The Kelly Currin Morris Case

April 25, 2010

In the months following Kelly Currin Morris's disappearance in 2008, the probability of her being found grew slimmer with each passing day. Despair and heartache were par for the course for those who loved her. Luckily, unlike so many other missing person cases, there has been some closure and more is expected in the coming months. But, before we get there, let's look back on the details of this tragic case.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 2008, firefighters in Stem, N.C., responded to a house fire at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road. The house and much of its contents were destroyed; however, firefighters were able to determine that the residents, 34-year-old William "Scott" Morris and his wife, 28-year-old Kelly Currin Morris, were not home when the fire broke out.

Scott said he was at his towing business in Creedmoor and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 5, were in school at the time of the incident. It was initially believed that Kelly was in Raleigh, where she worked for Nationwide Insurance; however, investigators soon learned that she never showed up for work that morning.

Roughly two hours later, Kelly's car, a burgundy 2005 Honda Accord, North Carolina license plate TXP-5917, was found abandoned in an undeveloped subdivision, less than a mile from her home. Inside the locked car, investigators found Kelly's keys, purse, and cell phone.

When questioned by police, Scott told them he had not seen his wife since the previous night.

"He was the last person to see her alive … at their home," Granville Sheriff David Smith told NewsObserver.com. "She was allegedly going to find a pet dog that had got outside, we think, between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m."

According to Kelly's best friend, Myra Wrenn, Kelly met Scott at a local nightspot. The two were engaged shortly thereafter and married an equally short period of time after that. Morris was allegedly very controlling, and he belittled her on a regular basis. Myra said Kelly had told her that Scott had threatened her in the weeks leading up to her disappearance, saying that if she left him, he would take their daughters with him.

Kelly did manage to leave Scott for several weeks in the summer of 2008, but he was able to talk her into returning to their home.

Roughly one week after the fire at Kelly and Scott's house, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the state Bureau of Investigation determined the fire was the work of an arsonist. Following that revelation, investigators named Scott a "person of interest" in the fire and in his wife's disappearance.

From the beginning of the case, Kelly's father, Pat Currin, searched night and day for his daughter.

"She was tenderhearted and a good momma. She was daddy's little girl," Pat said in an October 2008 interview with Investigation Discovery.

Pat, with the assistance of volunteer searcher Al Mignacci, obtained maps of every area in the region and set up a command post in the garage of his construction company. Pat pulled up manhole covers, drained local ponds, explored area streams and lakes, and set out on foot in some of the most treacherous areas.

"We will keep looking until she is found," Kelly's stepmother, Juanita Currin, said in January 2009. "Pat continues to devote every hour of every day to finding Kelly."

True to their word, the Currins spent over a year searching for Kelly. That search would, no doubt, be ongoing today were it not for a tip received by authorities in November 2009, that led them to human skeletal remains in a wooded area in Creedmoor. Those remains were later positively identified as Kelly’s.

"The news is bittersweet, but thank God we have some answers," Juanita told Investigation Discovery after receiving news of the positive identification.

As a result of the discovery, authorities charged Scott Morris with first-degree murder in the case and fraudulently burning a dwelling.

"He has no heart. He should not have anything to do with society or anybody else,” Kelly’s friend, Lisa Thompson, told wral.com.

Scott was ordered held without bond in the Granville County Detention Center.

On January 7, 2010, a District Court judge awarded full custody of Kelly's 6-year-old daughter to Pat and Juanita. Kelly's other daughter has been staying with her biological father since her mother's disappearance.

The most recent announcement in the Morris case came three weeks ago, when the Granville County district attorney announced he planned to seek the death penalty against Scott. The trial, which Kelly's friends and family members are anxious to attend, is expected to begin in the coming months.

To be continued…

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Photo Credits: Currin Family: Contributed; all others: Carla Lohr

Kelly Currin Morris Case Update

November 18, 2009

Yesterday, authorities in North Carolina recovered human skeletal remains that they believed belonged to Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who vanished on Sept 3, 2008. A press conference that took place this afternoon was expected to provide more details regarding the discovery; however it ultimately proved to raise more questions than answers.

According to Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins, his department received information on Monday that led police to the wooded area where the remains were recovered but he refused to comment further.

"We're doing the best we can,” Wilkins said. “I don't want to mess up anything we're doing by things getting out."

While Wilkins provided very little information on the remains, Kelly's family has stated that the remains were positively identified using dental records.

Meanwhile, new details have surfaced regarding the arrest of Kelly's husband, 35-year-old William "Scott" Morris. According to the arrest warrant, Morris has been charged with first-degree murder. He also faces a charge of fraudulently burning a dwelling. Morris is being held at the Granville County Detention Center without bond. His first court appearance has been scheduled for Dec. 2.

In related news, Chief District Court Judge Daniel Finch has signed an emergency order, granting Kelly's father and stepmother – Pat and Juanita Currin – custody of Scott and Kelly's 6-year-old daughter. A formal custody hearing is set to take place Friday.

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Photo Credit: Getty

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Authorities Believe They Have Found Kelly Currin Morris

November 17, 2009

Details remain sketchy; however authorities in North Carolina have reportedly found human skeletal remains that they believe belong to Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who vanished on Sept 3, 2008.

According to a source close to the investigation, the remains were found earlier today at a fox hunting club on Sam Moss Hayes Road in Creedmoor. No further details are available at this time.

Meanwhile, Kelly's husband, 35-year-old William "Scott" Morris, was taken into police custody late tonight and booked at the Oxford magistrate's office. Officials refuse to comment on the reason for his arrest.

Granville County Sheriff Brindell Wilkins said that more details will be released during a press conference scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday.

