WV WV - Aliayah Lunsford, 3, Lewis Co., 24 September 2011 - #11

[KinderedSpirits]

[quote=Westinlund;7454936]What we did was not to impress anyone, but to get answers. If you could see their eyes, they are soulless, showing absolutely no emotions whatsoever. Our group is the only one in the area that keep talking daily to local media, coming up with new ideas on how to keep Aliayah's story both fresh and enticing for major media outlets to pick it up.

The FBI and other law enforcement know exactly what happened, but still do not have enough evidence to make arrests. This is clear by statements made by Agent Killeen and others close to the investigation.

As it's been said numerous times, this case is unlike every other missing child case. Other than the first interview with local media, the mother has "gone to ground", hiring lawyers and continuing to break the law to further her and RL's addictions. RL has never spoken with the media and has failed at least one polygraph test.

Why haven't they spoken with the media? Because they have NOTHING to gain from it. It is clearly evident that they do not want Aliayah found and only want the children back for monetary gain. One of the statements made early in the case summed it up "Let me and my husband go on with our lives".

We have had similar tragedies in Lewis county over the years, and it seems that each time these type of things happen, they are swept under the rug. That is not going to be the case in this matter. These "people" have been exposed for what they are, and it will only take the hard work by the local sheriff, state police and the FBI to bring it to "a favorable conclusion".

If you think you could go in front of "possible" killers and get the truth out of them, asking them questions and hoping for some type of reaction, then do it. But don't ridicule and put someone else down that is trying to get answers and give this child the humanity she deserves.[/QUOTE]

BBM- I definitely feel the way you do about RL and LL, and pray every day that the truth prevails. I am so disgusted that these two are trying to go on with their lives...acting like they had no part in Aliayah's demise. This little angel needs justice, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart... for all your hard work and dedication! I am sure many others on here feel the same!

[KinderedSpirits]

Originally Posted by CJMAJORGIRL24

I am about five hours from the courthouse. IF i knew ahead of time-I would have been there!!

I'm sure you would have! Believe me, if I didn't live so far, I'd be right there next to you!

[KinderedSpirits]

Originally Posted by CJMAJORGIRL24

He is scary in the daylight, I can't imagine what he would be like after dark, and a few doses of his "salts."

BBM- And in the eyes of his 3 year- old stepdaughter...MOO!

[Vickie Bowen]

I have not been on here for awhile because I was in Texas welcoming my first grandchild into the world. I am proud to announce the birth of Aidan Hull Conrad, born Dec. 15th at 3:54 pm. Weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and babe are doing great. I am only home for today then heading to Virginia to welcome my second grandson, who is expected anytime now. God is Good ! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for Aliayah. I havent posted anywhere much since I have been very busy, but I do check all the sires about Aliayah everyday and am in constant contact with FBI and LE as well as my brothers keeping me posted on all that is happening. We will not forget Aliayah for 1 minute and pray for her return and that justice be served to whoever is responsible for what has happened to her. If I dont make it back to this site before Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all.

[krimekat]

Bath salts, really? How do druggies come up with these wacky ways to get high? Why not just sniff your gas tank . . .

So sad that children have to be exposed to environments such as this. Wish there was more we could do

[Kimbreeley]

Originally Posted by Vickie Bowen

I have not been on here for awhile because I was in Texas welcoming my first grandchild into the world. I am proud to announce the birth of Aidan Hull Conrad, born Dec. 15th at 3:54 pm. Weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and babe are doing great. I am only home for today then heading to Virginia to welcome my second grandson, who is expected anytime now. God is Good ! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for Aliayah. I havent posted anywhere much since I have been very busy, but I do check all the sires about Aliayah everyday and am in constant contact with FBI and LE as well as my brothers keeping me posted on all that is happening. We will not forget Aliayah for 1 minute and pray for her return and that justice be served to whoever is responsible for what has happened to her. If I dont make it back to this site before Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all.

Congratulations on the grandbabies, Vickie!!! Merry Christmas to you and stay safe in your travels!

[melissasmom]

Congratualtions Vickie! I can't think of any better Christmas present than 2 beautiful new grandbabies. How exciting for you, and the rest of your family. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas also.

[MarthaM]

In any of these cases, it comes down to this for me:

Does any of this help us find a missing child? Do we gain anything on her behalf when actions and reactions consist more of verbally attacking the key players than careful consideration and making choices that might help us glean new and helpful information?

If there was ever any chance that anyone close to the situation would open up and drop a clue to someone who could then go to LE with that info, the likelihood of that becomes slimmer as the name-calling and harassment intensifies. At this point, none of that is going to make anybody talk, IMO. People could have taken a different approach from the beginning, but the tone was set early on. At first it was with LL, then it also was aimed at RL, now it's expanding to include mother, sister, and goodness knows who else. It's just not helpful and is, I think, very hurtful--hurtful to Aliayah, especially.

Worst of all, it's all based on guesswork and assumptions. I haven't seen one single solitary bit of solid information that is enough to point the finger at any one person, let alone at four or more. Whether a person talks to the press or not tells me nothing. Lie detector tests don't do anything for me, and whether a person takes one or not doesn't either. I haven't heard any details about how Aliayah was treated within her family--none of us have that information--so I'm not able to make any giant leaps there. As I've said before, there are a lot of side issues and distractions and just plain rumors that can muddy the waters if you let them, but I won't let them. For example, I know that there's a possibility that someone who abuses drugs can hurt a child; I don't know that that's the case here. So yes, I still have no idea what happened to Aliayah, and I freely admit that. I am not one to jump to conclusions, and I am not easily convinced. I don't mind being in the minority one bit, because I have to do and say what I think is right, not just go along with what most others think.

My hope is still that something will occur to someone locally that will lead LE to Aliayah. I don't think any of these 'protests' or shouting at LL & family (whether in person or on the internet) will prompt that, but I do think that the positive approach that other locals are taking to keep the focus on Aliayah, and some of the activities and events they've undertaken, might have an effect.

[No Stone Unturned]

There are many cases where the parents do not make pleas to the media. In some cases, LE even asks them not to for fear of hurting the case or giving away too much information.

I have never been more sure of guilt as I am in this case. LE has said that they haven't ruled anyone out as a suspect, but why haven't they named RL or LL as a suspect, or even a person of interest?

The only answer I have to that question is that they have absolutely no evidence.

So sad.


(This post reflects my opinion only.)

[CJMAJORGIRL24]

Originally Posted by Vickie Bowen

I have not been on here for awhile because I was in Texas welcoming my first grandchild into the world. I am proud to announce the birth of Aidan Hull Conrad, born Dec. 15th at 3:54 pm. Weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and babe are doing great. I am only home for today then heading to Virginia to welcome my second grandson, who is expected anytime now. God is Good ! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for Aliayah. I havent posted anywhere much since I have been very busy, but I do check all the sires about Aliayah everyday and am in constant contact with FBI and LE as well as my brothers keeping me posted on all that is happening. We will not forget Aliayah for 1 minute and pray for her return and that justice be served to whoever is responsible for what has happened to her. If I dont make it back to this site before Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all.

Praying for your family, and of course Aliayah, always!! Congrats on the new babies!! You are a doubly blessed lady!! Have a safe trip-and spoil those babies as much as you can!! I believe that would make Aliayah happy!!

[CJMAJORGIRL24]

Originally Posted by No Stone Unturned

There are many cases where the parents do not make pleas to the media. In some cases, LE even asks them not to for fear of hurting the case or giving away too much information.

I have never been more sure of guilt as I am in this case. LE has said that they haven't ruled anyone out as a suspect, but why haven't they named RL or LL as a suspect, or even a person of interest?

The only answer I have to that question is that they have absolutely no evidence.

So sad.


(This post reflects my opinion only.)

I can understand in some cases why it is SO very important the family keep quiet, I don't understand WHY in this case it would be important.

And I ---just like you-wonder why they haven't formally announced a suspect in her vanishing. And while they haven't formally named a suspect, they also haven't publicly cleared anyone either. THAT alone speaks volumes to me.

