There have been many times, since I learned of Cassie, that I have been sad (along with a plethora of other emotions). Today is the very first time I have felt discouraged and disheartened. I TRY to stay positive and I do still hold out hope she is alive, that she just ran away. I believe until there is proof otherwise - actual tangible evidence - there is hope!
As I was making my list of people to contact today, I combed the internet (forums, news stories, comment sections, etc.) and this is where I became discouraged. Cassie's disappearance seems to have come during a time of local strife and turmoil in Stuttgart that has nothing and everything to do with her case. IIRC a few have commented here about some of the issues plaguing the town. It seems Cassie's case may be falling through the cracks due to timing/circumstance (not an excuse by any means, just a possible reason). Small towns are definitely hot beds for gossip, rumors, and "who you know" type situations. Anyway, as I was trying to slog through all the drama to find things that may impact the investigation into Cassie's disappearance, there seem to be a few things. According to news reports on the shooting of a local young man in July, the son of the chief of police may have been at the scene when the shooting occurred.
http://www.fox16.com/story/d/story/...as-shot-for-no-r/44046/kruKgMrkfEy1c37Q5XwhSQ
This, along with suspicions of police and city government corruption, have created a lot of tension in Stuttgart (I'm sure the locals can attest to this). While it can't be considered fact, a cursory glace through various SM and MSM comments, tell me that locals aren't happy with the way many things are being handled via current SPD and city officials. Can any locals verify or give any details on whether the police chief, Michael Smith, is resigning or retiring? It seems all the stories relating to Cassie, commented on by police in that area, have been addressed by the asst. chief, Steven Bobo. The following article has probably been posted, but I wanted to post it again in light of all the walls we've hit collectively in regards to Cassie.
http://www.katv.com/story/26117276/...edia-lies-being-told-over-20-year-olds-murder
There is a "changing of the guard" coming. I hope that Cassie is found safe as soon as possible (this minute!), but if she isn't, I don't hold much hope current local officials (PD or the mayor) will be of much assistance. In saying all of that, there was a new mayor elected that will take office after the first of the year. Can any locals chime in on the mayor-elect, J.W. Green, Jr.? What I am afraid of is it will do no good to contact local resources that SHOULD be handling this situation. IMO, if anything is going to get done it will have to come from an independent, outside resource. There just seems to be far too much "politicking" (as my mother calls it) going on in the swell metropolis of Stuttgart to devote any effort toward a missing 15 yr old girl that barely anyone knew, especially if she was from the wrong side of the tracks. Is Cassie deemed an actual missing person at this point or is she still classified as a runaway via law enforcement? The link below is the last MSM article I can find and it doesn't definitively state how she is classified.
"Assistant Chief Steven Bobo with Stuttgart PD said, at first, Compton was considered a runaway until past leads contradicted that."
http://www.arkansasmatters.com/story/d/story/kark/16628/H5XCgd7Hp0yGkiXvRwR7sA
So, here is where I am now...If local law enforcement bungled the whole MP report/investigation in the beginning, is there a chance outside resources can even help? Media can only report on what is available. When I contacted Leah Uko (the reporter referenced at the end of 3rd article) she said there was nothing new in Cassie's case. I'm still waiting to hear back from others I've reached out to today. How do we (as a group) overcome lack of media coverage, no leads, seemingly no investigation, no large local uprising or demand for Cassie's safe return, little to no parental/familial voice, and our group is spread all over the globe? Cassie still isn't listed in NamUs either. I'm sorry to be such a downer. I have not and will not give up on Cassie. How do we help this child? :deepbreaths:
