Forensic Astrology - SOMER THOMPSON,7 yr old missing 10/19/09 Orange Park, FL

[nursebeeme]

Jarred Harrell, the former Orange Park resident who lived along the same route Somer Thompson when she went missing in October and who was named a person of interest in her slaying, has been charged with murder.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office also announced today that “Team Somer” it will make a major announcement in the case at a noon press conference at the First Baptist Church of Orange Park.

Jail records released by the Sheriff’s Office show Harrell, 24, is charged with premeditated murder, sexual battery of a child under 12 and lewd and lascivious battery.
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2111_1.php

 

[Sparky]

Per WFTV...it has been announced at 12:03 pm Jarred Harrell has been charged with her murder.

No Link yet.

 

[nursebeeme]

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/...der-major-development-be-announced-noon-somer

here is one link of many (and many more to come). He was nailed due to dna and his own admissions. Death penalty could be on the table but isn't there as of yet

 

[nursebeeme]

Beseler said that there was a mountain of evidence processed in the case, but the thing that allowed authorities to file the murder charge was Harrell's own admission to the facts of the case.
Citing the need to protect many details of the investigation to not taint the prosecution, Beseler did say Somer was assaulted and died of asphyxiation.
He said investigators obtained DNA from Harrell, along with other evidence placing Harrell at the location where Somer was killed, that also allowed them to file the murder charge.
"Based on our evidence from this investigation, we feel confident that Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/22965522/detail.html

 

[nursebeeme]

Our charges filed today against Jarred Harrell allege that he contacted Somer as she walked home from school on October 19, 2009, passing by the house Harrell lived in on Gano Avenue. We have evidence that will show Harrell assaulted Somer, then killed her and dumped her body in a dumpster which ultimately ended up in the landfill in Folkston, GA, where it was recovered.
Harrell's name first surfaced not long after Somer's death as one of over 4,000 leads given to Team Somer in the days and weeks after the crime. As we began to scrutinize Harrell and his activities, he emerged as a person of interest

just a snip from the complete statement by the sheriff that you can read here:
http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/03/read-the-sheriffs-statement.html

 

[nursebeeme]

I can tell you that in order to get to this point investigators have relied on statements from witnesses, admissions from the defendant, DNA technology results and evidence that Harrell was at the location on Gano Avenue when Somer disappeared along with other evidence.
I will also tell you that based on that evidence, along with our investigation, we are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime; therefore we are bringing this murder charge today.

also from Sheriff's statement

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Part 1:

Murder charge in Somer Thompson case
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 1:14 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 6:38 AM EDT
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced on Friday that 24-year-old Jarred Mitchell Harrell has been charged with the murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson. The announcement was made in the gymnasium of the First Baptist Church of Orange Park.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Somer-Thompson
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UPDATED: Somer's Mom To Man Charged With Murder: "We Got You"
Posted: 7:06 am EDT March 26,2010
Updated: 6:29 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
A 7-year-old Florida girl whose body was discovered in a Georgia landfill was walking home from school when she was lured into a home by a 24-year-old man and sexually assaulted before being killed, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said Friday. Jarred Mitchell Harrell, who was already in jail on dozens of child *advertiser censored* charges, was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson. Authorities said she was asphyxiated and tossed into a trash bin, but they did not give many details about her death. Harrell also faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery.

His relatives have said they don't believe he is capable of violence. It is unclear whether he has an attorney. Messages left at the public defender's office were not immediately returned.

Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in this case, but they have not said whether they will do so. Diena Thompson said she would support prosecutors' efforts to seek the death penalty against Harrell. "A monster. That's all this person is, a monster," she said.

Clay County detectives said at the time of Somer's disappearance, Harrell was living at his parents' suburban Jacksonville home, near her home and school. Beseler said Somer was not in Harrell's parents' home for long. "I believe it was something that went rather quickly," he said. He didn't want to reveal details about the case, for fear of jeopardizing the trial. "We are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said.

DOCUMENT: Jarred Harrell's Arrest Report
http://www.wftv.com/pdf/22968069/detail.html

VIDEO REPORT: Man Charged In Somer Thompson's Murder 3:03
Five months after a Somer Thompson was snatched off the street and murdered, deputies say they caught her killer,
http://www.wftv.com/video/22969293/index.html

PRESS CONFERENCE: Somer Thompson's Mom Talks About Murder Charge 17:24
http://www.wftv.com/video/22967561/index.html

NEWS CONFERENCE: Man Charged With Somer Thompson's Murder 25:37
In a Friday afternoon press conference, investigators charged a man with murder in the slaying of Somer Thompson. (03/26/10
http://www.wftv.com/video/22966751/index.html

VIDEO REPORT: Man Charged With Murdering 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson 1:58
http://www.wftv.com/video/22966072/index.html

Article:
http://www.wftv.com/news/22962544/detail.html
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UPDATED: Person Of Interest Charged With Murdering Somer Thompson
Friday, March 26, 2010 6:34:19 PM
<snipped>
On Friday Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler reminded the gathered press about what he said when the search for Somer Thompson's killer began back in October. "The first day, if you'll remember, I said we were going to solve this crime," Beseler said.

The sheriff said Harrell's name came up among the thousands of tips received in the days leading up to her body being found. Once he was picked up in Mississippi last month, he began talking to investigators. However, the sheriff will not say what Harrell said. "And I can't say much more other than that we did rely on admissions by the defendant to give us the amount of probable cause to make our arrest today," Beseler said.

Beseler added this case may be solved, but he knows there are other predators out there living in his community. "I'm talking not in dozens but hundreds -- hundreds of cases that we've got out there. It's a very scary thing," Beseler said. Those on Team Somer, who wore purple in honor of the little girl none of them knew, are confident they've got one of those predators off the street.

Thompson's family and friends will hold a benefit concert Saturday in Jacksonville, which was planned well ahead of Friday&#8217;s events. Somer&#8217;s mother, Diena Thompson, hopes to start a foundation to help out other families going through the same nightmare she's living.

Video: Murder Charges Filed In Thompson Death
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PSONARREW_032620100635&cat=Local&title=Murder Charges Filed In Thompson Death

Video: Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PRESSERW_032620101236&cat=Local&title=Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder

Video: Big Break In Somer Case?
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...SomerPreview_032620100902&cat=Local&title=Big Break In Somer Case?

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/26/sheriff_major_break_in_somer_thompson_murder.html
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Song Pays Tribute To Somer Thompson
Sister Abby To Sing With Molly Hatchet At Saturday's Concert
Thursday, March 25, 2010
<snipped>
A nationally known band who got their start in Clay County will perform a special song in memory of Somer Thompson in a fund raising event Saturday.

Molly Hatchet wrote a song called "Fly On Wings Of Angels," in memory of the young murder victim. The band asked Somer's 10-year-old sister, Abby Thompson, to be a part of it. She will perform the song with the band during Somer Jam, a benefit concert for the Somer Thompson Foundation.

"It's actually telling people she's not really gone," Abby said. "She's in our hearts. She's just not around us."

Abby has a solo, singing part of another song that has become synonymous with her sister, "You Are My Sunshine." Lead guitarist Bobby Ingram said he proposed the idea to Abby's mom, Diena. "'You Are My Sunshine' was at the beginning of the song in keyboard and I said to Diena, 'Why don't we have Abby sing it in memory of her sister,' and Diena said, 'That's a great idea,let's do it!'"

Abby admits the first time she heard the song, she couldn't get through it without crying. Now, she said, it makes her feel good and she hopes it will do the same for others who have experienced a similar loss."

Here are the lyrics to Molly Hatchet's song, "Fly On Wings Of Angels":

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / You make me happy when skies are gray / You'll never know dear how much I love you / Please don't take my sunshine away

Vision of a baby child a blessed event in our lives / So warm and tender so sweet and kind / When I looked at you I see my life through my mama's eyes / I held you oh so close to my heart when you laughed or cried / But it ended way too early no one could ever answer why / We bow our heads and say our prayers to Somer in the night time sky

Fly on wings of angels a shining star on a cold and rainy night / Somer's with the angels so she'll never have to say goodbye.

Abby Thompson recorded a song with Molly Hatchet in memory of her sister, Somer.

Video: Preview Of Somer's Song 2:42
In a musical tribute to Somer Thompson, a nationally known band that got their start in Clay County, will perform a tribute.
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22960423/index.html

Video: Molly Hatchet Playing For Somer Thompson 5:37
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22964269/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22960348/detail.html
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Somer's Mom To Harrell: 'We Got You'
Mother Of 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In October Talks About Arrest In Murder Case
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:54 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Wearing her daughter's favorite color -- purple -- and surrounded by her closest family and friends, Diena Thompson, the mother of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who was killed in October, thanked all of those who have supported her and those who were involved in the investigation leading to the arrest of Jarred Harrell, who is now charged with Somer's murder.

"One hundred-fifty-eight days ago, my 7-year-old twin daughter was walking home from school like a child should be allowed to do," Diena Thompson said. "And on this day, someone took her away from me, her siblings, my family and the world. A monster -- that's all this person is is a monster." "Somer was such a bright star that never got her chance to shine," she said.

"Justice is not fast as an impulse, and that's what this monster did: He had an impulse, and he took something away from me that no one will ever be able to give back to me," Thompson said. "I stood here in front of all of you (158) days ago and said that 'We're coming to get you. We will get you. So I would like to take this opportunity to say to Jarred Harrell, 'We got you, and you ain't getting away,'" Thompson said. Thompson's older sister, who was standing next to her at the emotional news conference, appeared to be faint and fell forward, though she was said to be OK.

Samuel Thompson, Somer's father, released the following statement via the law office of Leigh, James & Associates on Friday regarding Harrell's murder charge: "Samuel Thompson would like to thank the Clay County Sheriff's Department for their diligent efforts in this matter. At this time, Mr. Thompson is not prepared to make a public statement. It is his intention to let the legal process run its course. On behalf of himself and his family, he would like to thank everyone in advance for respecting their privacy."

Video: Harrell Charged With Somer Thompson's Murder; Tiphne Hollis' Funeral Plans
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22964037/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22967004/detail.html
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Arrest In Somer's Killing Draws Applause
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:42 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell, arrested in Mississippi on child *advertiser censored* charges last month and extradited to Clay County, was charged at 6 a.m. Friday with premeditated murder and sexual battery.

Beseler said that there was a mountain of evidence processed in the case, but the thing that allowed authorities to file the murder charge was Harrell's own admission to the facts of the case.

Citing the need to protect many details of the investigation to not taint the prosecution, Beseler would only say that Somer was assaulted and died of asphyxiation. He said investigators obtained DNA from Harrell, along with other evidence placing Harrell at the location where Somer was killed, which also allowed them to file the murder charge.

"Based on our evidence from this investigation, we feel confident that Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said. He said he believes the crime was "probably a crime of opportunity." "I don't believe anything could've been done differently than what was done (to prevent the crime)," Beseler said. "We did our job."

Rod Buchanan -- the person who helped bring Harrell to the attention of authorities by turning over a computer containing pornographic images -- told Channel 4 he does not want to see Harrell placed on death row.

"Give him life without parole; put him in general population; let the guys in jail take care of him the way they do," Buchanan said. "He will no longer be the monster, he will actually be the victim, and I think that is a much better sentence for him."

The Clay County Sheriff's Office released a new photo of Jarred Harrell after he was rebooked on charges of premeditated murder, sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery on a victim under 12.

Document: Jarred Harrell Murder Booking Sheet
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0326/22966619.pdf

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22965522/detail.html
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Somer Thompson&#8217;s mom calls murder suspect a &#8216;monster&#8217;
Jarred Harrell charged with murdering 7-year-old
1:07 p.m. EST, March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged in the death of Somer Thompson, who went missing Oct. 19. Her lifeless legs were discovered two days later in a landfill about 50 miles from Orange Park. Diena Thompson called Harrell a "monster'' during an afternoon news conference.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" &#8212; the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case &#8212; stood by.

Video: Jarred Harrell charged with murdering 7-year-old 1:47
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...39f4a/News/Man-charged-in-7-year-old-s-murder

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...murder-charges-filed-20100326,0,4002000.story
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Harrell charged with murder of Somer Thompson; DNA, admissions led to charges, Clay sheriff says
Harrell hangs head when advised of charge; Somer's mom calls him a monster
March 26, 2010 - 6:39am
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell, long a person of interest in the October 2009 death of 7-year-old Somer Thompson of Orange Park, has been charged with her premeditated murder, killing her by asphyxiation, Sheriff Rick Beseler announced today.

Harrell, 24, already in the Clay County jail on child-*advertiser censored* charges, appeared in court at 1:30 p.m. on the new murder charge. He also was charged with sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and lewd and lascivious battery. He hung his head when Circuit Judge William Wilkes advised him of the premeditated murder charge during the 90-second proceeding. Wilkes scheduled arraignment next month.

He said he couldn't release other details because of the need to protect the integrity of Harrell's future prosecution.

State Attorney Angela Corey, who joined Beseler at the news conference, said the murder is the type of crime that would merit the death penalty.

One of Harrell 's attorneys, Assistant Public Defender Quentin Till, also attended the sheriff's news conference. Till acknowledged the public's right to know but said the continued publicity will make seating a jury difficult in Clay County. He said his office will take a hard look at seeking a change of venue.

Diena Thompson praised those who worked on the case. "I love them. They're part of my family," she said, dressed in purple, her murdered daughter's favorite color. She said she hadn't told her other children about the arrest. "I'm sure they'll be happy to know somebody's going to pay for this crime," she said. "I'm just going to tell them the monster's caught."
She was surrounded by members of her own family and a number of supporters.

Reached in Lucedale, Miss., Loretta Harrell would only say she was upset about the news of her stepson's arrest and that she had not yet told his father.

Read: Sheriff Rick Beseler's speaking notes from the press conference
http://jacksonville.com/news/sherif...rence-announcing-murder-charge-somer-thompson

Video: Clay County Sheriff Announces Charges Against Jarred Harrell in Somer Thompson Case 7:08
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid40190701001?bctid=74125691001

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/...omer-thompson-dna-admissions-led-charges-clay
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Ex-Roommate of Jarred Harrell Left Town Before Somer Thompson Announcement
Created: 3/26/2010 11:54:32 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 2:36:18 PM
<snipped>
The stepfather of one of Jarred Harrell's ex-roommates who turned Harrell's computer over to police after finding child *advertiser censored* on it said the ex-roommates left town when they heard about the charges. Harrell was arrested and charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson today.

Buchanan didn't give his stepdaughter's name, but said she knew an arrest and announcement would be made today so she packed up and left Orange Park. Buchanan said the roommates won't be speaking with the media. Buchanan said he's known Harrell for about two years. Buchanan never thought Harrell would do something like this, he said, but once the child *advertiser censored* was found and Somer was murdered, he said he felt the investigation would lead to Harrell.

Buchanan added he's not interested in the Crime Stoppers reward.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153882&catid=3
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Somer Thompson: What did you make of mother&#8217;s challenge to &#8216;reclaim our children&#8217;s safety&#8217;?
posted by halboedeker on March, 26 2010 2:40 PM
<snipped>
Somer Thompson&#8217;s mother today challenged communities to help children, and she made her remarks shortly after a man was formally charged with her daughter&#8217;s murder.

&#8220;A lot of people have been saying since this happened, &#8216;This isn&#8217;t Mayberry anymore,&#8217;&#8221; Diena Thompson said at a news conference this afternoon. &#8220;We as parents, as community leaders, as citizens, we need to get together and figure out what it is that we&#8217;re not doing right. It&#8217;s time for us to do something different and let our children be allowed to walk home and play and ride their bikes. It&#8217;s time for us to reclaim our children&#8217;s safety and innocence.&#8221;

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)
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Mother Calls Murder Suspect A Monster
Friday, March 26, 2010 3:03:45 PM
<snipped>
The mother of a 7-year-old girl murdered 158 days ago called the suspect, Jarred Harrell, a monster. Diena Thompson was talking about the man charged with killing her daughter, Somer, in October 2009. Harrell, 24, was charged today with premeditated murder, sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 years old, plus lewd and lascivious battery.

At times, Diena Thompson fought back tears as she confronted a day she dreaded, an arrest in the case of slain daughter that captured the attention of the nation. She was also defiant. "I'd like to take this opportunity to say to Jerrod Harrell," she said "We got you and you ain't getting away."

Supporters have said the tight-knit community is no longer Mayberry, a mythical reference to an idyllic town in North Carolina. Continuing to express defiance, she said, "it's time for us to reclaim our children's innocence." She said she no longer looked forward to Monday's, the day her daughter disaappered. The arrest closed one chapter of her life, she said.

Video Included In Article: Somer's Mother

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/26/mother_calls_murder_suspect_a_monster.html
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Man Charged With Murder In Somer Case
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:00 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Five months into an investigation into the abduction and killing of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who disappeared on her way home from her Orange Park elementary school, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced that a man named earlier this year as a person of interest in the case has now been charged with murder. Jarred Harrell, arrested in Mississippi on child *advertiser censored* charges last month and extradited to Clay County, was charged at 6 a.m. Friday with premeditated murder and sexual battery.

After he announced the charges at the church where Somer's funeral was held, applause broke out among the dozens of local, state and federal investigators, many of whom spent the past 158 days investigating the case, WJXT-TV reported.

Video: Arrest Made In Somer Case 11:14
A man arrested on child *advertiser censored* charges has now been charged with murder, sexual battery and other counts in connection with the death of Somer Thompson.
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22966740/index.html

Video: Somer's Mom: 'We Got You' 1:36
The mother of a 7-year-old Florida girl who disappeared while walking home from school last year lashes out at the man charged with her daughter's murder.
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22967589/index.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22962438/detail.html
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UPDATED: Jarred Harrell Charged in Murder of Somer Thompson
Created: 3/26/2010 6:46:37 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:40:39 PM
<snipped>
"Jarred Harrell has now been formally charged with the murder of Somer Thompson," said Beseler at a news conference at Orange Park Baptist Church. "Harrell assaulted Somer and killed her and dumped her body." Harrell has been charged with sexual battery on a victim under 12, and lewd and lascivious battery, according to the sheriff's office. He is being held on a $1.6 million bond. No other charges are anticipated. He was arraigned today at 1:30 p.m. The cause of death was asphyxiation.

The crime likely happened at Harrell's home on Gano Avenue in Orange Park, he said, adding that police know where she was dumped and have established a timeline for the crime. "I believe it is something that went rather quickly," Beseler said. "We don't believe it was very long she was with them." He said he could not comment on the condition of the body or whether a weapon was involved.

Harrell was one of 4,000 leads and, Beseler said, Harrell's "name first surfaced not long after Somer's death." The arrest was made based on the location, DNA and admissions from Harrell; Beseler called it a "crime of opportunity." "We are confident that Jarred Harrell committed this crime," he said, but did not elaborate on the nature of the admission from Harrell or the timeline. He also said that police don't know that Somer ever had contact with Harrell prior to the day she was abducted.

The sheriff said there would be no further details from the sheriff's office, only from the State's Attorney Office. "All future statements will come from the state's attorneys office," he said. Beseler called it a "difficult case to put together, difficult to prove...We wanted to wait on some other test results to come back to make sure we had the right person." The investigation will continue, Beseler said. "This is really the begin of the process."

Harrell is being held in the Clay County jail; the new murder charges came very early this morning, Beseler said. He is being held in a single-man cell. "We worry about his safety...he is safe where he is right now," the sheriff said.

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged in Murder of Somer Thompson 3:54
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...+Thompson/50619441001/50624658001/74148754001

Video: Somer Thompson News Conference 25:35
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74114036001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153869&catid=3
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Jarred Harrell arrest report
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 3:37 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 3:37 PM EDT
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced on Friday that 24-year-old Jarred Mitchell Harrell has been charged with the murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Document:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28994823

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Jarred-Harrell-arrest-report
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Somer Thompson&#8217;s mom calls murder suspect a &#8216;monster&#8217;
1:07 p.m. EST, March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged in the death of Somer Thompson, who went missing Oct. 19. Her lifeless legs were discovered two days later in a landfill about 50 miles from Orange Park. Diena Thompson called Harrell a "monster'' during an afternoon news conference.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" &#8212; the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case &#8212; stood by.

He was arrested Feb. 11 on child *advertiser censored* charges at an aunt's home in Meridian, Miss., where he had moved a few weeks earlier. Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler called him a person of interest in Somer's slaying at the time. He has said Harrell wasn't arrested earlier because detectives had to prove Harrell downloaded the child *advertiser censored*. Harrell was charged with 29 counts of possessing child *advertiser censored* in Florida, then charged with a dozen additional counts of child *advertiser censored* and child molestation.

At the time of his February arrest, Harrell's aunt said she didn't think her nephew was capable of violence. "They tried to make it sound like he's some monster, but he's not," said Kriss Mizelle, who let Harrell stay with her in Meridian. "I could say all these good things about him, but nobody wants to hear that. They think you're delusional and don't know about his secret life, but he's a good kid." Harrell was originally from Lucedale, Miss., and was home-schooled before moving to Florida. He worked various jobs, from cooking to retail, Mizelle said. Friends described him as a "computer wiz."

Video: Police 7-year old lured into home killed 1:28
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...News/Police-7-year-old-lured-into-home-killed

Video: Somer's Mom 'We got you' 1:36
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...735-0d67c3801771/News/Somer-s-Mom-We-got-you-

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...murder-charges-filed-20100326,0,4002000.story
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Diena Thompson statement on Harrell charges
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:27 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:27 PM EDT
<snipped>
Jarred Mitchell Harrell, who was already in jail on dozens of child *advertiser censored* charges, was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson . Authorities said she was asphyxiated and tossed into a trash bin, but they did not give many details about her death. Harrell also faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery. His relatives have said they don't believe he is capable of violence. It is unclear whether he has an attorney. Messages left at the public defender's office were not immediately returned.

Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in this case, but they have not said whether they will do so. Diena Thompson said she would support prosecutors' efforts to seek the death penalty against Harrell. "A monster. That's all this person is, a monster," she said. Clay County detectives said at the time of Somer's disappearance, Harrell was living at his parents' suburban Jacksonville home, near her home and school.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Diena-Thompson
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Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler on Harrell charges
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:35 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:35 PM EDT
<snipped>
During a press conference at the same church where Somer's memorial service was held, Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler
said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" -- the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case -- stood by.

Beseler said Somer was not in Harrell's parents' home for long. "I believe it was something that went rather quickly," he said. He didn't want to reveal details about the case, for fear of jeopardizing the trial. "We are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Beseler-Somer-Thompson
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UPDATED: Grove Park Elementary Parents Fear for Children's Safety
Created: 3/26/2010 11:46:56 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:47:39 PM
<snipped>
Parents at Grove Park Elementary, who were concerned for their children's safety after Somer Thompson disappeared in October 2009, still are wary but relieved about the arrest in the case. The school is near Somer's home on Gano Avenue, and also near the home where Jarred Harrell once lived. In a news conference earlier today, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced Harrell has been charged with premeditated murder in Somer's death.

"There's still other people out there, so it's always good to keep an eye on your kids," said Watson. Jeannie Baker, who has two boys who attend Grove Park Elementary, said she is relieved but still upset there was a child predator living so close to the school. "If somebody knew we had a creep like that this close to our children's school and our county left him here, I don't care what anybody says that child did not have to die," said Baker. "I would have stood there every day myself to let children know not to walk by, but we didn't do that because we didn't know," She added that Harrell's arrest won't mean she will let her parental guard down.

Sheri Hamilton has been the crossing guard for Grove Park Elementary since 2002 and said she knew Somer. Harrell's arrest will bring a big celebration, she said."It's hard to talk about it 'cause you miss her. She's always on your mind," said Hamilton. "It's been all we've been praying for."

Video: Grove Park Elementary Parents Fear for Children's Safety 1:54
5 p.m. Report 3/26/10
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74089554001

Video: Orange Park Neighbors Speak on Harrell Arrest 1:08
5:30 p.m. Report 3/26/10
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74148759001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=153881&catid=3
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Neighbors: Jarred Harrell's Mom Leaves Home
Created: 3/26/2010 11:31:55 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:11:08 PM
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell's mother, Annis Dailey, has packed her car and left, according to neighbors. Neighbors along Nassau Oaks Drive where Harrell's mother lives said Dailey packed her car and left early this morning. No one answered the door.

Neighbors said they are hopeful Somer's killer would be caught. In a news conference earlier today, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced Harrell has been arrested and charged with premeditated murder in Somer's death. "I hope they move out of here, it's scary. I got babies of my own (and) that's not cool. I don't think they should be out here...I hope he gets what he deserves. I hope he gets time, he needs it," said neighbor Jackie Yarbrough.

Based on Dailey's phone conversations with Harrell while he was in jail, it appeared she believed he was innocent.

Video: Neighbors: Jarred Harrell's Mom Leaves Home 0:50
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74098315001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=153879&catid=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55Tsaur3LQ[/ame]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diena Thompson, Somer Thompson's Mother Thanks Public, Pushes for Community Action
Created: 3/26/2010 2:24:58 PM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:42:39 PM
<snipped>
Diena Thompson thanked the public, police and local businesses this afternoon, hours after police announced charges against Jarred Harrell in the murder of Thompson's daughter Somer. "Why would you do this? Why would you take away your life for my 7-year-old daughter," said Thompson. "I would have nothing nice to say to him."

Thompson was flanked by the law enforcement team responsible for the case as well as her sisters and friends. One sister, Dawn, appeared to pass out during Thompson's speech. Learning the cause of death, Thompson said was especially painful. "That's enough to destroy you, to break you down," she said.

Her children have good days and bad ones, she said; they do not know Harrell and neither does she. "I'm sure they'll be happy to know that someone will finally pay for this horrific crime...the monster's caught and locked up, and will never get out."

She said she would like Harrell to be tried in Clay County. "I have faith that a jury will have no problem finding him guilty." Thompson said she had a feeling that the crime had happened in the neighborhood. "I will never understand." Purple still always makes her think of Somer, she said. "I do think I catch a glimpse of her every now and then."

PDF: JARRED HARRELL ARREST REPORT
http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wtlv/docs/032610harrelldoc.pdf

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks after Jarred Harrell Announcement 18:46
03/26/10 Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...ouncement/50619441001/50624658001/74125714001

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks to Public after Harrell Announcement 2:13
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...ouncement/50619441001/50624658001/74139280001

Video: Neighors Speak about Recent Arrest in Somer Case 1:45
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...omer+Case/50619441001/50624658001/74148755001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153884&catid=3

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Part 2:

Harrell arrested in Somer Thompson murder
Last Update: 7:23 pm
<snipped>
Today, Jarred Harrell was arrested and charged with the murder of Somer Thompson. In a news conference today, Sheriff Rick Beseler announced Harrell's arrest, "158 days ago our community was rocked by the brutal murder of a 7 year old girl," he said, " As we all wrapped our arms around the family of Somer Thompson and each other to grieve, the out pouring of support and generosity to bring Somer&#8217;s killer to justice was the light in the search for justice in this community."

Sheriff Beseler described four key points that lead Team Somer to arrest Jarred Harrell, &#8220;We have evidence that will show that Harrell assaulted Somer, killed her and dumped her body in a dumpster that eventually ended up in a Folkston, Georgia landfill.&#8221; Beseler said, investigators relied on statements from witnesses, admissions from the suspect (Harrell), evidence collected from the Gano Avenue home and DNA evidence linking Harrell to the crime.

Sheriff Beseler told the media today, Somer Thompson died of asphyxiation, &#8220;I can&#8217;t comment on the condition of the body or the evidence found around the body, it would be inappropriate at this time.&#8221;

State Attorney, Angela Corey spoke briefly saying, &#8220;I concur with the Sheriff that this type of crime, absolutely qualifies for the death penalty.&#8221; Harrell is charged with premeditated murder, meaning Harrell, planned, plotted or deliberated before committing murder. Premeditation is an element in first degree murder that shows intent to commit that crime.

PDF: Harrell Arrest Docket (648.5KB)
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/media/...f84-453a-89a3-3a441c85696a/harrell_arrest.pdf

Video: Justice For Somer: Arrest 1:52
A suspect has finally been arrested in the Somer Thompson case.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37117@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: Mom Speaks 5:31
TONIGHT, DIENA THOMPSON SAYS SHE MADE GOOD ON HER PROMISE TO FIND THE MAN WHO MURDERED HER BABY, BUT THAT DOESN'T EASE THE PAIN OF HER LOSS
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37110@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: The Case 2:43
DIENA THOMPSON SAYS, THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WORKED AROUND THE CLOCK ON SOMER'S CASE MADE TODAY'S ARREST POSSIBLE
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37111@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Justice For Somer: The Case 1:11
Neighbors saw Harrell's mother packing to leave her home.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37119@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Justice For Somer: Harrell 3/26/10 1:24
HARRELL APPEARED IN COURT TODAY TO ANSWER TO THE NEW MURDER CHARGES AGAINST HIM
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37113@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...r-Thompson-murder/Zm9_69IToUaz4uiH-LHw1g.cspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danny Gokey sings for Somer
Last Update: 7:34 pm
<snipped>
American Idol's Danny Gokey visited Action News Friday. After hearing about what happened to Somer Thompson, he sang a special song in her memory. Gokey also took the time to talk to Action News' Dawn Lopez during the noon show. The former Idol contestant will be singing at The Jacksonville Landing Friday night at 9 p.m

Video: Danny Gokey 3/26/10 3:53
Danny Gokey sings for Somer
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37115@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...y-sings-for-Somer/NhHsvmPkTEm9e49xYfcFvg.cspx
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Somer's mother: They caught a 'monster'
March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Beseler said during a news conference held Friday, March 26 that based on the man&#8217;s own admissions, DNA samples, evidence taken from a Gano Avenue house where the man was living and witness statements, he is confident that Jarred Harrell is the person responsible for the &#8220;brutal&#8221; and &#8220;random&#8221; slaying of the second-grade student. He said it was Harrell who abducted Somer as she walked home from Grove Park Elementary School on Oct. 19, sexually assaulted her and asphyxiated her before tossing her lifeless body into a dumpster that was found two days later in a South Georgia landfill.

Beseler said the murder charge marks the end of &#8220;an extreme roller coaster ride&#8221; for investigators as well as Somer&#8217;s mother, Diena Thompson, and her family. He said Harrell had been on the radar of &#8220;Team Somer&#8221; since the early stages of the investigation, but team investigators, who represent six law enforcement agencies, have endured public pressure to find Somer&#8217;s murderer quickly in favor of their commitment to conduct a thorough investigation with no loopholes.

&#8220;We feel confident that Jarred Harrell committed this crime,&#8221; Beseler said. &#8220;His movements and whereabouts were being monitored. We didn&#8217;t have a hard time finding him [in Mississippi].&#8221;

Diena Thompson, mother of 7-year-old murder victim Somer Thompson, is surrounded by family and members of Team Somer at the Friday, March 26, press conference.

Somer & Her Siblings.

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2112_1.php
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Video: Jarred Harrell Charged In Somer's Murder 3:05
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22970937/index.html

Video: Somer's Mom To Harrell: 'We Got You And You Ain't Getting Away' 3:46
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22969599/index.html

Video: Diena Thompson On The Arrest 2:58
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22971143/index.html

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged With Murder Of Somer Thompson 3:05
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22966692/index.html

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged In The Death Of Somer Thompson 1:29
Harrell had been a person of interest after being arrested on child *advertiser censored* charges
http://www.digtriad.com/video/defau...+Thompson/49911607001/49960901001/74124170001

Video: Statement From Diena Thompson 17:27
Somer Thompson's mother talks about the charges against Jarred Harrell
http://www.digtriad.com/video/defau...+Thompson/49911607001/49960901001/74124115001

Video: Man Charged With Murder In Somer Thompson Death 1:55
http://www.wesh.com/video/22972195/index.html
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Discovery News: Arrest in Girl&#8217;s Murder Highlights Sex Offender Myth
Fri Mar 26, 2010 04:33 PM ET
<snipped>
Predictably, Harrell is not a convicted sex offender. Why &#8220;predictably&#8221;? Because most people who abduct, molest, and kill children have no previous criminal records for crimes against children.

According to Department of Justice studies and professor David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, sex offenders have a lower recidivism (re-offense) rate than people convicted of other crimes (the idea that sex offenders can&#8217;t be cured, or often commit further sex offenses, is a common myth).

Jarred Harrell is a far more typical perpetrator than John Couey. It may seem counterintuitive, but the fact is that a convicted sex offender is far less likely to assault a child than a person who has never been convicted of a sex crime. The vast majority of crimes against children are committed by the child&#8217;s parents, family, or friends&#8212;not a stranger. (Though Harrell had been arrested for unrelated sex crimes, he had not been convicted and therefore did not appear on any sex offender registries.)

When looking for a suspect in a child abduction or molestation, it&#8217;s natural for the police and public to focus first on convicted sex offenders. But more often than not the concern about sex offenders only distracts from the more likely suspects. Children need to be protected, and that means understanding where the real dangers lie.

Department of Justice Studies: Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire ~ "Myths & Facts"
http://www.csom.org/pubs/mythsfacts.html

Article:
http://news.discovery.com/human/arrest-in-girls-murder-highlights-sex-offender-myth.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Man Charged In Death Of Girl Whose Body Was Found In Landfill
March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Unemployed food service worker and computer whiz Jarred Mitchell Harrell, 24, has been charged with murder in the death of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, the Florida schoolgirl who was kidnapped as she walked home and whose body was later found in a Georgia landfill.

Video: Police: 7-year-old Lured Into Home, Killed
http://video.ap.org/?t=By Section/U.S.&g=0326dv_fla_thompson_paknew&f=1139949

Article:
http://www.kwtx.com/nationalnews/headlines/89295792.html

:angel:

 

[nursebeeme]

so, he is supposed to be in court today... wonder what time?

