http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/ en Copyright 2009 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:47:12 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Josh Smith went missing on his 23rd birthday, 11/04/2000....Josh had a problem at work that night and had come home early. His mother, Vicki had laid down to rest for awhile. Josh's father suggested Josh go back to work and work things out. All that was found at the beach of Josh was his shoes and his truck. Vicki had noone to help her search for her son and so she went out alone pushing a baby stroller hanging fliers, trying her best to reach the community for awareness of Josh missing. ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/04/josh_smith_mark.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/04/josh_smith_mark.php General Mon, 20 Apr 2009 07:47:12 -0500 David Atkins had gone out to a club; his grandfather's truck was later found in back of a nearby truck stop. His mother knew something was wrong when he did not bring his grandfather's truck back which he had borrowed....David was very close to his grandparents and would have brought the truck back. Darlene Briggs, of M.A.R.K said,"David's mother cared for his grandmother who was on oxygen, so my husband and I created this reward flier, using pictures of David that his mother had, hung the fliers and searched the area where David was last known to be. We could not help but feel David was at the wrong place, at the wrong time." ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/david_atkins.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/david_atkins.php General Wed, 25 Mar 2009 21:31:32 -0500 Sheena Johnson--Sheena lived at home; even though she had a cell phone, her mother, Mattie Mae, always insisted her daughters let her know where they were going; however on this particular day Sheena left the house without her Mom knowing where she was going. When her mom tried to reach her on her cell phone and there was no answer and Sheena did not call home her mother knew there was something wrong. They are a very close family. I met Mattie Mae, Sheena's sister Sharnell and many other members of Sheena's family as they joined us for a Community Walk we held for the boy's at Paxon Middle School Feb. 10th, 2007. There has been a lack of media attention in regards to Sheena. The first time Mattie Mae spoke in front of a group regarding Sheena missing was at a rally, M.A.R.K. had for Mark Degner and Bryan Hayes last year. Excerp from the Times Union February 11, 2008................ "There's someone out there who knows something. Put yourself in our place. Speak up," pleaded Mattie Johnson, whose daughter, Sheena, 21, vanished in September 2006 after stopping at a convenience store on the Westside. "It's been 17 months. I don't want to wait another 17 months. I want my baby here. That's my baby girl." Her husband, James Johnson, held a framed picture of his daughter. "Everywhere I go, I'm looking for her," he said. There is no reason to believe foul play is involved other than the non contact but Sheena is the daughter of Mattie Mae and James who love and miss her. If you have any information in regards to Sheena's whereabouts and wish to remain anonymous, contact M.A.R.K. through email, themark.d@gmail.com or the amandabrownfoundation.org, using our contact information. Sheena, should you read this message, please contact your mother and let her know you are OK and always keep in mind that the family has not given up and will continue to follow leads until your disappearance is resolved. ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/post_32.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/post_32.php General Sun, 22 Mar 2009 04:58:42 -0500 www.cruiseaweigh.com)has been active in support of the ABF, A to Z, M.A.R.K., to mention a few of the organizations battling crimes against children. There is so much work to be done in a world of abuse, abductions, kidnapping, mental and physical abuse of children and adults. We thank them for their time and contributions. ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/special_thanks_1.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/special_thanks_1.php General Sat, 21 Mar 2009 13:23:18 -0500 Missing, Abducted, Runaway, Kidnapped, better known as M.A.R.K is a Support Group made up of families who are experiencing a missing child or family member. Spokeswoman, Darlene Briggs said, "We started the group three years ago for missing persons in Jacksonville. March 23, 2009 will be the third year we have met with about eight families, giving support and encouragement in their time of need. We hope that our group never grows as that will mean that someone else is missing." Darlene is the grandmother of Mark Degner who has been missing since February 10, 2005. Mark and Bryan Hayes are listed on the ABF site. Darlene explained, "The majority are in their 20's except for John Rowan in his 40's...but they are all somebody's children." Many missing person cases do not get the exposure as some of the high profile cases. For whatever reason, as in the Degner / Hayes case, after awhile they are dropped through the cracks in light of the most recent missing person but as Darlene says, "They are somebody's children." Zach Bernhardt, of Clearwater, is another example of a young man that disappeared in the night and has grown older and less attention. Although the authorities have open cases on these youngsters, they are over burdened