Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

43 Year Old Sherry Arnold Missing Since January 7, 2012 in Sidney, Montana

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/01/10/43-year-old-sherry-arnold-missing-since-january-7-2012-in-sidney-montana/

43 year old Sherry Arnold has been missing in Sidney, Montana since Saturday morning, January 7, 2012, when she went for a jog. She was last seen at about 6:30 a.m. on Saturday when she was leaving home for her usual early morning jog. She never returned and has not been seen or head from since.Police have reported that they found one of Arnold’s running shoes near a truck route in a roadside ditch that is a part of Sherry Arnold’s normal jogging route.


(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Sherry-Arnold.jpg)

 ::snipping2::

not another one! sigh....
this is starting to be an epidemic... ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.kbzk.com/news/fbi-joins-investigation-for-missing-sidney-teacher/
FBI joins investigation for missing Sidney teacher
Posted: Jan 10, 2012 8:27 AM by Amanda Venegas (KTVQ Billings)
SIDNEY- The FBI has now joined the search for a missing Eastern Montana teacher. An FBI spokesperson says because of the potential of kidnapping and the proximity of North Dakota, agents are now on the ground in Sidney.
 ::snipping2::

(http://i.cdn.turner.com/ireport/sm/prod/2012/01/08/WE00690302/1958252/38634423450098752281549452128316-1958252_p9.jpg)

http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-728093?hpt=hp_bn1  (http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-728093?hpt=hp_bn1)


Massive search for missing teacher.
By Cmullin  |  Posted January 8, 2012  |  Sidney, Montana

 ::snipping2::
Three canine units from the Border Patrol, Roosevelt County Sheriff's office, and Miles City, Montana Police Department are in town searching for Arnold. In addition to local law enforcement and firefighters, 40 members of the Montana National Guard are assisting officers by searching the rural areas of town. Also locals are searching with ATV's, horses and on foot. Locals also have planes in the air, along with a helicopter to help in the effort.

 

Arnold is a well known math teacher and coach, and is loved by all in the small community. Locals are shocked and stunned by the disappearance, and it has brought the town to a complete stand still.
 ::snipping2::

Facebook  page dedicated to finding Sherry:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Find-Sherry-Arnold/310293542342409  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Find-Sherry-Arnold/310293542342409)

I believe this to be Sherry's personal FB page:

 https://www.facebook.com/sherarnold?sk=wall (https://www.facebook.com/sherarnold?sk=wall)

FBI joins search for missing Montana teacher

msnbc.com news services
updated 1/10/2012 11:51:20 AM ET

 ::snipping2::
On Monday, search crews broadened their grid in Richland County walking fields, searching trailer parks, ditches and canals. They found other items of clothing, but none -- apart from the shoe -- have been identified as belonging to Arnold.

No solid evidence has emerged to indicate that she was kidnapped, authorities said.

"It's just been grueling," said Arnold's father, Ron Whited, who runs a ranch outside of Sidney. "When you can't find someone and you do find a shoe and you know that's where she was running, something obviously wasn't right. I can tell you I would never believe I would be looking for my daughter."

Sherry and her husband, Gary Arnold, had five children from previous marriages, including two still living at home and attending Sidney High School, Whited said. Colleagues described her as a devoted teacher.

Her disappearance comes amid a lot of change in the town of more than 6,000. A boom in the nearby Bakken oil fields of eastern Montana and western North Dakota has brought in newcomers, up more than 1,000 from several years ago.
 ::snipping2::
 http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45942913/ns/us_news-life/t/fbi-joins-search-missing-montana-teacher/#.TwysroGwWAJ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45942913/ns/us_news-life/t/fbi-joins-search-missing-montana-teacher/#.TwysroGwWAJ)

about Sydney, MT:

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney,_Montana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney,_Montana)

More informative article:

 ::snipping2::

Teacher's disappearance may be abduction, police chief says

   
By CHELSEA KROTZER Of The Gazette Staff | Posted: Monday, January 9, 2012 7:15 pm |
 ::snipping2::
She said the FBI has "multiple agents" in Sidney to assist local law enforcement. Should the investigation become an abduction case and investigators find that the Canadian border was crossed, it would become a federal investigation, Bertram said.

 ::snipping2::
Of the evidence brought back by search parties, only a shoe found Saturday was positively identified by the family as Arnold's.

The shoe was found east of the Sidney Sugars Inc. factory off Holly Street east of town, one of the areas where Arnold goes running. A witness reported seeing someone matching Arnold's description that morning near where the shoe was found, Assistant Police Chief Robert Burnison said.

 ::snipping2::
"This is a wonderful woman," Gary Arnold said of his wife. "We want her back, and we want her back healthy. I miss my wife."

Mayor Bret Smelser, who attends church with Arnold's parents, said she is "a daughter of the community" whose disappearance brought out the best in hundreds of residents from Sidney and surrounding towns who have participated in the search.

"It's just been grueling," said Arnold's father, Ron Whited, who runs a ranch outside of Sidney. "When you can't find someone and you do find a shoe and you know that's where she was running, something obviously wasn't right. I can tell you I would never believe I would be looking for my daughter."

 ::snipping2::
In his years at the police department, DiFonzo said this is the first time he can remember investigating such a sudden disappearance.

"This is the first issue where we had someone go missing without some sort of background issue," he said. "It's just so sudden."

DiFonzo said he can feel the growing pains in Sidney — a town of about 5,000 only 10 miles from the border with North Dakota — as people pour in from out of town, chasing the money brought by the Bakken oil boom.

He's seen it before — the last time there was an oil boom in the 1980s.

"We have a lot of activity now at this part of the state," DiFonzo said. "A lot of out-of-state people are here to work, and locals don't know them or recognize them."

The influx has increased crime, and DiFonzo said officers are responding to more bar fights, domestic violence and drunken driving.

"We are just seeing the tip of the iceberg," he said.

 ::snipping2::
http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/teacher-s-disappearance-may-be-abduction-police-chief-says/article_0437f02b-bc72-5ded-9f97-13d46304d8f4.html  (http://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/montana/teacher-s-disappearance-may-be-abduction-police-chief-says/article_0437f02b-bc72-5ded-9f97-13d46304d8f4.html)

Could this have been some type of animal attack?  Don't they have bears in Montana?

I wonder this too Kittymom.

I came across this and it looks like that could be a reality:

http://www.fishingbuddy.com/sidney_mt_lion (http://www.fishingbuddy.com/sidney_mt_lion)

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380935_311507842220979_310293542342409_861888_1928648763_n.jpg)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311507708887659.69828.310293542342409&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.311507708887659.69828.310293542342409&type=3)

http://www.examiner.com/criminal-profiles-in-national/missing-montana-teacher-sherry-arnold-which-kind-of-animal-got-her

Missing Montana teacher Sherry Arnold: Which kind of animal got her?


If she were attacked by an animal, couldn't any blood found be her own?

I don't think they have released any info about the evidence collected, kittymom.  It's such a hard thing to think about, isn't it?

I was just thinking through what 'stuff' might have been found on her shoe.  Mud and grass would be expected on a running shoe.  If its blood, I'd expect it to be her own.  What else could it be out there along a roadway?  Maybe drool from an animal?  Fur?

http://www.krtv.com/news/search-for-missing-sidney-teacher-sherry-arnold-suspended/ (http://www.krtv.com/news/search-for-missing-sidney-teacher-sherry-arnold-suspended/)

Search for missing Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold suspended

Posted: Jan 11, 2012 12:33 PM by KTVQ (Billings)
Updated: Jan 11, 2012 1:16 PM

It's been five days since Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold went missing after a morning jog, and no new clues have been uncovered.

Now the Sidney Herald newspaper is reporting that the search has concluded for the time being.

The Herald reports that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking over the case and is looking into the possibility of abduction, and says that a search will resume if investigators find other evidence.

So far the only piece of evidence that has been found is one of Arnold's running shoes.

A tipline has been set up for anyone that may have information about the whereabouts of Sherry; the number is 406-433-4027.

In addition, a "Help Find Sherry Arnold" page on Facebook page now has more than 6,100 members.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Find-Sherry-Arnold/310293542342409 (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Help-Find-Sherry-Arnold/310293542342409)

(http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380482_311507762220987_310293542342409_861886_23329345_n.jpg)

On JaneVMitchell on HLN just now she said there could be more about this case involving drug rings etc. she also said she got an email with some interesting email from someone anonymous that she will reveal more on her show tonight.

Sorry for my last errors. I am on the iPad.....need I say more?

JVM (Issues/HLN) has her husband Gary Arnold on right now. She is an Algebra teacher at Sidney High. The husband sounds exhausted and distraught as can be expected. Male population 2800. (41 registered sexual violent offenders, 4 times the national average.)
Almost all SO live within a 1/4 mile of Sherry's home. JVM received anonymous email says ever since oil industry came to town there has been an increase of transients, truck drivers, crime and a suspected drug ring according to the emailer who doesn't want to be identified. Size of Sidney only 15 blocks X 22 blocks.

This is from a sunrise/sunset calender from January 7, 2012:

Jan 7

Twi A: 5:53am
Twi N: 6:30am
Twi: 7:09am
Sunrise: 7:45am
Solar noon: 12:03pm
Sunset: 4:20pm
Twi: 4:56pm
Twi N: 5:35pm
Twi A: 6:12pm
Moonrise: 3:07pm
Moonset: 6:20am
Day length: 8h 36m

http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp  (http://www.sunrisesunset.com/calendar.asp)

Per husband she did not carry her cell on runs. JVM says evidence found on the shoe found but does she not know what that is.

no..I totally get what you are saying about the Ipad!

Sherry has been found dead....
Cookie,  you know we MUST have a link to articles, tweets & etc.,   Failing to link back to material taken from outside can be a copyright problem for Red and Scared Monkeys, and it's also considered etiquette to give credit where it's due.  I've researched and found what I believe is the link to the article you've posted.  I don't have time to go look for other poster's links to articles.  In the future, it may mean your post going poof!  MuffyBee 
Edit to add what I believe the link to be:  http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-montana-teacher-sherry-arnold-found-dead/story?id=15355684
By CLAYTON SANDELL (@Clayton_Sandell) and CHRISTINA NG (@ChristinaNg27)

Missing Montana mother and teacher Sherry Arnold is dead, according to a post on her school district's website. The FBI announced today that they have one person in custody and another being questioned.

Arnold, 43, disappeared around 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 7 when she went out for an early morning run near her home in Sidney, Mont. A single running shoe was the only trace of Arnold left behind.

"Based on a tip from the public, law enforcement took one adult male into custody, and another adult male is being questioned by police," FBI spokeswoman Debbie Dujanovic Bertram said in a statement. "The investigation to determine what happened to Ms. Arnold continues."

 ::snipping2::

http://www.krtv.com/news/missing-sidney-teacher-sherry-arnold-confirmed-dead/


 The school district in Sidney, Montana has announced that Sherry Arnold, the teacher who has been missing since Saturday, is dead.

The FBI reports that one man is in custody at this time, and another man is being questioned by police.

The school district in Sidney made the following announcement on its website on Friday morning.


 ::snipping2::
The school district was notified around 9:30 AM today of Sherry Arnold's death following notification of the family. In response to this news, the District will be in session until 2:00 PM. All route busses will operate at 2:00 PM. Additional counselors are on hand this morning in all buildings and parents, if needed, may check their students out from each building. Friday games are cancelled.

A press conference will be held at 3 p.m. at the Law & Justice Center in Sidney.

The FBI released the following statement:

Based on a tip from the public, law enforcement took one adult male into custody, and another adult male is being questioned by police. The investigation to determine what happened to Ms. Arnold continues.

Arnold left for a run at around 6:30 a.m. Saturday, January 7, and never returned home. One of her running shoes was later found.

Investigators had received "dozens and dozens" of calls about Arnold, FBI spokeswoman Deborah Bertram said Thursday by e-mail.

http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal (http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal)
CaseSignal Case Signal (BeanE)
RT @EdReporterRob: We're about 20 minutes out from the press conference here in Sidney on Sherry Arnold's disappearance and death.
2 minutes ago


http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob (http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob)
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
So stay close. We'll be live tweeting it as it happens.
12 minutes ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
We're about 20 minutes out from the press conference here in Sidney on Sherry Arnold's disappearance and death.
13 minutes ago

EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
Sheriff: DiFonzo. We will not be providing any details at this time
1 minute ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
And we're starting
2 minutes ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
They're telling us one more minute until they start.
3 minutes ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
twitpic.com/86wiii
5 minutes ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
The lobby's full of about 30 people. My guess is about 20 of them are just residents, curious about what's going on.
10 minutes ago http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob (http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob)

EdReporterRob Rob Rogers

The second man being questioned is 22 and being held in Rapid city South Dakota
29 seconds ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
The man in custody is 47 and being held in the Williams County Jail.
1 minute ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
Sheriff says he will answer no questions because the investigation is moving too rapidly.
1 minute ago http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob (http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob)

EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
Keep checking billingsgazette.com. We'll have a full story up in the next hour.
30 seconds ago
Rob Rogers
EdReporterRob Rob Rogers
And with that, Sheriff DiFonzo thanks eveyone for their cooperation and for their understanding. And he walks back to his office.
1 minute ago http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob (http://twitter.com/#!/EdReporterRob)

 ::MonkeyTears::
Prayers to her family community..... I am so sad that someone thought they had the right to take such a bright life.

the world is not safe anymore..women who jog  in the early mornings or later evening all alone always give me an anxious moment when I see them..I see it all the time..going into wooded areas where there bike paths are, country roads out where we live...I just want to tell them to be careful! None of us are safe anymore at our malls, the parks, even in our own homes..

RIP Sherry..I am sure that the scum that took your life had nothing to add to society while you had so much to give to the world..

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/two-men-charged-with-aggravated-kidnapping-in-death-of-sherry/article_6bf3639c-3ed4-11e1-8ce5-0019bb2963f4.html
Two men charged with aggravated kidnapping in death of Sherry Arnold
Lee News Service | Posted: Saturday, January 14, 2012 11:20 am |

Two men have been arraigned on charges of aggravated kidnapping in connection with the death of Sidney, Mont., High School teacher Sherry Arnold and are being held in Williston, Sidney Police Chief Frank DiFonzo said Saturday morning.

Investigators in North Dakota are continuing to search the area and gather evidence in the case. DiFonzo called the rumors circulated Friday night that Arnold may have been killed in a hit and run type accident "all kinds of speculation."

DiFonzo said he expects the two men will be extradited to Sidney from Willston at some point. He didn't want to speculate on a timeline because it was a federal case.

Read more: http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/two-men-charged-with-aggravated-kidnapping-in-death-of-sherry/article_6bf3639c-3ed4-11e1-8ce5-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1jSKj7F16

I hope these are the ones who commited this terrible murder.  Prayers for the Arnold family during this painful time.

prayers to her family and friends...

http://www.kbzk.com/news/hundreds-attend-memorial-for-sidney-teacher-sherry-arnold/
Hundreds attend memorial for Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold
Posted: Jan 14, 2012 10:21 AM by Montana's News Station
Updated: Jan 14, 2012 10:22 AM
SIDNEY- The news of missing Sidney, Montana teacher Sherry Arnold's death sent shockwaves across the close knit community and prompted many of them to come together to grieve the loss of a beloved teacher.

Friday night, hundreds of people gathered at Sidney High School where 10 local spiritual leaders led a memorial at the school. Those leaders said they wanted to help the community come together and grieve, but also they wanted to send a strong message that they will rise around the fear and this tragedy.

The community became especially emotional during the memorial when they sang "Amazing Grace" and held hands during "The Lords Prayer."
 ::snipping2::

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398684_342588482437893_100000602336850_1246719_928634815_n.jpg)

 https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398684_342588482437893_100000602336850_1246719_928634815_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398684_342588482437893_100000602336850_1246719_928634815_n.jpg)

very sorry..I am not real savvy with computer stuff..won't happen again..This is why I hesitate to put any info up here for fear that I will do it wrong...Other more talented monkeys usually beat me to any news anyways so I will just leave it from now on...sorry if it caused you added stress and work Muffers...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/14/investigation-continues-on-missing-death-missing-montana-teacher/
Few details released as investigation continues into disappearance of Montana teacher
Published January 15, 2012
| Associated Press

The FBI and local law enforcement officials are releasing few details surrounding the disappearance and reported death of a Montana math teacher who vanished a week ago. Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser said residents on Saturday would like to know more as part of the grieving process but they understand an investigation is ongoing.

"Evidently there's still more work to do," Smelser said. "People would like to have more information, but if that information is going to hinder the investigation, then we understand."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/14/investigation-continues-on-missing-death-missing-montana-teacher/#ixzz1jXF3GBNu

I wouldn't think this is going to turn out to be a hit and run with two folks arrested and no body having been found yet.  I would think with a hit and run, they'd have just driven off and left the body. 

Prayers for the Arnold family.  :*(

in reading all of the articles on Sherry, I did not realize that her body had not been found yet! am I 'blonde' or are the articles a bit misleading or did I just assume that she was found since they are announcing that she is dead? I reread the articles again...still not clear...

this article says no body has been found and also that the FBI has not confirmed the death yet...?  color me confused...

I read through the thread and found this article  dated 1/13 that says Sherry is confirmed dead, but there's no mention of a body found.  There's also a video at the link that is titled "Sidney Public School's Website Confirms the Death of Sidney Arnold".    I've just reread the one you've referenced Cookie, and it mentions "reported death" but says the FBI hasn't confirmed her death.  So I just don't know either.  Color us both confused  ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.krtv.com/news/missing-sidney-teacher-sherry-arnold-confirmed-dead/
Missing Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold confirmed dead
January 13, 2012

The school district in Sidney, Montana has announced that Sherry Arnold, the teacher who has been missing since Saturday, is dead

The FBI reports that one man is in custody at this time, and another man is being questioned by police.
 ::snipping2::

Here is a link that says her body was found...1st one I found...


http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/authorities-say-missing-montana-teacher-found-dead/article_d8f88342-3e15-11e1-bf0d-001871e3ce6c.html (http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/authorities-say-missing-montana-teacher-found-dead/article_d8f88342-3e15-11e1-bf0d-001871e3ce6c.html)

 ::snipping2::
The body of a Montana math teacher who went missing last weekend when she left her house for a run has been found, and the FBI said Friday it had one man in custody and was questioning another in connection with her disappearance.

 ::snipping2::

Thanks for the replies Muffers and ka8....
So from the last article it says that she has been found...

Thank you ka8.  They aren't releasing many details, that's for sure. 

I do not think they have found her body yet - this story just came up on my google alert:

http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2012/01/15/colo_men_held_in_missing_mont_teacher_case/

 ::snipping2::

"The FBI issued a statement late Sunday saying Arnold's body might be buried in an area with a line of mature or rotted trees, and the surrounding grass might be matted.

The agency requests that North Dakota property owners in Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail counties, and in extreme northeastern Montana, check such areas."

 ::snipping2::

This leads me to believe that the two guys may have confessed and just not told where the body is. How sad for the family.

I just saw the article too theboyzmom.  I agree, it's sad for the family.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-15/men-arrested-montana-teacher/52587606/1
FBI seeks help finding Montana teacher's body
Updated 10m ago
January 15, 2012

SIDNEY, Mont. (AP) – The FBI is asking property owners in parts of North Dakota and Montana to check vacant farmsteads for signs of disturbed soil where the agency says a missing Montana teacher might be buried.
 ::snipping2::

Do you think that maybe they've found part of her and are looking for the rest?

I would not think so - I think they have a confession from the creeps - could have been a hit and run - but they took the body with them and one of them sobered up and confessed.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

so the dam creeps kill someone, then they forget where they buried that person?
confusing,im guessing they were on drugs and booze,and the fact they're not from the area

 ::snipping2::
Earlier Sunday, authorities released the names of two Parachute, Colo., men being held in a North Dakota jail in connection with the Jan. 7 disappearance of 43-year-old Sherry Arnold of Sidney, Mont.

The FBI issued a statement late Sunday saying Arnold's body might be buried in an area with a line of mature or rotted trees, and the surrounding grass might be matted
 ::snipping2::
The agency requests that North Dakota property owners in Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail counties, and in extreme northeastern Montana, check such areas.

Authorities say 47-year-old Lester Vann Waters Jr. and 22-year-old Michael Keith Spell are in the Williams County Correctional Center in Williston, N.D., awaiting extradition to Montana.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-01-15/men-arrested-montana-teacher/52587606/1

From Vinelink (no photos yet and only one perp found so far on vinelink):

Offender Name: MICHAEL KEITH SPELL
Offender ID:
2012010082
Date of Birth:
05/07/1989
Age:
22
Race:
White
Gender:
Male
 
Custody Status:
In Custody
Location of Offender:
Williams County Jail
 
 

Charge 1
Charge Description:
AGG. KIDNAPPING
Charge Count:
1
Charge Level:
Felony

https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/searchResultsAction.do?searchType=offender&siteId=35000&lang_value=en&searchWhere=state&agency=2&lastName=waters&firstName=l&methodToCall=search  (https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/searchResultsAction.do?searchType=offender&siteId=35000&lang_value=en&searchWhere=state&agency=2&lastName=waters&firstName=l&methodToCall=search)

that must have been an error,as the fbi say not recovered

By KEITH RIDLER Associated Press
SIDNEY, Mont. January 16, 2012 (AP)
 ::snipping2::
New details about the mysterious disappearance and reported death of a small-town Montana math teacher began to trickle out Sunday, as authorities asked property owners in parts of North Dakota and Montana to look for signs of her buried body, and released the names of two men being held in the case.
 ::snipping2::
"Based on investigative evidence gathered over the last few days, it is believed that Ms. Arnold may be deceased," FBI spokeswoman Debbie Bertram said in a statement. "Her body has not been recovered."
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/colo-men-held-missing-mont-teacher-case-15367393

Here we go:

KX News
‎47-year-old Lester Vann Waters is one of two men being held in connection to dissapearance/death of Sherry Arnold.

