Somer Renee Thompson #1 10/19/09 - 10/29/09

[mymonkey]

Somer is with Jesus now and her body is just a shell, so I can understand not having that image of your child in your mind. I pray for the family that no photos will have to be viewed when this goes to court...I am sure whoever did this will plead not guilty like most of these evil people do.

[AZSunny]

One of the blog comments mentions older teanagers, and a person named Maddie Clifton. Who is that?  They suggests she needs investigating??

I have never heard of Maggie Clifton.

MAddie Clifton is another murdered child

Dates Set For New Trial Hearings For Maddie Clifton's Killer
 Admin Staff     Created: 11/9/2005 1:20:06 PM    Updated: 11/10/2005 5:28:29 PM
Recommend Print Article Email Article Larger Smaller

By First Coast News Staff

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Two hearings will be held in December for Josh Phillips. He was found guilty of killing 8-year-old Maddie Clifton in 1998. Phillips wants a new trial. He claims his first defense attorney was incompetent.

The hearings are scheduled for December 7 and 21. On the 7th, a status conference will take place.

"I hate to think of having to go through this again, but it is his right," said Sheila Delongis the mother of Maddie.

A hearing Wednesday set in motion the dates for the upcoming courtroom events.

"We just were shell shocked all the way through. So Josh deserves a fairer trial with a good attorney," said Josh's mother Missy Phillips.

After an intense search Maddie's body was found underneath Phillip's bed. He was 14 at the time.

"She stays with me all the time in my heart and guides me in where I have to go and what I have to do," said Delongis.

Josh Phillips' original trial was in Bartow, FL., southwest of Orlando.

Related article:

Maddie Clifton's Mom Fights for Park

Thanks Island Monkey, I had never heard of this case.  I thought it was a teenager they wanted interviewed regarding Somer.  The found Maddie under the guys bed and he wants a new trial?  How bizarre is that?

[Searching]

Per FDLE web site

http://offender.fdle.state.fl.us/offender/FAQ.jsp#Question1

# What is the difference between a predator and an offender?

Per Florida Statute 775.21, there are several criteria that must be met in order for an individual to be designated for registration as a sexual predator. These include:
1)    A conviction for a qualifying and Capital, Life, or First degree felony sex offense committed on or after 10/1/1993; or
2)    A conviction for any felony violation or attempt thereof for a qualifying offense committed after 10/1/1993 in addition to a prior conviction for any felony violation or attempt thereof for a qualifying offense.
     and
3)    A written court finding designating the individual a sexual predator.
     
OR

4)    Additionally, as of July 1, 2004, regardless of whether an individual meets or does not meet the criteria listed above, anyone civilly committed under the Florida Jimmy Ryce Sexually Violent Predator Act must register as a sexual predator.

See F.S. 775.21(4) for the list of qualifying offenses.
See F.S. 775.21(3) for additional information regarding sexual predator registration.

Per Florida Statute 943.0435 there are several ways a person might qualify for registration as a sexual offender in the state of Florida and, therefore, be required to comply with Florida's sexual offender registration laws:

1. Be convicted of committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the crimes specified in Chart 1 below, or of similar offenses in another jurisdiction (or any similar offense committed in this state which has been redesignated from a former statute number to the one specified);

AND

a. Be in the custody or control of, or under the supervision of, the Florida Department of Corrections, or be in the custody of a private correctional facility, on or after October 1, 1997, as a result of the above conviction(s);

OR

b. On or after October 1, 1997, be released or have been released from the sanction(s) imposed for the above conviction(s). (“Sanction” is defined below.);

OR

2. Establish or maintain a residence in this state and have not been designated as a sexual predator by a court of this state but have been designated as a sexual predator, as a sexually violent predator, or by another sexual offender designation in another state or jurisdiction and as a result of such designation, are subjected to registration or community or public notification, or both, or would be if a resident of that state or jurisdiction;

OR

3. Establish or maintain a residence in this state and be in the custody or control of, or under the supervision of, any other state or jurisdiction as a result of a conviction for committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit, any of the specified criminal offenses listed below (or any similar offense committed in this state which has been re-designated from a former statute number to the one specified).

OR

4. Be adjudicated delinquent for committing, or attempting, soliciting, or conspiring to commit on or after July 1, 2007, any of the crimes specified in Chart 2 below when the juvenile was 14 years of age or older at the time of the offense.