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Photo Credit: Scott and Kelly Morris: Currin Family

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Kelly Currin Morris – One Year Later

September 03, 2009

One year ago today, Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, vanished from her Stem, N.C., home. Despite an ongoing police investigation and multiple large-scale searches, Kelly has yet to be found. The reality of the situation is all too familiar for her friends and family members. Time, in this case, does not heal all wounds. Instead, it eats away at one's very soul, overshadowing all hope and replacing it with a sorrow that, no matter how hard one may try to ignore, simply won't go away.

"It has been a terribly frustrating year," Kelly's step-mother, Juanita Currin, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "Not only with Kelly's disappearance, but also in doing what is right for our family and children. I think that, while a lot of our focus has been on the search effort and continuing to keep the story out there, our efforts have also been to make sure her children are ok.  The balance is difficult. I don't think any of us thought when this happened that it would go on this long. Initially, I was thinking no more than a week or two. Never in our wildest dreams did we think it would be a year."

Not only is the passage of time difficult, but, add to that the multitude of promising tips and discoveries that turn out to be nothing – such as the case with a recent discovery of human remains in a nearby county that turned out to be those of another missing person.

"Every time that happens, it all resurfaces – everything we have been through the last year," Juanita said. "We get our hopes up and then we are left disappointed. It's very sad when the best you can hope for is to find her remains. It is very emotionally draining to have close calls or potential finds."

In an effort to make sure the community does not forget Kelly, her family has scheduled a vigil for 7 p.m. tonight in the daycare lot of Creedmoor Baptist Church at 119 South Main St.

"We are going to have music, speakers, the reading of a poem and a dove release," Juanita said. "We are determined to keep the story out there and we are determined to follow up on anything we need to follow up on in our ongoing search. I understand from law enforcement there are still things that they are following up on, so that brings us a relief that the investigation is still fairly active."

Officials with the Granville County Sheriff's Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will not comment on the case, other than to say that it is an "ongoing investigation." The most recent developments occurred last month, when Superior Court Judge Robert H. Hobgood authorized the search of a Road Runner e-mail address that belonged to Kelly. What, if anything, was found in it remains unknown.

In regard to the ongoing search effort, search coordinator Al Mignacci says that, despite having searched every area within a 15 mile radius of Kelly's home, he is not yet ready to give up.

"We continue to revisit areas that have already been searched, while, at the same time, expanding into new, unexplored areas," Mignacci said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "In addition to wilderness areas, we have also searched lakes and streams, and over 100 wells. We sonar the waterways, whereas, with the wells, we drop a camera down inside and check if there is any loose stuff down in there. We also have a probe we can use if they are not too deep."

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Kelly Currin Morris vigil planned to mark 1 year anniversary

August 26, 2009

Sept. 3 will mark the one year anniversary of the disappearance of Kelly Currin Morris.

Kelly, a 28-year-old mother of two, went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. The following morning, an arson fire destroyed her home. She has not been seen since, and her husband has been named a "person of interest" in the case.

Meanwhile, the search for Kelly continues every weekend. Anyone interested in becoming involved can receive more information by contacting the Kelly Currin Morris Command Center at 919-812-2310 or via e-mail at helpfindkelly@gmail.com. The command center is located at 2816 Old Weaver Trail in Creedmoor, North Carolina.

The family of Kelly Currin Morris is offering a $30,000 reward for information on her whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 919-812-2310.

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Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credit: Currin Family

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Human Skeletal Remains Found in Durham, NC

August 04, 2009

A hiker in Durham, NC, stumbled upon human skeletal remains in Eno River State Park this past weekend, sparking much speculation as to whether the remains could be Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, NC, home in September 2008.

According to Kelly Morris search coordinator Al Mignacci, the state park is located about 12 miles "as the crow flies" from Kelly's house.

The remains were found at about 6 p.m., Sunday, off a network of trails in the woods of West Point, a 388-acre park that is located along a two-mile stretch of the Eno River. The location is approximately six miles north of downtown Durham.

"These are human remains, very decomposed and in a very secluded area," Durham Police Sgt. Dale Gunter told newsobserver.com.

Authorities have yet to comment on the age, race, or sex of the victim. The remains have since been transported to the state medical examiner's office, where authorities are trying to make those determinations, as well as the cause of death.

According to a source close to the investigation, items found with the remains suggest that they are of an adult male; however, calls to the Durham Police Department to confirm this information have not been returned.

If the remains are male, they could be that of Jonathan Richard Gardenour, a 27-year-old man who was last seen walking near North Roxboro Road in Durham on March 31. Unfortunately, very few details have been released in that case. Investigators will only say that Gardenour is "endangered." He is described as a white male, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, and 170 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.

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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

Family of Kelly Currin Morris Seeks Custody of Granddaughter

April 01, 2009

A hearing to determine custody of Kelly Currin Morris's 5-year-old daughter was dismissed by a Durham County, N.C., judge on Monday after Kelly's father, Pat Currin, showed up at the hearing with a team of high-profile attorneys.

Monday's hearing was instigated by an attorney representing Kelly's husband, William "Scott" Morris.

In January, a judge granted Morris temporary custody of his daughter. The following month, Morris's attorney placed a legal notice in a Durham County newspaper, which stated that Kelly had 40 days to respond to the custody complaint. That time limit expired, and Monday's hearing was scheduled to resolve the issue.

At Monday's hearing, the Currin family filed a motion to vacate the current order. They also asked for emergency custody of their grandchild. The Currins' attorney cited several factors, including the fact that Morris had filed the custody action in a county adjacent to the one where both he and his daughter lived. The Currins believe that Morris did so in an attempt to keep them from having knowledge of the hearing.

The motion also contained police documents regarding Kelly's disappearance, the arson fire that destroyed her home, and the relationship that she had had with Morris in the months leading up to her disappearance.

