Unidentified Child found in box, Galveston, TX *merged threads*

[jodierenee]

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5257997.html

The decomposing remains of a child have been found in a box in a remote area of Galveston Bay, officials said.

A fisherman spotted the box and reported it to the Galveston County Sheriff's Department around 10:38 p.m. Monday, sheriff's Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo said in a statement today.

Investigators who went to the island several miles west-southwest of the Galveston Causeway confirmed the box contained human remains, apparently those of a child, Tuttoilmondo said.

Taking care to disturb the box's contents as little as possible, deputies transported it to the Galveston County medical examiner's office, where an autopsy to determine the child's identify and the cause of the child's death was expected to be conducted today.

[concernedperson]

Oh no, not another one. It just breaks my heart to read about people disposing of children. Has anyone been reported missing in Galveston?

[teonspaleprincess]

I am sick of people doing this. I hope they are found quickly and put away. Someone somewhere has to be missing this baby.

[SuziQ]

More details:

Sheriff's deputies confirmed the man's report and the primary results from the autopsy are that the body is that of a female child, between 2 and 5 years old with blonde hair. The Galveston County medical examiner found one or more scull fractures on the child, who is believed to have been dead for more than two weeks.
The child was found with a matching top and skirt, possibly pink, with 3/4 inch sleeves. She was wearing size 2T Cherokee brand clothes. The shoes are white sneakers children's size 8 1/2 with purple heels that light up.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5733756

[SuziQ]

So far I'm not finding anyone that young missing recently. If her family or caregivers haven't reported this baby missing, then they are probably the ones responsible.

[Taximom]

Probably a mom/dad/boyfriend deal again. That poor baby. RIP little girl.

I didn't click on this thread all day because I thought it was about the really old case of an unidentified (boy?) child found in a box. Sad that there is another one.

[SuziQ]

Found these at missingkids.com

http://tinyurl.com/2x7wxw

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

http://tinyurl.com/2f75qz

http://tinyurl.com/26ukql

[Spazkat9696]

I don't understand what makes someone think this is OK.

[Spazkat9696]

Probably a mom/dad/boyfriend deal again. That poor baby. RIP little girl.

I didn't click on this thread all day because I thought it was about the really old case of an unidentified (boy?) child found in a box. Sad that there is another one.

That's what I thought too. I don't know why I must be thinking of another case.

[Lisahas2cats]

The child was found with a matching top and skirt, possibly pink, with 3/4 inch sleeves. She was wearing size 2T Cherokee brand clothes. The shoes are white sneakers children's size 8 1/2 with purple heels that light up.

It's these details that make me cry :(

[jodierenee]

more details:

A preliminary autopsy report completed Tuesday indicated one or more skull fractures, but further examination is needed to determine the time and cause of death, he said.

"The mere fact that this is a 3- to 5-year-old child makes this one disturbing," Tuttoilmondo said. "These are the kind of cases we take personally."

The decomposing body was found on a marshy sandbar in an area known as Greens Cut where there is a break in the barrier separating West Galveston Bay from the Intracoastal Waterway. Tuttoilmondo estimated the cut is about five miles southwest of the causeway.

The girl had blond hair reaching to the middle of her back, was 32-34 inches tall and 25-30 pounds, Tuttoilmondo said. She was wearing a matching pink top and skirt. The top was a pullover with three-quarter length sleeves and the bottom was a broom skirt.

She wore white tennis shoes, size 8½, with Velcro closures, purple designs and LED lights.

Tuttoilmondo said investigators also would be looking for evidence on the body, such as hairs and fibers. Anyone with information should call the Sheriff's Department at 409-766-2222 or 866-248-8477.

[laini]

This is so sad. I am guessing the parents did this. Hopefully a family member will see it and question things. That is how the identities of Princess Doe, and the little angel with the coat with pink hearts were found - family members spoke up.

The description of this child is my daughter to a T. :*( Right down to the blond hair to middle of back and the clothes.

I haven't seen anything on this in the media except for on here. TIA for any updates.

[Squishified]

So sad. :( Hope they identify her soon.

[Teresa Larson]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:

[SadieMae]

These stories ALWAYS sicken me!!! Who could kill and throw away a sweet baby like that!!!???

[Lisahas2cats]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:

I do need to respond to this :).

My DD just turned 3, and she is barely 23 pounds. In fact, I suspect she has lost a couple of ounces in the last couple of weeks. She probably would have been a tiny human regardless, but she has the added complication of having Crohn's Disease, an autoimmune disorder that affects the digestive system. We can feed her till the cows come home, but she still has a very hard time gaining unless she's on steroids for a flare (but another problem with Crohn's is that she sometimes has absolutely no appetite, so we can't even get much food in her at times).

We've gotten "those looks" before because DD is so tiny and thin, so we have to do a lot of education on the disease.

Having said all that, the baby in this case probably was mistreated and underfed, since she probably was killed by her "caregivers". But I did have to interject and say that pitifully skinny doesn't mean not fed well (or that the parents aren't trying), or abused.

Please read all that in the friendly tone it was written, not the snippy tone that it could be misinterpreted! :D
Lisa

[mama2echo]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:


i know there was already a response to this, but my dd is a healthy 3 and a half year old and wears alot of 2t stuff still...shes barely 27lbs but shes really tall for her age so she looks like a really skinny 4 year old...

we get that alot "wow shes so tiny?! shes 4 right!?"

and my dd is a size 8.5 - 9 shoe too

[LionRun]

I agree that if there is in fact no matching missing child report that one or both parents may be involved in the horrific loss of this little girl. I avoided this thread until I finally felt I could stand to read it. This act and all of those like it sicken me beyond words. I know all of you dear posters feel the same way.

When I see the words baby Jane Doe, John Doe, or UID, it seems so impersonal--though none of us or LE mean for that to be. How do you feel about calling this precious child Princess Angel at least until her name in life can be given back to her?

Lion

[laini]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:

My daughter is 4. She weighs 33 lb and wears 8 1/2- 9 1/2 shoes. She can wear 2T to 4T. And she is healthy.

[dimples37398]

My daughter just turned 5 a few weeks ago and she is 38lbs and about 38 inches tall(she was only 18.5 inches when born and 6.9lbs). She wears a size 9 1/2 shoe now, she is just small like her mommy and daddy....I am 5'1 and hubby is 5'8 barely. She was about 3 1/2 - 4 yrs old when she wore a 8 1/2 shoe and she could still wear some 2t clothes. All of my kids were able to wear 2t clothing at 3-3 1/2 yrs old. My son is 2 1/2 yrs old and can still wear alot of 18 month stuff......he is super short, but with height and weight chart he is perfect because he is the perfect weight for how short he is.

My son who is 2 1/2 wears about a size 7 1/2 shoe. He is about 26 lbs. and not real sure of the height but I could measure if need be.

I am really guessing this little angel girl was 3 1/2 yrs old.......I am going by all 3 of my kids which were on the smaller side....

[LovingTheChaos]

They are calling her Baby Grace. Someone IS missing this baby - I am praying she is identified soon....

http://www.click2houston.com/news/14481052/detail.html

""Someone is missing this child," Galveston County Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Pustilnik said. "There is a grandparent who hasn't seen their grandchild in the last couple of weeks. There's a playmate who's missing their playmate and hasn't seen them for a while. There's an aunt, there's an uncle someplace -- maybe locally, maybe somewhere in this state, maybe somewhere around this nation.""

[kline]

As a father this kind of case disturbs me beyond words.
I can only hope the soulless animals responsible for this gets whats coming to them ,knowing as I say that they probably wont.
At least by anyone's definition of justice, and even if they did, it wont undo what this poor child probably suffered.

[dimples37398]

I wonder if they might release photos of the shoes or outfit, that might really help people alot with a flashback of a child they know wearing that outfit or those shoes.......

Kel

[OrdinaryLife]

I haven't responded earlier to this beyond sad, sad case until now. I wish I could have simply held this child, in a gentle bear hug, and let her know she was special, beautiful, and loved. This breaks my heart in so many places.:(

For what it's worth, her Cherokee clothing is sold through Target stores. There are several Target stores that are within travel distance of where this Angel was found. Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Pearland, Baytown, and Galveston.

Where this Angel was found on a small island near the intracoastal waterway, I wonder how far this/these murderous people would have traveled to dump her body. There is Dike road leading out of Texas City that ends at Galveston Bay. I wonder what type of plastic container she was found in. Certain name brands sold at certain stores.

Someone somewhere must be missing this Angel. I cannot believe noone has not noticed her missing..unless she was a hidden and abused child. Perhaps check the radius of some who have moved out of apartments within the last 3 weeks??? I know, a very broad search, but this Angel deserves nothing less.

[Linda7NJ]

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) -- Authorities were investigating the identity and cause of death of a young girl whose remains washed ashore inside a storage box on West Galveston Bay.
A fisherman called police after finding the plastic storage box containing the 3- to 5-year-old girl's body on Monday night, said Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
He said the girl had blonde hair reaching to the middle of her back and was dressed in a matching pink pullover top and broom skirt.
"The mere fact that this is a 3- to 5-year-old child makes this one disturbing," Tuttoilmondo said. "These are the kind of cases we take personally."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/C/CHILDS_REMAINS?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US

[concernedperson]

I haven't responded earlier to this beyond sad, sad case until now. I wish I could have simply held this child, in a gentle bear hug, and let her know she was special, beautiful, and loved. This breaks my heart in so many places.:(

For what it's worth, her Cherokee clothing is sold through Target stores. There are several Target stores that are within travel distance of where this Angel was found. Houston, Webster, Pasadena, Pearland, Baytown, and Galveston.