I believe they are waiting on the person(s) involved to hang themselves, and they will, give them time. They think they are above the law...they are in for the shock of their lives. jmo of course

[Westinlund]

Originally Posted by MarthaM

<<snip>>

I don't think any of these 'protests' or shouting at LL & family (whether in person or on the internet) will prompt that, but I do think that the positive approach that other locals are taking to keep the focus on Aliayah, and some of the activities and events they've undertaken, might have an effect.

BBM

There are no "other" locals. The community has come together and are taking part in all of the activities to raise public awareness on Aliayah's behalf. The same people that are working on the indoor yard sale, highway signs, banners and "lighting the way for Aliayah" are the ones taking part in the protests, calling the media to get their video stories and place pressure on those who do not speak out for their child.

This is a small community and the information is right there for how Aliayah was treated, both in the stories by those who interacted with her and by the photographic evidence.

[Shelby2]

Originally Posted by krimekat

Bath salts, really? How do druggies come up with these wacky ways to get high? Why not just sniff your gas tank . . .

So sad that children have to be exposed to environments such as this. Wish there was more we could do

The drug is Mephedrone-'head shops' and the like can sell the drug as long as it is not labeled for human consumption, so they call it 'bath salts' or 'plant food'. It's a BAD drug-the effects on the user are what you'd expect from mixing cocaine & PCP.

[MarthaM]

Originally Posted by Westinlund

BBM

There are no "other" locals. The community has come together and are taking part in all of the activities to raise public awareness on Aliayah's behalf. The same people that are working on the indoor yard sale, highway signs, banners and "lighting the way for Aliayah" are the ones taking part in the protests, calling the media to get their video stories and place pressure on those who do not speak out for their child.

This is a small community and the information is right there for how Aliayah was treated, both in the stories by those who interacted with her and by the photographic evidence.

There are always other locals, no matter the town. And Weston's population far, far exceeds the number of people who participated in one or all of these events, activities, and tactics. Not everyone who participates in one chooses to participate in all.

And if there's really concrete, factual information about how Aliayah was treated (or anything else about this case, really), then one thing the locals could do is do a better job of presenting that info so that it's clear it's not just rumor and innuendo. IMO.

[BritsKate]

I just have to say, as in Zahra's case, I am hugely appreciative of the locals who keep Aliayah's name and, more importantly, her spirit alive.

I think it is something magical when a community bands together to uphold one of its smallest members. Good on you.

[PlainJaneDoe]

Originally Posted by krimekat

Bath salts, really? How do druggies come up with these wacky ways to get high? Why not just sniff your gas tank . . .

So sad that children have to be exposed to environments such as this. Wish there was more we could do

Just FYI, "bath salts" are not and were never meant to be used in bathing. I have no idea how they got that name. :P Here's what NIDA has to say about 'em. If you already knew that, good for you; I didn't realize it for quite a while. :P

[KinderedSpirits]

Originally Posted by MarthaM

There are always other locals, no matter the town. And Weston's population far, far exceeds the number of people who participated in one or all of these events, activities, and tactics. Not everyone who participates in one chooses to participate in all.

And if there's really concrete, factual information about how Aliayah was treated (or anything else about this case, really), then one thing the locals could do is do a better job of presenting that info so that it's clear it's not just rumor and innuendo. IMO.

I can see what you are trying to say, if this was any other case....but absolutely not in Aliayah's case! What do you see when you look at her pictures? Is that a happy and healthy girl you see? Bruises, and eyes filled with hopelessness and anguish are indeed factual information for me! Add that to the fact that the main person who should be questioning why her baby girl looks so tormented, searching high and low for her, and helping LE in every way....is acting as if she doesn't even have a daughter named Aliayah! I am grateful to anyone and everyone who takes the time to make sure that this innocent baby is not forgotten....even though that may be want LL and RL want!!! MOO.

