Somer Renee Thompson #2 10/29/09 - 4/26/10

[Nut44x4]

Thanks Brandi 

[Brandi]

Thanks Brandi 

You are very welcome.

[Nut44x4]

It's been a long time coming, but it looks like there will be justice for Somer 

I agree! 

[Nut44x4]

[JessStar]

Here is a link to the Sheriff's Statement in case you can't watch the video.
http://wokv.com/localnews/2010/03/read-the-sheriffs-statement.html
Local News      
Read the Sheriff's Statement
By
Jeff Hess
@ March 26, 2010 1:23 PM Permalink | Comments (0)

This is the full text of Sheriff Rick Besler's prepared statement:
158 days ago our community was rocked by the brutal murder of a seven year old child on her way home from school. The randomness of such an act occurring in an otherwise safe neighborhood affected the sense of security for so many and sparked an intense interest in this case around the county and indeed around the world.
In the face of such fear and tragic loss a sense of community solidarity emerged as we all wrapped our arms around the family of Somer Thompson and each other to grieve. The outpouring of support and generosity and collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice was the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy.
I stand before you today surrounded by this group of law enforcement professionals we call "Team Somer" to announce to you that Jarred Harrell has now been formally charged with the murder of Somer Thompson.
The filing of these charges would not have been possible without the dedicated and tireless work done by these individuals you see here today and countless others who work behind the scenes. Before I go further with the details in the case, I want to recognize my colleagues who join me today in making this announcement.
1)State Attorney Angela Corey
2)SAC Jim Casey, FBI
3)SAC Dominick Pape, FDLE
4)Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Bunk, U.S. Marshal's Service
5)ASAC Norm Kelly, NCIS
6)Director Steve Nelson, SAO
7)Major Jimmy Wilson, CCSO
8)Capt. David Senters, Chief of Detectives
9) Lt. Joe Bucci, Robbery Homicide Unit
10)Sgt. Dan Mahla, Robbery Homicide Unit
11)Sgt. Wayne McKinney, Robbery Homicide Unit
12)Det. Ken West, Lead Detective, Robbery Homicide Unit
There are many other agencies and individuals who assisted us in various stages of the search for Somer or the follow-up investigations, some of who are here today, but this group I just recognized were with us here at CCSO from day 1 until today.
In my 36 years in law enforcement, I have never seen this many agencies work together for this long with such harmony. It is a testament to the professionalism and focus on the mission this team has.
Our charges filed today against Jarred Harrell allege that he contacted Somer as she walked home from school on October 19, 2009, passing by the house Harrell lived in on Gano Avenue. We have evidence that will show Harrell assaulted Somer, then killed her and dumped her body in a dumpster which ultimately ended up in the landfill in Folkston, GA, where it was recovered.
Harrell's name first surfaced not long after Somer's death as one of over 4,000 leads given to Team Somer in the days and weeks after the crime. As we began to scrutinize Harrell and his activities, he emerged as a person of interest. After obtaining a sample of DNA from Harrell, the tedious process of comparison analysis began. If it was apparent the public was impatient with how long the investigation was taking, just imagine the pressure on investigators. But the pressure to work fast never overshadowed the need to do it right and investigators proceeded carefully with their work.
While I know there is intense interest in knowing all of the details of the investigation and all of the evidence that has led us to this point, it is still necessary to protect the integrity of the future prosecution of this case.
I can tell you that in order to get to this point investigators have relied on statements from witnesses, admissions from the defendant, DNA technology results and evidence that Harrell was at the location on Gano Avenue when Somer disappeared along with other evidence.
I will also tell you that based on that evidence, along with our investigation, we are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime; therefore we are bringing this murder charge today.
As a result of the Sheriff's Office filing an arrest charge on Harrell today, we have now transitioned from a Sheriff's Office investigation to a State Prosecution. All future public statements specific to the facts of the case or release of documents about this case will come from the State Attorney's Office, since they now have jurisdiction of this matter.
I want to take this opportunity thank the members of Team Somer for their tireless investigation of this case. The dedication to duty, their empathy for the family and their team spirit were all exemplary.
Many people have complimented me on the handling of this case and in every case I am quick to remind them it is Team Somer who should be commended and I know you all join me in commending this team of professionals.
I also want to add our concerns and prayers for the Thompson family who has endured so much pain for the past 5 months. I have met with Diena Thompson and informed her of today's developments.
And finally, I would like to thank the media for your professionalism and understanding throughout this difficult time.
We will entertain your questions at this time.

