Media Links** NO DISCUSSION** [Archive] - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community

Dr.Fessel

03-28-2010, 11:22 AM

Hundreds of People Listen to Six Bands Perform At The Jacksonville Landing With Donations Going to The Somer Thompson Foundation

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Crowds came out to the Jacksonville Landing for the music and good times, but mostly they came for the seven-year-old girl they may not have ever met but felt like they knew.

Six bands took the stage for Somer Jam on Saturday a concert to benefit the newly formed Somer Thompson Foundation.

The members of bands like "Shawn Fisher and the Jukebox Gypsies," say they were grateful for the chance to donate a performance.

"Musicians don't really get a chance that much except benefit concerts to show they care for the community so we wanted to come out and show our support," said Fisher.

And fans enjoying the shows feel they were also part of something bigger.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153917&catid=3

Dr.Fessel

03-28-2010, 12:25 PM

Thousands Pack Landing For 'Somer Jam'
Fundraiser For The Somer Thompson Foundation

POSTED: Saturday, March 27, 2010
UPDATED: 11:11 am EDT March 28,2010
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Molly Hatchet headlined a concert at the Jacksonville Landing Saturday, but all the attention was on Somer Thompson.

Thousands of people attended Somer Jam -- the very public launch of a foundation to financially assist families and victims of violent crimes.

The Somer Thompson Foundation was set up to honor the memory of the 7-year-old who was abducted and killed while walking home from school in her Orange Park neighborhood in October of 2009.

"You can't be mother and not feel something, or on on father for that matter," said Lee Krause, a volunteer for the foundation.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/22977905/detail.html

Dr.Fessel

03-28-2010, 12:32 PM

Some video of the event.

http://www.news4jax.com/video/22977610/index.html

Dr.Fessel

03-28-2010, 12:37 PM

Fly on Wings of Angels with Abby and Molly Hatchet

http://www.news4jax.com/video/22979701/index.html

Noway

04-05-2010, 11:55 AM

Link to videos related to the Somer Thompson case. You can sort by oldest, newest, popularity. length, etc.
http://www.videosurf.com/videos/Somer+Thompson?page=1

Noway

04-05-2010, 11:57 AM

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler on Jarred Harrell Charges

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Beseler-Somer-Thompson

Noway

04-05-2010, 03:36 PM

AmandaReckonWith (CrankyCrankerson) Photobucket
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson/

http://images.zaazu.com/img/digital-camera-animation-animated-camera-smiley-emoticon-000420-medium.gif
Photos
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/category.asp?CategoryID=55436

(From photo link above)
Somer Jam -- Jacksonville Landing
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=970022&CategoryID=55436&ListSubAlbums=0

Molly Hatchet Rocks for Somer
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/category.asp?eventID=969990&CategoryID=55436

Somer Jam
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=969912&CategoryID=55436&ListSubAlbums=0

Somer Thompson Case: Arrest Announced
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=969264&CategoryID=55436&ListSubAlbums=0

Somer Thompson Foundation Benefit
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=969264&CategoryID=55436&ListSubAlbums=0

FBI issue warrant in Somer's case
http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=942278&CategoryID=55436&ListSubAlbums=0

More photo choices at main link at http://images.zaazu.com/img/digital-camera-animation-animated-camera-smiley-emoticon-000420-medium.gif above.

Noway

04-05-2010, 03:53 PM

http://www.news4jax.com/video/22969005/

Uncut: Diena Thompson on Arrest of Man Accused of Killing Somer
New4Jax Video

Noway

04-07-2010, 10:48 AM

This is not related to Somer's case but is a bit of info regarding child pornography.

I read this in an article on Internet safety in the Helena Independent Record (http://www.helenair.com/news/article_46956a98-4208-11df-a115-001cc4c002e0.html).

Fischer warned parents and educators about file sharing programs, such as LimeWire or FrostWire, which are mostly used to trade music. However, pedophiles also use them to trade child pornography.

dar107

04-13-2010, 11:19 AM

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/

Somer will be featured Friday April 16th on 20/20

BeanE

04-15-2010, 05:22 PM

The Twisted Course of an Alleged Pedophile
Jarred Harrell Was Taken From Mother at Age 3 After Court Found Her Unfit

April 15, 2010

3 page story

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-jarred-harrell-pedophile/story?id=10365336

kmart73

04-15-2010, 07:32 PM

BeanE

04-15-2010, 07:45 PM

Harrell At Gano Home When Somer Vanished
By Jeff Hess @ April 15, 2010 5:26 PM

http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/04/harrell-at-gano-home-when-some.html

BeanE

04-15-2010, 07:46 PM

‘20/20′ looks at Somer Thompson case, problems with predators in society
20/20, ABC, WFTV — posted by halboedeker on April, 15 2010 1:13 PM

ABC’s “20/20“ devotes its full hour this week to the tragedy of Florida girl Somer Thompson and its larger ramifications.

The program is “a window into a really big problem with predators in society — I don’t think we know how to deal with them,” “20/20″ anchor Chris Cuomo said. The program airs at 10 p.m. Friday on WFTV-Channel 9.