You say that protesting won't help the situation, but do you think putting people (who don't even know Aliayah, but yet care enough about her to dedicate their time) down, and potentially creating tension on this forum actually helps? ETA- I understand why you don't want to point fingers at anyone without hard evidence, but you should understand why most of us refuse to excuse LL's cavalier attitude toward her daughter, at the very least. BTW- no disrespect intended from this response.

[JeannieC]

Originally Posted by Vickie Bowen

I have not been on here for awhile because I was in Texas welcoming my first grandchild into the world. I am proud to announce the birth of Aidan Hull Conrad, born Dec. 15th at 3:54 pm. Weighing in at a whopping 8 pounds 2 ounces and 21 1/2 inches long. Mom and babe are doing great. I am only home for today then heading to Virginia to welcome my second grandson, who is expected anytime now. God is Good ! Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for Aliayah. I havent posted anywhere much since I have been very busy, but I do check all the sires about Aliayah everyday and am in constant contact with FBI and LE as well as my brothers keeping me posted on all that is happening. We will not forget Aliayah for 1 minute and pray for her return and that justice be served to whoever is responsible for what has happened to her. If I dont make it back to this site before Christmas, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. May God bless you all.

Congratulations! What a wonderful and blessed Christmas you and your family are having! Hugs to all of you!

[CJMAJORGIRL24]

Originally Posted by KinderedSpirits

I can see what you are trying to say, if this was any other case....but absolutely not in Aliayah's case! What do you see when you look at her pictures? Is that a happy and healthy girl you see? Bruises, and eyes filled with hopelessness and anguish are indeed factual information for me! Add that to the fact that the main person who should be questioning why her baby girl looks so tormented, searching high and low for her, and helping LE in every way....is acting as if she doesn't even have a daughter named Aliayah! I am grateful to anyone and everyone who takes the time to make sure that this innocent baby is not forgotten....even though that may be want LL and RL want!!! MOO.

You say that protesting won't help the situation, but do you think putting people (who don't even know Aliayah, but yet care enough about her to dedicate their time) down, and potentially creating tension on this forum actually helps? ETA- I understand why you don't want to point fingers at anyone without hard evidence, but you should understand why most of us refuse to excuse LL's cavalier attitude toward her daughter, at the very least. BTW- no disrespect intended from this response.

IF there was ever a missing child that needed the support of the local citizens it would be Aliayah Lunsford. Even Jahessye Shockley has her grandparents to be her voice. IF it wasn't for a great aunt that has never even MET Aliayah..Aliayah would simply have no voice. I refuse to turn my head and pretend this little girl has been forgotten. I refuse to pretend that the bruises on her little face are real. I know that the people that protested didn't do it for praise, but I for one am proud of each and everyone of them.

[Kimbreeley]

Originally Posted by CJMAJORGIRL24

IF there was ever a missing child that needed the support of the local citizens it would be Aliayah Lunsford. Even Jahessye Shockley has her grandparents to be her voice. IF it wasn't for a great aunt that has never even MET Aliayah..Aliayah would simply have no voice. I refuse to turn my head and pretend this little girl has been forgotten. I refuse to pretend that the bruises on her little face are real. I know that the people that protested didn't do it for praise, but I for one am proud of each and everyone of them.

Thanks just wasn't enough!

[CJMAJORGIRL24]

So much I should be doing around here before the holidays, but I can't get little Aliayah out of my thoughts.....

Lena Lunsfords sister Wendy-lives about an hour away from her-is this where she went on her two hour tour? What part if any could Wendy play in all of this? Is Wendy married? What kind of van was Lena Lunsford in?

Ralph Lunsfords sister was in court with him-did anyone get her name? --Did he get a LE escort to his car?

[MarthaM]

Originally Posted by KinderedSpirits

I can see what you are trying to say, if this was any other case....but absolutely not in Aliayah's case! What do you see when you look at her pictures? Is that a happy and healthy girl you see? Bruises, and eyes filled with hopelessness and anguish are indeed factual information for me! Add that to the fact that the main person who should be questioning why her baby girl looks so tormented, searching high and low for her, and helping LE in every way....is acting as if she doesn't even have a daughter named Aliayah! I am grateful to anyone and everyone who takes the time to make sure that this innocent baby is not forgotten....even though that may be want LL and RL want!!! MOO.

