, she said her concern mounted, to the point that she left work to check on Leigh herself. When she arrived at her house, she said she was disturbed to find the garage door open and the light to the opener on –she said that the light would normally go off a few minutes after the door was activated.

"The door was unlocked and I opened the house and it was all dark, so I didn't see Leigh anywhere," Vickie said. "I said, 'Leigh', like that and nobody answered me and then I went in – you go like this and you go into the hallway and I saw blood right there splattered on the walls and then I screamed a, you know, more, and started running and ran in her – saw the blood on the floor in the hallway – and I ran in her bedroom first. And the brown blanket was on the floor and I thought maybe she was under it or something and I picked it up and I don't know if the blood was lying next to it or underneath it. I don't know but I saw that blood and I went running into my bedroom and pulled off the – shake – you know to shake the covers. I went on there to see if she was under the bed there or something. And then I went in there and looked in the spare bedroom and I looked in the closets. I don't remember what order exactly that I looked but I looked in all the rooms in the house and then I ran outside and I ran to the shed and opened the - the shed door was already unlocked – and opened up the door and looked in there and yelled and looked in the pool. And then I came back in and dialed 911."

Vickie went on to say that her husband – Leigh's stepfather - Barney Yarbrough, her mother, and the police all arrived at the scene separately, shortly after her call to police. When questioned as to how long it had taken her to drive to her house from work, Yarbrough said it was about a 10- to 15-minute drive. When asked how far away her mother lived, she said 5 minutes.

On August 28, 1992, the leading headline in the Daily Journal read, "Federal Troops Ordered to Fla." A much smaller headline, within a subsection of the paper, read, "13-year-old Tupelo Girl Reported Missing."

"We need bad to find the girl – dead or alive," Capt. Johnny Finney told the Daily Journal.

To be continued…

Click here to read Part 2 of this in-depth four-part series on the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi

Photo Credits: Clippings: Daily Journal; Tupelo: Carla Lohr; Leigh Occhi: Contributed; House: Carla Lohr; Police Documents: Carla Lohr

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

What Happened to Leigh Marine Occhi?

July 16, 2009

I will be in Mississippi this coming week to research the mysterious disappearance of Leigh Marine Occhi, a 13-year-old girl who went missing from her Tupelo home in August 1992.

According to police, foul play is suspected. Please contact me if you have any information on the case. Otherwise, be sure to check back here late next week to read about it.

Click here to view Leigh's missing child flyer

Into Thin Air...

May 28, 2009

Some have vanished without a trace while others left a string of mysteries in their wake. Learn more about some unsolved cases and see what you can do to help.

Visit Investigation Discovery's new Missing Person information and resource page at:
http://investigation.discovery.com/investigation/missing-persons/missing-persons.html

Female Sex Killers: The Devious Predators

April 30, 2009

As an expert criminal profiler who has studied and investigated serial killers for over 20 years, Dr. Deborah Schurman-Kauflin has had contact with some of the world's most elusive hunters. Dr. Schurman-Kauflin is also the only profiler who has ever interviewed and profiled a large group of female serial killers. As a result of her first-hand experience, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has come away with a vast knowledge of female predators - a knowledge that gives her unique insight into the Sandra Cantu murder case.

"Though rare, such predators are more common than the general public knows," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin told Investigation Discovery. "Why? In most instances, when a female rapes and kills a victim, the act is done in conjunction with a male partner. As such, when caught, the females play innocent and blame the male. This strategy has proven highly effective over the years because people are hesitant to believe that a woman could rape and murder. But it does happen, and sometimes, the female will act alone."

Of the many interviews that she has conducted, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said that the only offender who ever made her feel uncomfortable was a female sex killer who bragged about the pleasure she felt whenever she drew blood with a knife. That same offender also told Dr. Schurman-Kauflin that given the opportunity, she would kill again.

"These offenders are a unique breed in that they have a real taste for hurting helpless victims," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "They enjoy the feeling they get when using objects to rape. In fact, female rape killers will often use jagged instruments when they attack. These women are especially brutal with female victims, and will almost always mutilate the genitalia. Such women have told me that they chose to hurt their victims so viciously because it turned them on. Like their male counterparts, it was sexually exciting."

According to Dr. Schurman-Kauflin, it is the gender of these "super predators" that allows them access to almost any type of victim.