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_tv_tvblog/2010/04/2020-looks-at-somer-thompson-case-problems-with-predators-in-society.html

eyes4crime

04-15-2010, 07:46 PM

Full case on 20/20 this Friday evening.

http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-tho...ry?id=10365336

BeanE

04-15-2010, 07:47 PM

ABC NEWS’ CHRIS CUOMO INVESTIGATES THE DISAPEARANCE AND MURDER OF SEVEN-YEAR-OLD SOMER THOMPSON IN AN HOUR-LONG REPORT ON “20/20,” FRIDAY, APRIL 16 AT 10:00PM/ET
April 15, 2010 3:06 PM

http://blogs.abcnews.com/pressroom/2010/04/abc-news-chris-cuomo-investigates-the-disapearance-and-murder-of-sevenyearold-somer-thompson-in-an-h.html

Noway

04-15-2010, 11:15 PM

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-04-15/story/records-jarred-harrell-tells-cops-he-was-gano-avenue-home-day-somer

Records: Jarred Harrell tells cops he was at Gano Avenue home day Somer Thompson vanished

Harrell's mother said she was also with him, though timelines differ

The records show detectives first interviewed Harrell on Oct. 30 in Somer's case. He allowed them to search the home and property, but they spotted nothing suspicious.

Harrell said he had been with his mother between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on the day Somer disappeared, including time they spent at the home helping her back for a move to Callahan. Somer was last seen in the neighborhood about 2:45 p.m.

Harrell's mother, Annis Dailey, told police she was with him, apparently at the home, between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., the records show. She said they left together, gassed up their vehicles, had dinner at a McDonald's and split up about 5:30 p.m. In a jail call between them months later in Mississippi, Dailey told her son she would provide him an alibi in Somer's case.

BeanE

04-16-2010, 12:46 PM

All Video and Article Intros for the 20/20 show about Somer Thompson on April 16 2010

Video: Somer Thompson's Mother Speaks
For "20/20" Friday, Chris Cuomo interviews mom of abducted Florida 7-year-old.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/somer-thompsons-mother-speaks-10366702

Article: A Parent's Nightmare: Sex Offenders in Our Midst
Mother of Somer Thompson, 7, Shocked to Find Girl Walked to School Through 'Jungle of Monsters'
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-sex-offenders-midst/story?id=10352484

Video: The Day Somer Thompson Disappeared
Mom recalls terror of hours following daughter's failure to return from school.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/day-somer-thompson-disappeared-10377604

Article: The Twisted Course of an Alleged Pedophile
Jarred Harrell Was Taken From Mother at Age 3 After Court Found Her Unfit
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-jarred-harrell-pedophile/story?id=10365336

Video: Somer Thompson and 'Jungle of Monsters'
Community shocked that 162 registered sex offenders lived in five-mile radius.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/somer-thompson-jungle-monsters-10389264

Article: How Somer Thompson Suspect Was Caught
Despite Child Porn Evidence, Suspect Stayed in Home in School Zone
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/TheLaw/police-home-somer-thompson-suspect/story?id=10385449

Article: Sex Offenders in Our Midst: Resources, More Info
Resource Guide for Parents to Educate and Protect Kids from Sex Offenders
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-case-resource-guide-parents/story?id=10384913

BeanE

04-16-2010, 12:47 PM

April 16, 2010 10:33 AM
Somer Thompson Murder Update: Did Mom Cover for Sex Offender Suspect?

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20002679-504083.html

BeanE

04-16-2010, 04:43 PM

Documents: Jarred Harrell Home When Somer Disappeared
Clay County Sheriff, State Attorneys Office Releases 119 Pages Of Documents
POSTED: Thursday, April 15, 2010

Article: http://www.news4jax.com/news/23167253/detail.html

Video: http://www.news4jax.com/video/23167993/index.html

BeanE

04-17-2010, 09:05 AM

Complete show - Somer Thompson - 20/20 - Friday April 16, 2010

Part 1: Parents' Nightmare: 7-Year-Old Disappears
Seven-year-old Somer Thompson is abducted walking home from school.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/parents-nightmare-year-disappears-10399973

Part 2: Number of Sex Offenders Shocks Residents
162 registered sex offenders lived in five-mile radius of Somer's home.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/number-sex-offenders-shocks-residents-10400078

Part 3: Police Hunt for Somer Thompson's Killer
Investigators pursue hundreds of leads before arrest in Somer's death.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/police-hunt-somer-thompsons-killer-10400118&tab=9482930&section=1206863&playlist=6627259&page=1

Part 4: Man Accused of Killing Somer: Who Is He?
Alleged pedophile Jarred Harrell, 24, had life of family insecurity.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/man-accused-killing-somer-10400149&tab=9482930&section=1206863&playlist=6627259&page=1

Part 5: A Shocking Find on Suspect's Computer
Former roommate says Jarred Harrell's computer had child porn.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/shocking-find-suspects-computer-10400247&tab=9482930&section=1206863&playlist=6627259&page=1

