Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

7 Year Old Willow Long Missing Since 9/8/13 in Watson, IL

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2013/09/08/7-year-old-willow-long-missing-since-9813-in-watson-il/

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Willow-Long_Missing-225x300.jpg)

::snipping3::

UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl

::snipping3::

UPDATE: Hundreds aid in search for missing girl
September 8, 2013

WATSON — More than 400 volunteers prepared to search through the night for missing Willow Long. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, the 7-year-old Watson girl had not been found after a daylong search. …

Effingham County Sheriff’s Department had already checked with Long’s friends and other places she may have gone before turning their attention to the railroad tracks near her home and the fields north of Watson.

A search dog was believed to have picked up her scent Sunday night, and the search was narrowed to a nearly 20-square-mile area of bean and corn fields. At last report, approximately 9 square miles had been searched. Foul play is not suspected in the disappearance.

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x250210087/Police-search-for-missing-Watson-girl

This poor kid is the same age as my youngest. I can not imagine the fear and horror mom must be going through.

Willow Long missing since Sunday
7:41 AM, Sep 9, 2013

WATSON, Ill. (KSDK) -A massive search is underway in Effingham County, Ill. for a missing 7-year-old girl

More than 400 volunteers have been searching near Willow Long's home in Watson, Ill. in Effingham County. They will continued to search overnight into Monday.

Willow walked away from her home on Circle Drive Sunday morning after an argument with her mother.

Willow is approximately four feet tall, and has shoulder-length red hair. She was last seen wearing a long purple shirt, oversize like a nightgown.

<snipped>

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/396829/3/Willow-Long-missing-since-Sunday

I know what you mean, TBM.  I hope Willow can be found safe and soon. 

They have FB and twitter and are posting updates on the case:

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 9:07 am

(scroll down for updates at link)

8AM UPDATE: Effingham County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Paul Kuhns says there is still no evidence of foul play. Searchers have now covered an 8-square mile radius from Long's home, and found nothing. Authorities are also going door to door in areas that were previously searched. Kuhns encoraged those in rural area to check their outbuildings. Kuhns said, "if anything is found out of place, a toy that might be in a different spot than they remember it being, please phone the Sheriff's office at 217-342-2101". When asked about the length of the search, Kuhns aknowledged, "time is not our friend".

Firefighter J.R. Niemann asked that any video shot in this area Sunday, should be taken to the Sheriff's department. He said people that shot video may have been filming one thing, but they may have captured something that might be beneficial to police in locating the missing Willow Long, now approaching the 24-hour period since she's been seen.

Volunteers should report to the Watson Civic Center, located one block east of the fire station. People wishing to donate items like bottled water and other supplies to help searchers, should take items to the Watson Civic Center.
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

979 XFM
about an hour ago
8AM UPDATE: Officials ask that people living in rural areas around Watson check any outbuildings, barns and sheds for any sign of Long. Sgt. Paul Kuhns of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department says, "time is not our friend." LATEST UPDATE: http://goo.gl/2NxthR


   

September 9, 2013 Tweets (Read from bottom up)
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

79 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 59m
Officials ask that residents in rural areas around Watson check all outbuildings for any sign of Long. LATEST UPDATE: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 1h
Sgt. Paul Kuhns of the Effingham County Sheriff's Department says, "time is not our friend." LATEST UPDATE: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 1h
Police briefing now on missing Watson girl, update coming soon. STORY: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 9h
VIDEO: Press conference with Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet, & latest update on missing Watson girl: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 11h
The search for 7-year old Willow Long of Watson continues into the night, UPDATES: http://goo.gl/2NxthR  pic.twitter.com/vRwF03pZNl (http://pic.twitter.com/vRwF03pZNl)

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 13h
Police tell us that anyone volunteering with an ATV MUST have lights on it, or they will not be able to use it in the search for Willow Long

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 13h
INDIVIDUAL SEARCHERS ARE ASKED TO STOP, and report instead to the Watson Fire Station for deployment. DETAILS HERE: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 14h
Volunteers requested to search for 7-year old Willow Long. Authorities say to be prepared for coming night search: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 18h
Another photo of missing 7-year old Willow Long of Watson, without her glasses. UPDATED STORY: http://goo.gl/UQxmRY  pic.twitter.com/LuhIk5CjeT
  (http://pic.twitter.com/LuhIk5CjeT)
 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 19h
UPDATE on 7-year old girl missing from Watson. DETAILS: http://bit.ly/16cuDWB

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 20h
Police are searching for a missing 7-year old girl from Watson. DETAILS: http://bit.ly/16cuDWB  pic.twitter.com/Et70Bz3BJY (http://pic.twitter.com/Et70Bz3BJY)

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl

 ::snipping3::

Below is an older photo of Long without her glasses. Willow's mother told police that she did not take her glasses when she left the home Sunday morning.
 ::snipping3::
(http://i.imgur.com/zn6WHHx.jpg)

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 10:24 am   

 ::snipping3::
10:20AM UPDATE: Authorities tell us that the initial description of the clothing that was thought to be worn by Willow is no longer valid. It was initially reported that Willow was wearing a lavender Betty Boop oversize t-shirt, but that shirt has now been located in the home. Police tell us that they now do not have a description of what Long was wearing went she went missing from her home, now more than 24 hours ago in Watson.
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

10:20AM UPDATE: Authorities tell us that the reported description of the clothing that was thought to be worn by Willow is no longer valid. DETAILS: http://goo.gl/ys19kS

September 9, 2013 Tweets
979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 2m
10:20AM UPDATE: Authorities say the clothing that was thought to be worn by Willow is no longer valid. DETAILS: http://goo.gl/ys19kS

theboyzmom ... I agree.  My grandson just turned seven.  Alone and lost without his Mom or Dad ... he would be one frightened little boy.

Janet

Hot weather forecast for today.  I hope Willow is found soon. 

http://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:62401.1.99999
Effingham, IL

Monday
partlycloudy
Partly cloudy. High of 97F. Winds from the South at 5 to 10 mph.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy. Low of 73F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday
partlycloudy
Partly cloudy. High of 97F. Winds from the SW at 5 to 10 mph.
Tuesday Night
Partly cloudy. Low of 72F. Winds from the SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

https://www.facebook.com/effinghamdailynews
Effingham Daily News

(no recent updates at this time at this source)

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl

Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 10:51 am   

 ::snipping3::
10:55AM UPDATE: HELP FOR VOLUNTEERS: We've gotten word that the family at Culver's, on West Fayette Avenue in Effingham, will be taking another trailer-load of supplies to Watson AT 1PM to aid volunteers and officials. Bottled water and sports drinks, healthy snacks, AA batteries, sunscreen, insect repellent and paper towels or washrags are some items that would be beneficial.
 ::snipping3::

Search continues for girl this morning

<snipped>

Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet said although volunteers are searching through the night, the primary issue searchers face is time.

"The last thing you want to see is what you see right now," he said at a press conference Sunday night. "Time is not a good thing."

The other problem is the state of the crops. This late in the season, corn and bean stalks are high, making locating Long difficult, even for the recently dispatched ATV, horse and search dog patrols. However, helicopters and airplanes equipped with infrared search equipment able to locate heat were used to better locate Long once night had fallen and the weather cooled off.

<snipped>

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x250210087/Police-search-for-missing-Watson-girl

September 9, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 4m
We have received word that The Cross in Effingham has planned an open prayer service from noon-1pm for Willow Long.

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 33m
HELP FOR VOLUNTEERS: Culver's will be taking a trailer-load of supplies for volunteers at 1pm. Details here: http://goo.gl/hFuxcw

https://www.facebook.com/missingwillow.long?fref=ts
Missing Willow Long

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 11:39 am   

 ::snipping3::
It is now unknown as to what exactly she was wearing when she disappeared. The clothing that was reported to have been on her at the time of her disappearance has since been located in the home, and her family is unsure of what she might have been wearing when she left.
 ::snipping3::

The next update from officials in Watson is scheduled for 1pm. (Watson is in central time zone.  It's currently 12:11 p.m. at time of my post, so I hope we will have an update in about 45 minutes.  Unless of course Willow is found before then.  I'm hoping she's found safe and soon. 

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM (https://www.facebook.com/979XFM)

979 XFM
5 minutes ago
We have a photo gallery of images from Watson, as the search for 7-year old Willow Long continues. PHOTOS: http://goo.gl/x2rZbv


Photos - Searching for Willow Long of Watson

Photos from the efforts to locate 7-year old Willow Long of Watson, missing since Sunday morning. Latest updates are here: http://goo.gl/Szc35F

(Same photo gallery as above in FB)

September 9, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 6m
We have a photo gallery of images from Watson, as the search for 7-year old Willow Long continues. PHOTOS: http://goo.gl/x2rZbv

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52w3DeoCORg/Ui36TPWwvTI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/lWOl3OXn5RU/s640/willowlongposter.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCMYDIwYgSw/Ui36_SvUwUI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/cIPoxfotK34/s640/willowlongfamily.jpg)

Considering I don't do Facebook or Twitter (yet) ... I appreciate your updates Muffy.  There is a saying "Hoping for the best but preparing for the worst".  That is were I am at this moment in time.

Janet

+++++


UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 11:58 am   
Written by Wayne Moran
   
SCROLL DOWN FOR UPDATES

Follow our Facebook and Twitter pages for instant updates.

<snipped>

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl

You're welcome Janet.  I hope we receive some good news soon.  I agree with your sentiments in the saying you've quoted "hoping for the best, preparing for the worst".  It's applicable in many of the missing person's cases.  I remain hopeful Willow will be found safe and soon. 

Life beckons outside the computer room this afternoon.  When I return a posted positive update would make my day.

Janet
12:05 PM PT

Have a good afternoon Janet.   ::jeep3::

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

979 XFM
about a minute ago
VOLUNTEERS HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED until 5pm in the search for 7-year old Willow Long if Watson, due to the heat. Volunteers will resume at 5pm. SUPPLIES FOR VOLUNTEERS are again being accepted at Culver's in Effingham, and will leave at 4pm for Watson. BOTTLED WATER or sports drinks are a need (no soda), healthy snacks, sunscreen, insect repellent and towels are items that will be helpful.

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 2:34 pm   

 ::snipping3::
1PM UPDATE: The search for Willow Long took a break this afternoon to allow searchers time for some shade and rest. At an early afternoon media briefing, Effingham County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Niccum said, "There's not much change; we are still investigating; we are still searching." When asked how long the search will continue, Niccum said, "We don't know when it will end." Effingham and Watson firefighter J.R. Nieman said searchers have covered 18 square miles of the 20 square miles targeted initially. Nieman said some areas have been double- and triple-checked.

As the heat index hovered around 100 degrees, Nieman said, "We're concerned that she's seven years old, with the heat and humidity, out overnight." He said best estimates are that Willow could have traveled three miles from her home, and said that's why the search was initially concentrated in that area.

Officials again asked that anyone with video footage from Watson Sunday or today should contact the Effingham County Sheriff's Department. That includes outdoor video surveillance cameras or footage you might have been shooting of a birthday party. They say while you were concentrating on something in the foreground of the video, there might be something in the background that could help authorities in their search.

Also, those who live on farms or in rural areas are being asked to please check in their outbuildings. And, check whether toys might be missing or might have been moved from where they were last night.

Shumway firefighter Justin Quandt told residents that searchers would be going on their properties, but to not be alarmed, "it's us" he said.
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

979 XFM
12 minutes ago
UPDATE: Effingham & Watson Firefighter J.R. Nieman said, "We're concerned that she's seven years old, with the heat and humidity, out overnight." More from the update here: http://goo.gl/3bM1NT

Hope she is found safe!

September 9, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 13m
Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet to make a live statement on the news at 5 on 979 XFM. Latest update: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 16m
4PM UPDATE: Volunteer searches resume at 5pm. Those wishing to volunteer should report to the Watson Civic Center: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 4:26 pm   

 ::snipping3::
4PM UPDATE: The search for Willow will resume at 5pm. All responders, emergency and volunteeer, were allowed time for rest and rehab starting at 2pm. A full search effort will progress until 8pm. At that time, due to lack of daylight the search efforts of the volunteer responders will be suspended until further notice. Search efforts by emergency-trained responders will be coordinated from that point, based on the progress made between 5 and 8pm. Authorities are reporting no additional leads. Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet will make a live statement at 5pm, and we will carry that on the news at 5 on 979 XFM and KJ Country 102.3.
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

979 XFM shared a link.
24 minutes ago
4PM UPDATE: Volunteer searches will resume at 5pm. Those wishing to volunteer should report to the Watson Civic Center. Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet will make a live statement at 5pm, and we'll carry it on the news at 5 on 979 XFM. LATEST UPDATE HERE: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

http://www.mywabashvalley.com/story/search-continues-for-effingham-county-girl/d/story/xkU9c6rKP0C80q7GVodYMw
Search Continues for Effingham County Girl
September 6, 2013 16:21 PM

 ::snipping3::
The seven-year-old went missing between 9 and 10:15 am, that's when officials believe she simply wandered off and then got lost.
   
"As time goes on now our fear is because she's out there alone, and she spent one night out alone and that's where our concern is," said Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet.   
   
Since then they have been working around the clock, looking on land and from the sky, for any sign of Willow.

 "We are just double checking in to make sure that we didn't miss anything during the night hours because most of our searching last night was during the nighttime where we could've missed something," said Quandte.

 ::snipping3::

Police say the reason that an amber alert has not been issued for willow is that they do not believe she was abducted.
   
If later on authorities do believe she could have been taken, Illinois State Police can still issue that alert.

Note:  This was before they found the shirt Willow was believed to be wearing.

http://youtu.be/GMWhqyQ5QuQ


Published on Sep 8, 2013
Press conference with Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet, on missing 7-year old Willow Long of Watson, IL. FULL STORY: http://goo.gl/2NxthR

Mom's Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/ice713/photos
Ciara DeRyke

Willow's Dad:

https://www.facebook.com/thomas.long.319247
Thomas Long

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Authorities Searching for Missing Watson Girl
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 9 2013 6:46 pm   
Written by Wayne Moran


 ::snipping3::

   6PM UPDATE: Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet said in a statement that volunteer searches will cease as planned at 8pm. Air searches will resume this evening, using thermal imaging. Officials will also be out searching the area as well, in the continued effort to locate Long, now missing for more than 30 hours.

Monnet said that the continued heat was one of the primary reasons volunteers were being suspended, saying "because of the high temperatures today, we had three that were taken to the hospital in Effingham, and seven others that were looked at by EMS. Because of that, my fear is that we don't want to lose anybody during this hot weather." Monnet went on to say, "for the safety and sake of all the civilians, we figure that we will just use our emergency service people from this point on."

