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’s events. Somer’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’s Murder
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PRESSERW_032620101236&cat=Local&title=Charges Announced In Somer’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’s mom calls murder suspect a ‘monster’
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" — the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case — 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’s challenge to ‘reclaim our children’s safety’?
posted by halboedeker on March, 26 2010 2:40 PM
<snipped>
Somer Thompson’s mother today challenged communities to help children, and she made her remarks shortly after a man was formally charged with her daughter’s murder.
“A lot of people have been saying since this happened, ‘This isn’t Mayberry anymore,’” Diena Thompson said at a news conference this afternoon. “We as parents, as community leaders, as citizens, we need to get together and figure out what it is that we’re not doing right. It’s time for us to do something different and let our children be allowed to walk home and play and ride their bikes. It’s time for us to reclaim our children’s safety and innocence.”
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’s mom calls murder suspect a ‘monster’
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" — the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case — 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
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[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55Tsaur3LQ[/ame]
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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
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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
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