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Part 3:

Somer&#8217;s Suspected Killer Could Face Death Penalty
Sunday, March 28, 2010 9:42:38 AM
<snipped>
Prosecutors said they may seek the death penalty against the man charged with murdering 7-year-old Somer Thompson. Jarred Harrell was charged Friday with sexually abusing, then asphyxiating the girl in October 2009 near her home before dumping her body in the trash.

Sheriff Rick Beseler said Harrell&#8217;s name came up among the thousands of tips received in the days leading up to Somer&#8217;s body being found. Harrell was locked up without bond in Clay County. His public defender has hinted he may ask the trial be moved, because of all the publicity in the case.

Video: Somer Thompson Murder Arrest
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...MPSONARREW_032620100635&cat=Local&title=Somer Thompson Murder Arrest

Video: Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PRESSERW_032620101236&cat=Local&title=Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder

Video: Somer&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Message To Suspect
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...om_032620100220&cat=Local&title=Somer&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Message To Suspect

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/27/somers_suspected_killer_could_face_death_penalty.html
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Hundreds of People Listen to Six Bands Perform At The Jacksonville Landing With Donations Going to The Somer Thompson Foundation
Created: 3/27/2010 9:43:37 PM
Updated: 3/28/2010 12:00:38 PM
<snipped>
Crowds came out to the Jacksonville Landing for the music and good times, but mostly they came for the 7-year-old girl they may not have ever met but felt like they knew. Six bands took the stage Saturday for Somer Jam, a concert to benefit the newly formed Somer Thompson Foundation.

"To give Somer Thompson's mom the support she needs, and a good concert of course," said Tracy Holmes.

The paperwork forming the new Somer Thompson Foundation was presented to Somer's mother, Diena Thompson at the concert. "Diena's said from the get-go she wants someone to talk to who's been through what she's had to go through; this foundation gives her a way to do that for future victims," says friend Haley Hartley.

Video: Somer Jam Kicks Off For Somer Thompson Foundation 1:27
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74282880001

Video: Former Officer Gives Insight On Harrell Investigation 3:07
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=68444325001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153917&catid=3
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Thousands Pack Landing For 'Somer Jam'
Fundraiser For The Somer Thompson Foundation
Saturday, March 27, 2010
<snipped>
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. Those in attendance paid $20 for an afternoon of live music, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Toward the end of the concert, Somer's sister Abby joined Molly Hatchet on stage to sing a special song. "Fly on Wings of Angels," was written as a tribute to Somer, who most people in the audience never knew, but whose death touched the entire community.

Before taking the stage, Abby said she was pleased to be a part of the event. "I'm expecting everybody to have fun and to remember Somer and that she was a really sweet girl," she said.

Abby Thompson sings "Fly on Wings of Angels" -- a song written in tribute to Somer Thompson -- with Molly Hatchet.

Video: Thousands Support 'Somer Jam'
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22977610/index.html

Video: Somer's Sister Sings With Molly Hatchet
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22979701/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22977905/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somer Thompson benefit at Jacksonville Landing brings tears
Event was time of reflection.
March 28, 2010 - 12:22am
<snipped>
Diena Thompson brought a jolt of energy to the Somer Jam concert held Saturday in her slain daughter's memory.

She danced and sang along to the chorus of the Journey song a band on stage was covering: "Don't Stop Believin'." The crowd joined in, singing a song that seemed to personify Thompson's efforts to bring justice and now a purpose for the brutal murder last fall of 7-year-old Somer.

Diena Thompson mingled with the crowd about 6 p.m., accepting hugs and pats on the back from strangers who attended the benefit. She smiled when Rita Laufer approached her, but only a few moments passed before both women, and Dave Laufer, standing nearby, were weeping.

Rita Laufer said she told Thompson, "We feel what she feels." Their son, 26-year-old Eric, was killed last year, and his assailant has not been caught.

Diena Thompson (left), mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson, dances with family, friends and supporters to Hollywood LoveScene playing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'\u2009" at Somer Jam at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday.

The event was the official kickoff and a fundraiser for the Somer Thompson Foundation, which will raise awareness about protecting children from sexual predators.

Tori Lloyd, volunteering at Somer Jam, wears a pair of socks she decorated in memory of Somer, whose favorite color was purple.

Shelby Singletary wears a Somer Jam T-shirt in the courtyard at the Landing.

Watch: Diena Thompson answers questions from the media about Jarred Harrell
http://jacksonville.com/video/news/...-answers-questions-media-about-jarred-harrell

Watch: Diena Thompson speaks to the media
http://jacksonville.com/video/news/crime/2010-03-26/watch-diena-thompson-speaks-media

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-03-28/story/somer-benefit-brings-tears
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Video: Slain girl's aunt collapses
[ame]http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2010/03/26/vo.somer.aunt.collapses.wjxt[/ame]

Video: Charges in Somer Thompson case
[ame]http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2010/03/26/sot.chief.sommer.thompson.WJXT[/ame]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somer&#8217;s mom: Death penalty would be &#8216;fair&#8217;
Mother of murdered Florida child says she&#8217;s &#8216;happier&#8217; after arrest in case
3/29/10 updated 1 hour, 15 minutes ago
<snipped>
&#8220;Right now, I think it&#8217;s fair that he gets the death penalty,&#8221; Diena Thompson told TODAY&#8217;s Ann Curry Monday via satellite from Jacksonville, Fla. &#8220;I think the only way he&#8217;s going to repay society for what he took away from society is to give up himself.&#8221;

It took five months for police to arrest a suspect, but investigators are confident that 24-year-old Jared Mitchell Harrell is the person responsible for the crime. Harrell had been living with a relative in a brick home just five minutes away from Somer&#8217;s home at the time of the murder. Without being specific, investigators said the evidence against Harrell includes DNA and his own statements.

Thompson dabbed constantly at her eyes and choked back tears as she talked to Curry about the agonizing five months between Somer&#8217;s murder and Harrell&#8217;s arrest. &#8220;I&#8217;m happy to know that there&#8217;s someone charged and arrested in my daughter&#8217;s murder. But there&#8217;s just a gamut of emotions that go through you. It&#8217;s so hard to explain exactly how you feel in a situation like this, but definitely I was happier this weekend than I&#8217;ve been in a really long time,&#8221; Thompson said.

&#8220;She was a beautiful, wonderful child that had a twin brother who&#8217;s going to miss her a whole lot, along with the rest of her family and community,&#8221; Thompson said. &#8220;We miss her and love her.&#8221;

Harrell is charged with capital crimes, but prosecutors have not yet given any indication whether they will seek the death penalty once he goes to trial. Thompson said that while she favors the death penalty for him now, her feelings may change as she learns more about him and what happened to Somer, who died of asphyxiation. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know how I&#8217;m going to feel in one to four years from now, when a trial may come about,&#8221; she told Curry.

While waiting for Harrell&#8217;s trial, Thompson continues to work to raise funds for the foundation she created in her daughter&#8217;s name, Remembering Somer. Part of the foundation&#8217;s mission is to try to prevent a recurrence of what happened to Somer. As important, Thompson said, is offering financial help to families overwhelmed by tragedy. &#8220;We want to keep it from happening,&#8221; Thompson told Curry. &#8220;In the unfortunate occasion that it does happen, then we want to be there for the families that are like myself, who didn&#8217;t know how they were ever going to get the money together to pay for their baby to get buried, or how they were going to pay their bills that month. That&#8217;s what this foundation is going to do.&#8221;

Today Show Video: Thompson&#8217;s mom: Death penalty would be &#8216;fair&#8217;
March 29: In an exclusive interview with TODAY&#8217;s Ann Curry, Diena Thompson, the mother of murdered Florida 7-year-old Somer Thompson, says suspect Jared Mitchell Harrell should face the death penalty &#8220;at this time.&#8221;
[ame="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36080263#36080263"]Today Show Video Player[/ame]

Today Show Video: John Walsh offers tips to protect kids 7:34
March 29: As TODAY's Ann Curry reports, children can face many dangers on their street, at school, on the computer and via cell phones. John Walsh, of TV's "America's Most Wanted," offers advice for shielding your kids from these lurking dangers.
[ame="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36080610#36080610"]Today Show Video Player[/ame]

Today Show Video: Somer&#8217;s mom addresses murder suspect
March 27: NBC&#8217;s Kerry Sanders reports, then TODAY&#8217;s Amy Robach sits down with former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt.
[ame="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36063861#36063861"]Today Show Video Player[/ame]

Article:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36080274/ns/today-today_people/
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Somer's Mom: Charges Bring Some Relief
POSTED: Monday, March 29, 2010
UPDATED: 11:28 am EDT March 29,2010
<snipped>
"I'm happy to know that there's someone charged and arrested in my daughter's murder," Thompson said. "But there's just a gamut of emotions that go through you. I mean, it's so hard to explain exactly how you feel in a situation like this. But, definitely, I was happier this weekend than I've been in a really long time."

Harrell has also been charged with lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery. He was already being held on child *advertiser censored* charges in a separate case. On Friday, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said that Somer was assaulted and died of asphyxiation. He said investigators obtained DNA from Harrell, along with other evidence placing Harrell at the location where Somer was killed, which also allowed them to file the murder charge.

Uncut Video: Somer's Sister Sings Tribute Song With Molly Hatchet 8:57
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22979701/index.html

Video: Somer Jam Is A Hit 1:27
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22977610/index.html

Document: Jarred Harrell Murder Booking Sheet
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0326/22966619.pdf

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22987385/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Somer Jam"
Last Update: 3/27 10:35 pm
<snipped>
Just a day after a man is charged with killing Somer Thompson thousands are expected to gather today at the Jacksonville Landing to remember the girl at "Somer Jam." The foundation will aid victims of crimes like Somer's. It will also work to create child protection awareness and saftey.

Video: Somer Jam 1:43
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37125@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Somer's Sister Sings 0:33
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37128@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: Warning Signs 2:10
JARRED HARRELL WAS CHARGED WITH SOMER'S MURDER WHILE BEHIND BARS ON CHILD *advertiser censored* CHARGES
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37122@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Somer-Jam-today/IMJPuVRFrE-nmKlTUcyyXw.cspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somer Jam raises $30,000
Last Update: 4:50 pm
<snipped>
The concert in memory of Somer Thompson raised $30,000 for other families of tragedy. The new numbers were released Monday by concert organizers. Organizers estimate 1500 people came to the Jacksonville Landing Saturday night for the benefit.

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...Jam-raises-30-000/MiCPlhpxnkS6lDE6wFb3LA.cspx

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Is Child *advertiser censored* a Sign of Abuse?
March 29, 2010 6:41 PM
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Besler said child *advertiser censored* is a major problem in our area. Is it as bad as he claims and was Jarred Harrell's child *advertiser censored* collection really a clue that he would commit other crimes? The internet has made access to child *advertiser censored* much easier and the crime more common place.

Dr. Gene Abel works with abusers and said there are two types of people who look at the *advertiser censored*, one is benign. "They have been charged with child *advertiser censored* misuse and they have no other crimes," Abel explained that those people are very unlikely to actually abuse children.

The other is people who have other committed crimes. "Those individuals have a much higher incidence of child sexual abuse," Abel said.
Right now, Abel said, there is no way to sort the two types of people out. He said they are working on ways to test people who might be potential child molesters when they apply for jobs that deal with children.

He said there is no doubt that there are more people accessing child *advertiser censored* but it is also easier to catch these offenders than it is to catch molesters. "Approximately 6-times more common than convictions for child sexual abuse," Abel said.

While looking at child *advertiser censored* is not an automatic red flag that someone will abuse children, it is still a problem. "If an individual is looking at a lot of child *advertiser censored* it is a concern to the people around them and to the individual," Abel said that is because it is still illegal and could be signs of mental health issues.

He stresses that people who look at child *advertiser censored* can be cured with treatment. He also warns that murders like Somer Thompson's are exceedingly rare, so people should not treat that as the default case.

Article:
http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/03/is-child-*advertiser censored*-an-sign-of-abuse.html
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Charlton reacts to arrest in Thompson murder case
Tuesday, March 30, 2010 12:05 PM EDT
<snipped>
Five months after 7-year-old Somer Thompson&#8217;s lifeless body was found in the Chesser Island Road Landfill, residents in Charlton County were relieved last week to hear an arrest had finally been made in the case. &#8220;I&#8217;m glad someone&#8217;s been charged and I hope it&#8217;s the right person,&#8221; said Lorraine Owens, who helped organize a candlelight vigil for Somer last October at the entrance to the landfill.

&#8220;I was really worried about this, because we all think something like this can&#8217;t happen in our town. Finding her [body] here shows it could. We need to remember to be extra careful about our children.&#8221;

Hundreds of Charlton Countians turned out for the two candlelight vigils held here after Somer&#8217;s body was found. Ribbons in the girl&#8217;s favorite color &#8221; purple&#8221; were also displayed on local businesses and along Main Street at the time.

&#8220;It is so, so sad,&#8221; said Marilyn Johnson, of St. George. &#8220;That poor little girl. I&#8217;m glad they have arrested someone and I hope he gets the death penalty. That&#8217;s what Somer&#8217;s mother wants and he deserves it.&#8221;

Article:
http://www.charltoncountyherald.com/articles/2010/03/30/news/doc4bb2178183fdb352071589.txt
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Team Somer
POSTED: Wednesday, March 31, 2010
<snipped>
Before Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced that the five month investigator into the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson led to a murder arrest, he took a few moments to acknowledge the men, women and agencies that had worked tirelessly to bring a killer to justice.

In addition to Clay County's own detectives and deputies, the Sheriff thanked the State Attorney, the FBI, FDLE, U.S. Marshals Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service that worked as part of "Team Somer" - a multi-agency unit dedicated to finding Somer's killer.

Beseler said he had never seen so many agencies work together for so long with such harmony. We agree. As tragic as Somer's death was, the response from law enforcement was a model of how to solve major crimes and get dangerous criminals off our streets.

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/station/23016146/detail.html
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Clay Grand Jury: Jarred Harrell Indicted on 4 Counts in Somer Thompson Case
Created: 4/1/2010 5:12:50 PM
Updated: 4/1/2010 5:13:27 PM
<snipped>
A grand jury indicted Jarred Harrell today on four counts, nearly a week after he was charged in the death of Somer Thompson.

A Clay County grand jury returned a four count indictment charging Harrell with murder in the first degree, kidnapping, sexual battery, and lewd or lascivious battery in connection with the death of Somer.

Around 4 p.m. today, the grand jury returned the four-count indictment against Harrell, which Judge William Wilkes accepted. Wilkes did not set a bond on the charges. Harrell's arraignment on the indictment is April 8. He was charged Friday with the death of Thompson.

Jared Harrell in court this morning

READ THE INDICTMENT...WARNING: IT IS GRAPHIC
http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wtlv/docs/040110_harrellindictment.pdf

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=154155&catid=3
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Harrell Indicted In Somer's Killing
Grand Jury Indicts Man On Charges Of Murder, Kidnapping, Sexual Battery
POSTED: Thursday, April 1, 2010
UPDATED: 6:13 pm EDT April 1,2010
<snipped>
The Clay County grand jury on Thursday returned a four-count indictment charging Jarred Harrell with first-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery in connection with the abduction and killing of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Judge William A. Wilkes accepted the indictment and set no bond for Harrell and the sheriff's office said he is being held in an isolation cell. Harrell's arraigned on the charges is set for April 8.

Court Document: Grand Jury Indictment
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0401/23028739.pdf

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23028428/detail.html
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The stakes are death for Harrell in Somer case
April 1, 2010 - 5:58pm
<snipped>
State Attorney Angela Corey announced today that she will seek the death penalty against Jarred Mitchell Harrell in the rape and asphyxiation of 8-year-old Somer Renee Thompson.

The announcement followed the Clay County grand jury&#8217;s four-count indictment charging Harrell, 24, with first murder, kidnapping, sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery.

Judge William A. Wilkes accepted the indictment and set no bond for Harrell, whose next scheduled court date is Thursday.

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-04-01/story/stakes-are-death-harrell-somer-case
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Four Count Indictment for Harrell in Thompson Murder Case
April 1, 2010 6:54 PM
<snipped>
With a jury's indictment, Jarred Harrell is officially eligible for the death penalty, if found guilty of Somer Thompson's murder.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler says this is the first step in a long trial process. "Complex cases like this, if you look at some of the Casey Anthony case down in Orlando or even right here, the Michael Jackson case in Clay County, just recently, it took three years to bring that case to trial," says Beseler. "These are very complex cases. A great deal of pre-trial work and depositions and discovery and all those things that have to go on - very easily it could take a couple of years before this case would be ready to go to trial." He also mentioned that it's hard to say whether Harrell would be tried in Clay County because the case received so much attention. It will be up to the judge to decide whether a change of venue is necessary for Harrell to receive a fair trial.

Harrell's arraignment on the indictment is scheduled for April 8th at the Clay County Courthouse.

Article:
http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/04/four-count-indictment-for-harr.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Prosecuting Death Penalty Cases
Last Update: 4/01 11:59 pm
<snipped>
Former State Attorney Rod Smith prosecuted Gainesville serial killer Danny Rolling.

"They are all different the are all unique, but they all require very exacting standards," said Smith.

Exacting standards because Smith says if Harrell is convicted and gets the death penalty, he will most likely appeal.

Smith also says in high profile case is important prevent too much information about the case to get out because it would present more of challenge to find an impartial jury and try Harrell.

Video: Justice For Somer: Fast Track 2:49
PROSECUTORS IN THE SOMER THOMPSON CASE ARE RAISING THE STAKES FOR HER ALLEGED KILLER
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=37203@wtev.web.entriq.net&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...ath-Penalty-Cases/FPjb45b1Ok2FWmpro2k59g.cspx
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Harrell could face death penalty in Somer's murder
April 2, 2010
<snipped>
Twenty-four-year-old Jarred Harrell will be arraigned on Thursday, April 8 on murder, kidnapping, sexual battery and lewd and lascivious battery of a child in the abduction and slaying of 7-year-old Somer Thompson last October.

A Clay County grand jury returned a four-count indictment late Thursday afternoon, April 1. State Attorney Angela B. Corey has said she will see the death penalty in the case, which drew national attention within hours after the second-grader disappeared on her way home from Grove Park Elementary School in Orange Park on Oct. 19.

According to a news release issued by Corey&#8217;s office, evidence presented to Clay County grand jurors led them to issue the four-count indictment. Judge William A. Wilkes has accepted the Indictment and did not set bond on the charges. Harrell will be arraigned in court room 12 of the Clay County Courthouse.

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2127_1.php
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Community reacts to arrest of suspected Orange Park child killer
April 1, 2010 - 11:21pm
<snipped>
One phase of the Somer Thompson case wrapped up March 26, with Jarred Mitchell Harrell charged with the sex attack and asphyxiation of the 7-year-old Orange Park girl. But the news was bittersweet to those who knew or had prayed for her after her October disappearance.

Neighbors and supporters who had been at many of the vigils held when Somer was first reported missing were there as the sheriff announced the arrest. "It was really sad to watch the whole story unfold, so we wanted to finish the circle, to see her get justice," said Jacksonville resident Vickie Szala. "It is sad to see the whole thing unfold for her family. Thank God they got him."

Wearing a purple ribbon around his left arm, Ike McCollum was sad even as he heard the news he said he had been waiting for. He is part of a group of motorcyclists called Bikers for Justice, who also attended vigils and hosted a fundraising motorcycle ride for the family. "I am proud that they have formal charges. I am sad because a child had to go," he said.

A few minutes before Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, spoke to reporters about the arrest, sheriff's deputies were keeping an eye on the family home on Horton Drive. A new purple "Justice for Somer" banner hung in the trees, across the street from a memorial garden planted with purple flowers and a plaque that read "Forever in our hearts - Somer Renee Thompson." Purple was Somer's favorite color.

Justice Coalition Executive Director Ann Dugger, who attended both news conferences, said the news was bittersweet. "It is bitter for Clay County, the state of Florida, our nation, and for a town like this for such a sweet precious lady, that her life was taken away. But the best thing we can look at is there is a huge step that has been made to see that justice is being served, and we are waiting now to see justice for Somer," said Dugger.

The coalition, which helps victims of crimes, now shifts its role to helping the Thompson family with the legal system, from the pre-trial hearings to closing arguments, she said. "When it is all done, we will still be there for her and her family," Dugger said.

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/community/r...cts-arrest-suspected-orange-park-child-killer
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Former Prosecutor Weighs In on Jarred Harrell Case
Created: 4/2/2010 5:12:51 PM
Updated: 4/2/2010 6:40:55 PM
<snipped>
Former State Attorney Rod Smith tried Danny Rolling's case. It is known as one of Florida's most high profile cases. Rolling was executed in 2006 for the brutal murders of five college students in Gainesville in 1990.

Smith said Rolling's trial back in 1991 was tough because of all the publicity. He said with more cable news and information available online, trying Jarred Harrell's case will be even tougher. The toughest part? Looking for a jury.

"By the time this case gets to trial, it will be, 'Yes, I've heard of him,'" said Smith, and added death penalty cases are handled differently altogether. "You must make sure every 'T' and 'I' is crossed and dotted, because the last thing you want to do it do it (trial) again," Smith said.

Smith feels Harrell's trial will not happen in a year. He said Harrell's defense attorneys will slow things down with a lot of motions. "A focus over time will switch from the focus on the crime to circumstances to the life of the defendant," Smith said.

He also said while Harrell's case will be tough to handle, he is certain of a couple of things. "It will be a case that gets a trial. I have no reason to believe it's a plea-able case. It will be a death penalty case and probably will not be in Clay County."

State Attorney Angela Corey has mentioned a change of venue is possible, but that decision will be made by a judge down the road.

Video: Former Prosecutor Weighs In on Jarred Harrell Case 2:46
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=75730494001

JARRED HARRELL ARREST REPORT
http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wtlv/docs/032610harrelldoc.pdf

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=154202&catid=3

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Jarred Harrell pleads not guilty in Somer Thompson's slaying
Suspect appears briefly in Clay County court
April 8, 2010 - 9:08am
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell pleaded not guilty this morning in the Oct. 19 kidnapping, sexual battery and slaying of Somer Thompson.

Harrell, 24, was charged March 26 with the 7-year-old's slaying. His not-guilty plea was made before Circuit Judge William Wilkes in a hearing that lasted about a minute. His next court appearance is set for April 26.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said investigators have DNA, interviews and other evidence that link Harrell to the slaying.

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/...ell-pleads-not-guilty-somer-thompsons-slaying
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Harrell pleads not guilty in Somer Thompson case
April 8, 2010
<snipped>
The man investigators say kidnapped, sexually assaulted and murdered 7-year-old Somer Thompson has entered a plea of not guilty after being arraigned before Circuit Judge William Wilkes.

Harrell is being held in an isolated Clay County Jail cell without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 26.

Harrell also faces multiple child *advertiser censored* charges in two other cases.
He is being represented by public defender Kate Bidell, who declined comment after Harrell's arraignment. "I don't think I'll be saying anything," Bidell said.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said during a recent news conference that the kidnapping, sexual assault and murder charges are based on &#8220;admissions&#8221; of information given by Harrell during interviews, DNA samples, statements from witnesses and other evidence.

He said the crime is believed to have occurred in a home owned by Harrell&#8217;s stepfather, just blocks away from the school that Somer attended.

Article:
http://www.claytoday.biz/content/2146_1.php
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<snipped>
Jarred Harrell entered the plea in a brief hearing Thursday morning. He is being held without bail. Harrell now faces first degree murder, kidnapping, sexual battery, and lewd or lascivious battery charges, the judge said

Last week, a jury indicted Harrell on the four counts related to her death, and today's court appearance was to make the charges official. Harrell remains in jail, and will be in court for another pretrial hearing April 26.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/mostpopular/news-article.aspx?storyid=154409&provider=top
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Harrell Pleads Not Guilty To Murder
24-Year-Old Accused Of Kidnapping, Killing 7-Year-Old Girl In October
POSTED: Thursday, April 8, 2010
UPDATED: 7:00 pm EDT April 8, 2010
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell, 24, was arraigned on the first-degree murder charge he was dealt last month. Harrell appeared visibly thinner after spending nearly two months in jail.

Investigators said they have DNA evidence and other evidence that led to Harrell's arrest. Harrell will return to court later this month. If convicted on the murder charges, he could face the death penalty.

Video: Harrell Arraigned In Somer's Killing
http://www.news4jax.com/video/23094456/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23090274/detail.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Public gets chance to thank 'Team Somer'
April 12, 2010
<snipped>
Members of the Clay County Sheriff&#8217;s Office&#8217;s task force on sexual assault and domestic violence will take on Clay County Fire and Rescue personnel in a &#8220;Strike Out Violence&#8221; benefit softball game to help raise awareness of increases in sex crimes and violence toward women.

Task force Detective Cyndi Eisenhauser said the game, which is set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 17 at Paul Russell Park on County Road 220, also gives residents the chance to thank task force members who collectively worked thousands of hours as members of the &#8220;Team Somer&#8221; investigative team that resulted in the recent arrest in the October abduction, sexual assault and murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson of Orange Park.

&#8220;It&#8217;s a big day for us,&#8221; Eisenhauer said. &#8220;It gives us a little relief &#8211; and a little breathing room -- after all that&#8217;s gone on with the Somer case.&#8221;

The third annual game, which kicks off the April 19 start of Victims Rights Week and coincides with Sexual Assault Awareness Month, also provides a &#8220;great opportunity&#8221; for victims of domestic violence and sex crimes to come forward.
&#8220;It&#8217;s our chance for you to come to us,&#8221; Eisenhauer said. &#8220;We&#8217;re approachable. Share your story with us.&#8221;

Saturday&#8217;s game is free and open to the public. Other agencies plan to provide education and awareness materials as well.

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2149_1.php

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

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
April 15, 2010 - 5:03pm
<snipped>
The man charged with killing Somer Thompson told police he was at his mother's Orange Park home the afternoon investigators said Somer died there, according to 125 pages of police reports and other records released Thursday.

What Jarred Harrell may know about the 7-year-old's slaying will likely remain secret until his trial, since authorities redacted portions of his statements to police. The State Attorney's Office cited several public records exemptions for the redactions, including one that protects details of confessions.

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.

No other details of the Oct. 30 interview were included in the records.

The records include some exchanges between detectives and Harrell after his Feb. 11 arrest in Mississippi. At one point, Harrell agrees to view a pornographic picture of a girl and said he recognized her from a Web site. "Jarred Harrell realized that he was admitting to having viewed child *advertiser censored* and changed the subject," the records state.

Among the other records released Thursday were entries Harrell and his friends made on his Myspace.com page. Under his profile, he said he drinks, smokes and is undecided about having children. He lists horror flicks among his favorite movies and CSI among his favorite TV shows. Of books, he wrote, "I don't read much." Harrell's last login was on Nov. 12, more than three weeks after Somer's death. He lists his mood as tired.

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/...-tells-cops-he-was-gano-avenue-home-day-somer
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&#8216;20/20&#8242; to devote full hour to Somer Thompson
posted by halboedeker on April, 13 2010 5:01 PM
<snipped>
Chris Cuomo, anchor of &#8220;20/20,&#8221; is the reporter. The program airs at 10 p.m. Friday on WFTV-Channel 9.

Somer, a 7-year-old from Orange Park, was reported missing in October on her way home from school. Two days later, her body was found in a Georgia landfill.

Last month, Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged with premeditated murder in her death.

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...20-to-devote-full-hour-to-somer-thompson.html
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The Twisted Course of an Alleged Pedophile
Jarred Harrell Was Taken From Mother at Age 3 After Court Found Her Unfit
April 15, 2010
<snipped>
The little girl had disappeared walking home from school two days earlier. Police quickly came to believe that the killer lived in the seemingly typical suburban neighborhood.

It would take five months, more than 4,000 leads and several blind alleys before police would hone in on someone who had been brought to their attention even before Somer had disappeared.

Watch the full story on "20/20" Friday at 10 p.m.

Jarred Harrell: Family Secrets
Twenty-one years ago, Harrell's mother, Annis Dailey, made headlines of her own when she fell under the spell of her much older employer, Joe Newman, a married man, self-professed inventor and "messenger of God." Among the messages he claimed to have received from God was an order to marry Annis -- and her 8-year-old daughter as well.

"God spoke to me the morning of Feb. 13, 1989, telling me to marry [the girl] which is exactly five months to the day that Hurricane Gilbert became the greatest hurricane of the century..." Newman was quoted as saying by Mississippi's Georgia County Times. "God has chosen [the girl] and Annis and Ellen [Newman's wife] in a special way to glorify God's word and righteousness." Newman claimed God would tell him when to consummate the "marriage" with the little girl.

The tabloid Weekly World News ran a feature on the couple. "Everything that's happened, God has a definite purpose to it," Annis was quoted as saying. "It's taken a genius like Joe to lead it." Jarred Harrell was 3 years old at the time. A Mississippi court ruled Annis an unfit mother and removed the children. Six years later, Annis regained custody of her children, but relatives say things were never stable very long.

Records show that Harrell's mother had at least 56 different addresses in almost as many cities while Harrell was growing up. She has been married four times, filed for bankruptcy three times, has been evicted from at least one home and was found guilty of grand theft after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from an employer.

But by last year, there were signs that Annis Dailey was turning her life around. Her business profile for the Amelia Island Chamber of Commerce boasts of a loving family. Her husband, General Dailey, had recently been featured in the local media for his Good Samaritan work organizing volunteers during emergencies.
*Much more at link!
**3-Page Article!!

Photos: A community investigates 7-year-old's disappearance, and mourns her death
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/slideshow/photos-florida-community-grapples-loss-year-10334249

WATCH: The Day Somer Thompson Disappeared
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/day-somer-thompson-disappeared-10377604

Related
WATCH: Somer Thompson's Mother Speaks
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/somer-thompsons-mother-speaks-10366702

MAP: Somer in a 'Jungle of Monsters'
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/page?id=10364283

WATCH: Abductors Use 'Lures' to Trick Children
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/video/abductors-lures-trick-children-10360871

Would Your Kid Walk Away With a Stranger?
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-case-abductors-lure-kids/story?id=10331320

New Way to Detect Digital Child *advertiser censored*
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/detect-digital-child-*advertiser censored*/story?id=10362616

Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-jarred-harrell-pedophile/story?id=10365336
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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'
April 13, 2010
<snipped>
There are monsters in our midst. And they live in plain sight.

It is a growing terror for parents in the 23 states that allow registered sex offenders to reside within 1,000 feet of a school.

"Our children should be allowed to walk to school without worrying that a monster is going to jump out and steal them and never let them come home," said Diena Thompson, who lived a mother's worst nightmare.
*Much more at link!

Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/somer-thompson-sex-offenders-midst/story?id=10352484
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ABC NEWS&#8217; CHRIS CUOMO INVESTIGATES THE DISAPEARANCE AND MURDER OF SEVEN-YEAR-OLD SOMER THOMPSON IN AN HOUR-LONG REPORT ON &#8220;20/20,&#8221; FRIDAY, APRIL 16 AT 10:00PM/ET
April 15, 2010 3:06 PM
<snipped>
It seemed like a neighborhood right out of the 1950&#8217;s, where adults kept an eye out for trouble and children walked home from school every day without fear. Until, one day last October, when seven-year-old Somer Thompson seemed to vanish into thin air on a crowded sidewalk - in broad daylight - less than a mile from her home. Her body was discovered two days later in a landfill in Georgia and the community was shocked to learn that there were 162 known sex offenders and predators living amongst them within a five mile radius of Somer&#8217;s elementary school. &#8220;20/20&#8221; co-anchor and chief legal correspondent Chris Cuomo brings viewers the results of his five month investigation into Somer&#8217;s disappearance and murder in an hour-long report airing this Friday on ABC NEWS&#8217; &#8220;20/20,&#8221; FRIDAY, APRIL 16 AT 10:00PM/ET.

&#8220;20/20&#8217;s&#8221; investigation reveals new information about the key suspects as well as behind the scenes details into the police investigation. The hour also includes an exclusive interview with the man who was the prime suspect for months following Somer&#8217;s disappearance. Police sat outside his home, watching and monitoring his every move, suspecting this man who kept a noose in his garage, binoculars by his front door, and admitted to failing a polygraph test when questioned by &#8220;20/20&#8221; about Somer&#8217;s murder. But, police would eventually realize they had focused most of their attention on the wrong man, learning that their real primary suspect had also been living in the neighborhood all along. During Friday&#8217;s broadcast, &#8220;20/20&#8221; has another exclusive interview with the couple whose early tip eventually cracked the case. If police had acted faster on this information, could they have possibly had this alleged predator off the streets before Somer went missing? &#8220;20/20&#8221; explores that question and much more this Friday night.

This report airs on &#8220;20/20,&#8221; FRIDAY, APRIL 16th (10:00 &#8211; 11:00 p.m. ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Article:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/pressroom/...r-of-sevenyearold-somer-thompson-in-an-h.html
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New Documents In Jarred Harrell Case
Harrell Told Police His Whereabouts The Day Somer Thompson Disappeared
POSTED: Thursday, April 15, 2010
UPDATED: 11:48 pm EDT April 15, 2010
<snipped>
Channel 4's lead investigator Jennifer Waugh pored over 119 pages of court papers. Nearly all of them were related to the 29 counts of child *advertiser censored* charges Harrell is facing. The documents also reveal detectives interviewed him seven days after Somer disappeared.

Somer Thompson was last seen walking home from school around 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19. Detectives asked Harrell where he was between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. that day.

Detectives interviewed Harrell at the home on Gano Avenue in Orange Park where he lived with his mother and stepfather. Months later, that home was searched by federal investigators.