with new cases everyday. This is why M.A.R.K. was formed. To lend support and show families that there are people who know their hurt, feel their pain and are available to respond at anytime to anyone who calls. Darlene related an example of support, "One woman was so unable to deal with her only son missing that she could not even get out of bed and each day was difficult to greet; she would not meet with a group but I would go to her house. She is now doing pretty well and sought good professional Christian help." The Amanda Brown Foundation is honored that M.A.R.K. asked us to work with them in keeping the missing faces in public view. Darlene ended our interview with, "Thank you for your continued prayers for the boys and all the other missing children, that God will protect until He brings them home safe and sound. If you ever hear of someone needing our assistance please contact us. God Bless You" themark.d@gmail.com ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/m_a_r_k_a_support_group.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/m_a_r_k_a_support_group.php General Fri, 20 Mar 2009 07:31:32 -0500 DOB: Jul 13, 1992 Missing: Feb 10, 2005 Age Now: 16 Sex: Male Race: White Hair: Brown Eyes: Hazel Height: 5'1" (155 cm) Weight: 100 lbs (45 kg) Missing From: JACKSONVILLE FL United States Mark's photo is shown age-progressed to 14 years. He was last seen on February 10, 2005. He may be in the company of Bryan Hayes. It has been four years that teenagers Mark Degner and Bryan Hayes walked away from Paxon Middle School never to be seen by family and friends again. There is no indication of foul play and they may be in the area. Maybe one of you have seen them, thinking that they were reported missing a few years ago and have since been found, did not give it a second thought. If you have seen Mark or Bryan since February 10, 2005, please call the authorities and report it. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (Florida) 1-904-630-0500]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/_dob_jul_13_1992.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/_dob_jul_13_1992.php General Sun, 15 Mar 2009 17:22:50 -0500 Today is Amanda's Birthday and though she only lived seven short years, she is remembered and loved everyday. Instead of having a celebration of life as an eighteen year should be doing on her birthday with family and friends Roy and Sylvia will be visiting the Courtney Campbell Causeway in Tampa this evening to remember Amanda. The boat ramp located on the the north side of the Causeway is the spot where it is believed that Amanda's murderer, Willie Crain, launched his boat with Amanda's body in search of a spot to dispose of her. Amanda's remains have never been found but Crain sits on Death Row awaiting execution. He has remained on Death Row longer than Amanda lived on this earth and receives all the care to make sure he is comfortable through our tax dollars. Accompanying Roy and Sylvia this evening on the Causeway will be BJ and Randy Bernhardt, aunt and uncle of Zachary Bernhardt who has been missing since September 11, 2000. Zach was also eight years old upon his disappearance. BJ & Randy have been great friends with Roy and Sylvia through the years, supporting each other in every way possible. Roy said, "I don't know how we would have made it without BJ and Randy. Since our meeting they have stayed beside us and really helped us through some hard times." If you are available this evening to drop by the boat ramp on the Courtney Campbell Causeway, they will be releasing balloons in memory of Amanda and Zach, around 7 p.m. Adji Desir has been missing since 1/10/09, he is now six year of age, missing from Immokalee in Collier County. Roy, Sylvia, BJ and Randy will be going to Immokalee, tomorrow to talk with the family and authorities, offering any assistance they may need. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, www.missingkids.com ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/amandas_18th_birthday.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/03/amandas_18th_birthday.php General Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:06:05 -0500 By Larry Sullivan and Kristin Chambers Published: Saturday, February 28, 2009 1:57 AM EST SATSUMA - Searchers using dogs trained to find human remains continued searching woods and marshes Friday for a 5-year-old girl missing since Feb. 10. Accompanied by deputy sheriffs, the teams began combing the rugged area early Friday morning. The object of their effort is Haleigh Cummings, a blond-haired, brown-eyed kindergartner whose disappearance has brought the nation's attention to Putnam County. Authorities reported no findings on Friday. * No suspects have been identified in the case and no arrests have been made. No additional searches were planned today. As the hunt for Haleigh entered the weekend, Ronald Cummings was allowed to re-enter the doublewide mobile home he shared with his daughter on Green Lane. "He didn't want to go in the house," Teresa Neves, Haleigh's paternal grandmother, said Friday. "Haleigh filled that house with laughter. He cannot go in there and live without Haleigh. It still has all of her pictures, toys and memories. He can't do that." According to Neves, Cummings only entered the house to get clothes. About the time most Putnam residents left for work Friday morning, deputies and the dog-and-handler teams gathered on an empty lot not far from the Cummings' rented house. Their task was to finish a close check of property within a quarter-mile of the home. The land had been searched before. But Friday, it was different. It was the second day searchers led dogs trained to find dead bodies. "Today, it's going to be a lot rougher," Capt. Richard Harrell told the searchers. "Good news is two-thirds of it's done. Bad news is the third that's left is the worst part." The deputies were there for safety and in case a crime scene was discovered. The work would not be completed quickly, Harrell warned them. "It's very hard on the dogs, the area we're going into," he said. "So it will be moving slow." Haleigh's family knew the implications of the latest search, and fought to stay positive. "My baby's alive," Neves said. "I trust the detectives to find my baby. If you're looking in the woods or in the river, you're not going to find my child." Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, said that she was handling the situation "alright" and that she has even been out searching herself. She said she has feelings her daughter is near. "Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't," Sheffield said. "I don't know how I feel." Thursday night, the family and television viewers watched as more than a dozen deputies carefully searched a large trash bin of brush, leaves and construction debris not far from the Cummings home. The search was prompted by alerts given by three cadaver dogs. More than four hours later, and under the piercing glare of spotlights, authorities said nothing related to Haleigh's disappearance was found. "I was glad that she wasn't found last night," Sheffield said Friday. "That was a big relief." Authorities have deployed different types of searches in the wake of Haleigh's disappearance, which began when she was reported missing at 3:27 a.m. Feb. 10. The effort with the cadaver dogs was a routine response by investigators, said Capt. Dick Shauland, a spokesman for the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. "The search was not the result of any new information received, but was a routine procedure of re-checking areas that had been previously searched to be sure that nothing had been overlooked," Shauland said. While searches have been under way, the sheriff's office also has continued its criminal investigation into Haleigh's disappearance. This has included repeated questioning of the girl's family members and others who were around her, authorities said. Polygraph tests have been conducted, but investigators have not revealed the results. Putnam County authorities have been joined in the case by officers from Palatka, neighboring counties, state agencies and the FBI. Haleigh was last seen by neighbors playing outside the home Feb. 9. Misty Croslin, who is Ronald Cummings' girlfriend, was babysitting Haleigh and said she last saw the girl about 10 p.m. Feb. 9. Haleigh was gone at 3 a.m., Croslin has said. kchambers@palatkadailynews.com ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/teams_with_dogs_report_no_resu.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/teams_with_dogs_report_no_resu.php News Sat, 28 Feb 2009 07:59:28 -0500 Haleigh Cummings By Larry Sullivan and Kristin Chambers Published: Friday, February 27, 2009 1:16 AM EST SATSUMA - Authorities emptied a large trash container near the home of Haleigh Cummings after specially trained search dogs Thursday indicated a body might be nearby. There wasn't. And the search for the missing 5-year-old continues today. "We collected nothing tonight," Maj. Gary Bowling of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said. "We are relieved." * Three dogs "alerted" at the same spot during separate passes, the last at about 4:30 p.m. As a result, about a dozen detectives and heavy equipment were brought in to sift through the red 30-foot container inside River Villas. Crews, with the help of a backhoe and portable spotlights, removed the container's contents - brush, bags of leaves and a few items from a home construction project. "We decided it was prudent and responsible to go ahead and search through it," Bowling said. "We're just going through this item by item by item, and inch by inch." Four hours later, the container was empty. Authorities had no explanation, but said the dogs, trained to help find human remains, would have reacted to the scent from a bandage or personal hygiene items. Seven dog-and-handler teams Thursday canvassed Haleigh's neighborhood off U.S. 17 south of Palatka. Today, 12 teams were scheduled to search. Today marks the 18th day the 3-foot-tall, blond-haired kindergartner has been missing, triggering a massive search and criminal investigation by local, state and federal investigators. The trash bin examined Thursday had been checked before by bloodhounds and other searchers with no reaction, Bowling said. This marked the second time investigators have sifted through trash in the neighborhood. Authorities also checked 12 tons of trash collected from homes in the area by Waste Pro crews, Bowling said. Members of Haleigh's family were briefed by authorities when Thursday's search was finished. Some watched reports about the effort on television while hoping a body wouldn't be found. "I'm hanging in there," Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, said Thursday night. Earlier in the day, Sheffield was optimistic. "That they haven't found her - dead - makes me feel better, because I know she's out there, I know she's alive and she is coming home," Sheffield said "But I am very satisfied with what the sheriff's office is doing." Meanwhile, authorities late Thursday released the blue-and-white doublewide mobile home where Haleigh was last seen. It had been surrounded with crime-scene tape and repeatedly searched since Feb. 10. The search with so-called cadaver dogs is designed to ensure nothing is being overlooked. "The dogs are trained in finding cadavers, which will hopefully rule out the search of Haleigh in this area," Pat Totillo, a member of K9 Search and Rescue of Orange City, said. "The best scenario, of course, is that they don't find anything." Teams searched within a quarter-mile of the Cummings home. "It's good they are eliminating the possibility, but I don't think she's out there," Teresa Neves, Haleigh's paternal grandmother, said. "I feel like my granddaughter's alive and that's my faith and hope." According to Totillo, the dogs alternate between searching for 45 minutes and resting for 45 minutes. More than 2,000 leads are still being investigated by authorities. Recently reported sightings have been negative, but hope remains for family members. "There's always a feeling in your stomach that she's there, and when it's not her, it's disheartening, " Neves said. "We're just trusting the detectives to bring our baby home." Anyone with information about Haleigh is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477. lsullivan@palatkadailynews.com kchambers@palatkadailynews.com In this case, NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/dogs_prompt_police_to_sift_thr.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/dogs_prompt_police_to_sift_thr.php News Fri, 27 Feb 2009 08:31:58 -0500 Willie Crain, child predator and murderer will not be present in the courtroom for the scheduled hearing next week. He has opted to remain in the comfort of his home on Death Row rather than face his accusers and hear the truth about his atrocious crime. Crain abducted Amanda Brown on 9-11-1998 and Amanda has never been found. Evidence led to his arrest and conviction thereby earning him a place on Death Row at Union Correctional Institute. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th at 9:00 a.m., courtroom 28 on the fourth floor of the courthouse annex. http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/willie_crain_stays_home.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/willie_crain_stays_home.php General Sat, 21 Feb 2009 08:01:36 -0500 Roy and Sylvia went to Satsuma to offer any assistance and advice they could to the family during these very trying hours. If anyone is aware of the stress that the family is experiencing, Roy and Sylvia do. Roy said that he learned from the paternal grandparents that Haleigh, like most little girls, loves to put on make-up. She will paint anyone's fingernails that will let her and finds it funny to put it on her Dad who she loves very much. Her favorite color is purple. Haleigh is in our hearts and prayers everyday. May God bring her home safely. ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/a_personal_side_to_haleigh.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/a_personal_side_to_haleigh.php General Fri, 20 Feb 2009 23:47:01 -0500 Haleigh BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Thursday, February 19, 2009 12:21 AM EST Palatka Daily News Investigators searching for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings are reviewing more than 1,200 tips. In addition, Putnam County sheriff's detectives on Wednesday again questioned the girl's father, Ronald Cummings, and his girlfriend, Misty Croslin. The questioning was conducted at the sheriff's office headquarters in Palatka. * "That's a continuing part of our investigation," said Dominick Pape, special agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's office in Jacksonville, which is assisting Putnam County authorities. "As leads are developed we will always be bringing back in the family members," Pape said during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. "As this case goes on and we feel the need to bring them in, we will. They've been very cooperative with us." Pape and Capt. Dick Schauland, a spokesman for the sheriff's office, on Wednesday continued the refusal of authorities to publicly discuss results of the intensive investigation by local, state and federal officers. Haleigh, a kindergartner, was reported missing from her home in Satsuma on Feb. 10 and no trace of her has been found. Her disappearance triggered a massive search in and around the Hermits Cove neighborhood, not far from the St. Johns River in South Putnam. Croslin, who was babysitting both Haleigh and her 4-year-old brother Ronald Cummings Jr., said she last saw the girl at 10 p.m. Feb. 9. Haleigh was reported missing a few hours later at 3:27 a.m. Though the number of tips continues to swell, Schauland said information from the public likely would play a critical role in solving the case. "Of course we're following up every one of them," he said during the press conference. "Sooner or later the one we need is going to come up and it's going to make the difference." Schauland added, "There's no persons of interest or suspects." Meanwhile, rewards totaling $16,000 are being offered for information leading to the discovery of Haleigh. The bulk of that fund, $10,000, was given to local authorities by "an anonymous contributor here in Putnam County," Schauland said. Another $5,000 was provided by the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation of Modesto, Calif., and $1,000 is being offered by Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida. Haleigh is described as 3 feet tall and weighing 39 pounds with blond hair. Investigators are not discouraged as the case goes into its 10th day, Pape said. "Are we frustrated? Absolutely," he said. "We wish we had this resolved Day One. But discouraged, absolutely not." No ground or water searches were conducted Wednesday and none were planned for today, though that could change quickly, Schauland said. "If something comes in that needs to be done, we'll get the officers out there," he said. Authorities ask anyone with information about Haleigh's disappearance to contact them by calling Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477. Staff writer Chris DeVitto contributed to this report. lsullivan@palatkdalynews.com ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/lawmen_seeking_answers_investi.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/lawmen_seeking_answers_investi.php News Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:57:11 -0500 BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:29 AM EST Palatka Daily News Haleigh Cummings wasn't wearing a pink T-shirt when she disappeared from her South Putnam home more than a week ago, authorities say. On Tuesday, the Amber Alert description for the 5-year-old girl was revised. The T-shirt cited in the statewide notice is being held by investigators. Law enforcement has that in our possession, Rick Ryan, chief deputy of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, said Tuesday. The Amber Alert was revised at 2 p.m. Tuesday. We changed information that young Haleigh was in fact not wearing a pink shirt as reported at the time of her disappearance, Ryan said at a late afternoon press conference in Palatka. The FDLE Web site has been updated as well as our signboard. Ryan declined to say when or where authorities obtained the shirt. We have an obligation to not jeopardize this investigation by releasing any information, he said. We are not going to talk about any investigation pertaining to this pink shirt. The description was based on information provided to deputies by Misty Croslin, the 17-year-old girlfriend of Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings. Croslin told authorities and the Daily News that she was asleep in the house with Haleigh and Haleigh's 4-year-old brother, and realized Haleigh was missing when she awoke about 3 a.m. Feb. 10. The 911 call reporting Haleigh's disappearance was made at 3:27 a.m. Authorities hope the public's attention will not be distracted by the change. Now we want people focusing in on the face because we do not know at this time what the clothing was, said Dominick Pape, special agent in charge of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's Jacksonville regional office. Tuesday's revelation would be another change in the account Croslin has given authorities and the news media. At one point, she said she was sleeping in the same bed with Haleigh, then said she was in a separate bed. In interviews with reporters, these inconsistencies have been attributed by Croslin and Cummings as a misunderstanding. Croslin also has denied any wrongdoing. In other developments: More than 1,000 tips have been phoned in about the case. Some 300 homes and 210 vehicles were checked during a sweep of Haleigh's neighborhood Monday night. One tip prompted a renewed search of the St. Johns River, which is close to the Cummings home. Wide-ranging searches of woods and other areas have been suspended, with authorities conducting smaller searches as warranted. Staff writer Chris DeVitto contributed to this report. lsullivan@palatkadailynews.com Palatka Daily News Putnam County authorities are still asking for the public's help in finding Haleigh Cummings, the 5-year-old Satsuma girl who was reported missing Feb. 10. The county sheriffs office has received more than 1,000 tips about Haleigh. Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida, in response to the heavy call volume, has agreed to manage the tip line, said Suzanne DeWees, executive director of the anti-crime organization. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477, DeWees said Tuesday. Also, Crime Stoppers also has a text tipping program, and offers Web tipping as well. Go to westopcrime.com to submit a Web tip. Or, they can text by phone to tips231 plus their message and send to crimes. ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/clothing_description_for_missi.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/clothing_description_for_missi.php News Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:35:49 -0500 BY LARRY SULLIVAN Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:08 AM EST Palatka Daily News SATSUMA - Haleigh Cummings vanished a week ago. Authorities marked that depressing anniversary about 5 p.m. Monday by imposing roadblocks and going door-to-door in the 5-year-old's South Putnam County neighborhood. The show of force was exactly one week after Haleigh was last seen in public by neighbors in Hermits Cove. More than 100 local, state and federal officers combined for the sweep. "We're checking people coming in and out of the area in hopes that they might have seen something," Rick Ryan, chief deputy of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, said as officers worked in the twilight nearby. The sweep was designed to include any residents who may have been away from home when Haleigh disappeared, Ryan said. "There's a possibility someone who might have seen something was on vacation," he said. "There is nothing that prompted this. We didn't get any tips or anything like that today." The sweep is part of the state Child Abduction Response Team plan the sheriff's office implemented within hours of Haleigh's disappearance, Ryan said. Questions asked of residents and motorists included names, vehicle descriptions, how often they travel the area and what and who did they see a week ago. "If they didn't see any of that, we're asking them if there is anything else they want to tell us about the situation," Ryan said. At the roadblock on Buffalo Bluff Road, deputy sheriff Nicole Quintieri asked motorist Reginald Robinson the list of questions. "If you hear anything that would help us, please call us at the sheriff's office," she said. Robinson said deputies were "doing the right thing." "I have two daughters of my own and I live 10 miles down the road," he said. "This is real scary, especially when you have two daughters of your own." Meanwhile, at a press conference Monday afternoon in Palatka, Sheriff Jeff Hardy urged residents to remain positive. "Don't lose hope. In fact right now, hope is probably the best thing that we have," Hardy said. "We have hope that we're gong to find Haleigh and bring her home alive." He said investigators were re-interviewing people they have already questioned including Haleigh's family members "and their associates." The reason is simple, Hardy said. "We don't have all of our questions answered and we don't have Haleigh," he said. Hardy, however, declined to specify where leads have taken investigators. "This search is not limited to Putnam County, I can tell you that," he said. Haleigh was last seen Monday night asleep at home, Misty Croslin has told authorities. Croslin, 17, is the girlfriend of Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, and was babysitting Haleigh. Haleigh was reported missing ay 3:27 a.m. Feb. 10. As a full week has passed since with no sign of Haleigh, the response of authorities has gone from widespread to more focused, with officers engaging in what Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent Dominick Pape called "a tactical search" following leads. For instance, about 60 lawmen checked an area south of Satsuma during the day Monday. Pape described this as "the next mode" in the case. "We don't stop searching," Pape said. "We will continue searching until she is found." Gigantic sweeps of woods and swamp by volunteers on horses, four-wheelers and on foot have been scaled back or even stopped. EquuSearch, the Texas-based organization of specially trained horse-borne searchers, packed up and left on Monday after several days in Putnam County "With all the ground we covered, it's getting frustrating," Tim Miller, the group's founder, said Sunday. Miller, who took Haleigh's father on horseback during Sunday's search, said the group had done its best. "I guarantee you that everything is covered," Miller said. "We won't hear of a deer hunter next year finding her. We just haven't been lucky enough to find her." Items found on the ground by searchers are being examined by crime lab specialists, but nothing related to Haleigh's disappearance has been recovered by volunteers, Hardy said. Meanwhile, the criminal investigation launched shortly after Haleigh disappeared continued in earnest Monday. Investigators questioned several people, including relatives of Haleigh, on Monday, Hardy said. The investigation into Haleigh's disappearance, which Hardy has labeled an abduction, is a cooperative effort of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, FBI and FDLE. More than 500 tips have been phoned in to the sheriff's office. "We're continuing to receive numerous tips and we're continuing to diligently follow up on each and every one of them," Hardy said. There have been a couple of false sightings reported to authorities, Hardy said. "People are on edge and a bit nervous," he said. Authorities are still asking for the public's help in finding Haleigh and identifying who took her. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477. Staff writer Chris DeVitto contributed to this report. lsullivan@palatkadailynews.com ]]> http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/post_28.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/post_28.php News Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:25:39 -0500 Willie Crain, Child Predator, molester, kidnapper MURDERER and a slug of life will be in Tampa again trying to lie and weasel his way out of prison. Crain abducted Amanda Brown and ultimately killed her, disposing of her lifeless body, who knows where as she has yet to be found. Crain was convicted of the murder and sentenced to death now living, eating, and being cared for by the tax payers of Florida. On the other hand, the Browns, family and friends have lived not knowing where Amanda may be and have never been able to give her a decent and respectful burial. If you want to support the Brown family, if for only a couple of hours, during the court hearings just be at the Hillsborough County Court House Annex on February 24th thru the 27th at 9 AM. Watch this site for any changes of times or dates. http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/willie_crain_still_trying.php http://www.amandabrownfoundation.org/archives/2009/02/willie_crain_still_trying.php General Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:43:40 -0500