Thanks Trimm.  I long for the day a similar statement is read in the Nevaeh Buchanan case.

[Tamikosmom]

Updated March 26, 2010
Man Charged in Murder of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/26/fla-authorities-provide-new-details-murder-girl/?test=latestnews

[trimmonthelake]

JessStar,I hope to see justice for Nevaeh Buchanan also.   

[trimmonthelake]

Issues and Prime News coverage on video.
03/26/10   http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=Sierra1947#g/u

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/27/somers_suspected_killer_could_face_death_penalty.html
 Somer’s Suspected Killer Could Face Death Penalty
Saturday, March 27, 2010 6:18:10 AM
ORANGE PARK -- Prosecutors said they may seek the death penalty against the man charged with murdering 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Jarred Harrell was charged Friday with sexually abusing, then asphyxiating the girl in October 2009 near her home before dumping her body in the trash.

Somer’s body was found in a landfill in south Georgia days after she disappeared.

Clay County deputies said they have evidence that proves Harrell committed the crime, but they did not immediately release many details.

Sheriff Rick Beseler said Harrell’s name came up among the thousands of tips received in the days leading up to Somer’s body being found.

Harrell was later arrested in Mississippi on unrelated charges of child pornography.
I stood here in front of all you 150-something days ago and said, ‘We’re coming to get you. We will get you,’” Somer’s mother, Diena Thompson, said Friday. “So I’d like to take this opportunity to say to Jarred Harrell: We got you, and you ain’t getting away.”

Harrell was locked up without bond in Clay County. His public defender has hinted he may ask the trial to be moved, because of all the publicity in the case.

[Deenie]

Just a comment. Seeing this POS  on the front page of SM -who is now been arrested for Somer's death. It's very strange but seeing these "perps" who have been on the news for multiple cases of " child abduction/molestation/murder" of girls. Young Girls like Somer, Chelsea, *Amber there are other victims " I can't think of their names" there was the little girl taken as her Grandmother slept in the next room ... These guys all have a commonality between them in looks. They all are big/thick have shaved heads and appear to be roid users. They all have blank heartless looks about them. They are muscle men who live at a gym  -over the top body builder types. Who are not employed, nor have truly been employed for the majority of their adult lives. Many live as drifters, or still at home with their parents, or find a Single Mom to Shack with.  That are all said to have no personality, have no true purpose in life. And are noted to be violent. Jmo, but someone who dedicates so much time to their body ( In the cases of these particular men) they are ego driven. Its not because they want to be healthy. Its the way they want the public to see them. That they want people to think they are "powerful" in a sick way I believe. Like when people see me coming " they Know I mean business". Its a part of their sick identity. When I saw yet again the photo of this waste of a Human that took Somer .. I felt compelled to vent.

I pray that Somer is given the Justice she so deserves - that they DP this guy or lock him up for life no parole. Which should have been done in the first place, they had enough knowledge this guy was a freak a long time ago.. Somer would be here today if someone would have done their job within the Judicial system.
 
sorry had to say it.

[texasmom]

I was so relieved when I heard the news on the radio at work yesterday.

Justice for Somer!   

Strength for her family in the coming days....

[trimmonthelake]

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-03-28/story/somer-benefit-brings-tears
Somer Thompson benefit at Jacksonville Landing brings tears
Event was time of reflection.
Posted: March 28, 2010 - 12:22am
 By Tia Mitchell

Diena Thompson brought a jolt of energy to the Somer Jam concert held Saturday in her slain daughter's memory.

She danced and sang along to the chorus of the Journey song a band on stage was covering: "Don't Stop Believin'."