Part 6: Mom to Suspect: 'You Ain't Getting Away'
Somer Thompson's mother says she has no sympathy for Jarred Harrell.
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/mom-suspect-10400302&tab=9482930&section=1206863&playlist=6627259&page=1

also available all in one video here:
A Parent's Nightmare: Sex Offenders in Our Midst
In some states registered sex offenders are allowed within 1000 feet of schools.
http://abc.go.com/watch/2020/166626/258643/a-parents-nightmare-sex-offenders-in-our-midst

BeanE

04-18-2010, 09:49 AM

Somer's Sunshine Run to Take Place on May 22nd
Created: 4/18/2010 2:30:53 AM Updated: 4/18/2010 2:52:18 AM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=154926&catid=3

Kimberlyd125

04-20-2010, 08:43 AM

Picture Of Somer Appears In Online Ad

Link to article: http://www.news4jax.com/news/23202232/detail.html
Link to video: http://www.news4jax.com/video/23202638/index.html

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The picture of Somer Thompson, the Orange Park girl who disappeared and was later found dead, appeared in an ad for an online search engine.

Thompson's story caught national attention and her picture could be found in both local and national news websites. Her picture, however, was used in an Internet ad for search engine Bing.com.

Mike Freed, Thompson family attorney, said it did not surprise him.

"If a mistake was made, it would be randomly generated," he said. "But nothing surprises me in terms of what people do in e-commerce nowadays. It's too easy for people to do bad things and not be detected."

***more at link***

dar107

04-24-2010, 12:07 AM

http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2200_1.php

Stephen Kindland

Staff writer

ORANGE PARK – Near the playground where Somer Thompson used to slide down ladders and climb on monkey bars, a live oak tree has been planted to memorialize the child whose budding life was taken before it blossomed.

More than 40 people, including Somer’s still-grieving mother, Diena, took part in an Earth Day observance at Clarke House Park on Thursday, April 22 -- exactly seven months after Clay County Sheriff’s Office detectives discovered her 7-year-old body at a Georgia landfill.

Orange Park town officials presided at the dedication, where a marble stone bearing the slain child’s name and the title of her favorite song, “You Are My Sunshine,” was placed in front of a newly planted live oak tree that Town Manager John Bowles said would live for many years.

“A hundred and fifty years from now, this tree and Somer’s plaque will still be here and life will go on,” Bowles said. “It will honor Somer … and remind us of what we are here for today.”

Kimberlyd125

05-19-2010, 06:56 PM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23607547/detail.html

Learn To Protect Children From Strangers
Psychologist Says There's Fine Line Between Protecting, Scaring Child

POSTED: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
UPDATED: 5:37 pm EDT May 19, 2010

Snipped:

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As the school year nears its end and summer vacation begins, parents may have questions about what they should tell their children to protect them from dangerous people or strangers

Snipped:
The disappearance and killing of Somer Thompson, a 7-year-old Orange Park girl, in October shook the local community. It became a tragic reminder of the dangerous people who live in the area who want to hurt children.

Snipped:
Somer's mother said she talked to her daughter all the time about strangers.

Perhaps, though, Somer didn't consider the people she passed every day walking home from school to be strangers.

Could that be why police said Jarred Harrell, who investigators said killed Somer, was able to get close to her? That may never be known.

But Somer's heart-wrenching death should be a reminder to everyone to find ways to protect their children from strangers.

"Obviously what happened to Somer was a horrible tragedy," Antal said. "No one could predict that someone would do such horrific acts to her and take advantage of that family in that way. All we can do is say, 'Well, you walk home from school, if you come across someone sitting outside or walking their dog, if they're not on that list of those few safe adults, then you walk away."

Antal said be very careful about using fear tactics with children. She said children as young as 3 and 4 should be taught about staying safe.

She said to say things like, "You need to stay safe with mommy when we're in the store by not running away, because I don't want you to get hurt."

Antal said to avoid telling a young child someone will take them.

Noway

05-20-2010, 12:52 PM

They are seeking the death penalty.

~snipped~
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23620486/detail.html

Prosecutors To Seek Death For Harrell
24-Year-Old Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson

POSTED: Thursday, May 20, 2010
UPDATED: 12:27 pm EDT May 20, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Prosecutors told Jarred Harrell's lawyers Thursday morning that they will seek the death penalty if he's convicted of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Noway

05-23-2010, 04:07 PM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23644622/detail.html

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Hundreds-run-for-Somer/3vauOS7RJECz9esmVV9ZYg.cspx?rss=1

Articles about the Somer Fun Run

Kimberlyd125

05-28-2010, 08:10 PM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=156653&catid=3

Somer is mentioned in this article a lot.

New Law Signed by Governor Charlie Crist Bans Sex Offenders from Parks, Playgrounds, and Schools

Snipped:

A new law bans sex offenders from going within 300 feet of parks and schools, and from loitering in areas where children play.

The law also says those offenders cannot dress up like Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny - both costumes that could allow easy access to children.

The former law addressed only nighttime residency for offenders, not where they could spend their days.

MORE: Read the Full Text of HB 119

The law has the potential to impact practically all families on the First Coast, including the neighborhood where Somer Thompson lived. The child was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and suffocated last year after she strayed from her siblings walking home from school.