(https://fbcdn-photos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/404208_330777523609264_115159181837767_1135303_1188221752_a.jpg)

https://www.facebook.com/kxnews  (https://www.facebook.com/kxnews)

Sidney Police Chief Frank DiFonzo identifies the men and speaks about finding sherry
video
http://www.ktvq.com/videos/sidney-police-on-the-latest-details-in-the-sherry-arnold-case/

this is a local tv station with live broadcasts,sorry i was unable to find
the air times,side note the weather ticker from kx says it is,7 degrees
burr
http://www.kxnet.com/category/227332/kxnet-live-streaming-video

So confusing...

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/15/fbi-seeks-help-finding-montana-teachers-body/ (http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/01/15/fbi-seeks-help-finding-montana-teachers-body/)

FBI seeks help finding Montana teacher's body

Published January 15, 2012

SIDNEY, Mont. –  New details about the mysterious disappearance and reported death of a small-town Montana math teacher began to trickle out Sunday, as authorities asked property owners in parts of North Dakota and Montana to look for signs of her buried body, and released the names of two men being held in the case.

The FBI issued a statement late Sunday saying the body of 43-year-old Sherry Arnold of Sidney, Mont., might be buried in a "shelter belt," or a line of trees that protects soil from the wind. The agency asked that property owners in three North Dakota counties -- Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail counties -- and in far northeastern Montana check vacant farmsteads for signs of disturbed soil or matted grass.

"Based on investigative evidence gathered over the last few days, it is believed that Ms. Arnold may be deceased," FBI spokeswoman Debbie Bertram said in a statement. "Her body has not been recovered."



 ::snipping2::

If they dumped her body and actually returned to Colorado, she could be anywhere.....ugh so sad for the family. I found one person with the last name of "Spell" in Parachute, CO but not this one. The one I found also has ties to Louisiana, could be related. I am guessing Parachute, CO is not very big. I imagine if they want to save their butts (if it was just an accident/panic situation) they will give LE the location of the body.

just read that article on Daily Mail...
We heard that these guys were arrested based on a tip. probably a good tip that the LE believe that she is dead. Maybe the perps have not revealed where the body is yet to get a better 'deal' on their jail sentence? also, I think that killers have learned from Casey Anthony trial that the longer a body lies in the elements and evidence is destroyed, the easier it is to 'confuse' a jury....and possibly be set free or get a lesser charge..However, what are the chances of there ever being a more ignorant jury that the one in the Casey trial...

Cookie:  I know you mean well but we really need you to post links.  We need the link for the Daily Mail article you are quoting above.  It's not hard, simply copy and paste the link.  You can practice in the lounge in the practice thread or in Musings or the JSM thread.   ::MonkeyCool::  (klaasend)

http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal (http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal)
CaseSignal Case Signal (BeanE)
Sherry Arnold - FBI news conference noon central time, today, Monday, Jan 16 - #SherryArnold (#post_SherryArnold) - KGAN > bit.ly/zuSqqp (http://bit.ly/zuSqqp)
8 minutes ago
http://www.kgan.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/36b94dd2-www.kgan.com.shtml
 ::snipping2::
The briefing is scheduled for noon central time in Williston, N.D., where 47-year-old Lester Vann Waters Jr. and 22-year-old Michael Keith Spell are being held. They're from Parachute, Colo.

Forty-three-year-old Sherry Arnold of Sidney, Mont., hasn't been seen since Jan. 7 when she went for an early morning run and is presumed dead.

The FBI is asking property owners in Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail counties of North Dakota and in extreme northeastern Montana, to check vacant farmsteads for signs of disturbed soil where she might be buried.

The only clue publicly released is that one of Arnold's shoes was found along her route.

this thread says 'body found'...has it been?

http://abcnews.go.com/US/farmers-states-checking-land-signs-sherry-arnold/story?id=15370582#.TxROS6XOV2A
By CLAYTON SANDELL (@Clayton_Sandell) and CHRISTINA NG (@ChristinaNg27)
Jan. 16, 2012

Land owners in Montana and North Dakota are searching their properties, looking for the body of missing Montana teacher Sherry Arnold.

The farmers and ranchers in these remote areas were asked by the FBI to check for disturbed soil or grass near vacant farms.

Investigators are saying that Arnold could be buried in a "shelter belt," rows of trees planted alongside farmland to protect the soil from wind.

"Property owners who discover something unusual are asked not to disturb the site and immediately contact the Williams County Law Enforcement Center," the FBI said in a statement.
 ::snipping2::

Video Report from 01/15/2012
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/murdered-montana-teacher-mystery-15365017

Conflicting information has been posted, with a few articles having said her body was found.  There was some discussion about this up thread.  The recent articles we've been seeing are asking farmers and landowners to check their properties, so I guess she hasn't been found.  I've changed the subject line on the first post in this thread (header) from "(Body Found)" to "Presumed dead".  Hopefully Sherry's remains can be recovered soon.  This has to be so awful for her family.  

http://abcnews.go.com/US/farmers-states-checking-land-signs-sherry-arnold/story?id=15370582#.TxROS6XOV2A
 ::snipping2::
Land owners in Montana and North Dakota are searching their properties, looking for the body of missing Montana teacher Sherry Arnold.
 ::snipping2::

Edit to fix typo.  MB

thanks Muffers...lots of confusing info about Sherry....

http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=54498
Press Conference Held Today in Arnold Case
KFYR-TV | 1/16/2012
 ::snipping2::
Authorities believe that Arnold has been killed and is buried in the area. They are asking landowners in Williams, McKenzie and Mountrail counties, as well as those living in the northeast corner of Montana, to check their property for any sign of recent activity. This includes checking vacant farms and shelter belts for signs of disturbance such as fresh dirt or matted grass.

If anything suspicious is found, landowners are encouraged to not disturb the scene and to call the Williams County Law Enforcement Center at 701-774-9191.
 ::snipping2::

Edit to change subject title.  MB

http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal (http://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal)
CaseSignal Case Signal (BeanE)
RT @ProfilerPatB: I will be on #PrimeNewsHLN at 6 pm est and #IssueswithJVM at 7 pm talking about #AylaReynolds (#post_AylaReynolds) and #SherryArnold (#post_SherryArnold). #HLN
2 minutes ago

FBI seeks help finding body of Montana teacher as police charge two men over her deathBy Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 10:57 PM on 16th January 2012

imgs of them at link
Accused: Michael Keith Spell, left, and Lester Vann Waters, right, are charged with aggravated kidnapping in connection to Ms Arnold's disappearance
 ::snipping2::
'To the best of my knowledge, no body has been recovered,' Sidney Mayor Bret Smelser told Reuters late on Saturday. 'We don't know where the body is at this point.'
Mrs Arnold's husband, Gary Arnold, said he was grateful for the work of the FBI and police in the case and said he believes police 'may know where she is.'
'While this did not turn out the way we all had hoped, at least we are moving toward a resolution and an answer,' he said.
more
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086997/Sherry-Arnold-FBI-seek-help-finding-body-Montana-teacher.html

Mayor of Montana town where teacher Sherry Arnold vanished blames oil workers for her disappearance
By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 12:34 PM on 15th January
 ::snipping2::
The mayor of the small Montana town where a beloved teacher has been declared dead has blamed the influx of oil workers for the crime.
Violent crime in Sidney, population 5,000, has mushroomed thanks to an influx oil field workers following the Bakken oil boom in North Dakota.
Although there is no suggestion that oil workers were involved in Mrs Arnold's disappearance authorities believe they have brought a transient dangerous element to the small town, where everyone used to know each other.