The crowd joined in, singing a song that seemed to personify Thompson's efforts to bring justice and now a purpose for the brutal murder last fall of 7-year-old Somer.

The Somer Jam, held Saturday at The Jacksonville Landing, was both the official kickoff and a fundraiser for the Somer Thompson Foundation, which will raise awareness about protecting children from sexual predators, as well as support the families of victims.

Diena Thompson mingled with the crowd about 6 p.m., accepting hugs and pats on the back from strangers who attended the benefit. She smiled when Rita Laufer approached her, but only a few moments passed before both women, and Dave Laufer, standing nearby, were weeping.

Rita Laufer said she told Thompson, "We feel what she feels."

Their son, 26-year-old Eric, was killed last year, and his assailant has not been caught.

The Laufers flew in from Buffalo, N.Y., when the leader of the Something Distant band asked if musician Dave Laufer could fill-in at the last minute on bass. Because of their own story, they didn't hesitate to join the cause for Somer.

The Laufers arrived Friday night, just hours after Jarred Harrell was formally charged with murder and other crimes that police say are connected to Somer's death. Rita Laufer said she can only try to imagine what Thompson was going through.

"It's got to make her feel like this will never happen again, but it will never bring her daughter back," she said. "Her heart will never stop breaking. Ever."

Scott Hanson, who lives on Jacksonville's Northside and grew up listening to headliner band Molly Hatchet, brought his 5-year-old son Devin to the concert with him. He said Somer's death was a rude awakening.
"It opened my eyes to awareness and how you need to watch your children because my son plays outside every day," he said. "You never know who's driving around the corner."

Hanson said he wanted to support the Somer Jam because the foundation will provide a necessary service.

"We need to bring awareness to what's really going on in our neighborhoods," he said, "and keep our children safe."

tia.mitchell@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4425

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union
Diena Thompson (left), mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson, dances with family, friends and supporters to Hollywood LoveScene playing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'\u2009" at Somer Jam at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday.

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union
The event was the official kickoff and a fundraiser for the Somer Thompson Foundation, which will raise awareness about protecting children from sexual predators.

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union
Tori Lloyd, volunteering at Somer Jam, wears a pair of socks she decorated in memory of Somer, whose favorite color was purple.

BRUCE LIPSKY/The Times-Union
Shelby Singletary wears a Somer Jam T-shirt in the courtyard at the Landing.

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.news4jax.com/news/22977905/detail.html
Thousands Pack Landing For Somer Jam
Fundraiser For The Somer Thompson Foundation

POSTED: Saturday, March 27, 2010
UPDATED: 11:14 pm EDT March 27,2010
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The launch of the Somer Thompson Foundation was held at the Jacksonville Landing Saturday with a kickoff concert called Somer Jam.

Clay County bands Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Molly Hatchet were the headliners of the show.

The Somer Thompson Foundation will financially assist families and victims of violent crimes. It was set up to honor the memory of Somer Thompson. She was murdered while walking home from school in her Orange Park neighborhood in October of 2009.

Those in attendance paid $20 for an afternoon of live music.

Somer's sister Abby joined Molly Hatchet on stage to sing a special song written for the murdered 7 year-old. She said she was looking forward to the event. "I'm expecting everybody to have fun and to remember Somer and that she was a really sweet girl", she said.

[JessStar]

A NATION wide petition asking for a ONE STRIKE LAW for child sex offenders! As parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, we need to take a minute and sign our names!! How can anyone disagree??

Put in your zip code at the beginning & it will pull up your representatives & emails are sent to them on your behalf!!


http://www.rallycongress.com/one-strike-for-sex-offenders/2961/go/

[MalteseMom]

A NATION wide petition asking for a ONE STRIKE LAW for child sex offenders! As parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, we need to take a minute and sign our names!! How can anyone disagree??