Chart 1: Qualifying Adult Convictions
FOR ADULT ADJUDICATIONS SEE THE CHART BELOW FOR QUALIFYING SEX OFFENSES
Commission of
OR
Attempt, Solicit, or Conspire to Commit    
s. 787.01*    Kidnapping
Where the victim is a minor and the defendant is not the victim's parent or guardian
s. 787.02*    False imprisonment
Where the victim is a minor and the defendant is not the victim's parent or guardian
s. 787.025(2)(c)    Luring or enticing a child
Where the victim is a minor and the defendant is not the victim's parent or guardian
s. 794.011**    Sexual Battery; **excluding subsection (10)
s. 794.05    Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors
s. 796.03    Procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution
s.796.035    Selling or buying of minors into sex trafficking or prostitution
s. 800.04    Lewd/lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of persons less than 16 years of age
s. 825.1025    Lewd/lascivious offenses committed upon or in the presence of an elderly person or disabled adult
s. 827.071    Sexual performance by a child
s. 847.0133    Protection of minors; prohibition of certain acts in connection with obscenity
s. 847.0135    Computer pornography, excluding subsection 847.0135(4)
s. 847.0137    Transmission of child pornography by electronic device/equipment
s. 847.0138    Transmission of material harmful to minors to a minor by electronic device/equipment
s. 847.0145    Selling or buying of minors (for portrayal in a visual depiction engaging in sexually explicit conduct)
s. 985.701(1)    Sexual misconduct prohibited
Or A violation of a similar law of another jurisdiction

*NOTE: Before using a Kidnapping or False Imprisonment conviction to determine if an offender is a sexual offender, current case law in Florida should be consulted for applicable interpretation and application of these convictions.

Chart 2: Qualifying Adjudication of Delinquency Offenses
FOR ADJUDICATIONS OF DELINQUENCY SEE THE CHART BELOW FOR QUALIFYING SEX OFFENSES
Commission of OR Attempt, Solicit, or Conspire to Commit    
s.794.011*    Sexual Battery; *excluding subsection (10)
s. 800.04(4)(b)    Lewd/lascivious battery where the victim is under 12 or the court finds sexual activity by the use of force or coercion
s. 800.04(5)(c)1    Lewd/lascivious molestation, victim under 12, where the court finds molestation involving unclothed genitals
s. 800.04(5)(d)    Lewd/lascivious molestation, victim under 16 but more than 12, where the court finds the use of force or coercion and unclothed genitals
Or A violation of a similar law of another jurisdiction

Sanction imposed includes, but is not limited to, a fine, probation, community control, parole, and conditional release, control release or incarceration. See F.S. 943.0435(12) for additional information regarding sexual offenders.

If an individual adjudicated as an adult has a qualifying offense from Florida but the individual was released from sanctions before October 1, 1997, the subject is not required to register as a sexual offender based solely upon that conviction. Similarly a juvenile adjudicated delinquent of a qualifying offense before July 1, 2007 would not be required to register as a sexual offender based solely upon the adjudication for that crime. However, additional convictions or a requirement to register in another state may affect an individual's requirement to register in Florida.

See F.S. 943.0435(1) for additional information regarding sexual offender registration.  Top

[AZSunny]

Wow, Searching...I hope they don't want us to memorize that!  thanks for your research.

[islandmonkey]

One of the blog comments mentions older teanagers, and a person named Maddie Clifton. Who is that?  They suggests she needs investigating??

I have never heard of Maggie Clifton.

MAddie Clifton is another murdered child

Dates Set For New Trial Hearings For Maddie Clifton's Killer
 Admin Staff     Created: 11/9/2005 1:20:06 PM    Updated: 11/10/2005 5:28:29 PM
Recommend Print Article Email Article Larger Smaller

By First Coast News Staff

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Two hearings will be held in December for Josh Phillips. He was found guilty of killing 8-year-old Maddie Clifton in 1998. Phillips wants a new trial. He claims his first defense attorney was incompetent.

The hearings are scheduled for December 7 and 21. On the 7th, a status conference will take place.

"I hate to think of having to go through this again, but it is his right," said Sheila Delongis the mother of Maddie.

A hearing Wednesday set in motion the dates for the upcoming courtroom events.

"We just were shell shocked all the way through. So Josh deserves a fairer trial with a good attorney," said Josh's mother Missy Phillips.

After an intense search Maddie's body was found underneath Phillip's bed. He was 14 at the time.

"She stays with me all the time in my heart and guides me in where I have to go and what I have to do," said Delongis.

Josh Phillips' original trial was in Bartow, FL., southwest of Orlando.

Related article:

Maddie Clifton's Mom Fights for Park

Thanks Island Monkey, I had never heard of this case.  I thought it was a teenager they wanted interviewed regarding Somer.  The found Maddie under the guys bed and he wants a new trial?  How bizarre is that?

Yes, crazy..........I can't even imagine being her parent and knowing that for a week my child's body was across the street under the teenagers waterbed and no one ever noticed. Good luck with that new trial, pftt!

[Searching]

Wow, Searching...I hope they don't want us to memorize that!  thanks for your research.

I think only lawyers and such are required to remember that     But hope it helped some in what the difference is between the 2.

 

there will be a quiz later on that.   

[Brandi]

Wow, Searching...I hope they don't want us to memorize that!  thanks for your research.

I think only lawyers and such are required to remember that     But hope it helped some in what the difference is between the 2.

 

there will be a quiz later on that.   

[AZSunny]

Wow, Searching...I hope they don't want us to memorize that!  thanks for your research.

I think only lawyers and such are required to remember that     But hope it helped some in what the difference is between the 2.

 

there will be a quiz later on that.   

Oh Boy...I am in trouble!!

[AZSunny]

I think I will go study now...good night all...thanks for all the information today.   

[Brandi]

http://www.news4jax.com/video/21409125/index.html

Video from tonight's news. George Vinson's brother James, talks to the media. He says his brother was convicted of being with a 16-year-old girl when he was 19. (MY note: His conviction is with a child under the age of 16.)

He also says his brother was with their mother at the time of Somer's disappearance.

There was another candlelight vigil for Somer and it was mentioned that the funeral expenses are being paid for by Jacksonville Memory Gardens.

Here's an image of the brother of the RSO talking to the media. The red text is mine.

[Brandi]

http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=132149&catid=57



Hero Donates Van To Slain Girl's Father
 Meghan Packer    Created:  10/23/2009 7:08:15 PM  Updated: 10/23/2009 7:53:07 PM

Graham, NC -- The father of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, whose body was found in a Georgia landfill this week, is preparing to make the trip to Florida for her funeral. Sam Thompson lives in Graham and some community members came forward Friday to make his trip easier.

Thompson is in a wheelchair recovering from a car accident, making traveling difficult.

Doug Adams went to school with Thompson and now owns a limo and rental service. He dropped off a 15 passenger van for Thompson and his relatives to use to travel to Florida.

Adams said, "When I heard on the news they were trying to find transportation and get gas money and travel money up for a hotel and transportation to Florida, I thought, 'well that is a way I could give to them.'"

The van will allow Thompson to travel comfortably. "This makes it possible for other people to come with me and keep your mind on the right track," he said.

Adams also presented Thompson with $500 donated by businesses. Thompson said, "Americans are individuals but when something really bad happens to one, that's what makes America America because we all pull together like we do."

As a father of a 7-year-old himself, Adams says it's the least he can do. "Makes cold chills run all over your body. You never think about stuff like that hitting this close to home," he said.

Thompson and his relatives plan to drive to Florida on Saturday. Somer's mother plans to hold a public viewing in Orange Park, FL on Monday. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday morning, with the burial following. No word on if there will be a local memorial service.

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0ZKNq-opItZX0tIqxh3XHB2v9WQD9BHEKDG0
Fla. detectives continue search for girl's killer

By RON WORD (AP) – 24 minutes ago

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Detectives searching for a 7-year-old's killer have interviewed more than 100 sex offenders living nearby, sifted through tons of garbage and combed the well-kept neighborhood where Somer Thompson disappeared.

Missing child posters featuring the slain girl's face, framed by her thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her suburban Jacksonville home.

Somer was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house, and authorities said Friday that they're searching for anyone who saw what happened to the 7-year-old after that. Investigators sifted through evidence from that vacant house and the Georgia landfill where her body was found Wednesday.

So far, no witnesses have come forward to say they saw Somer attacked or abducted, sheriff's spokeswoman Mary Justino said.

"What we've been trying to figure out is who frequents that area, because obviously it's more than just the people who live there," she said.

The child's teary but resolute mother appeared on television interviews and warned her daughter's killer: "We'll get you." She pleaded for anyone with information to "please, please tell" police.
The day after the child's body was identified, authorities said they had ruled out all 161 registered sex offenders who lived within a 5-mile radius of Somer's home. Despite doggedly pursuing hundreds of leads, police have not made an arrest.

Somer vanished while walking home from her elementary school on Monday afternoon. The vacant house is on her route through a heavily populated, well-manicured neighborhood, and witnesses last saw the girl alive in front of it. She had gotten upset as she walked home with other children Monday and ran ahead of the group. Somer never made it home.

Neighbors said they were used to watching out for each other's children as they walked to and from school.

"Everybody knows everybody here. If there was a stranger on the street, we'd be looking at watching where they were going, seeing what they were doing here," said Monica Loeb, a family friend of the Thompsons.

Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, had a friend greet her children as they came home from school Monday because she was working, according to a police report. When Somer didn't arrive with the other children around 4 p.m., the friend sent Diena Thompson a text message. She raced home, and flagged down a passing police officer while she, her other children and her boyfriend scoured the neighborhood.

An autopsy has been completed and investigators know how Somer died, but authorities won't disclose their findings or any details about the body.

At a vigil held outside the Thompsons' home Friday night, the mother said she would not be able to see her daughter's body.

"They are going to give me a lock of her hair," Thompson said.
Mourning neighbors and others have gathered every night outside the home. On Friday, the mother joined them to sing Somer's favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine."

Diena Thompson declined to be interviewed Friday by The Associated Press. She spent part of the day making funeral arrangements, and a law enforcement officer was seen carrying a child's white dress from the family's home. A viewing will be held Monday night and a funeral will follow on Tuesday.

But Thompson appeared red-eyed on all three network television shows and said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that investigators will catch her daughter's killer.

"We're coming for you," she said. "We'll get you, and hopefully justice will be served."

Associated Press writers Kate Brumback and Brent Kallestad in Orange Park and Jennifer Kay in Miami contributed to this story.

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.wgme.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/3ad2590e-www.wgme.com.shtml
Fla. detectives continue search for girl's killer
October 24, 2009 07:49 EDT

ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) -- Florida investigators are continuing the search for whoever killed Somer Thompson, the 7-year-old who vanished Monday on her way home from school.

The child's body was found Wednesday in a Georgia landfill near the Florida border. A sheriff's spokeswoman says investigators are pursuing their search for evidence at the landfill.

Somer was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house. Authorities say they're searching for anyone who saw what happened to the child after that. They're also searching the house for evidence.

A Clay County Sheriff's spokeswoman says authorities can't reveal too many details about the evidence they have. But she says until a suspect is caught, all parents in the area should be keeping a closer eye on their children.

Memorial and funeral services for the little girl begin on Monday.

[klaasend]

http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2009-10-24/story/police_progress_being_made_toward_tracking_somers_path

Police: Progress being made toward tracking Somer's path
Authorities are sifting through trash to pinpoint where her body was first dumped.

    * By Jim Schoettler
    * Story updated at 12:40 AM on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009

ORANGE PARK - Authorities are getting closer to learning where Somer Renee Thompson's body was initially dumped as they continued Friday sifting through tons of trash found with her in a Southeast Georgia landfill.

Clay County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Mary Justino said a large trash truck that took the garbage from the Rosemary Hill landfill in Green Cove Springs to the Chesser Island Road Landfill in Folkston has been identified. By locating items with addresses or other information in the trash from that truck, investigators are hoping to find the smaller truck that drove the trash from Orange Park to Green Cove Springs. They could then likely trace the smaller truck's route, Justino said.

"We are making progress into narrowing down not only the contents of that garbage but where it came from," Justino said. "Can we say definitively yet that we have detailed evidence from the garbage that leads back directly to the neighborhood? Not yet."

The body of the 7-year-old Orange Park girl was found Wednesday, two days after she disappeared while walking home on Gano Avenue from Grove Park Elementary School.

A team of FBI forensic investigators from Jacksonville is working with Clay detectives and Georgia authorities to search the landfill. Members from the same FBI team got involved Friday in sifting through trash found in a Dumpster outside a home near where Somer was last seen. It's unclear what connection there may be between the two searches.
(snipped)

[Ariana]

http://www.wgme.com/template/inews_wire/wires.national/3ad2590e-www.wgme.com.shtml
Fla. detectives continue search for girl's killer
October 24, 2009 07:49 EDT

ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) -- Florida investigators are continuing the search for whoever killed Somer Thompson, the 7-year-old who vanished Monday on her way home from school.

The child's body was found Wednesday in a Georgia landfill near the Florida border. A sheriff's spokeswoman says investigators are pursuing their search for evidence at the landfill.

Somer was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house. Authorities say they're searching for anyone who saw what happened to the child after that. They're also searching the house for evidence.

A Clay County Sheriff's spokeswoman says authorities can't reveal too many details about the evidence they have. But she says until a suspect is caught, all parents in the area should be keeping a closer eye on their children.Memorial and funeral services for the little girl begin on Monday.

What this should say is, "This is becoming too common place in our country and all parents should keep a closer eye on their children".

[klaasend]

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Mothers-Against-Predators/jjw1-IkWyEqSyFPt6o3-Yw.cspx


Mothers Against Predators
   Reported by: Leslie Coursey
Email: lcoursey@ActionNewsJax.com
Last Update: 10/23 11:19 pm

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The death of Somer Thompson has put her entire neighborhood on edge.  It's left parents feeling helpless and out of control.

In an effort to regain some of that control, local mothers are banning together and forming a group called M.A.P., or Mothers Against Predators.  Their mission is to mobilize parents, and have them keep an eye out for not only their own children, but for every child in their neighborhood.

Organizer Nedi Ruiz pleaded at a rally at Orange Park Mall Friday night, "Parents get out there.  Make sure our kids get to school safe.  And get home safe."

M.A.P. members are starting by organizing adults to supervise walks to and from school.  They say Somer's death has been a wake-up call for them.  And made them realize danger lurks in every neighborhood.

M.A.P. member Zolma Davidson said, "We're protecting our kids.  This is it.  This is where it stops.  It stops with Somer."

[theboyzmom]

Sorry I just now read the article with the mom talking about it. My computer was messing up. And I was haveing problems with my blackberry. Excuse me for asking

Seeing a dead child/loved one isn't easy.  Often it's not the last memory you want to have.  It's likely quite a bit of decomposition took place not to mention, we don't know the cause of death. 

I agree with you Klaas and others that have said she made the right decision not seeing the body. I know that working in the ER I saw alot of bodies come in - some freshly dead some not. When professionals made the suggestion that the family not see the body, it was always with a heavy heart. We all know how important it is to see the body for the family to start grieving. But sometimes the horror of the viewing is more than a family needs or could handle.

[jill]

good morning everyone - thanks to those who have posted the latest.

* I honestly thought it would be easier to track the landfill quadrants than it seems to be.

* I'm so glad that someone stepped up to help Somer's dad get to Florida. 

* Somer's mom is one strong lady.

[theboyzmom]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g0ZKNq-opItZX0tIqxh3XHB2v9WQD9BHEKDG0
Fla. detectives continue search for girl's killer

By RON WORD (AP) – 24 minutes ago

ORANGE PARK, Fla. — Detectives searching for a 7-year-old's killer have interviewed more than 100 sex offenders living nearby, sifted through tons of garbage and combed the well-kept neighborhood where Somer Thompson disappeared.

Missing child posters featuring the slain girl's face, framed by her thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her suburban Jacksonville home.

Somer was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house, and authorities said Friday that they're searching for anyone who saw what happened to the 7-year-old after that. Investigators sifted through evidence from that vacant house and the Georgia landfill where her body was found Wednesday.

So far, no witnesses have come forward to say they saw Somer attacked or abducted, sheriff's spokeswoman Mary Justino said.

"What we've been trying to figure out is who frequents that area, because obviously it's more than just the people who live there," she said.

The child's teary but resolute mother appeared on television interviews and warned her daughter's killer: "We'll get you." She pleaded for anyone with information to "please, please tell" police.
The day after the child's body was identified, authorities said they had ruled out all 161 registered sex offenders who lived within a 5-mile radius of Somer's home. Despite doggedly pursuing hundreds of leads, police have not made an arrest.

Somer vanished while walking home from her elementary school on Monday afternoon. The vacant house is on her route through a heavily populated, well-manicured neighborhood, and witnesses last saw the girl alive in front of it. She had gotten upset as she walked home with other children Monday and ran ahead of the group. Somer never made it home.

Neighbors said they were used to watching out for each other's children as they walked to and from school.

"Everybody knows everybody here. If there was a stranger on the street, we'd be looking at watching where they were going, seeing what they were doing here," said Monica Loeb, a family friend of the Thompsons.

Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, had a friend greet her children as they came home from school Monday because she was working, according to a police report. When Somer didn't arrive with the other children around 4 p.m., the friend sent Diena Thompson a text message. She raced home, and flagged down a passing police officer while she, her other children and her boyfriend scoured the neighborhood.

An autopsy has been completed and investigators know how Somer died, but authorities won't disclose their findings or any details about the body.

At a vigil held outside the Thompsons' home Friday night, the mother said she would not be able to see her daughter's body.

"They are going to give me a lock of her hair," Thompson said.
Mourning neighbors and others have gathered every night outside the home. On Friday, the mother joined them to sing Somer's favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine."

Diena Thompson declined to be interviewed Friday by The Associated Press. She spent part of the day making funeral arrangements, and a law enforcement officer was seen carrying a child's white dress from the family's home. A viewing will be held Monday night and a funeral will follow on Tuesday.

But Thompson appeared red-eyed on all three network television shows and said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that investigators will catch her daughter's killer.

"We're coming for you," she said. "We'll get you, and hopefully justice will be served."

Associated Press writers Kate Brumback and Brent Kallestad in Orange Park and Jennifer Kay in Miami contributed to this story.

Didn't earlier stories say there were only 90 or so in the 5 mile radius?  I know there are more, but is that not what was reported.

[klaasend]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,569398,00.html?test=latestnews

Mystery of Who Killed Florida Girl Baffles Detectives, as Hunt Turns Up No New Leads

Saturday , October 24, 2009

AP
ADVERTISEMENT

ORANGE PARK, Fla. —
Detectives searching for a 7-year-old's killer have interviewed more than 100 sex offenders living nearby, sifted through tons of garbage and combed the well-kept neighborhood where Somer Thompson disappeared.

Missing child posters featuring the slain girl's face, framed by her thick brown bangs, still plaster nearly every utility pole along the mile-long route from her elementary school to her suburban Jacksonville home.

Somer was last seen alive walking along the sidewalk in front of a vacant house, and authorities said Friday that they're searching for anyone who saw what happened to the 7-year-old after that. Investigators sifted through evidence from that vacant house and the Georgia landfill where her body was found Wednesday.

So far, no witnesses have come forward to say they saw Somer attacked or abducted, sheriff's spokeswoman Mary Justino said.

"What we've been trying to figure out is who frequents that area, because obviously it's more than just the people who live there," she said.

The child's teary but resolute mother appeared on television interviews and warned her daughter's killer: "We'll get you." She pleaded for anyone with information to "please, please tell" police.

The day after the child's body was identified, authorities said they had ruled out all 161 registered sex offenders who lived within a 5-mile radius of Somer's home. Despite doggedly pursuing hundreds of leads, police have not made an arrest.

Somer vanished while walking home from her elementary school on Monday afternoon. The vacant house is on her route through a heavily populated, well-manicured neighborhood, and witnesses last saw the girl alive in front of it. She had gotten upset as she walked home with other children Monday and ran ahead of the group. Somer never made it home.

Neighbors said they were used to watching out for each other's children as they walked to and from school.

"Everybody knows everybody here. If there was a stranger on the street, we'd be looking at watching where they were going, seeing what they were doing here," said Monica Loeb, a family friend of the Thompsons.

Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, had a friend greet her children as they came home from school Monday because she was working, according to a police report. When Somer didn't arrive with the other children around 4 p.m., the friend sent Diena Thompson a text message. She raced home, and flagged down a passing police officer while she, her other children and her boyfriend scoured the neighborhood.

An autopsy has been completed and investigators know how Somer died, but authorities won't disclose their findings or any details about the body.

At a vigil held outside the Thompsons' home Friday night, the mother said she would not be able to see her daughter's body.

"They are going to give me a lock of her hair," Thompson said.

Mourning neighbors and others have gathered every night outside the home. On Friday, the mother joined them to sing Somer's favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine."

Diena Thompson declined to be interviewed Friday by The Associated Press. She spent part of the day making funeral arrangements, and a law enforcement officer was seen carrying a child's white dress from the family's home. A viewing will be held Monday night and a funeral will follow on Tuesday.

But Thompson appeared red-eyed on all three network television shows and said on ABC's "Good Morning America" that investigators will catch her daughter's killer.

"We're coming for you," she said. "We'll get you, and hopefully justice will be served."