'We own the day,' Brett Smelser told ABCNews.
'They own the night. Unfortunately, Sherry was running in the early hours of the morning.'
more
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2086807/Sherry-Arnold-Mayor-Montana-town-blames-oil-workers-teachers-disappearance.html

Missing Montana Teacher Sherry Arnold: Suspects Have Lengthy Criminal Records
vids @ link
 ::snipping2::
Waters has an extensive criminal record in Florida with charges including a weapons offense, narcotic possession, theft, trespassing and leaving the scene of a crash injury. He has served time in Florida jails at least three times.
Records also show that Waters has used about a dozen aliases and has been charged with giving police a false name when arrested.
  ::snipping2::
Spell was arrested and charged with drug possession, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and sexual contact without consent in Colorado in May 2007, but the charges were dropped for unknown reasons.
Investigators have remained tight-lipped about the details of the investigation, providing very little information about the connection between Waters and Spell or what led them to the conclusion that Arnold is dead.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-montana-teacher-sherry-arnold-suspects-criminal-records/story?id=15377707

The other perps photo is at this link:

 http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/Officials-Dont-Release-Many-Details-in-Arnolds-Death-at-Press-Conference-137453433.html (http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/Officials-Dont-Release-Many-Details-in-Arnolds-Death-at-Press-Conference-137453433.html)

Officials Don't Release Many Details in Arnold's Death at Press Conference
By KFBB News Team

Story Created: Jan 16, 2012 MST

Story Updated: Jan 16, 2012 at 7:04 PM MST
 ::snipping2::
Two men are under arrest in connection with the mysterious disappearance of a Sidney math teacher. While the FBI says Sherry Arnold is dead, it hasn’t found her body.

Monday morning police appealed to local property owners to help search for her remains.

Police believe Sherry Arnold was murdered. Now the search is on to find out what happened to her.
 ::snipping2::

Criminal investigation moving forward in Sherry Arnold case

Posted: Jan 17, 2012 11:19 AM by Amanda Venegas
Updated: Jan 17, 2012 11:27 AM
/0/] http://www.ktvq.com/news/criminal-investigation-moving-forward-in-sherry-arnold-case/#!prettyPhoto[gallery]/0/ (http://www.ktvq.com/news/criminal-investigation-moving-forward-in-sherry-arnold-case/#!prettyPhoto[gallery)

 ::snipping2::
BILLINGS - As the search for the body of missing Sidney schoolteacher Sherry Arnold continues in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota, the criminal investigation is moving forward.

Two Colorado men accused of kidnapping Arnold remain in custody at the Williams County Correction Center in North Dakota. Lester Waters Jr. 47, and Michael Spell, 22, are behind bars on a no bond warrant. Montana authorities say Waters has made an appearance in an extradition hearing, while Spell is expected to make an appearance in the coming days.

Spell's estranged brother spoke with CBS affiliate KREX-TV. He says he has spoken with his brother since he was detained and believes Spell was threatened by Waters.

"He [Spell] was going up there to work with this guy and came to find out the guy threatened Michael, my brother, that if he didn't do what he said and everything, he would come back and kill his little baby and his wife," he said.
 ::snipping2::

Michael Keith Spell, 22 years

(http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/media/full/jpg/2012/01/16/0117-michael-keith-spell.jpg)

http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/image/id/15096/headline/Michael%20Keith%20Spell/  (http://www.thedickinsonpress.com/event/image/id/15096/headline/Michael%20Keith%20Spell/)

http://www.kbzk.com/news/criminal-investigation-moving-forward-in-sherry-arnold-case/
Criminal investigation moving forward in Sherry Arnold case
Posted: Jan 17, 2012 11:59 AM by Amanda Venegas (KTVQ Billings)
Updated: Jan 17, 2012 12:00 PM
BILLINGS - As the search for the body of missing Sidney schoolteacher Sherry Arnold continues in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota, the criminal investigation is moving forward.

Two Colorado men accused of kidnapping Arnold remain in custody at the Williams County Correction Center in North Dakota. Lester Waters Jr. 47, and Michael Spell, 22, are behind bars on a no bond warrant. Montana authorities say Waters has made an appearance in an extradition hearing, while Spell is expected to make an appearance in the coming days.

Spell's estranged brother spoke with CBS affiliate KREX-TV. He says he has spoken with his brother since he was detained and believes Spell was threatened by Waters.

"He [Spell] was going up there to work with this guy and came to find out the guy threatened Michael, my brother, that if he didn't do what he said and everything, he would come back and kill his little baby and his wife," he said.
 ::snipping2::

Is this Waters?  If so, he has a tattoo that says "Killing Time."  If he traveled around so much I wouldn't doubt that this isn't his first.  http://www.dc.state.fl.us/InmateReleases/detail.asp?Bookmark=1&From=list&SessionID=703663658

he can say whatever he wants to say...He did not have to go along with taking Sherry and helping in her murder....no matter what...He could have gone to the police. 

agree...bet it isn't his first murder either...

http://www.ktvq.com/news/suspects-accused-of-kidnapping-sherry-arnold-to-appear-in-court/
Suspects accused of kidnapping Sherry Arnold to appear in court
Posted: Jan 17, 2012 11:19 AM by Amanda Venegas
Updated: Jan 17, 2012 1:17 PM
Video at link.
UPDATED: BILLINGS - As the search for the body of missing Sidney schoolteacher Sherry Arnold continues in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota, the criminal investigation is moving forward. An extradition hearing for Lester Waters Jr. 47, and Michael Spell, 22, has been set for 3:30 pm before District Judge Joshua Rustad.
 ::snipping2::

Suspects in Sherry Arnold case seek hearing to fight extradition
By JENNY MICHAEL | Bismarck Tribune |
 Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 1:02 pm

 ::snipping2::
The two men are currently being held in Williston. They want an extradition hearing before they can be sent to Montana to face aggravated kidnapping charges in the Jan. 7 disappearance of math teacher Sherry Arnold of Sidney.

According to court documents, Waters and Spell are being charged in Richland County, Mont., with aggravated kidnapping for "without lawful authority restraining Sherry Arnold." The documents say they are accused of committing the crime at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Jan. 7 near 900 E. Holly St. in Sidney.

 ::snipping2::
Waters and Spell have been approved for court appointed attorneys for their hearings this afternoon. On the applications, both men say they are unemployed. Waters wrote that he works in construction when employed, and the only asset he listed was a 1992 Ford Explorer. Spell wrote that he performs "labor" when employed, and the only asset he listed was $11 in cash.

Court documents indicate Waters and Spell are scheduled to appear in court in Sidney on the aggravated kidnapping charges on Jan. 24 before Judge Greg Mohr.
 ::snipping2::

 http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/suspects-in-sherry-arnold-case-seek-hearing-to-fight-extradition/article_2a6a02ce-413f-11e1-a992-001871e3ce6c.html (http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/suspects-in-sherry-arnold-case-seek-hearing-to-fight-extradition/article_2a6a02ce-413f-11e1-a992-001871e3ce6c.html)

so, Sherry set out to do her run at 6:30....they took her at 6:40...she didn't get far did she?
she must have been so scared... ::MonkeyTears:: ::MonkeyTears::

Note: The article doesn't seem to explain what he lied about....

 http://www.krtv.com/full-coverage/sherry-arnold/ (http://www.krtv.com/full-coverage/sherry-arnold/)
Arnold kidnapping suspect lied about travel plan

Posted: Jan 19, 2012 4:18 PM by Dennis Webb (GJ Daily Sentinel)
Updated: Jan 19, 2012 4:50 PM

GRAND JUNCTION, CO - Michael Keith Spell, the man arrested in North Dakota in connection with the disappearance of Sidney, Montana, teacher Sherry Arnold, had received court permission to leave Colorado just two days earlier to go to Texas for a family emergency.

Spell, 22, is scheduled to be arraigned in Garfield County, CO, next week on charges related to a 2009 incident in which he allegedly tried to get a Battlement Mesa middle-school student to find fellow middle-school buyers for marijuana.

That case languished partly because of two psychological competency evaluations, and now it will take a back seat to Spell's prosecution in the Montana case.
 ::snipping2::

Nevermind. I think I figured it out what the article was trying to explain. The article is not very explanatory. It looks as though he received permission from Colorado (due to his 2009 charges in CO) to go to Texas because he claimed his brother in Texas was in a car accident. So CO courts granted him an emergency leave to go to TEXAS, but he went to Montana.


More in this article:

http://www.kfbb.com/news/local/Male-Body-Found-Along-Montanas-Hi-Line-137836233.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
Male Body Found Along Montana's Hi-Line
By KFBB News Team
Story Created: Jan 21, 2012 MST Story Updated: Jan 21, 2012 at 9:37 PM MST

Authorities are investigating the discovery of a male body along northeastern Montana’s hi-line near the North Dakota border.

Roosevelt County Sheriff, Freedom Crawford, says the body was found in a ditch along U.S. Highway 2 near Bainville.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
Meantime, landowners in that same area are still being asked by authorities to search their property for any signs of missing Sidney teacher, Sherry Arnold.

The FBI says it believes Arnold may be dead, she was last seen on a morning run January 7th.

Two men being held in connection with her disappearance are awaiting an extradition hearing in North Dakota.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20562743,00.html
Montana Jogger's Presumed Death Still a Mystery
By Howard Breuer
January 23, 2012

(lots of comments)

Extradition hearings set in Montana kidnapping
::snipping2::
Extradition hearings for the two men accused of kidnapping Sherry Arnold in Sidney, Mont., were set for Feb. 14 by a judge Monday in Williston, N.D
Lester Waters Jr., 47, and Michael Spell, 22, have been in the Williams County jail in Williston since Jan. 13 and are fighting extradition to Montana to face charges of aggravated kidnapping, which carry a maximum sentence of death in that state Each has a bond of $2.5 million
 ::snipping2::
Michael Weber, the Richland County, Mont., prosecutor, says the two men kidnapped Arnold from a Sidney street about 10 minutes after she left her home. Only one of her running shoes has been reported found.
http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/227384/

this may turn out to be a mess
------
In the court
Many variables remain in Arnold case involving two suspects

 By Louisa Barber
Sidney Herald
 Published on Saturday, January 21, 2012 7:02 PM MST
 ::snipping2::

Currently, Montana has sole jurisdiction over the aggravated kidnapping charges, since Montana is where the case began. If the investigation results in other crimes committed then the location those crimes were committed would establish who has jurisdiction over those.
 ::snipping2::

As of Thursday, police had not recovered Arnold’s body but had reason to believe it’s in North Dakota. If that’s the case, then depending on the evidence the prosecutors have, the state of North Dakota could have jurisdiction over whatever crimes were committed in their jurisdiction.

And in a twist, if crimes were committed while crossing a state line the federal government may also have jurisdiction.

It is possible that Montana and North Dakota could pursue trials on the charges committed in their jurisdictions and the federal government could step in and pursue charges also. When it comes to the double jeopardy clause and the states, that is another story.

It is also possible federal attorneys request that the states drop their charges and only they take over court proceedings.
http://www.sidneyherald.com/articles/2012/01/21/news/doc4f1b29505388d311497504.txt

What is the connection between these two and the victim?  Unfortunate circumstance?

http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/authorities-again-ask-landowners-to-search-for-body/article_388c7d5a-481f-11e1-abe5-001871e3ce6c.html
Authorities again ask landowners to search for body
Posted: Thursday, January 26, 2012 7:08 am |
 ::snipping2::
The FBI is asking property owners to check for disturbed soil and matted grass on vacant farmsteads or along shelter belts, which are lines of trees that protect farmland from wind.

The agency says Arnold's body may be buried in a shelter belt with mature or rotted trees.

Two men charged in Montana with aggravated kidnapping in the case are being held in Williston, N.D. Extradition hearings are scheduled next month.

Property owners who discover something unusual are asked to call (701) 774-9191.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/ap/crime/filing-says-mt-kidnap-victim-choked-buried/nJHBg/

Filing says MT kidnap victim choked, buried

I would bet that Sherry was sexually assaulted by both of them, even though they may not have admitted to it. Sick people in our world
Sick and mean!

Missing & Murdered Montana Teacher Sherry Arnold Choked to Death and Buried in Random Abduction by Suspects Michael Spell & Lester Waters

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2012/02/18/missing-murdered-montana-teacher-sherry-arnold-choked-to-death-and-buried-in-random-abduction-by-suspects-michael-spell-lester-waters/


Yea, let's legalize drugs ... that's the answer to the ills of today's society.

By Elisa Lagos

Feb 18, 2012 6:40pm
Crack Fueled Kidnap, Murder of Montana Teacher, Officials Say
 http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/02/crack-fueled-kidnap-murder-of-montana-teacher-officials-say/ (http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/02/crack-fueled-kidnap-murder-of-montana-teacher-officials-say/)
 ::snipping2::
A crack-cocaine induced high led two men to kidnap and choke Montana school teacher Sherry Arnold to death, according to prosecutors.

In an affidavit filed Friday, Richland County prosecutors allege Lester Waters, 44, was high on crack while driving with Michael Spell, 22, from Colorado to find work in the oil fields of nearby South Dakota. That’s when Waters began talking about kidnapping and killing a woman.

According to the affidavit,  posted by Billings television station KTVQ, Spell told police Waters “was capable of doing anything” while on crack and that it “brought the ‘Devil’ out in him.”

Once the two saw Arnold on the morning of Jan. 7, Spell told police, Waters told him to grab her and pull her into their car, according to the affidavit.

Waters then allegedly strangled her in the back seat and together they buried her body in an old farmstead in South Dakota using a shovel Waters had purchased at Walmart, the affidavit said. Arnold’s body has not yet been found.

Spell told police Waters threatened to kill him and his family if he ever revealed what had happened, the affidavit said. Spell allegedly did tell his girlfriend, Angel Cruz, though, and she led investigators to the suspects.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.ktvq.com/files/MOTION&AFFID.%281%29.pdf  (http://www.ktvq.com/files/MOTION&AFFID.%281%29.pdf)

Court documents released this past Friday

Thank you cartfly.  

I applaud Angel Cruz for doing the right thing!

http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/news/national-news/24386-montana-teacher-killed-by-two-men-high-on-crack-cocaine
Monday, Feb 20, 2012 Montana Teacher Killed by Two Men High on Crack-Cocaine
Comstock/Thinkstock(BILLINGS, Mont.) -- A crack-cocaine induced high led two men to kidnap and choke Montana school teacher Sherry Arnold to death, according to prosecutors.

In an affidavit filed Friday, Richland County prosecutors allege Lester Waters, 44, was high on crack while driving with Michael Spell, 22, from Colorado to find work in the oil fields of nearby South Dakota. That’s when Waters began talking about kidnapping and killing a woman.

According to the affidavit,  posted by a local television station KTVQ, Spell told police Waters “was capable of doing anything” while on crack and that it “brought the ‘Devil’ out in him.”
 ::snipping2::

Right . . . legalize drugs and all our problems will diminish . . . NOT!

Mont. Teacher's Body Likely Found in North Dakota

Authorities say they believe a body found outside of Williston, N.D., is that of a missing Sidney, Mont., school teacher.

Montana authorities released a statement Wednesday saying they're trying to confirm that the remains are those of 43-year-old Sherry Arnold, who disappeared Jan. 7 during a morning run.

Two Colorado men have been arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping in the case and face a possible death penalty if convicted.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/authorities-recovered-body-missing-montana-school-teacher-north-15972988

Mont. teacher's body likely found in North Dakota

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Authorities said Wednesday they believe a body found outside Williston, N.D., is that of a missing Sidney, Mont., school teacher who disappeared Jan. 7 during a morning run.

Montana authorities released a statement saying they're trying to confirm that the remains are those of Sherry Arnold, 43.

An FBI team started to recover the body on Tuesday near Williston, which is in western North Dakota and about 50 miles from Sidney, where Arnold taught high school math.

Two Colorado men have been arrested and charged with aggravated kidnapping in the case and face a possible death penalty if convicted.

Michael Keith Spell, 22, and Lester Van Waters Jr., 47, pleaded not guilty last month to one count each of aggravated kidnapping during an arraignment in state district court in Arnold's hometown of Sidney.

Court documents filed by the prosecutor in the case indicate Spell, of Parachute, Colo., has confessed to his role in the crack-fueled abduction and presumed killing of Arnold.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i2tV4cFcZ_KtRT-HiFOH1GdD2_aQ?docId=9caa3c6d70d84e37bc588bea50c05c32

Body found in ND, may be missing Montana teacher Sherry Arnold

Federal and multi-state law enforcement officers have recovered a body believed to be that of missing Sidney, Montana, teacher Sherry Arnold.

The body was found east of Williston, North Dakota, on Tuesday, more than two months after Arnold was reported missing.

On Wednesday morning, the body was flown to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Montana, where it will be be examined and positively identified.

Arnold was reported missing on January 7th after she failed to return from a Saturday morning run.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.krtv.com/news/body-found-in-nd-may-be-missing-montana-teacher-sherry-arnold/

Thanks.I was just reading about this.

Prayers continue for Sherry, all who love her, and all who helped and are helping in any way to find her.

 ::MonkeyAngel::

Remains ID'd as Missing Montana Teacher

The FBI says a body found in North Dakota has been identified as a missing Montana teacher kidnapped in January.

The identification was made Thursday after the body of 43-year-old Sherry Arnold was taken to the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula.

 ::snipping2::

http://kaaltv.com/article/stories/S2549308.shtml?cat=10728

Sherry can come home to her family now. 

Yes, now on to justice.
 ::justice2NJ::

Body found in North Dakota is missing Montana teacher, FBI confirms
Published March 22, 2012

BILLINGS, Mont. –  A body found buried in North Dakota was identified Thursday as a Montana high school teacher who was abducted while jogging more than two months ago, the FBI said.

The remains of 43-year-old Sherry Arnold were recovered Wednesday near Williston, N.D., about 50 miles northeast of Sidney, the Montana town where she worked.

Family members and those who knew Arnold have been anxious for her body to be found to bring the case to some resolution.

Arnold's sister, Rhonda Whited-Rupp, said the family was being comforted and supported by friends and others in Sidney who were affected by the loss of a popular teacher and well-known member of the community.

"That's the only thing that gets anybody through. We're all in this together," Whited-Rupp said. "We just kind of hang on to one another and keep praying."

Suspects Michael Spell, 22, and Lester Van Waters Jr., 48, have pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping in the case and await trial.

The FBI declined to disclose details on where the body was found or what led them to the site. Authorities previously said one of the suspects tried to lead FBI agents to the site in past weeks but failed.

<snipped>

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/03/22/body-found-in-north-dakota-is-missing-montana-teacher-fbi-confirms/?test=latestnews

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/27/death-penalty-sought-in-montana-teacher-killing/
Death penalty sought in Montana teacher's killing
April 27, 2012

BILLINGS, Mont. –  Prosecutors filed murder charges Friday and said they intend to seek the death penalty against two men accused of kidnapping a Montana teacher whose body was buried in a shallow grave discovered after two months of searching.

Lester Van Waters Jr., 48, and Michael Keith Spell, 22, are accused of grabbing Sherry Arnold off a street in Sidney, Mont., as she was on a morning run Jan. 7.

Waters and Spell, two men from Parachute, Colo., who had arrived looking for work in oil fields, were arrested about a week after Arnold's disappearance and originally charged with aggravated kidnapping. An amended complaint filed by Richland County prosecutor Mike Weber on Friday charges each with one count of deliberate homicide and one count of attempted kidnapping.

An affidavit filed in the case includes an alleged jailhouse confession by Spell that he choked Arnold and then held her face underwater to make sure she was dead.

Prosecutors allege that Spell told another inmate he and Waters were high on drugs at the time and suggested the kidnapping came about because "Waters wanted to have sex."

Previous court documents included claims by Spell that Waters had choked the victim.
 ::snipping2::
Spell's father, Harry, has told The Associated Press that his son had travelled with Waters to the booming Bakken oil fields of Montana and North Dakota after Waters guaranteed work paying up to $2,000 a week working. Harry Spell said his son was anxious to prove himself to his parents and girlfriend Angel Cruz, with whom he has a 1-year-old son.

Michael Spell had found past work in the oil fields near Parachute and on a fire damage cleanup crew but was unable to keep the jobs "because he didn't quite understand what to do," Harry Spell said. Harry Spell has said his son has an education less than a kindergartner.

Spell said in a February court appearance that he was illiterate and that his court-appointed attorneys had to read him the documents in which he was charged with kidnapping.

Waters is originally from Florida, where he has a lengthy criminal background and served time in state prison. Spell's relatives say the younger man fell under Waters' influence after the older man helped Spell and some of his associates get work as roofers.

I can only imagine how horrific it is for the family to read about Sherry's last minutes.  Many prayers for her family.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/WEATHER/furby-halo2-1.gif)

http://www.kpax.com/news/suspects-in-sherry-arnold-s-death-charged-with-deliberate-homicide/
Suspects in Sherry Arnold's death charged with deliberate homicide
Posted April 27, 2012, Updated April 30, 2012

Video at Link

http://www.examiner.com/article/new-sherry-arnold-death-details-spell-not-waters-the-instigator
New Sherry Arnold death details: Spell, not Waters, the instigator?
Radell Smith
April 30, 2012

http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/u-s-canada-agree-to-joint-crackdown-on-oilfield-crime/article_cfef3a38-91fe-11e1-970b-0019bb2963f4.html
U.S., Canada agree to joint crackdown on oilfield crime
April 29, 2012

http://www.kaj18.com/news/legal-perspective-in-the-sherry-arnold-case/
Legal perspective in the Sherry Arnold case
May 1, 2012

BILLINGS- Montana's News Station is continuing to take a closer look on what's next in the case of murdered Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold and what's ahead for the men suspected of killing Arnold and burying her across state lines in North Dakota.

Just last Friday, the Richland County Attorney amended the charges in the case. The suspects, Lester Waters and Michael Spell, both face murder charges. If found guilty of murder, the men could face the death penalty.

Montana News Station's Amanda Venegas spoke with former U.S. Attorney for Montana Bill Mercer about the case.

Although there is evidence and confessions that the suspects crossed state lines, it doesn't mean the case automatically becomes a federal case. For now, the case is in Richland County court, but Mercer says the door is still open for the case to become a federal one.

The new affidavit gives conflicting statements from the suspects about who killed Sherry. Mercer says it's significant that law enforcement was able to recover Sherry's body to see which side measures up.

As far as a trial goes, Mercer says it is highly unlikely that a trial would be this year. He believes it could take about a year and a half.
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Video at Link

http://www.kpax.com/news/suspects-in-sherry-arnold-case-due-in-court/
Suspects in Sherry Arnold case due in court
May 10, 2012

SIDNEY- The two suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold will be in court next Tuesday to officially face murder charges.

KX News out of Bismarck, North Dakota reports that Michael Spell and Lester Waters, Jr will appear in court to enter their pleas to the murder charge.

The prosecutor in the case has filed official paperwork that the state intends to seek the death penalty.
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http://www.sidneyherald.com/news/article_b4e7a1be-9968-11e1-a344-0019bb2963f4.html
Hearings scheduled Tuesday
May 8, 2012

Arraignment hearings have been scheduled Tuesday for the two men alleged to have kidnapped and murdered Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold.

The hearing for Michael Spell will start at 1 p.m., and the hearing for Lester Vann Waters Jr. is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m.

The hearing is for the defendants to officially hear the new charges of deliberate homicide and attempted kidnapping, which were filed April 27.
More...

http://www.ktvq.com/news/suspects-in-sherry-arnold-case-appear-in-court-on-murder-charges/
Suspects in Sherry Arnold case appear in court on murder charges
by Q2 Amanda Venegas
May 15, 2012

BILLINGS - The two men accused of killing Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold will appear in Richland County District Court Tuesday afternoon to officially face murder charges.

Michael Spell and Lester Waters Jr. Will appear before a District Court Judge to hear the amended charges of deliberate homicide. They may enter pleas at this time.
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Richland County Attorney Michael Weber has filed official paperwork saying he intends to seek the death penalty if the men are found guilty.

Previously, the men have pleaded not guilty to kidnapping.
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http://www.kfyrtv.com/News_Stories.asp?news=57070
Sherry Arnold Suspects Formally Charged
Evan Kruegel
May 15, 2012

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“At this time you are charged with count one, deliberate homicide, a felony. And count two, attempted kidnapping, a felony," said District Judge Richard Simonton.

Originally, Lester Waters and Michael Spell had been charged with aggravated kidnapping while volunteers and landowners searched for Arnold`s body. She was found on March 21, and prosecutors decided to change the charges that the two men faced.

"Previously you appeared on the charge of aggravated kidnapping. Since that time the state has filed a motion to amend the information to the charges against you. I`ve reviewed that affidavit and found there is probable cause to authorize the filing of reprimanded information," said Simonton.

The two appeared in separate hearings. After hearing the charges presented against them, both Waters and Spell were given the option to submit new pleas. Both have pleaded not guilty.
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http://www.sidneyherald.com/breaking_news/article_76c596fa-9ec9-11e1-be66-001a4bcf887a.html
Waters, Spell plead not guilty
May 15, 2012

Lester Van Waters Jr. and Michael Keith Spell pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide and attempted kidnapping charges during their arraignment hearings in Seventh Judicial District Court Tuesday afternoon.

During the hearing for Spell, District Judge Richard Simonton asked the standard questions of if Spell was currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs and if he suffered from any emotional problems. His attorney Randi Hood said there are some issues concering Spell’s competency, but she had explained to Spell what was going to happen during this proceedings.

“I believe he is able to go forward with being able to enter a not guilty plea,” Hord said.

Because it’s a capital punishment case, by law Spell needs to have two lawyers with capital case backgrounds. Steven Scott will serve as Spell’s second lawyer.

Waters’ representation consists of Cynthia Thornton and Gregory Jackson.

Omnibus hearings have been scheduled for July 17 at 2 p.m. for Spell and July 17 at 2:30 p.m. for Waters.

Attorneys for Waters and Spell agreed to have waivers for a speedy trial signed.

Hood said she doesn’t expect the trial to end until late winter or early spring.

The deliberate homicide charge pertains to causing the death of Arnold by either choking her or holding her face in mud or water until she was dead. Potential sentences are death or life imprisonment or imprisonment in the state prison of not less than 10 years or more than 100 years.

The attempted kidnapping charge alleges Waters attempted to restrain Sidney teacher Sherry Arnold by either secreting or holding her in a place of isolation and committed an act of furtherance by operating a green Ford Explorer when Spell grabbed Arnold and forced her into the vehicle. Sentences can be a term of not less than two years or more than 10 years and a fine of not more than $50,000.

Richland County Attorney Mike Weber filed a “notice of intent to seek the death penalty” on each defendant. The notice provides intent of seeking the death penalty upon a conviction.
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Thank you for the update Muffy.
Justice sure takes her time.  A year and a half --- long time for this family and loved ones.

You're welcome.  The really sad part is, even after the trial and if guilty verdicts are handed down, there will probably be the appeals process.  For the families and friends of victims, it seems to never end.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

http://www.sidneyherald.com/news/article_03d4525c-a744-11e1-9e86-001a4bcf887a.html
North Dakota schools donate plaque in memory of teacher
By Bill Vander Weele Sidney Herald
May 26, 2012

In a tender display of admiration for the dedicated teaching of Sherry Arnold along with a show of support for local students, 22 North Dakota schools put funds together to donate a plaque in honor of the deceased teacher and also raised an additional $773 to help first-year teachers pay for their Montana teacher’s license.

“It’s to let students know they aren’t alone, even though we are two different states,” Shawn Kuntz, elementary principal in Wishek, N.D., said while presenting the plaque to Sidney’s school officials.

Gary Arnold thanked all the schools involved from the family.

School officials will decide at a later date where to place the plaque so the public can view it at Sidney High School.

The plaque reads, “Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.”
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How thoughtful.  There are lots of good people in this world . . . including Sherry Arnold, may be rest in peace.