"To capture their prey, these women use a rouse to trick their victims who are always smaller in size," Dr. Schurman-Kauflin said. "They use their gender as a cover for their evil intentions because most people find it hard to believe that the fairer sex could rape and kill a child. However, children are not their only victims. Such offenders have been known to target adults since everyone is less wary of a woman."

Through her studies, Dr. Schurman-Kauflin has learned that female killers are drawn to traditionally feminine jobs, such as nursing, care giving, teaching and the sex trade.

"These fields give them natural cover to get close to victims," she said. "Like their male counterparts, female sex killers fantasize about rape and murder. However, unlike men, women tend to be less selective about the type of victims they choose. For instance, male sex killers typically prefer certain types of victim such as twenty-year-old blondes. But for the women, victim age and gender are less important than opportunity. Female predators search for that which is easy to get. If she works in a nursing home, she may go after the elderly and rape them in their beds. If the woman works as a prostitute, she will target customers. If she teaches, she often sets her sights on students. These women crave what is familiar to them, and they watch their prey over time to assess how easy it would be to attack. The killers tend to have spotty work histories as well as a string of failed relationships. They dabble in sexual relationships and will try everything from lesbianism to child molestation.  Emotionally they find it hard to be centered, and family will cover for the women when they engage in strange behavior."

Dallas DNA

Dallas DNA chronicles a pioneering unit within the Dallas County District Attorney's office where post-conviction DNA testing is being used to clear the innocent, as well as confirm the guilty.

When Craig Watkins ran for district attorney in Dallas County, he promised to fight for justice and through an innovative and unconventional new division he founded; he's been true to his word. In July 2007, Watkins created the nation's first Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) run by a DA's office and tasked it with re-examining hundreds of petitions submitted by inmates seeking post-conviction DNA testing and reinvestigating the cases that could be possible examples of injustice.

Dallas County has more exonerations than any other jurisdiction in the nation since state law began allowing post-conviction testing in 2001. In that time, more than 40 cases have received post-conviction DNA evidence analysis and the results have stunned the nation - to date, 19 cases were found to have wrongful convictions, and under DA Watkins' leadership ten innocent men have walked free.

The legal drama and the astounding ramifications including exonerations after men wrongfully spent decades behind bars is captured in Investigation Discovery's new six-part series DALLAS DNA, which is now on Investigation Discovery Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

Click here to learn more about the show

Volunteers Use Helicopter in Search for Corrie Anderson

April 27, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a 36-year-old mother of three who disappeared in October 2008, took to the skies in Chautauqua County, N. Y. yesterday, when a group of searchers (click photo to enlarge) boarded a Robinson R44 helicopter and shot photos of the area from above.

The group consisted of Bill Jones, a pilot from H&L Enterprises; Corrie's cousin, Chris Keefe; local photographer Amy Hudson; Post-Journal reporter/photographer Robert Rizzuto; 3 View Search Services team member Walter Perkowski; and Investigation Discovery's David Lohr.

Using high-resolution digital cameras, the group hovered at 500 to 3,000 feet over several areas of interest in the case, and they took some 1,000 photos of the landscape. Those images will be uploaded to a computer at the Aerial Image Corporation in the Purdue Research Park. There, experts will digitally enhance and filter the photos in an attempt to identify anything that looks out of place, such as shapes that might be a body or a new dig site.

The same technology has been successful in other missing person cases, including the search for 36-year-old Charles Rickey - a man who went missing in Carmel, Ind., two years ago. In that case, the search team knew that Rickey was wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans, so they used a computerized photo imaging system to make the color blue in the pictures show up as red. As a result, they were able to locate Rickey's remains in a quarry near 96th St. and the Hazel Dell Pkwy.

Corrie's family is now hoping that the same technology can be used to help them determine what happened to their missing loved one.

"We're crossing our fingers," Corrie's cousin Laurie Keefe told Investigation Discovery. "Hopefully these images can put some pieces of the puzzle together for us."

Meanwhile, Sean Henady, founder of 3 View Search Services, is expected to return to the area within the next two weeks to conduct a sonar search of local waterways. In addition to that search, Corrie's family is planning a second community search, to be announced in the near future. Anyone interested in helping can visit the family's Web site, www.findcorrie.com, or join an Internet group devoted to the case located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findcorrie.

Corrie Anderson was last seen about 1:10 p.m., on Oct.28, 2008, when she visited her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown.

Family members reported Corrie missing at about 3:45 p.m. that day, when she failed to show up at her son's school for a meeting. Corrie's blue Dodge Caravan, New York license number CX404, was also missing; however items found at Corrie's house suggest she had made it home some time prior to her disappearance.

On Oct. 30, 2008, a hunter discovered Corrie's car abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti. The location is approximately two miles from Corrie's house. State police recovered the vehicle from the field, and sent it to Batavia for forensic testing.

That night, the New York State Police searched the Celoron, N.Y. home of Corrie's estranged husband, Kenneth Anderson. Investigators reportedly questioned Anderson for several hours; however, what – if anything – they learned is unknown, as the state police has denied a FOIA request for copies of the search warrant.

Police have not called Kenneth Anderson a suspect or person of interest in Corrie's disappearance.

Corrie Anderson is 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. In addition, her keys and purse are also missing. Her purse is described as black, 8” x 8” square, with a G.H. Bass & Company logo.

A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Group photo, Group in helicopter and Helicopter: Carla Lohr; Corrie Anderson: Contributed

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

The Ongoing Search for Missing NY Mom, Corrie Anderson

April 20, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a 36-year-old missing mother of three who disappeared in October 2008, took place in Ashville, NY, this past weekend.

Roughly 400 volunteers showed up to help search for Corrie. According to Corrie's family, the turnout was great, especially given the fact that the entire search was up in the air at this time last week, when another search group pulled out of the search effort. Despite those problems, another group - Indiana-based 3 View Search Services - was able to quickly mobilize and dispatch a team into the area to help manage the search effort.

"We are so grateful for all the support we have received from both the community and this wonderful group of people that came here to assist us on such short notice," Corrie's mother, Vicki Acquisto, told Investigation Discovery. "Without them, I don’t know what we would have done."

On Saturday, the first day of the search, some 250 volunteers showed up at the command center. Those individuals were then broken up into smaller groups of 5-10 people and assigned to pre-qualified team leaders.

Search coordinators began to dispatch teams at 7:30 a.m., and within an hour, each team was on the ground in one of the 31 search zones that had been identified previously as possible areas of interest. By 6:00 p.m., nearly all of the zones had been covered.

Sunday's turnout was somewhat smaller, with approximately 150 volunteers turning out; however, those teams were able to successfully clear several of the remaining zones.

During both days, several teams flagged various items that team leaders considered of interest; however, at this time there is no indication that any of them are related to the case.

In addition to community volunteers, several members of Websleuths.com, an Internet based "Crime Sleuthing Community," showed up to join in the search. Members of that same group were also present during both searches for missing Florida tot Caylee Anthony.

"We searched our hearts out again today, and it was NO picnic," Websleuther "Torsade" wrote on the group's message board. "I think it's safe to tell you that we did NOT find Corrie. I'm so sad about that. Thinking positively, we found areas that Corrie is NOT in. And there were lots of findings that may be forensically important in the future."

Corrie Anderson Search Set to Begin this Weekend

April 15, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., is scheduled to take place this weekend. However, despite previous plans, the search will no longer involve members of the search and recovery group, Texas EquuSearch.

The sudden change in plan remains unclear, but the family is adamant that they will continue forward, as is evident in a press release they sent out late last night.

"Although this news is disappointing to the family, they would like the public to know that all search plans and the schedule remain the same and they still need community support," the press release reads. "It will be a more local effort, not as grand-scale, but still the mission is the same, to search for Corrie. The hunters, farmers, firefighters and citizens that make up our community know this land and we need their help. We truly value and appreciate their support."

The command center for the search will be located at the Ashville Firemen's Training Grounds, in Ashville, NY. Search teams will start getting dispatched at 8:00 am and the search will continue each day until dusk.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the search is asked to show up at the command center or to sign up at www.findcorrie.com.

A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Contributed

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

New Search Date Announced in Corrie Anderson Case

March 31, 2009

Texas EquuSearch and the family of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., held a joint press conference in Jamestown, N.Y. today to update the media on the case and to announce new search dates.

