Missing Persons and the Law

Missing Persons and the Law

Missing persons and runaway cases are among the most challenging issues facing law enforcement today. A detective must consider a number of variables when there is no explanation for a person’s disappearance. Was the missing person a victim of foul play? Did they suffer an accident? Was a child kidnapped by another parent and in danger? Do they have diminished mental capacity or other high-risk health risks? Was a child abducted by a stranger? Has the runaway been lured into sex-trafficking?

According the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), on average, more than 800,000 people are reported missing each year. Though many of the cases are resolved, approximately 85-90% of those cases are children under the age of eighteen.

As of January 31, 2018, there were 86,664 active missing persons cases in NCIC, with nearly 40,000 active juvenile missing person cases. This number is an average daily total of active missing person cases on any given day. Additionally, there were 8,645 active unidentified persons cases in the national database referred to as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) at the FBI.

Large computer database systems are used by federal agencies.

Large computer database systems are used by federal agencies.

What is NCIC?

NCIC is a database system accessible to all law enforcement, medical examiners and coroners in the United States. When law enforcement takes a missing person report, or an unidentified living or deceased person is found, the person’s descriptive information and other pertinent data, photograph and property information is entered in NCIC.

The NCIC system regularly cross-references missing person data (files) with unidentified person’s data to find potential matches.

Ideally, every missing person’s data would be entered in NCIC; however, the issue of missing persons is quite complex.

Missing Person Laws

When a child under the age of eighteen is reported missing, police are required by a 1982 congressional mandate to immediately take a report and enter the child’s information into NCIC.

In 2003, Suzanne’s Law was passed for persons between 18 and 21 reported missing, as part of the national “Amber Alert” bill. Previously, police were only required to report missing persons under the age of 18. With Suzanne’s Law enacted, any person under the age of 21 is considered a missing child and law enforcement is now required to also take an immediate missing person report and enter the person’s information into NCIC. One drawback, many law enforcement agencies are still unaware the law exists.

For missing individuals over the age of 21; however, the determination to accept a missing person report is left up to the discretion of each law enforcement agency based upon protocol. Due to the difference existing for missing adults vs. missing children cases, resources for a missing adult can be minimal at times.

There are approximately 17,000 law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. and many do not have the time or resources to allocate to missing person cases. According to the national Unified Crime Report during 2016, police made 10,662,252 arrests while protecting our communities and leaving police departments throughout the country stretched.

This can be frustrating for families who are concerned for the safety of their loved one.

Many times, police are reluctant to respond with searches for people who may have left of their own accord, or someone who may be living on the street. In many cases where a search response is required, due to suspicious circumstances or threat to life, an actual search can only be prolonged for so long.

(Police conducting a ground search for a high-risk missing person.

Police conducting a ground search for a high-risk missing person.

In addition, there could be jurisdictional issues complicating a search for a missing person where a person goes missing in one law enforcement agency’s jurisdiction; however, their car is found in another, causing complications in search efforts.

Many times, when an adult goes missing, there is not even a starting place or evidence left behind, and the person simply vanishes with no explanation.

Or, a loved one may go missing while visiting another country which can also tie U.S. law enforcement’s hands and causing virtually no effort to be made to find the missing person.

When a loved one is missing, it is necessary to act in a swift, efficient, and organized manner.

Hiring a Licensed Private Investigator

Often, it is necessary to hire a licensed private investigator with experience working with missing person investigations. One who will work cooperatively with law enforcement can be an asset to an investigation.

With a private investigator, there is a pre-determined time-frame to search for the missing person that can be extended until family of a missing person is satisfied all leads have been exhausted. There are no jurisdictions holding a case back when a private investigator is involved. Private investigators can travel state to state and even out of the country if warranted.

There are many different situations where a private investigator can be of assistance in a case, such as:

  • Searching for loved ones who have voluntarily disappeared.
  • Long-term missing persons/cold cases.
  • Minors who may be been victims of human trafficking or kidnapping.
  • Missing persons with diminished mental capacity.
  • Individuals missing due to suspicious circumstances.
  • Individuals missing with domestic abuse history.

Private Investigator’s Tools of the Trade

When we talk tools of the trade, it is important to note, nothing can take the place of good old fashion “Sherlock Holmes” investigative techniques and pounding the pavement. Private investigators have the benefit of working independently and making rapid decisions benefiting an individual case, sometimes operating outside of the boundaries of what law enforcement’s capabilities. Such as, tracking a potential suspect without requiring a warrant, questioning witnesses, interviewing suspects, and even paying informants when necessary.

Surveillance photographs of a suspect in a sexual assault case in Boulder, Colorado.

Surveillance photographs of a suspect in a sexual assault case in Boulder, Colorado.

Private investigators can conduct background checks, court and other records searches, financial records, work and employment information, identify coworkers, business associates, and friends, analyze computers and social networking information, conduct surveillance and search facilities such as jails, mortuaries, and hospitals.

In cases where an individual is missing in another country, a private investigator can travel to identify and interview potential witnesses or suspects and work with the American consulate to better effect an investigation.

Private investigators will work in cooperation with a law enforcement agency.

Private investigators will work in cooperation with a law enforcement agency.

A missing persons investigation is a thorough examination of circumstances involving a missing person’s disappearance and every stone must be turned when time is of the essence.

Because private investigators are not limited to one jurisdiction, they often have a network of other private investigators, law enforcement, and nonprofits to assist if necessary, ensuring all resources are being utilized.

Many private investigators have previous criminal investigation experience and worked for local, state and federal agencies throughout their career, expanding their knowledge base and skills.

If a family of a missing person is unable to get law enforcement to take a missing person report or believe they have not been properly categorized as a “high risk” missing person, private investigators can investigate and present information to the law enforcement agency to reevaluate their initial determination and effect a missing person report.

Following are investigative activities licensed private investigators may assist with:

  • Identify circumstances of the missing person’s disappearance
  • Determine where the person was last seen
  • Investigate potential crime scene and photograph documentation
  • Interview the reporting party
  • Interview potential witnesses and/or suspects
  • Develop list of all known associates
  • Communicate with law enforcement details of the case that can assist in making a missing person report or assist an existing police investigation
  • Ensure missing persons information has been properly documented and entered into NCIC and other databases
  • Systematically canvas area, question local community members, businesses, etc.
  • Identify personal belongings that should be saved and can be turned over to law enforcement authorities for DNA testing, if necessary
  • Work with media when necessary
  • Identify additional resources
  • Provide guidance

When a loved one is missing, time is of the essence and it is critical to identify the circumstances of the person’s disappearance. When considering hiring a private  investigator, it is important to remain cognizant there is only so much that can be done by law enforcement; whereas, a private investigator can devote full attention to a case ensuring the proper steps are taken to search for a loved one.

The SnapChat Murders: Abby Williams and Liberty German

The SnapChat Murders: Abby Williams and Liberty German

On February 13, 2017, best friends Abigail “Abby” Williams, 13, and Liberty “Libby” German, 14, planned to go hiking near the beautiful area of Monon High Bridge Trail, east of their small town of Delphi, Indiana.

Libby German and Abby Williams, Best Friends

Libby German and Abby Williams, Best Friends

At approximately 1:45 p.m. that afternoon, a family member dropped them off at the abandoned bridge where they planned to hike. It was agreed they would meet their family back in the same location later in the afternoon.  They both had the day off school, it was an unseasonably warm winter day, and Abby Abby and Libby shared a special friendship. They both loved hiking, taking photographs of flowers and trees, and adventuring the scenic trails about a mile east of their home.

Libby posted, this now haunting photo, while atop Indiana’s second highest bridge on her Snapchat at 2: 07 p.m. This was the last post anyone would see the two girls alive.

Photograph Libby German posted on Snapchat of Abby Williams walking on the Monon High Bridge, Dephi, IN.

Photograph Libby posted on Snapchat of Abby  walking on the Monon High Bridge, Dephi, IN.

When the girls did not show up at the agreed upon the location as planned, the family reported the girls missing to Delphi Police Department and the local sheriff. Immediately police and firefighters were dispatched to canvas the area.

Over 100 searchers responded to the area. Arial searches began utilizing the remaining daylight hours. Later the same evening, authorities began trying to “ping” the girl’s phones, with no success. The sheriff stated he felt the girl’s phones were either turned off or the batteries had gone dead.

Police searching for Abby and Libby in the area surrounding Monon High Bridge and Deer Creek trails.

Police searching for Abby and Libby in the area surrounding Monon High Bridge and Deer Creek trails.

At approximately midnight, the search was called off, though volunteers continued searching throughout the night. The search resumed the following morning along Deer Creek and farther out from the trail. Searchers prayed the girls had simply been lost but soon those hopes were dashed. Approximately one mile from where the two young girls vanished, searchers found two bodies on a piece of private property along Deer Creek, north of the bridge.

February 14, 2017, at approximately 1:50 p.m., Sheriff Leazenby, Delphi Police Chief Steve Mullins and Indiana State Police (ISP) representative Kim Riley held a joint press conference to announce two bodies were found during the search for Abby and Libby, stating the bodies had yet to be identified.

February 15, 2017, 2:33 p.m., authorities held another press conference and announced the bodies had been identified as Liberty German and Abigail Williams.

A community was heartbroken. Children were terrified, and parents held their children closer.

Haunting Images and Audio Found on Libby’s Phone

At the February 15th news conference, ISP proceeded to release a photo of an unidentified man walking along the Delphi Historic Trail found on the girl’s phone. Authorities announced they wanted to speak to anyone who had parked in the nearby lot or anywhere around the trail the day the girls had visited the park.

FBI names individual in photograph suspect in murder of Delphi girls.

FBI names individual in photograph suspect in murder of Delphi girls.

Five months into the investigation, ISP released a composite sketch of the man on the bridge hoping someone may recognize him and make a call.

Chilling audio of the killer’s voice Libby captured on her phone was also released generating thousands of leads.

Sketch

In an Indy Channel report, “Delphi Investigation: Why state police say Libby and Abby’s case isn’t cold,” Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter says, “There’s a person out there that knows who did it. Not a hunch. They know who that person is,” said Carter. “They know that voice and they know those clothes. They know that posture. They know that stance and they know who murdered those two little girls in that quiet place.”

March 1, 2017, former Indianapolis Colts punter Pat McAfee and team owner Jim Irsay donate $97,000 to the reward fund. The reward is now $230,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the individual who murdered Abby and Libby.

In an ABC RTV6 report, “Delphi, Indiana: FBI seeks tips on behavioral changes to help catch Delphi killer,” the FBI makes a plea to the public to think back to Monday, February 13th, the day the Delphi teens went missing asking questions like, “Did someone you know make an excuse for missing an appointment?”

“Just think if you had an interaction with an individual who inexplicably canceled an appointment that you had together,” said Greg Massa of the FBI. “Or an individual called into work sick and canceled a social engagement. At the time, they gave what you thought would have been a plausible explanation. ‘My cell phone broke’ or ‘I had a flat tire on my car.’ In retrospect, (that) excuse no longer holds water,” Massa added.

Other behaviors might now be considered suspicious. It is often a seemingly inconsequential detail someone calls in that can break a case wide open.

“Did an individual travel unexpectedly?” Massa said. “Did they change their appearance? Did they shave their beard, cut their hair or change the color of their hair? Did they change the way they dress?”

