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February 27, 2008
WHAT IS THE MOTIVE?
Topics: GeneralIt has been several days since Mark Lunsford filed his Notice of intent to sue the Citrus County Sheriff's Office and the response by the public is overwhelming. It seems that Mr. Lunsford has created a lot of controversy surrounding the investigation of Jessica's death.It seems that most people see him as an opportunist, trying to make a dollar off of his murdered child. The responses are about four to one against his notice to sue. There are those who are true to the cause and feel that the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is responsible for Jessica's death, supporting his intent.
I watched this case unfold and watched the trial on TV. As a retired Florida Law Enforcement Officer, I was proud of the way it was handled as the Georgia Authorities nearly blew the case by not following procedure. Sheriff Dawsey's Office followed the letter of the law and checked everyone and every detail, which ultimately led to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Jessica's death.
For those of you who are critical about the procedure followed I suggest that you read Florida and Federal Law pertaining to Search & Seizure and Interrogations of suspects. Once you have read those laws, go back and pinpoint where the Sheriff failed.
Blame? There is enough to go around. Starting at the family level, where was Mr. Lunsford on the night his daughter disappeared? It was a week night and he came home early morning to discover his child missing. As a single parent, it is his responsibility to care for his child. The argument has been raised that he is entitled to a night out. Yes he is. Go out for the evening; return home at a reasonable hour to be sure Jessica is in for the night and I would guess that she would have some form of school the next morning. He left his daughter home with his parents is the other argument so he should have been able to party all night as Mom & Dad will care for Jessie. He was right but somehow an adult in the house did not lock the doors upon retiring for the evening. It had to be Mom or Dad.
Why are Mark and his wife divorced? Why is he the custodial parent? Why wasn't Jessie left with her mother if he was to be out with friends? So many questions to be answered and if the law suit goes forward, maybe, we will have the answers.
How long had this sexual predator been watching Jessie? How long did he have to develop the patterns set by her father as he came and went? Did the grandparents go to bed at the same time every night? At this age Jessie should have been taught that she is not to go with anyone unless her family was aware. Why wasn't there an apparent struggle? We will never know as the killer is a liar who denied any involvement at the onset. Now that he has indicated that she was alive for several days, the Lunsford's and the attorney's want to believe him.
There have been accusations that Mark has many expensive "toys." I don't know from my own knowledge but if he does I have to ask, "Why was money spent on personal items that could have been put towards the goals of the JML Foundation. A Hummer? There are so many nice less expensive gas eating vehicles available in the industry. An RV? Maybe an expense if there is a lot of traveling and the cost of hotel or motel can be saved by traveling in the RV. I really can't see the expense for a boat when it could have gone to the Foundation.
The argument from those who sympathize with what Mark has gone through in the loss of his daughter is a valid point with one exception. He is not the only one who has endured a tragedy such as this in the State of Florida or in the United States. There are so many more who have lost a child and grieve each day and have for years. None have sued the people who have tried to help them. None of them have had to be in front of the camera and for Mark Lunsford to say that his relationship with the Sheriff of Citrus County was "political" is a slap in the face to all that supported him in the past. Anyone keeping with the investigation saw the pain and sympathy of the Sheriff at each news conference. Sheriff Dawsey was steadfast in his belief that John Couey was the killer and would be convicted in a court of law.
The statistics listed for the 2007 Jessie's Ride was approximately 2000 riders. The stats for this year, 2008 was 200 riders. This speaks volumes for the lost support from his peers. Why? I have no idea except they may be some of ones who are upset with his new life style.
Jimmy Ryce, age 9, kidnapped and murdered 9-11-1995; Amanda Brown, age 7, abducted and killed 9-11-1998; Carlie Brucia, age 11, abducted and murdered in February 2004; Sarah Lunde, age 13, abducted, strangled and murdered 2005; Zachary Bernhardt, age 8, missing since 2000 and has yet to be found. The list goes on for parents all over the world and unfortunately Mr. Lunsford is not the only grieving parent but the families of the children (victims) listed above have worked diligently with law enforcement at all levels, The Missing Children Foundations and other families to help improve the safety for our children.
I believe Mr. Lunsford, like so many that have been thrust into the limelight by the media, thought that everyone stood behind him and decided to follow some stupid advice. From the viewpoint of my peers, there has always been some doubt as to his veracity but kept their opinions to themselves. Now that Mr. Lunsford has opened the can of worms, everyone is speaking out. It would not be a surprise if the IRS began an audit. Hopefully, all is above board and the donors can continue to feel they have helped.
Personally I do not believe he will pursue the law suit as he has already experienced the wrath of the public and will find a way to bow out gracefully. I expect a negative effect to his foundation(s) but it will not affect Jessie's Law.
Sheriff Dawsey, stand by your convictions! All of the volunteers are not forgotten and were a large part of the investigation.
Say a prayer for all of those listed above and the many many more that are not. May we all find peace within ourselves and spread it to our neighbors.
Posted by admin at February 27, 2008 9:48 AM
Comments
Now that's hitting the nail on the head u go Bud.
Roy Amanda's Dad
Posted by: Roy Brown at February 27, 2008 7:50 PM
