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Then, in 2004, a witness came forward with new information about the case. According to the warrants, the witness said that while reading newspaper stories about the Smith and Ray murders he recognized a picture of Coffey.
The witness, who was a child at the time of Smith's disappearance, told detectives that he was playing with the girl on the day of her abduction. The warrants state the witness "recalled Fred Coffey pulling up in a white van and telling both that he was sent to pick them up by their parents."
February 18th will mark the 25th Anniversary of the abduction and murder of Five year old Neely Smith.
Hi everyone.
I'm Kimmell, a new member to your group.
I live here in Belmont, North Carolina, and who happens to know Neil Smith, Neely's dad.
Recently, getting out of prison himself for the shooting death of another man, Neil has had many struggles, loniless, and regets in his life.
I talked to Neil recently about the many years that has passed since Neely was taken from him.
He answered that if Neely had died of a sickness or maybe killed in an accident it would have been easier in dealing with the pain.
But, to have your child murdered by a man who could have thought twice and let her free is something that time will never release from your heart.
Neil stated that the popular tv show, "48 Hours" contacted him and Neely's mother about doing a show on the case, but both feel they do not want to relive the horror of what happened.
Neil understands that the case is not closed with the Mecklenberg Police Department. They have new personell on the case hoping to give Neely's loved one's some answers.
My mother is buried right near Neely Smith in The Greenwood Cemetary here in Belmont.
When I take flowers to mom, I walk over to Neely's grave and place a flower on her headstone.
On Neely's headstone is an oval picture of her holding a glass, with a warm smile.
I always sit and hold Neely in my thoughts while there.
It's so sad and hurtful knowing that Fred Coffey has a warm place to sleep, good food to eat, all the knowledge he can gain from the books that are offered, no worries.
It's so sad that everytime I drive to the cemetary, I have to pass the hill that is the home of this poor child.
Neil get's a far-away look in his eyes when he talks about his "Little Girl".
Neil has many friends that stand by him.
After talking with Neil Smith, you really learn how precious your loved are.
Kimmell