Put in your zip code at the beginning & it will pull up your representatives & emails are sent to them on your behalf!!


http://www.rallycongress.com/one-strike-for-sex-offenders/2961/go/

[cookie]

Just a comment. Seeing this POS  on the front page of SM -who is now been arrested for Somer's death. It's very strange but seeing these "perps" who have been on the news for multiple cases of " child abduction/molestation/murder" of girls. Young Girls like Somer, Chelsea, *Amber there are other victims " I can't think of their names" there was the little girl taken as her Grandmother slept in the next room ... These guys all have a commonality between them in looks. They all are big/thick have shaved heads and appear to be roid users. They all have blank heartless looks about them. They are muscle men who live at a gym  -over the top body builder types. Who are not employed, nor have truly been employed for the majority of their adult lives. Many live as drifters, or still at home with their parents, or find a Single Mom to Shack with.  That are all said to have no personality, have no true purpose in life. And are noted to be violent. Jmo, but someone who dedicates so much time to their body ( In the cases of these particular men) they are ego driven. Its not because they want to be healthy. Its the way they want the public to see them. That they want people to think they are "powerful" in a sick way I believe. Like when people see me coming " they Know I mean business". Its a part of their sick identity. When I saw yet again the photo of this waste of a Human that took Somer .. I felt compelled to vent.

I pray that Somer is given the Justice she so deserves - that they DP this guy or lock him up for life no parole. Which should have been done in the first place, they had enough knowledge this guy was a freak a long time ago.. Somer would be here today if someone would have done their job within the Judicial system.
 
sorry had to say it.

Yep!  agree with ya!

[MalteseMom]

Sorry about the double post, meant to say Done and ty JessStar

[cookie]

Just a comment. Seeing this POS  on the front page of SM -who is now been arrested for Somer's death. It's very strange but seeing these "perps" who have been on the news for multiple cases of " child abduction/molestation/murder" of girls. Young Girls like Somer, Chelsea, *Amber there are other victims " I can't think of their names" there was the little girl taken as her Grandmother slept in the next room ... These guys all have a commonality between them in looks. They all are big/thick have shaved heads and appear to be roid users. They all have blank heartless looks about them. They are muscle men who live at a gym  -over the top body builder types. Who are not employed, nor have truly been employed for the majority of their adult lives. Many live as drifters, or still at home with their parents, or find a Single Mom to Shack with.  That are all said to have no personality, have no true purpose in life. And are noted to be violent. Jmo, but someone who dedicates so much time to their body ( In the cases of these particular men) they are ego driven. Its not because they want to be healthy. Its the way they want the public to see them. That they want people to think they are "powerful" in a sick way I believe. Like when people see me coming " they Know I mean business". Its a part of their sick identity. When I saw yet again the photo of this waste of a Human that took Somer .. I felt compelled to vent.

I pray that Somer is given the Justice she so deserves - that they DP this guy or lock him up for life no parole. Which should have been done in the first place, they had enough knowledge this guy was a freak a long time ago.. Somer would be here today if someone would have done their job within the Judicial system.
 
sorry had to say it.

Yep!  agree with ya!

hit enter too soon...their eyes have no soul...imo..
I don't notice that they are in shape big guys as much as they are over weight and losers...no one that women might want to date? dunno...but they are misfits in society...many of them have social issues....they all make me sick...I hope that they get the hell beat out of them in jail...or worse...jmo.

[Brandi]

A NATION wide petition asking for a ONE STRIKE LAW for child sex offenders! As parents, grandparents, aunts & uncles, we need to take a minute and sign our names!! How can anyone disagree??

Put in your zip code at the beginning & it will pull up your representatives & emails are sent to them on your behalf!!


http://www.rallycongress.com/one-strike-for-sex-offenders/2961/go/

Thank you for this link!

[trimmonthelake]

http://www.wesh.com/news/22984907/detail.html
Somer's Mom To Appear On 'Today'
Man Charged With Child's Killing Friday

POSTED: 6:04 am EDT March 29, 2010
UPDATED: 6:26 am EDT March 29, 2010
The mother of slain girl Somer Thompson will make an appearance on the "Today" show Monday morning.

Jarred Harrell was charged with Somer's murder on Friday after a five-month investigation.

Detectives believe he killed the girl and dumped her body in a Georgia landfill.

Authorities said they found DNA evidence that links Harrell to the crime.

Somer's mother, Diena, has been very outspoken throughout the investigation.