"The defendant, William Scott Morris, was named a 'person of interest' in the pending investigation according to Granville County Sheriff David Smith," read court papers filed by the Currin family. "…During the months prior to Kelly Currin Morris's disappearance, the Defendant engaged in a pattern of emotional abuse directed toward Kelly and both her children ... Based upon information and belief, William Scott Morris is the primary suspect in the disappearance of his wife, Kelly Currin Morris, and may be arrested on charges related to her disappearance at any time. It will not be in the best interest of the minor child for her to be present when this occurs. Based upon facts and circumstances set out in the search warrant application, there is at least some probability that Jimmy Morris, the father of the Defendant, with whom the Defendant is residing, was also involved in Kelly's disappearance."

Kelly Currin Morris Child Custody Hearing Set for Today

March 30, 2009

A court hearing today will determine custody of Kelly Currin Morris's 5-year-old daughter.

Kelly, a 28-year-old mother of two, went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

In January, a judge granted Kelly's husband, William "Scott" Morris, temporary custody of the child. The following month, Morris's attorney placed a legal notice in a local newspaper, which stated Kelly had 40 days to respond to the custody complaint. That time limit has since expired.

Morris has been named a "person of interest" in his wife's disappearance and the arson fire that destroyed their home; however police have not yet charged him in connection with the case. As a result, if Kelly does not show up in court today he could be granted full custody of their child.

Kelly's other daughter, who is not Morris's biological child, is currently in the custody of Kelly's parents and is not subject to today's ruling.

An update on the judge's ruling will be posted upon its release.

Meanwhile, the search for Kelly continues every weekend. Anyone interested in getting involved can receive more information by contacting the Kelly Currin Morris Command Center at 919-812-2310 or via e-mail, at: helpfindkelly@gmail.com. The command center is located at 2816 Old Weaver Trail in Creedmoor, North Carolina.

Kelly Currin Morris Search Update

March 12, 2009

Due to weather predictions, the search for Kelly Currin Morris that had been planned for March 14 and 15 has been postponed.

Anyone interested in getting involved in the next search can receive more information by contacting the Kelly Currin Morris Command Center at 919-812-2310 or via e-mail, at: helpfindkelly@gmail.com. The command center is located at 2816 Old Weaver Trail in Creedmoor, North Carolina.

The family of Kelly Currin Morris is offering a $30,000 reward for information on her whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 919-812-2310.

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Photo Credits: Currin Family

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

Candlelight Vigil Planned for Kelly Currin Morris

March 06, 2009

Friends and family of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008, will be holding a candlelight vigil on March. 7, at  7:00 pm.

The vigil, which is open to the public, will be held at Butner Park, which is located on Central Avenue in Butner, N.C.

Meanwhile, the search for Kelly continues every weekend. Anyone interested in getting involved can receive more information by contacting the Kelly Currin Morris Command Center at 919-812-2310 or via e-mail, at: helpfindkelly@gmail.com. The command center is located at 2816 Old Weaver Trail in Creedmoor, North Carolina.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 2008, firefighters with the Stem and Providence fire departments were dispatched to a fire at the Morris's house, located at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road. The house and much of its contents were destroyed; however no one was home when the fire broke out. Kelly's husband, 34-year-old William "Scott" Morris, was allegedly at his towing business in Creedmoor and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 5, were in school at the time of the incident. It was initially believed that Kelly was in Raleigh, where she worked for Nationwide Insurance; however, investigators soon learned that she never showed up for work that morning.

Kelly's car, a burgundy 2005 Honda Accord, North Carolina license plate TXP-5917, was later found abandoned in an undeveloped subdivision, less than a mile from her home. Inside the locked car, investigators found Kelly's keys, purse, and cell phone.

When questioned by police, Scott Morris allegedly told them that he had not seen his wife since the previous night.

On Sept. 12, 2008, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the State Bureau of Investigation conducted forensic tests at the scene of the fire which, according to Smith, have revealed that the fire was the work of an arsonist.

The family of Kelly Currin Morris is offering a $30,000 reward for information on her whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 919-812-2310.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credits: Kelly: Currin Family

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

Police Release New Documents in Kelly Currin Morris Case

February 26, 2009

There have been new developments in the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

Authorities have released a new search warrant that was recently issued for an America Online account that allegedly belongs to Kelly's husband, William "Scott" Morris.

According to the warrant, police interviewed a "good citizen" on Feb. 13, who informed them that he or she had recently purchased an item from Scott Morris via the Web site Craigslist.

"Scott provided the citizen with his phone number and when the citizen spoke with Scott, Scott told the citizen where the item was located," reads the search warrant. "The citizen went to the house at the address Scott gave the citizen ... The citizen said the man he met there was named Connie Wright and Wright lived at the location. Wright was storing items for Scott and said he was helping Scott sell some of them so Scott could pay his attorney, Jerry Clayton."

The individual who purchased the item told police that it was still in the original packaging and appeared to have be shipped to Kelly, as her name and address was printed on a label attached to the package.

"E-mails are frequently used as a means of communication, and may therefore contain information that would be valuable in this investigation, potentially generate additional leads and may therefore lead to additional evidence of the crimes of homicide and/or arson," the warrant reads. "An examination of the records and communication held by AOL.com regarding the account is needed to gather information related to this investigation."

The items to be seized were listed as search records for the AOL account, subscriber information, address books, e-mails and files from Jan. 1, 2008 to Feb. 18, 2008, and any and all user data.

Read the Warrant

Investigators have not yet released what, if anything, was found.

Meanwhile, the search for Kelly Currin Morris continues.

"Our volunteer base has diminished," search coordinator Al Mignacci said in an e-mail to Investigation Discovery. "We must get the word out on our weekly search schedule. Without your continued support we cannot. Soon, spring will be here and the vegetation will be return, making it harder to search effectively. We need all the help we can get now."