Even behavioral changes occurring shortly after February 13, 2017:

  • Someone who developed a different sleep pattern
  • Started abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Has become anxious or irritable
  • Someone who has followed this case to an extreme
  • A person who has ongoing conversations about where they were February 13th
  • Someone who has visited the location where the girls were murdered
  • Someone who has taken photographs around the trail and bridge

Police say don’t ever feel bad about reporting odd behavior. It could have everything to do with finding justice for two little girls brutally murdered. It could save other children from a similar and tragic outcome. In addition, if the person is innocent, it will only take a couple minutes of their time and they will never know you were the one who made the report.

A Person of Interest Dismissed

Johnson County Sheriff’s Office sent officers to Colorado to retrieve a “person of interest” in the murders of Abby and Libby.

Daniel Nations

Daniel Nations had been arrested in Colorado for threatening hikers with a hatchet on a Colorado trail. Investigators traveled to Colorado to question Nations.

Nations was wanted on an outstanding warrant in Johnson County, Indiana for failing to register as a sex offender so authorities brought him back for further questioning in the Delphi murders.

Police have not formally named Nations as a suspect stating they have no information specifically including or excluding Nations in the killings. However, ISP has since said they are no longer actively investigating Nations as a person of interest in the case.

Memories Keep the Families Going

In “Delphi Daughters: The Untold Story of Abby and Libby”, a News 6 report, Mike Patty Libby’s grandfather states, “They didn’t leave each other’s side,” about the afternoon the two girls vanished. “I don’t know what happened out there that day, whether there was a chance or an opportunity for one to break off or split, or make a break for it or whatever but you know, I look at it as two young soldiers who covered each other’s backs, two best friends, I wouldn’t leave my best friend’s side. Neither did they.”

They both loved music. Both played the Alto Saxophone in their middle school band. They loved photography and painting, and both were signed up to play softball.

Life has changed for both families. Libby is remembered as the “baker” of the family. She loved making chocolate chips cookies. Becky Patty, Libby’s grandmother said, “She was a baker. She could throw a batch of cookies together like no other.”

Libby loved using sticky notes. She would leave sticky notes on her grandmother’s car visor. One read, “I love you! Thank you for everything you do for me and Kelsie – Libby.” She would leave sticky notes all over the house, even giving her teachers sticky notes, and always showing her appreciation for everyone around her.

Abby and Libby together

Libby German and best friend Abby Williams, loved and remembered by all who knew them.

In the aftermath of her murder, Libby’s class presented her grandparents with jars filled with “sticky note” messages from each child. A way of dealing with the loss for her classmates, and a reminder of how much she is missed.

Libby had dreamed of becoming a science teacher and loved finding cures and solving crimes, so much so, she took additional classes at Purdue University.

Like Libby, Arika Gibson, a friend of the pair said, “Abby also dreamed of doing something within forensics and police work.” For two amateur sleuths, clearly, the evidence the girls left on their cell phones was clues to their own murders.

Abby Williams’ grandparents, whom she called Mee-maw and Papaw, keep her belongings right where they were the day she disappeared. “We just can’t erase her from our lives, we just don’t want to.”  She added, “We treasure her coat hanging on the coat hook, her shoes on the shoe rack and her bedroom just the way she left it – she may have walked out the door, but she is here with us,” said Diane Erskin, Abby’s grandmother. With tears in Abby’s mother’s eyes, Anna Williams added, “Abby smiled all the time.” Her voice to a whisper, “All the time.”

Abby’s favorite thing to say was, “Is there anything I can do to help?” Always with a joyful spirit. Anna and her daughter Abby both shared a love of photography. She loved arts and crafts even knitting hat for newborns with her Aunt Maggie. She was especially good at volleyball and had planned on starting softball with Libby in the new year. Her grandfather Cliff was so excited he drove down from Michigan to take Abby out shopping to buy all new gear.

Investigation Continues at God Speed

The search for a killer has reached national proportions. Approximately 6,000 electronic billboards in 46 states have been utilized to solicit information from the public.

Billboards with information about the Delphi murders have been placed throughout the country.

Billboards with information about the Delphi murders have been placed throughout the country.

A year later, investigators have received over 30,000 tips and interviewed thousands of potential suspects.

ISP, FBI, Carroll County Sheriff and the Delphi Police Department still follow up leads and vow to solve this murder case.

Investigators have a motto, “Today is the day,” and each day at the department, the day starts out with a prayer. “As we gather together today for our work we have been assigned to, let’s pray,” as each investigator bows their head.

“Today’s the day, today is the day we are going to get closer to the end, today is the day we are going to get closer to getting justice for Abby and Libby,” said ISP First Sergeant Jerry Holeman. “We have all worked tragic cases. Nothing like this. I can’t put anything close to this case.”

Police continue to work 20 hours days, with sleepless nights, with one goal in mind. A team of hundreds of investigators continue to work the case, tracking down thousands of leads. Holeman admits it has been rough on everyone involved. Investigations can become a roller coaster ride with hopeful leads and dashed hopes when those leads are eliminated. When it gets tough, Holeman goes back to the saying, “Today is the day.”

Indiana State Police Sgt. Holeman interviewed by Alexis McAdams. Photo courtesy Alexis McAdams TV.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Holeman interviewed by Alexis McAdams. Photo courtesy Alexis McAdams TV.

“I need to be here for Abby and Libby,” says Holeman, “Because I am going to find who did this and we are going to hold them responsible for their actions.”

When Anna Williams was asked what justice will look like for her, “Justice will be that deep breath we get to take when my friend’s children are sleeping in their beds again. When people don’t worry about their children playing outside.” Williams continued, “Justice is in law enforcement. We believe in law enforcement. We believe in the FBI and everyone else that has worked on this case. That’s where justice will come from.”

Unsolved homicide posters still hang in local company’s windows. The community stands united behind Libby and Abby’s families and law enforcement still working the case.

Orange bulbs dot Delphi until the murderer of Abby and Libby is found. Source: Facebook Light Up for Abby and Libby.

Source: Facebook Light Up for Abby and Libby.

Orange bulbs light up the entire town of Delphi. The community has committed to ensuring the golden glow lights the town until the killer of Abby and Libby is caught and brought to justice.

If you have any information about the murders of Abby Williams and Libby German, please call 844-459-5786 or ABBYANDLIBBYTIP@CACOSHRF.COM.

JOSEPH LOPEZ ARRESTED IN MURDER OF NATALIE BOLLINGER

JOSEPH LOPEZ ARRESTED IN MURDER OF NATALIE BOLLINGER

Joseph LopezAn arrest has been made in the murder of Natalie Bollinger, 19, who was found shot to death in a wooded area of Adams County, Colorado, on December 29, 2017, approximately 26 hours after she had been reported missing. Joseph Lopez, 22 was arraigned and formally charged on Wednesday, February 13, 2018. Lopez was charged with first degree murder after deliberation.

Lopez, a resident of Northglenn, Colorado, was arrested on the evening of the February 8, 2018 after an interview with Adams County Sheriff’s investigators. His claims regarding the alleged motive are described as shocking.

Investigators stated Lopez claims he did not see Bollinger die, changed his story to “she committed suicide”, then changed his story again, claiming she had solicited someone to kill her/help her commit suicide on Craigslist.

According to an arrest affidavit, Lopez told investigators he met Bollinger on December 28, 2017 after responding to a Craigslist ad entitled, “I Want to Put a Hit on Myself.” This ad was in the “Women Seeking Men” section of the online marketplace website. He claims he met Bollinger for the first time that day.

Bollinger news

Bollinger’s autopsy report states Bollinger died from a gunshot wound to her head, noting she had a lethal level of heroin in her blood. The medical examiner found fresh needle marks on her arms.

Bollinger police picAdams County Sheriff Michael

Murder of Natalie Bollinger

Murder of Natalie Bollinger

Murder of Natalie Bollinger, Leaves Clues on Facebook

Natalie Bollinger

Natalie Marie Bollinger, 19, was reported missing on Thursday, December 28, 2017. She had last been seen leaving her Broomfield, Colorado residence and reported missing when her family had not heard from her later in the day.