Corrie's mother, Vickie Acquisto, said that she initially had been discouraged when the search, which was originally scheduled to begin this weekend, was canceled, but that she has since realized that the decision was for the best.

"There is a reason for everything. Everything happens for a reason," Vickie said. "To see how it's all coming together now -- I'm really very thankful. Our hopes are that we will find Corrie. I would like to say I want to find her alive, but we have to have closure."

According to Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, the search will now be held on April 18 and 19. The command center will be located at the Ashville Firemen's Training Grounds.

"We have cooperation from law enforcement," Miller said. "They have done a wonderful job. I went all over the areas that they searched yesterday and I had a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with them myself. We're going to go ahead and spread the search out a little bit farther. We've got some resources that we can bring to the table if needed. We've looked at some areas where we might possibly use sonar. We know law enforcement used sonar and divers also. We've got a small drone airplane that we might also be using on this search."

Miller said that his trip to New York was essential because he was able to drive around and familiarize himself with the area.

"We're doing a lot of mapping," Miller said. "We're going to do more mapping today. The snow kind of hurt us in some areas that we wanted to look at, but we are going to have another look at those today."

Dice Run Benefits Search for Missing NY Mother

February 24, 2009

Family and friends of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., organized a snowmobile dice run on Feb. 21, to raise money for the family's reward fund and an upcoming search that is being planned by volunteers from the search and recovery group Texas EquuSearch.

Over 50 people registered for the event, which began at the Chautauqua County Snowmobile Club's headquarters on Hannum Road and ended at the Maple Springs Fire hall, where participants enjoyed a buffet of food and entertainment by the Mayville band Disorderly Conduct.

In addition to gift certificates and a slew of other accolades, two cash prizes were handed out during the event, totaling $800. The recipients of both those awards graciously turned their winnings over to the family.

''We have really been overwhelmed by the support that the community has shown for us over the past few months,'' Corrie's mother, Vicki Acquisto, told post-journal.com. ''And with the event today, we've had so much help from everyone and we are so thankful for the opportunity to have a fun day- we needed this.''

True Crime Community Mourns Loss of Writer Sean Krause

February 23, 2009

The true crime community feels lost today with the passing of one of its most outspoken writers, 25-year-old Sean Krause.

Today has been no easy day for me. It started out well – I was informed that I won the In Cold Blog award for Best Crime Blogger of 2008, but quickly took a turn for the worse when I learned that a fellow writer and close friend had passed on.

Sean Krause was, in the words of fellow writer Sloane Reed, "informative yet blunt."

In a November interview with Reed, Sean described what drove him to start his Web site, Thedailybs.com.

"I got tired of seeing bad people get praised," he said. "The mainstream media wants people to feel remorseful for murderers; I don't. The news was never honest, so TDBS was born. People think it's the worst name, but never understand the meaning. To define it: BS is in the news every day; I report on it."

Sean was very outspoken, perhaps more blunt than he should have been at times. He was, of course, aware of this trait, yet it didn't bring him down.

"I like to make people laugh; it's a gift," he wrote on his MySpace profile. "Some may not like my risqué humor; I understand."

Regardless of how people felt about his humor, I can attest that Sean Krause was a good man with a heart of gold, who, despite his own illness, often put others first.

Many people were aware of Sean's three-year battle with cancer; however, he kept most of the actual details of his condition to himself. He often referred to it as an "evil entity." He told me on more than one occasion, "It will rob you and rape you when you least suspect it." Nevertheless, he was hopeful that he could win the fight, and he continued his work, often writing entries to his blog while suffering the effects of high fevers and draining chemotherapy.

A Crime Writer's Goodbye to Caylee Marie Anthony

February 10, 2009

When you write for a living, it becomes second nature to mentally plot out a story prior to putting pen to paper or, as is the case nowadays, fingers to keyboard. When you write about true crime, you obviously must separate yourself from the subject matter. If you don't, you'll find that you live a very bleak and depressing life.

Every writer has a personal way to cope with the atrocities of human nature – some good, some not so good. While some turn to positive outlets, others look to alcohol and drugs. My outlet is an Xbox. I find that games such as Halo or Medal of Honor can do wonders for relieving anger and frustration.

Regardless of our coping methods, there will always be cases in which we become emotionally involved. I have had several throughout my career. They generally involve missing persons. The case of Caylee Marie Anthony is no exception.

During the months that Caylee was missing, I was able to keep from getting too close by busying myself with the case and participating in the search efforts. I tried not to dwell on her image, and I hung her missing child shirt at the back of my closet. However, my ability to successfully separate myself from the case was greatly affected when I had the opportunity to meet and speak with Caylee's grandmother, Cindy Anthony, at the end of the second search effort. The pain in her eyes struck a chord within me.

View a video a reader made of the search effort

Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch; Tim's assistant, Barbie Tarr; and his media spokesperson at the time, Mandy Albritton, were all at the hotel when Cindy came to see us. Prior to my formal introduction to Cindy, she sat with the group and listened to a song that had been written about Tim's daughter, Laura Miller. Laura was abducted and murdered in 1984. Her killer has never been identified. Everyone who was present at the meeting had tears streaming from their eyes as they quietly listened to the song.

Listen to Laura's song

To my surprise, Cindy knew who I was. She had actually read some of my work. Even more surprising, she did not physically or verbally assault me. I say that because, as many of you are aware, I held back few punches when I initially began my coverage of this case. Instead, Cindy embraced me. I won't reveal what was said, as some things deserve to be kept private, but I can tell you that I was left with the impression that Caylee was the center of her life.

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.

Kelly Morris Search Expands Into New Areas

November 16, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 15, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

David Lohr Radio Media Tour

November 12, 2008

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

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

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

Related Links:
Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

The Stories Behind the Caylee Anthony Search Effort

November 11, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Strait Talk with Texas EquuSearch's Tim Miller

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

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

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

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

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

A Day of Crazy Developments in the Caylee Anthony Case

November 10, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Re: Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

November 09, 2008

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

Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

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

Caylee Anthony Search Update; Day 2

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

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

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

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

Internet Community Helps Volunteers in Caylee Anthony Search

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

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

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

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The Latest Developments in the Caylee Anthony Search

November 08, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The "Discovery" Everyone is Talking About

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

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

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

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

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

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Search Command Post In Desperate Need of Supplies

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

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

Items can be delivered to:

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

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

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Caylee Anthony Ground Search : On Scene Update 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay tuned throughout the day for further updates!

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Update

November 07, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Caylee Anthony Search Command Post Changed

November 05, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Keep checking back for all the latest developments!

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

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Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Investigation Discovery Joining Second Search For Caylee Anthony

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

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

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

Wish us luck!

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The Search for Missing Mother of Three Corrie Anderson

November 02, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

EquuSearch Announces Command Post Location for Caylee Anthony Search

October 31, 2008

Texas EquuSearch has officially announced a location for the command post in the search for Casey Anthony's missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Anyone interested in joining the search is asked to meet at the old Chrysler plant, located at:

10300 Boggy Creek Road
Orlando, Florida

Click here for a map of the location.

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

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

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

Download the volunteer registration agreement

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

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

Investigation Discovery will be on the scene in Florida, bringing you all the latest updates on the search effort.

In the words of Tim Miller's Executive Assistant, Barbie Tarr: "It is time to bring baby Caylee home!"

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

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Photo Credit: Caylee: Associated Press; Caylee Search Sign: Carla Lohr

Texas EquuSearch Temporarily Suspends Its Involvement in Kelly Morris Search

October 27, 2008

For nearly two weeks, Texas EquuSearch has been in North Carolina searching for Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

Today, EquuSearch announced that it is temporarily suspending its involvement in the search effort in order to regroup and prepare for the Caylee Anthony search, which is set to begin in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 8. (Investigation Discovery will also be in Orlando to bring you all the latest updates on the search effort.)

Despite this recent development, a spokesperson for EquuSearch told ID that it is not uncommon for the organization to conduct simultaneous searches for more than one missing person. Tim Miller remains committed to the case and plans to return to the area in the near future. In the meantime, Tim has committed resources to the Currin family, which will help them continue their search until EquuSearch returns.

The remaining EquuSearch team members are set to return to Texas sometime tomorrow.

Yesterday, Tim Miller spent the better part of the day continuing to conduct sonar searches in local lakes and ponds. While that search was underway, Kelly's father, Pat Currin, was flying in his ultra-light plane to conduct additional reconnaissance in his daughter's case. Due to the sensitive nature of the information that was shared with me; I am unable to give you details about his flight.