Robert Manwill 8, missing 7/24/09 Boise, Idaho (BODY FOUND)

[pink angel]

Mom's letter was about memories of Robert. Funny stories and stuff. I was busy trying to do screencaps at the same time and didn't get it word for word sorry.

Dad's was about how much he loved him, what a gift he was, how is safe with Grandpa and Micheal but there was a lot of anger in his letter. I can't imagine the grief he is going through. This is the second time one of his children was murdered.

His teacher talked, shared stories. She adored him.

The Mayor of Plymouth talked. Spoke more about from a community standpoint rather than a personal level.

They then released doves. Dad released one, Mom released one and Afton and all his siblings released a bunch. It was beautiful and I wish my video hadn't froze up so I could get pictures.

They all then left to walk to the cemetery to lay Robert to rest.

It was a sad service. Seeing all his siblings in tears broke my heart. 

Rest in peace little man, you are an angel now.

[N2WISHN]

This has got to be one of the saddest funerals I've ever viewed. I hate to add this, but the letters the parents wrote were very disturbing.......

I'm sorry I just got on the thread now, do you mean the obituary or something else, letters that were being read at the funeral?

Yes, the pastor read a letter written by the mother and then one by the father. There should be a video up soon of the entire funeral and you can hear what was said by each of them. There was alot of anger in the father's letter which I can understand but hearing it as part of the eulogy is something I've never seen before. The mother noted some moments in time with Robert that were just bizarre for the funeral. She actually talked about a young Robert saying he needed to poop when taken out of the water......weird......

[no rose colored glasses]

Mom's letter was about memories of Robert. Funny stories and stuff. I was busy trying to do screencaps at the same time and didn't get it word for word sorry.

Dad's was about how much he loved him, what a gift he was, how is safe with Grandpa and Micheal but there was a lot of anger in his letter. I can't imagine the grief he is going through. This is the second time one of his children was murdered.

His teacher talked, shared stories. She adored him.

The Mayor of Plymouth talked. Spoke more about from a community standpoint rather than a personal level.

They then released doves. Dad released one, Mom released one and Afton and all his siblings released a bunch. It was beautiful and I wish my video hadn't froze up so I could get pictures.

They all then left to walk to the cemetery to lay Robert to rest.

It was a sad service. Seeing all his siblings in tears broke my heart. 

Rest in peace little man, you are an angel now.

Thank-you, I'm sure dad has a lot of anger, should it be said at Robert's funeral, I guess he thought it was the right thing to do, maybe he just couldn't help himself, and I can't blame him.

[no rose colored glasses]

This has got to be one of the saddest funerals I've ever viewed. I hate to add this, but the letters the parents wrote were very disturbing.......

I'm sorry I just got on the thread now, do you mean the obituary or something else, letters that were being read at the funeral?

Yes, the pastor read a letter written by the mother and then one by the father. There should be a video up soon of the entire funeral and you can hear what was said by each of them. There was alot of anger in the father's letter which I can understand but hearing it as part of the eulogy is something I've never seen before. The mother noted some moments in time with Robert that were just bizarre for the funeral. She actually talked about a young Robert saying he needed to poop when taken out of the water......weird......

Okay that is strange. I will admit any funeral I've been too never heard anger, stories, of course, but I guess to them it was appropriate.

[no rose colored glasses]

Thanks for the pictures 

[sunshine12]

i read this from a poster on another forum who was at the funeral:

I ended up staying for the entire funeral as well as went to the gravesite with those who attended that part. I have to say that it was a powerful funeral. I dont normally cry for things like this. I did great until the reading of the letters. That was so hard for me. I have to say that after seeing MJ in person both last night and today I think her grief is genuine. What you get when you know a camera is on you and you have to look the part is very much the same look when there are no cameras on her. I think the part that sealed it for me was after the service when people were starting to leave she was standing with a small group of family. All the sudden she lost it and ran over to some older man who had to literally catch her from falling to the ground. It was like the shock had finally moved aside and the reality of her son being gone hit. It goes back to those who said everyone handles grief different. I think no matter who you are there is some sort of shock your body goes into for protection.