***a lot more info regarding Somer in the article***

Noway

06-13-2010, 01:16 PM

Hatchet's new CD 'Justice' includes Somer's song; supports Foundation

Clay Today | June 4, 2010

http://www.claytoday.biz/content/images/2348_2.jpg
Molly Hatchet lead guitarist Bobby Ingram is a Clay County resident.

LAKE ASBURY – The hard rocking southern rock band Molly Hatchet is doing its part to remember a young murder victim from Clay County.
The band’s latest CD “Justice,” released in the United States on Monday, June 1, includes the single “Fly on Wings of Angels,” which is written about 7-year-old Somer Thompson.
Molly Hatchet’s lead guitarist Bobby Ingram, a Lake Asbury resident, says the song is a way the band can help the family and warn parents worldwide about the dangers faced by their children.
“This is a big huge concept record,” Ingram said. “It’s not just that is going to touch our community … this touches everybody in the word. In some fashion justice has touched everybody … they either feel justice served or justified.”

Ingram isn’t just letting the song speak for him. He's also putting actions to words by joining with Somer’s mother, Diena, to form The Somer Thompson Foundation. And to show how strongly he feels about the foundation, which he chairs, the band has donated all future royalties of the song “Fly on Wings of Angels” to the foundation.

The connections with the Thompson family are growing stronger, too. Ingram said he invited the family to his home in April to celebrate the birthday of Somer and her twin brother, Sam.

“They are just amazing people. They are so genuine,” he said. “It was one of the best times I have ever had here at my house.”

More at http://www.claytoday.biz/content/2348_1.php

Noway

06-20-2010, 07:42 PM

These two articles came up today in a search of recent articles on Somer Thompson. They were marked "1 to 3 days old" ...

I don't know why the first one did; it's from October 2009.

~snipped from links below~

How to protect kids from predators, kidnappers

Clint Van Zandt shares tips to help children shield themselves from danger

Oct. 23: In the wake of 7-year-old Somer Thompson's death, former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt shares advice on how to teach children to avoid dangerous situations and escape a kidnapper.

Today show

By Clint Van Zandt
TODAY
updated 6:33 a.m. MT, Fri., Oct . 23, 2009

All parents want to keep their children safe. In the wake of the death of Somer Thompson, the 7-year-old Florida girl who vanished Monday on her mile-long walk home from school, many moms and dads are feeling more anxious than ever about how to protect their kids.

Clint Van Zandt, a former FBI profiler and hostage negotiator, has prepared these tips to help parents train their children to avoid dangerous situations and escape a kidnapper. Van Zandt also makes a free DVD, "Protecting Children from Predators," available at LiveSecure.org (http://www.livesecure.org/).

Read more: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33436827/ns/today-parenting_and_family/#ixzz0rRK13IAY

The second one is about an award bestowed on Mary Justino, and was dated June 18, 2010.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23956326/detail.html

Clay County PIO Earns State's Top Honor

Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Commended For Work During Somer Thompson Case

POSTED: Friday, June 18, 2010
UPDATED: 6:34 pm EDT June 18, 2010
http://www.news4jax.com/images/structures/buttons/button_enlarge.gif
http://www.news4jax.com/2010/0618/23957761_240X135.jpg (http://www.news4jax.com/news/23956326/detail.html#)Mary Justino

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A member of one local sheriff's office is being recognized as the best at her job across the state of Florida.Mary Justino of the Clay County Sheriff's Office has been named the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officer of the Year.She's was seen briefing the media during the Somer Thompson investigation last fall, something she did numerous times.

Kimberlyd125

06-24-2010, 12:09 PM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/24021450/detail.html

Jarred Harrell Absent From Pretrial Hearing

snipped:
CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Jarred Harrell, the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson, did not appear at a pretrial hearing Thursday morning.

A prosecutor told the judge depositions in Somer's murder case are under way.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, was in the courtroom for the hearing. When Harrell's name was called, she closed her eyes, leaned her head on her father's shoulder and cried softly.

also snipped:
Harrell's next hearing is set for Aug. 3.

Noway

06-24-2010, 02:55 PM

snipped

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Justice-For-Somer-Jared-Harrell-A-No-Show-In-Court/QkQtrFOgf0uL-X-dmiylBw.cspx?rss=1

Jarred Harrell did not appear at his court date this morning on charges he molested and murdered 7-year-old Somer Thompson.
It was a status hearing for the judge and legal teams to go over depositions.
A source inside the legal team tells Action News that there are more than 160 witnesses in this case, so a lengthy trial is expected.

Noway

07-03-2010, 12:44 AM

http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2010/07/02/entertainment/nt183ent10molly10.txt

Molly Hatchet to dole out 'Justice' at celebration

http://www.newstribune.com/content/articles/2010/07/02/entertainment/nt183ent10molly10.jpg
Molly Hatchet performs live at the Salute to America in Jefferson City on Saturday. (publicity photo)
By Ben Yarnell
ben@newstribune.com
See SaluteToAmerica.org (http://www.salutetoamerica.org/) for more information.

Published: Thursday, July 1, 2010 4:56 AM CDT

If there is one thing the main acts at this year's Salute to America are guaranteed to do this Fourth of July Weekend in Jefferson City, it is bring back some memories.