There are no plans to utilize volunteer searchers on Tuesday, or going forward at this point. Monnet said if the situation were to change, and volunteers were again needed, the word would be put out.

The number of volunteers, well in excess of 300 for the second day in a row was brought up, and Monnet said, "it's something that I've never experienced before, but to see the people come together and want to acomplish what we are acomplishing today is amazing, and I think it has a lot to say for the community and our surrounding counties."

Below is video of Monnet's press briefing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ihkuSSRPBuc
Monday evening update on missing 7-year old girl from Watson, IL  8:40

September 9, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 11m
UPDATE: Volunteer searchers are no longer needed. Those that are still out will be recalled by 8pm.  LATEST UPDATE: http://bit.ly/13xvjF4

https://www.facebook.com/979XFM

979 XFM shared a link.
28 minutes ago
UPDATE: Volunteer searchers are no longer needed. Those that are still out will be recalled by 8pm. Over 800 volunteers today. Officials will still continue to search throughout the night. LATEST UPDATE: http://bit.ly/13xvjF4

i was hoping willow had been found, its so hot there,tomorrow too

willows street , 104 circle drive
http://goo.gl/maps/2g6ty

WATSON, IL 62473
Weather Forecast   ISSUED 343 PM CDT MON SEP 9 2013
TONIGHT
Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s. South winds 5 to 10 mph. 
TUESDAY
Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 90s. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. 
TUESDAY NIGHT
Partly cloudy. Lows around 70. Southwest winds 5 to 10 mph. 
WEDNESDAY
Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 90s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. 
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lows in the upper 60s. Light west winds.
 
alittle cooler thurs-sun
 forcast @link
http://www.weatherstreet.com/weather-forecast/Watson-IL-62473.htm

 ::MonkeyTears::

Thanks for the updates Muffy.  I was hoping .....

Janet

I was hoping too, Janet.   :smt056 

In Sheriff Monnet's last press briefing, he said the search would continue from 8:00 p.m. tonight using emergency service personnel only, and the flare plane would be flying until 6:00 a.m.  He said the most effective time for the plane would be around 10:00 p.m., and the emergency service personnel would be available not only to continue searching through the night, but checking areas the flare plane showed indications.  Sheriff Monnet said only emergency service personnel would be used tomorrow (Tuesday) due to concern for safety of the civilian searchers.  Due to the hot weather and conditions, 3 civilian searchers were taken to Effingham for treatment with 7 other civilian searchers looked at for heat related problems.  He said therefore, emergency service personnel would be used here on out, unless a situation develops where there's a need for civilian searchers, and they would then be called upon to help if needed.  Emergency service personnel are firefighters, police etc. and according to Sheriff Monnet, they've been trained how to take care of themselves in the extreme conditions of the search.  These are my words of summation, not verbatim. 

Below is video of Monnet's press briefing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ihkuSSRPBuc
Monday evening update on missing 7-year old girl from Watson, IL  8:40

September 9, 2013
Grandfather fears granddaughter abducted

WATSON — The maternal grandfather of the Watson girl missing since Sunday morning told reporters Monday evening he does not believe 7-year-old Willow Long is still in the area.

"I think it's an abduction, but not for ransom," said Dale De Ryke. Young Willow and her mother, Ciara De Ryke, had been living with the elder De Rykes at a home on Circle Drive in Watson.
 
De Ryke said Willow wasn't the kind who would just wander off.

"I know my granddaughter, and she would never willingly leave the yard unless it was with somebody she knew," he said, adding he believes she was lured away from the residence by some sort of acquaintance.

De Ryke, a truck driver, said he learned of Willow's disappearance Sunday while hauling a load to the Pinnacle Foods plant in Lemoyne, Pa. He returned home about 6:30 p.m. Monday to a town buzzing with police, fire and other emergency personnel — as well as hundreds of volunteers from throughout the region.

"I have never seen a search effort as good as this one," he said. "I have nothing but good to say about what they are doing."

But De Ryke complained he hasn't been allowed to see his son Justin, Willow's uncle, and was only able to speak to daughter Ciara briefly.

"I believe they are treating family members as suspects, including myself," he said. "I don't care. I don't have anything to hide."

<snipped>

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1253341780/Grandfather-fears-granddaughter-abducted
 

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/09/7-year-old-girl-missing-from-effingham-county-in-illinois/

Still no sign of missing 7-year-old girl from Effingham County
Posted on: 10:13 am, September 9, 2013, by George Sells and Rebecca Roberts, updated on: 10:27pm, September 9, 2013

 ::snipping3::
Police say there is no evidence at this point of any foul play in the girl’s disappearance.

Willow lives with her mother, uncle and grandparents. Her mother and uncle were home when she went missing.

The two, ages 26 and 22, are being held for questioning according to the girl’s grandfather.

“It isn’t like Willow to wander away,” said the grandfather. And he feels foul play is involved.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-body-of-small-child-found-near-search-area-for-missing-willow-long

 ::snipping3::
5AM TUESDAY UPDATE: After a massive search for missing 7-year old Willow Long, four volunteer searchers found the body of a small child south of Watson Monday evening at about 7:30pm

 ::MonkeyTears:: 

More from the above update:

5AM TUESDAY UPDATE: After a massive search for missing 7-year old Willow Long, four volunteer searchers found the body of a small child south of Watson Monday evening at about 7:30pm.

Effingham County State's Attorney Brian Kibler said in a release that no positive ID of the body has been made, and that an official autopsy to determine the identification and cause of death is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

Officials say the search for Willow has been suspended, and most of the crew has been sent home from the command post in Watson.

A joint investigation by the Illinois State Police and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department continues into the disappearance of Willow Long.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397080/40/Body-of-child-found-near-search-area-for-Willow-Long-
Search for missing Willow Long in Effingham County leads to discovery of body
6:11 AM, Sep 10, 2013 

WATSON, Ill. (KSDK) -  A body has been found in the search area of Effingham County, Illinois where hundreds of people have been looking for a missing 7-year-old girl.
 ::snipping3::
Authorities notified the media on-scene Tuesday morning a child's body had been located by four volunteers around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Investigators say they have not made an official identification on the remains and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine a cause of death.

Illinois State Police and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department continue to investigate the child's disappearance.

Stay tuned to NewsChannel 5 and KSDK.com for the latest on the discovery and the ongoing investigation for additional details as they become available.

Very sad! Not again!  ::MonkeyTears::

Crime scene tape surrounds Willow Long’s home; ISP takes over investigation
Posted on: 10:13 am, September 9, 2013

WATSON, IL (KTVI) – The Illinois State Police have taken over the case of missing Willow Long, 7.  She was reported missing Sunday by her mother.  On Monday night,  the body of a small child was found south of the village of Watson in Effinghman County.  The State’s Attorney’s office says four volunteer searchers located the body around 7:30 p.m.
Officials, however, have not confirmed that it is the body of Willow Long or any details about the body. On Tuesday morning, authorities suspended the search for Willow.  An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning.

<snipped>

Family members of the missing girl weren’t commenting Monday afternoon, other than to say they appreciated the efforts of those volunteering and expressing their hope that Willow would be found.
Police say there is no evidence at this point of any foul play in the girl’s disappearance.
Willow lives with her mother, uncle and grandparents. Her mother and uncle were home when she went missing.
The two, ages 26 and 22, are being held for questioning according to the girl’s grandfather.

<snipped>

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/09/7-year-old-girl-missing-from-effingham-county-in-illinois/

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Body-of-small-child-found-in-Illinois-could-be-missing-7-year-old-girl-223108311.html
Body of small child found in Illinois; search called off for missing 7-year-old girl
Posted on September 10, 2013 at 6:56 AM
Updated today at 8:42 AM

(KMOV) -- The body of a small child was found in Effingham County, Illinois late Monday night, though police did not confirm if it was that of a 7-year-old girl who had gone missing from her home over the weekend.
The body was found by four search volunteers in an area south of Watson around 7:30 p.m.
Authorities said they have yet to positively identify the body and an autopsy to determine the child’s cause of death was scheduled for Tuesday morning.
But a sergeant with the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said they have broken down their command centers and called off the search Willow Long. They would not say if the body was hers.
Neighbors said officers  put up crime scene tape around Long’s house near the intersection of Circle Dr. and Watson around 10:30 p.m. That's located about a mile from where the body was found.  They said three poeople were taken away in handcuffs. None of that information was confirmed by police.
 ::snipping3::

Search for missing Willow Long in Effingham County leads to discovery of body
8:58 AM, Sep 10, 2013

WATSON, Ill. (KSDK) -  A body has been found in the search area of Effingham County, Illinois where hundreds of people have been looking for a missing 7-year-old girl.

Willow Long disappeared from her family home in the Village of Watson over the weekend, igniting a massive search of the area for the little girl.

Authorities notified the media on-scene Tuesday morning a child's body had been located by four volunteers around 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Investigators say they have not made an official identification on the remains and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine a cause of death.

Investigators say they have not made an official identification on the remains and an autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday morning to determine a cause of death.

The search for Willow has been suspended indefinitely. Illinois State Police are in charge of the investigation and at the scene.

Illinois State Police and the Effingham County Sheriff's Department continue to investigate the child's disappearance.

Crime scene tape has been up around Willow's home since 6 a.m. Tuesday.

<snipped>

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397080/40/Body-of-child-found-near-search-area-for-Willow-Long-

  ::MonkeyShocked::

CRIME SCENE?

(http://scaredmonkeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Willow-Long_Missing-225x300.jpg)

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Body-of-small-child-found-in-Illinois-could-be-missing-7-year-old-girl-223108311.html

Uncle arrested in murder of missing 7-year-old Illinois girl
Posted on September 10, 2013 at 6:56 AM
Updated today at 11:25 AM

(KMOV) -- Authorities have made an arrest in the murder of a 7-year-old girl who had gone missing from her home in Effingham County, Ill. over the weekend.

The body of Willow Long was found by four search volunteers in an area south of Watson around 7:30 p.m.

Her uncle, 22-year-old Justin DeRyke, was arrested at 5:55 a.m. Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder. No other arrests have been made. Additional information regarding his arrest was not immediately available.
 ::snipping3::

RIP Willow.  ::MonkeyTears::  Prayers for her family and friends. May the uncle rot in he77.   ::MonkeyMad:: I just don't get it.

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Body-of-small-child-found-in-Illinois-could-be-missing-7-year-old-girl-223108311.html

Uncle arrested in death of missing 7-year-old Illinois girl
Posted on September 10, 2013 at 6:56 AM
Updated today at 11:36 AM

 ::snipping3::
Neighbors said officers put up crime scene tape around Long’s house near the intersection of Circle Dr. and Watson around 10:30 p.m.

Another crime scene was set up with about a dozen officers on scene south of Watson close to the Little Wabash River. That’s where neighbors said the body was found.
 ::snipping3::

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/10/suspect-being-held-for-suspicion-of-murder/

Suspect being held for suspicion of murder
Posted on: 11:53 am, September 10, 2013, by Vera Culley, updated on: 11:55am, September 10, 2013

WATSON, IL (KTVI) – Officials in Effingham County are holding a man on suspicion of first degree murder.

The arrest is related to the ongoing investigation in the Willow Long case, the 7-year-old who went missing on Sunday.

Justin DeRyke, 22, is being held on suspicion of murder first degree, according to Effingham County authorities.  DeRyke has not been charged.
 ::snipping3::

Suspect being held for suspicion of murder
Posted on: 11:53 am, September 10, 2013

WATSON, IL (KTVI) – Officials in Effingham County are holding a man on suspicion of first degree murder.

The arrest is related to the ongoing investigation in the Willow Long case, the 7-year-old who went missing on Sunday.
Justin DeRyke, 22, is being held on suspicion of murder first degree, according to Effingham County authorities.  DeRyke has not been charged.

Willow Long was reported missing on Sunday after her mother awoke from a nap.  Hundreds of volunteers searched for Willow on Sunday and Monday.  Authorities say late Monday evening, some of those searchers found a child’s body just outside the village of Watson.

<snipped>

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/10/suspect-being-held-for-suspicion-of-murder/

Muffy/Grace

Could you please do your thing.  I don't do Facebook so I cannot view the full profile.  Considering the "mylife" page implies that Jason lives in n Indianapolis following a move from Watson ... could it be that Jason was just visiting his parents? 

http://www.mylife.com/justindery28459gr

I saw a red flag when Jessica's glasses were located in the home.  The involvement of someone close to Willow is what I feared but I did not want to go there.  I really hoped I was wrong with my suspicions.

Janet

Self-Edit - Last Post

Jason s/b Justin

The following article states that Justin lived with his parents along with Ciara and her children.  The initial story encompassing the disappearance of Willow did not mention the presence of Justin in the home.  Why?

Janet

+++++

Willow Long’s uncle arrested and facing first degree murder charge
Tue, Sep 10, 2013

Shelby County News has confirmed that authorities have arrested the uncle of 7-year-old Willow Long of Watson and he is in custody and will be charged with first-degree murder.

Justin DeRyke, 22, was arrested at approximately 5:55 a.m. Tuesday.

He, along with Willow and her mother, Ciara DeRyke, 25, and Willow’s half-brother, Nathanial, 3, live in a single-story residence with DeRyke’s parents in the southwest section of Watson.

<snipped>

http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-arrested-and-facing-first-degree-murder-charge-p24753-1.htm


Grandfather fears granddaughter abducted
September 9, 2013

WATSON — The maternal grandfather of the Watson girl missing since Sunday morning told reporters Monday evening he does not believe 7-year-old Willow Long is still in the area.

<snipped>

De Ryke, a truck driver, said he learned of Willow's disappearance Sunday while hauling a load to the Pinnacle Foods plant in Lemoyne, Pa. He returned home about 6:30 p.m. Monday to a town buzzing with police, fire and other emergency personnel — as well as hundreds of volunteers from throughout the region.

"I have never seen a search effort as good as this one," he said. "I have nothing but good to say about what they are doing."

But De Ryke complained he hasn't been allowed to see his son Justin, Willow's uncle, and was only able to speak to daughter Ciara briefly.

<snipped>

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1253341780/Grandfather-fears-granddaughter-abducted

so so sad,justice is coming willow long

PD: Charges out of Watson, Illinois
Updated: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 1:56 PM EDT
Published: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 12:01 PM EDT
 ::snipping3::
(http://media2.wthitv.com/photo/2013/09/10/Justin%20D.%20Deryke_1378834936211_2862832_ver1.0_640_480.jpg)
Provided Photo
 ::snipping3::
WATSON, Ill. (WTHI) - News 10 has confirmed Justin D. Deryke will face first degree murder charges for the death of Willow Long, 7 of Watson, Illinois.

Deryke, maternal uncle of Long, was placed under arrest just before 6 a.m. Tuesday by Illinois State Police
http://www.wthitv.com/news/crime/pd-charges-out-of-watson-illinois

Rest in Peace, Willow.   ::MonkeyAngel::  ::MonkeyTears::

September 10, 2013--Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm  24m 
Authorities have confirmed that the body found south of Watson is that of 7-year old Willow Long. DETAILS: http://goo.gl/G5SHtY

-----------------
http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-body-of-small-child-found-near-search-area-for-missing-willow-long

UPDATE: Body Found South of Watson Identified as Missing Willow Long, Uncle Charged in her Death

Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm
Last Updated on September 10 2013 1:18 pm
Written by Wayne Moran

TUESDAY 12PM UPDATE: We have confirmed that Willow Long's Uncle, Justin D. DeRyke (Dee-Rike), is in custody in the Effingham County Jail, being held on a count of First Degree Murder in 7-year old Willow's death. DeRyke's initial court appearance will be at 1pm Wednesday in Effingham County Circuit Court. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said a press conference will follow the hearing. We will be there, and have coverage on the radio, and online.
 ::snipping3::

So sad...    ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyTears::

Rest in peace, Willow.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Thanks cw618.

The murder of Willow is so sad on so many levels.  This family will remain forever broken.

Janet


Janet

EFFINGHAM COUNTY STATES ATTORNEY RELEASE ON ARREST IN WILLOW LONG CASE

Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan M. Kibler has released the following information this afternoon on the arrest of Justin D. DeRyke in the murder of 7-year old Willow Long of Watson.
 
“On Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at approximately 5:55a.m., agents of Illinois State Police Zone 7 Investigations placed Justin D DeRyke, 22, of Watson, Illinois, under arrest for the murder of Willow Long, 7, of Watson. Mr. DeRyke is the maternal uncle of the deceased child.
 
An autopsy being conducted at this hour by Dr. John A Heidingsfelder, forensic pathologist has confirmed the identity of the body of a child found Monday evening by volunteer searchers south of Watson to be that of Willow Long. All indications are that the death is a homicide. The autopsy is ongoing and is being facilitated at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.
 
The Effingham County Sheriff’s Department and the Illinois State Police continue to investigate the matter.
 
The Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office will file First Degree Murder charges against the defendant on Wednesday afternoon in Effingham County Circuit Court, pending the possibility of additional charges to be filed later.
 
The defendant’s initial court appearance will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at 1:00p.m., on the second floor of the Effingham County Government Center, 120 W. Jefferson Ave. in Effingham, IL.”

http://www.vandaliaradio.com/Effingham-County-States-Attorney-Release-on-Arrest/17262097

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-body-of-small-child-found-near-search-area-for-missing-willow-long
UPDATE: Body Found South of Watson Identified as Missing Willow Long, Uncle Charged in her Death
Published on September 8 2013 12:54 pm   
Last Updated on September 10 2013 4:07 pm   
Written by Wayne Moran

   TUESDAY 12PM UPDATE: We have confirmed that Willow Long's Uncle, Justin D. DeRyke (Dee-Rike), is in custody in the Effingham County Jail, being held on a count of First Degree Murder in 7-year old Willow's death. DeRyke's initial court appearance will be at 1pm Wednesday in Effingham County Circuit Court. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said a press conference will follow the hearing. When asked about whether there are additional suspects in Long's death, Kibler said "no comment".

After a massive two-day search for missing 7-year old Willow Long, four volunteer searchers found the body of a small child south of Watson Monday evening at about 7:30pm Monday evening. After an autopsy Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that the body is that of Willow Long.

ISP investigators combed the scene, in an area that's located south of a small rest area on Illinois Route 37.
 ::snipping3::

Photo Gallery:  Photos - Searching for Willow Long of Watson
http://www.thexradio.com/news/media-gallery/photos/category/32-searching-for-willow-long-of-watson

Bet this will be a sex crime as well as murder.
How sad for this little girl.

Child’s Body Found by Volunteers Searching in Watson, IL for Missing 7 Year Old Willow Long … Justin D. DeRyke, Uncle of Missing 7 Year Old Charged With Murder

http://scaredmonkeys.com/2013/09/10/childs-body-found-by-volunteers-searching-in-watson-il-for-missing-7-year-old-willow-long-justin-d-deryke-uncle-of-missing-7-year-old-charged-with-murder/

Terribly sad.  ::MonkeyTears::
Rest in Peace Little One.

How does one ever get the vision of a dead child out of their mind? Ever? These searchers will forever have this in their mind for the rest of their lives. God bless hem.

Them, not hem^^^^

O/t...we just had a mother here in Rockford murder her 8 yr old son. Stabbed him to death .
Horribly sad.

Cookie

I believe that Willow was sexually assaulted prior to being murdered.

Initially Ciara described the clothing that Willow was wearing the last time she saw her.  The next day that clothing was located in the home.  Where in the home?  Why did it take so long to be found?  Was it hidden ... stuffed somewhere?   Considering a little girl is missing it would make sense that the home was immediately searched by Ciara ... by LE.

Janet

+++++++


Willow Long's body identified, Justin DeRyke arrested for murder
3:17 PM, Sep 10, 2013

<snipped>

Willow is approximately four feet tall, and has shoulder-length red hair. It was previously reported that she was last seen wearing a long purple shirt, but it was found at her home.

<snipped>

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/396829/3/Willow-Long-missing-since-Sunday

I agree Janet..

His name was Thomas Kossow... 8 yrs old...if anyone wants to read about it. I am gutted right now.

(http://www.ksdk.com/images/300/169/2/assetpool/images/130909010243_NEWWILLOWLONG.jpg)


http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397080/3/Body-of-child-found-man-arrested

Me too.

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

Back to Willow now. This is her thread.
Such a pretty girl with a pretty name. RIP Willow. I am sorry this happened to u.
Justice for Willow!

Xoxo Janet...we usually always connect....

 ::MonkeyShocked::

The plot thickens.  It appears that the story afforded by Willow's mother may have been fabricated.

Janet

++++++


Justin DeRyke, uncle of Willow Long, arrested for her death
09:48pm, September 10, 2013

EFFINGHAM, IL (KTVI) -The seven year old girl reported to have wandered away from her home Sunday has been found dead, and her uncle is charged with murder.  Willow Long’s body was found near a river bed about two miles from her home.  The girl’s grandfather, Dale DeRyke, is also the father of the alleged killer, and he describes the act as one of panic after an accident.

Dale DeRyke says Justin was babysitting the little girl on Saturday night.  He says the two were playing, chasing one another around the house, when Willow ran outside.  He says there is a pile of sticks he keeps in the back and the girl fell into them.

“A stick went through her and through her head,” he said Tuesday night.  “She was laying there twitching and dying.  My son is 22 years old.  He’s not….he’s never had experiences like this.  He was scared.  He hid her body.”
Now he says his son has “nothingbut remorse,” and will have to pay for what he’s done.

There are still unanswered questions surrounding his story.  Police say the mother told them she saw Willow Sunday morning watching television.  That clearly isn’t possible if the child was already dead.

Authorities would not comment on DeRyke’s statement or any other information outside of a written statement issued by the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s office.

“All indications are that the death is a homicide,” the short release from Bryan Kibler reported.  “The Effingham County State’s Attorney’s office will file First Degree Murder charges against the defendant on Wednesday afternoon in Effingham County Circuit Court, pending the possibility of additional charges to be filed later.”

A news conference is expected after DeRyke appears before a judge Wednesday at 1pm in Effingham.

<snipped>

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/10/suspect-being-held-for-suspicion-of-murder/

EVIL PERSONIFIED!!

Uncle faces first-degree murder charges in death
09/10/2013 22:12 PM

LATEST: 8:06 pm, 9/10/13, Tuesday

WATSON -- A 7-year-old Effingham County girl is dead, and her family members say it was at the hands of her own uncle. Willow Long disappeared on Sunday, and after days of searching, her body was found near Watson Monday night.

Justin's father and Willow's grandfather Dale Deryke says Willow tripped and fell into a pile of sticks in her yard. He says a stick was lodged in Willow's head. His son Justin was scared, wasn't thinking, and put her out of her misery by killing her.

Deryke wouldn't say how his son did it, but that Justin plans to plead guilty to first-degree murder. Illinois State Police arrested him Tuesday morning.

Deryke says he stands by his son and believes his story. "My granddaughters dead. I love my granddaughter more than I love me. I wish it was me. I wish it was me instead of my boy. There's nothing I can do about it. I can pray and hope that I can keep going through life and maybe something good will come."

Deryke is expected to be in court Wednesday in Effingham at 1 p.m. Police say they will release more information, and we should know more from the autopsy that was performed on Tuesday.

<snipped>

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/uncle-faces-first-degree-murder-charges-in-death/d/story/2g-izRVgqkOTslOxmBWMJw

Damn  ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyNoNo::

Dear God

Why hasn't the egg donor been arrested?  In Red's initial post http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=14686.msg1575709#msg1575709 (http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=14686.msg1575709#msg1575709) it was reported that: Clearly Ciara knew exactly what happened and was covering even then.  Now wondering how much grandpa knows.  So sickening  ::MonkeyTears::

Hi yuknomenot

You could be right but ...

Could it be that Ciara slept in until around 10:00 AM and the story regarding feeding her children breakfast earlier was a lie to distract from being perceived as being a negligent mother?  Could it be that Ciara ASSUMED that Willow had been watching a move with Nathaniel on Sunday morning and ASSUMED she walked out of the house?   In other words ... Ciara never imagined that her daughter had been killed the previous evening when Justin was baby-sitting.  Could this be the reason Ciara ASSUMED Willow was wearing the long T-Shirt nightgrown?

Janet

++++++

Search for missing Watson girl resumed Monday evening after temporary delay due to intense heat
Date: Tue, Sep 10, 2013

During an exclusive interview early Monday afternoon with Shelby County News, the voice of the mother of missing seven-year-old Willow Long, of Watson, was often drowned out by the sound of search planes flying overhead.

<snipped>

The community Monday afternoon literally had hundreds of searchers and law enforcement officials combing the town and rural outskirts as DeRyke, and Patty Clarey Everett, the mother of DeRyke’s boyfriend, Taylor, 22, talked with Shelby County News.

Everett explained how she first became aware of Willow’s disappearance.

“I first became aware when Ciara called Taylor and said that Willow was missing. Ciara lives here with her mom and her dad and her brother, and her two children, Willow and Nathanial.

“Her mom and dad are over-the-road truck drivers. They had left the night before (Saturday) to go out on the road and when Ciara got up Sunday morning she fed the kids cereal and pop tarts about 7ish and about 8:30 she wasn’t feeling well,” explained Everett.

“So she put in a movie for the kids to watch. They were on the couch and she went back to her bedroom and laid down and fell asleep.

“She woke up at 10:30 a.m. with Nathanial crying that Willow was gone, or saying something about ‘Willow,’ saying something ‘Willow.’ Nathaniel does not speak clearly. (Ciara) came outside and could not find Willow and she called 9-1-1 and that’s where it snowballed from there. I think the 9-1-1 call was at 10:40 a.m. or 10:41 a.m. yesterday (Sunday),” recalled Everett.

DeRyke has been “good” in dealing with her missing daughter doing the last two days, according to Everett.

DeRyke noted that Willow apparently left the house under undetermined circumstances between “10:05 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.” Sunday morning.

“I woke up at 10:15 a.m. and then we went outside and through the house and around the block a few times so it was 10:30 a.m. when we called 9-1-1.”

After initially waking, DeRyke said she asked Nathanial where Willow was.

“He just said ‘Willow’ over and over and pointed out the door. He was really upset and crying a lot. I had originally thought maybe she had taken a toy away from him or something or changed the (TV) channel.

“He is right at that age where everything sets him off, but then we couldn’t find her outside and we went to look inside because she is really bad about hiding. She loves hide and seek,” added DeRyke.

Nathanial “would not stop crying and we couldn’t find her. I called my mom as we were going around the block and I told her and she called my brother and talked to him. By the time I got up here I was dialing 9-1-1 and he came out and he was crying and he couldn’t find her in the house and I couldn’t find her so I had to stay here until someone got here so he went and drove around and he got my neighbors and they started walking and looking and while I was calling 911, my mother called the mayor’s wife.

“Her husband got people together immediately and started calling and going door to door. I had several of the neighbors here and I had pictures of Willow.”

DeRyke is extremely grateful for the response by those searching for her daughter.

“I don’t even know how to begin to say thank you to everyone. I’ve been kind of trying to figure out how to thank everybody. I expected there would be a lot of people out looking for her and helping, but there are so many people from so far away helping that aren’t even connected to the community,” said DeRyke with a trembling voice.

<snipped>

http://shelbycountynews.net/search-for-missing-watson-girl-resumed-monday-evening-after-temporary-delay-p24744-1.htm

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7442-update-authorities-searching-for-missing-watson-girl
UPDATE: Body Found South of Watson Identified as Missing Willow Long, Uncle Charged in her Death
September 11, 2013

TUESDAY UPDATE: We have confirmed that Willow Long's Uncle, Justin D. DeRyke (Dee-Rike), is in custody in the Effingham County Jail, being held on a count of First Degree Murder in 7-year old Willow's death. DeRyke's initial court appearance will be at 1pm Wednesday in Effingham County Circuit Court. Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said a press conference will follow the hearing. When asked about whether there are additional suspects in Long's death, Kibler said "no comment".

After a massive two-day search for missing 7-year old Willow Long, four volunteer searchers found the body of a small child south of Watson Monday evening at about 7:30pm Monday evening. After an autopsy Tuesday morning, it was confirmed that the body is that of Willow Long.

ISP investigators combed the scene, in an area that's located south of a small rest area on Illinois Route 37.
 ::snipping3::

From yesterday, Tuesday, September 10, 2013:

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7483-effingham-unit-40-issues-statement-on-death-of-willow-long
Effingham Unit 40 Issues Statement on Death of Willow Long
Written by Wayne Moran



Effingham Unit 40 Superintendent Mark Doan issued a statement Tuesday afternoon regarding the death of Willow Long, a student at South Side Grade School in Effingham.

The statement reads, "The entire unit #40 family is extremely saddened by the passing of South Side School student, Willow Long. We want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for Willow.

The safety and social well-being of our students is a priority at Unit #40. We implemented our Crisis Intervention Team beginning Monday, September 9th at all elementary schools in the District. We will continue with these team members in place to support both our students and staff for the foreseeable future.

 For many of our students school provides a routine they appreciate. Therefore, the District is trying to provide a sense of normalcy, but also allowing students to share their feelings in a safe and supporting environment. The District feels that the understanding of the issues and the grief process is best addressed in the home by parents."
More...

The statement also included a packet for parents, to help at home during the grieving process. You can download that packet in PDF (Clickable link at end of article)

Press conference?  Muffy ... do you have a live feed link?

Thanks

Janet

September 11, 2013--Tweets

https://twitter.com/979Xfm

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm  23m 
LISTEN LIVE to the Willow Long press conference: http://rdo.to/WXEF


Probable cause:  knife used

 ::MonkeyNoNo::  ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.kmov.com/news/crime/More-details-released-in-death-7-year-old-girl-Uncle-officially-charged-with-murder-223336701.html

More details released in death of 7-year-old girl; Uncle officially charged with murder
Posted on September 11, 2013 at 1:58 PM
Updated today at 2:14 PM

(KMOV) –  A 22-year-old man on Wednesday was officially charged with killing his 7-year-old niece as more details got released on what happened in the moments leading up to and after her death.

Justin DeRyke was charged at the Effingham County Courthouse with first-degree murder in the death of Willow Long. His bond was set at $5 million.

According to court documents, DeRyke and Long were in the backyard of a family member's home in Watson when she fell on a stick that went into her throat.

Prosecutors said DeRyke then slit her throat before stabbing her in the heart and throat. Police said DeRyke put the girl’s body in a plastic bag and dumped it in the Little Wabash River. That’s where her body was found by four volunteers around 7:30 p.m. Monday. DeRyke was arrested about 6 a.m. Tuesday.

According to court documents, DeRyke was home alone watching Long and other children when the alleged incident occurred. Police said Long’s mother was at a local bar and her grandparents were working as truck drivers at the time.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wandtv.com/story/23405679/press-conference-sheding-light-on-the-death-of-willow-long

Press conference shedding light on the death of Willow Long
Posted: Sep 11, 2013 2:22 PM CDT

Watson - A press conference for the death of Willow Long took place Wednesday. Here is what we know now.

DeRyke told police he stabbed Willow multiple times, wrapped her body in plastic and dumped her body. DeRyke has been charged with three counts of first degree murder.

The States attorney said in a press conference that this is one of  the most heartbreaking events in Effingham County's history.

The case remains open. However, no other person of interest is being sought. The state's attorney reassures that the community is safe. 
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_13085.shtml

Wednesday, September 11 2013, 01:56 PM CDT
More Charges in Willow Long Death

The man accused in the death of 7-year-old Willow Long made his first appearance in Effingham County court today.

Justin DeRyke is charged with three counts of first-degree murder.

According to a series of interviews collected by police, DeRyke was babysitting Willow Saturday night, while her mother was at a bar and grill.

A probable cause statement introduced in court indicates Willow approached her uncle at 11 p.m. to watch TV. She tugged on his arm and scratched him. He yelled, and she ran outside. She tripped and fell on a brush pile, and was impaled by a stick. DeRyke reportedly saw her twitching on the ground, and, he told police, wanted to "end her suffering." He then retrieved a knife from the house and stabbed Willow several times.

Authorities say stab wounds were the cause of Willow's death
 ::snipping3::

http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Southern-Illinois-man-charged-with-killing-niece-4804328.php

Southern Illinois man charged with killing niece 
Updated 12:31 pm, Wednesday, September 11, 2013

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (AP) — A southern Illinois man is jailed on $5 million bond after being accused of stabbing his 7-year-old niece to death.

Effingham County prosecutors charged 22-year-old Justin DeRyke on Wednesday with three counts of first-degree murder. The criminal complaint alleges DeRyke stabbed Willow Long in the chest with a knife Sunday.
 ::snipping3::
Authorities have said Willow's mother was feeling ill and went back to bed Sunday morning, only to wake up a short time later and find her daughter missing.

A judge has given time for DeRyke to hire an attorney. DeRyke doesn't have a listed home telephone number.

Mom was at the bar the night Willow was murdered. Next day she was 'ill', more like hung over? And went back to bed.
Don't know about you all, but I always checked on my kids before going to bed, even after a night of drinking. And for sure the next morning.
Not saying she was at fault....Just sayin....
Wonder if there were signs through the years that this  murderer showed signs of violence before...

So sad...

Cookie

Not only did Ciara not check on her children after returning from a night out ... she did not check on them until approximately 10:00 AM. 

What was the really motivation behind the murder of of Willow?  What really happened in that house?

Janet

IMO, I'm really afraid we don't have the whole story yet... The more I read, the sicker it gets.

When did the grandparents actually leave Saturday night, and when did Willow's mom actually come home...have to wonder?  Willow's mom obviously lied to LE, and Willow's grandfather is making excuses for her murderer!  WTH was going on in that house??!!!

::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad::

Poor little Willow.   ::MonkeyTears::

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x789526962/-5-million-bond-set-for-Justin-DeRyke/?state=taberU

September 11, 2013
$5 million bond set for Justin DeRyke
Jackson Adams and Tony Huffman
Effingham Daily News

EFFINGHAM — Bond was set at $5 million for Justin DeRyke, the uncle accused of murdering 7-year-old Willow Long, in a probable cause hearing that revealed gruesome details surrounding her death.

In a packed courtroom, filled with family, volunteers and members of the press, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said interviews with DeRyke Sunday and Monday led to his arrest. He said interviews with the family revealed Ciara DeRyke, Long's mother, had left her home, at 104 Circle Drive in Watson where she lived with her parents, Dale and Debra DeRyke, as well as the defendant Justin DeRyke and her children, Long and 3-year-old son Nathaniel Graves. She went to a bar at about 7 p.m. Saturday, leaving Justin DeRyke to watch Graves and Long. She would not return home from the bar until after midnight.

In interviews with Illinois State Police investigators Monday, Justin DeRyke said he had been in his bedroom playing video games for much of the night before leaving his room to go into the bathroom to masturbate and watch pornographic films. Upon leaving the bathroom, Long grabbed his arm to bring him downstairs to watch television and scratched DeRyke's arm, drawing blood.

DeRyke said he was angry at seeing blood and chased Long. She fled the house and ran to a brush pile. She fell into the pile and was impaled through the neck with a branch. DeRyke said Long was twitching and he "believed he had to put her out of her misery." DeRyke then said he took a knife from his bedroom, knelt beside Willow, slashed her throat and stabbed her multiple times, aiming for the heart, before wrapping her body in garbage bags, sealing them with duct tape and putting the body into a 1997 White Pontiac Montana minivan. He then dropped the body in a body of water south of Watson.

Ciara DeRyke had previously told police she had made Willow and Graves breakfast on Sunday before going to bed again. She had woken up and called law enforcement to report that Long had gone missing at 10:46 a.m. and Long's glasses were still in the house when she left, which was unusual because Long was extremely near-sighted.

The search by volunteers and law enforcement then began throughout the Watson area, mostly focused on the areas north of Watson. During the search, Justin DeRyke went to his job at a restaurant in Effingham instead of aiding in the search.

Kibler said the body was found by volunteers at around 7:30 p.m. Monday and a small hole in the bag revealed an elbow, with the size of the bags indicating the remains inside might be those of a child. The bags were not opened at the scene and were instead sent to St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital for an autopsy.

The autopsy conducted Tuesday identified the body as Willow Long's and revealed multiple cuts, including a slash across her throat, two stab wounds across her collarbone, one which severed her subclavical vein and was the probable cause of death,  and multiple cuts across her arms, indicating that there may have been a struggle. The death was ruled a homicide, most likely as the result of wounds inflicted by a knife or knives. There were no notes in Kibler's statements or in the documents he gave to press indicating evidence that Long's neck had been impaled as Justin DeRyke had said in the interview with authorities.

With the evidence available, Judge Sherri L.T. Tungate ruled probable cause for three counts of first degree murder had been established and set DeRyke's bond at $5 million with the stipulation that he not return to the family's home in Watson, have contact with Ciara DeRyke or Nathaniel Graves and would not have contact with anyone under the age of 18. The sentencing for those charges range from 20 to 100 years in prison or possible life imprisonment.

 ::snipping3::

- See more at: http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x789526962/-5-million-bond-set-for-Justin-DeRyke/?state=taberU#sthash.Mc6HixyI.dpuf

wow who is covering for who, willow seen sun. morn, JD says he
killed willow sat. nite, me thinks a couple of stoned people got
the stories mixed up,and that bs, put willow out of her misery
JMO

JD isnt mentally disabled is he

COURT
2013CF174  DERYKE, JUSTIN D
http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL025015J&ocl=IL025015J,2013CF174,IL025015JL2013CF174D1

search
http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_search.jsp?court=IL025015J

No idea, cw618.

   
(http://shelbycountynews.net/clients/shelbycountynews/9-11-2013-5-25-49-PM-5380151.JPG)
   
 
Willow Long's uncle charged with three counts of first degree murder
Wed, Sep 11, 2013

<snipped>

The following is the probable cause statement filed Wednesday by State’s Attorney Kibler.

“If called to testify, Agents Timothy Brown, Kelly Hodge and Jeff Kline of the Illinois State Police would testify as follows:

"That the victim of this case, Willow Long, was seven-years old with a date of birth of December 23, 2005.

“That Willow Long lived at the residence located at 104 Circle Drive, Watson, Effmgham County, Illinois. Also, living in this residence were the five additional individuals: 1) Ciara DeRyke, who is the mother of Willow Long; 2) Nathaniel Graves, who is Willow's three-year old brother; 3) Dale DeRyke, who is Willow's maternal grandfather and the father of the Defendant; 4) Deborah DeRyke, who is Willow's maternal grandmother and the mother of the Defendant; and 5) Justin DeRyke, who is Willow's uncle and the brother of Willow's mother.

“That at approximately 10:46 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2013, Ciara DeRyke reported to Effingham County 911 that her seven-year old daughter, namely Willow Long, was missing from the residence at 104 Circle Dr., Watson, Illinois, 62473.

“That at the time Willow was reported missing, Willow's glasses were in her bedroom. This concerned her mother because Willow has very poor eyesight and Willow would seldom leave the house without her glasses.

“That Willow could not be found quickly, and several hundred of volunteer began to search the Watson area on Sunday afternoon. The Illinois State Police dispatched aerial assets (planes and helicopters) that utilized infrared radar technology and visual spotters. Law enforcement agencies and fire departments from all over the region assisted in the search.

“However, on that Sunday, instead of assisting others with the search for his niece, the Defendant, Justin DeRyke, who worked at a restaurant establishment in nearby Effingham, left the residence and traveled to his job one hour early on Sunday, September 8th. While others from the community went to assist in the search, the Defendant went to his job.

“That, on Sunday the 8th, initial interviews were conducted of Willow's immediate family members. From these interviews, the following pertinent facts were discovered

“-First, it was determined that the maternal grandparents, namely Dale DeRyke and Deborah DeRyke, are over-the-road truck drivers and they left the residence in Watson sometime on the evening of Saturday, September 7, 2013, to haul a load outside of the State of Illinois.

“-Second, after the grandparents left the residence, it has been determined that Ciara DeRyke left the residence in Watson to go to a local bar/restaurant in the City of Effingham. Ciara left the residence sometime between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. that evening, and she did not return to the residence until after midnight on the morning of Sunday, September 8, 2013.

“-Third, while Ciara DeRyke was at the restaurant/bar in Effingham, Willow Long remained in the home at 104 Circle Drive in Watson. Also, at the residence with Willow in Watson were Willow's three-year old brother and Willow's uncle, the Defendant.

-“That on the-evening of Monday, September 9, 2013, the Defendant was re-interviewed starting at 11:09 p.m. at Illinois State Police District 12 Headquarters in Effingham. The re-interview of the Defendant was conducted by Special Agent Timothy Brown and Special Agent Jeff Kline, both of the Illinois State Police.

“During this re-interview, Defendant gave the following statements regarding the disappearance of Willow Long:
-That the Defendant stated he was at the residence on the evening of Saturday, September 7, 2013.

"-That Ciara DeRyke left the residence to go to a restaurant/bar in Effingham that same evening. As a result, Justin was at the residence Saturday night with Willow Long and Willow's three-year old brother.

"-That according to the Defendant, he spent the majority of the evening in his bedroom playing video games with online friends. Then, around 10:30 p.m., the Defendant left his bedroom to use the bathroom in the residence in order to masturbate to a pornographic video.

"-That according to the Defendant, he was in the bathroom for approximately 30-minutes. After leaving the bathroom, Defendant started to walk back to his bedroom. However, as Defendant was walking back to his bedroom, Willow Long came up behind the Defendant and tugged on the Defendant's right forearm, in an attempt to ask Defendant to watch television with her.

"-That according to the Defendant, when Willow Long tugged at Defendant's right forearm, Willow scratched the skin on Justin's right forearm. This scratch caused the forearm to bleed.

"-That, according to Defendant, he became angry at the sight of blood coming from his forearm.

"-That the Defendant then started to yell at Willow Long. Subsequently, Willow Long ran out of the front door of the residence toward a brush pile where the DeRyke family dumps the cat litter. Justin then chased after Willow.

"-That according to the Defendant, while running away from Justin toward the brush pile, Willow Long tripped and fell into the brush pile causing a stick to be impaled into Willow's neck.

"-While the stick was impaled in Willow's neck, Willow began to twitch while lying on the ground, according to the Defendant.

"-According to the Defendant, he believed he had to end her suffering. As a result, Defendant re-entered the residence and grabbed a knife from his bedroom.

"-That, after grabbing a knife, Defendant went back to the brush pile where Willow was laying. Defendant then knelt down near Willow.

"-That Defendant then took this knife and slit Willow's throat. Then, he attempted to stab Willow in the heart approximately five-times.

"-That, after he stabbed Willow Long, Defendant wrapped Willow's body into several plastic bags and secured the bags with duct tape. Afterward, according to the Defendant, he placed the bags with Willow's body into a 1997 White Pontiac Montana Mini-Van. Then, according to Defendant, he disposed of the body in a rural location south of the village of Watson.

"-That Justin DeRyke disposed of Willow Long's body in a body of water south of Watson that same evening. Moreover, Justin DeRyke stated he transported Willow Long's body in a 1997 White Pontiac Montana Van. That this area where he disposed of the body is in a rural, remote location.

"-That at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 9, 2013, persons searching for Willow Long found a heavy plastic wrapping (or possibly a plastic bag) partially submerged in water. The searchers had difficulty moving the bag due to its weight. Further, the bag (or bags) were held together with duct tape.

“The searchers then called law enforcement for assistance. Upon arriving after 8:00 p.m., crime scene technicians noticed a small hole in the plastic bag. Because of this hole, officers were able to recognize an elbow of a Caucasion subject. Also, from an examination of the outside of the bag, crime scene technicians deteimined that the bag contained a small human body, which was most likely the body of a child.

“However, the bag was not opened at the scene. Rather, the bag was placed into a larger body bag to await autopsy.

“On Tuesday, September 10, 2013, an autopsy was conducted at St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital in Effingham. Preliminary results of this autopsy are as follows:

"-This autopsy concluded that the human body contained within the plastic as that of Willow Long.

"-Also, the autopsy reveled that Willow Long's throat had been slashed. Additionally, a 3 to 4-inch laceration was found on the child's collarbone. An additional smaller stab wound to the collarbone area severed the child's sub-clavicle vein, which was fatal. Cuts were also found on Willow Long's hands, which were consistent with being defensive wounds.

"-The preliminary autopsy determination is that this death was a homicide (most likely as the result of a wound or wounds inflicted by a knife or knives).

“All of these events occurred in Effingham County, Illinois,” concludes the probable cause statement.

Kibler stressed that DeRyke is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law

http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-charged-with-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder-p24765-1.htm

Thanks, Janet.  I very informative article. 

The beginning paragraphs of the article above...

http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-charged-with-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder-p24765-1.htm

Willow Long's uncle charged with three counts of first degree murder
Date:  Wed, Sep 11, 2013

Cuts on her hands which were consistent with being defensive wounds and thus noted during an autopsy indicate red-haired seven-year-old Willow Long tried to defend herself as her assailant used a knife to slit her throat and stab her in the heart several times.

That information was provided in a multi-page probable cause statement filed in Effingham County Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon by Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan M. Kibler during an initial court hearing for Willow’s maternal uncle, 22-year-old Justin DeRyke.

DeRyke has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the death of his niece, and if convicted, penalties could range from a minimum of 40 years in prison to a maximum of natural life spent in prison.

DeRyke was arrested at about 5:55 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, following a massive search involving hundreds of private citizen volunteers, firemen, law enforcement officials, airplanes and helicopters in the Watson, IL., area located about eight miles southwest of Effingham.

Wearing handcuffs and leg shackles, an unemotional DeRyke entered the packed Effingham County courtroom Wednesday wearing a faded white-and-orange jail suit.

DeRyke was not represented by legal council Wednesday, although he indicated that he plans to seek private legal council and is scheduled to appear next in court for a preliminary hearing on Sept. 19.

DeRyke remains incarcerated in the Effingham County detention center. He is being held under a $5 million bond, and must post $500,000 to be released from custody. In the event he posts bail, he was ordered by Judge Sherri L.E. Tungate to not be present at 104 Circle Drive in Watson (the residence where he and others lived with Willow) nor to have any contact of any kind with anyone of minor age.

Willow was reported missing early Sunday by her mother, Ciara DeRyke, 25, and a subsequent search effort developed involving hundreds of people before her body was found in an area south of Watson at approximately 7:30 p.m. Monday.
 ::snipping3::

No idea if this is a reputable site or not, wondering if this is true?

It just seems to me that if the story that Willow's uncle is telling is true, some evidence would have been found in the yard.  jmo

 ::MonkeyShocked:: ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.disclosurenewsonline.com/2013/09/11/third-crime-scene-reported-being-worked-in-willow-death-case/

https://www.facebook.com/DisclosureNews/posts/10151716927164915

Disclosure News Magazine Monthly
about an hour ago

THIRD CRIME SCENE REPORTED BEING WORKED IN WILLOW DEATH CASE

EFFINGHAM CO.---Officials were at what's been confirmed to be a third crime scene today, associated with the murder of Willow Long, in Watson, Illinois.

Our assignment reporter, on the way to the hearing for the man charged with Willow's murder, Justin DeRyke in Effingham, was in Watson at about 11:30 today (Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2013) when she decided to go talk to people in Watson that she knew, in order to get some background for the upcoming print version we'll be doing in just three weeks.

She was surprised to find, when she arrived, authorities working an area about a block and a half away from the home Willow, age 7, shared with the rest of her family.

The address appeared to be 305 Route 37, and authorities were working in the back of a two-story, older house that appeared uninhabited. There was an abandoned-looking old pop-up camper located on the back of the premises. The authorities, most of them in plainclothes, and all of them wearing blue gloves, were knelt down at times, and taking photos of something on the ground.

Because of an encounter between our reporter and one of those working the scene (NOT a local guy, we later learned), we had made several calls trying to learn exactly who was in charge of the investigation. We were advised by Effingham County Deputy Phil Hardiek that it was a multi-agency effort, involving the county, state police and at times early on in the matter, federal agents (FBI). When we asked him about the third crime scene, he said he could not elaborate, but confirmed that those working that location today were indeed working what's being considered a third crime scene.

The same was attributed to Coroner Duane Guffey, who returned our call this afternoon and, while he also said he could not elaborate, made reference to the third crime scene.

Disclosure asked Guffey two questions: Whether there was any indication of sexual assault on Willow, and whether there had yet been determined a time of death. The answer to the first question was that he couldn't comment on it at this time, and the second, that's something that they're working to establish through various means, and would be forthcoming.

While our reporter was there in Watson today, she saw Willow's mother, Ciara DeRyke, sitting at a location (a neighbor's house), fiddling with her hair and laughing.

We've had eyewitness reports, submitted by people in Effingham, who observed Ciara at Effingham's Walmart yesterday (Sept. 10). She was in the store, According to the first eyewitness, with another female and two males.

"All of them were pretty chipper with smiles and I watched them all walk into the hotel across the street," the eyewitness told us. "It was around 1:30-ish yesterday, I'm not sure who the people were, one was an older lady probably in 50s and two guys…one she called by name of Alex but not sure which guy…they were not in a vehicle but I watched them walk across the street into the hotel.

"I tried to follow them around the store without being noticeable. Couldn't really hear conversations but I did hear exchanges of laugh and some smiles…it really rubbed me the worn way! As a mom, I just can't imagine losing my child and going to Walmart let alone have a smile. They didn't have a shopping cart and the mom was carrying a white box but couldn't tell what it was…they walked around for a bit it was almost as if they wanted someone to notice them or wanted attention."

This behavior seems to be typical of Willow's mother in the entire ordeal, as many who observed her during the hours of the search for Willow said she was doing much the same: smiling, laughing, and acting relatively silly for a person in her mid-20s…especially one whose daughter had been missing since sunday morning (this is Ciara's version of events, please bear in mind.)

Our reporter today at the hearing didn't advise that she saw Ciara at the courthouse, but the place was packed, she said, so she could have overlooked her.

 ::snipping3::

Hi all
This tragedy took place in the area where one of my friends lives. She said that this house is a known meth house & these people are pretty much white trash. Mom not upset or crying AT ALL accirding to people who helped search. Mom also changed her story multiple times. From the story this scumbag told it sounds like he was trying to cover all aspects of evidence he knew they would find. The masturbation part seems like a way to explain any semen found, the scratched arm a way to explain the scratches she must have caused in fighting for her life & the impaled object through the neck to explain the throat wound. All jmo. Siunds too like this cretin could have been messed up on meth considering the reputation of meth & the house. Poor baby, may she rest in peace. I hope her mother lives with guilt for the rest of her life as it sounds like she & the grandpa were trying to cover for this pos.

I could be wrong but I suspect nobody is covering for anybody.

Considering Ciara has not been detained ... I suspect that Willow's mother did not not check on the children when she returned from the tavern.  She went straight to bed and then slept in to approximately 10:30 AM on Sunday morning when she discovered her daughter missing.  Probably hung over.  Not wanting to be perceived as a negligent mother Ciara  lied to authorities about seeing her children around 8:00 AM.  Not realizing that Willow was murdered prior to her returning home from her night out ... Ciara ASSUMED that her daughter had left the home on Sunday morning while she slept.

Justin?  I don't believe his story regarding what motivated the attack on his niece.  Could it be that the murder had everything to do with silencing Willow in regards to a sexual assault ... a sexual assault that Jessica attempted to escape by running out of the house.  Think about it.  The Probable Cause Statement reveals that Jason admitted to watching porn and Willow's glasses were found in her bedroom.

Somehow ... I think the entire Jessica Long story has yet to be told.

Janet

 ::HelloKitty::

Hi kcrn

Janet

Hi janet!
Missed all u guys & all your insight on these cases. When will innocent children stop being discarded like trash?!? It breaks my heart.

I agree.  It makes me sad but it also makes me sooo angry.  Some parent do not have a clue regarding the treasures they have been blessed with.

Janet

http://youtu.be/7JOojWrOZts

Press Conference Regarding the Murder of Willow Long

Published on Sep 11, 2013

Thanks kcrn, I've been reading much of the same about the mom; and some of your thoughts have crossed my mind too. 

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

https://plus.google.com/100374980361031028662/posts

Justin DeRyke
Works at Starbucks Attended DeVry University Lives in Saint Paul, MN

Profile picture:

(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WNOIu6VKsvk/AAAAAAAAAAI/AAAAAAAAADY/JKRL97x6X7Y/photo.jpg)

Justin DeRyke
Shared publicly  -  Aug 19, 2013
 #Hiking
 
In the woods hiking.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qg_5lJY9mao/UhJ86PXsZwI/AAAAAAAAAKU/pyz-7nvJ0cs/w426-h757/photo.jpg)

https://plus.google.com/photos/100374980361031028662/albums/profile

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https://plus.google.com/100374980361031028662/about

Justin DeRyke

Tagline
Standing strong among others.

Introduction
     My name is Justin, people call me Rain though. I am not religious. I am standing about 6'6", weighing in around 182lbs, and I have a calm personality. I've been working hard at my life, and though things sometimes come crashing down I recover from them, stronger than before. I love to write, writing helps release a lot of built up tensions. I go to DeVry University in St. Louis, MO studying Business Operations Management. From there I have plenty of ideas for cash cow businesses, and then my true intentions will be possible. I am enlisted within the U.S. Navy waiting for Basic.

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I don't believe bragging should be available to anybody. Someone out there will always obtain something better.

Education
DeVry University
Business Operations Manager, 2012 - 2013
National American University
Business Management, 2013 - present

Basic Information
Gender   Male
Looking for   Friends, Networking
Relationship    In a relationship
Other names   Heaven, Rain, Sunshine, JD
Work
Occupation
Bussiness Operations Manager
Employment
Starbucks
Brista, present
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Map of the places this user has lived
Currently
Saint Paul, MN
Previously
Effingham, IL - Belleville, IL - Watson, IL - Tucumcari, New Mexico - Indianapolis, IN - Kalamazoo, MI

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Other profiles

http://www.youtube.com/user/defyheaven

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=330986500380214&set=pb.330985170380347.-2207520000.1378961221.&type=3&permPage=1

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=330986500380214&set=pb.330985170380347.-2207520000.1378961221.&type=3&permPage=1

Google map from where Willow lived to the "third crime scene" location mentioned above.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&layer=c&z=17&iwloc=A&sll=39.024071,-88.572076&cbp=13,169.2,0,0,0&cbll=39.024112,-88.572086&q=305+Route+37+watson,+illinois&ei=SkgxUrexK4fu2AWF5YCIDA&ved=0CDIQxB0wAA

104 Circle Drive, Watson, IL
305 Route 37 Watson, Illinois

Suggested routes
0.4 mi, 2 mins
East St
Or Walk 7 mins

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1253343699/Community-gathers-to-honor-Willow-Long

September 11, 2013
Community gathers to honor Willow Long
Candlelight Vigil 

(http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x72685518/g0a0000000000000000477090630c4da6fe2e951c110f80e6cd0accb02b.jpg)
Thomas Long, father of Willow Long, holds a candle with mourners during a moment of silence at the Watson Civic Center Wednesday evening during a candlelight vigil held for his late daughter. Chet Piotrowski photo

WATSON — A sea of lit candles were raised around a single, newly planted weeping willow tree Wednesday evening by the many who mourn 7-year-old Willow Long.

"I consider the weeping willow an expression of the sadness Watson is feeling," said Rhonda Goeckner, a Watson woman who donated and planted the tree outside Watson Civic Center with her husband, Nick, as a reminder to the community of what they've lost.

Hundreds of people gathered, from the community who knew her to those who didn't but searched long hours for her safe return. They lit candles and offered memories of a girl always happy, always cheerful, and always willing to show the people she loved that she cared.
 ::snipping3::
The support of hundreds is the only thing keeping Thomas Long, Willow's father, going. After arriving from Texas on Tuesday before the body was found, Long said he has found a constant source of support from a community who has come together.

"Obviously, I'm hurting and grieving, but I'm so overwhelmed by this community and they've kept me in one piece," he said. "I wouldn't be standing here right now, being able to talk to you, if there weren't all of these people there for her."
 ::snipping3::
Long said he's glad to see the community support a girl who meant the world to him and meant so much to so many others.

"I love her and everyone is with her, and I'm so happy that she's looking down on us now," he said. "I'm so sorry that this happened to her, but I know that she's safe and I know that she's doing great now."

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Hundreds-join-together-in-Watson-to-mourn-loss-of-Willow-Long-223398381.html

Hundreds join together in Watson to mourn loss of Willow Long
Posted on September 11, 2013 at 9:55 PM

 ::snipping3::
4 to 500 gathered at the Watson Civic Center to remember long. Friends, relatives and residents who didn’t even know her showed up wearing purple to honor her. Friends talked about how nice she was and her father addressed the crowd.

"I just want you all to know that I love every last one of you, you all mean the world to me and I know Willow is looking down on us so proud right now, she is so happy that we have all done this for her," said Tommy Long at the memorial service for his daughter, Willow.

Memorial funds have been set up to help pay travel expenses for relatives of Willow who are coming from out of town to attend her funeral. Also the funds will help to buy books for her school.

A willow tree has been purchased and will be planted in the middle of town so that the town of Watson will never forget Willow Long.

Texasmom, I think that this shows the 2-minute drive/7-minute walk from Willow"s home to the "third crime scene" location.

https://www.google.com/#q=from%3A%20104%20Circle%20Drive%2C%20Watson%2C%20IL%20to%3A%20305%20Route%2037%20Watson%2C%20Illinois

From (A) 104 Circle Drive, Watson, IL
To (B) 305 Route 37 Watson, Illinois

(https://www.google.com/maps/vt/data=VLHX1wd2Cgu8wR6jwyh-km8JBWAkEzU4,JwpBvlIZwuelw1n6hsr60fMutsolCtb4bXWrkny9QA7BG0x4RjnY9R_TYRKD3EhkBGqvZ8MeYaw9m0cuOM1Ombn7yEY7oKpqs9vxCn86_R8x4yTrwmkt5eGa11BZJsgVEwuuHfaJ7zDEsaDx8eisBwfMcv1_dsAdJPqvJIqSpw_Svq-osVMCpL_VSxLy37OlguX0Uc25sAFaEUwWF1uR&h=256&w=256)

I believe that willow was asleep in her bedroom, why her glasses were there. Pervert got overly stimulated from the porn he was watching and raped the litte girl. He killed her to keep her quiet. Plain and simple.
I bet more will come out about this creep.

The home was not taped off and considered a crime scene until after the discovery of Willow's body.  Why?  It makes sense that the stabbing described in The Probably Cause Statement would have revealed evidence of a crime.  In other words ... the third crime scene makes sense.

Janet

++++++

Willow Long's uncle charged with three counts of first degree murder
Wed, Sep 11, 2013

The following is the probable cause statement filed Wednesday by State’s Attorney Kibler.

“If called to testify, Agents Timothy Brown, Kelly Hodge and Jeff Kline of the Illinois State Police would testify as follows:

<snipped>

"-That Defendant then took this knife and slit Willow's throat. Then, he attempted to stab Willow in the heart approximately five-times.

"-That, after he stabbed Willow Long, Defendant wrapped Willow's body into several plastic bags and secured the bags with duct tape. Afterward, according to the Defendant, he placed the bags with Willow's body into a 1997 White Pontiac Montana Mini-Van. Then, according to Defendant, he disposed of the body in a rural location south of the village of Watson.

<snipped>

http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-charged-with-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder-p24765-1.htm

cookie ... we are on the same page.

Janet

Was this possible third crime scene part of the search effort?

When Willow's glasses are considered and when it is considered that the home was not considered a crime scene until the morning following the discovery of the little girl's body ... could it be that Justin lifted his sleeping niece from her bed and took her to nearby property? 

Janet

++++++

Authorities Seen Working in Area Near Willow's Home
Published on September 12 2013 10:05 am

Investigators working on the murder of Willow Long were at a property near Willow's home on the south end of Watson Wednesday.

Illinois State Police Zone 7 Investigations Lieutenant Kelly Hodge today said the investigation is ongoing.  Hodge said investigators are following leads and collecting evidence.

While the investigation continues, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said Wednesday he feels there was no one else involved in Willow's death and that there is no reason for the public to be concerned for their safety

<snipped>

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7519-authorities-seen-working-in-area-near-willow-s-home


Willow Long's uncle charged with three counts of first degree murder
Wed, Sep 11, 2013

The following is the probable cause statement filed Wednesday by State’s Attorney Kibler.

<snipped>

“That at approximately 10:46 a.m. on Sunday, September 8, 2013, Ciara DeRyke reported to Effingham County 911 that her seven-year old daughter, namely Willow Long, was missing from the residence at 104 Circle Dr., Watson, Illinois, 62473.

“That at the time Willow was reported missing, Willow's glasses were in her bedroom. This concerned her mother because Willow has very poor eyesight and Willow would seldom leave the house without her glasses.

<snipped>

http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-charged-with-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder-p24765-1.htm
   

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397537/3/Brother-of-Willow-Long-taken-into-DCFS-custody

Willow Long's brother taken into protective custody
12:40 PM, Sep 12, 2013

WATSON, Ill. (AP) - Illinois state child-welfare officials have taken a southern Illinois boy into protective custody after authorities say his 7-year-old sister was stabbed to death by a live-in uncle.

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services spokesman Dave Clarkin says that before Willow Long was killed last weekend, the agency had no involvement with the Effingham County family. The boy is 3.
 ::snipping3::

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/12/suspect-in-willow-long-murder-headed-to-grand-jury-on-wednesday/

Willow Long murder case to go to grand jury next week
Posted on: 12:14 pm, September 12, 2013, by Joe Millitzer, updated on: 12:26pm, September 12, 2013

 ::snipping3::
An autopsy showed willow also had defensive wounds on her hands, which don`t coincide with DeRyke’s story. The case goes to the grand jury next Wednesday.

probably good that the little boy was taken into protective custody..poor little tyke..

Justin has confessed to killing his little niece but the happenings encompassing the killing that he claims in The Probable  Cause Statement filed by the State's attorney do not reflect the truth.  Could his story be an attempt to distance himself from premeditation.  Autopsy revelations imply that Willow fought off the attack of her uncle ... the attack that ended her short life.  What horrific happenings occurred on Saturday evening following Ciara's departure?

Janet

+++++++


Interview with DeRyke reveals details in Willow Long’s death
Posted on: 3:17 pm, September 11, 2013

EFFINGHAM, IL (KTVI) – The gruesome details of the murder of a 7-year-old Watson, Illinois girl came to light in an Effingham court room. The state’s attorney said the girl’s own uncle informed police he killed Willow Long to put her out of her misery.

Justin DeRyke has been  charged with three counts of 1st degree murder for the death of Willow Long. Now, the Effingam County States Attorney has released a probable cause statement in the case. A timeline of events surrounding the death of Willow Long has come to light according to interviews by police with the suspect and immediate family of the victim.
The details of this story are extremely graphic.  Please proceed reading with caution.

State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler said, “It’s with much sadness that we’re here today.”  And he began detailing the case.

Murder suspect Justin DeRyke admits to killing Willow Long in an interview with police.  He said it was to end her suffering after Willow impaled herself on a stick.  He said she tripped after a chase.  But, details like defensive wounds and watching porn are suspicious.  Right now, authorities have only released the interviews and murder charges.

Dale and Deborah DeRyke live with their son Justin DeRyke, daughter Ciarra DeRyke and her children Willow Long and Nathanial Graves at a home in Watson, IL.

Grandparents Dale and Deborah DeRyke are truck drivers.  They were on the road on the evening of September 7th to haul a load out of state.  The children’s mother went to a bar that evening at around 8pm and left her two children in the care of their uncle, Justin DeRyke.

Illinois State police re-interviewed Justin DeRyke on Monday.  He said he spent most of the evening playing video games with friends online.  At 10:30pm he went to the bathroom to watch a pornographic video for a half hour.  Justin was walking back to his bedroom from the bathroom when Willow tugged on his forearm and asked him to watch television with her.

According to Justin DeRyke the tug that Willow gave him scratched his skin, it started to bleed.  He became angry at the sight of blood and started to yell at the 7-year-old.  He said that she ran out of the home towards a brush pile.  She tripped and got a stick impaled in her neck.  He said she then began to twitch on the ground.

Justin DeRyke then said he had to end her suffering.  He said he went into his bedroom, grabbed a knife and went to where Willow was laying.   DeRyke said he slit the girl’s throat and stabbed her in the heart about five times.
He then wrapped Willow’s body into several plastic bags and sealed them with duct tape.  He took her body to a rural location south of Watson.  That is where searchers found it.

Kibler said, “This is a very sad for each and everyone one of us maybe the most heartbreaking event ever to happen in this county’s history.”

People who joined the search for Willow came to the courthouse to learn what happened, and they were shocked by what they heard.  Gina Wiesike said, “I thought it was disgusting I was crying I almost lost it.”

An autopsy was performed on Willow Long’s body at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, IL. It revealed that the body’s throat had been slashed, and there was a stab wound around the child’s neck. In addition, she had defensive wounds on her hands which don’t coincide with Justin’s story. And there’s no mention of her being stabbed by a branch.

The preliminary autopsy determination is that the death was a homicide inflicted by a knife.

<snipped>

Kibler added, “We can confidently state there is no one else who’s a person of interest and the community is safe.”

It was also revealed instead of joining the search for his niece, Justin went to work an hour early.

There are still many questions according to several news reports Willow’s mom supposedly saw her Sunday morning and went back to bed, but Willow was killed Saturday night. Authorities did not clear up that discrepancy.

Also,it’s not clear if a rape test was done during the autopsy news.

Justin DeRyke’s case goes to the grand jury Wednesday.  He’s due back in court the next day.

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/11/new-details-emerge-in-death-of-willow-long/


PROBABLE CAUSE STATEMENT
http://shelbycountynews.net/willow-longs-uncle-charged-with-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder-p24765-1.htm

(http://www.ksdk.com/images/640/360/2/assetpool/images/130912024802_willow-long.jpg)

 ::rhino::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/obits/7516-willow-marie-long-7-of-watson
Willow Marie Long (7) of Watson

Published on September 12 2013 9:20 am   
Willow Marie Long, 7, of Watson has died.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham.

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7526-willow-long-s-3-year-old-brother-in-protective-custody
Willow Long's 3-Year-Old Brother in Protective Custody
Published on September 12 2013 1:14 pm   
Written by Wayne Moran   

After the murder of his sister over the weekend, DCFS has taken the 3-year-old brother of Willow Long into protective custody.

Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services tell us that a formal proceeding determining the child's long-term placement is forthcoming, but didn't provide any further information. The family had not been visited or contacted by DCFS prior to this case.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7519-authorities-seen-working-in-area-near-willow-s-home
Authorities Seen Working in Area Near Willow's Home
September 12, 2013

Investigators working on the murder of Willow Long were at a property near Willow's home on the south end of Watson Wednesday.

Illinois State Police Zone 7 Investigations Lieutenant Kelly Hodge today said the investigation is ongoing.  Hodge said investigators are following leads and collecting evidence.

While the investigation continues, Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said Wednesday he feels there was no one else involved in Willow's death and that there is no reason for the public to be concerned for their safety.

Effingham County Chief Deputy Sheriff John Niccum today said State Police are heading the ongoing investigation and said Sheriff's Department Investigator Bill Arnold is assisting the State in the investigation.
 ::snipping3::

Interview with DeRyke reveals details in Willow Long’s death
Posted on: 3:17 pm, September 11, 2013

Justin DeRyke has been  charged with three counts of 1st degree murder for the death of Willow Long. Now, the Effingam County States Attorney has released a probable cause statement in the case.  A timeline of events surrounding the death of Willow Long has come to light according to interviews by police with the suspect and immediate family of the victim.

<snipped>


http://fox2now.com/2013/09/11/new-details-emerge-in-death-of-willow-long/


Probable Cause Statement

Page 1
http://localtvktvi.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/00004352_page_1.jpg?w=660&h=817

Page 2
http://localtvktvi.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/page_2.jpg?w=660&h=814

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http://localtvktvi.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/page_4.jpg?w=660&h=819

 ::MonkeyShocked::

Willow Long’s brother in protective custody; mother & uncle under investigation
Posted on: 1:36 pm, September 12, 2013

WATSON, IL (KTVI) – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services took 7-year-old Willow Long’s 3-year-old brother into custody on Sept 10th.  Both the mother Ciarra DeRyke and uncle Justin DeRyke are under investigation by the department. A report to DCFS regarding the child was called in on Sunday Sept, 8th. The children lived in a home in Watson, IL with their mother, uncle and grandparents.

<snipped>

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/12/willow-longs-brother-in-protective-custody-mother-uncle-under-investigation/

What changed?

Janet

++++++

Interview with DeRyke reveals details in Willow Long’s death
Posted on: 3:17 pm, September 11, 2013

EFFINGHAM, IL (KTVI) – The gruesome details of the murder of a 7-year-old Watson, Illinois girl came to light in an Effingham court room. The state’s attorney said the girl’s own uncle informed police he killed Willow Long to put her out of her misery. ...

State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler said, “It’s with much sadness that we’re here today.”  And he began detailing the case.

<snipped>

Kibler added, “We can confidently state there is no one else who’s a person of interest and the community is safe.”

http://fox2now.com/2013/09/11/new-details-emerge-in-death-of-willow-long/

Police say "no third crime scene"
09/12/2013 13:28 PM

WATSON -- Authorities say rumors of a third crime scene in relation to the murder of Willow Long are untrue. Illinois State Police received numerous calls regarding blood at a site in the 300-block of Route 37.

It was determined a volunteer involved in the weekend search for the little girl was cut on a piece of glass in the area. Officials say any blood at that location is that of the volunteer.

http://www.illinoishomepage.net/story/police-say-no-third-crime-scene/d/story/IVgSRWxHnUW4uqfmf5Yy5w

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/f050d7fef3bd4e0db94e22615329c7b9/IL--Girl-Killed-Uncle-Charged
Brother of slain Illinois girl in state custody
September 12, 2013  4:21 pm EDT

ST. LOUIS — Child-welfare officials have taken a southern Illinois boy into protective custody after authorities say his 7-year-old sister was stabbed to death by a live-in uncle, a spokesman for the state agency said Thursday.

Illinois Department of Children & Family Services spokesman Dave Clarkin said that before Willow Long was killed last weekend, the agency had no involvement with the family from Watson, an Effingham County village about 100 miles northeast of St. Louis. The boy is 3, and Clarkin did not specify his whereabouts.

Justin DeRyke, 22, was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder. A prosecutor said DeRyke insisted to investigators he killed his niece late Saturday or early Sunday to "put her out of her misery" after he says she fell onto a brush pile and pierced her neck with a stick near the family's home.

DeRyke is jailed on $5 million bond and does not yet have an attorney. He's set to appear again in court next Thursday.
 ::snipping3::
Kibler said an autopsy showed Willow sustained numerous knife wounds, including a slash across her throat and a fatal stab wound that severed a vein. He said cuts on her hands suggested there had been a struggle. The probable-cause statement recited in court made no mention of any autopsy findings of a possible neck wound caused by a stick.

During a news conference after DeRyke's court appearance Wednesday, Kibler sidestepped discussing claims by Willow's mother that she last saw her daughter alive watching television Sunday morning and that she fell asleep and woke up to discover the girl was gone. That version appears to contradict DeRyke's account that the girl already was dead when the mother claimed to have seen her.

Kibler said the investigation was ongoing and that "there will be a lot more details that will come out."

Services for Willow will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church in Effingham, Illinois, followed by family-only burial services. Visitation has been scheduled for 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at Effingham High School.

http://www.bauerfh.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=2233437&fh_id=13010


Funeral services for Willow Marie Long, 7 of Watson, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 16, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Effingham. Private burial services will be held for the family only. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday evening at the Hearts Rock Café in the Effingham High School. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any local organization who participated in the search for Willow.

Bauer Funeral Home
302 East Main Street, Teutopolis, IL
(217) 857-3800

September 12, 2013 Tweets
https://twitter.com/979Xfm (https://twitter.com/979Xfm)

979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 1h
Funeral services for Willow Long have been set, with public visitation at Effingham High School. Details: http://goo.gl/ZQd2or

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 3h
UPDATE: Willow Long's 3-year old brother is in protective custody. Story: http://goo.gl/kPLuHH

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 6h
UPDATE: Police working another location in ongoing investigation into the murder of Willow Long. Story: http://goo.gl/G95KlZ

 979 Xfm ‏@979Xfm 6h
Watson Fire Department issues statement thanking those who helped in the search for Willow Long. Story: http://goo.gl/fz3q6a

http://effinghamdailynews.com/deathnotices/x335466834/Willow-Long-Watson

Death Notices

September 12, 2013
Willow Long
Effingham Daily News

WATSON —

Funeral services for Willow Marie Long, 7, of Watson, will be at 11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church, Effingham. Private burial services will be for the family only. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Hearts Rock Cafe at Effingham High School. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to any local organization who participated in the search for Willow. Bauer Funeral Home, Effingham, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.bauerfh.com.
Willow was born Dec. 13, 2005, in Effingham, the daughter of Thomas Long and Ciara DeRyke. She attended Southside Grade School in Effingham, where she had just begun her second grade year.
Willow is survived by her father, Tommy Long of Canton, Texas; mother, Ciara DeRyke of Watson; brother, Nathaniel Graves of Watson; grandparents, Dale and Debbie DeRyke of Watson, Kenneth and Catherine Long and Wanda Bamburg, all of Canton, Texas, Morris and Bobbie DeRyke of Schoolcraft, Mich.; great-grandparents, Wilma Sue Miller of Kalamazoo, Mich.; and great-great-grandmother, Gertrude Kerr of Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sign the guestbook at www.effinghamdailynews.com.
 

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Hundreds-join-together-in-Watson-to-mourn-loss-of-Willow-Long-223398381.html
Hundreds come together to mourn loss of 7-year-old Willow Long
Posted on September 11, 2013 at 9:55 PM
Updated today at 9:20 AM

(http://i.imgur.com/Ke8UMzj.jpg)

 ::snipping3::
Hundreds of residents in Watson gathered Wednesday night to suffer that heartbreak together and start the process of healing.
About 400 to 500 gathered at the Watson Civic Center to remember Long. Friends, relatives and residents who did not even know the girl showed up wearing purple to pay their respects. Friends talked about how nice she was and her father addressed the crowd.
"I just want you all to know that I love every last one of you, you all mean the world to me and I know Willow is looking down on us so proud right now, she is so happy that we have all done this for her," said Tommy Long at the memorial service for his daughter, Willow.
Memorial funds have been set up to help pay travel expenses for relatives of Willow who are coming from out of town to attend her funeral. Also the funds will help to buy books for her school.
A willow tree has been purchased and will be planted in the middle of town so that the town of Watson will never forget Long.

Video & slide show with 4 images at link.

I think the difference is DHS and LEO - while the uncle was the cause of the death, the mother should have known. I am sure that she will not keep custody of the little boy - now if they would sterilize her . . . .

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/13/article-2419594-1BC98DB2000005DC-526_634x422.jpg)

Protective custody?  Long-term placement?  Why?  Justin is no longer in the home.  Are there family dynamics that have not been revealed.  My 2 year old granddaughter would not stop crying if she was separated from her family for even one night.

Janet

++++++

Willow Long's 3-Year-Old Brother in Protective Custody
Published on September 12 2013 1:14 pm   

After the murder of his sister over the weekend, DCFS has taken the 3-year-old brother of Willow Long into protective custody.

Illinois' Department of Children and Family Services tell us that a formal proceeding determining the child's long-term placement is forthcoming, but didn't provide any further information. The family had not been visited or contacted by DCFS prior to this case.

<snipped>

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7526-willow-long-s-3-year-old-brother-in-protective-custody

Thanks theboyzmom

Did Justin have a history ... a history that would imply that Ciara should have known that her children were at risk when  she left them with her brother last Saturday evening.  Obviously ... the apprehension of Nathaniel implies I must have missed something regarding the dynamics within that household.

Janet

Janet, the grandfather spoke briefly about the family--stressful.

Video at the link

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_13072.shtml

Tuesday, September 10 2013, 07:22 PM CDT
Willow's Long's Grandfather Speaks About Family

 ::snipping3::
DeRyke also revealed he and his wife shared a home with Willow, along with Willow's brother, her mother, and her uncle--Justin DeRyke, the suspect in Willow's death.

Last night, Dale DeRyke described their home live as "stressful" because of those living conditions.

Of his son, Dale DeRyke said the 22-year-old worked, and was trying to advance his career.

Grace ... I did read the word of Ciara's father the other day.

I can appreciate that three generations under one roof can be stressful in the best of relationships but ... children are not apprehended ... placed outside the family long term.  Support is provided.

I have so many mixed emotions but ... I will trust CPS that it has been determined the little boy is at risk.  What a nightmare!

Thanks

Janet

I think that it is a safety precaution to take the little boy  out of the house at this time. If the home is considered safe, then he will b returned. Doesn't hi happen in most cases where a child is murdered in their home?
Where is the father of this child?
Was Willows father in her life while she was alive?

the probable cause statement,if you are having probs reading the small img,
you can right click each section and open in a new tab or window,click on it,
and it will increase in size for easier viewing

probable cause statement,bottom of pg
http://fox2now.com/2013/09/11/new-details-emerge-in-death-of-willow-long/

Cookie

Protective custody?  Long-term placement?  When I stop to think about it without emotion ... CPS would not separate a little boy from his Mom, Grandma and Grandpa if there were not reasons to believe he was at risk if he remained in the home.

Willow's father ... Tommy Long ... lives in Texas and he spoke at her vigil but I have not heard if there was a relationship.

Janet

VIDEO: Interview with Willow Long's Grandmother
September 13 2013 12:07 pm

n an exclusive interview conducted this morning, the grandmother of Willow Long and the mother of Justin DeRyke who is charged in Willow's death, said she and the family can't imagine why the event happened.

Debbie DeRyke said she and her husband Dale were phoned by their daughter Ciara, Willow's mother, on Sunday that Willow was missing.  Dale and Debbie are over-the-road truck drivers and had left the family home in Watson Saturday evening.  She said she prayed that "God would take my life if Willow would be alright."  She also said she can't understand why her son would do what he has admitted he did regarding Willow's death, saying he and Willow always got along.

Mrs. DeRyke made a point of saying, "We are not supporting our son (with any of the funds being donated)."

Debbie DeRyke also told us that the family does not want any of the money that might be collected in a fund established at Crossroads Bank.  She said the family wants it to go to the emergency services personnel involved in the two-day search for her granddaughter to help cover the bills incurred by the agencies.

Justin DeRyke is being held in Effingham County Circuit Court under $5 million bond.  He is next due in court Thursday for a first appearance with his legal counsel.  He indicated that he planned to hire his own attorney.

<snipped>

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7546-video-interview-with-willow-long-s-grandmother


   

I wonder where the little boys dad is.

 ::MonkeyTears::

cookie

Nathaniel's father is 23 year old Jayson Graves who lives in Effingham.  I am unable to find any more info on him re on-line articles.  I don't do Facebook (yet).  There is probably lots of background there.

Janet

http://youtu.be/jtE9iPChV8E


Willow Long's grandmother talks with Greg Sapp

979 XFM

Full story from Greg Sapp is here: http://goo.gl/czuSZY

September 13, 2013 3:14 PM
Willow Long Update: Mother of slain Ill. girl investigated by state child and family services, spokesman says

(CBS/AP) EFFINGHAM, Ill. - The mother of slain Illinois girl Willow Long is being investigated by the state's Department of Children and Family Services (DCF), and the girl's three-year-old brother has been taken into protective custody by the department, a DCF spokesman tells CBS News' Crimesider.

The DCF is also investigating the girl's live-in uncle, said spokesman Dave Clarkin, who also said he's subject of a criminal investigation.

Clarkin said the DCF investigations into Long's mother and uncle were launched on Sept. 8 -- the same day the girl was reported missing -- after someone called a DCF hotline to report allegations of neglect and abuse. Two allegations of neglect were reported against the girl's mother, Ciarra DeRyke, and one allegation of abuse was reported against Justin DeRyke, he said.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler tells Crimesider there are no criminal charges against Ciarra DeRyke "at this time." The criminal investigation is still in its early stages and it's not clear whether more charges will be filed in the case, he said.

Clarkin couldn't provide further details about the nature of the DCF allegations. The investigations, which should be complete in about 60 days, will determine whether the allegations are true and aim to ensure the safety of the surviving child, Clarkin said. Once completed, the department and others will make a recommendation to a judge as to whether the child should be re-united with the family or placed in another home, he said.

Though he wouldn't speak to whether the three-year-old child was currently with other family members, he said about half of the children taken into protective custody by the state are placed with relatives and the other half are placed with a foster care provider.

<snipped>

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-57602854-504083/willow-long-update-mother-of-slain-ill-girl-investigated-by-state-child-and-family-services-spokesman-says/

Funeral services for Willow Long set for Monday
Sep 13, 2013 7:45 AM PDT
 
WATSON, Ill. (AP) - A funeral will be held Monday for a 7-year-old southern Illinois girl who authorities say was stabbed to death by her uncle.

Services for Willow Long will be held Monday at Effingham's First Baptist Church. It's set to begin at 11 a.m.

A visitation is scheduled to take place Saturday at the Hearts Rock Cafe in Effingham High School from 5 to 9 p.m.

<snipped>

http://www.14news.com/story/23424376/funeral-for-willow-long-set-for-monda

Video at the link

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397791/3/Willow-Longs-grandmother-speaks-out-for-first-time

Debbie DeRyke, Willow Long's grandmother, speaks out for the first time
7:22 PM, Sep 13, 2013

 ::snipping3::
She says her daughter Ciara DeRyke has been stricken with grief and practically in hiding.

"She has been in bed bawling every day," Debbie DeRyke said. "We're trying to keep her protected, she don't want to deal with the media."
 
Her son, Justin DeRyke is accused of murdering his own niece. She says she's stunned about any involvement from Justin, but didn't jump to his defense.

"We had no idea that maybe our son had some problems," she said. "I don't know, We are asking ourselves over and over was there any signs we might have missed, was there something we didn't know."
 ::snipping3::

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=624227327598831&set=o.581272518600080&type=1&ref=nf

 ::MonkeyAngel::

(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q74/s720x720/1236395_624227327598831_481657472_n.jpg)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=624204820934415&set=o.581272518600080&type=1&ref=nf

This is at the memorial close to where they found her...

(https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q80/s720x720/1239797_624204820934415_43083591_n.jpg)

So sad

It appears that the location of Willow's funeral has change.

Janet

++++++

Willow Long's funeral service scheduled for today at Effingham High School
7:35 AM, Sep 16, 2013

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (AP) - Family and friends will say their formal goodbyes to a 7-year-old southern Illinois girl who authorities say was stabbed to death by her uncle.

Services for Willow Long of the tiny village of Watson in Effingham County are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday at Effingham High School, followed by private burial.

Twenty-two-year-old Justin DeRyke was charged last Wednesday with first-degree murder in Willow's death.

Prosecutors say he told investigators he killed his niece to end her suffering after she accidentally fell onto a brush pile and pierced her neck with a stick near the family's home.

DeRyke is being held on $5 million bond and hiring an attorney. He's set to appear again in court Thursday.

<snipped>

http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/397986/3/Willow-Longs-funeral-service-scheduled-for-toda

September 16, 2013
Family, friends say goodbye to Willow Long

In a packed, tear-filled chapel, family and friends said one last goodbye to 7-year-old Willow Long.

More than 150 people gathered at First Baptist Church in Effingham, supporting the DeRyke and Long families as an entire community takes the first steps in trying to heal from the tragedy.

"We want to be reminded today that we are in a place of worship and that's what we do we worship our God, God who didn't create death but gave us a place to go," said the Rev. Dan Tarno of Grace Bible Fellowship Baptist Church in Canton, Texas, who opened the ceremony.

Family members acknowledged the acute loss everyone feels for Willow but also the power she had to unite her family and community.

"There was something that Willow not only looked for, but something Willow wanted to deliver, which was love," said one family member. "To be able to put a smile on mom's face, grandmother's face, dad's face, uncles, aunts, that's who she was. I know it's been a difficult time for not just family, but friends and those who looked for her but that (search) was put together, that love was driven for this angel."

Thomas Long, Willow's father, struggled to explain what his daughter means to him and the obvious impact she had on the community.

"I've thought and I've prayed and I've prayed and I've thought about what I could say about Willow and I realized that there's nothing that I can tell everyone here about Willow that you don't already know," he said. "She was wonderful and perfect, and we all loved her."

Long said he hoped his message to his daughter could be shared in the hearts of the community.

"You're with the Lord now safe and free and you have eternity with him forever," he said. "You will always be my little angel. Please don't be sad for me Willow. One day, you'll open your eyes, and I'll be there with you to hold you as we walk through the kingdom of heaven with our lord. I will always love you Willow, and I miss you so very much."

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x134956778/Family-friends-say-goodbye-to-Willow-Long

Rest in Peace, Willow  ::MonkeyAngel::

Another senseless death of an innocent child... ::MonkeyTears::

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_13189.shtml

Tuesday, September 17 2013, 05:49 PM CDT
Defense Attorney Appointed to Represent Effingham Murder Suspect

Effingham County court records show Justin DeRyke, the man charged in the murder of 7-year-old Willow Long, will be represented by defense attorney Scott Schmidt. Schmidt is a public defender in Effingham County.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7620-public-defender-appointed-to-represent-deryke

Public Defender Appointed to Represent DeRyke
Published on September 17 2013 3:17 pm

 ::snipping3::
DeRyke sent a note Monday from his cell at Effingham County Jail to the court, requesting Schmidt's appointment.  He had originally indicated he would hire his own attorney.  Judge Sherri Tungate notified Schmidt by phone Tuesday of his appointment to the case.

DeRyke is being held under $5 million bond.  He is due in court for his first appearance with his attorney Thursday at 1pm, but his case is also to be considered Wednesday by an Effingham County grand jury.

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Uncle-charged-with-murder-of-7-year-old-Illinois-girl-appears-in-front-of-grand-jury-224215581.html

Uncle charged with murder of 7-year-old Illinois girl indicted today
Posted on September 18, 2013 at 7:08 AM
Updated today at 11:07 AM

(KMOV) -- A man who faces charges for allegedly killing his 7-year-old niece appeared in front of a grand jury for his indictment Wednesday morning.

Justin DeRyke, 22, is accused of murdering Willow Long in Effingham County early last week.

According to Bryan Kibler, the Effingham County State’s Attorney, DeRyke will be indicted on three first-degree murder charges.

Officials said 16 to 21 jurors heard details of the case. Kibler said there will most likely be a unanimous vote to indict him.

Despite that, Kibler said he expects DeRyke’s public defender to enter a not guilty plea during the arraignment Thursday afternoon.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/7644-grand-jury-indicts-deryke-on-three-counts-of-first-degree-murder

Grand Jury Indicts DeRyke on Three Counts of First Degree Murder
Published on September 18 2013 2:43 pm

 ::snipping3::
There are three counts of murder involved since they allege different theories concerning Willow's death, such as DeRyke took the actions knowing they would result in her death and knowing that the actions carried a strong probability of resulting in her death.

Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler said the counts included in the indictment also specify the difference in DeRyke's age and that of Willow, which would be important if DeRyke is convicted and the case continues to the sentencing phase.

If DeRyke is convicted on any of the three counts of the indictment, Kibler said he would face a mandatory sentence of natural life in prison.

DeRyke is still scheduled to make his first court appearance with his attorney, Effingham County Public Defender Scott Schmidt, Thursday at 1pm.  DeRyke asked for appointment of the public defender Monday after earlier indicating he would hire his own attorney.

In the meantime, the Effingham County Sheriff's Department and the Illinois State Police continue to investigate the disappearance and death of Willow Long and all surrounding circumstances.  The investigation is ongoing.

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1836115456/DeRyke-pleads-not-guilty-to-nieces-murder

September 19, 2013
DeRyke pleads not guilty to niece's murder

EFFINGHAM — Jury selection in the case of a Watson man accused of stabbing his niece to death earlier this month was set for Dec. 2 during a brief Thursday afternoon hearing in Effingham County Circuit Court.

But State's Attorney Bryan Kibler admitted to reporters after the hearing that it was "highly unlikely" that Justin D DeRyke would face a jury in December because of the complexity of the case.

"It's hypothetically possible the case could go that soon," Kibler said. But he added the case is still being heavily investigated by a variety of agencies, making it likely that any trial would be sometime in 2014, if then.
 ::snipping3::
DeRyke pleaded not guilty to all three counts against him. Under Illinois law, a person can be charged with multiple counts of murder per victim.

In this case, DeRyke is accused of stabbing Willow with the intent to kill her; stabbing her knowing that the act would be fatal; and stabbing her in the clavicle knowing that such an act caused a strong probability of death.

Because of the respective ages of DeRyke and the victim, DeRyke could be subject to life in prison without the possibility of parole, or "natural life," as it is called under Illinois law.

Judge Sherri Tungate set pretrial for 11 a.m. Oct. 22.

Kibler declined to speculate on whether additional people would be arrested in connection with Willow's death, noting that the investigation was ongoing.
 ::snipping3::

Makes me so sick

2013CF174  DERYKE, JUSTIN D

update court

09/19/2013
 Notice of Intent to Seek Natural Life Imprisonment, filed. Scheduling Order entered, filed. Copy given to State and P.D.

UNASSIGNED
09/19/2013
 S/A; DEFT APPEARS W/PD FOWLER. INDICTMENT RETURNED ON 9-18-13 REVIEWED WITH THE DEFENDANT, INCLUDING PENALTIES, SPECIFICALLY NATURAL LIFE IMPRISONMENT AS PER THE NOTICE FILED THIS DATE BY THE STATE'S ATTORNEY. B/A, THE JURY TRIAL IS SCHEDULED FOR 12-2-13 AT 8:30 A.M. PRE-TRIAL HEARING IS SET ON 10-22-13 AT 11 A.M.
http://www.judici.com/courts/cases/case_history.jsp?court=IL025015J&ocl=IL025015J,2013CF174,IL025015JL2013CF174D1

http://effinghamdailynews.com/local/x252034039/Jury-selection-date-set-for-man-accused-of-killing-niece

October 22, 2013
Jury selection date set for man accused of killing niece

EFFINGHAM — Jury selection in the case of a Watson man accused of killing his niece last month is set for Dec. 2. But Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler told reporters after a brief pretrial hearing for Justin S. DeRyke Tuesday that it is unlikely a jury would hear the case before early next year because of the voluminous amount of information compiled in connection with the investigation.
 ::snipping3::
Kibler told Judge Sherri Tungate during Tuesday's hearing that he received more than 500 pages of documents from Illinois State Police investigators. With other reports by Effingham city and county investigators, Kibler said there were about 730 pages total, all of which he shared with Public Defender Scott Schmidt.

But Kibler added that he expects even more potential evidence after the Illinois State Police crime lab finishes testing various types of evidence.

"It will most likely be early December before we get that stuff back," the prosecutor said.

Tungate set DeRyke's next court appearance for 11 a.m. Nov. 25. Kibler said Tuesday that the judge would likely set a new jury trial date at that hearing.

Kibler said after the hearing that barring a guilty plea that would pre-empt the trial, the jury may not be from Effingham County.

"If it goes to trial, I anticipate a change of venue motion being filed," he said.

http://www.wics.com/news/top-stories/stories/vid_13828.shtml

Tuesday, October 22 2013, 07:25 PM CDT
Willow Long's Mother Facing Drug Charges

The mother of a murdered 7-year-old now in trouble with the law. Willow Long's mother, Ciara DeRyke, is facing drug charges in Shelby County.

According to court records, the charge for possession of drug paraphernalia was filed against the 26-year-old from Watson Tuesday. It's a Class A misdemeanor.
 ::snipping3::
Ciara DeRyke's first court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. November 13.

all these babies with dysfunctional families.  It is so sad.

http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/x252053121/Willows-mom-appears-on-drug-related-charge

November 13, 2013
Willow's mom appears on drug-related charge

SHELBYVILLE — Ciara DeRyke stood before a Shelby County judge Wednesday morning to face a drug-related charge.

DeRyke, 26, of Watson, was cited in October for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, namely a wooden and metallic hitter box used to store marijuana. The item was discovered after her vehicle ran off the road in an accident on Oct. 14. In addition to the drug charge, she was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. DeRyke posted $150 bail and was released after the arrest. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 364 days in county jail.

In her first appearance Wednesday in Shelby County Circuit Court, DeRyke stated she had been unemployed since May 15 and had been living with her parents since then. She said she had approximately $1 in her checking account and asked for a public defender to represent her. She will appear again in court on Dec. 9.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.kmov.com/news/local/Uncle-charged-with-murder-of-7-year-old-Illinois-girl-in-court-today-233292751.html

Uncle charged with murder of 7-year-old Illinois girl in court today
Posted on November 25, 2013 at 6:51 AM

(KMOV) -- A man who faces charges for allegedly killing his 7-year-old niece in Effingham County, Ill. in Sept. will be back in court Monday morning.

Justin DeRyke, 22, is scheduled to have a pretrial hearing on three counts of first-degree murder in an Effingham County courtroom at 11 a.m.

He’s been in jail on a $5 million bond since Sept. 10 after he was charged in the death of Willow Long. He pleaded not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on Sept. 19.

The Effingham Daily News reports lawyers will begin culling through potential jurors to hear the case ofDeRyke on Dec. 2.

Click here to see photos of Willow Long and the scene of her search.

But officials say the trial could be delayed and likely won’t begin until 2014.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/8712-deryke-trial-delayed-to-february

DeRyke Trial Delayed to February
Published on November 25 2013 1:35 pm
Last Updated on November 25 2013 1:35 pm
 
The murder trial of Justin DeRyke has been delayed until February.

The 22-year-old DeRyke is charged with killing his seven-year-old niece Willow Long at their home in Watson on September 7.

As was the case at a hearing in October, Public Defender Scott Schmidt said he was still receiving information and evidence from the prosecution.  Since DeRyke's trial was scheduled to begin next Monday, Schmidt said there was no way they could be ready and instead requested a February trial date.  State's Attorney Bryan Kibler had no objection, so trial judge Sherri Tungate scheuled the trial to begin February 10 at 8:30am with a pre-trial hearing to consider any pending motions at 11am on January 9.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/x389239823/Willows-mom-charged-with-false-statements-in-daughters-disappearance

December 9, 2013
UPDATE: Willow's mom arrested in daughter's disappearance

(http://d6673sr63mbv7.cloudfront.net/archive/x666706009/g0a0000000000000000d016c00ffc77fcd85cc2ef8262c450a61305b195.jpg)

EFFINGHAM — Ciara DeRyke, mother of Willow Long, was arrested Monday for providing false statements during the investigation into WIllow's disappearance.

DeRyke was arrested at 2 p.m. Monday by Illinois State Poliice officers in Effingham. According to ISP Master Sergeant and Zone 7 Investigator Ryan Shoemaker, DeRyke contacted Illinois State Police Monday informing them she was aware of a warrant for her arrest. Shoemaker and ISP Investigator Tim Brown then drove to DeRyke's residence in Effingham and made the arrest without incident. She was arrested on charges of obstructing a peace officer.

"Ciara DeRyke related to these officers on Sept. 8 that she had observed and interacted with her daughter earlier that same morning," said Effingham State's Attorney Bryan Kibler. "We believe that, in making such a statement, Ms. DeRyke was knowingly furnishing false information."
 ::snipping3::

 ::MonkeyHang::

http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1186891806/Willows-mom-pleads-not-guilty-to-obstruction-charge

December 19, 2013
Willow's mom pleads not guilty to obstruction charge

EFFINGHAM — The mother of slain Willow Long pleaded not guilty this morning to charges that she lied to police about seeing her daughter the morning of her disappearance. Ciara N. DeRyke, 26, is charged with obstructing a peace officer, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail. DeRyke's daughter, Willow Long, was found dead by volunteer searchers south of Watson on Sept. 9. Judge Sherri Tungate set pretrial for 10 a.m. Jan. 16 and jury selection for 8:30 a.m. Feb. 10.
 ::snipping3::
Ciara DeRyke's younger brother, Justin, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Willow's death. His next court appearance is Jan. 9. Also at Thursday's hearing, Tungate lowered Ciara DeRyke's bond from $75,000 to $15,000 after defense attorney Barry Schaefer successfully argued that the woman had ties to the area and was not a flight risk. Schaefer also noted that Ciara DeRyke had a limited criminal history with no felonies on her record.

 ::MonkeyMad::

It really chews at me that people will not take responsibility for their actions.

 ::MonkeyMad::

And especially when it involves a child.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1186917785/State-waits-for-evidence-in-Willow-Long-case

January 9, 2014
State waits for evidence in Willow Long case

EFFINGHAM — Another hearing has been set for 22-year-old Justin DeRyke, who is accused of killing his niece Willow Long, as the state waits for evidence.

In Effingham County Circuit Court Thursday, DeRyke's attorney, Scott Schmidt, said the defense is still waiting to receive further motions of discovery from the state and asked for another hearing in late January or early February, which would allow time to file any motions.
 ::snipping3::
DeRyke is scheduled for another appearance at 11 a.m. on Feb. 4.

why do I feel this won't go to trial for months and months . . . maybe this time next year.

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2014/01/29/willow-longs-mom-pleads-guilty-to-obstruction-illinois/

Willow Long’s Mom Pleads Guilty to Obstruction
January 29, 2014 7:38 AM

EFFINGHAM, Ill. (AP) - The mother of a 7-year-old Illinois girl who authorities say was stabbed to death by her uncle was sentenced to 120 days in jail.

Willow Long’s mother, Ciara DeRyke, pleaded guilty to a single obstruction count Tuesday as part of a deal with prosecutors.

Investigators say DeRyke lied to police, telling them she had seen Long in September, even though the girl was already dead.

The 26-year-old Effingham woman will also have to spend 18 months on probation.

The Effingham Daily News reports she could be released in early February with credit for time served since her arrest in December.
 ::snipping3::
 

http://www.effinghamdailynews.com/local/x1280775102/Justin-DeRyke-trial-pushed-back

February 4, 2014
Justin DeRyke trial pushed back

EFFINGHAM — Murder suspect Justin DeRyke will not stand trial now before April.

Judge J. Marc Kelly granted a defense motion Tuesday in Effingham County Circuit Court to push back the trial date for DeRyke, 22, to April 7. Jury selection is set for 8:30 a.m. that day.

Kelly said DeRyke's next pretrial hearing for 11 a.m. March 18.
 ::snipping3::

I don't bet -- but I bet it will be delayed again!

 ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/crime/2014/02/06/ciara-deryke-out-of-jail/5264755/

Willow Long's mom out of jail
5:52 p.m. EST February 6, 2014

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ill. - An Illinois mother whose 7-year-old daughter was stabbed to death last year is out of jail.

Willow Long's mother, Ciara DeRyke, pleaded guilty to obstruction in connection with Willow's disappearance.

Last month, a judge sentenced DeRyke to 120 days in jail. She was given credit for time served and was released Thursday.

He prosecuting attorney says she is now on probation for 18 months.
 ::snipping3::

He pleaded guilty..natural life in prison and no parole! ::justice2nj2::   Rest in Peace, Willow.  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.thexradio.com/news/78-local-news/10344-deryke-pleads-guilty-to-murder-gets-natural-life-in-prison
DeRyke Pleads Guilty to Murder; Gets Natural Life in Prison
Published on March 18 2014 2:24 pm
Last Updated on March 18 2014 2:39 pm

VIDEO UNDER STORY

Justin DeRyke has pleaded guilty to a count of first degree murder in the death last fall of his niece Willow Long.  DeRyke has been sentenced to natural life in prison with no possibilty of parole.  Under the terms of the negotiated plea, DeRyke must serve 100% of his sentence.

The guilty plea and sentencing took place Tuesday afternoon in Effingham County Circuit Court.  DeRyke had been scheduled to appear in court this morning for a hearing on pre-trial motions.  The hearing was postponed to this afternoon to clear the way for other court business.
 ::snipping3::
As to whether he necessarily agrees with DeRyke's version of what happened, Kibler said, "it's not my theory of the case, it's to what the defendant will stipulate....we've played it through a thousand times as to what happened."  Bottom line, though, Kibler said is that DeRyke confessed to committing the crime and got the maximum sentence possible.

DeRyke's parents...Willow's grandparents...were in court for the hearing.

In imposing sentence, Judge Kimberly Koester said the only good thing DeRyke did was save the county the cost of a trial.  Kibler acknowledged that the trial cost could have been in the six figures.

DeRyke will be taken to the Illinois Department of Corrections.  It's not known where he'll serve his sentence.