My daughter was the only thing separating me from DE father. This man was a huge mess. I think in the end his may face losing not only this child, but his children to the prison system. For those of you who have mentioned DE brother may have been involved you may be onto something. The first thing I noticed is he was NOT there at the funeral. Not even there to be with his own father. For me that was very very telling. At first I didnt think he had anything to do with it, but after today I am thinking he very well might have been the accomplice in getting rid of the body. There was just something in the way he kept looking over towards MJ and the tears and pain in his eyes. It was almost like a "Im so sorry my boys did this to you" kind of look. It was like in his eyes were telling a story. I really cant explain it. I did overhear someone mention that right after all this happened his house was searched upside down. Now that might be because DE kept accusing him or it could have been because they were looking into the brother.


I just want to add that my heart broke in a million pieces for the brother. I have not seen any links yet so I dont know what view others had, but watching his brother stand up there crying alone made me want to run up and hug him. I was kind of unpset with the spep mom. IMO the least she could have done when she saw the older brother falling apart was go to him. He never should have cried alone as long as he did. Eventually the woman next to him stepped over and held him, but I was upset he had to deal with his pain alone. No wonder his myspace is so dark. Both Roberts parents and step mom were all standing together with CM holding both their hands. They do genuinely seem united. He doesnt stand with her like he suspects her of anything. Maybe he is part of why DE has stayed away. He knows CM wants his blood


heres the link:
http://websleuths.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4031282&postcount=558

[atlanta_mom]

how old is Robert's brother?  I just can't imagine what  pain/anger the brother and father must be going through now.  So much tragedy in one family.

[Leroy]

Robert Manwill's funeral draws nearly 500 mourners

05:03 PM MDT on Sunday, August 9, 2009
http://www.ktvb.com/news/nearyou/boise/ktvbn-aug0909-manwill_funeral.c484a3d9.html



BOISE -- With so many questions still unanswered, the family of Robert Manwill, and the community at large, sought closure Sunday afternoon at the funeral of the slain child.

Nearly 500 people attended the funeral of Manwill, the little boy who bonded a community, at the Cloverdale Funeral Home.

There is nothing more tragic nor more difficult to understand than the death of a child, especially one complicated by homicide. Sunday was a tearful coming together of those who feel this loss the most.

"I believe Robert Manwill should be remembered as Boise's peace child.  What began as a community search for a missing child and ended in the discovery of the tragic death of sweet innocent boy has brought an entire community together," said Pastor George Sova.

The ceremony took place at 2 p.m. and featured speakers such as Manwill’s teacher who talked about a little boy who loved life.

"Today we have gathered here with a shared grief. I imagine there's a lot of shock, dismay. We're stunned, how could this happen." Sova said. “It wasn't anyone's fault that he wasn't found. It wasn't Robert's fault, it wasn't anyone's fault. And family, I want you to hear this well, it was someone made a choice...someone made a dark dreadful choice....to take his life." Sova said.

Sova also read letters from Manwill’s parents, detailing some of their memories of Robert and their desire to have his killer found. Manwill’s family and loved ones then released doves, which Sova said was a symbolic tribute to Manwill’s spirit.

“As Robert's dove soars over the horizon and out sight we can softly whisper, there. He is gone, but we can be sure that over that horizon, other's will look to the sky and joyfully exclaim, ‘look, here he comes’,” Sova said.

Following the dove release there was a procession to the nearby cemetery where Manwill's ashes were laid to rest.

While this is an end to a chapter this story is far from over as the criminal investigation into his death continues.

So far, police have not named any suspects or persons of interest.

Sova talked at the service about the need to serve justice in this case.