Where this Angel was found on a small island near the intracoastal waterway, I wonder how far this/these murderous people would have traveled to dump her body. There is Dike road leading out of Texas City that ends at Galveston Bay. I wonder what type of plastic container she was found in. Certain name brands sold at certain stores.

Someone somewhere must be missing this Angel. I cannot believe noone has not noticed her missing..unless she was a hidden and abused child. Perhaps check the radius of some who have moved out of apartments within the last 3 weeks??? I know, a very broad search, but this Angel deserves nothing less.

It was a blue Sturlock brand from the article. Also, there is a pic of a detective holding her little shoes. So sad.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/14481052/detail.html

[englishleigh]

:( :( :( :( :(

This has got to be a missing baby...

[OrdinaryLife]

It was a blue Sturlock brand from the article. Also, there is a pic of a detective holding her little shoes. So sad.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/14481052/detail.html

Thank you, ConcernedPerson, for this information. These items sold at Walmarts...Texas City, La Marque and 2 in Galveston.

I believe she lived in these surrounding areas. Someone packed her up and drove to a place to drop her in water where she floated to the island near Green Cuts Bay, close to Offatt Bayou , going by statements made by those who found her. How do the currents flow near the intracoastal waterway? I'm from the Northeast so I have no idea...

[hoppyfrog]

http://news.galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=a466d81c50e2d6cc&-session=TheDailyNews:42F9498A192c334221yth31C51F3

The little girl’s blonde hair went to the middle of her back. A toddler, she wore a size 2T pink outfit and white tennis shoes with purple accents and little lights built into them.

That was almost all that was known Tuesday about the child. Still mysteries were her name, how her small skull came to be fractured, and why someone stuffed her body into a plastic container and dumped it into Galveston Bay.

and

The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office did not issue a formal cause of death Tuesday. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Pustilnik handled the girl’s autopsy.

“Dr. Pustilnik was still conducting some tests,” said Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo, senior official and spokesman for the sheriff’s office.

However, Pustilnik did find that the girl’s skull had been fractured at least once.

Many findings would not be immediately apparent, Tuttoilmondo said, because the child’s body was in a state of “extensive decomposition.”

The condition of her remains indicated the girl, likely 2 to 5 years old, had probably been dead at least two weeks. Detectives on Tuesday had found no missing child case that fit that timeframe.


more at link

[concernedperson]

Judging from all the info on her clothes and the container she was found in, I would say this is a middle class family where dollars counted. Dressed cute but within means of their resources. Her long blond hair is going to suggest a white family.

It also suggests anger problems within the family structure to have a young child with a fractured skull. I would look for DV reports from around the area and specifically the mother or wife. Maybe she was abused and some LE taking reports noticed a child that fits the description. The mother may be in mortal danger too if she didn't commit the crime herself. The child seems somewhat cared for as far as her attire but the fractured skull suggests otherwise.

The mother may be dead at this point and her body is not discovered or she is with the male who did this. Or she is hiding.

The container could be a huge clue. The reason I say this is if they were middle class and lived in an apartment these kind of containers are useless. There is only so much that fits. Typically one would have this kind of container for extra garage storage, fishing or sporting gear, etc. So, if one was purchased within the last few weeks somewhere and it was paid for by credit card...than boom...you have a lead.

If these people were regular homeowners than someone would have noticed the child missing as that is what neighbors do. If someone has received a story that baby Grace is visiting grandparents or something than they should call LE. It is very unlikely that a parent would allow their child to visit grandparents for weeks at a time. More likely less than week as this child was too young to be away from her parents for an extended period of time.

[dimples37398]

I would really like to have a good quality image of the shoe.......Is there anyone here who can find a photo of this shoe online(ebay,craigslist,walmart site).....I have looked through all of the above and can't find it.....although my ebay searching skills are more than lacking....I will be so grateful........

Kel

[Teresa Larson]

My grandson is on the small side also for being 2 and he weighs about 30 lbs. and wears a size 3T. A child would have to be very small if it was 5 and wearing this size clothing. I didn't mean for it to sound like other parents with small children must be abusing them. Cases like this upset me because there are so many people out there that would love to have a little girl. It's a shame that who ever did this didn't just leave her some place safe if they didn't want her any longer.

[AmandaBrown23]

What a horrible ending to a beautiful life that was just beginning

[OrdinaryLife]

Judging from all the info on her clothes and the container she was found in, I would say this is a middle class family where dollars counted. Dressed cute but within means of their resources. Her long blond hair is going to suggest a white family.

It also suggests anger problems within the family structure to have a young child with a fractured skull. I would look for DV reports from around the area and specifically the mother or wife. Maybe she was abused and some LE taking reports noticed a child that fits the description. The mother may be in mortal danger too if she didn't commit the crime herself. The child seems somewhat cared for as far as her attire but the fractured skull suggests otherwise.

The mother may be dead at this point and her body is not discovered or she is with the male who did this. Or she is hiding.

The container could be a huge clue. The reason I say this is if they were middle class and lived in an apartment these kind of containers are useless. There is only so much that fits. Typically one would have this kind of container for extra garage storage, fishing or sporting gear, etc. So, if one was purchased within the last few weeks somewhere and it was paid for by credit card...than boom...you have a lead.

If these people were regular homeowners than someone would have noticed the child missing as that is what neighbors do. If someone has received a story that baby Grace is visiting grandparents or something than they should call LE. It is very unlikely that a parent would allow their child to visit grandparents for weeks at a time. More likely less than week as this child was too young to be away from her parents for an extended period of time.

CP, you are exactly in thought process that I am! I actually spent time yesterday afternoon looking for missing women or any person in the news and found nothing within this time frame. I must state, the Mother was involved, even if not physically, but definitely emotionally. I do not think this family were/are homeowners. Apartment dwellers who may have moved much over the last several years or longer. I think there is a history of abuse and perhaps this particular Angel's family was not originally from this area and may have moved often. Hence, no one has been media alerted by this tragic news. I truly believe that after this Angel was dumped :( this family moved very, very quickly out of the area.

I know that this investigation would require many people going door to door (and Lord, how I wish I was there to help do this search!), but I do believe whom ever did this is not so far out of the radar than they believe. I do wish I could of held this child, even for a moment, so she never thought felt afraid or alone as her life faded away. I pray she had angels surrounding her. I truly, truly do.... This case brings tears to my heart. Literally.

[Maxine]

Police have named her Baby Grace. :-(

[philamena]

What a sad story. :(
Wonder how many missing little girls were reported in that area?
Then again, the storage box could have come from anywhere and then dumped off.

[j2mirish]

Police have named her Baby Grace. :-(
how sadly sweet :( ( if that makes sense)

[hoppyfrog]

Just wanted to mention that there's a much longer thread about this case here if anyone wants more info:

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55540

[Beyond Belief]

Oh this poor baby........
Just curious but what is a broom skirt?

[AmandaBrown23]

I hope they find out who that little girl is, it just breaks my heart.

[dark_shadows]

This is just truly heartbreaking.

Respectfully,
dark_shadows

[dark_shadows]

Oh this poor baby........
Just curious but what is a broom skirt?
Dearest Beyond Belief,:blowkiss:
I was wondering the same as you.
Respectfully,
dark_shadows

[englishleigh]

Oh this poor baby........
Just curious but what is a broom skirt?

It's one of those long, crinkly skirts with the built-in tight pleats, you just wash it and twist it up to dry.

[believe09]

As soon as they do the facial reconstruction, I wonder if the case will blow open, simple because of how specifically dressed she was and how distinctive her hair is.

[Texana]

Here's another update:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5736939

they are calling her Baby Grace.

There are no missing children matching this description in Texas.

It is so tragic. (edited to add, more than tragic, heartbreaking.)

[dark_shadows]

Here's another update:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5736939

they are calling her Baby Grace.

There are no missing children matching this description in Texas.

It is so tragic. (edited to add, more than tragic, heartbreaking.)
My dearest Texana,:blowkiss:
The link you posted is much appreciated, thank-you so much.

All of my Love and Respect to you,
dark_shadows

[dark_shadows]

It's one of those long, crinkly skirts with the built-in tight pleats, you just wash it and twist it up to dry.
Very dearest Englishleigh,:blowkiss:
Thank-you for the description.

All of my Love and Respect to you,
dark_shadows

[englishleigh]

Here's another update:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=local&id=5736939

they are calling her Baby Grace.

There are no missing children matching this description in Texas.

It is so tragic. (edited to add, more than tragic, heartbreaking.)

I'm wondering now about Louisiana as a point of origin...or could it be that whoever killed her just hasn't reported her missing for obvious reasons (her family)??

[SuziQ]

Just wanted to mention that there's a much longer thread about this case here if anyone wants more info:

http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55540

There is already a thread on this at the above link. Can we merge links? I posted some possibilites of missing girls there.

[AmandaBrown23]

I'm wondering now about Louisiana as a point of origin...or could it be that whoever killed her just hasn't reported her missing for obvious reasons (her family)??



Could be, I live in Louisiana but we havent had any amber alerts that I am aware of.

[SuziQ]

Found these at missingkids.com

http://tinyurl.com/2x7wxw

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

http://tinyurl.com/2f75qz

http://tinyurl.com/26ukql (http://tinyurl.com/26ukql)

I'm bumping this post. These were the ones that I found missing that fit the general description. I believe I searched the past year.

[hoppyfrog]

I'm bumping this post. These were the ones that I found missing that fit the general description. I believe I searched the past year.

I looked at your links. It's just my hunch that it's none of these girls. These girls were all abducted by a non-custodial parent, and my sense is that the abductions were not with the intent to kill the child/children. JMO, of course.

Hoppy

[dimples37398]

Well just looking through myspace at the women who have proud parent checked and 21-27 yrs old....within 5 miles of all of the zips for galveston and there are a few that could be real possibles.......I know it is a long shot but I can't sit here and do nothing.....I do think it was at the hands of a parent or parent's friend...maybe an accident.....I just don't see her being dressed in what seems to be a pretty cute outfit and no missing persons reports matching.....not to mention it seems like they wanted her body protected in the box that is water proof and insects couldn't get in.

I think she is probably from the area around galveston.....there are probably places they could have dropped the box closer to where they live if they were out of state persons......

I just always find it strange when looking at myspace profiles and 90% of the mom's photos ....are hoochie photos when they are drunk...then there is 2 photos of their kid. And in the about me all it talks about is partying and getting drunk......I just don't understand......

Looking through profiles last night, something like this happening doesn't suprise me at all if people are really how they portray themselves online.

I was looking through myspace profiles that had any blonde hair little girls that are about 3-4 yrs old. Believe it or not there aren't that many blonde haired girls that age range in that area........Alot of dark haired little girls though. I wonder how blonde her hair really was.....

I am just so interested in finding info out because I have a friend who moved to Austin recently and visits her friend in Galveston. She has a 3 kids but one girl who is 4 in January.......

[froggierintexas]

I think the cuts are more toward Surfside and that leads to Freeport then Clute, then Lake Jackson and Brazoria.

[imthemom]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:

I agree she probably is an abuse victim but it is hard to tell age by size especially after decomposing. Look at the 2 year old boy they found they thought he could have been much older. My dd just turned 3 and she weighs 30 lbs and is size 8 shoe. So I am guessing this little girl is somewhere from 3-3 1/2 and some 2T clothes are bigger while others aren't. My dd still wears some 2T and some 3T, like other posters have said.

[believe09]

My middle child is a china doll and takes forever to outgrow her clothes...not abused, just a fast metabolism. She is almost 6 and just hit 40 lbs. I am wondering if this is part of a family kill-like is Mom missing as well...perhaps they are traveling.

[sleuthin4fun]

:mad: If this little girl was wearing a size 2 T and size 8 1/2 shoe I'd say she is closer to the age of 2 If she really is 3 -5 and only weighed 25 to 30 pounds then somebody must not have been feeding her very well. My 2 year old grandson is that size I can't imagine an older child being that thin. She must have been abused. :mad:


I wanted to say that my daughter who is now almost 17 weighs only 90 lbs. She has always been small, eats like a cow, and is very active and healthy. She weighed 15 pounds at one year and walked and talked(creepy). I would guess she was 5 before she weighed 30 lbs.

[Reannan]

The box was royal blue with a black handle, and is a Sterilite brand Model 1842. It is a "92-quart tote locker that is blue with a black handle. The shoes are pink and white Tiara shoes made by Athletic Works that have LED lights on the side. The shoes are a discontinued style that was only sold at Wal-Mart. " There is a video with a picture of similar shoes and a similar box at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/yw8prc

I was able to capture the picture of the shoe with a screen shot and it is enlarged and saved here:

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/reannan1462/Little%20Girl%20Found%20in%20Box%20Galvaston/Shoe.jpg

[LionRun]

They are calling her Baby Grace. Someone IS missing this baby - I am praying she is identified soon....

http://www.click2houston.com/news/14481052/detail.html

""Someone is missing this child," Galveston County Medical Examiner Dr. Stephen Pustilnik said. "There is a grandparent who hasn't seen their grandchild in the last couple of weeks. There's a playmate who's missing their playmate and hasn't seen them for a while. There's an aunt, there's an uncle someplace -- maybe locally, maybe somewhere in this state, maybe somewhere around this nation.""

I am glad that this little has been named, Baby Grace. I didn't realize this, so I apologize for suggesting a name for her:blushing: .

Lion

[interestedmom]

So far I'm not finding anyone that young missing recently. If her family or caregivers haven't reported this baby missing, then they are probably the ones responsible.



My concern is that this little girl may be Madeline McCann, the little girl from Portugal????!!!!!

[interestedmom]

Could this be Madeline McCann???? She is the only little girl that I've heard of that is missing, and fits this child's description.........

[interestedmom]

I would really like to have a good quality image of the shoe.......Is there anyone here who can find a photo of this shoe online(ebay,craigslist,walmart site).....I have looked through all of the above and can't find it.....although my ebay searching skills are more than lacking....I will be so grateful........

Kel

Sure! Go to www.galvnews.com (http://www.galvnews.com). Yesterday there was a law enforcement official holding the shoe and a pic was taken..... it isn't a close up to show all detail, however, it gives you some kind of idea.

[SewingDeb]

This makes me really sad. I hope she is identified and her killer brought to justice.

[SewingDeb]

My concern is that this little girl may be Madeline McCann, the little girl from Portugal????!!!!!

I had the same thought. Her hair could be that long now if it has not been cut since she disappeared. Also she could have been taken away by boat.

[Marie]

Oh wow, another mother who understands what it's like to have a small baby walking about :) My oldest started toddling around at 8.5 months when he weighed a few ounces over 15lb. Yes, creepy! So odd to see his tiny & skinny body moving like that! (he was a late talker though). He is nearly 10 now and finally hit 65lb., but those first 4 years were very slow.

Back on topic, I agree with others that Baby Grace was probably abused by her family, or killed in an accident - whoever put her in the box obviously cared very much for her; even her shoes look new (I assume someone bought new clothes to 'bury' her in). I seriously doubt she's Madeline McCann, that's a little far fetched, but anythings possible.

I wanted to say that my daughter who is now almost 17 weighs only 90 lbs. She has always been small, eats like a cow, and is very active and healthy. She weighed 15 pounds at one year and walked and talked(creepy). I would guess she was 5 before she weighed 30 lbs.

[dee10134]

The box was royal blue with a black handle, and is a Sterilite brand Model 1842. It is a "92-quart tote locker that is blue with a black handle. The shoes are pink and white Tiara shoes made by Athletic Works that have LED lights on the side. The shoes are a discontinued style that was only sold at Wal-Mart. " There is a video with a picture of similar shoes and a similar box at this link:

http://tinyurl.com/yw8prc

I was able to capture the picture of the shoe with a screen shot and it is enlarged and saved here:

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/reannan1462/Little%20Girl%20Found%20in%20Box%20Galvaston/Shoe.jpg

OMG I swear my 6 year old daughter had the same pair of shoes about a year ago. Purchased at the local Kmart in Illinois. I wonder if Walmart and Kmart have the same suppliers?

[Jdee]

I wonder if they might release photos of the shoes or outfit, that might really help people alot with a flashback of a child they know wearing that outfit or those shoes.......

Kel

There is a picture of the shoes here;

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/02/body.found/index.html

[colomom]

Could this be Madeline McCann???? She is the only little girl that I've heard of that is missing, and fits this child's description.........

I had the same thought. Her hair could be that long now if it has not been cut since she disappeared. Also she could have been taken away by boat.


From: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/02/body.found/index.html
"Police said the child was between 2 and 5 years old and had long, wavy blond hair, the Chronicle reported."

Maddie's hair is very, very straight.

From: http://websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1769226&postcount=11
"Baby Grace was 32-34 inches tall and 25-30 pounds"

Maddie has been reported as being 90 cm tall when she vanished 6 months ago. 33 inches = 84 cm

I think Baby Grace is to small to be Maddie.

[Reannan]

I can't believe no friends or family have come forward with anything useful yet. LE does say that they have received numerous calls, some of which have resulted in house calls to check on children, but they have all been fine. Someone, somewhere knows who this little girl is. They need to make that call right now.

[interestedmom]

From: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/02/body.found/index.html
"Police said the child was between 2 and 5 years old and had long, wavy blond hair, the Chronicle reported."

Maddie's hair is very, very straight.

From: http://websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1769226&postcount=11
"Baby Grace was 32-34 inches tall and 25-30 pounds"

Maddie has been reported as being 90 cm tall when she vanished 6 months ago. 33 inches = 84 cm

I think Baby Grace is to small to be Maddie.


That's true. i didn't know all the specifics on Maddie or Baby Grace's measurements. Thanks for the info.
it's very strange that no one has reported their baby missing..... and the authorities are seeking for national misisng children reports now, i wonder why they aren't also seeking out for children missing world wide, fitting Baby Grace's description.

[shebbear]

From Galveston TX (link to a CNN story).

Child's body found on uninhabited island near Galveston TX.

http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/02/body.found/index.html

[aj1020]

There is already a thread for this: http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55540

:)

[OrdinaryLife]

I've thought much about why no one has mentioned a missing child nor reported one to authorities. I think, very humbly, that this is a young family who moved to Galveston area and are not from this part of Texas. I also think that this Angel Grace is not an only child. I do believe she has siblings (older/younger) and it is not the first time for abuse within this family.

This family ran after Angel Grace died. I would be shocked to hear if there wasn't anything else within that storage bin, such a blanket or something to "comfort/enfold" Angel Grace. Care was given in dressing her, I think. In my humble opinion, Mom did that for her. I know I am reaching here, but some things are not adding up.

This "family" left Texas and I believe they would have taken the quickest route out. Texas is a death penalty state and that is why I do not underestimate a family that fled after having a child die under their "care".

Secrets of abuse are often held tight especially when you move often. I believe this is the case for this Angel. I wonder if they have not headed towards LA, NM, or even AZ. I truly do not believe they are in Texas any longer...

[PJs]

long shot....but could it be Madeleine McCann?

http://websleuths.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=129

[colomom]

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou071102_jj_babygracesketch.1d0528de2.html

Sketch of Baby Grace

[colomom]

long shot....but could it be Madeleine McCann?

http://websleuths.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=129

From my post above, I think Baby Grace is smaller than Madeleine.

Also, a poster on the Mirror board wrote:

(usviewer at 8:29PM, http://forums.mirror.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=24849&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=75 2nd post from the bottom)

"According to Galveston police (I called them this morning wondering the same thing) it was ruled that it was not Madeleine. They did not give details as to why it was ruled out, but it was obviously checked as a possibility."

And UPI is reporting that new DNA evidence has been received in Portugal:

Report: New tests look bad for McCanns

"traces of bodily fluid found in the car trunk were too great to have been transferred from her possessions"

From: http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007/11/02/report_new_tests_look_bad_for_mccanns/1110/

[Texana]

Here's the rendering of what Baby Grace looked like before her death:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5266950.html

This is sadly, not the first child found that had to be identified by a sketch and from other family members. A few years ago, "Precious Doe" was identified by a grandmother. She was around 4 years old, and had been dumped by the roadside by her mother and mother's boyfriend.

Throwaway children do exist, and perhaps Baby Grace will make more people aware of that.

[SuziQ]

There is already a thread for this: http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55540

:)

lol, I keep bouncing back between the two. I think this one was here first. Maybe they can be merged?

ETA, I'm so confused. Isn't that link to this thread?

[colomom]

lol, I keep bouncing back between the two. I think this one was here first. Maybe they can be merged?

ETA, I'm so confused. Isn't that link to this thread?

yes SuziQ...they are merged.

[concernedperson]

Here's the rendering of what Baby Grace looked like before her death:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5266950.html

This is sadly, not the first child found that had to be identified by a sketch and from other family members. A few years ago, "Precious Doe" was identified by a grandmother. She was around 4 years old, and had been dumped by the roadside by her mother and mother's boyfriend.

Throwaway children do exist, and perhaps Baby Grace will make more people aware of that.


This is so incredibly sad. I know as a grandmother that I would know the child and I hope that this sketch is being circulated so a grandmother will see it.

[SuziQ]

yes SuziQ...they are merged.

Lol, that's what I thought. AJ's post confused me.

[raine1212]

http://www.nampn.org/cases/images/shipman_deonna_n.jpg

I found this little girls photo while searching North American Missing Person Network. Her name is Dennoa Shipman missing since July 07. I know I am probably way off , but I want to help if I can

Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: JUly 12, 2007 from Liverpool. New York
Classification: Parental Abduction
Date Of Birth: August 7, 2003
Age: 3
Height: 3'3"
Weight: 35 lbs.
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Blue
Race: White
Gender: Female
Distinguishing Characteristics: A red birthmark
on the back of her neck and the hairline. She has pierced
ears. She speaks both English and Ukrainian. Case Number: NCMC1075342


Details of Disappearance
Deonna was abducted by her non-custodial father, Jeffery Shipman, on July 12, 2007. A federal felony warrant for Kidnapping was issued for the Jeffery Shipman on July 18, 2007. They may travel to England or Germany

http://www.nampn.org/cases/images/shipman_jeffery.jpg http://www.nampn.org/cases/images/shipman_jeffery1.jpg
Above Image: Jeffery Shipman
Date Of Birth: August 8, 1960
Age: 46
Height: 5'11"-6'2"
Weight: 220 lbs
Hair Color: Brown
Eye Color: Brown
Race: White
Gender: Male
Distinguishing Characteristics: He has
a history of mental health issues and may be suicidal.



Investigating Agency
If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office
202-324-3000
1-315-425-2111
Or
FBI
Your Local FBI Office (http://www.fbi.gov/contact/fo/fo.htm) </B>

[teonspaleprincess]

Wow, Raine, that photo of the little girl that washed ashore could be a drawing of Deona. The nose, eyebrows, and chin are almost identical.

[raine1212]

I have never done this before, I was searching thru photos and this one stuck out. I have no clue on who to contact to see if it was checked. Not real sure about what I am doing here.

[concernedperson]

How could someone hurt this precious angel?

[Indigo]

I have never done this before, I was searching thru photos and this one stuck out. I have no clue on who to contact to see if it was checked. Not real sure about what I am doing here.


Hi Raine,

I read here often, but have never posted in this part of the forum before. I really think you may have found a match for Baby Grace. I've looked at both of the pictures, and there are so many similarities. Have you contacted anyone yet about this?

[raine1212]

I have not contacted anyone, I just found this and I posted it as soon as I did

[Indigo]

I have not contacted anyone, I just found this and I posted it as soon as I did


Here are the contact numbers if you need them:

Contact Info for Deonna Shipman case:

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST)
Or
Onondaga County Sheriff's Office (New York) 1-315-425-2111 or Federal Bureau of Investigation (New York) 1-518-465-7551


Contact Info for Baby Grace case:
Anyone with information about the girl can call the Galveston County Sheriff's Office at (866) 248-8477.

[englishleigh]

long shot....but could it be Madeleine McCann?



My 14-yo daughter said the exact same thing and I got chills...but I think it's more likely to be that little Shipman girl....Lord, isn't she precious???

[Indigo]

Here's some background info about little Deonna's kidnapping:



Police, along with Deonna's mother, say Shipman owns guns and in the past has had suicidal tendencies.
"He was on all kinds of medications. I don't know if he's on any medications now, you know. That's why I'm concerned. He may be out of his mind," said Luba Shipman.
Luba says Shipman recently lost a custody battle for Deonna in court, and he told her if he can't have her, no one will.

http://www.finddeonna.com/

[believe09]

I have not contacted anyone, I just found this and I posted it as soon as I did

great job...what a beauty...

[raine1212]

I called, Was told they have looked at the information on Dennoa, and she said to keep looking.. not sure if she has been ruled out or not.

[Reannan]

If Deonna's father was possibly going to flee the country, why not Mexico? This may explain the Texas connection. I think the Deonna Shipman case needs to be looked at very closely. There are a lot of things that make sense about this one. LE should also look for recent John Doe's who have committed suicide in the Texas area. The connection to the water is what keeps coming back to haunt me, however. Why was the body placed there? Do we have any ideas from LE or local people who are familiar with the geography if the body was likely to have been placed on the island, or if the container floated there from some other location? That would be helpful information.

[Indigo]

I called, Was told they have looked at the information on Dennoa, and she said to keep looking.. not sure if she has been ruled out or not.

Thanks so much for the update, Raine.

[Reannan]

Here is the sketch of Baby Grace along with two pictures of Deonna Shipman.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/reannan1462/Little%20Girl%20Found%20in%20Box%20Galvaston/SketchandDeonnaShipman.jpg

[imthemom]

Here is the sketch of Baby Grace along with two pictures of Deonna Shipman.

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/reannan1462/Little%20Girl%20Found%20in%20Box%20Galvaston/SketchandDeonnaShipman.jpg (http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd234/reannan1462/Little%20Girl%20Found%20in%20Box%20Galvaston/SketchandDeonnaShipman.jpg)

I think they do look similar but the news is saying baby Grace had brown eyes and Deonna has blue eyes. Can decomposing cause eye color to change or be unsure of.

[Reannan]

I would think that any "soft tissue" descriptions of a decomposed body have to be taken with a huge teaspoon of salt....JMO. I would think it would be very difficult to determine eye color of a two week old body. A question did occur to me, however. In cases like Deonna's, do they routinely have a DNA profile ready to compare with any possible matches? This would seem like a no-brainer thing to do, but past experience has taught that no-brainer ideas are sometimes overlooked.

[Indigo]

I would think that any "soft tissue" descriptions of a decomposed body have to be taken with a huge teaspoon of salt....JMO. I would think it would be very difficult to determine eye color of a two week old body. A question did occur to me, however. In cases like Deonna's, do they routinely have a DNA profile ready to compare with any possible matches? This would seem like a no-brainer thing to do, but past experience has taught that no-brainer ideas are sometimes overlooked.

If all else failed they'd be able to compare mitochondrial DNA, right?

[Texana]

They are currently doing tests with similar boxes to see if it could have been tossed from the Galveston bridge and currents carried it to the location where it was found. (from Houston area to Galveston Island proper.) The place where the little girl was found is a tiny island itself. She was most likely tossed from a boat or from the bridge itself.

[reb]

normally you would think that parental abductions don't = murder, but in this case,, with the guy being destructive, violent, and sounding suicidal.. it makes sense to me. especially the 'if i can't have her no one will' part. he may have panicked and beat her in frustration, then thrown her off the bridge. or, rented a boat. maybe even killed himself by now. i hope that LE is keeping an eye out for all unID'd suicides in Texas right now.

so,, they did not rule her out yet?

[raine1212]

she did not say, except they have looked at her, and she said keep looking. that was all that was said. very short

[froggierintexas]

They are currently doing tests with similar boxes to see if it could have been tossed from the Galveston bridge and currents carried it to the location where it was found. (from Houston area to Galveston Island proper.) The place where the little girl was found is a tiny island itself. She was most likely tossed from a boat or from the bridge itself.


The Causeway is no where near Houston if that is what you are talking about. And wreckers have free tow rights to any vehicle that stops on the causeway as to do so endangers others. So at night they sit on either side waiting.