On Friday, December 29, 2017, a body was discovered in a wooded area located at 11600 Riverdale Road on the property of McIntosh Dairy farm in Adams County. By Tuesday, January 2, 2018, authorities identified the body as Bollinger. Cause of death has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

About two weeks prior to Bollinger’s death, she had made several posts on Facebook about a man who had been harassing her and identified him as Shawn Schwartz.

On her Facebook status, she indicated she had met Schwartz about two years ago, gave him rides and went on to explain recent events.

He drove across the country to see me . . slept behind my work for weeks. When I told him, I didn’t want to see him anymore, he sent me hundreds of texts and calls. He parked his car in front of my house, blocking Military Highway for hours . . . laying on his horn. . he was arrested”, she wrote. Since then, I’ve asked him to leave me alone . . and he won’t.”

Bollinger goes on to explain Schwartz was harassing family and friends and slandering her on FB, asking others to ignore him.

Please ignore him . . . it only encourages him when he gets a response (Much like a child). He is mentally ill, and I am trying to fix this,” wrote Bollinger.

On December 22, 2017, Bollinger was granted a “restraining order” against Schwartz and posted she finally felt safe. A haunting reminder that, in fact, she was not.

Ramblings of a disturbed individual

According to his Facebook profile, Schwartz attended Chappell High School in Chappell, Nebraska. He also boasts he is “blacksmith” and makes his own hammers, anvils, mallets, and axes. Not much is known about his past.

However, Schwartz has had his own very active presence on Facebook and YouTube. Considering Bollinger’s murder, many now find his ramblings and videos deeply disturbing.

During the time Bollinger was missing, Schwartz posted on Facebook, asking people to help search for his friend (Bollinger).

According to a 9News report, in September, Schwartz posted a status saying, “Natalie, I wanted only the best for you. Now all I want is for you to go through the hell I have lived. I want to blow my head off in front of you so close you can feel the warm spatter of my blood on your face.”

According to Bollinger’s posts on Facebook, she indicates Schwartz used multiple alias Facebook accounts to harass her.

The information he posted there is not only disturbing, it may be downright “telling.”

 

Schwartz called a ‘person of interest’ in Natalie Bollinger Murder

In a press conference, Adams County Sheriff Mike McIntosh said, “There is a 26-hour time period that is missing where we don’t have anyone talking to her through social media or by text, or in person or on the telephone. That’s a critical time we are looking at.”

McIntosh said detectives have followed leads gathered from social media but cautioned social media can also lead to false conclusions. Clearly, police have proceeded carefully.

Without mentioning Schwartz by name, when asked by reporters about the man who Bollinger had obtained a restraining order, McIntosh only said, “We have talked to him, but we are not ready to call anyone a suspect, but it’s certainly a part of our investigation.

Schwartz had initially been questioned by authorities when Bollinger was still missing, and one post might have quickly drawn authority’s attention.  According to Bollinger’s own Facebook posts, Schwartz used aliases. Posting as a possible alias of “Joanna Taylor,” it is believed Schwartz is posting about himself, referring to what a nice man he is, saying Bollinger may be dead but people need to stop blaming him.

Schwartz also confirmed he was questioned by authorities, posting on his Facebook page, Schwartz talked about his time with investigators. He said he provided them his cell phone, computer, and a DNA sample, and ultimately he was let go. He did not specify if it was the Bollinger Police or Adams County sheriff authorities that questioned him.

However, McIntosh said, “We have talked to him again, and again, we are not ready to call anybody a suspect, but it’s certainly a piece of our investigation, a piece of our timeline.”

Schwartz made a public Facebook post called, “Why I am a person of interest and not a suspect.”

The fact is, until authorities say otherwise, as compelling as his statements and behavior has been, Schwartz remains only a “person of interest” and not named an official suspect.

Schwartz arrested on unrelated charges

As the Bollinger death investigation continues, Schwartz was booked into Boulder County jail on Saturday, January 6, 2018, on unrelated charges.

According to jail records, Schwartz was charged with second-degree assault, obstructing a police officer and resisting arrest when police were conducting a welfare check.

According to an arrest affidavit, Broomfield police were monitoring Schwartz’s Facebook page and observed some potentially suicidal references. Boulder police found Schwartz at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1419 Pine Street, in Boulder.

According to officers, Schwartz told them he missed “his friend” Bollinger and wanted to talk to her but could not because she was dead.

Police convinced Schwartz to accompany them to Boulder Community Healths Foothills Hospital, but once there he began screaming at staff, trying to leave the room and not listening to staff instructions.

At that point, Schwartz began kicking and biting officers who then arrested him and transported him to the jail where he was later released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

While Schwartz remains a compelling “person of interest” in the murder of Bollinger, he remains just that, a lead.

Family just wants justice for Natalie

While Bollinger was still missing, like other families of missing persons, the family used Facebook to search for her, distributing photographs and information. In addition, Natalie’s mother confronted Schwartz in a post that was followed by a disrespectful and deeply disturbing response.

To add insult to injury, on January 15, 2018, Schwartz made a post on Facebook stating, “How can you, her family, who she should have been able to trust, have failed her so badly? She did what you wanted. Give her back.”

Natalie’s family is not only dealing with the trauma of losing their daughter to homicide, they are victims of an ongoing online assault by someone who threatened their daughter’s life. A person she feared.

Now dealing with a parent’s worst nightmare, understandably the family is quiet. However, they did release a statement through Adams County sheriff McIntosh.

“Our family has been deeply devastated by this loss and cannot fully express how much we miss our beautiful Natalie,” wrote Ted Bollinger, Natalie’s father. “Our hearts are absolutely broken.”

 

Motel Room Rented 5 Times With Sony Millbrook’s Body Under Bed

Mar 18 (THAINDIAN NEWS) In an epic cleaning fail, not to mention a major investigation fail, the body of Sony Millbrook, who has been missing from a Memphis hotel room since January, was found yesterday, March 17-almost 2 months later, stuffed under the bed in her hotel room 222 of the Budget Inn Motel.

The room had been rented out approximately five times in the the month and a half that the body was hidden beneath the bed, which has a metal frame bottom that sits on the floor. The mattress, box springs, and her body apparently were all fitted inside the metal box-frame. Millbrook was found yesterday when the smell finally drew attention…and detectives to the room. She is said to be the victim of a homicide.

Sony Millbrook had been reported missing to the Memphis Police Department on January 27 when she did not pick her kids up from school. Family members then told the police that she had been staying at the Budget Inn. The room had been locked that day for lack of payment, but her belongings had been taken out, the room has been “cleaned” and rented out many more times since then.

Millbrook’s sister, Linda James told reporters that she had begged the motel staff to let her check the room or to do it themselves, and they refused. “I begged. I didn’t raise my voice. But I begged,” James told the Fox news crew. “I begged that front desk staff to please go check the room and they refused.” She said if they had just checked the room, or the investigators had even done so, her sister would have been found long before now. “As far as I know, my sister could’ve been living and just suffered,” she said, adding, “If the housekeeper was in there cleaning the rooms, why didn’t they check underneath the beds?”

During the investigation of the missing woman which apparently never included a room search, Millbrook’s boyfriend, LaKeith Moody was interrogated, and later arrested on a gun violation charge. Moody, who is the father of Millbrook’s four kids, is still being held.

Memphis police’s deputy chief of investigative services,Joseph Scott, said to FoxNews.com that they’ve “never heard of anything like this…It’s stranger than fiction.” Reportedly, a homicide investigator had simply spoken with two clerks and a security guard, found out that the room had been locked for lack of payment and her belongings removed, and told that the family had picked up the items from hotel staff and took them home. Why did no one search this room?!