“The search continues not for Robert but for his perpetrator and as we speak law enforcement agencies across the board are working diligently seeking to solve this horrendous crime against an innocent child... so that it will not end on a shelf of unsolved mysteries somewhere,” Sova said.

Police have not released any details about its investigation so far.

Police say the family is cooperating with the investigation.

[no rose colored glasses]

Very interesting Sunshine, and thanks for all the articles 

[pink angel]

Thanks sunshine and Leroy for the updates.

Here is the only video I found so far. It's video of the family releasing the doves, which was breathtaking.
http://www.ktvb.com/video/index.html?nvid=387597

[pink angel]

Several hundred say goodbye to Robert Manwill
Kathleen Kreller - Idaho Statesman
Published: 08/09/09

Robert Manwill was laid to rest Sunday as white doves wheeled over head and family members wept.

Several hundred people turned out to the funeral at Boise's Cloverdale Funeral Home and Memorial Park; a small percentage of the community members who searched, held vigils and felt connected to the 8-year-old boy who was killed.

"You were a little light in a dark and cruel world and you were taken from us too soon," Charles Manwill wrote in a letter to his son read by a local pastor during Sunday's service. "...These last two weeks have proven that Boise is the city of brotherly love. Our family grown by thousands of people in last two weeks."

Family members, including Robert's siblings, released white doves during the outdoor service. Country music songs — Robert's favorites — also were featured.

Manwill went missing on July 24 from his mother's apartment complex off of Vista Avenue. He was found on Aug. 3 in the New York Canal near Kuna. Thousands in the community helped search for Robert Manwill.

The Ada County Coroner's Office said Robert's death was a homicide, and Boise police officials said the boy was not abducted by a stranger. Police continue an investigation into the child's death.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/860679.html

[pink angel]

Hundreds Gather To Say Farewell To Robert Manwill
   
BOISE, IDAHO--

The family of Robert Manwill carrying his remains walks in to one of Robert's favorite songs. Two weeks after the 8-year-old disappeared from his home, he is being laid to rest. Family members welcomed the entire community to share in the life of the young boy who managed to capture the hearts of many. The ceremony honored the boy's life. The family full of emotion did not speak publicly but Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins and his father Chuck Manwill wrote the last words to their son on paper. It was read by the pastor.

"Robert I will always love you and I will always be thinking of you. Mommy"

"Robert you were a little light in a dark and cruel world and you were taking from us long before your time on this earth should have ended", words of Chuck Manwill.

Robert Manwill touched so many lives and that includes the many people who knew him in New Plymouth. His teacher Christie Morales fought to hold back tears as she spoke about the young boy who loved to hug.

"And as for today we can assure that God and all his angels are getting lots of hugs from Robert. We love you and miss you Robert", says Morales.

The ceremony ended with family members releasing a sea of white doves and green balloons, Robert's favorite color.

http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10874363


Video with the story
http://www.kivitv.com/global/Category.asp?c=169854&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4028188&flvUri=

[cookie]

When I see the pictures of Robert's mother she truly looks like she is in deep grief for his loss.  Now I am beginning to wonder if it was the BF that did this on his own unbeknowst to her.  It would appear he is not there supporting her..and weren't there rumors he was out of the hospital now. 

Just so sad if she covered for him in the incident with the baby..instead of running away from him then and taking her kids. 

I pray that closure comes quickly with the apprehension of Robert's murderer.

she does seem genuine in her grief...It could have been the boyfriend who harmed Aiden as well as Robert...the mom could have taken the blame for the baby's injuries...

the boyfriend was not at the funeral from what I read on here correct? and how many siblings did Robert have on each side of his families?  Is the  older boy in black the brother who was left standing alone to cry? sad...

[pink angel]

cookie,

he has a half brother and sister that are Melissa's children
he also has two half sisters and an older half brother that are Charles. the two little girls are his and Afton's.

His older brother is the one in black with the red tie.

and then his brother Micheal that is in heaven with little man.