Mignacci is requesting volunteer searchers for Feb. 28 and Mar 1. Anyone interested in getting involved can receive more information by contacting the Kelly Currin Morris Command Center at 919-812-2310 or via e-mail, at: helpfindkelly@gmail.com. The command center is located at 2816 Old Weaver Trail in Creedmoor, North Carolina.

On the morning of Sept. 4, 2008, firefighters with the Stem and Providence fire departments were dispatched to a fire at the Morris's house, located at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road. The house and much of its contents were destroyed; however no one was home when the fire broke out. Kelly's husband, 34-year-old William "Scott" Morris, was allegedly at his towing business in Creedmoor and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 5, were in school at the time of the incident. It was initially believed that Kelly was in Raleigh, where she worked for Nationwide Insurance; however, investigators soon learned that she never showed up for work that morning.

Kelly's car, a burgundy 2005 Honda Accord, North Carolina license plate TXP-5917, was later found abandoned in an undeveloped subdivision, less than a mile from her home. Inside the locked car, investigators found Kelly's keys, purse, and cell phone.

When questioned by police, Scott Morris allegedly told them that he had not seen his wife since the previous night.

On Sept. 12, 2008, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the State Bureau of Investigation conducted forensic tests at the scene of the fire which, according to Smith, have revealed that the fire was the work of an arsonist.

The family of Kelly Currin Morris is offering a $30,000 reward for information on her whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 919-812-2310.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credits: Kelly: Currin Family; Search: Carla Lohr

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

Human Skeletal Remains Found in North Carolina

January 08, 2009

Hunters in Mebane, N.C., have found human skeletal remains in a wooded area by Dickey Mill Road. The location is roughly 40 miles from the town of Stem, where Kelly Currin Morris disappeared on Sept. 3, 2008.

No further details are available at this time.

UPDATE: The remains have been identified as 49-year-old Tamara Ann Liner, a Burlington woman who went missing in July.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

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Family of Missing Mother Frustrated by Status Quo

January 06, 2009

January 4th was a particularly difficult day for friends and family members of Kelly Currin Morris, a missing mother of two who disappeared on Sept. 3, 2008. Not only was it the day after the four month anniversary of her disappearance, but it was also the day Kelly would have turned 29-years-old.

In lieu of a birthday party, nearly 200 friends and family member gathered for a prayer vigil in front of Butner-Stem Elementary. Rev. Lenny Rogers, pastor of First Baptist Church of Butner, presided over the vigil, which included the releasing of 140 balloons that carried personal messages from Kelly's loved ones.

"What these folks and family have been through is something few folks in life have to go through," Rogers said during the vigil.

Kelly's birthday was also remembered by Texas EquuSearch, a search and recovery group that has been involved in two large-scale searches for Kelly.

"We send our love and sympathy to Kelly's family and loved ones," said EquuSearch spokesperson Barbie Tarr. "We know how difficult the passing of important dates are for the families of the missing, and our hearts go out to them. We remain dedicated to those that love Kelly and if we are needed, we are there for them."

Meanwhile, Kelly's father, Pat Currin, and her step-mother, Juanita Currin, continue to spearhead the search effort.

"Some days we cope better than others," Juanita said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We're just frustrated and tired of the status quo. Something needs to happen. It has been four months and still nothing."

Despite the frustration, Juanita said that Kelly's family and friends would not stop searching.

"We will keep looking until she is found," Juanita said. "Pat continues to devote every hour of every day to finding Kelly."

Unfortunately, that search was recently hampered when an unknown person vandalized a K9 transport vehicle owned by Public Safety Dogs, Inc., a local nonprofit group that donates scent dogs to law enforcement agencies and also assists in missing person cases .

Please Help Find Kelly Currin Morris

December 12, 2008

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

Missing Person

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

Requesting:

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

Location of Search:

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

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

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

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Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credits: Kelly Morris: Pat Currin

New Development in Kelly Morris Case

November 21, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read the Warrant

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

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

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

Caylee Anthony Search is Suspended

November 09, 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discuss The Caylee Anthony Case

Full Coverage : Casey Anthony Case

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

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.

The Ongoing Search for Missing North Carolina Mother, Kelly Currin Morris

October 26, 2008

Friends and family of Kelly Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008, held a candlelight vigil Friday in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Creedmoor.

Over 200 people from the community came out to show their support for the Currin family.

Among those present was Kelly's best friend, Myra Wrenn, who read a speech that she had prepared earlier that day. Myra has shared a copy of that speech with Investigation Discovery. It reads in part:

"Good evening, everyone. My name is Myra. Kelly is a very dear friend to me and I would like to share a little story with you that Kelly and I once discussed:

The Dragonfly: Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to the community when one of their fellow beetles would climb the stem of a lily pad and would never be seen again. They knew when this happened; their friend was gone forever. Then, one day, one little water beetle felt an irresistible urge to climb up that stem. However, she was determined that she would not leave forever.

She would come back and tell her friends and family what she had found at the top. When she reached the top and climbed out of the water onto the surface of the lily pad, she was so tired, and the sun felt so warm, that she decided to take a nap. As she slept, her body changed and when she woke up, she had turned into a beautiful blue-tailed dragonfly with broad wings and a slender body designed for flying. So, fly she did! And, as she soared she saw the beauty of a whole new world and a way of life that was far superior to the one that she had known. Then she remembered her beetle friends and family and how by now they were thinking she was dead.

She wanted to go back to tell them, and explain to them that she was now more alive than she had ever been before. But, her new body would not go down into the water. She could not get back to tell her family and friends the good news. Then she understood that their time would come, when they, too, would know what she now knew. So, she raised her wings and flew off into her joyous new life!  