Saturday night, fans of the band Molly Hatchet will have the chance to remember their favorite songs from the classic rock band, including the band's classic hit, "Flirting with Disaster."

...

Even though the band had an album completely ready to go and be finalized, Ingram said the band decided to make a new album when they learned of the story of 7-yearold Somer Thompson from Orange Park, Fla., who was abducted while walking home from school last October and was found dead two days later in a landfill in Georgia.

Ingram, who lives about two hours away from Orange Park in Jacksonville, Fla., said they were contacted by the family to help with a benefit concert for the Somer Thompson Foundation. After meeting Somer's mother, Diena, Ingram said the entire course of the album changed instantly.

"We wrote a brand new record in the course of five days and that is the "Justice" album," Ingram said. "We went to Germany and recorded it immediately."

The CD includes tracks like "Vengeance," "Been to Heaven, Been to Hell," "American Pride" and the title track "Justice." The song "Fly on the Wings of Angels (Somer's Song)" includes Somer's 10-year-old sister, Abigail.

~snipped~
more at link

Kimberlyd125

07-29-2010, 10:00 AM

http://www.pressconnects.com/article/20100729/ENT/7290318/1110/Molly-Hatchet-out-for--Justice-

Molly Hatchet out for 'Justice'
Southern rockers, playing Chemung County Fair, have a mission

Kimberlyd125

08-03-2010, 11:21 AM

Jarred Harrell May Be In Court Today
Accused Killer Of Somer Thompson Is Scheduled For Pretrial Hearing In Clay County

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38534208

Snipped:

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — The man charged with killing a 7-year-old Orange Park girl is expected back in court Tuesday morning.

Jarred Harrell is scheduled for a pretrial hearing for the murder of Somer Thompson, along with other charges connected to child pornography. Harrell has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Kimberlyd125

08-03-2010, 11:23 AM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/24492525/detail.html

Jarred Harrell May Be In Court Today
Accused Killer Of Somer Thompson Is Scheduled For Pretrial Hearing In Clay County

POSTED: Tuesday, August 3, 2010
UPDATED: 7:20 am EDT August 3, 2010

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The man charged with killing a 7-year-old Orange Park girl is expected back in court Tuesday morning.

Jarred Harrell is scheduled for a pretrial hearing for the murder of Somer Thompson, along with other charges connected to child pornography. Harrell has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

As this is an administrative hearing, Harrell may not appear in person at the hearing, but Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, is expected to be in the courtroom. She has said she will attend all legal proceeding involving the prosecution of the man accused of killing her daughter.

Kimberlyd125

08-03-2010, 04:18 PM

He was not there and the hearing was passed until Sept. 28th

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/mostpopular/news-article.aspx?storyid=161882

Somer Thompson Murder Suspect Jarred Harrell Not in Court Today

eyes4crime

08-06-2010, 03:47 PM

August 6, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Jarred Harrell will not be seen at any more pretrial court hearings leading up to his trial, according to court documents.

~~snip~~

Harrell's defense team has waived his right to attend pretrial conferences, along with his right to a speedy trial.

Harrell's attorneys are also trying to save Harrell from the possibility of being on death row. Public defender Matt Shirk is asking the judge to eliminate death as a possible penalty, according to the documents.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/24539560/detail.html

Sunshine77

09-14-2010, 08:02 AM

Input sought for Somer Thompson vigil

ORANGE PARK – The president of an expanded Neighborhood Watch program is seeking input from the general public about activities to coincide with a candlelight vigil planned for the first anniversary of the slaying of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Hayward Peterson, who prefers to call himself an area coordinator for the newly established First Coast Neighborhood Watch program, is asking anyone interested in helping to organize the event to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Pentecostal church, 1909 Debarry Ave., near Kingsley Avenue.

http://www.claytoday.biz/content/2665_1.php

Kimberlyd125

09-17-2010, 08:59 PM

http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2010-09-16/story/clay-commissioners-victims-services-center-feel-strain-county-budget

Clay commissioners, Victims Services Center feel strain of county budget cuts

Snipped:

The Clay County Commission was caught Tuesday between the rock of a tight budget and the hard place of a nonprofit program's emergency funding request to keep serving sexual assault victims.

There was no easy answer.

"Everybody has to sacrifice," said Commission Chairman Travis Cummings. "We just can't do it all."

The commission was holding the first of two public hearings on its $251.4 million 2010-11 budget and property tax rate of $7.4492 for every $1,000 of assessed value, the same rate as 2009-10.

Also Snipped:

Another supporter was Diena Thompson of Orange Park, whose 7-year-old daughter Somer was slain last year. She tearfully told commissioners that the center plays an integral role in the justice system.

"Don't forget to get the monsters off the street," she said. "This is not a luxury; it is necessary to keep the children safe."

County officials have offered county space for the center, which would eliminate lease payments, but that space may not meet state regulations for a victim services program. Also, the space is a building adjacent to the fairgrounds that is smaller than the current center. In addition, Thompson said that putting the center there could taint the fairgrounds forever as a "hurtful place" for victims, particularly children who would recall their sessions there every time they go to the fair.

Commissioners said they sympathized, but said many other agencies are dealing with the same kind of cuts. To give the center more money, the commission would have to fire an employee or further reduce funding to another agency.

Noway

09-18-2010, 11:30 PM

Budget passes first reading, but may be tweaked

http://www.claytoday.biz/content/2676_1.php

By Stephen Kindland
Staff writer
GREEN COVE SPRINGS – County commissioners unanimously approved next year’s proposed budget on first reading after agreeing to make some possible last-minute changes that could save the Victims Service Center from closing its doors.

...

Several children’s advocates spoke on behalf of the center during Tuesday’s meeting, including Bruce McIntosh, a physician with the state health department’s Child Protection program; and Diena Thompson, the mother of 7-year-old murder and sexual abuse victim Somer Thomson and president of the Somer Thompson Foundation.

Noway

09-18-2010, 11:32 PM

snipped

Candlelight vigil planned for Somer Thompson

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/actionlocal/story/Candlelight-vigil-planned-for-Somer-Thompson/w0NU8LSiV0W2cOMfcdToJg.cspx?rss=1

Organizers have a candlelight vigil march planned for October 19th. A number of speakers will also address the crowd, including Clay Count Sheriff Rick Beseller.

"She was an angel. She was an angel when she was alive and even more so now," said Somer's neighbor Monica Loeb who is planning the vigil.

dar107

09-28-2010, 11:59 PM

Pretrial Hearing Held In Harrell Murder Case
Jarred Harrell Not In Court In 7-Year-Old Girl's Killing

POSTED: Tuesday, September 28, 2010
UPDATED: 6:44 pm EDT September 28, 2010

http://www.news4jax.com/news/25189074/detail.html

dar107

09-30-2010, 10:01 AM

Riding with a club no parent wants to join

The parents of murdered children cannot bring their kids back. But they can give each other strength and hope. Together they believe they can also make the world a safer place for children who are blissfully unaware of how depraved some people can be.
Rivazfar, Smart, Lunsford, Runnion and Thompson are five of the most inspiring human beings you'll ever meet.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/30/velez.mitchell.victims.families/?hpt=Sbin

Kimberlyd125

09-30-2010, 10:58 AM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39395026

Pretrial Hearing Held In Harrell Murder Case
Jarred Harrell Not In Court In 7-Year-Old Girl's Killing

Snipped:

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. — The man charged with murder in the death of 7-year-old Somer Thompson had a court date Tuesday, though he did not appear at the hearing.

Jarred Harrell is facing 58 charges, including killing the Orange Park girl last October.

Though Harrell was not in court, the case proceeded with a pretrial hearing. Other charges Harrell is facing include possession of child pornography, child molestation and promoting the sexual activity of a child, none of which are associated with Somer.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, sat in court Tuesday as she has for all of the pretrial hearings in her daughter's case.

***Some quotes from Diena in the article***
"I come to represent my daughter and all of the other children that are missing or murdered," Diena Thompson said. "I made a vow that I'd be here, and hell nor high water can keep me away."

"Yeah, it's frustrating because that means it's just going to take that much longer to get to trial," Thompson said. "But so long as they're going through the info and they're getting everything that they need to get to make sure he's where he belongs, then that's what we have to do."

"Oh yeah, I think it'll be terrible," she said. "I've only seen him once in real life, and that was in his April appearance. So yeah, it'll be tough, but I have faith. That's all I have."

Kimberlyd125

10-15-2010, 02:47 PM

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/105021304.html?storySection=story
Mother of Girl Found in Landfill to Attend Trial Each Day

Orange Park, Florida (AP) --

The mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson says she will be in court every day for the trial of the man accused of kidnapping and murdering her daughter.

Diena Thompson said that she still feels guilty over what happened to her daughter.

Also snipped:
Thompson said on Thursday, October 14 she had taught her daughter about stranger danger, but that parents need to go a step further,
teaching them things like running away when they have a bad feeling
about an adult.

A vigil will take place on the anniversary of the Somer
Thompson's death next week.

Kimberlyd125

10-15-2010, 02:50 PM

http://www.wesh.com/news/25402338/detail.html

Somer Thompson Remembered 1 Year Later

ORLANDO, Fla. -- It has been one year since the killing of a North Florida girl as she walked home from school.

Also snipped:

Thompson vowed to attend every court hearing until justice is served.

"I still feel guilty for what happened to Somer, and I want her to know I will always be there for her no matter what," Thompson said. "The monster has made me stronger."

"There's nothing like a mother's love, but I don't know that I would compare a twin's love to my love," Thompson said. "They've been together since the very beginning."

"We need to stop just telling our children things and teaching them. If you have a bad feeling, run the other way. If someone tries to snatch you, you kick, scream, punch, bite," Thompson said.

Thompson has started the Somer Thompson Foundation to help low-income families who must deal with the slaying of their children and can't afford funeral costs.
Copyright 2010 by WESH.COM. All rights

Kimberlyd125

10-19-2010, 11:56 AM

Just a few articles I found today. It's been a year today since Somer was killed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39736096
1 Year Ago: Somer Thompson Disappears 7-Year-Old Girl's Body Found In Georgia Landfill; Mother Still Asks Why

********************

http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/10/somer-thompson-vigil-today.html
Somer Thompson Vigil Today

********************

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-10-18/story/house-where-police-say-somer-thompson-was-slain-haunts-orange-park-0
House where police say Somer Thompson was slain haunts Orange ParkA suspect is secured, but a mom’s world is still spinning, 'that house’ at every turn

********************

http://jacksonville.com/community/jacksonville-community-news/2010-10-18/story/candlelight-vigil-childhood-victims-violence
Candlelight vigil for childhood victims of violence tonight at Terry Parker High SchoolPosted: October 18, 2010 - 12:09pm

Sunshine77

10-23-2010, 10:17 AM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/25480967/detail.html

Harrell's Jail Visit Info, Calls Released
Man Awaiting Trial In 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson's Killing

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Clay County Sheriff's Office on Friday released a log of people who have visited the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson, a list of his movements since he was booked into the jail in March, along with audio of phone calls he's made.

dar107

11-02-2010, 01:24 PM

Tune in! It’s the show every parent must see! Jane Velez-Mitchell brings you the personal, heartbreaking stories of five parents whose daughters were taken from them. They’ve turned their unbearable grief into action by protecting our country’s kids! Tune in to this two-part special investigation, “Every Parent’s Nightmare,” this Thursday and Friday at 7pET/4pPT on HLN!

Preview:

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/crime/2010/10/29/jvm.every.parents.nightmare.hln.html

Litlred

11-21-2010, 11:56 PM

Mother of slain child educates parents

http://www.abc15.com/dpp/lifestyle/family/Mother-of-slain-child-educates-parents

fran

12-29-2010, 01:22 PM

Nine New Names of Young Victims to Violence Added to Memorial Site

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Songs filled the air at Terry Parker High School for more than 200 young people killed by violence.

It's becoming a growing list of pictures and names to display. 14-year-old Horace Lee James is one of the newest.

.....................................snip......... ........................

Nine new names were added to the memorial this year including 16-year-old Tiphne Hollis who was killed in a drive-by shooting, 16-year old Kevin and 11-year-old Katie Whitelaw who were killed by their father in a double-murder suicide and Somer Thompson, who was kidnapped and killed in 2009.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/special/somer/news-article.aspx?storyid=172241&catid=338

tfrohning

01-11-2011, 03:01 PM

Slain Girl's Mom Appears At Court Hearing
Jarred Harrell's Next Pretrial Hearing Passed Until March In Somer Thompson's Death
POSTED: Tuesday, January 11, 2011
UPDATED: 1:29 pm EST January 11, 2011
snip
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson was in court Tuesday morning for a pretrial hearing for her daughter's murder suspect

http://www.news4jax.com/news/26451013/detail.html

Sunshine77

02-09-2011, 05:27 PM

Documents Sealed In Somer Thompson Case
Jarred Harrell's Next Hearing In Somer Thompson's Death Set For March

POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Documents, recordings, affidavits and other evidence in the murder case against Jarred Harrell, the man accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson, are off limits to the public after a judge accepts a motion by a defense attorney.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/26805558/detail.html

dar107

02-09-2011, 11:30 PM

GMJ Exclusive: Gag Order Issued in Somer Thompson Murder Case

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- A judge has issued a gag order on Jarred Harrell's case. He's the man accused of killing Somer Thompson in Clay County in 2009.

After a couple denials, the protective order was granted on Dec. 14 and applies to just about everyone involved in the case, including prosecutors, defense lawyers, investigators and other people who may testify

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=190722&catid=3

Texas Mist

03-01-2011, 04:41 PM

Harrell Murder Case Passed Until June
Man Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson Waives Court Appearance

POSTED: Tuesday, March 1, 2011

RANGE PARK, Fla. -- The case of a man charged with kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Orange Park girl Somer Thompson was passed until June 21.

Jarred Harrell did not appear at a pretrial hearing Tuesday morning, but Somer's mom, Diena Thompson, was in the courtroom, as she has vowed to be.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/27037639/detail.html

Kimberlyd125

04-01-2011, 11:41 AM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42332816

Somer's Mom Fights Cyber Crime Cuts
Diena Thompson Traveled To Tallahassee To Lobby For Cyber Crime Units
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Somer Thompson's mother spent Tuesday making plea to Florida lawmakers. Diena Thompson is fighting to keep funds from disappearing from the state's cyber crime unit.

Nearly a year and a half since her daughter disappeared in Orange Park and was found killed, Diena Thompson traveled to Tallahassee Tuesday to lobby against a budget cut for a program aimed at helping exploited kids.

Thompson told Channel 4 that she feels upbeat, knowing her passion to save the cyber crime unit could save a child's life and keep another mother from feeling the pain she wakes up with every day.

"I'm fired up," Thompson said. "You couldn't keep me away."

Thompson rallied against statewide budget cuts that will strip $1.4 million from cyber crime units that protect exploited children.

***more at link***

Kimberlyd125

04-01-2011, 11:43 AM

http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2011-03-31/story/april-5-named-somer-thompson-day-clay-county

April 5 named as Somer Thompson Day in Clay County
7-year-old girl who was killed in 2009 will be honored with upcoming events

The Clay County Commission has proclaimed April 5 as Somer Thompson Day in memory of the 7-year-old Orange Park girl who was abducted and killed in 2009 on her way home from school.

Her birthday is April 5.

Somer Thompson Day will be recognized on that day this year and "each year hereafter," according to the proclamation. April 5 this year falls on a Tuesday.

At the commission's March 22 meeting, Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, accepted the proclamation, as well as a symbolic key to the county from Commission Chairman Travis Cummings.

"We do need to stand together as a community, we need to stand up against the predators," she said.

Thompson said she plans to bring a program to the Jacksonville area called RadKIDS, which teaches children from age 3 to 13 strategies for getting away from would-be abductors and handling bullying and Internet crimes.

"It teaches kids about everything. It is a really, really good tool to use," she said.

Sunshine77

06-21-2011, 05:05 PM

Trial Date Set For Harrell In 1 Case
Man Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson Has 3 Cases Pending

POSTED: Tuesday, June 21, 2011
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A trial date was set Tuesday in a molestation case against Jarred Harrell, who's accused of killing 7-year-old Orange Park girl Somer Thompson.

Harrell, who has waived his right to appear at every pretrial hearing, was not in court Tuesday.

The trial in the molestation case was set for Jan. 30.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/28306931/detail.html

Kimberlyd125

06-22-2011, 10:54 AM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/rss/article/208279/3/Harrell-Trial-Set-in-Somer-Thompson-Murder-Case

Judge Don Lester said both parties agreed to a trial date sometime from October to December of 2012 on the charges relating to Somer Thompson's death.

*****************************

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2011-06-21/story/jarred-harrell-stand-trial-late-2012-somer-thompson-murder

Jarred Harrell to stand trial in late 2012 in Somer Thompson murder Orange Park man faces earlier trial in child porn case.
Posted: June 21, 2011 - 12:24pm

******************************

Kimberlyd125

08-30-2011, 11:23 AM

http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article/188503/1/Sam-Thompson-Somer-Thompsons-Father-Urges-Parents-To-Protect-Their-Kids

Sam Thompson, Somer Thompson's Father, Urges Parents To Protect Their Kids

Graham, NC - Nearly two years after a seven-year-old girl is abducted and killed, her father is sharing her story again to help other parents protect their kids.

A study by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children found children are most at risk for abduction when they're on the way to or from school or school-related activities.

So just as students return to school in the Triad, Sam Thompson, who lives in Alamance County, wanted to share his message with them.

Kimberlyd125

01-18-2012, 09:45 AM

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46026048

Trial delayed for Jarred Harrell

His trial on the child molestation charges was schedule to start in two weeks, but on Tuesday, a Clay County judge granted a defense request for more time to prepare for that trial. It was pushed back to May 7.

Harrell's next pretrial hearing is set for March 12. A date for his murder trial has not been set.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, said at her Orange Park home Tuesday afternoon that she's frustrated by the court proceedings, but she's willing to seek justice for her daughter, who was kidnapped while walking home from school and later found dead in a landfill.

"I'm definitely frustrated that it gets pushed back, but if it's going to make justice happen and make it more profound, then that's exactly what I want to do," Thompson said of having to wait for Harrell's trial.

GRANNYL

02-02-2012, 11:55 AM

Source: Jarred Harrell set to plead guilty in Somer Thompson slaying
Posted: February 2, 2012 - 11:29am | Updated: February 2, 2012 - 11:46am

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFCtsH6x

AmandaReckonwith

02-03-2012, 12:11 AM

Case archive:

http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson%20%20-FL-/

AmandaReckonwith

03-01-2012, 08:56 PM

Sub-album for Evidence released 3/1/12 and later:

http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson%20%20-FL-/Evidence/

Kimberlyd125

03-27-2012, 10:46 AM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/246887/3/Somer-Thompson-Memorial-Park-Drawings-Released

Somer Thompson Memorial Park Drawings Released

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Crews have begun work on a Somer Thompson memorial park in Orange Park.

Local design firm Klaybor and Associates released drawings of "Somer's Sunshine Park," which include a circular paved walkway, ornamental grasses and shrubs, as well as a butterfly garden.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/images/300/169/2/assetpool/images/120313062105_SomerPark1.JPG

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2012-03-22/story/orange-park-invites-residents-work-park-somer-thompson

Orange Park invites residents to work on park for Somer Thompson

They are inviting the community to come out Saturday to help put finishing touches on Somer’s Sunshine Park — a 1-acre parcel near where the 7-year-old was kidnapped and killed in 2009.

http://jax-cdn.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/story_slideshow_thumb/SomersPark.jpg

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Volunteers-finish-Somer-s-Sunshine-Park/-/475880/9694452/-/nquor/-/index.html

Volunteers finish Somer's Sunshine Park
Park scheduled to open April 5, On Somer's Birthday

The park is on the corner of Debarry and Gano Avenues in Orange Park.