Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

I cannot begin to imagine what Somer's family is feeling.  I think I would throw-up seeing this man for the first time.  Mom looks very strong.

Yes, very strong to show up in court to see this monster who took her child away from her. Unfortunately, after waiting for 45 minutes (flanked by her mother and father) the case was postponed until this Wednesday at 1:15.

She is keeping her word to him: “I just want to see him,” Thompson said. “I want him to know I’m going to be in his face every day.”

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/2206_2.jpg)

      (http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Animation9.gif)

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23268020/detail.html
Oak Tree Memorializes Somer Thompson
7-Year-Old Orange Park Girl Killed In October

POSTED: Monday, April 26, 2010
UPDATED: 5:14 pm EDT April 26, 2010
(http://www.news4jax.com/2010/0426/23270281_240X135.jpg)
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- An oak tree has been planted at Clarke House Park in Orange Park to honor 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who was killed in October.

A plaque on the tree has Somer's name on it and the title of her favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine." It's etched in purple, Somer's favorite color.

The tree was planted Thursday at the park where she used to play as part of Clay County's Earth Day activities.

Jarred Harrell, 24, who is charged with Somer's murder and other charges, was originally scheduled to be in court Monday, but his appearance was waived until Wednesday afternoon. He has pleaded not guilty.

Diena Thompson in Court for Jarred Harrell Hearing in Green Cove Springs
 Dave Wax     Created: 4/28/2010 2:24:00 PM    Updated: 4/28/2010 2:40:17 PM

(http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/100408103430_040810_harrell1.JPG)

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The mother of the 7-year-old girl who was murdered last fall was in the same room as the accused killer today for the first time.

Diena Thompson was in the courtroom as Jarred Harrell stood before Judge John H. Skinner's in the Somer Thompson murder trial.

Harrell was arrested in Mississippi on child porn charges in February and extradited to Clay County a week later to stand trial. At the time of the arrest, Sheriff Rick Beseler said Harrell was a person of interest in the Somer Thompson murder. In March, he was formally charged with murder.

Thompson has been very vocal since her daughter's death, calling Somer's killer a "monster."

She was in tears throughout the session, and didn't say anything during the hearing, but afterward she described her feelings.

"Hard," she said, "to keep myself in the seat and not want to say something to him. And, just, he's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered, and I hope that the whole trial goes as well as today went."

Harrell's defense attorney presented three motions to the court.

The first was a motion to preserve evidence. The defense said there is a recording of the extradition process, but believes there may have been text messages as well.

The second motion was to preserve officers' notes, also from the extradition.  The defense argued that the reports were written well after the extradition, and the notes could have more information.

The third motion was for a protective order. Skinner denied all three.

Harrell will be in court again for another pretrial hearing May 20.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=155361&catid=3

Somer's Mom Sees Jarred Harrell In Court
24-Year-Old Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Orange Park Girl
POSTED: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 UPDATED: 3:02 pm EDT April 28, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Even before Diena Thompson laid eyes on the man accused of strangling her 7-year-old daughter Somer Thompson to death, the mourning mother was overwhelmed with anxiety and grief at the moment she'd come face to face with him.

When it came time for Jarred Harrell to enter the courtroom for a pretrial hearing Wednesday afternoon, the 24-year-old sat down and never looked back.

Even though Thompson had been preparing for this moment for months, nothing could ready her for the real thing. She was emotional before, during and after the hearing, and Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler sat by her side through the proceedings.

"It was hard to keep myself in the seat and not say anything to him," Thompson said. "He's such a coward. He couldn't even turn around and face the mother of the child he murdered."

In court Wednesday, defense attorneys asked the judge to preserve text messages sent between the deputies who transported Harrell from Mississippi to Florida. The defense also asked that authorities preserve all their notes and memorandums, even though more than 11,000 documents and 35 video tapes have already been entered into evidence.

"I've never seen motions like this," the judge said.

The motions were denied, leaving Thompson with a small sense of victory with more difficult days ahead.

Harrell is accused of kidnapping Somer on her way from her Orange Park school in October. Somer's body was found days later in a Georgia landfill, where Orange Park's trash is dumped.

Knowing Harrell will be back in court in less than month on May 20, Thompson said she believes that justice for Somer will eventually come.

"I just hope the trial goes as good as today's proceedings. That's all I have to say," Thompson said.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23292350/detail.html

Diena is such a strong person, I admire her so much.  I hope that she receives a measure of peace from the conclusion of this trial.  I have learned so much from her. 

I know justice will be a bitter pill to swallow as it will never bring back her beloved child.  May her faith that has sustained her through this, continue to hold strong and true as she remembers Somer is not gone, she is merely waiting with the angels in God's loving arms to be reunited with her family one day.

God bless all of you who are unnerved by the length of this trial.  Justice will prevail, Somer will have her day.

 ::MonkeyAngel::

I can't even imagine what Diena is going thru.  I would want to pound that boy in court.  God Bless her with courage and strength to get thru this time.  It hurts just thinking about her pain.

thank you judge for denying anything this POS wants.  We need to know how long he stalked this child and what he did.  The public needs to know how these monsters lure or grab our children so we can prepare for the next one.

Somer's Mother Attends Jarred Harrell Hearing
Jarred Harrell Accused Of Killing Somer Thompson

UPDATED: 1:53 pm EDT April 29, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Somer Thompson's mother saw Jarred Harrell face-to-face in court for the first time Thursday.

Somer disappeared Oct. 19 from her neighborhood in Orange Park. Her body was found two days later in a landfill in Folkston, Ga.

"It was hard to keep myself in the seat and not want to something to him," Diena Thompson said.

Thompson fought back tears as she watched the defense file three motion in a pretrial hearing for Harrell.

"He's so much of a coward that he can't even turn around and look at the mother of the child that he murdered," Thompson said.

The three motions, to preserve evidence, officer's notes and a protective order, were denied.
http://www.wesh.com/news/23307159/detail.html

The three motions, to preserve evidence, officer's notes and a protective order, were denied.

i wasnt sure what this meant,and im still not positive, i understand, how that
could be used to, get charges reduced or dismissed, here is something i found
im still looking, im guessing the black and white of law is tricky

Common Motions – Knowledgeable, competent criminal defense attorneys are familiar with, and use, the following motions to get charges reduced or dismissed: Motion to Dismiss the Charges, Motion to Compel Discovery, Motion for Release of Confidential Informant Information, Motion to Suppress Evidence, Motion to Preserve Evidence for Defense Testing, Motion to Return Property, Motion to Exclude Evidence, Motion for Reconsideration of Previous Orders, Motion to Modify Court Order, Writs, Expungements, etc.
http://www.jimenezjustice.com/Criminal_Court_Process.aspx

Hi cw618.  I can probably help!  Those three motions are really just a way for the defense to try to show that they aren't going to just lay down and die.  They're really ridiculous motions if you ask me because the prosecution is already under a duty to preserve evidence, including the officer's notes.  The defense doesn't have to go to court and ask for an order to do so!  The motion for protective order just means that the defense wanted the court to enter an order protecting and preserving the evidence.  It's a different way of asking for the same thing.  Of course, without seeing the motion, I can't even begin to speculate what the subject of the motion was, but it's no surprise it was denied.  If the prosecution fails to preserve the evidence, well, common sense would tell you it would make their case more difficult to win now, wouldn't it!    ::MonkeyHaHa::

Justice for Somer--   ::MonkeyAngel::

TY jess
almost seems like a waste of time and effort

Maybe it's just so he can't come back later and complain about his defense?

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23606613/detail.html (http://www.news4jax.com/news/23606613/detail.html)

I was just looking to see if there is any news on his hearing today yet.  I haven't found anything so far.

This monster should plead guilty like Gardner did and save this poor family from a long drawn out trial..........He gives me the chills just looking at him I can only imagine what it does to the family.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

He should....

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23620486/detail.html (http://www.news4jax.com/news/23620486/detail.html)

but I hope he doesn't.

Somer Foundation Pushes For New Bill
Law Would Require Sex Offenders To Live Outside 1-Mile Radius From School

POSTED: Wednesday, May 19, 2010
UPDATED: 12:10 pm EDT May 19, 2010
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The Somer Thompson foundation is pushing for a new bill that could soon be in the hands of state lawmakers.

Somer's law, which is under final review by the foundation, would require sex offenders and predators to live outside Somer's safety zones -- or a one-mile radius from any school.

The petition also includes a change to the Amber Alert system, requiring an Amber Alert status be issued within 30 minutes of a possible kidnapping.

Jarred Harrell, the man accused of killing the 7-year-old Orange Park girl, is still in jail.

He is scheduled to appear in court Thursday on some of the 58 felony charges he is currently facing.

Investigators said Harrell kidnapped Somer on her way home from school in October. Her body was found days later in a Georgia landfill.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/23606613/detail.html

Prosecutors To Seek Death For Harrell
24-Year-Old Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson

POSTED: Thursday, May 20, 2010
UPDATED: 12:27 pm EDT May 20, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Prosecutors told Jarred Harrell's lawyers Thursday morning that they will seek the death penalty if he's convicted of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Harrell was not in court when lawyers met Thursday in Clay County.

His next court appearance is scheduled for June 24.

The 24-year-old is accused of kidnapping and killing the Orange Park girl on her way home from school in October.

New Law Signed by Governor Charlie Crist Bans Sex Offenders from Parks, Playgrounds, and Schools

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A new law bans sex offenders from going within 300 feet of parks and schools, and from loitering in areas where children play.

The law also says those offenders cannot dress up like Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny - both costumes that could allow easy access to children.

The former law addressed only nighttime residency for offenders, not where they could spend their days.

The law has the potential to impact practically all families on the First Coast, including the neighborhood where Somer Thompson lived. The child was kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and suffocated last year after she strayed from her siblings walking home from school.

Several months ago, investigators pointed out there dozens of potential suspects because about 150 sex offenders live in a five mile radius from Somer's home.

At a nearby Gano Avenue park, dozens of families converged for a baseball tournament. First Coast News spoke to some of those families about the new sex offender law.

Michelle Bauer keeps track of sex offenders in her neighborhood by looking on the sex offender registry online. She feels nervous whenever her children leave her sight for too long.

"Even sending my 12-year-old to the restroom over there," Bauer said as she pointed across a baseball field. "If he takes longer than a few seconds, it's like 'Get my other one to go look.'"

Grandparent Ray Probst is glad to hear about the new law.

"It means safety. (Sex offenders) shouldn't be around parks, schools or playgrounds," said Probst.

The neighborhood has a constant reminder of a "worst-case scenario" for any family with children.

Somer's face smiles back at neighbors from a banner in her family's front yard, and a garden planted in her memory is lush with flowers.

"When we heard the (little league) tournament was over here, (Somer was) the first thing that popped into my head and I don't know why. It just did," said Bright Wright of Callahan.

"Even though we tell our kids, 'don't go near a van,' or 'don't talk to strangers,' it happens everyday. Kind of sad," said Probst.

Probst said laws that limits sex offenders means he can rest a little easier on his trip to the First Coast.

"I'm glad they're doing that in the First Coast area. It is important to all the families here. Makes me feel better going back to Arizona. My grandkids will be safe!" Probst said.

First Coast News stopped by Somer Thompson's family home. While no one wanted to speak on camera about the new law, a family member said it is a great idea. The family member added that it is exactly what the community needs to protect children.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=156653&catid=3

Prosecutors Push For Death Penalty in Somer's Killing
By Rich Jones, News Director
@ May 21, 2010 6:02 AM

Prosecutors want Jarred Harrell to die for kidnapping molesting and murdering Somer Thompson.

 Lawyers met Thursday in Clay County and prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty if Harrell is convicted of killing the 7 year old.

Harrell's next court appearance is scheduled for June 24th.  Cops say Harrell snatched the girl while she was walking home from her Orange Park School back in October.

Her body turned up a few days later in a Georgia landfill.  He has pleaded not guilty to murder charges. 

http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/05/prosecutors-push-for-death-pen.html

http://www.news4jax.com/news/24021450/detail.html

Jarred Harrell Absent From Pretrial Hearing
Man Accused Of Killing 7-Year-Old Orange Park Girl Somer Thompson
POSTED: Thursday, June 24, 2010
UPDATED: 11:51 am EDT June 24, 2010

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- Jarred Harrell, the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson, did not appear at a pretrial hearing Thursday morning.

A prosecutor told the judge depositions in Somer's murder case are under way.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, was in the courtroom for the hearing. When Harrell's name was called, she closed her eyes, leaned her head on her father's shoulder and cried softly.

Thompson said investigators have not told her anything about evidence in the case, but she doesn't expect them to.

She said she has "full faith" in the Clay County criminal justice system, and is confident she will get justice for her daughter.

The Orange Park girl disappeared on her way home from school in October. Her body was found days later in a southeast Georgia landfill, where Orange Park's trash is dumped.

Harrell's next hearing is set for Aug. 3.

Molly Hatchet, playing free show in Hampton Saturday, unveils concept album

(http://weblogs.dailypress.com/entertainment/music/pop/blog/MollyHatchet.jpg)

Southern rock boogie kings Molly Hatchet, set to play this week's Saturday Summer Street Fest in Hampton, released a new album "Justice" earlier this month.

The group's new disc is described as a concept album, the first in the band's 32-year history.

Several aspects of justice, or the lack thereof, are described by songs in the collection.

One of the tunes spins off a tragedy in the band's home state of Florida. "It has a real-life story about something happening right now in our community," guitarist Bobby Ingram told the FayettevilleObserver (NC) back in May. The song, "Fly on the Wings of Angels," touches on the murder of 7-year-old Florida girl Somer Thompson. She went missing Oct. 19, 2009, and her body was found two days later in a landfill in Georgia.

The tune features singing from Abby Thompson, Somer's 10-year-old sister.

"Every penny of the song's sales goes to the Somer Thompson Foundation," Ingram said. "We're honored to be able to help in that respect. See, that's a real-life thing going on now, that was dealing with justice."

Other horrors -- such as terrorist attacks -- are described in songs on "Justice." Titles include "American Pride" and "Vengeance."

"There's been a lot of injustices done," he told the Fayetteville newspaper. "We have seen a positive side of that [too] where justice has been served. And a lot of people have picked themselves up and been able to move forward. I think with all of that, it's all around us. We have to tell the story; we have to tell it Molly Hatchet style. And we're going to unleash the justice."

Molly Hatchet will rock out Saturday at Hampton's Saturday Summer Street Fest. The free party takes place along Queens Way in downtown Hampton and starts at 6 p.m.

http://weblogs.dailypress.com/entertainment/music/pop/blog/2010/06/molly_hatchet_playing_hampton.html

Thanks for the updates Brandi.

Welcome!

I just wish there was more to report!

http://www.prlog.org/10810840-summer-most-dangerous-time-for-child-abductions-murders-and-other-crimes-against-our-children-psa.html
Summer Most Dangerous Time For Child Abductions, Murders and Other Crimes Against Our Children (PSA)
“If it were not for The Somer Thompson Foundation, Molly Hatchet (Bobby Ingram) and The Southern Rock Society’s work on this issue we would not be as aware of the out of control growth of these horrific crimes against innocent children.”
Justice Molly Hatchet & The Southern Rock Society
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRLog (Press Release) – Jul 22, 2010 – Cornwall-On-Hudson, New York—K2 Global Communications LLC is issuing its Public Service Announcement (PSA) reminding you do not  leave your children alone (includes teenagers), keep your children safe from abductions and killings this summer.   
“Earlier this year we issued the press release/public service announcement:  Molly Hatchet & The Southern Rock Society: For Somer Thompson, Children Everywhere…”Justice”.  This has made us increasingly sensitive to and aware of the dangers our children face every day of their lives,” Greg Kelly, Partner, K2 Global Communications LLC said.  “If it were not for The Somer Thompson Foundation, Molly Hatchet (Bobby Ingram) and The Southern Rock Society’s work on this issue
we would not be as aware of the out of control growth of these horrific crimes against innocent children.”

Support The Somer Thompson Foundation
www.somerthompsonfoundation.com

The Somer Thompson Foundation was formed in March 2010 after the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson. The Foundation provides education, resources and help to victims of violent crimes against children.  Grants will be given to the victims' families to assist with financial hardships that come with the horror of the death of a child through stranger abduction.  This financial assistance was desperately needed during the search for Somer and allowed the family to find their daughter and not worry about the day-to-day distractions and bills that interfere with the focus of getting a loved one back home safely.

Video Southern Rock Society, discussing Molly Hatchet, Somer Thompson and more... (Crossroads TV Magazine):
http://www.youtube.com/v/iO-I7L4uO30&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&border=1

Somer Thompson's Mother Seeks Justice
 Sarah Sheppard    Created:  8/3/2010 10:25:44 PM  Updated: 8/3/2010 11:50:12 PM
Green Cove Springs, FL -- Somer Thompson's mother says she'll be at every court hearing for the child's accused killer.

The 7-year-old, whose father lives in Graham, disappeared on her way home from school in Florida last fall. Her body was found in a trash dump two days later.

"It still doesn't seem real," said Diena Thompson. "I still don't believe it. I have a hard time really believing it."

Thompson says she wants justice for her daughter and wants to make the streets safer for children.

She plans to attend every hearing for Jared Harrell, who's charged with premeditated murder.

Harrell was supposed to be in court Wednesday morning, but the hearing was postponed until September 28.

"It is frustrating, but I know that it's what has to happen," said Thompson. "You know, I've already been made well aware of the fact that it's going to take a while to get this case going."

Harrell was arrested last February in Mississippi.

He also faces dozens of unrelated child pornography charges.

http://www.digtriad.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=146146&catid=57

Somer's Mom At Hearing; Harrell Absent
Man Accused Of Killing Somer Thompson Skips Pretrial Hearing In Clay County
POSTED: Tuesday, August 3, 2010
UPDATED: 12:31 pm EDT August 3, 2010

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson was not in court Tuesday for a pretrial hearing, but Somer's mother attended.

Jarred Harrell faces charges of murder in the death of the Orange Park girl, along with dozens of counts of child pornography. Harrell has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Harrell faces the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder in Somer's death.

Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, was in the courtroom. She said she will attend all legal proceedings involving the prosecution of the man accused of killing her daughter.

"It still doesn't seem real. I still don't believe it. I have a hard time really believing it," Thompson said. "I want justice. I want justice for our children. I want justice for my child, and I want to make the streets safer for our kids."

It's been months since Harrell has appeared in court, and Thompson said that time has been a challenge for her, though she said she's prepared to wait for justice for her daughter.

"It is frustrating, but I know that it's what has to happen," Thompson said. "I've already been made well aware of the fact that it's going to take a while to get this case going."

Other members of a group called Justice for Somer also attended the hearing.

"The motorcyclists outside, people honking their horns, (Justice for Somer) signs, seeing the stickers and magnets. I love all of that," Thompson said. "That means that people are still thinking about Somer because we don't want to forget."

"We're here as long as it takes, if it takes days, if it takes months, if it takes years, we're going to be here," said Dee McCollum, who was one of several Justice for Somer members holding signs along the road Tuesday.

Attorneys for the defense and the prosecution approached the bench to make arguments in the case and the case was continued until Sept. 28.

"We're muddling through, and it's going to take a whole lot more than the likes of the monster in the courtroom to knock us down," Thompson said.

Because this was an administrative hearing, Harrell was not required to attend.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/24492525/detail.html

Somer Thompson Murder Suspect Jarred Harrell Not in Court Today
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The trial in the murder of Somer Thompson will have to wait for several more weeks.

Jarred Harrell has been charged with the abduction and murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson last fall as she walked home from school in Orange Park.

He was scheduled to be in court this morning for a pre-trial hearing, but the hearing was passed until Sept. 28. Harrell was not in the courtroom.

But Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, was there today, seated next to Bobby Ingram from the local band Molly Hatchet.

The band has been a key supporter of Thompson since Somer's murder.

Somer didn't come home after school one day in October 2009, and her body was found in a Georgia landfill days later.

Harrell was identified as a person of interest while he lived in Mississippi. He was arrested there Feb. 11 on 29 counts of child pornography and extradited to Clay County.

He was charged with Somer's murder in March.

In addition to Ingram's presence, Diena Thompson said she was comforted by a line of motorcycle riders outside the courtroom showing their support for children, a cause Thompson has taken up since Somer's murder.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=161882&catid=3

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image29.png) (http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image30.png)

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image31.png) (http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image32.png)

I admire Somer's mother...bless her heart...

 ::MonkeyAngel::

Diena Thompson attends Haleigh's Vigil:

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image263.png)

Video: http://www.news4jax.com/video/24588027/index.html

thanks for the video Brandi...

::MonkeyAngel::

Today was the first day of school in Clay County, Florida.  My son's elementary school sent home a letter with a hanging decal for the rearview mirror for the vehicles at parent pickup.  Each student has their own decal and will not be let into any car without it until proper ID and emergency contact list is verified.   ::MonkeyCheer4::  I'm  not sure if anything changed for the walkers but, I would imagine it has if they've gone to these lengths for the car riders finally. 

From the letter: "Our county suffered a tragic loss of a young student at a fellow elementary school this past year and as a result, all schools have reflected to make their campus safer.  While we would like to think that our community is safe and that no one would harm our children, we now know differently."

Diena Thompson is being heard, loud and clear.   ::MonkeyAngel::

I am happy to hear schools are being proactive.  I know I come from another generation, but my goodness, the responsibility of parenthood today in truly a full time job.  My prayers for parents and others who watch over our little ones.

Input sought for Somer Thompson vigil
September 13, 2010
By Stephen Kindland

ORANGE PARK – The president of an expanded Neighborhood Watch program is seeking input from the general public about activities to coincide with a candlelight vigil planned for the first anniversary of the slaying of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Hayward Peterson, who prefers to call himself an area coordinator for the newly established First Coast Neighborhood Watch program, is asking anyone interested in helping to organize the event to attend a meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16 at the Pentecostal church, 1909 Debarry Ave., near Kingsley Avenue.

“Anybody and everybody are welcome,” said Peterson, whose efforts to expand the former Grove Park/Oak Hollow Neighborhood Watch program has resulted in a revised membership list of 500 households between Wells Road and Kingsley Avenue and Park Avenue and Blanding Boulevard.

Peterson said Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler and Pastor David Tarkington of the First Baptist Church of Orange Park have agreed to speak at the vigil, scheduled for Oct. 19 on the Orange Park Middle School campus on Gano Avenue.

Other speakers may be invited, and a walk is planned, starting at the school and ending about a half-mile away at a makeshift memorial that has been set up across the street from the Thompson family’s Grove Park home.

“We’ve had great cooperation from the Sheriff’s Office and the Orange Park Police Department,” Peterson said. “Now we’re just asking for input – for ideas – from the general public.”

The vigil is being held to mourn and observe Somer’s abduction and murder -- which investigators believe occurred in a vacant house on Gano Avenue as the child walked home with her siblings from Grove Park Elementary School. At some point, investigators believe, Somer broke away from the group she was with and wasn’t seen again until her body was discovered at South Georgia landfill two days later.

Police arrested Jarred Harrell, now 25, in February and charged him with Somer’s abduction and murder. He also faces multiple counts of possession of child pornography and related charges.

Harrell has been held in the Clay County jail since he was extradited from Meridian, Miss., on the child pornography charges. He has had several pre-trial hearings and is scheduled for another hearing on Monday, Sept. 28.

His attorneys have said he won’t be appearing in court until his trial begins.
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2665_1.php     

Brandi, I read all the things JessStar is doing for Nevaeh . . . maybe they could get some ideas from them . . . I feel sure JessStar would love to share.  I just don't know how to make that connection.

You got that right, Sister!  I am MORE than happy to share ideas with Somer's folks.  I'll reach out to them.  Thanks, Brandi, for posting this article and thank you Sister for your comments.   ::MonkeyAngel::

As Matt Lauer just put it, "It's the anniversary" of Somer's death if you can call it that.  Ill fitting word I must say.  Anniversary is usually a celebration of something happy.  There is nothing happy about the death of a child, ever.  I'm watching Somer's Mom still crying and grieving this am on Today talking about a vigil they are holding for the one year mark since her passing.  It's breaking my heart to see her cry and say she feels it's her fault her daughter is dead.  These Mom's need to take a cue from a woman with real pain and love for her dead child.  Somer's Mom is someone I feel shows real emotion and compassion for the little girl she can never hold again.  So sad, God I hope I never have to feel that loss before my time is up.  I don't think I could take it.  God Bless you Somer and Mommy!

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/15/1874649/somer-thompsons-mom-to-attend.html
Posted on Friday, 10.15.10

Somer Thompson's mom to attend each day of trial
 .The Associated Press
ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson says she will be in court every day for the trial of the man accused of kidnapping and murdering her daughter.

Diena Thompson told NBC's "Today Show" that she still feels guilty over what happened to her daughter.

Somer Thompson disappeared while walking home from school with her siblings in north Florida last year. Her body was found two days later in a Georgia landfill.

Jared Mitchell Harrell has been charged in her death.

Thompson said Thursday she had taught her daughter about stranger danger, but that parents need to go a step further, teaching them things like running away when they have a bad feeling about an adult.

A vigil will take place on the anniversary of the Somer Thompson's death next week.

Diena Thompson/Today Show 10/15/10
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/39683740#39683740

http://www.news4jax.com/news/25431571/detail.html

My heart goes out to Somer's family, friends and community today.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Video: http://www.news4jax.com/video/25426496/index.html

Tissues required.

First Coast residents gather to remember Somer Thompson
A candlelight vigil, balloon release mark the one-year anniversary of the 7-year-old's disappearance.
Posted: October 19, 2010 - 7:56pm

 By Jim Schoettler

ORANGE PARK — Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler walked onto the field of Orange Park Junior High on Tuesday evening remembering the chilly night when he came to the same spot a year ago to first ask the public to help find Somer Thompson.

This year, the weather was much milder. And while news crews were on hand again, this time it was to film a vigil held exactly a year after Somer was kidnapped and killed four blocks away. Her body was found in a Georgia landfill two days later.

Beseler said he still feels a chill when he thinks about the death of the 7-year-old first-grader and warned people to be ever vigilant so that it never happens again. Jarred Harrell, 25, is awaiting trial in the case.

“It is a bad memory, because it turned out to be so tragic,” Beseler said of the night last year. “We know that there are serial killers and predators out there in our society right now waiting to strike again. That is a terrifying reality.”

About 500 people listened to music and speakers during the somber ceremony at the school, which was organized by First Coast Neighborhood Watch. Dozens of purple balloons — Somer’s favorite color — were released by the crowd.

“Justice for Somer!” shouted her mother, Diena Thompson, during the balloon release. Thompson also released countless butterflies in her daughter’s memory.

Sheryl Garza, who has an 8-year-old granddaughter, said she can’t imagine the emotional roller coaster experienced by Somer’s survivors over the past year.

“How do you deal with the loss of a child like that, whether it’s one year or 20 years?” said Garza, 54, a 15-year resident of Orange Park. “It’s got to be hard.”

Phil Miller, 53, arrived at the vigil pulling a wagon with his two granddaughters, ages 2 and 3. Miller said he worries for the safety of those girls and all children who may fall prey to predators.

“You can’t let your guard down,” Miller said. “Unfortunately, I think it’s here to stay.”

After the ceremony at the school, many in the crowd walked with lit candles to Somer’s home about 1 ½ miles away. Standing near a memory garden filled with purple flowers, Somer’s sister, Abby, led the crowd in singing “You Are My Sunshine,” Somer’s favorite song.

The singing ended just before 8 p.m., about the same time Beseler arrived at Orange Park Junior High School a year earlier in the quest to find Somer.

And then the candles were blown out.

Times-Union photographer Bruce Lipsky contributed to this report.

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2010-10-19/story/hundreds-gather-orange-park-somer-thompson-vigil#1

Gallery of Images from the vigil: http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=32223880&event=1100301&CategoryID=31680

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image5-4.png)

http://www.news4jax.com/news/25480967/detail.html

Harrell's Jail Visit Info, Calls Released
Man Awaiting Trial In 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson's Killing

POSTED: Friday, October 22, 2010
UPDATED: 7:45 am EDT October 23, 2010

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- The Clay County Sheriff's Office on Friday released a log of people who have visited the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson, a list of his movements since he was booked into the jail in March, along with audio of phone calls he's made.

Jarred Harrell is awaiting trial on 58 charges, including sexual assault and murder.

Police said Harrell abducted and killed Somer while the girl was walking home from Orange Park Elementary School last October. After a massive search, Somer's body was found days in a Georgia landfill where Orange Park's trash is dumped.

Somer Thompson disappeared as she walked home from school on Oct. 19. Her body was found two days later in the Georgia landfill where Orange Park's trash is dumped.
 
Four months later, Harrell was arrested in Lauderdale County, Miss., and brought back to Clay County to face the charges.

The phone calls released are between Harrell and his mother, who tries to provide encouragement.

"Just hang in there, baby, and you know, at least you have some books to read to kind of get your mind off stuff," she is heard telling Harrell.

Among the books his mother sent was a Bible.

Harrell told his mother he just wanted pizza and cigarettes and, "just come home and sit down."

He also told his mother he didn't get a card from his grandmother because it didn't have a return address and corrections officers wouldn't allow it in "because it might be somebody sending a bomb or something."

snipped>>>

Link to telephone calls at site.

Those phone calls are infuriating.   ::MonkeyMad::  They act as though he is stranded at an airport waiting for a storm to blow over so he can come home and get some pizza.  And of course, the other people who were arrested with some of the same charges, those people are guilty.  His mother says "they" did it right with those people-search warrants and stuff.  Not like how "they" caught him and he says, "Yeah, It's all politics."   ::MonkeyNoNo::  It's as if they totally believe he's done nothing wrong, or can explain away, some pictures.  It's like their minds don't even acknowledge the murder charge, like nothing exsists involving Somer in their world.   ::MonkeyMad:: 

I understand he is not convicted of anything, yet.  But I look at ALL the charges and how SERIOUS they are and I just cannot see how these conversations take place like this.  It doesn't make sense to me.  Maybe I need to read a "fun" Bible to understand.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

My heart is thinking of you tonight little angel. I am sorry this happened to you. Someday your justice will be served.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=186079&catid=3

Video of Diena Thompson at site.

Jared Harrell a No-show in Court for Hearing; Diena Thompson, Mother of Somer Thompson, Wants That Changed



CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- There was a pre-trial hearing for the man accused of killing a girl in Orange Park in 2009, but his absence at the hearing raised the ire of one person.

Diena Thompson, the mother of Somer Thompson, believes Jared Harrell should have been at the hearing in Clay County court this morning, rather than just his attorney.

Somer, 7-years old when she was walking home from school in October 2009, didn't make it home one day. After a massive search effort, her body was found days later in a landfill in Georgia.

Harrell, who formerly lived along the route Somer walked, was arrested in Mississippi on child pornography charges in early 2010.

He was extradited to Clay County to face charges in the Somer Thompson case. He faces 58 charges in all, many of which are unrelated to the Somer case.

Diena Thompson has been in court for every pre-trial procedural hearing, though Harrell hasn't been there since April.

She said she doesn't fully understand the court system, but feels that Harrell should "stand up there like a man and face it like a man."

She also wants to make sure Harrell sees plenty of her when he does appear in court.

"He will have nothing but my beautiful face to look at for the rest of the time that he's in the Clay County court system," she said.

Harrell's next hearing is set for March 1.

He has the right to appear, but is not required to do so as long as he is represented by an attorney. Thompson would like to see that changed.

"We're going to make a difference in this and we're going to change how this works," she said.

Go Diena Go! ::MonkeyGavel::

Documents Sealed In Somer Thompson Case
Jarred Harrell's Next Hearing In Somer Thompson's Death Set For March
POSTED: Wednesday, February 9, 2011
http://www.news4jax.com/news/26805558/detail.html

<snipped>
Circuit Judge William Wilkes' protective order, signed in December, also prohibits Clay County investigators and prosecution and defense attorneys from disclosing any information.

Harrell's court appearances remain open, but he has waived his right to appear in at every pretrial hearing since April. His trial is not likely to begin until 2012.

Prosecutors said they will seek the death penalty if Harrell is convicted, which is likely the reason for the drawn-out pretrial process.
<snipped>

GMJ Exclusive: Gag Order Issued in Somer Thompson Murder Case
6:58 PM, Feb 16, 2011
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=190722

<snipped>
"To protect ... the defendant's right to a fair and impartial trial in the county where the crimes were committed ... a protective order is necessary," the judge wrote.

Normally, evidence in a criminal trial becomes public record once it's turned over to defense lawyers. But in this case, that won't happen.
<snipped>

Somer's foundation helps families of crime victims in Texas
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/actionlocal/story/Somers-foundation-helps-families-of-crime-victims/3TQoCF5tZkqZWbnGF0fO9g.cspx?rss=1

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The tears still come easily for Diena Thompson. The last few days haven't been easy for her.

"I'm a wreck right now because its just like living it all over again," she said.

Diena has been in Texas, helping other families of missing and murdered children.

"It was probably, aside from losing my own child, one of the hardest things I've ever had to do," said Diena.

It was hard. But she was there working on behalf of the Somer Thompson Foundation, the non-profit charity she started shortly after her daughter's death.

She gave the families of Elizabeth Ennen and Hailey Dunn money raised by Somer Thompson Foundation to help the family get through what is no doubt the worst times of their lives.
<snipped>

Thank you for the updates!  Happy to hear about the gag order.
Praying for Diena and the family today.  ::MonkeyAngel::

April 5 named as Somer Thompson Day in Clay County
7-year-old girl who was killed in 2009 will be honored with upcoming events
Posted: March 31, 2011 - 12:00am

The Clay County Commission has proclaimed April 5 as Somer Thompson Day in memory of the 7-year-old Orange Park girl who was abducted and killed in 2009 on her way home from school.

Her birthday is April 5.

Somer Thompson Day will be recognized on that day this year and "each year hereafter," according to the proclamation. April 5 this year falls on a Tuesday.

<snipped>: http://jacksonville.com/community/clay/2011-03-31/story/april-5-named-somer-thompson-day-clay-county#ixzz1I79qlDKN

Thanks for the update Brandi.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/WEATHER/furby-halo2-1.gif)

http://www.news4jax.com/news/27422302/detail.html
State Cybercrime Funds Won't Be Gutted
Mother Of Slain Girl Went To Tallahassee Last Week To Lobby For Cybercrime Units
April 4, 2011

After Diena Thompson went to Tallahassee last week to lobby lawmakers against cutting funding for the state Attorney General's Office's cybercrime unit, the former head of the unit went before the senate budget committee to fight for funds.

While no guarantees were made, members of the unit got some assurances that the funds it will not be gutted in the midst of proposed budget cuts.

The unit will still be transferred to the supervision of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but it's looking less likely any law enforcement positions will be cut.
 ::snipping2::

he rallied against statewide budget cuts that would strip $1.4 million from cybercrime units that protect exploited children.

Thompson said she feels that cybercrime units are what put men like Jarred Harrell, the man accused of her killing her daughter, in jail.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/199470/3/Somer-Thompson-Day-in-Clay-County
Video
Somer Thompson Day in Clay County
April 5, 2011

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The community paused to remember Somer Thompson, who would have turned 9 today.

Somer was abducted and later found murdered in October 2009. She was walking home from Grove Park Elementary at the time of the abduction.  Her disappearance resulted in a community-wide search until she was found dead in a Georgia landfill.

The Clay County Commission recently decided to make Somer's birthday special by making it "Somer Thompson Day."

Schools in Clay County observed a moment of silence in her honor.

Somer's mother, Diena, was touched by the moment given to her daughter.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.news4jax.com/news/27436786/detail.html
School Celebrates Somer Thompson Day
Moment Of Silence Honors Slain Girl On 9th Birthday
April 5, 2011

(http://www.news4jax.com/2011/0405/27436957_240X135.jpg)
The principal and staff at Grove Park Elementary School released nine purple balloons to signify the age Somer Thompson would have been.

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A moment of silence was held Tuesday morning in a first-grade classroom at Grove Park Elementary School in honor of Somer Thompson Day in Clay County.

County commissioners proclaimed Tuesday to be named after the girl who was kidnapped while walking home from the Orange Park school and killed in October 2009. Tuesday would have been Somer's ninth birthday.

Commissioners asked everyone in the county to wear purple, Somer's favorite color, or do something to remember the girl whose death touched the entire community.

Purple flowers and a plaque filled the garden in Somer's memory. Principal Lynda Braxton said she hopes that somehow something better can come out of Somer's tragedy.

"As we love, we change the world," Braxton said. "School is about educating and loving. We are attempting to change the world for the better."

Somer Thompson Day Moment Of Silence
First-graders at Grove Park Elementary School have a moment of silence to honor Somer Thompson on her birthday.
It's a world Somer's mom, Diena Thompson, has pledged to make safer for children. She said every day is a struggle without her little girl.

"Today is a bittersweet day," said Thompson, who brought cupcakes to the school for her son's birthday. "She's a twin, so I have one to celebrate that he's (Somer's brother) still here, one in heaven. And it means a lot to have the support of the schools."

The school's principal spoke and read a poem to honor Somer.
 ::snipping2::

saddest thing ever... ::MonkeyTears:: ::MonkeyTears::

I don't know how Somer's mom copes.  I'd be a mess.

I dont either but I feel she is a good strong woman!  ::MonkeyWink::

agree..I admire her...

https://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal (https://twitter.com/#!/CaseSignal)
CaseSignal Case Signal (BeanE)
Somer Thompson - Trial delayed for Jarred Harrell - #SomerThompson - News4Jax > bit.ly/x2gshy
4 minutes ago
http://www.news4jax.com/news/Trial-delayed-for-Jarred-Harrell/-/475880/8254052/-/n2mdl6/-/
Trial delayed for Jarred Harrell
Harrell accused of kidnapping, killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson
Published On: Jan 17 2012 11:02:26 AM EST  Updated On: Oct 19 2011 11:32:10 AM EDT
 ::snipping2::
His trial on the child molestation charges was schedule to start in two weeks, but on Tuesday, a Clay County judge granted a defense request for more time to prepare for that trial. It was pushed back to May 7.

Harrell's next pretrial hearing is set for March 12.

A date for his murder trial has not been set.

Oh, good grief.  What possible defense does this creep have.  I'm so sick of blood sucking attys filing and wasting time. 

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFCtsH6x
Source: Jarred Harrell set to plead guilty in Somer Thompson slaying
Posted: February 2, 2012 - 11:29am  |  Updated: February 2, 2012 - 11:57am

 ::snipping2::
Harrell, 26, wasn’t supposed to go to trial in the slaying until later this year or early next year, but plea negotiations with prosecutors have led him to accept a life sentence rather than face the death penalty, the source said.

The source said Harrell also has agreed to plead guilty to a second charge in an unrelated case, though it’s unclear whether that involves the sexual molestation of a young family member or a slew of child pornography charges he faced after police found multiple graphic images on a computer he owned. The second case also will carry a life sentence.

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFHyIkp8

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFCtsH6x
Email rom the Clay County Sheriff's Office:

MEDIA RELEASE

FEBRUARY 2, 2012

Notice of Pretrial Appearance; Defendant Jarred Harrell

On Friday, February 3, 2012 at 1pm at the Clay County Courthouse (Orange Avenue, Green Cove Springs, FL), a pretrial hearing is scheduled for defendant Jarred Harrell.  There is the potential for significant court action in regards to the pending prosecution of this defendant.  Harrell will be present for this proceeding. Should significant court action occur Friday as anticipated, personnel from the State Attorney’s Office and Clay County Sheriff’s Office will join members of Somer Thompson’s family for public comment afterwards in the main courthouse lobby (first floor).

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFIKJRzv

Thank you for the updates.  I'm happy to see this "tick on society" is finally going to show his face in court.  Many prayers for Somer's family....  ::MonkeyAngel::  and the family's of all the children that were hurt by this monster....  ::justice2NJ::

::justice2NJ::

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/actionbreaking/story/Significant-court-action-expected-in-Somer/qiuqqlSu7EykSPrvPNo9_w.cspx
"Significant court action" expected in Somer Thompson case
Published: 11:59 am Updated: 1:42 pm
 ::snipping2::
Sources tell Action News Harrell may be planning on pleading guilty to all charges.  Right now, Harrell does face the death penalty.

Stay with Action News and ActionNewsJax.com for the very latest.  We will have a live report on Action News at 5 p.m. on CBS47.

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-02/story/source-jarred-harrell-set-plead-guilty-somer-thompson-slaying#ixzz1lFCtsH6x
Source: Jarred Harrell set to plead guilty in Somer Thompson slaying
Posted: February 2, 2012 - 11:29am  |  Updated: February 2, 2012 - 2:09pm
 ::snipping2::
A hearing on the pleas is set for tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the Clay County Courthouse. Spokeswoman Mary Justino of the Clay County Sheriff's Office put out a press release shortly after 11 a.m. today informing the media of the pretrial hearing, but gave no details.

"There is the potential for significant court action in regards to the pending prosecution of this defendant [Harrell]" the press release said. "Harrell will be present for this proceeding. Should signficant court action occur Friday as anticipated, personnel from the State Attorney's Office and Clay County Sheriff's Office will join members of Somer Thompson's family for public comment afterwards."

Justino declined to elaborate and said Sheriff Rick Beseler declined to comment.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
Diena Thompson, a death penalty advocate, began devoting time and other resources to the causes of missing and slain children nationwide through a foundation named in Somer’s honor. The second anniversay of Somer's death included the dedication of a plot of land where a park is to be built in her memory.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/-Significant-court-action-expected-in-Jarred-Harrell-case/-/475880/8584672/-/8vs42y/-/index.html (http://www.news4jax.com/news/-Significant-court-action-expected-in-Jarred-Harrell-case/-/475880/8584672/-/8vs42y/-/index.html)

Sources: Harrell to plead guilty to all charges
Jarred Harrell accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson in October 2009
Published On: Feb 02 2012 11:17:39 AM EST  Updated On: Feb 02 2012 06:26:16 PM EST


CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -

Jarred Harrell, the man accused of killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson in October 2009, will plead guilty in a Clay County courtroom Friday to all charges he's facing in three cases, including murder, to avoid the death penalty, sources confirmed to Channel 4 Thursday afternoon.

Harrell would be sentenced to life in prison.

The Clay County Sheriff's Office said earlier Thursday there was the potential for "significant court action" at the 1 p.m Friday hearing in regard to pending prosecution of Harrell, and he will be present in the courtroom for the first time since he was arraigned in 2010.

"Should significant court action occur Friday as anticipated, personnel from the state attorney's office and Clay County Sheriff's Office will join members of Somer Thompson's family for public comment afterwards in the main courthouse lobby," a news release reads.

Harrell is accused of kidnapping, molesting and killing the Orange Park girl, and is also charged in unrelated cases of child molestation of a 3-year-old girl and possession of child pornography. He is facing a total of 59 charges.

 ::snipping2::

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/SOMER%20RENEE%20THOMPSON/Image5.png)

http://orangepark.firstcoastnews.com/news/news/72389-tipster-somer-thompson-case-speaks-out
Tipster in Somer Thompson Case Speaks Out
Submitted by Kaitlyn Ross, Reporter
Thursday, February 2nd, 2012, 11:51pm

Video at link.
Now the family that came forward in 2009 is speaking out about their experience.

"The few times I've been with him, the loss in his eyes is enough to bring any man to his knees," he said.

Rod Buchanan has sat in silence with Somer Thompson's grandfather, hoping the company will bring him some peace. In the two and a half years since Somer's murder, he said there's little he can say.

"I hope he gets some comfort in knowing this guy is going to plead guilty and save everybody the torment of a trial," he said. 

Buchanan's daughter and son-in-law lived with accused killer Jarred Harrell in 2008. His daughter went to police after she said she found child pornography on Harrell's computer, two months before Somer's murder.

"When we opened the door to the sheriff's department, I looked at my little girl and said, 'Hey, what you're fixing to do is going to be the hardest thing you've ever done in your life. Are you sure you want to go through with it?' And she just looked at me and smiled and said, 'Absolutely,'" he said. 

Months later, it was Buchanan's turn to call the cops, and tell them where Harrell had been hiding out.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/03/suspect-in-murder-florida-girl-somer-thompson-may-avoid-trial-with-plea-deal/
Suspect in murder of Florida girl Somer Thompson may avoid trial with plea deal, sources say
Published February 03, 2012
| FoxNews.com
The suspect in the murder of 7-year-old Florida girl Somer Thompson may avoid a trial by pleading guilty to all charges when he appears in court Friday, according to sources.

Somer was abducted on Oct. 19, 2009, as she was walking home from school in Orange Park, a suburb of Jacksonville, Fla. Authorities said she was later murdered and that her body was dumped in a Georgia landfill.

Her accused killer, Jarred Harrell, is thought to have struck a plea deal with prosecutors, which would potentially give him life in prison rather than the death penalty, sources close to the case told WTEV-TV

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/02/03/suspect-in-murder-florida-girl-somer-thompson-may-avoid-trial-with-plea-deal/#ixzz1lKDbQHag

only one comment....who in the h3ll would think Harrell was innocent???  Loved the 'eat crow'.  lol 

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Plea-deal-in-Somer-Thompson-case/oAzI0m-P9EyZ-pfeBLlqbg.cspx

Plea deal in Somer Thompson case


 ::rhino::

I don't think this man realizes how many people are willing to turn their backs on a child because they don't want to get involved.  He and his family are heros in my mind.

Anyone know of a live link?

I haven't found a link but I am watching the local news on channel 4 right now.  Diena and her family are there now, all wearing purple of course.   ::justice2NJ::

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/webcast.aspx (http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/webcast.aspx)

First Coast Noon Newscast Live Online  (I don't particularly like this station so, I am still looking. I need to find a link for FB friends, too.)

Thanks!

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400990/jim-schoettler/2012-02-02/live-blog-plea-deal-somer-thompson-case (http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400990/jim-schoettler/2012-02-02/live-blog-plea-deal-somer-thompson-case)

Live blog on The Florida Times-Union website.  (I hope I am posting these correctly and within posting rules.)  I am also watching the extended broadcast coverage on channel 4, as well.  You are welcome, KittyMom!  Happy to help....  ::justice2NJ::

http://www.news4jax.com/Channel-4-s-special-Justice-For-Somer-coverage/-/475982/3988454/-/xaokut/-/index.html (http://www.news4jax.com/Channel-4-s-special-Justice-For-Somer-coverage/-/475982/3988454/-/xaokut/-/index.html)

This is the website to Channel 4 News4Jax, the station I am watching now.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Thanks! ::HelloKitty::

(http://www.firstcoastnews.com/images/640/360/2/assetpool/images/120203122411_IMAG0506.jpg)
The family of Somer Thompson heads to court.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/fromthefield/article/239584/486/Mike-Lyons-In-Somer-Thomsons-Neighborhood

Thank you!

Live link here also

http://www.wesh.com/video/30370894/detail.html

Harrell pleads guilt to all three crimes.

Has agreed to 6 life sentences

Harrell also waives any rights to appeal or post conviction relief against his lawyers advise.

Lots of people wearing purple in honour of Somer in the court room.

How gut wrenching for this family.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

This is so hard to hear their pain.  May God give them strength and comfort to get through this.

I am glad that Somer's grandmother told Harrell to look at her as she was reading her statement and that she ended with telling him he is going to big boy prison and hoping that they show him the welcoming he deserves.

::rhino::

Grandpa....
(http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg859/scaled.php?tn=0&server=859&filename=pkyqy.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640) 
https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan (https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)

 ::MonkeyTears::   ::MonkeyTears::   ::MonkeyTears::   ::MonkeyTears::   ::MonkeyTears::

Grandma...
(http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg741/scaled.php?tn=0&server=741&filename=cj2xt.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640)
(https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)

Sister.....
(https://yfrog.com/Himg877/scaled.php?tn=0&server=877&filename=v36ck.jpg&xsize=480&ysize=480)
https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan (https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)

Twin brother...   ::MonkeyNoNo::    ::MonkeyTears::
(http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg876/scaled.php?tn=0&server=876&filename=21yhw.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640)
https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan (https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)

Diena - "You took her dignity, her virginity, you treated my child like trash."”

Mom.....
(http://desmond.yfrog.com/Himg815/scaled.php?tn=0&server=815&filename=92144437.jpg&xsize=640&ysize=640)
https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan (https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)

Vinnie Politan @VinniePolitan   https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan (https://twitter.com/#!/VinniePolitan)
Somer's Mom's final words to court: "it's time to take out the trash"

Diena will be making a public statement in about 15 minutes

(https://yfrog.com/gyz1tbtj:tw1)

(CNN) - A Florida man pleaded guilty Friday to kidnapping, molesting and murdering a 7-year-old girl more than two years ago, making the admission after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Jarred Harrell agreed to be sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole, waiving his right to appeal, after pleading guilty to first-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual battery and lewd and lascivious molestation. He avoids potentially facing a death penalty for the crimes.

"This will be the last breath that I waste or use on you," the victim's mother, Diena Thompson, said in court after his plea. "It is now time to take out the trash. May God have mercy on your sorry, sorry soul."

 ::snipping2::

http://www.local10.com/Florida-man-pleads-guilty-to-molesting-murdering-girl/-/1717430/8589476/-/t7mfu4z/-/

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Jarred-Harrell-pleads-guilty-to-murdering-Somer-Thompson/-/475880/8590720/-/6jm8t7/-/index.html
Jarred Harrell pleads guilty to murdering Somer Thompson
26-year-old sentenced to life in prison for killing 7-year-old in October 2009
Published On: Feb 03 2012 10:48:20 AM EST  Updated On: Feb 03 2012 01:47:13 PM EST
 ::snipping2::
Several relatives made impact statements at the hearing.

"Once again, I think that you should look at me, the mother of the child that you strangled and raped and threw in the trash, but cowardly as always you look down," Thompson said on the stand. "Somer was an innocent child, but before you took her life, you took her dignity, her virginity, and then treated her like trash. ... Your punishment absolutely does not fit your crime."

"This will be the last breath I waste on you," Thompson told Harrell. "As with the last breath, I would now like to tell the court that it's now time to take out the trash."

Other relatives of Somer's also spoke in court.

"Your selfish actions have forever changed so many lives," Somer's aunt, Dawn, said to Harrell in impact statements. "Knowing that you will never be able to hurt anyone else again is the only peace I get from this senseless act you have committed."

"Do you know what you did to my family on Oct. 19, 2009? You took everything," Debbie Bowling, Somer's grandmother. "How could you? ... How could you kill a defenseless little 7-year-old girl that only loved everybody?"

"You are no longer a person or a gentle giant. You are a monster, and you should be treated so," she added. "Do you know where they put monsters? They go to big boy prison, and I hope prison will treat you like you did Somer."

"I don't even know how you can live with yourself," Somer's older sister said. "Your name is not Jarred Harrell. Your name is monster."
 ::snipping2::

Diena discussing the case with media (still going on)...

Just audio.

http://www.news4jax.com/Channel-4-s-special-Justice-For-Somer-coverage/-/475982/3988454/-/xaokut/-/index.html

That audio was hard to hear at times.  I think all I caught from it was that the Judge lifted the gag order and  that Diena struggled with accepting the plea deal or not.  I think it was her father talking and said she was uncomfortable with having the final decision on someone's life.  She wanted to spare her children the ugliness of a trial.  Somer's twin brother spoke about walking home the day she was kidnapped.  Diena's mother said the monster never looked up and she doesn't feel he has any remorse about what he did.  Also, the spokeswoman said, "It may not be perfect justice but it is sure justice".

(No thanks needed for the links.  Just wanted to help...  ::HelloKitty:: ) 

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Why-didn-t-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-against-Harrell/-/475880/8592168/-/t9r24mz/-/index.html (http://www.news4jax.com/news/Why-didn-t-prosecutors-seek-death-penalty-against-Harrell/-/475880/8592168/-/t9r24mz/-/index.html)

Why didn't prosecutors seek death penalty against Harrell?
Jarred Harrell sentenced to life in prison for killing Somer Thompson

Published On: Feb 03 2012 03:58:13 PM EST  Updated On: Feb 03 2012 04:11:56 PM EST

 ::snipping2::
Beseler said going to trial brings a risk of allowing the person presumed guilty to go free.

"This puts the control in the hands of law enforcement, it puts the control in the hands of the state attorney's office and law enforcement to make sure that no child ever gets hurt again," Beseler said. "We made sure today that Jarred Harrell will never, ever get an opportunity to hurt another child."

"Today was not a day of perfect justice, but it was certainly a day of sure justice," Corey said.
 ::snipping2::

http://www.wesh.com/news/30371593/detail.html
Man Takes Plea Deal In Somer Thompson Death
POSTED: 1:27 pm EST February 3, 2012
UPDATED: 4:21 pm EST February 3, 2012
Video at link.
Read more: http://www.wesh.com/news/30371593/detail.html#ixzz1lME0HL2B

Plea Document.
http://www.clickorlando.com/blob/view/-/8592994/data/2/-/7b2v0jz/-/Jarred-Harrell.pdf

http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2012/february/377885/Jarred-Harrell-pleads-guilty-to-Somer-Thompson-murder
Jarred Harrell pleads guilty to Somer Thompson murder
By Jason Wheeler, Reporter
Last Updated: Friday, February 03, 2012 4:22 PM
GREEN COVE SPRINGS --

In a surprise move, nearly two years after pleading not guilty to the murder of 7-year old Somer Thompson, Jarred Harrell agreed to a plea bargain brought on by his own attorney.

In exchange, his life will be spared, but he’ll spend the rest of his life in prison.

Harrell did not have much to say during the nearly hour-long hearing Friday afternoon.

However, the family of the little girl he admitted to sexually assaulting and then killing had plenty to say.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, had the opportunity to speak to her daughter's killer before the judge sentenced him.

“Eight hundred 35 days ago, you lured my baby into your lair with trickery and and malice in your soul,” Thompson said.
 ::snipping2::

 ::snipping2::
The investigators and attorneys who made up “Team Somer” had spoken in the past of the strength of their case, even as they pursued the death penalty.

Yet Clay County Sheriff Rick Beesler underscored the importance of having the opportunity to end this case in one fell swoop.

 “You know, you never know when you go to trial,” Beesler said. “You can look at lots and lots of cases from Casey Anthony to O.J. Simpson, where people that we know are guilty walk away from murder cases.”
 ::snipping2::

I've added about 36 screenshots from the live coverage.

Case archive:
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Somer%20Thompson%20%20-FL-/

I am going to go through and find stuff from your links, THANKS.

Great shots,thank you so much. ::HelloKitty::

RAW VIDEO: Somer Thompson's Family Speaks At Sentencing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0bbhd4z-aM

Just saw Diena on JVM... very emotional to listen to.... she is so strong... I pray she finds comfort somehow knowing the monster won't hurt any other little girls...

Please remember, Somer is not the only child this monster harmed.  At this point, she is the only child he murdered.  I told myself I wouldn't read the info released on him today but, I did.  Horrible, just horrible.   ::MonkeyMad::  Thank you for posting the plea, trimm.  It answered some questions and left some new questions.....

If I may ask, what are the blacked out "words"/(initials?) in the plea?  Specifically, the marked out ones on the picture charges.  I got that it was the other, younger child (relative?) he harmed and it's for privacy of that child.  And possible future charges he plead guilty to as well, today.  I'm just asking in general-- Is it on going investigation info abbreviations or something?  (It can't be a name, not that I would want to know that if it were.) I don't know how to word this very well....  I'm not trying to be nosey, I'm just trying to understand the "legal-ease". I'm just wondering what it refers to, not any specific details. I guess that's the best way to explain my query on this.     

In short, I'm stumped.  And clearly need to step away for now.  I have never witnessed anything quite like this and my father said he hasn't either.  It's mind boggling, to say the least. 

 ::justice2NJ::  ::MonkeyAngel::  ::justice2NJ::

The look on the court officers' face just speaks volumes.

I heard the judge ask Harrell if he had taken photos and video of Somer during the attack and he replied 'yes'.  I'd never heard that.  What a monster!

It does.  You can see pure, raw emotion.  This Deputy kept looking from the monster to Diena. Monster never looked anyone in the face.  He could admit what he did but not, at the very least, allow anyone to speak "into" him.  Shameful and hopeless...

He did?!  I missed that.  I've been holding onto the dim, little light that at least Somer's mom doesn't have that to deal with, too.  Ugh.  Disgusting. 

I agree with Somer's Granny even more now. I hope prison treats him as well as he treated Somer, too. 

The pros mentioned future charges brought in the investigation of this case and then Somer's grandmother mentioned Harrell's niece.  I'm thinking he had abused his niece and documented it with videos/pics and those were found on his computer/camera.

I really pray that Somer's entire family get counseling.  They've got so much anger toward this guy.  It scares me for the sake of the other kids.  They need to be able to develop some type of coping skills in order to live any type of productive life.  Samuel's rage was tangible.  It just broke my heart.

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-10/story/concerns-killer-would-go-free-led-somer-thompsons-mom-back-plea-deal
Concerns killer would go free led Somer Thompson's mom to back plea deal
Posted: February 10, 2012 - 4:16pm  |  Updated: February 12, 2012 - 8:53am
Video at link.
 ::snipping2::
Thompson said Friday she was unsure about those details but something may have occurred when Harrell was brought to Clay from Mississippi, where he was arrested on unrelated child pornography charges.

She said her understanding was there was a chance he may have invoked his right not to speak at some point.

Thompson’s attorney, Mark Gelman, said Harrell apparently spoke to police on the way back and when they got to Clay. He was charged with Somer’s slaying the following month.

Gelman said that Corey assured Thompson that the case was still strong and that they expected the confession to stand up to any suppression attempts. When questioned after Harrell pleaded guilty, Corey said there were no issues with how the confession was taken.

Before agreeing to support the plea deal, Thompson said she thought of the confession concern and what she considers the injustice of Casey Anthony’s acquittal. She said she didn’t want to take any chances of that happening.

“What if I got a jury of people who believed that he wasn’t guilty?” she said. “I wasn’t willing to take a not guilty instead of taking a deal and letting him go to jail forever.”

Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-02-10/story/concerns-killer-would-go-free-led-somer-thompsons-mom-back-plea-deal#ixzz1mJ4PBq7p

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/241492/483/Somer-Thompson--Investigation-Documents-Unsealed

A Closer Look at How Investigators Found Somer Thompson's Body

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Report-details-discovery-of-Somer-s-body/-/475880/8777156/-/c9uy24z/-/
Report details discovery of Somer's body
Jarred Harrell pleaded guilty to killing 7-year-old girl, dumping her body
Published On: Feb 14 2012 06:14:12 PM EST  Updated On: Feb 10 2012 06:35:00 PM EST

Video at link.

http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/2012-03-01/story/jarred-harrells-story-police-about-how-he-killed-somer-thompson-changed
Jarred Harrell's story to police about how he killed Somer Thompson changed
Harrell equates himself with a 'monster' in video confession.
By Adam Kealoha Causey , Dana Treen , Jim Schoettler
Posted March 1, 2012, Updated March 2, 2012

arred Harrell tells a harrowing, changing tale of killing and attempting to rape 7-year-old Somer Thompson in video released by authorities Thursday among thousands of pages of records in the 2009 slaying.

Harrell, then 24, initially told Clay County detectives he blocked memories from the day he killed the girl. But more than 90 minutes after the start of questioning, Harrell admits he tried to sexually assault the child after she was dead. He gave details about the sex attack after detectives told him they found DNA on her body.

“Something happened that we haven’t talked about yet,” a detective says. “Maybe it was something that you’ve put out of your mind and put in a box and put away. But right now, while we’re talking and we can do something to explain it, we need to get it out of the box and look at it and figure out what it is.”

Moments later, Harrell admitted to removing the clothes from Somer’s lifeless body.

“Honestly, I didn’t remember this until now,” Harrell says.
More...
Video at Link

http://www.scribd.com/doc/80418264/Somer-Thompson-court-documents
Court documents released February 23, 2012

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Somer-s-mom-hears-killer-s-confession/-/475880/9193456/-/qvvo4hz/-/
Somer's mom hears killer's confession
Evidence, confession released in Somer Thompson's slaying
March 1, 2012

ACKSONVILLE, Fla. -

The man who pleaded guilty last month to kidnapping, raping and killing Somer Thompson mundanely confessed in a videotaped interview with detectives that he suffocated the girl in October 2009, but initially denied sexually molesting the 7-year-old Orange Park girl.
The nearly four-hour video of detectives interviewing Jarred Harrell was among dozens of documents, photos and other evidence released by the Clay County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. It was material investigators gathered leading to the arrest and prosecution of Harrell.
 ::snipping2::
Investigators from Team Somer shared the information with Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, earlier this week before releasing it to the public.

Thompson said reading the interview made her want to scream.

"I felt like I had no choice but to read it. Even if I didn't want to, I had no choice. I had no choice because its so public," Thompson told Channel 4. "That I have to be armed with the right knowledge to go out here in front of people because they are going to come up to me and say, 'Oh, did you read this?' or, 'Oh, did you know this?'"

She said she was especially disgusted with Harrell's request to plead guilty to murder to have the sexual molestation charges dropped.

"In one part of that he says his actual words are, 'I'll eat a murder. I'll eat the murder charge  if you guys take away the child porn charge'. And I just can't believe that murder is the less of two evils in this situation," Thompson said.
 ::snipping2::

In article are links: (clickable in article)
UNCUT VIDEO: Clay County detectives' interview with Harrell (contains graphic descriptions)
DOCUMENTS (contain graphic material): Harrell arrest warrant | Lewd and lascivious investigation
DNA analysis | Computer, digital camera analysis | Sketch of house
IMAGES: Evidence, Jarred Harrell's interview | SPECIAL SECTION: Justice For Somer

http://www.news4jax.com/news/Clay-County-detectives-Finding-Somer-s-killer/-/475880/9241748/-/10w55uez/-/
Clay County detectives: Finding Somer's killer
Investigators say they had 'gut instinct' Jarred Harrell killed 7-year-old girl
Published March 7, 2012, Updated March 10, 2012

Video at Link

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Team-Somer-Speaks/O29aEFbdUkq1X5VJxucbHw.cspx
Team Somer Speaks
Reported by: Leslie Coursey
March 7, 2012

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The murder of Somer Thompson made us all realize monsters could live next door.  In 2009, the 7-year-old girl was kidnapped as she walked home from school.  She was raped and suffocated at the hands of Jarred Harrell, a man who lived in her Orange Park neighborhood.

Sgt. Ken West, with the Clay Co. Sheriff's Office and a member of Team Somer said, "We had a very good indication, a true police gut feeling, that he was the one we were looking for."

For the first time, the team that investigated this case is speaking out, revealing details we didn't know before.

More...
Video at Link

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/article/246887/3/Renderings-Revealed-of-Somer-Thompson-Memorial-Park-
Somer Thompson Memorial Park Drawings Released
By Claire Simms
March 13, 2012

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- Crews have begun work on a Somer Thompson memorial park in Orange Park.

Local design firm Klaybor and Associates released drawings of "Somer's Sunshine Park," which include a circular paved walkway, ornamental grasses and shrubs, as well as a butterfly garden.
 ::snipping2::
A community work day will be held March 24.  "Somer's Sunshine Park" is expected to open April 5.

Video and drawing of park at link

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/topstories/article/254787/483/Somer-Thompson-Killer-Gets-Secret-Protection-in-Prison

Somer Thompson Killer Gets Secret Protection in Prison


Somer didn't receive ANY protection so why should this POS?  Especially since this obviously isn't a standard policy for death row inmates in FL.  I'll bet Somer's mom is having a fit.  And who could blame her?

 ::MonkeyMad::

Jarred Harrell may have protective management, but with a whole prison full of men with a lot of time on their hands and the knowledge of what he did to an innocent little girl, it may only be a matter of time before someone gets to him.  JMHO

Let's hope the prisons allow for local newspapers.  Sooner or later someone will recognize his ugly mug.

 ::MonkeyAngel::  Among their good works, Moosehaven hosts the Somer Thompson Memorial Halloween Trick or Treat.   ::MonkeyDance::


http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400721/beth-cravey/2012-09-26/birthday-bash-wiffle-ball-and-corn-hoe-planned-orange
Birthday bash with wiffle ball and corn hoe planned for Orange Park's Moosehaven
September 26, 2012

Moosehaven, an Orange Park retirement community for members of the Loyal Order of Moose, a national fraternal organization, will celebrate its 90th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The event will showcase the evolution of the 72-acre community, which was founded in 1922 by Rodney Brandon, then-Secretary to the Moose.
 ::snipping2::
When Moovehaven was born "elders of the fraternal organization were required to provide through their own efforts, help for each other and themselves, and provide from their own energy the major part of the cost of their keep," according to the release. "After 90 years of societal and economic changes, Moosehaven continues to provide an active retirement lifestyle to members of the Loyal Order of Moose, along with all levels of on-campus health care."

Also, Moosehaven is the second largest employer in Orange Park and hosts numerous community events, including "Heart of the Community" breakfasts, an annual Easter Egg Hunt and Community Sunrise Service, the American Pie 4th of July Celebration, the Somer Thompson Memorial Halloween Trick or Treat, a sanctioned Chili Cook Off and classic car shows.

For more information about Moosehaven, contact Sandra Simmons Duggan at (904) 278-1281 or ssimmons@moosehaven.org.

Somer's Mom Diena and founder of The Somer Thompson Foundation speaks on JVM about missing 10 year old Jessica Ridgeway:



http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1210/08/ijvm.01.
JANE VELEZ-MITCHELL

Backpack of Missing Girl Found; Jerry Sandusky Speaks Out

Aired October 8, 2012 - 19:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
More...

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Action-News-wins-Overall-Excellence-in-the-Edward/447mg5WIhkGMn4XCuhCMFg.cspx
Action News wins Overall Excellence in the Edward R. Murrow Awards
April 18, 2013

ACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Action News won three Edward R. Murrow awards, including Overall Excellence for Region 13. The region includes Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

WTEV/WAWS also earned itself a Murrow award in the Breaking News category for coverage of the sentencing of Somer Thompson's killer. 
 ::snipping2::

http://www.claytodayonline.com/ee/claytoday/en/component/fullstory/20130425_013_art_2/teaching-adults-to-watch-for-stranger-danger
Teaching adults to watch for stranger danger
April 25, 2013

RANGE PARK – More than three years after the kidnapping and murder of her daughter Somer, Diena Thompson wants to educate adults about the signs of child abuse.

In October 2009, Somer Thompson, 7, was walking home from school with her siblings when she was kidnapped by a young male. Her body was found 50 miles away in a Georgia landfill. Diena Thompson wants to empower adults to become advocates for Clay County children.

"It’s important because this pain is something I can’t describe," said Thompson. "I want to do whatever is humanly possible to make a difference for another child. It would be a shame not to use what has come of this."

The nonprofit organization, Darkness to Light, brings the Stewards of Children program into schools to teach teachers, administrators, nannies or parents the warning signs of sexual abuse. According to the Jacksonville-based Monique Burr Foundation for Children, 90 percent of children know their abuser. Each year, 500,000 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Hoping to counteract these alarming statistics, Stewards of Children trains volunteers and staff to prevent, recognized and react to abuse.

"This is a fantastic course for any nonprofit, church, after school program, mentors, parents, grandparents or foster parents," said Stacy Pendarvis, Education and Research Director for the Monique Burr Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to the prevention of bullying and child abuse. "The $10 course is aimed at adults and teaches seven steps to help them recognize and react."

The two-and-a-half hour course teaches students about evidence-based statistics, abuse warning signs and how to react to uncomfortable suspicions.

"For every adult who takes the class, they are better able to protect 10 children," Thompson said.
Darkness to Light is based in Charleston, S.C. but is practiced worldwide, including Australia and Greece. In the US, there are 3,500 facilitators including of- fices in Pensacola, Tampa and Miami.

According to the Monique Burr Foundation, one in four girls and one in six boys will be sexually abused before their 18th birthday. The organization’s mission is to discuss taboo topics to educated and empower adults.

"I think parents are not educated about the reality," said Pendarvis. "Once you know better, you do better. For example, without training an adult would just drop off the child. After training, that same parent may ask ‘what are your policies about one-on-one interactions.’" The children’s curriculum is called Speak Up Be Safe, SUBS, and is taught in six Clay County public elementary schools. More than 7,900 students have learned to recognize signs of bullying and different types of abuse.

"We are only at a 25 percent implementation rate in the county," said Lynn Layton, executive director of the Monique Burr Foundation.

Thompson has three other children and worries about them constantly. Talking with Andrew, 17, Abbi, 13 and Somer’s twin brother Samuel, 11 is paramount she says.
 ::snipping2::

Somer Thompson's family home burglarized (http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Somer-Thompsons-family-home-burglarized/AxSUYc-6XUeGnJw8nbdWsA.cspx) (5/02/13)

ORANGE PARK, Fla.-- Somer Thompson's home was burglarized.
Diena Thompson has reminders of her daughter Somer all over her home. It has been a tough three years since Somer's murder.

Now it's even tougher. Someone broke into Diena's home and ruffled through her stuff. The report says the person stole $15,000 worth of jewelry and electronics.

 ::snipping3::

Dear Lord...
Hasn't this poor woman suffered enough?

for real . . . it's awful.  I don't know how she keeps from going insane!

Just a small update:
My husband was on a job this week that was in this neighborhood. They passed the Harrell house. It's been vandalized and all boarded up. I don't understand why it hasn't been torn/burned down by now. I was shocked to hear it's still standing.

Interesting...   :2thinky:

I don't understand, usually these places of crime are demolished. On one hand, this nasty scum already admitted to crimes he has not yet been connected with as part of his guilty plea. So why is it still there? On the the other hand, I wonder what evidence might still be there that was left after this disgusting monster was removed from our population? Maybe to provide closure for other children's families? God, I hope no one else suffered this fool. But if they did? I hope they get the closure they need.( I won't type what name I prefer to use for this monster.)

I'm sorry. This is emotional for me. I used to be married to the family the news scewered before this monster was found out. I have three sons and many nieces and nephews. A couple brothers(and sisters) in law, too  It's not fair. They didnt ask for this kind of attention. But they got it. And this monster got what? He gets food and water and shelter.

We get the shame. And a suicide.  And no connection at all except fixing a house up, in the neighborhood at the time.  Like normal business.  How fair is that?

It's happening today...

http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/local/home-where-somer-thompson-was-killed-will-be-burne/nj8Pz/

Oops, I got excited. It's tomorrow but, still.

Thanks Nuna!

Posted: 10:59 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015

Home where Somer Thompson was killed will be burned in fire training exercise

By Cole Heath

ORANGE PARK, Fla. —

On Thursday, the former home of local child murderer Jarred Harrell will be burned.

Harrell is serving a life sentence for abducting, violating and killing 7-year-old Somer Thompson in 2009.

The Orange Park Fire Department will burn that former crime scene as part of a training exercise. Action News spoke to Somer’s mother Diena Thompson about the planned burn of the home.

“Today I am struggling with words because there are so many emotions, gut wrenching sickening emotions,” Diena Thompson said.

The bricks and boarded up windows at 1152 Gano Avenue build a house of horrific memories for Diena Thompson.

Action News: “What’s it like when you drive by that house?”

“I did everything I could to avoid that place. It’s evil,” she said.
 ::snipping3::

You're welcome! This article has a few more details on the training and a video interview with Diena at the property. I'm so excited for her and the neighborhood. This has got to bring some relief to the community.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/firefighters-to-burn-down-convicted-killers-home/31199408

 ::justice2nj2::

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/us/article/Firefighters-burn-down-Florida-home-where-girl-6077858.php
Firefighters burn down Florida home where girl was killed
February 12, 2015

ORANGE PARK, Fla. (AP) — Firefighters have burned down a northeast Florida home where 7-year-old Somer Thompson was killed in 2009.

The Orange Park Fire Department and other agencies destroyed the home Thursday in a training exercise as the girl's mother looked on.

Somer Thompson was killed after being lured inside the home and sexually assaulted by Jarred Harrell, who has since pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping, sexual battery and other charges and was sentenced to life in prison. His guilty pleas spared him from a possible death sentence.
 ::snipping3::

 ::justice2nj2::

He actually got sentenced with a few life sentences. And something like 181 years on top of that. He plead guilty to all they had on him and guilty to future charges, too. Just so he wouldn't be given a death sentence. Cowardly scum. He made life hard for children by knowingly hurting them.  He brought hell to many. He took this child's breath from her. 500 life sentences are not enough. It is a start, though.

Sorry. I get a little emotional sometimes.  ::MonkeyAngel::  ::justice2nj2::

 ::MonkeyAngel:: ::justice2nj2::  ::MonkeyAngel:: ::justice2nj2::

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   ::MonkeyDevil:: ::MonkeyGavel:: ::justice2nj2::

 ::justice2nj2::

http://www.news4jax.com/news/site-of-7yearolds-murder-to-become-community-garden/31818784

Another update: The community garden should be opening today!  ::MonkeyHeart:: 

Sorry, the site had today's story linked to an older item. Here's the updated link:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/site-of-7yearolds-murder-to-become-community-garden/32909218

 :flower:    :flower:    :flower:    :flower:    :flower:    :flower:

 ::MonkeyHeart::

 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.news4jax.com/news/community-gathers-to-remember-somer-thompson/35913384

Community gathers to remember Somer Thompson
7-year-old girl sexually assaulted, murdered 6 years ago
Author: Ashley Harding, General assignment reporter, aharding@wjxt.com
Published On: Oct 18 2015 09:44:58 PM EDT   Updated On: Oct 18 2015 11:17:04 PM EDT

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -

Family and friends of an Orange Park community came together Sunday night to remember Somer Thompson.

Monday marks six years since Somer, 7, was lured into an Orange Park home, sexually assaulted and murdered. Her killer is serving several life sentences.

Earlier this year, the home she was lured into was burned to the ground and replaced by Somer's Garden. Sunday night, people gathered at the garden wearing purple to remember Somer.

Diena Thompson, Somer's mother, remembers her daughter as a perfect little girl.

"She was amazing," Thompson said. "She was a beautiful angel here on earth and now in heaven."

 ::snipping3::

Somer's twin brother stood close to Thompson at the gathering.

"Children are resilient," Thompson said. "They are more heroes than I could ever pretend to be. They're a blessing. Every child is a blessing from God."

For Thompson and Delongis, their hope now is to spread a message of the importance of educating children about the dangers in the world and to prevent another tragedy in the community.

"Lonzie Barton would be 2 years old," Delongis said. "Somer Thompson would have been 13. Maddie would have been 25 years old. We will never as moms and dads see the ages of our children."

"If I don't get through each day, in my mind, that means I've let the monsters win," Thompson said. "I refuse to let that happen."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2951223/I-m-sorry-let-Mother-7-year-old-girl-murdered-2009-helps-firefighters-burn-house-daughter-killed.html

 ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel::

Sad

indeed!