"The dragonfly is symbolic of change and of being okay with it. I think that we all understand that we will be going through some changes. I just think that we need to step back and realize that this change, unlike this story, was NOT Kelly's decision, nor was it ours.

"This is my personal cry and plea to you all. Find Kelly in your heart, find Kelly's babies in your heart, and find Kelly's family in your hearts. No one ever thought that this would happen. No one. Just remember that this could have been any one of us or one of our family members. "Domestic violence has got to stop! And we can all join in together as one team: Team Kelly Currin Morris.

"Please send your blessings to Kelly, Kelly's family and to all of those who are working so hard to let Kelly raise her wings and fly off to her joyous new life and away from hurt."

Understandably, Myra has been having a difficult time dealing with the disappearance of her best friend. In an email she sent me last Tuesday, she shared some of her hurt and the difficulty of trying to understand what happened. Her message read in part:

"How do you just let go of the fact that someone so close to you, someone you talk to three, four, five times a day, is just gone with the flash of a light? ... This is a woman who lived every day of her life for her children. They were first priority always ... As a friend, I could not have asked for a better friend. She would be there for you at the drop of a hat. No hesitations. I mean we are talking about a woman who laughed with everything she had ... She had the utmost respect for her dad. She loved him and would do the exact same for him as he has for her ... I will do anything in my power to keep Kelly alive. And I pray every day that this is just a terrible nightmare and I wake up realizing that my sister by soul is still here with me. We have been through so many life changes together and I can't see being able to go through anything without her."

My heart goes out to Myra and the Currin family. I hope that they soon receive the answers that they seek.

Kelly Currin Morris Candlelight Vigil

October 23, 2008

Friends and family of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008, will be holding a candlelight vigil on Oct. 24, at 7PM.

The vigil, which is open to the public, will be held in a parking lot across the street from the First Baptist Church in Creedmoor. The church is located at 119 S Main St.

Meanwhile, Texas EquuSearch remains in N.C. searching for Kelly Morris. They are still 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.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the search command post, which is located at:

2816 Old Weaver Trail
Creedmoor, N.C. 27522

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credit: Pat Currin

Investigation Discovery's David Lohr Live This Saturday

Investigation Discovery's David Lohr will be a live call in guest this weekend on True Crimes, a radio show hosted by Edgar Award winning true crime writer Burl Barer.

Topics of discussion will include the Casey Anthony and Kelly Currin Morris cases.

Listen live, this Saturday, at 2PM Pacific, 4PM Central, and 5PM Eastern.

For more information, visit:

http://adoraburl.typepad.com/burl_barer/2008/10/investigation-discoverys-david-lohr-live-this-saturday.html

David Lohr's Photo: Copyright Discovery Communications

David Lohr to be guest on War on Crime Radio

Investigation Discovery's David Lohr will be a guest on War on Crime Radio, on Sunday, October 26, at 10:00 p.m. Eastern, to discuss the case of Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony.

Criminal Profiler Dr. Maurice Godwin will also be on the show, to discuss the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008

For more information, visit:
Blogtalkradio.com/stations/HeadingRight/True_Crime

David Lohr's Photo: Copyright Discovery Communications

Kelly Currin Morris : Search Effort Slideshow

October 22, 2008

Yesterday, I posted a slideshow relating to the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

I have since created another slideshow, which contains photo's of the search effort. You can view it by clicking here.

The other slideshow contains photo's of places of interest in the case.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Kelly's photo courtesy of the Currin family

Kelly Morris Slideshows

We have put together a slideshow in the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

The slideshow contains images from key places of interest in the case that were taken by Carla Lohr: Slideshow- link fixed

A second slideshow of images by Carla Lohr, which will cover the search effort, will be up later today.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Call to Action Successful in Kelly Morris Case

October 21, 2008

I would like to personally thank the readers of this site for responding to our call to action in the case of Kelly Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. As a result of your efforts, the ABC News show, Good Morning America, has contacted the family and will cover the case on their show tomorrow morning.

We have made huge progress today, but please don't stop now and continue to send your messages to Greta Van Susteren and Nancy Grace.

UPDATE: Nancy Grace will be covering the case on Oct. 22.

We have proven once again that a community effort can make a difference. The Currin family thanks you!

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Kelly's photo courtesy of the Currin family

"Daddy's Little Girl," Kelly Currin Morris, Needs You!

October 20, 2008

"She was tender-hearted and a good momma. She was daddy's little girl." That's how Pat Currin described his missing 28-year-old daughter, Kelly Currin Morris. Pat attempted to share more details about their relationship - how they enjoyed riding horses and flying in his ultra-light plane - but he was unable to continue. The emotions overtook him, and streams of tears flowed down his face.

Pat is a good old country boy, a Southerner with a good heart who generally keeps his emotions in check, but when it comes to his daughter, when it comes to "daddy's little girl," even he can't hold back.

My job as a journalist is to use words to weave every thread of information into a story that you, the reader, can understand and on some level relate to. That job is much more difficult than it sounds, and whenever I work on a missing person case, it seems impossible.

How do you describe the love that a father has for his daughter and the pain that he has to endure without her?

Every child in this world should have a father like Pat Currin. It is obvious to one who has watched his actions in the last six weeks that his daughter was, and still is, the very center of his world. This is a man who has moved mountains to find his daughter and who is willing to go to hell and back to bring her home.

When I first met Pat, he told me and Tim Miller that he did not want either of us to beat around the bush. He said he understood that his daughter was dead and that he needed to bring her home. Looking into his eyes, I saw more pain and heartache than I had ever seen in my life. It is one thing to report on a crime from a distance, but it is another ball game when you expose yourself to the emotions of a grieving family. I never knew Kelly during her short life, but through her father, I have learned about the person that she was, and I've felt my own heartache because of her disappearance.

To understand Pat's love for Kelly, you need to know the efforts he has gone through to locate her.

Pat was one of the first people on the scene the day Kelly's house burned to the ground. When he learned the details of what happened, Pat immediately jumped in his plane and began flying over the area looking for her.

In the days that followed, Pat obtained maps of every area in the region and set up a command post in the garage of his construction company. Within hours dozens of calls to action had been made, and volunteers from around the state began to show up to offer their assistance. 

Pat organized searches, pulled up manhole covers, drained local ponds, explored area streams and lakes, and set out on foot in some of the most treacherous areas North Carolina has to offer. Snakes, water wells, and abandoned mine shafts be dammed! He had to find her. He had to find "daddy's little girl." 

By the time I arrived on the scene with Texas EquuSearch, Pat had covered a massive amount of terrain. The search effort he managed was, to say the least, impressive. Pat is committed to finding his daughter, and he will not give up until he does.

Kelly Morris Search Day 4

October 19, 2008

Today marks the forth day that Texas EquuSearch has been in North Carolina, searching for Kelly Morris.

We conducted several sonar and drone searches today.

There have been some other developments, which I will share here later. I am currently at the airport, waiting for my plane to arrive.

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

High-Tech Equipment Utilized in Kelly Morris Search

October 18, 2008

Texas EquuSearch conducted an intensive search today for Kelly Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two, who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

After dispatching searchers out to specific areas of interest, Tim Miller, myself and a handful of others went out to search ponds in and around the area of Kelly's burned out house. We used a small boat, equipped with side-sonar technology, to scan the bottom of the ponds for potential evidence in the case. (Two weeks ago, EquuSearch used the same technology to find a woman in Oklahoma, who had been missing for five years.)

We started off with a pond behind Kelly's house and branched out from there, until we had canvassed a total of seven ponds. The images taken from the sonar's memory card are currently being examined to see if anything of interest can be identified.

During the pond searches, we found a pair of rubber kitchen gloves discarded in a grassy area. We marked the find and brought in two cadaver sniffing dogs to examine them. The handler placed buckets, with air holes, over top of the gloves so that the dogs would not disturb any potential evidence. He then guided each dog around the buckets. Both dogs hit on the gloves, so the handler notified the sheriff's department. A deputy later came out and bagged the gloves for further examination.

We were initially intrigued by the find; however when the dog handler later questioned the property owner, we learned that he had recently lost the gloves in the woods when he was disposing of spoiled deer meat. He said that he had been wearing gloves because he had a fresh cut on his hand.The find turned out to be a dead end; however it did serve to show the effectiveness of the cadaver dogs, who had alerted to the smell of blood that had been left inside the gloves as a result of the property owners hand injury.

Following that find, we went back to the command center for a short break (between searching, take photos and blogging, I have been averaging 2 to 4 hours a sleep a night since I arrived in N.C.), during which time I was contacted by Dr. Maurice Godwin, President of Godwin Forensic Consultancy. Godwin said that he had grown up in the area and that during the 1980s he had worked as a police officer in Granville County. Godwin had read about the case here and was interested in using his Predator computerized system to identify specific areas of interest in the search. I put Godwin in touch with Tim Miller and within two hours Godwin's computer was able to identify a specific area of interest. Due to the sensitive nature of this information I cannot yet share that report; however I can say that Godwin is currently in route to the area and is expected to arrive sometime tomorrow.

While I was with Tim, searching ponds and other areas of interest, Gene Robinson, an EquuSearch team member, used a special camera to search several old wells and mines in the area. Gene was also going to use a drone plane - an electrically powered plane that is equipped with a high-resolution camera, however the weather conditions were not ideal for flying and that search was postponed until tomorrow.

NEW - Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

EquuSearch is still 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.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the command center, which is located at:

2816 Old Weaver Trail
Creedmoor, N.C. 27522

I will be flying out of N.C. tomorrow evening so that I can prepare for another trip to Orlando, Florida, to join EquuSearch for a second Caylee Anthony search. That search is set to begin on Nov. 8.

Volunteers Needed For Kelly Morris Search

October 17, 2008

Texas EquuSearch will begin the full scale search for Kelly Morris tomorrow at 8:00 a.m.

Kelly is a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. Investigators have named her husband, William "Scott" Morris, a person of interest in the case.

We 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.

Volunteers are asked to meet at the command center, which is located at:

2816 Old Weaver Trail
Creedmoor, N.C. 27522

We finished mapping out the search areas this afternoon and we were able to conduct several small scale ATV searches. We also explored wooded areas around Kelly's burned out house and led a K9 team out an area where someone had reported an "unusual smell."

I am going to the airport later tonight, to pick up Gene Robinson, an EquuSearch team member, who operates the drone plane – an electrically powered plane that is capable of flying in and out of remote areas. The drone is equipped with a high-resolution camera, which can be used to photograph specific areas so that they can be further scrutinized. To date, the drone has been successful in locating the remains of five missing persons.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Discuss The Kelly Morris Case

Related Links:
Full Coverage: Kelly Currin Morris Case

Photo Credits: Carla Lohr

Kelly Morris Search Update

October 16, 2008

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

My plane landed in Raleigh, North Carolina, at about 11:00 a.m. today. I drove straight from the airport to Stem, so that I could view the Morris home, the location where Kelly's car was found and various other points of interest in the case. I've sent those photos off to an ID producer, who is currently putting together a slide show, which will be posted here soon.

Tim Miller arrived in the area at about 7:00 p.m. We met at a local hotel and then went out to dinner with Kelly's father, Pat Currin, to discuss the search effort. Pat mapped out the areas that have already been covered and we discussed various scenarios in the case. He is truly heartbroken over his daughter's disappearance and is desperate for answers.

Since day one, Pat Currin has single handedly headed up the search for his missing daughter. He has spent countless hours searching wooded areas, lakes and swamps and has even used his own plane to scout out specific areas of interest. Conducting those types of searches is a tireless effort, notwithstanding the fact that he is out looking for his own flesh and blood.

The rest of the EquuSearch team is currently driving the RV command center up from Texas and they are expected to arrive sometime tomorrow. They are bringing a drone plane - a remote controlled plane equipped with a high tech video camera; side scan sonar - to search the waterways; and search cameras that are designed to explore areas that we cannot physically explore - manholes, mine shafts, etc.

Every search comes with its own risk - alligators, snakes, etc. and this search is no different. The wooded areas here are littered with old mine shafts. Unfortunately, many of these have never been covered up and in some areas there are large holes in the ground (some big enough to drop a truck into) that are hundreds of feet deep. As a result, we have to be especially careful in everything we do out in the woods.

Tomorrow, Tim and I will be meeting with Pat again to continue mapping out the search grid. At this point, it looks like the official search will begin on Saturday. As soon as the command post is set up I will post the location here.

Investigation Discovery to Join Search For Kelly Morris and Jamie Fraley

October 15, 2008

David Lohr will be joining Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, in North Carolina tomorrow to help search for Kelly Morris and Jamie Fraley.

Kelly Morris is a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. Jamie Fraley went missing from Gastonia, N.C., on April 8, 2008.

Kelly Morris: Kelly Morris Full Coverage

Jamie Fraley: Jamie Fraley - Help Find the Missing

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.

As soon as the location is set it will be posted here. Please check back for regular updates.

The Search for Caylee Anthony, Jennifer Kesse and Kelly Morris

October 13, 2008

I just received a call from Tim Miller, the founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, regarding the searches for Caylee Anthony, Jennifer Kesse and Kelly Morris.

In regard to the search for Caylee and Jennifer, Tim said that the conditions in Orlando, Florida, are not favorable at this time to continue those searches. Waters in the search areas remain high and the vegetation has not yet started to die off. As a result, both of those searches have been postponed until the first or second week of November.

For those of you not familiar with the Jennifer Kesse case, she is a 27-year-old woman who was last seen in Orlando on Jan. 24, 2006.

In related news, Jennifer's mother, Joyce Kesse, has allegedly signed a petition that was started to stop the Anthony family from profiting from an alleged movie deal. The message that is attributed to Joyce reads in part:

"Please DO NOT pay one cent for this reported upcoming movie. This is the most bizarre of all missing person's cases. The multitude of lies, mistruths etc is insulting to those of us with missing children, who do everything we can to find our children. Our daughter, Jennifer Kesse, age 24, abducted on January 24, 2006 from Orlando, with the Orlando Police Dept. as lead investigators, remains missing. This case will ultimately desensitize our communities when the next child goes missing due to this families actions or shall I say, lack of pro-activeness."

Meanwhile, Tim Miller said that EquuSearch is headed to North Carolina to organize a search for Kelly Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. I will be flying there on Thursday morning to cover the case and will be posting updates here. I will remain in the area until Sunday night. I don't often share my gut feelings, but in this particular case I have a strong feeling that something will be found during the search.

Dive Team Joins Search for Missing North Carolina Mother Kelly Morris

October 08, 2008

Authorities in North Carolina are continuing their search for Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

On Tuesday, a police dive team searched streams along around several Granville County bridges. Investigators will not say what prompted the searches; however last week a group of search volunteers did find a torn orange shirt and a yellow gas can near Robertson creek on Brassfield Road in Granville County. While nothing of interest was found during yesterdays search, investigators were able to rule out those areas as places of interest.

In addition to the search being conducted by the Granville County Sheriff's Office, Kelly's family and a group of local volunteers are continuing to conduct their own search for clues leading to Kelly's whereabouts. This past week they have been concentrating their efforts on an area the southeast of Creedmoor.

"Until [Kelly's parents] get some kind of closure, it's a nightmare they're not going to wake up from," volunteer Don Edmondson to NBC17.com. "The folks in this area have been coming out every day."

Meanwhile, the State today announced that they are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person(s) responsible for Kelly's disappearance. This reward is in addition to a $1,000 reward that is being offered by Granville County Crime Stoppers and a $30,000 reward that is being offered by Kelly's family.

Kelly Morris Disappearance Timeline

October 02, 2008

Sept 3, 2008 – According to William "Scott" Morris, his wife, Kelly Morris, goes outside to look for their dog at 9:30 p.m.

Sept 4, 2008 – At 11:19 a.m., a 911 caller reports a fire at the Morris home, located at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road, Stem, North Carolina. The house and much of its contents are destroyed; however, no one is home when the fire breaks out. Scott Morris is allegedly at his towing business in Creedmoor, and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 5, are in school.

It is initially believed that Kelly is in Raleigh, where she works for Nationwide Insurance; however, investigators learn that she never showed up for work that morning.

Kelly's car, a burgundy 2005 Honda Accord, North Carolina license plate TXP-5917, is found that afternoon abandoned in an undeveloped subdivision, less than a mile from her home. Inside the locked car, investigators find Kelly's keys, purse, and cell phone.

When questioned by police, Scott Morris allegedly tells them that he took a shower and went to bed while Kelly was out looking for their dog on Sept 3.

Friends of Kelly tell investigators that Scott and Kelly Morris had been having marital problems and that they slept in separate rooms. Investigators are also informed that Scott Morris allegedly has a bad temper, and that, in the past, he has punched holes in walls and thrown a computer through a window.

Sept. 10, 2008 – Investigators obtain Scott Morris's cell phone records, which indicate he had placed a phone call to his parents on Sept. 3 at 9:45 p.m.

Sept 12, 2008 – The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the state Bureau of Investigation conduct forensic tests at the scene of the Morris house fire that, according to police, reveal the fire was the work of an arsonist.

Police question Scott Morris's father, Jimmy Morris, who states that he received a call from his son on the night of Sept. 3, allegedly requesting that he come over to babysit the Morris's two children so that Scott could look for Kelly.

Jimmy Morris said that when he arrived at his son's house, Scott Morris allegedly never told him the story that Kelly had left to look for one of the family's dogs. Instead, he allegedly suggested that he suspected Kelly was out, cheating on him. Jimmy said that Scott then drove off in his green 1996 Toyota pickup, North Carolina license plate SPM-4848. Cell phone records indicate that Scott had received a call from his father at 10:59 p.m. The records further indicate that Morris' phone had utilized a Creedmoor cell phone tower. Morris called his father again at 11:56 p.m. It remains unclear what time Morris returned home; however, it is known that he took his children to school the following morning and met with a tow truck driver at approximately 8:15 a.m. on Sept. 4.

Police question Kelly Morris's daughter, who informs them that when she awoke on Sept. 4, both of the family's dogs were locked in crates inside the house.

Police name William "Scott" Morris a "person of interest" in his wife’s disappearance and in the arson fire that destroyed the Morris home.

A search warrant is reportedly secured in the case; however, it is sealed under a judge's order.

Possible Evidence Found in Case of Missing North Carolina Mother Kelly Morris

With all the media attention on Casey Anthony and her missing 2-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, only a handful of media outlets have been providing updates on the case of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008.

Over the weekend, a group of search volunteers found a torn orange shirt and a yellow gas can, which may be directly related to Kelly's disappearance. Both items were reportedly found not far from Kelly's home, near Robertson creek on Brassfield Road in Granville County.

According to a source close to the investigation, the shirt, which had been purposefully cut up to remove a name above the breast pocket, is allegedly similar to shirts that Kelly's husband, 34-year-old William "Scott" Morris, wears while working at his towing business in Creedmoor. The gas can is also of interest, given the fact that an arson fire destroyed the Morris home after Kelly's disappearance.

Investigators have yet to officially comment on the validity of the finds; however they have taken both items into custody and they are currently being examined at the Granville County Sheriff's Department.

This latest news comes on the heels of last week's revelation that investigators had obtained two search warrants in connection with the case. Unfortunately, both of those warrants - one obtained on Sept. 12 and another on Sept. 16 - have been sealed under a judge's order.

Search Warrants Served in Case of Missing North Carolina Mother Kelly Morris

September 23, 2008

Last week I brought you the story of Kelly Currin Morris, a 28-year-old mother of two who went missing from her Stem, N.C., home on Sept. 3, 2008. It has now been revealed that police have obtained at least two search warrants in connection with the case; however, both warrants - one obtained on Sept. 12 and another on Sept. 16 - have been sealed under a judge's order.

The Granville County Sheriff's Department will not comment on the search warrants, so at this time it remains unclear whether they are connected to a towing business owned by Kelly's husband, 34-year-old William "Scott" Morris. Police recently named Morris a "person of interest" in his wife's disappearance and in the Sept. 4 arson fire that destroyed their home.

Investigators have said there is no evidence suggesting that Kelly was home at the time of the fire; nonetheless, her family and a small group of volunteers have spent the last two weeks sifting through the charred debris looking for any evidence in the case.

Kelly's mother, Wanda Hollis, recently hired a canine team from Burlington, N. C., to join the search. The dogs, trained to track specific scents, have been guided around the burned-out home and also through some nearby wooded areas. So far they have been unable to direct their handlers to Kelly's whereabouts.

During previous run-ins with the media, Wanda had little to say about the relationship between Kelly and her husband; however, during a recent interview with WRAL.com, she described the marriage as strained and said that her daughter had considered leaving Scott Morris.

"I am not well at all," Wanda said. "I have been going through this with Kelly and Scott for the last year - with the problems ... I felt like if she stayed, something would happen. If she were to leave, something was going to happen."

On Friday, more than 400 people showed up for a vigil at Creedmoor First Baptist Church to pray for Kelly. One of the people at the vigil was a longtime friend of Kelly's named Myra Wren. During an interview with NBC17.com, Myra said she recognized that Kelly and Scott were having marital problems; however, she said the problems were "nothing that would have made me think this would happen."

Kelly Morris, Missing Mother of Two, May Have Been Murdered

September 17, 2008

With much of the nation focused on Casey Anthony and her missing three-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony, little coverage has been devoted to an equally disturbing case - the disappearance of a missing mother of two from Stem, North Carolina.

On the morning of September 4, 2008, firefighters with the Stem and Providence fire departments responded to a house fire at 3220 Tump Wilkins Road. The house and much of its contents were destroyed; however, firefighters were able to determine that the residents, 34-year-old William Scott Morris and his wife, 28-year-old Kelly Currin Morris, were not home when the fire broke out.

William Morris was allegedly at his towing business in Creedmoor and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 5, were in school at the time of the incident. It was initially believed that Kelly was in Raleigh, where she worked for Nationwide Insurance; however, investigators soon learned that she never showed up for work that morning.

Roughly two hours later, Kelly's car, a burgundy 2005 Honda Accord, North Carolina license plate TXP-5917, was found abandoned in an undeveloped subdivision, less than a mile from her home. Inside the locked car, investigators found Kelly's keys, purse, and cell phone.

When questioned by police, William Morris allegedly told them that he had not seen his wife since the previous night.

"He was the last person to see her alive on Wednesday night (Sept. 3) at their home," Granville Sheriff David Smith told NewsObserver.com. "She was allegedly going to find a pet dog that had got outside, we think, between 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m."

According to Smith, the dog later showed up without her.