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

[texasmom]

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

Justice for Willow!

 

[texasmom]

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

 

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.

 

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

[grace-land]

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

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


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.
 
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."
 
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."

[grace-land]

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

 
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.

[grace-land]

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

[cookie]

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.

[Tamikosmom]

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.

Janet

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

[Tamikosmom]

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.

cookie ... we are on the same page.

Janet

[Tamikosmom]

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
   

[grace-land]

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.
 

[grace-land]

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

 
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.

[cookie]

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

[Tamikosmom]

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

[Tamikosmom]

[MuffyBee]

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

 

[MuffyBee]

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.

[MuffyBee]

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.
 

[MuffyBee]

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.
 

[Tamikosmom]

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

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[Tamikosmom]

 

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/