The documents showed that detectives said Harrell told them he was helping his mother pack up that day because she was moving to Callahan. He said that she was with him between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. that afternoon and that she left for their new home in Callahan.

The papers revealed the same detective that interviewed Harrell also called Harrell's mother and that she gave him the same information. She said Harrell was with her between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. that day. She also said they left her Gano Avenue home together, got gas for the car, and had dinner at McDonald's before she drove to her home in Callahan. She said she left her son around 5:30 p.m. that day.

According to the court documents, Harrell continued to live at the Gano Avenue home for at least a week after Somer disappeared. Sheriff Rick Beseler of the Clay County Sheriff's Office said there is evidence that links Harrell to Somer's death.

Video: New Documents In Jarred Harrell Case
http://www.news4jax.com/video/23167993/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23167253/detail.html
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New records released in Somer Thompson's death
Updated: Friday, 16 Apr 2010, 9:52 AM EDT
Published : Friday, 16 Apr 2010, 7:24 AM EDT
<snipped>
The man accused of killing Somer Thompson, who vanished while walking home from school in north Florida, told police he was with his mother at her home the afternoon investigators say the girl died there, according to police reports and other records. But the records also show that Jarred Harrell's mother told him she'd provide his alibi during a jail phone call, The Florida Times-Union reported.

Authorities redacted portions of Harrell's statements to police, but the documents show he told police he was with his mother at her Orange Park house in the hours after Somer disappeared on her walk home from school. Her body was found in a Georgia landfill two days after she vanished.

Harrell's mother told police she was with him at the home for an hour before they left the house, had dinner together and then split up. But in a jail call between them months later in Mississippi, where he was arrested on the child *advertiser censored* charges, she told her son she'd give him an alibi in Somer's disappearance, the records show.

The State Attorney's Office cited several public records exemptions for the redactions, including one protecting details of confessions.

According to the records, detectives first interviewed Harrell on Oct. 30 about Somer. They also searched the home and property, but they spotted nothing suspicious. No other details of the interview were included in the records. A message left for Harrell's attorney through a spokesman for the public defender's office was not immediately returned Friday morning.

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/041610-Somer-Thompson
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Somer Thompson: Man accused of killing girl offers alibi
11:49 a.m. EDT, April 16, 2010
<snipped>
The records released Thursday mostly involve unrelated child *advertiser censored* charges against Harrell, but also included new details about the 7-year-old girl's death. Authorities redacted portions of Harrell's statements to police, but the documents show he told police he was with his mother at her Orange Park house in the hours after Somer disappeared on her walk home from school. Her body was found in a Georgia landfill two days after she vanished.

Harrell's mother told police she was with him at the home for an hour before they left the house, had dinner together and then split up. But in a jail call between them months later in Mississippi, where he was arrested on the child *advertiser censored* charges, she told her son she'd give him an alibi in Somer's disappearance, the records show.

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...mpson-murder-suspect-20100416,0,4056249.story
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New Records Released In Somer Thompson's Death
Posted: 6:40 am EDT April 16, 2010
Updated: 12:54 pm EDT April 16, 2010
<snipped>
The State Attorney's Office cited several public records exemptions for the redaction, including one protecting details of confessions. Harrell, a 24-year-old unemployed restaurant worker, is being held without bail. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexually assaulting and killing Somer in October.

Harrell was first jailed in Mississippi Feb. 11 on the child *advertiser censored* charges. His roommates had told investigators in August they had kicked him out for stealing and they discovered child *advertiser censored*.

The parents of one the roommates drove by Harrell's parents' home a few days after Somer disappeared and noticed how close they lived to the girl's house. When they saw Harrell's car in his parents' driveway, they told detectives.

According to the records, detectives first interviewed Harrell on Oct. 30 about Somer. They also searched the home and property, but they spotted nothing suspicious. No other details of the interview were included in the records.

VIDEO REPORT: Suspect In Somer Murder Says He Has Alibi
http://www.wftv.com/video/23173348/index.html

Article:
http://www.wftv.com/news/23169590/detail.html
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Somer Thompson Suspect: I Was Home
Created: 4/16/2010 6:32:44 AM
Updated: 4/16/2010 8:47:08 AM
<snipped>
The man charged with killing Somer Thompson told police he was at his mother's Orange Park home the afternoon investigators said Somer died there, according to 125 pages of police reports and other records released Thursday.

What Jarred Harrell may know about the 7-year-old's slaying will likely remain secret until his trial, since authorities redacted portions of his statements to police. The State Attorney's Office cited several public records exemptions for the redactions, including one that protects details of confessions.

Harrell said he had been with his mother between 3 and 5:30 p.m. on the day Somer disappeared, including time they spent at the home helping her pack 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 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.

No other details of the Oct. 30 interview were included in the records.

The records include some exchanges between detectives and Harrell after his Feb. 11 arrest in Mississippi. At one point, Harrell agrees to view a pornographic picture of a girl and said he recognized her from a Web site. "Jarred Harrell realized that he was admitting to having viewed child *advertiser censored* and changed the subject," the records state.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=154838&catid=3
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Does Somer&#8217;s Accused Killer Have An Alibi?
Friday, April 16, 2010 8:54:06 AM
<snipped>
According to newly released documents, Jarred Harrell said he was with his mother at her Orange Park home the afternoon investigators said Somer was abducted and killed on her way home from school in October.

Harrell&#8217;s mother told police she was with him in the hours after the 7-year-old disappeared.

Investigators, however, said they have other evidence showing Harrell is the killer.

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/4/16/does_somers_accused_killer_have_an_alibi.html
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How Somer Thompson Suspect Was Caught
Despite Child *advertiser censored* Evidence, Suspect Stayed in Home in School Zone
April 16, 2010
<snipped>
In the cover of darkness, a man runs.

He is alone, and yet he is being watched. Neighbors awakening to their weekday obligations notice that for the man, dawn has become a kind of witching hour of stealthy activity.

For weeks, 24-year-old Jarred Harrell was observed scurrying from his shed to various areas of his backyard in the early morning. Sometimes he was dressed only in what neighbors described as short silk boxers and a gray sweatshirt.

According to a woman who lived next door, Harrell, who moved to the home in Callahan, Fla., at the start of the year, acted strangely from the start. "He would run from the shed back there, and just run back and forth, back and forth. He'd be out there sometimes 5:00, 5:30 in the morning just running," said the neighbor, Christie, who asked that her last name not be used. "He had on like these really short... short silk... things, they kind of looked like boxers. And a gray sweatshirt, 'cause we would laugh at how he was dressed," said another neighbor who asked to be identified as Jackie. They say he'd run for hours. "Just like crazy running, like a kid would run when they're mad," said Christie.

As it turns out, Jarred Harrell probably had a lot on his mind. He was fast becoming a person of interest in the murder of young Somer Thompson, who vanished while walking home from school in Orange Park, Fla., on the same block where Harrell reportedly had been living at the time.

Jarred Harrell's Computer
Scared, because they knew the owner of the car was Jarred Harrell, someone with a dark past that they had come to fear. He was their daughter's former housemate and, from what they knew about him, the fact that he was living just three houses down from where Somer was last seen was reason for concern. Buchannan said that less than a year earlier his son had accidentally stumbled onto Harrell's terrible secret.

Strange Disappearance of Shed
The Buchannans claim they pointed out Harrell's car in the driveway to investigators. "As far as they knew that house was vacant. Police were not even aware that anybody lived there," said Buchannan.

But could police place Harrell in the house the day Somer disappeared? Public records show Harrell's family had moved out weeks earlier. Neighbors, however, remember Harrell was still coming and going from the house even after the family moved. And shortly after the Buchannans' report, neighbors noticed something else that fueled suspicion. His shed suddenly disappeared from his house on Gano -- only to reappear at a different property.

Police Home In on Somer Thompson Suspect
Several neighbors had voiced concerns about an older man living just down the street, known as "Grandpa Charley," who they say often took little girls for rides on his bicycle. When police went to question him they say they discovered child *advertiser censored* on his computer. But further investigation cleared Grandpa Charley of any connection to Somer's murder. He has pleaded not guilty to child *advertiser censored* charges. And within days police had turned their attention to another man who lived closer to Somer's school. His name is Richard Corpus, a 55-year-old handyman who works out of his home and spends a lot of time with kids.

Over the next month police honed in on Corpus. He claims they seized his computers and monitored his calls. "I can tell you this, every time the police walk in my house I start shaking," he said. He said police even traveled to other states to question his sisters about his past. And that they gave him a polygraph test which he acknowledges he failed. "They said that I failed one of them," Corpus said. "But if you sit in front with your glasses off staring a wall, I guess you do get dizzy after a while."

'I'm Not a Predator'
There is only one house between the vacant property where Somer was last seen and the corner where a crossing guard said he never saw Somer pass by. It is the house where Richard Corpus lives. "I'm not a predator. But I can imagine, how this happened," Corpus said. "One, I'm going to look for some kids that are stragglers. Number two, I'm going to look for a kid that is -- innocent. And I'm going to plan it." But while police were eyeing Corpus, he said he was on the lookout for the killer -- and he kept a hangman's noose in the garage just in case.

"This is not a threat, this is a promise," he said, displaying the noose for ABC cameras. "And, if I could, I'd hang him up from a light post and leave him there just to show the rest of the sexual predators what will happen. This is how extreme I want to catch this killer." But for all this bizarre behavior, was Corpus merely a distraction in the pursuit of Somer's killer?

Jarred Harrell Tops List of Suspects
The holidays arrived, yet they brought no comfort or peace for one mother. Diena Thompson still did not have a face to put on the monster who killed her little girl and threw her away in the trash. "I have to know for my own peace of mind what happened to her," said Thompson at the time. "I think that, what I have built up in my mind can't be any worse than what they're going to tell me."

Just a few blocks away, detectives were still keeping surveillance on Richard Corpus and waiting for his DNA results from the lab. But in early January police got the news: Richard Corpus' DNA was not a match. That startling development moved Jarred Harrell to the top of the list of suspects. Investigators set out to get his DNA for laboratory testing. Then, suddenly, Harrell vanished. Investigators say he went to Meridian, Miss., and moved in with his aunt, who in Web posts proclaimed herself an "artist of the macabre" and exhibited a fascination for death, tortured bodies and mutilation.

'Of Course He Could Have Been Off the Streets'
Police said on Harrell's camera they found explicit photos and a video of a 3-year-old whom Harrell knew. Harrell was charged with 26 more counts, including molestation and photographing sex acts. Given the evidence against Harrell, some Orange Park residents wondered what took the police so long to get him off the street. They had Harrell's computer back in August -- why was he still living on Gano Avenue in October, when Somer disappeared?
For the rest of the Somer Thompson story, watch "20/20" Friday at 10 p.m. ET

*Much more at link!
**4-Page Article!!

WATCH: Somer Thompson and 'Jungle of Monsters'
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/somer-thompson-jungle-monsters-10389264

Article:
http://abcnews.go.com/2020/TheLaw/police-home-somer-thopmson-suspect/story?id=10385449
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New Records Released In Somer's Death
Suspect Says Was With His Mother At Time Of Girl's Death
POSTED: Friday, April 16, 2010
UPDATED: 12:54 pm EDT April 16, 2010
<snipped>
The man accused of killing Somer Thompson, who vanished while walking home from school in north Florida, told police he was with his mother at her home the afternoon investigators say the girl died there, according to police reports and other records. The records released Thursday mostly involve unrelated child *advertiser censored* charges against Harrell, but also included new details about the 7-year-old girl's death.

Authorities redacted portions of Harrell's statements to police, but the documents show he told police he was with his mother at her Orange Park house in the hours after Somer disappeared on her walk home from school. Her body was found in a Georgia landfill two days after she vanished.

Harrell's mother told police she was with him at the home for an hour before they left the house, had dinner together and then split up. But in a jail call between them months later in Mississippi, where he was arrested on the child *advertiser censored* charges, she told her son she'd give him an alibi in Somer's disappearance, the records show.

According to the records, detectives first interviewed Harrell on Oct. 30 about Somer. They also searched the home and property, but they spotted nothing suspicious. No other details of the interview were included in the records. A message left for Harrell's attorney through a spokesman for the public defender's office was not immediately returned Friday morning.

Video: New Records Released In Somer's Death 1:26
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/23173422/index.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/23171614/detail.html

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Harrell To Appear In Court On Somer Charges
Man Charged With Death Of Somer Thompson
POSTED: 6:45 am EDT April 26, 2010
UPDATED: 7:00 am EDT April 26, 2010
<snipped>
The man accused of kidnapping and killing a local girl will appear in court Monday morning.

Jarred Harrell, 24, plead not guilty to murder and sexual assault charges in connection with the death of Somer Thompson.

Article:
http://www.wesh.com/news/23263346/detail.html
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Tree planted in Somer's memory
April 23, 2010
<snipped>
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&#8217;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&#8217;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&#8217;s name and the title of her favorite song, &#8220;You Are My Sunshine,&#8221; was placed in front of a newly planted live oak tree that Town Manager John Bowles said would live for many years. &#8220;A hundred and fifty years from now, this tree and Somer&#8217;s plaque will still be here and life will go on,&#8221; Bowles said. &#8220;It will honor Somer &#8230; and remind us of what we are here for today.&#8221;

Somer&#8217;s grandmother, Debbie Bowling, said she also has appreciated the emotional and moral support offered through similar events and fund-raisers that have helped to establish the Somer Thompson Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that plans to raise awareness and help prevent child abductions and sex crimes. Still, Bowling said after Thursday&#8217;s &#8220;heartbreaking&#8221; ceremony, dealing with her granddaughter&#8217;s death has been a slow, painful process that simply can&#8217;t be hurried. &#8220;People tell us to move on,&#8221; she said. &#8220;But we just can&#8217;t &#8211; not yet.&#8221;

Information about the foundation -- which carries the message, &#8220;Justice for Somer is justice for children&#8221; -- can be found at www.SomerThompsonFoundation.com.

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2200_1.php
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Jarred Harrell Case Put off Until Wednesday; Somer Thompson's Mother in Court
Created: 4/26/2010 10:07:00 AM
Updated: 4/26/2010 10:22:06 AM
<snipped>
The mother of Somer Thompson was in court today at a pre-trial hearing for the man charged in her daughter's murder. The public defender for Jarred Harrell appeared in Clay County court this morning before Circuit Court Judge John Skinner, who passed the hearing onto 1:15 Wednesday. Harrell was not present.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, was there this morning and told the media she planned to attend Harrell's hearings throughout the legal process for her daughter. Thompson said she wants Harrell to know that she's "not going away but he is." She has not seen him face-to-face.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=155248&catid=3
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Diena Thompson disappointed at hearing delay
April 26, 2010
<snipped>
Diena Thompson was disappointed at not being able to see for the first time the man investigators believe abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered her 7-year-old daughter, but she remained stalwart as she left the Clay County Court House. &#8220;I just want to see him,&#8221; Thompson said. &#8220;I want him to know I&#8217;m going to be in his face every day.&#8221;

Thompson and her parents, Phillip and Debbie Bowling, had been sitting in the front row of a Clay County courtroom for at least 45 minutes on Monday, April 26, when they heard Circuit Judge John Skinner grant a public defender&#8217;s request to reschedule a pre-trial hearing for Jarred Harrell, who police say abducted &#8211; then killed -- Somer Thompson on her way home from school on Oct. 19. The 24-year-old man is now scheduled to appear in court at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 28.

Somer&#8217;s mother and the slain child&#8217;s grandparents say Harrell&#8217;s trial can&#8217;t come soon enough, but they have mixed emotions about seeing Somer&#8217;s suspected killer for the first time. &#8220;There&#8217;s nothing you can do to prepare yourself for this,&#8221; Diena said as she and her parents sat in the front row of the court room. &#8220;I don&#8217;t like any of this &#8211; just waiting around. I&#8217;ve got butterflies in my stomach.&#8221; Her father said he is bracing himself for a lengthy trial. &#8220;We&#8217;ll see how slow the system works,&#8221; he said.

Though she has seen photos of Harrell, Diena&#8217;s mother said she was disappointed at not being able to see her granddaughter&#8217;s suspected killer in person. &#8220;I&#8217;m looking forward to Wednesday,&#8221; she said. &#8220;We&#8217;ll finally get to see a face -- a real face.&#8221;

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2206_1.php

:angel:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Oak Tree Memorializes Somer Thompson
POSTED: Monday, April 26, 2010
UPDATED: 5:14 pm EDT April 26, 2010
<snipped>
An oak tree has been planted at Clarke House Park in Orange Park to honor 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who was killed in October.

A plaque on the tree has Somer's name on it and the title of her favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine." It's etched in purple, Somer's favorite color. The tree was planted Thursday at the park where she used to play as part of Clay County's Earth Day activities.

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23268020/detail.html
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Diena Thompson in Court for Jarred Harrell Hearing in Green Cove Springs
Created: 4/28/2010 2:24:00 PM
Updated: 4/28/2010 3:34:50 PM
<snipped>
The mother of the 7-year-old girl who was murdered last fall was in the same room as the accused killer today for the first time. Diena Thompson was in the courtroom as Jarred Harrell stood before Judge John H. Skinner's in the Somer Thompson murder trial.

She was in tears throughout the session, and didn't say anything during the hearing, but afterward she described her feelings. "Hard," she said, "to keep myself in the seat and not want to say something to him. And, just, he's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered, and I hope that the whole trial goes as well as today went."

Harrell's defense attorney presented three motions to the court.

The first was a motion to preserve evidence. The defense said there is a recording of the extradition process, but believes there may have been text messages as well.

The second motion was to preserve officers' notes, also from the extradition. The defense argued that the reports were written well after the extradition, and the notes could have more information.

The third motion was for a protective order. Skinner denied all three.

Harrell will be in court again for another pretrial hearing May 20.

Video: Diena Thompson in Court for Jarred Harrell Hearing 2:19
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=81804075001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=155361&catid=3
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UPDATED: Somer's Mom Sees Jarred Harrell In Court
POSTED: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
UPDATED: 11:33 pm EDT April 28, 2010
<snipped>
Even before Diena Thompson laid eyes on the man accused of killing her 7-year-old daughter Somer Thompson, the mourning mother was overwhelmed with anxiety and grief at the moment she'd come face to face with him.

When it came time for Jarred Harrell to enter the courtroom for a pretrial hearing Wednesday afternoon, the 24-year-old sat down and never looked back.

Even though Thompson had been preparing for this moment for months, nothing could ready her for the real thing. She was emotional before, during and after the hearing, and Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler sat by her side through the proceedings.

In court Wednesday, defense attorneys asked the judge to preserve text messages sent between the deputies who transported Harrell from Mississippi to Florida. The defense also asked that authorities preserve all their notes and memorandums, even though more than 11,000 documents and 35 video tapes have already been entered into evidence. "I've never seen motions like this," the judge said.

The motions were denied, leaving Thompson with a small sense of victory with more difficult days ahead. Knowing Harrell will be back in court in less than month on May 20, Thompson said she believes that justice for Somer will eventually come.

Diena Thompson saw Jared Harrell -- the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson -- for the first time in a Clay County courtroom.

Video: Jarred Harrell In Court
http://www.news4jax.com/video/23298224/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/23292350/detail.html
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Diena sees murder suspect for first time
April 28, 2010
<snipped>
Diena Thompson, who sat between her parents, Phillip and Debbie Bowling, remained silent but wary throughout Wednesday&#8217;s 45-minute hearing that saw Circuit Judge John H. Skinner deny three motions made by Harrell&#8217;s defense team. But she spoke directly -- and with conviction -- afterward.

&#8220;He&#8217;s so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered,&#8221; she said.

Harrell did not make eye contact with anyone behind him, but appeared to fidget on and off as he listened to his public defender&#8217;s request that prosecutors preserve as evidence any text messages, instant messages or e-mails that might have been exchanged during Harrell&#8217;s extradition.

Article:
http://www.claytoday.biz/content/2221_1.php
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Somer Thompson's Mom In Court For Suspect's Hearing
4/29/2010 8:31:15 AM
Updated: 4/29/2010 8:59:26 AM
<snipped>
Diena Thompson was in the courtroom as Jarred Harrell stood before Judge John H. Skinner in the Somer Thompson murder trial.

Thompson has been very vocal since her daughter's death, calling Somer's killer a "monster." She was in tears throughout the session, and didn't say anything during the hearing, but afterward she described her feelings.

Somer's father lives in Graham, NC. His attorney issued this statement following Harrell's arrest:
"Samuel Thompson would like to thank the Clay County Sheriff's Department for their diligent efforts in this matter. At this time, Mr. Thompson is not prepared to make a public statement. It is his intention to let the legal process run its course. On behalf of himself and his family, he would like to thank everyone in advance for respecting their privacy."

Video: Jarred Harrell In Court (Clip of an interview with Diena after the hearing!) 1:11
http://www.digtriad.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=81961902001

Article:
http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=141288&catid=57
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Somer's Mother Attends Jarred Harrell Hearing
Jarred Harrell Accused Of Killing Somer Thompson
POSTED: 1:01 pm EDT April 29, 2010
UPDATED: 1:10 pm EDT April 29, 2010
<snipped>
"It was hard to keep myself in the seat and not want to something to him," Diena Thompson said. Thompson fought back tears as she watched the defense file three motion in a pretrial hearing for Harrell. "He's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered," Thompson said.

The three motions, to preserve evidence, officer's notes and a protective order, were denied.

Article:
http://www.wesh.com/news/23307159/detail.html
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Mom Faces Somer's Alleged Killer In Court
Posted: 11:38 am EDT April 29, 2010
Updated: 12:58 pm EDT April 29, 2010
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell appeared in a Clay County Court Wednesday for a pre-trial hearing. Somer Thompson&#8217;s mother, Diena, was in tears for much of the court session. Somer's mother said it was hard to keep quiet during the hearing. "Hard to keep myself in the seat and not want to say something to him, and just, he's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered," Diena said.

Harrell will be in court again for another pretrial hearing on May 20.

VIDEO REPORT: Somer's Mom Faces Accused Killer In Courtroom
http://www.wftv.com/video/23306985/index.html

Article:
http://www.wftv.com/news/23305993/detail.html
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Somer&#8217;s Mom Faces Accused Killer
Thursday, April 29, 2010 2:31:26 PM
<snipped>
The accused killer did not speak, nor did he show any emotion.

Thompson said she fought back tears during the hearing. "Hard to keep myself in the seat and not want to say something to him,&#8221; Thompson said. &#8220;And, just, he's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered."

During the hearing, a group of motorcycle riders stood outside to support Thompson. They said they wanted to give their support, during her tough time.

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/4/29/somers_mom_faces_accused_killer.html

:angel: