When Ron married Misty, that was my opinion also....to avoid statutory rape. Although he could have still been charged, a jury would have a hard time reaching a guilty verdict against a "husband."
However, recently, it dawned on me that Ron married Misty for control. Misty was a minor. Misty's parents had legal rights over Misty. As long as Misty was a minor, Ron and/or TN and/or GGma Sykes did not have control over her. They needed that control to keep Misty from cracking.
The one thing that made me realize that it was all about control. The police report for Ron's arrest for burglary/assault against Tommy. Ron was arrested "early" in the morning. I've included the link for the police report.
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=142937&catid=3
According to the police report, Lisa and Tommy's reasons for going over were similar. Misty called screaming and crying and wanting them to come pick her up because she no longer wanted to stay with Ron. MIsty's Dad would not make an official statement because he did not want to make Misty mad. IMO, he did not want to risk his relationship with Misty because he knew she was back under Ron's control.
However, both Misty and GGma Sykes statements seem fishy. First Misty's explanation sounds very familiar. I've heard this "story" before. Tommy calling the house all day but never comes over to see Misty. But when Misty talks to Tommy, he says he called over and over just because he wants to see her so he is coming over right then even though she said no.
Wow...that is the same thing Ron did the night Haleigh disappeared. Just like Ron, Tommy was "worried" enough to call all over and over and over but not worried enough to check himself or have someone else check. Interesting, they did learn from the night Haleigh disappeared. Tommy called the house over and over...not Misty's cell were there would be a record of Tommy calling over and over. But Misty's "story" does not explain why her Dad and Mom came with Tommy.
IMO, GGma Sykes has a scanner or someone called to let her know that Tommy was filing a police report against Ron. Because Misty's "story" top to bottom shows Tommy as calling all day to make him seem more believable that he came over in anger to fight.
IMO, GGma Sykes is the most unbelievable and shows it is all about control of Misty. GGma Sykes says that Misty and Lisa were trying to break up the fight when she went out there. Not only does GGma Sykes get Ron to go in the house but gets him to go in the house twice. He came out the first time because Tommy was yelling at him but GGma Sykes never says what Tommy said to make Ron so angry to come back out. After Ron is in the house, GGma Sykes says she pushed List into the van and told them to leave. That has always bothered me.
According to GGma Sykes, Lisa was doing the same thing she was trying to stop the fight. What type of Grandmother refuses to allow a Mother to talk to her daughter? GGma Sykes "never" mentions asking Misty if she want to talk to her Mom or Dad. No, GGma Sykes is in bed and hears the fight. Without asking any questions, GGma Sykes takes control of the situation which includes getting Misty's Dad and Mom out of there. and Misty staying.
IMO, most people in GGma Sykes position of not knowing why Misty's family was there late at night would ask questions. However, GGma Sykes never asks. IMO, GGma Sykes knew Misty wanted to leave but could not risk Misty leaving with her family or her baby Ron might be in serious trouble.
Why do I think GGma Sykes did not want Misty to leave with her family? TN told us.
""Also, in another voicemail message, Ronald Cummings mother, Teresa Neves, called Miller on August 18th saying Misty was ready to crack. In her voicemail, Neves is concerned about Mistys state of mind, saying she wont even be in the same room as Ronald and leaves to talk on the phone privately, and is acting crazy. Neves urges Miller to come to Florida quickly because Misty is ready to crack...""""
http://stephww.wordpress.com/2009/09/02/ronald-cummings-if-i-had-35000-i-would-have-haleigh-back/
IMO, the comment that says it all is that TN is concerned because Misty wants to have private phone conversations. If that does not show the control they kept over Misty, I don't know what does.
IMO, both GGma Sykes and TN own words show that they did not want Misty talking without Ron, TN or GGma Sykes right to control it. Why? This was after DFC had closed their case in July. So why the big fear over Misty having private phone conversations or Misty wanting to move in with her parents?
Of course, once they got Tim Miller there to have Misty take tests that both Ron and TN had to "talk" her into taking, she failed those test and her credibility was destroyed, they had no problem with Ron divorcing Misty.
Ron, TN and GGma Sykes are too afraid of Misty leaving and talking to have it all be about Ron keeping Junior. The control over Misty was all about Haleigh. Because once Misty's credibility was destroyed by Tim Miller, the person TN asked to "help" they did not need control over Misty. Misty could say the truth and no one would believe her without evidence.
IMO, Ron, TN and GGma Sykes knew that Misty does not know enough to lead to any evidence.