And that's my point. I don't know that LL is acting as if she doesn't have a daughter named Aliayah. I do know that people are saying that that's what she's doing, but I have no idea whether that's true or not. I don't know what LL thinks, and I don't equate going to a store or not wanting to answer questions hurled at her when she's out in public with not caring. And I don't know for sure what Aliayah's pictures show; if there are indeed real bruises on her face, I don't know how they got there or what was going on in this child's life.

I need more than others' opinions to go on in this or any other case.

If I had to make a guess about why LL has not been front-and-center since her daughter's disappearance, it would be this: I think that a person who is involved in some sort of illegal activity (i.e. drugs), whether doing it herself or by living with someone who is, is very likely to keep a low profile and keep her distance from the police and media. People with criminal records and/or those who are doing something illegal learn to be secretive, and I think that spills over to all aspects of their lives. While LL's behavior may seem peculiar to some or indicative of guilt, I think it's just as likely that she's just behaving as she always has and doesn't know how to do anything else.

And I haven't eliminated the possibility that LL might be afraid of somebody or something other than LE. I think there's a possibility that there's far far more going on here than any of us know about.

You say that protesting won't help the situation, but do you think putting people (who don't even know Aliayah, but yet care enough about her to dedicate their time) down, and potentially creating tension on this forum actually helps? ETA- I understand why you don't want to point fingers at anyone without hard evidence, but you should understand why most of us refuse to excuse LL's cavalier attitude toward her daughter, at the very least. BTW- no disrespect intended from this response.

I'm not putting 'people' down; I don't know anybody who is part of the various activities that are going on in the Weston area. I don't know who the people who follow LL and RL and the family around are and don't need to know. My comments are about the techniques they are using, and my feelings about that would be the same regardless of who uses them and in which case. I do have a low opinion of a lot of the tactics and behaviors I've seen associated with Aliayah's case, which I think are doing far more harm than good, but have no opinion about the people themselves.

And tension on this forum? As I understand it, different viewpoints and opinions are invited here. Mine are often in the minority, as I apparently approach these cases far differently from the way some others might. But that does not mean that I am creating any tension. I think it takes more than one different viewpoint to create tension anyway--or at least it should, on a forum like this.

Besides, it's quite probable that there are others who share my opinions, at least in part.

[No Stone Unturned]

It is possible that local LE made a mis-step in the very beginning of this case by not treating the home as a crime scene. It was not sealed off. People were allowed to come and go. Evidence could have been tampered with, contaminated, or removed.

[Westinlund]

I'm not going to quote anyone, so I'll just give the viewpoint of one person from the community who has been touched by Aliayah's plight. I will follow the Websleuth rules and not post anything from rumor or innuendo.

I have seen the entire set of photographs of Christmas 2010 and have compared them to photographs I have seen of all of the children in recent times. All of these children have lost significant body weight. You can see it by the photo of Aliayah, taken just days before her disappearance, where she looked emaciated. She and the other children looked like shadows of their former selves, almost like concentration camp survivors. That is a result of abuse/neglect by their mother selling SNAP benefits for a long period of time.

LL has been seen almost daily driving around the Weston area with RL sitting right in the passenger seat. Even though they were ordered by a federal judge to live apart, they continue to flaunt that they still spend time daily with each other. This goes against the intention of the court and they do it right out in the open.

RL's past criminal background goes way beyond what he's been charged for. He has assisted other criminals in very heinous acts, and because of his cooperation with LE, he was never charged. I have gotten this information from victims and court documents. Because of WS rules, I am not allowed to talk of specifics.

On September 24th I was convinced that my circle of friends in the area was fairly small. But after talking to several friends, I found that I was only one person away from almost everyone associated with the case. Talk about shocked. When the extended family came forward to be Aliayah's voice, I met a group of humble, loving people who would give you the shirt off of their backs. I am blessed to consider a lot of them close friends. They are on the other side of the equation, searching daily for Aliayah and organizing and putting on events to keep her memory alive.