[SeriouslySearching]

http://www.nampn.org/cases/images/shipman_deonna_n.jpghttp://images.chron.com/photos/2007/11/02/8581671/311xInlineGallery.jpg

I don't see how they can readily discount this one.

[raine1212]

She did not say to me that it was ruled out, she just said keep looking. and thank you, goodbye. the whole conversation maybe lasted 2 mins.

[Reannan]

Probably a total waste of time, but I emailed the information from here about Deonna to AMW. Haven't heard anything back yet.

[Texana]

The Causeway is no where near Houston if that is what you are talking about. And wreckers have free tow rights to any vehicle that stops on the causeway as to do so endangers others. So at night they sit on either side waiting.

Well, froggier, I would disagree, the causeway is south-ish of Houston, if anyone is not familiar with the area as obviously you are, then that is the nearest point of reference. There's about a forty minute area between Houston and Galveston, if that, that is neither one nor the other, but I don't agree that the causeway is no where near Houston. I-45 from 59 goes straight into Galveston, with plenty of cheap motels near Hobby Airport along 45.

I personally also think anyone pulling off the side of the bridge and throwing something off would be rather noticeable, but I defer to the police on that, if they think it worth trying to replicate.

[dimples37398]

Latest article not sure if it has been posted....

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5271222.html

I posted it on the Madeleine thread since it said in the article she hasn't been ruled out completely and got everyone over there all upset for even suggesting that I was wondering if it could possibly be maddie.....I stepped on everyone's toes over there......I said I was sorry and then deleted my message over there.....I hope I don't get that reaction here.....whew.......

Kel

[Reannan]

dimples37398, where did you step on toes???? The link over to the Houston Chronicles site had peopel who essentially seemed to have the same sentiments as us, i.e., let US have the person responsible instead of LE. Jellogirl over there even suggested the sketch should be posted all over the world. The Madeleine case should be looked at in terms of this case, as should every case of a small child with blondish hair who is missing. I personally think she looks a lot more like Deonna Shipman than Maddie, but experience has proven that ALL "close" matches should be examined. Dimples, don't let anyone make you feel bad for caring enough for trying to find a match. That is what WE do. What is who WE are. :blowkiss:

[englishleigh]

I still don't think Maddie can be completely ruled out unless they do DNA tests.
We have no idea what really happened to Maddie. If she was abducted, no one has any idea who took her. Why not an American who took her back to the USA? Someone really evil who did unspeakable things to her and then killed her and put her in a storage container and dropped her in Galveston Bay? And remember, Maddie WAS still 3 when she was taken, only about to turn 4.

I think they need to rule Maddie out scientifically, as well as Deonna.

[Reannan]

Here is a bit more specific information about where Baby Grace was found:

"The body was found on a marshy sandbar in an area known as Greens Cut near Greens Lake, where there is a break in the barrier separating West Galveston Bay from the Intracoastal Waterway, he said.
Tuttoilmondo estimated that the cut is about five miles southwest of the Galveston Causeway.
Investigators in the sheriff's office are studying Galveston Bay's tides to determine the possible drift of the plastic storage container from another location, Tuttoilmondo said.
"I don't think there is any indication that where she was found is where she was killed," he said. "That's a foregone conclusion.""

Taken from this link:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5266950.html

[Hoopa]

Found these at missingkids.com

http://tinyurl.com/2x7wxw

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

http://tinyurl.com/2f75qz

http://tinyurl.com/26ukql (http://tinyurl.com/26ukql)


Actually the little girls that are connected to these links all look like the composite sketch that the Texas Police have released.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5271222.html

[froggierintexas]

Well, froggier, I would disagree, the causeway is south-ish of Houston, if anyone is not familiar with the area as obviously you are, then that is the nearest point of reference. There's about a forty minute area between Houston and Galveston, if that, that is neither one nor the other, but I don't agree that the causeway is no where near Houston. I-45 from 59 goes straight into Galveston, with plenty of cheap motels near Hobby Airport along 45.

I personally also think anyone pulling off the side of the bridge and throwing something off would be rather noticeable, but I defer to the police on that, if they think it worth trying to replicate.


Yes and you pass several towns and along the way. It isn't exactly next door. I was mostly wondering if that was the bridge you were referring to but realize it couldn't be because of location so it doesn't matter anyway. Sorry if I said something that offended you.

[Indigo]

I wonder if investigators have had any luck tracing the origins of the Sterlite container. I know that Wal-Mart has a central computer that tracks every purchase made. If a container of that size was sold in any of the Wal-Mart stores recently, maybe there's footage of the transaction.

[sleuthin4fun]

Oh wow, another mother who understands what it's like to have a small baby walking about :) My oldest started toddling around at 8.5 months when he weighed a few ounces over 15lb. Yes, creepy! So odd to see his tiny & skinny body moving like that! (he was a late talker though). He is nearly 10 now and finally hit 65lb., but those first 4 years were very slow.

Back on topic, I agree with others that Baby Grace was probably abused by her family, or killed in an accident - whoever put her in the box obviously cared very much for her; even her shoes look new (I assume someone bought new clothes to 'bury' her in). I seriously doubt she's Madeline McCann, that's a little far fetched, but anythings possible.

Marie, Creepy but funny at the same time. My daughter spoke in complete sentences at 11 months and looked like a 6th month old. People would look at me and say " tell me she didn't just say that."

I agree this dear girl is the victim of some form of abuse be it by a family member or a stranger.

[mrs.kravitz]

This may be totally insignificant, but it keeps popping in my mind. The factory that makes those Sterilite containers is located in Waxahachie, Tx., which is just south of Dallas, a couple of hours northwest of Houston. Like I said, probably doesn't matter, but when I first saw it on the news, I thought about that connection.

[mrs.kravitz]

Oops, I meant Ennis, which is right next to Waxahatchie

[KT Can]

The body was found on a marshy sandbar in an area known as Greens Cut near Greens Lake, where there is a break in the barrier separating West Galveston Bay from the Intracoastal Waterway, he said. Tuttoilmondo estimated that the cut is about five miles southwest of the Galveston Causeway.
My husband's best friend lives in a bay house that directly faces Greens Cut. I am very familiar with this area of the bay, known as West Galveston Bay, as we have fished here many times. Google maps has an excellent satellite image of the area, type in "Tiki Island, Galveston" but stay in the map view at first. Tiki Island is right at the causeway bridge (I-45). Zoom out 1-2 times & you can see Greens Lake to the southwest of Tiki Island. Switch to satellite view & you can see the sandbar(s) where she was found very clearly. The zoom feature is better on Google Earth if you have that, but Greens Lake is not marked there like it is on Google maps.

I grew up in Houston & my parents retired to Galveston about 15 years ago so I am all too familiar with that un-scenic stretch of I-45 from Houston to there as well as the causeway bridge. Froggierintexas was correct, there are no shoulders on the bridge & it's illegal to pull over. Tow trucks & police cars are usually parked on both sides of the bridge for this reason, which also makes it a lovely speed trap as well. I suppose someone throwing a large container off the bridge could happen, maybe even while in a moving vehicle, but I just can’t see it. Also, Galveston Bay is an average of 7-9 feet deep. The bay between the causeway & Greens Lake is super shallow & there are sandbars everywhere in between, boaters not familiar with the channels are always getting stuck. I can't wrap my head around the container being thrown from the causeway bridge & floating to where it was found. I would think that the container would wind up on one of the sandbars before Greens Lake if that were the case, but then again I am not an expert on the tides. Also, the causeway bridge is rather high. I’m not an expert on plastic storage bins either, but how sturdy could the locks & lid on this thing be that it wouldn’t break open upon impact with the water from that height?

Now there is the possibility that the container entered the west bay via the West end of Galveston Island. This entrance from the Gulf of Mexico is known as San Luis Pass and there is a bridge there as well that connects Galveston Island & the mainland. This is not a populated area & would be the more a more obvious entrance point IMO, although again I am not a tide expert. I wonder if the container were disposed of in the Gulf of Mexico & not the bay, if it could float through San Luis Pass & end up where it did. That being said, the San Luis Bridge is not high at all, that inlet is not very wide (maybe 2000 ft across) & there are always tons of people fishing from the beaches on both sides.

[froggierintexas]

That had me wondering too. Trying to wrap my head around where it could be thrown from. I haven't been out on the San Luis Pass Bridge for years , but at one time they had a toll booth and then I went through one day and it was removed. Do you know if they ever replaced it?

I wonder about many things. Like Sterlite containers are sold in Dollar Stores too. So I wonder if it could be pin pointed. Especially with Galveston County Pd in charge.

I know if you go to the areas left and right of the causeway prior to entering the causeway to go to Galveston, there are houses, but one would be noticeable driving those neighborhoods.
It is easy enough to stop on either side for 'fishing'. But at the bait camp on the Galveston side, the people that own it live there so someone is around at night. I know we used to sit and watch people at night when I was a teen. You wouldn't believe the things we saw. Well, maybe you would. But for a good Baptist girl, stuck in Catholic School, it was shocking to me then.

I also thought about it being tossed in the Gulf. I know there are plenty of places that you can toss something and remain unseen, but I just can't see someone coming from Houston to drop something in the water or it floating from Houston. I just can't wrap my mind around it. And I could be totally wrong. I have been many times in my life. And I am sure I will be many more times before I die.

[SuziQ]

Latest article not sure if it has been posted....

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5271222.html

I posted it on the Madeleine thread since it said in the article she hasn't been ruled out completely and got everyone over there all upset for even suggesting that I was wondering if it could possibly be maddie.....I stepped on everyone's toes over there......I said I was sorry and then deleted my message over there.....I hope I don't get that reaction here.....whew.......

Kel

Awwww Dimples! It could be Maddie. Every possibility has to be checked out.

[SuziQ]

Leigh worries me. She's autistic. IMO, autistic kids are prone to child abuse. They can push the best parents to the edge.

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

[believe09]

Leigh worries me. She's autistic. IMO, autistic kids are prone to child abuse. They can push the best parents to the edge.

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

This is a good one depending on how recent the photo was considering the hair length of baby Grace. The other thing to consider would be the year the clothing was made-has anyone narrowed that down yet? That might give an idea as well, like if the clothes were produced in 2005 then they must be hand me downs, but if they were sold this past spring etc...

[Texana]

KT and Froggier, I agree, the container doesn't seem sturdy enough that you could throw it from any height at all and have it remain intact. San Luis seems like a much more likely dumping spot, but there's always fishermen around, too.

I can't imagine if she were a local child, that other family members wouldn't have come forward by now, but I can't imagine someone from out of the area easily finding their way to San Luis--or could they?

[believe09]

I have found three possible shrugs made by Cherokee and sold by Target from Easter 2007 on that would have been full price or clearance. It seems that the Cherokee name is also big in England for what it is worth...

I agree with those of you that feel the container would not have stayed intact if thrown from any great height...I use the same ones for storage and the tops pop open routinely just when you are carrying them from place to place.

[Beyond Belief]

I am wonder where the rest of baby Grace's belongings are?

[Texana]

Dumped sor left somewhere (sadly, just like she was.) She might very well have been with transient people--motel dwellers, short term rentals, etc., staying with "friends" or relatives, never making a stable home anywhere for very long.

[raine1212]

Still looking, What do you guys think of this little girl as a match. I am so new at this not sure if I am looking at the correct facial features for any matches.

http://www.missingkids.com/photographs/NCMC1045788c1.jpgCHLOE COMBE-RIVASCase Type: Family Abduction DOB: Jul 8, 2003Sex: FemaleMissing Date: Mar 15, 2006Race: WhiteAge Now: 4Height: 2'8" (81 cm)Missing City: KANSAS CITYWeight: 32 lbs (15 kg)Missing State : MOHair Color: Lt. BrownMissing Country: United StatesEye Color: BlackCase Number: NCMC1045788Circumstances: Chloe was abducted by her non-custodial mother, Aline Rivas-Vera, on March 15, 2006. A felony warrant for Kidnapping was issued for Aline on May 18, 2006. They are believed to have traveled to Mexico. Chloe has a small scar on the left side of her nose.
Associated Adults http://www.missingkids.com/photographs/NCMC1045788a1t.jpg ALINE RIVAS-VERA (http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewCsawDetail&caseNum=1045788&orgPrefix=NCMC&seqNum=1&caseLang=en_US&searchLang=en_US)Missing from: MO Missing Since: Mar 15, 2006 Age Now: 27 View Poster (javascript:MM_openBrWindow('/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=1045788&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US', 'Poster', 'alwaysRaised=yes,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,too lbar=no,location=yes,menubar=yes,status=yes'))

[Texana]

Chloe has the right face shape, but I think the coloring is off.

[raine1212]

Thanks, for the input, they had said Blonde wavy to light Brown not sure about the eye color. Not real good at this I hope to learn very fast so I can be more help.

[gardenmom]

I am wonder where the rest of baby Grace's belongings are?

Such as? She was found fully clothed.:confused:

[believe09]

Leigh worries me. She's autistic. IMO, autistic kids are prone to child abuse. They can push the best parents to the edge.

http://tinyurl.com/yswz5l

SuziQ, did you call this one in?

[KT Can]

This may have already been discussed, but do we know what size shoe Maddie wore at the time she was kidnapped? Clothing size? The only issue I see with Maddie is that the clothes were American made. This would mean that someone would have to have gotten her out of Portugal alive transported her across the Atlantic Ocean via boat or airliner assumingly departing from Portugal or another location in Europe or Africa, and then entered with her into the US where they purchased or acquired the clothes that she was found in. It could happen but that seems like a lot to go through and a long way to travel only to just do away with her.

[Texana]

The autistic child Leigh is too big, I believe, to be Baby Grace. Leigh is 3 1/2 feet tall and weighs about 35 lbs, Baby Grace was just under 3 feet and weighed around 30 lbs. or so.

[Reannan]

Raine1212, I think you are doing a fantastic job! :blowkiss: I think Chloe is also a good possibility. The hair color fits, the size fits. I hope they investigate this angle.

[raine1212]

Thanks Reannan, I am trying very hard to help.. I have not had much time today, been watching my 8 month old grandson. Will try to do more searches tonight and tom. at work.
Also, if I may ask where in SC are you, you can PM with the answer. Never know who is lurking around. I will Pm you with my location.

[raine1212]

I have a question what was her eye color, I guess I have missed it. I am also looking at Adrianna Wix. They list her eyes blue. Also, at what age does a child have their true eye color. All of my kids had Blue eyes at birth and 2 of the girls are hazel now and have been since about 4 years of age

[mahmoo]

I don't know if this thought is good or bad......but, I really don't feel like this little girl's parents reported her missing.......so i don't think she's on any missing kid website.

[interestedmom]

I wonder if investigators have had any luck tracing the origins of the Sterlite container. I know that Wal-Mart has a central computer that tracks every purchase made. If a container of that size was sold in any of the Wal-Mart stores recently, maybe there's footage of the transaction.

I was thinking about that too. Too bad the UPC label is gone. I'm assuming it is since it floated in the water for some time. The thing is, who's to say it was bought for this reason? Whoever did it might have had the container anyway.

[SewingDeb]

HOUSTON — Police in Texas say the body of a young girl washed ashore in a storage box in Galveston Bay last week could have come from as far away as Europe, but officially ruled out it being British toddler Madeleine McCann, who disappeared in Portugal six months ago.

"We're confident it's not her," Galveston County Sheriff's Department spokesman Maj. Ray Tuttoilmondo told FOX News.

After receiving several tips suggesting that the body may have belonged to McCann, Galveston authorities worked with Interpol, the FBI and Portuguese authorities to eliminate that possibility.



http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,307962,00.html

[NewMom2003]

TIKI ISLAND — The last time Texas EquuSearch founder Tim Miller built a cross with his own hands for someone was more than a decade ago.

That cross was for his 16-year-old daughter whose body was found dumped in a field in League City 17 months after her kidnapping.

This time the plaque on the 4-foot-tall wooden cross bears the words "In loving Memory of Baby Grace," the name given to a child whose body was found stuffed into a storage bin that was floating in Galveston Bay a week ago.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5273134.html

My gut feeling on this is that Baby Grace is none of the children posted on the missing children websites. I could be completely wrong, but I believe this child was killed (either purposefully or accidentally) somewhere in South Texas or Louisiana and then dumped near where she was found. Actually the conversations before about San Luis Pass sound plausible. I think she's from one of the surrounding areas if not Galveston itself. :( I have no idea why no one has come forward yet. I think there will be a break this week. Just my gut feeling. Someone has got to come forward.

My heart breaks for this baby :(. May God Bless her.

[interestedmom]

I don't understand why, as bad as this sounds, the killer would 'dispose' of her like they did. It's almost like they wanted her to eventually be found. There has to be a reason that she was put into this container instead of just put out into the ocean.
There is no telling where this child came from and how far away. The Galveston newspaper stated that they are studying the current to see which direction the container drifted from. Does anyone know if they are looking for missing children outside of the U.S.? Would it be possible for this container to float so far, if coming from another country. There was also sand in the container, as if there were hopes that it would sink.

[NewMom2003]

I understand what you are saying interestedmom. Like I said before, this is just my gut feeling.

[believe09]

I sort of feel that she was killed by a non stranger and transported for a while or put in storage before she washed ashore. She might have been killed by abuse or she might have been killed to facilitate the adult being able to disappear more easily. If they have been working with FBI and Interpol, I wonder if they have looked at visas/passports into Mexico around the same time frame to see if a foreigner was supposed to be traveling with family...am I making sense?

[RKnowley]

Wasn't there a big fishing contest that weekend she was found? Could one of the fishermen who was in that contest have placed the container that Baby Grace was found in in his boat and then placed her in the water? Maybe a container of that sort wouldn't have looked out of place?
I wonder if LE has accounted for all the fishermen who were in the contest?

[believe09]

Wasn't there a big fishing contest that weekend she was found? Could one of the fishermen who was in that contest have placed the container that Baby Grace was found in in his boat and then placed her in the water? Maybe a container of that sort wouldn't have looked out of place?
I wonder if LE has accounted for all the fishermen who were in the contest?

Or perhaps the perp paid one of the fisherman to dump it and they are afraid to come forward...I am sure they have well verified the story of the fisherman who found it?? I just listened to the lead investigators interview from CNN this morning and he stated that the tub was "placed" on the island. Sounds like they have decided for sure it didn't wash there.

[KT Can]

IMO if the container was disposed of from a boat within the bay itself then whoever did this would not be someone local to Galveston, Houston or even the nearby coastal areas. Almost anyone familiar with the bay would know how busy the intracoastal waterway is with vessels in route to the Port of Houston as well as how many sandbars there are for things in the water to get caught up on. I just can't imagine that anyone with any knowledge of the area would think that this would be a good dumping ground. This of course is dependant upon how much common sense the monster actually has.

IMO I think it is more likely that the container was disposed of in one of these ways:

The perp disposed of it out in the Gulf of Mexico thinking that it would be lost at sea forever which means they could be local or from anywhere in the gulf coast region. If this were the case I'd have to think the container entered the bay through San Luis Pass.

The perp is someone local to Galveston Island or one of the surrounding communities along the west bay or the one of the inlets and rivers that lead into the west bay. The person didn't have access to a boat or a vehicle of their own to transport the container to another location forcing them to dispose of the container near the place that they reside. Maybe they saw the container sink and assumed it would stay on the bottom, or maybe they attemped to weigh it down thinking they had done a good enough job to keep it on the bottom only to have the container break free of its moorings and float to location it was Found.

Baby Grace could very well be from another country, with the container having been disposed of from one of the thousands of vessels, barges, container ships, etc. that travel the intracoastal waterway on their way to the Port of Houston.

http://www.portofhouston.com/geninfo/overview1.html#galveston

The port is ranked first in the United States in foreign waterborne tonnage, second in the U.S. in total tonnage, and tenth in the world in total tonnage.

More thant 200 million tons of cargo moved through the Port of Houston in 2006. A total of 7,550 vessel calls were recorded at the Port of Houston during the year 2006. The Houston Pilots (http://www.houston-pilots.com/)navigate each vessel through the Houston Ship Channel.

[KT Can]

One more thought, there are many people all along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Mexico and even beyond that have boats that they live on full time. We have some friends who live on their luxary yacht and dock their boat in an area near Galveston called Kemah for several months out of the year and as the seasons change they'll move on to Florida, Mexico, the Carribean or whever else floats their boat, I believe they've even done done the Panama Canal thing and moored places on the Pacific coast line. From what I understand there is a LARGE community of international boaters who live and travel this way, including people with families, and a lot of them use the intracoastal waterway when traveling the gulf coast.

[SuziQ]

SuziQ, did you call this one in?

Another poster found this one as well. I believe she called it in?

[SeriouslySearching]

Does anyone know if they are looking for missing children outside of the U.S.? Yes, she was mentioned earlier and looks remarkably like Baby Grace. (Post #82 Dennoa Shipman) Would it be possible for this container to float so far, if coming from another country? My personal opinion is it would be not possible with rough seas and currents, not to mention weather for this container to remain intact for that far. There was also sand in the container, as if there were hopes that it would sink.I think this sounds plausible...whoever placed her in that container had counted on it sinking. I don't think it was tossed from a bridge or otherwise...because the container would have broken or come open. It doesn't mean it had to be from a boat either tho. Someone could have placed her in the water from simply walking out and pushing it off in a current thinking it would sink further down.

[Texana]

I cannot see a long-term local or BOI (born on the Island) dumping Baby Grace, just because they would be likely to know about the currents. Long term BOI and area people even know that after the Great Storm, the bodies of the victims that were dumped at sea washed back ashore in great numbers.

There are definitely pockets of lower income areas on the island where a more transient family could land for a bit, but I really do think Baby Grace would have been more memorable due to her coloring, and those places are inhabited more by minorities.

My guess is either a coastal town or even one of the larger cities like Galveston, or out of state but not too far, such as Louisiana. It's a straight shot in not only from Louisiana but other southern states, via 1-10. And Dallas is a straight shot up I-45 as well.

I can't see the container surviving a foreign country or container ship dumping, and the clothing just says local/U.S. resident in every way.

[txsvicki]

I hope that all daycare,preschool, and Headstart workers are taking note of the sketch, the description of clothing, and any little girls who suddenly quit coming to class or "moved". The description of a little hoodie shirt, skirt, and new light up shoes sound like something just bought to start school a couple of months ago and the weather around the coast is still very mild. The mid back length hair would be about age 3-4, just the right age to go to Headstart or preschool.

[KT Can]

I cannot see a long-term local or BOI (born on the Island) dumping Baby Grace, just because they would be likely to know about the currents. Long term BOI and area people even know that after the Great Storm, the bodies of the victims that were dumped at sea washed back ashore in great numbers.

There are definitely pockets of lower income areas on the island where a more transient family could land for a bit, but I really do think Baby Grace would have been more memorable due to her coloring, and those places are inhabited more by minorities.

My guess is either a coastal town or even one of the larger cities like Galveston, or out of state but not too far, such as Louisiana. It's a straight shot in not only from Louisiana but other southern states, via 1-10. And Dallas is a straight shot up I-45 as well.

I can't see the container surviving a foreign country or container ship dumping, and the clothing just says local/U.S. resident in every way.

I agree with you about the perp not being a local term local or BOI & I've definately thought about it being someone from inland who drove to Galveston but the only problem I have with that is where and how did the container enter the water to end up wher it did? Did the perp drive from out of town bring a boat with him or did they put the container in the water at a bridge or Pier such as San Luis Pass? There's not a lot of places to rent a boat around here and from my previous post I can't see it being deposited on the other side of the causeway and ending up where it did, but then again I'm not a tide expert.

[KT Can]

Another option is that the perp put the container in the water at the Texas City Dike, which is a long road/dike and popular fishing spot that stretches more than half way across the bay. Someone disposing of the container here would have to know the area I would think.

[NewMom2003]

I cannot see a long-term local or BOI (born on the Island) dumping Baby Grace, just because they would be likely to know about the currents. Long term BOI and area people even know that after the Great Storm, the bodies of the victims that were dumped at sea washed back ashore in great numbers.

There are definitely pockets of lower income areas on the island where a more transient family could land for a bit, but I really do think Baby Grace would have been more memorable due to her coloring, and those places are inhabited more by minorities.

My guess is either a coastal town or even one of the larger cities like Galveston, or out of state but not too far, such as Louisiana. It's a straight shot in not only from Louisiana but other southern states, via 1-10. And Dallas is a straight shot up I-45 as well.

I can't see the container surviving a foreign country or container ship dumping, and the clothing just says local/U.S. resident in every way.

Texana, I agree with your post. I don't think it's a long term local or BOI either. If Baby Grace is from Galveston, I don't think her family has been there long either or they would know the currents, history, etc.

I can't get Louisiana as a possibility out of my mind either.

My heart just breaks for this baby. :( One of the articles from The Chronicle said she was wearing panties with a Disney label and what was most likely a princess on them. :( That really got me. My daughter is into the Disney Princesses and has tons of panties with them on it. I can't help but think of Baby Grace when I see them. :(

[NewMom2003]

Another gut feeling of mine is that this child was killed accidentally by a family member and they didn't know what else to do. This certainly doesn't excuse what's become of this baby by any means.

I've been thinking along these lines since the story broke. :(

[NewMom2003]

Here is the link to the Chronicle article that talks about the Disney panties. :(

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/5264014.html

[becklynn]

Can some of you great graphics people do a pic of her with her mouth closed. I think the police were trying to show her teeth but if her mouth were shut she may be more easily recognised.

[interestedmom]

Thanks, for the input, they had said Blonde wavy to light Brown not sure about the eye color. Not real good at this I hope to learn very fast so I can be more help.

Did they ever confirm her eye color???

[raine1212]

I am not sure if they ever said and I can't find anything either. And I really do not know if they can determine her eye color. I am real new at this, so forgive my mistakes, but JMO (and I am no doctor) I would think that the eye tissue would break down pretty quickly. Anyone with info on the eye tissue let me know where to look.

[teonspaleprincess]

http://www.courttv.com/news/2007/1106/box_ap.html

[concernedperson]

To look at Louisiana then you have to know about the towns that support the businesses. Lake Charles has at least 1 Walmart and I am sure by now they have a Target. The next town would be Lafayette and they have both. I would seriously consider both of these towns as most are known for going to Galveston for vacation. Lafayette is also known for housing many Katrina victims. This little gal met a bad fate and someone knows more. Make sure the flyers are sent to the towns I identified. I have an old friend by the name of Mike Neustrom who used to be sheriff in Lafayette and I don't know if he still is but send it to him if he is.

[Texana]

I agree, KT, not many places to rent a boat, and I'm sure the strangers/odd rentals at this time of year would be memorable and already being checked out by the police.

New Mom and Concernedperson, I think Louisiana is a possibility, because of the short amount of time to get here (and ease of direction) and also because Louisiana does have more low income/transient people right now than in perhaps past years. I taught some Katrina refugees immediately after the storm (both white and black) and the families were exceptionally transient and exceptionally stressed.

But then, Galveston does seem to be a magnet for the crazy and the non-coastal dwellers. Remember Baby in the Microwave last spring or so? They were from Kentucky, I think. And my sister from Dallas makes a beeline for Galveston when she visits, which is funny since we are less than an hour away and don't go that often--although we came THIS close to getting a beach house before we realized the little Texanas were going to suck up every weekend like a Hoover vacuum with ballet rehearsals and the like.

KT, I really think this could be a stepfather/boyfriend crime of abuse--like Precious Doe a few years ago, who was about the same age and dumped by the roadside. He could have grown up in a town like Alvin or even Clear Lake, and be just familiar enough with the area to know how to get to the pier or the bridge at San Luis, but not really understand the currents the way a BOI would.

The problem with the clothes is there are at least 2 or more of those stores in Galveston or on the way--easily accessible from main roads. There are dozens of the small strip centers with Dollar General stores and the like, as well.

[hoppyfrog]

I know the time frame is not quite correct, but the sketch of Baby Grace reminds me so very much of the age pregression of Acacia Patience Bishop:

http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/b/bishop_acacia.html

Hoppy

[RKnowley]

Wouldn't Acacia be around 6 years old now if she were still alive?

I know the time frame is not quite correct, but the sketch of Baby Grace reminds me so very much of the age pregression of Acacia Patience Bishop:

http://www.charleyproject.org/cases/b/bishop_acacia.html

Hoppy

[CaliKid]

Awwww Dimples! It could be Maddie. Every possibility has to be checked out.

Dimples, you really, truly didn't step on anyone's toes. Trying to match Madeleine to Baby Grace was a good idea.

[Reannan]

Why is this taking so long? Someone, somewhere should have recognized the sketch and should be missing a relative by now. This has to be a family that is disconnected from their extended family somehow. I agree that the case has the feel of boyfriend or other live-in suddenly exploding in rage, and then the Mother "helping" with the cover-up, but still concerned enough for the child to place her in a box prior to disposal. So sad.....I get tears in my eyes everytime I think about it. I want Baby Grace to have her real name back. :(

[NewMom2003]

Texana, I thought of the microwave baby story when the Baby Grace story broke. I thought I remembered that they were from somewhere else, but were temporarily staying in Galveston. :furious:

You're right about Alvin and all the other small towns that are near our coast. This person could really be from anywhere. :furious:

I just hope there are some answers quickly.

They were talking about Precious Doe on the news the other night in relation to Baby Grace and it just broke my heart. :(

[hoppyfrog]

Wouldn't Acacia be around 6 years old now if she were still alive?

Yeah. That's why in my post I said the time frame didn't match. But I think the two girls look an awfully lot alike.

Hoppy

[TGIRecovered]

Maybe this is a child whose parents are both in the military and serving overseas or on a far away TDY. She may have been left with relatives or friends and her parents are unaware that she is missing.

Too often, children of single parents are left with a boyfriend or girlfriend or step-parent when a parent has to leave for military assignments. Someone who is not the child's real parent could easily come up with a believable excuse for the absence of the child if neighbors or friends notice she is gone. They could say she went to be with relatives, or the parent came back and they are not "together" any more.

Sometimes a child might have to stay with someone other than the primary parent if the parent is in some kind of drug/alcohol rehab or other medical facility for a significant amount of time. That could explain why the parent might not have seen the news coverage with this baby's picture.

Has anyone seen it mentioned anywhere if the child appeared to have been buried in the clothing she was wearing when she was killed, of if she appears to have been cleaned up and dressed in new clothes before being wrapped up in the container? Did the clothing appear to have been worn and washed before or was it brand-new?

I haven't read this whole thread so please forgive me if this has already been addressed.

Susan

[believe09]

Maybe this is a child whose parents are both in the military and serving overseas or on a far away TDY. She may have been left with relatives or friends and her parents are unaware that she is missing.

Too often, children of single parents are left with a boyfriend or girlfriend or step-parent when a parent has to leave for military assignments. Someone who is not the child's real parent could easily come up with a believable excuse for the absence of the child if neighbors or friends notice she is gone. They could say she went to be with relatives, or the parent came back and they are not "together" any more.

Sometimes a child might have to stay with someone other than the primary parent if the parent is in some kind of drug/alcohol rehab or other medical facility for a significant amount of time. That could explain why the parent might not have seen the news coverage with this baby's picture.

Has anyone seen it mentioned anywhere if the child appeared to have been buried in the clothing she was wearing when she was killed, of if she appears to have been cleaned up and dressed in new clothes before being wrapped up in the container? Did the clothing appear to have been worn and washed before or was it brand-new?

I haven't read this whole thread so please forgive me if this has already been addressed.

Susan

Excellent point, TGI-I have been wondering the same thing about her shoes and whether or not they had been worn.

[Indigo]

Excellent point, TGI-I have been wondering the same thing about her shoes and whether or not they had been worn.


Hopefully her little shoes will help investigators to track her killer. It seems that they were available only at Wal-Mart and have since been discontinued (wonder exactly when?) The Sterlite container was most likely purchased at Wal-Mart also. Wal-Marts central data system holds so much information about customer purchases that it's actually scary. In this case, I hope they share it with the authorities and solve this case soon.

Here's an article from the NY Times about Wal-Mart's data system...long but well worth the read:

What Wal-Mart Knows About Customers' Habits
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/14/business/yourmoney/14wal.html

[Texana]

That's a good point about Texas City, I forget how close it is, just because I don't go that far. :blushing:

A good point also about the child possibly being watched by stepparent, boyfriend, friend while the parent is serving with the military. If you have out of state, deceased, or out of touch relatives, then that compounds the likelihood of no one coming forward.

Frankly, I think that since no one has come forward the following is true:

Baby Grace's immediate parent/partner were local or within a day's drive. Houston is a strong possibility just because of the number of Wal-Marts/Targets and closeness to Galveston. You can't drive around much without being aware of how close Galveston is. However, the other locations--even Louisiana--are possible as well.

The extended family is deceased, dysfunctionally separated in geography, and given Baby Grace's age of 2-3, not necessarily aware of her birth or appearance even.

The perpetrators are either the parent/and partner, or single parent acting without knowledge of the other parent. However, I really do believe this is an act of stepfather/boyfriend and complicit mother. The fact that she was violently injured and dumped points to an abusive partner, but the clothing condition points to someone who picked out clothes with care for her.

[txsvicki]

Hopefully her little shoes will help investigators to track her killer. It seems that they were available only at Wal-Mart and have since been discontinued (wonder exactly when?) The Sterlite container was most likely purchased at Wal-Mart also. Wal-Marts central data system holds so much information about customer purchases that it's actually scary. In this case, I hope they share it with the authorities and solve this case soon.

Here's an article from the NY Times about Wal-Mart's data system...long but well worth the read:

What Wal-Mart Knows About Customers' Habits
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/14/business/yourmoney/14wal.html


My experience with the cheaper brands of light up shoes is that the light doesn't work very long. These shoes must have been fairly new or at least not handed down from another child. They could have been sold on clearance at the end of Summer since they are discontinued.

[KT Can]

Frankly, I think that since no one has come forward the following is true:

Baby Grace's immediate parent/partner were local or within a day's drive. Houston is a strong possibility just because of the number of Wal-Marts/Targets and closeness to Galveston. You can't drive around much without being aware of how close Galveston is. However, the other locations--even Louisiana--are possible as well.

The extended family is deceased, dysfunctionally separated in geography, and given Baby Grace's age of 2-3, not necessarily aware of her birth or appearance even.

The perpetrators are either the parent/and partner, or single parent acting without knowledge of the other parent. However, I really do believe this is an act of stepfather/boyfriend and complicit mother. The fact that she was violently injured and dumped points to an abusive partner, but the clothing condition points to someone who picked out clothes with care for her.

I agree with you Texana, I really feel this is going to turn out to be another "mom's boyfriend" kind of case and no one has even reported this little lovey as missing.

I just got done talking to my mom & I brought up the point about the perp probably not being local or BOI because surely they would know better than to ditch the container where they did & her immediately reply was "uh, hello, Robert Durst". Kind of brought me back to reality, this murderer could be anyone from anywhere. My mom says the island is full of transient lifestyle type of people. She also reminded me of the several wanted criminals & identity hiders who have used Galveston as their hiding place in the past few years.

[PrayersForMaura]

Investigators are chasing down a couple of dozen cases of missing children that match the description of Baby Grace, working with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cases are scattered all over the country, Tuttoilmondo said.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,309236,00.html

[interestedmom]

There are 3 girlsthe investigators are looking into. Goto www.galvnews.com (http://www.galvnews.com) and it has their pictures and names listed. You can also read the story on each disapperance and also about Baby Grace's funeral.

[raine1212]

I am glad they took me serious about Dennoa, when I called over the weekend. I told the lady I spoke to that the sandals had stuck out when I read her missing report. They do listen.

[Marie]

My heart goes out to the people who love these little girls - Karen Matusiewicz from Middletown, Del.; Deonna Shipman from Liverpool, N.Y.; and Celestia Langille from Taylor, Pa.

I can only imagine how hard the wait is for them. I want Baby Grace to get back her name, but I really hope she's not one of the precious little girls who were kidnapped by their fathers. Mostly I wish she was still alive and happy and growing up.

[raine1212]

I aslo called in Chloe Combe-Rivas, I called this am. I know I should have done it before now. But been at work and fighting a cold and taking care of my 9 month old grandson. I did not speak to anyone, I had to leave o voicemail. I may be way off, but you just never know

[Indigo]

I am glad they took me serious about Dennoa, when I called over the weekend. I told the lady I spoke to that the sandals had stuck out when I read her missing report. They do listen.


I have the saddest feeling that Baby Grace is Deonna Shipman but I really hope I'm wrong.

Google searches for Jeffery Shipman show that he was involved with a few organizations that don't always seem to follow the rules.


Alliance for Non-Custodial Parents Rights(ANCPR)

Fathers 4 Justice (f4jusa)

At the time, he was using the email geraldjames @worldnet.att.net. These organazitions tend to be very close-knit. It really seems like someone in one of these organizations might know where Jeffery Shipman is or was last seen.

[Sable]

I have the saddest feeling that Baby Grace is Deonna Shipman but I really hope I'm wrong.

Google searches for Jeffery Shipman show that he was involved with a few organizations that don't always seem to follow the rules.


Alliance for Non-Custodial Parents Rights(ANCPR)

Fathers 4 Justice (f4jusa)

At the time, he was using the email geraldjames @worldnet.att.net. These organazitions tend to be very close-knit. It really seems like someone in one of these organizations might know where Jeffery Shipman is or was last seen.