PRESSER RECAP
-Important that the public is "hyper-aware" of their surroundings.
-No credible information to call this an abduction or kidnapping, however, cannot exclude that as a possibility.
-Kidnappers often change the appearance of the child they abduct. Urging the public to be aware of that. If Jahessye was kidnapped, her appearance has most likely been altered.
-No lead has gone unchecked. Most of those leads have lead to an "inconclusive finding".
-"There is someone out in our community who knows the whereabouts of Jahessye. We need that person to call in. I understand there's a fear factor involved. They think if they call forward there may be a retaliation of some sorts. That's secondary. You've seen the outpouring from the community...fear is secondary...Please call us. Put your fear aside. Think of the impact this case has on the family, and the community as a whole. Give us the information we need to find Jahessye and bring her back."
-This afternoon at about 3:30pm detectives will be back at the site. Authorities will be recanvassing, setting up road blocks, talking to neighbors, etc.
-Not ruling anything out in regards to where she could be, who is involved, etc.
-Have not named any suspects. Have MANY persons of interests. Anyone that had contact with Jahessye over the past month or people that have knowledge of the family's situation are persons of interest.
-Sisters were put in CPS custody because it was a "joint investigation" and the question would be better asked to CPS, not the police department.
-Investigation has not revealed any hard evidence of abuse in the home.
-Mother has NOT taken a polygraph exam. LE is "in discussions over whether that's an option they'll use".
-"I have no concerns over what the mother is saying". Family IS cooperating with investigators.
-The landfill search and the landfill being secured is more of a "just in case" kind of thing so that IF there is evidence there, they don't lose it.
-Cannot rule anything out (kidnapping, foul play, etc). Treating every lead as if it's "the lead that will give them the information they need".
-HAVE interviewed the children and have plans to bring them back in for clarification. Routine for any investigation to give them time to recall things they originally didn't remember.
-Their statements were consistent of children of their age. No red flags.