[pink angel]

When I see the pictures of Robert's mother she truly looks like she is in deep grief for his loss.  Now I am beginning to wonder if it was the BF that did this on his own unbeknowst to her.  It would appear he is not there supporting her..and weren't there rumors he was out of the hospital now. 

Just so sad if she covered for him in the incident with the baby..instead of running away from him then and taking her kids. 

I pray that closure comes quickly with the apprehension of Robert's murderer.

she does seem genuine in her grief...It could have been the boyfriend who harmed Aiden as well as Robert...the mom could have taken the blame for the baby's injuries...

the boyfriend was not at the funeral from what I read on here correct? and how many siblings did Robert have on each side of his families?  Is the  older boy in black the brother who was left standing alone to cry? sad...

Last word BF Danny is still in the mental hospital. His dad was at the funeral today. "grandpops".

[pink angel]

A letter from Melissa Jenkins to her son, Robert Manwill.

"Robert, it's Mommy.

I want to tell you I love you. Robert, I dearly miss you.

My favorite times with you were just laying on the couch watching 'Tom and Jerry.' Watching you play on the swings. Listening to you make silly raps. How you could eat ice cream and not make a mess is beyond me.

I loved to watch you jump in the mud puddles and go swimming.

But my memory that I will hold tightly is of you in the ocean. You were frolicking in the waves and shrieking with delight when I called for you. And so Mommy had to hold you and you screamed.

Then you had to go poo and you almost pooed on Papa's feet.

So as you go and make your journey to a wonderful place in Heaven, I will always remember you playing in the ocean, shrieking with such delight and joy.

Robert I will always love you and I will always be thinking of you.

Mommy."

Letter from Charles Manwill to his son, Robert Manwill.

"Robert,

You were a little light in a dark and cruel world. And you were taken from us long before your life on this earth should have ended.

I remember before you were even born, talking to your mom on the phone late at night and she would hold the phone to her belly so I could say good night to our little sunshine. That's the way it was even before we knew that you would be a baby boy.

You touched the lives of everyone you ever met with your exuberance for life. I would simply explain to them that you were 100 pounds of energy packed into 50 pounds of body.

I know that you were not in any way perfect, you had your faults just like the rest of us, from that annoying in-your-face attitude to your insatiable need to add your two cents to every conversation, even when you had no idea what we were talking about.

However, once someone met you, there was no forgetting the name Robert. Because someone was always yelling your name and telling you not to do this or not to do that.

Later, you had such a special way of touching people's hearts in such a way it was so easy to overlook your shortcomings and love you for just being you.

For hundreds of years, Philadelphia has been known as the 'City of Brotherly Love.' But these last two weeks have proven beyond any doubt that Boise is the City of Brotherly Love.

You have always had a large family, Robert, both immediate and extended. But over these last two weeks your family has grown by literally thousands of people.

I remember how when you would get into trouble or even when you simply didn't get your way, you would always claim that 'This is the worst day ever!'

You would say this over the most minor things that were truly laughable such as actually having to finish your homework, or writing your spelling words to practice your handwriting.

Son, July 24, 2009, was the worst day ever.

That is the day that someone ended the beautiful little man that you were.

My first reaction was to find the low-life SOB and make him suffer in oh so many ways for the horrible crime he perpetrated against you.

Mom Afton holds me back and reminds me that this family can't afford to lose another member in pointless revenge. Especially since it will not bring you back to us. And we need to let the police and the FBI do their job, a job that they do well.

We need to allow the justice system to do their job and bring the bastard to justice.

You know, I am not a religious man. And many times I don't believe in God. But I do know and believe there is a special place in Hell for anyone who could hurt such a special little soul like you and rob the world of your shining light.

Rest assured, Robert, that while your remains are being held close to your grandfather's chest, with your brother Michael at your side, rest assured that the police will continue to work tirelessly until they are able to bring the justice you need and make the one responsible for taking you from us ... to the maximum extent that the law will allow.

I need you to know, Robert, we will never, ever forget the time we were allowed to know you. You were a gift, though extremely short. You will always be in our hearts.

=================
Treasure Valley mourns 'everyone's child' Robert Manwill
Robert, surrounded by family, is buried with his grandfather and half-brother

BY KATHLEEN KRELLER - kkreller@idahostatesman.com
Copyright: © 2009 Idaho Statesman
Published: 08/10/09

The community that searched for a missing 8-year-old boy came out for him one last time Sunday as his father promised justice for his son's killer.

Robert Manwill was laid to rest as white doves circled over head and family members wept.

"I believe that Robert Manwill should be remembered as Boise's peace child," said Pastor George Sova, who led the service. "... As a community, we will not let Robert Manwill's death be in vain."

Several hundred - including a contingent of the Idaho National Guard in dress uniform - turned out for the funeral at Boise's Cloverdale Funeral Home and Memorial Park, a small percentage of the thousands who searched, held vigils and found themselves connected to the child with a reputation for impishness.

Black-clad pallbearers carried a glass-encased urn containing Robert's ashes that sat in in front of the crowd. Sova called on those gathered to connect as a community with "an outpouring of love."

Sova read a letter from Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, and a fierce letter from his father, Charles Manwill.

"My memory that I will hold tightly is of you in the ocean," Jenkins wrote. "You were frolicking in the waves and shrieking with delight."

Charles Manwill spoke of his family growing by "thousands of people in the last two weeks," and called Boise the true "City of Brotherly Love."

Manwill also expressed confidence in members of the Boise Police Department and FBI, who are working to solve the mystery surrounding Robert's disappearance and death.

"My first reaction was to find the lowlife SOB and make him suffer in oh so many ways for the horrible crime he perpetrated against you," Manwill wrote. "Mom Afton holds me back and reminds me that this family can't afford to lose another member in pointless revenge. Especially since it will not bring you back to us."

Christie Morales, Robert's elementary school teacher from New Plymouth, remembered her "rambunctious" student as being full of love and very verbal for his age.

"In his death, he became everyone's child," Morales said. "... God and all of his angels are getting lots of hugs from Robert. We love you and we miss you."

Family members, including Robert's siblings, kissed and whispered to white doves before releasing them to carry messages to Robert during Sunday's outdoor service. Raucous country music songs - Robert's favorites - also were featured.

The family and guests proceeded to a gravesite, where they buried the child with his grandfather and half-brother, Charles Manwill's son, Michael, who was stabbed to death in 1993 by another ex-wife.

Marcy Simily of Boise came to the graveside service late on Sunday. Her co-workers had helped in the search for Robert.

"It is so sad," Simily said. "I wanted to pay my respects."

Sue Pearce of Nampa called the service beautiful.

"He is going to heaven on wings of doves," Pearce said while tearing up. "I have family in Florida, and they have watched and watched and watched this."

Robert Manwill lived primarily with his father and stepmother, Afton, in New Plymouth.

He was visiting the Vista Avenue-area apartment of his mother and her boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick Jr., when he went missing on July 24. Police, Idaho National Guard members and thousands of residents searched for the boy.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/robertmanwill/story/860857.html

[pink angel]

Funeral of Robert Manwill - video
http://video.ap.org/?f=IDNCP&pid=AdFjGkwHea_4Ua1HXwYo9zdWLDjDntaM

[Leroy]

Thanks Pink!  Now that Robert has been laid to rest, I hope today is the day that the person/people who are responsible are arrested.

[cookie]

me too Leroy!!!

[no rose colored glasses]

Thanks Pink!  Now that Robert has been laid to rest, I hope today is the day that the person/people who are responsible are arrested.

Me too. And thanks for all the articles and pictures. I will say also that Robert's mom looked genuine, but I have been fooled by people on several occasions, so I will wait and see what develops.