And there is our local community, the conscience of this town who report every time they see RL and LL out and about. At first, they would only ask "What happened to Aliayah?" or "what can we do to help?". The response from the third day of the disappearance was "Just let me and my husband go on with our lives". This line has been repeated dozens of times to dozens of people, and only stopped when LL hired her defense attorney.

RL, on the other hand, has NEVER spoken with the media. Since day one, he has sat on his ass, not going to work and even had the gall to drink can after can of beer on his back porch while searchers were only feet away from him. He threatened LE at least four times in the first days of the case, from freaking out when a tracking dog was brought into the Dennison street home to getting nose-to-nose with an FBI agent because he felt that they should stay longer at the hotel.

None of this has been reported because we have no serious local investigative reporters. West Virginia still considers a lot of information private that most states are free to place online, including court documents, arrest and even property records. They are not comfortable to "dig" deeper into the story, as they are unaccustomed to that type of reporting.

What I and many others like me in the community could tell you would fill volumes. But mostl of this information is "hearsay". But it comes from those closest to those involved in Aliayah's disappearance.

Do I have to spell things out? We have made available every unedited video from the press conferences, and what the FBI says and doesn't say speaks volumes. Even though not named as suspects, just who do you think inhabits this "small universe" of suspects? The FBI has already spoken with dozens of people close to the case, including everyone within the family. They know what has happened, they just need to prove it in a court of law.

That is why the FBI has stated that they have ruled out an abduction. That leaves "homicide" and "concealment". Well, we can see by the photographs, the actions of LL just prior to and after the disappearance and the desire to "go on with our lives" that concealment is highly unlikely.

That leaves us with homicide. LE is still working hard on this case, and just because you don't see where the command post vehicle is, or reporting on Facebook where the next area of search is doesn't mean that it's stopped. These investigators are following everything being said and done in this case and won't stop until they have the entire story, not come off half-cocked and damage any chance for convictions.

So, if you'd like to continue to say that you have no evidence that LL and RL are responsible for what has happened to Aliayah, then so be it. We've already heard the theories that a trucker had taken her out of state, that she was sold to a stolen baby ring down south and that she may even have been abducted by aliens. But we here in the local community know what happened...it's right there in our faces every single day.

[NutterButter]

I don't live in Weston, but do live in WV. I have followed this case from day 1 and like many others have cried buckets of tears. I don't wish to put down anyone's opinion because we all have opinions on what may or may not have happened. However, as a parent of three I do know this. Actions speak volumes. Actions speak louder than words. Even if a person is unable to talk about things, you can always DO something. In this case, LL, RL, Wendy, and Grandma have been watched closely from day 1. Any caring parent would have exhibited something that gave the impression that they cared, feared for this little one's safety, total devastation, complete mental breakdown, or would have helped in the search. But, you didn't or don't see this with these people. You see them going to buy illegal substances, shopping, and they have even said let us move on or go on with our lives. Move on or go on doesn't mean please find my child. It is a dismissal of an event. How can you dismiss Aliayah's disappearance as if it never happened and just move on? As a parent who loves her children, I could not. No loving or caring parent could do this. Not to mention as a parent it is our DUTY and RESPONSIBILITY to protect our children from ANY harm. This little girl is gone and these people aren't living up to that responsibily. Any loving or caring parent would want to know what happened to their child. If LL and RL were loving, caring, and responsible parents, there would have been absolutely no reason to take the other children away from them. Selling the apparent only means of nutrition for these children speaks volumes. Food is a necessity, beer, cigarettes, gas and illegal substances are not. How hard is it to help others in a search for your little girl when you are seen going other places? How hard is it to thank everyone for their help and ask for continued help in trying to find Aliayah but instead you choose to say let us move on or go on and actually talk negatively about the people who are trying to help? There have been other cases like this one and LE know by what these people say and do as to what happened to Aliayah. These are the facts that I formed my opinion with. We may NOT know exactly what happened to Aliayah step by step, but given the facts, there is no other scenario that fits these facts.......MOO