Ashley426 transcribed the press conference:
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We continue to ask the public for information. It seems recently we have gotten some more information and tips that should have come in days within the investigation start. Certainly it is our hope that Abby will be coming home soon. We're asking Abby to reach out to her mother, her sister, or any law enforcement agency, in the manner she reached out previously. We're releasing some photos of a necklace and a pocketbook that may be in Abby's possession. Reach out to us if you know anyone who has recently move anywhere with these things (paraphrased)
Letter written on 10/22, postmarked on 10/23, received 11/06. Written by Abby to her mother. We have had it in custody since 11/06. LE had to take every possible step to verify it's authenticity. We believe it was written by Abby and sent to her mother. One of the most tangible leads, wanted to take every step needed to find Abby. We have not been successful, but we are not giving up. Why would you spend all these resources on a runaway? If this were your child, as it is Zenya's, what would you want? We have been able to confirm she has no source of income. Other than that letter, there has been no source of contact.
She is not out there alone. We are going to continue the search for Abby, as Zenya has asked us to do. If she hears this, if she's able to see this, please contact. If someone has Abby, we implore you to make that contact. If it's a citizen that has her, it is not a good thing, please reunite with her family. We will continue this investigation as long as we need to. We are not going to release the letter. We have thought long and hard, we are concerned that letter may generate letters from someone other than Abby that might lead us where we do not want to go.
Kieran Ramsey, FBI: Volunteers, LE, community have done everything possible to help us bring this 15 year old girl home. Is this a runaway, missing persons case?
Our initial indications when Abby went missing were certainly consistent with an abduction. Either willingly, coerced..she is a 15 year old girl with no independent financial means. One in eight runaways can be forced into sexual situations after the abduction occurs. As the investigation proceeded, it showed us her public life, her private life, who Abby is, who her family is.When we received this letter, it was unprecedented. We have not seen this in previous investigation and it gave us hope. Is Abby safe? It continues to be our biggest concern.
Although she may have left willingly, someone may have coerced her. We are mindful of incidents around the country where we have had miraculous reunions with their families. We continue to hope that with all the effort of LE, the community, the media who continue to put the story out there..thank you.
Questions
Where is it postmarked from? Not disclosing to not jeopardize.
Reaching out for help? Demands? Describing the tone that is one that Abby would have used.
How long was the letter? Pleading for help or saying I'm okay, don't worry about me? She's 15, we're worried about her. It's our job as LE. Her mother is worried. Not releasing any contents of the letter as it is a critical piece of evidence. Do not contact Zenya and ask these questions, direct them to LE. She has received a lot of calls, and while we appreciate it, it could be an impediment in the investigation.
Has the letter changed the direction of the investigation? The letter was a piece of evidence. We sent it out for expert analysis. It gave us the focus we were looking for and have been asking for. As much as you can keep this story out there, we will take information and follow through.
Dedicating resources to the geographic locations to where it was written..doesn't that hinder investigation so people might be aware she was there? That's why we released the letter.
We're hoping it will receive national attention. Look everywhere..is there someone you haven't seen there before? Elizabeth Smart was seen in a library, we need your help and the public's help..we have thought about what we released. (missed part of it--buffering) When we get those calls, these gentlemen follow up.
One in eight young women may be victims of sexual exploitation, is this a problem in New England or is there any indications of that? I wouldn't say it's in NE, but all over the country..one child is too many. One in eight is a disturbing fact. Abby is certainly at risk, no financial means. Doesn't plague us necessarily, but it is a problem all over the country.
Has Abby run away before? This is not a characteristic she has shown before.
Since the wrote a letter, does this mean she might be alright?
It does not give us a lot of comfort. It didn't come to LE for a number of days. I'd like to say it does, but it doesn't.
Why was it postdated and received so much later? Why 13 days? I'm not going to answer that.
Different date for written, postmarked, and received?
Do you believe she's still in NH?
This investigation is wide open.
Are these items definitely what she had when she went missing? The necklace was something she wore regularly and the purse was something she might have had when she went missing.
Necklace any sentimental value? Certainly, not sure if it's her birthstone..verified she had that type of necklace.
Runaway? Abduction? Still classifying as missing persons,
we have grave concerns for her safety. She was not last seen in winter clothes, she needs food, shelter, clothing.
Thank you for keeping this story alive, this is what her mother and sister need.
I did the best I could transcribing! Hope Abby is found soon...
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Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community - View Single Post - NH NH - Abigail Hernandez, 14, North Conway, 9 October 2013 - #8
raying:
