Found Safe TN - Mary Catherine Elizabeth Thomas, 15, Maury County, 13 March 2017 #13 *Arrest*

[LietKynes]

If she is willingly staying with him-- they may be waiting until she is "of age" --in certain states; isn't that somewhat younger than 18 ?

And even if they're able to elude LE until she's at the age of consent (which in some states is 16, I think); can't LE still arrest him for kidnapping and sexual assault ?
IMO

 

[4SAM]

has it been determined from the wife what in particular is missing from their house? Can she figure out clothes (summer/winter) and if any essential items (cooking/camping items)??

 

[JerseyGirl]

bringing this forward.... thanks to Mom24!! http://www.websleuths.com/forums/sh...12&p=13306584&highlight=timeline#post13306584


Back to Basics:
Cummins is 50 years old
Cummins married his wife in 1985
Cummins told students he was a millionaire and a CIA operative that traveled on secret missions
Cummins suffers from high blood pressure and is on medication for this
Cummins has 2 daughters
Cummins twitter account: https://twitter.com/tadcummins?lang=en
Cummins instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/tadcummins/?hl=en

Elizabeth Thomas is 15
ET is 5'2"
ET is left handed
ET has hazel eyes
ET has a slight lisp
ET has no discernible accent
ET has scars on face
ET's instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/_.babygirl2001._/?hl=en
ET's fb account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013127238384

On January 23 a female schoolmate saw TC kiss ET on the lips in the classroom with TC's grandchild in the room "Cummins was inside his classroom after school Jan. 23 with his grandson and Thomas, the girl told family members, when she walked in and inexplicably saw them kissing. Cummins and Thomas were sitting side by side in chairs and kissed on the lips as the grandchild, who also attends Culleoka, was using one of the classroom's computers."
http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/n...izabeth-thomas


January 24th the female student confronted TC about the kiss with another student. TC told the students he was a father figure to ET and she was a "close and best friend". "The 12-year-old seventh-grader went to Cummins the morning of Jan. 24 for an explanation before reporting him, the family said. She wanted to know the nature of his relationship with Thomas."
http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/n...izabeth-thomas
and, "According to his personnel file, when Cummins was confronted, he told two students he was a “father figure” to Elizabeth and saw her as a “close and best friend.” He also said that Elizabeth “had been through a lot and had suffered an abusive home life.”"
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34967126/d...ling-home-life



LE also started an investigation. "The student was "very credible," Maury County Sheriff Bucky Rowland said, setting off an investigation into Cummins' behavior and relationship with students."
http://www.columbiadailyherald.com/n...izabeth-thomas

January 30th school concluded investigation, found no evidence since both ET and TC denied the kiss but ET was removed from class.
January 31 ET's father found out about kiss from Sheriff who was investigating the issue.

January 31 ET's father sent a letter to school expressing concern through his attorney Whatley.
"Whatley says when Mr. Thomas searched Elizabeth’s phone, he found she had been communicating with Cummins. The letter sent Feb. 6 from Whatley to the school also says, “I cannot overemphasize to you the concern we have here.”"
http://wkrn.com/2017/03/19/school-do...ns-and-thomas/


February 3 TC is reprimanded for having ET in his room. Another teacher said she was in the classroom for over 30mins.
"The teacher would later be reprimanded on Feb. 3 by school principal Penny Love after the girl was seen in Cummins classroom for a little more than half an hour that day. In her letter, Love said the girl being in his classroom was a violation of the principal’s order to him."
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/tad-cumm...zabeth-thomas/

February 6 TC is suspended for insubordination

March 13 ET tells her sister to call 911 if she isn't home by 6pm
http://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-al...ry?id=46273578

Other details:

School never informed ET's father of inappropriate contact or of any investigation
http://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-al...ry?id=46273578

ET was dropped off by friend at Shoney's on March 13th, ET asked friend to instead take her back home, friend refused.
Friend who dropped ET off is not cooperating with LE

"Employees at the Shoney's in Columbia said Thomas was waiting with her bags inside the restaurant on March 13. They said when Tad Cummins pulled up, the teen ran outside leaving her back pack behind."
http://whnt.com/2017/03/24/da-elizab...dissapearance/

School and students refuse to wear green ribbons in support of ET and ET has been called a harlot (per Sister)

TC has two guns (unknown what type) "Authorities say he is armed with two handguns"
http://www.9news.com/news/crime/stat...teen/423257704

ET's phone pinged in Decatur AL March 13 at 3:06pm "A spokesperson for the Decatur, Alabama, police told ABC News by phone that Elizabeth had not been physically seen in or around Decatur and that reports of their whereabouts may have been attributed to a ping from the girl’s cell phone."
http://krvn.com/abc_national/timelin...abcid35882433/

ET was originally reported as a runaway, although her father early on maintained she had been abducted by TC

TC's wife reported him missing.

LE concluded 24 hours after both reported missing that TC and ET were together, so they had a 24 headstart before the Amber Alert was issued. "Thomas, a 15-year-old from Middle Tennessee, disappeared with her ex-teacher, 50-year-old Tad Cummins, on March 13. There have been no confirmed sightings since that day and an Amber Alert was issued the next day"
http://www.9news.com/news/crime/stat...teen/423257704

Amber Alert has not been issued nationwide.

LE believe they may be in Mexico or Central America posing as missionaries.
"Law enforcement in Mexico has been notified of the Amber Alert," Cooper said. "But we don't know how much publicity it's getting and we need people down there to know about this because it's possible that's where they are. Cooper said although authorities don't have any information specifically linking Cummins and Thomas to Mexico, it's possible they made it that far."Because he was a very religious man, very knowledgeable of the Bible, it's possible that he's playing the role of a missionary in that area," Cooper said. "
http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/in..._thomas_u.html

TC took a loan for 4,500. "TBI said Cummins secured a title loan for a personal vehicle and other personal effects several days before his disappearance, netting $4,500 in cash."
http://fox17.com/news/local/tbi-rele...izabeth-thomas

TC searched teen marriages " Cummins researched 'teen marriage' just a few days before he and Elizabeth disappeared. "
http://www.9news.com/news/crime/stat...teen/423257704

TC searched disabling GPS on automobile "Cummins also searched whether police could track his car, a Nissan Rogue, according to TBI."
http://www.al.com/news/huntsville/in..._thomas_a.html

TC took Nissan Rogue, leaving wife with his Jeep which she is unable to drive "He took the car,” Scott said. “And she (Cummins' wife) can’t even drive a stick.”
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news...mins/99515186/

TC told his wife on the morning he disappeared he was going out for a job interview.

TC has an associates degree, was a respiratory therapist, taught forensics, had an alternative certification to teach
"Cummins has held a professional occupational educators license since 2014 in health science. To obtain the license, educators need one year’s work in the field in the past five years and an associate degree."
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news...mins/99515186/

TC has a degree in interdisciplinary studies
"He later returned to school at Tennessee State University while teaching, graduating in 2014 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies"
http://www.tennessean.com/story/news...mins/99515186/


TC's former colleague states TC was a bully and narcissist

TC's former colleague is offering a 5,000 reward

LE is offering a 1,000 reward

There have been no credible sightings of TC or ET since March 15

ET left a bag behind at Shoney's, but it was later gone. The story goes that it was left outside and picked up by someone.
Shoney's had no working surveillance camera (per Sister) and ""We believe for one reason or another she left one of these bags behind and it disappeared later that day," said DA Brent Cooper.Cooper said someone either took the bag or Elizabeth may have come back for it" http://whnt.com/2017/03/24/da-elizab...dissapearance/

ET has wheat and tomato allergies and needs an epi pen.(per Sister)

ET took her sister's bathing suit with her (per Sister)

ET hid from TC when he tried to see her at work. "One of Thomas family lawyers told WKRN that, at some point before the March 13 disappearance, Cummins came into Elizabeth's work place. The teen hid in a bathroom and urged a co-worker to tell the teacher that she wasn't there." http://patch.com/tennessee/nashville...ns-family-says (this was also confirmed by Sister)

ET had been taken from her mother's custody and her father has custody of her.
"Elizabeth is one of 10 children in a single-parent home because her father now has full custody of all of them."
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34967126/d...ling-home-life

ET had formerly been homeschooled, was a freshman in high school and had just started public school.
"She started as a freshman this year, entering the public school system for the very first time."
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34967126/d...ling-home-life

TC was her teacher.
"The high school freshman was in Cummins’ Forensics class at Culleoka Unit School."
http://wkrn.com/2017/03/19/school-do...ns-and-thomas/

ET's mother was charged with abuse and lost custody.
"“police arrested Elizabeth’s mother, Kimberly Thomas, last year. She was charged with five counts of child abuse and neglect. According to court documents, Kimberly Thomas beat Elizabeth and four of her siblings.”"
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34967126/d...ling-home-life

ET's mother gave an interview.

TC was looking for work in Decatur.
"The Morgan County Sheriff’s department told News 2 they received tips that Cummins was looking for work in the area."
http://wkrn.com/2017/03/24/tbi-no-cr...disappearance/

TC and ET may have stayed in a motel in Decatur the first night
"And in Alabama's Morgan County, the Sheriff's Department said Elizabeth and Cummins may have stayed at a motel in Decatur, reported ABC affiliate WAAY on Thursday."
http://abc13.com/news/family-of-teen...found/1818992/


TC watched shows about living off the grid "Investigators also tell CBS News that Cummins appears to have been planning this for some time by watching survivalist shows."
http://www.ktvq.com/story/34952463/m...eacher-student

TC has no criminal record in the state of TN. "Cummins has no criminal record in the state of Tennessee."
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/34935506...y-went-missing

I'll be editing this post with sources and such, but is there anything I missed?

Destany Parrish is a former student who TC may have groomed prior to ET, made alone time for the two of them and sang her a love song he'd written. He told us all one day that the office had gotten on to him and that we all had to go back to the lunch room because that's where we're supposed to be anyway," Parrish recalled. "Everybody left and I got my bag and got ready to leave, and he said the office hadn't said anything to him, he just didn't want that many kids in his room. It just ended up being he and I chilling in there. I would go there after school.”
Parrish said she would go to Cummins’ room after school and he would often take her to services at the Destiny Church in Columbia Parrish was 15 at the time, in 2011 she was his student.
http://www.wsmv.com/story/34977042/t...p-with-teacher

"One day, Parrish said Cummins arranged for them to be alone and he sang the lyrics he had written.
One of the lyrics read, "I could swim for a thousand miles in the oceans inside your eyes and never reach the side."
"It was just me and tad. We were in the music room. It was right next to his classroom, and I had learned a new song on the piano," said Parrish. "I was gonna go show him, but he sat down first and played that song, and I started recording a little bit in.
When asked if she felt the song was for her, Parrish said she didn't assume, but looking back, things seem different."
http://www.newschannel5.com/news/for...er-a-love-song

Interview with Thomas family attorneys by Nancy Grace: https://www.podcastchart.com/podcast...-at-school/pop

"Wayne County Now reported Cummins left a note for his wife, Jill, on the morning of his disappearance.
Complete details of the note have not been made public but District Attorney Brent Cooper said the note was a diversion to buy Cummins time and mislead the investigation. Cooper also said Cummins is on medication to control his blood pressure and should be in need of a refill"
http://wkrn.com/2017/04/12/cummins-l...of-medication/

Cummins has not accessed any bank accounts since his disappearance. (Per ET's Sister) Waiting on confirmation, so may not be right.

ET and TC were in Oklahoma City in Walmart on 3/15/2017.

 

[interestedincases]

I am curious about the "hunker down" theory.

In this scenario, how long do you think Tad envisions hiding out? What is the long-term play?

The "hunker down" theory is hard for me to consider because, in my mind, hiding out together is not the same as running away together.

Maybe he didn't think long-term, but indications to me are that he did.

The above is my opinion only.

It's not my top thought of what happened, it's just a possibility. And IF they were to do that, I think it would only be for a short time until he feels it's "safe" to travel on. I mean, you look at all his pictures of beaches and exotic locations and that's where you mind leads you to believe he's going. And what he "promised" her. But........how does he get her there? They can't fly. They COULD drive into Mexico. They could go to FL and pay someone to take them illegally by boat. I'm sure it can be done, but how easy is it? None of it is easy. Hiding in plain sight isn't easy. Traveling out of the US isn't. I love to camp but camping gets old, I want my own bed and my own shower. I have an RV, I have the "luxury" camping and I still want to be back home. So I can't imagine that she will be ok for long with this. I can see her being ok with the exotic locations........IF he can get her there. But I still think eventually she will tire of him. They have nothing in common. Will she be ok without the luxuries teenagers have these days? My kids think they are dying if they go without their electronics for too long. They are ok while on vacation........for a week..........but after that, they want their games.

I've always had the thought he took her into Walmart to "prove" to her what they weren't doing wasn't wrong. Like "see, we can be out in public and it's ok". More of him controlling her. He got it over with fast, now he has to be careful. That he's playing coy with her making her think it's not a big deal when inside he's having to calculate his every move. If they are camping, this would also eliminate her watching TV somewhere.

I haven't seen one billboard here and this is the state where they were seen in.....

 

[Deleted member 155000]

I am curious about the "hunker down" theory.

In this scenario, how long do you think Tad envisions hiding out? What is the long-term play?

The "hunker down" theory is hard for me to consider because, in my mind, hiding out together is not the same as running away together.

Maybe he didn't think long-term, but indications to me are that he did.

The above is my opinion only.

I picture them being on the low down for 4-6 months. I'm not saying they won't leave their shelter, but that they will be consciously living quiet and off the grid...long enough for other cases to grab the media's attention.

Then I think, if his plan is longterm--and to me, it seems like it is--I think they will risk resettling with different names/identities.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MsMtOlympus]

I picture them being on the low down for 4-6 months. I'm not saying they won't leave their shelter, but that they will be consciously living quiet and off the grid...long enough for other cases to grab the media's attention.

Then I think, if his plan is longterm--and to me, it seems like it is--I think they will risk resettling with different names/identities.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This! I also think that TC is counting on the following in order to get to that next phase: media reports dying down, public interest waning, the world moving on.

Guess what? THAT'S NOT HAPPENING, TAD. We're here and we're vigilant and we're not going away until Elizabeth is found.

 

[Vedder]

has it been determined from the wife what in particular is missing from their house? Can she figure out clothes (summer/winter) and if any essential items (cooking/camping items)??

Nope.

 

[OtisC]

It's not my top thought of what happened, it's just a possibility. And IF they were to do that, I think it would only be for a short time until he feels it's "safe" to travel on. I mean, you look at all his pictures of beaches and exotic locations and that's where you mind leads you to believe he's going. And what he "promised" her. But........how does he get her there? They can't fly. They COULD drive into Mexico. They could go to FL and pay someone to take them illegally by boat. I'm sure it can be done, but how easy is it? None of it is easy. Hiding in plain sight isn't easy. Traveling out of the US isn't. I love to camp but camping gets old, I want my own bed and my own shower. I have an RV, I have the "luxury" camping and I still want to be back home. So I can't imagine that she will be ok for long with this. I can see her being ok with the exotic locations........IF he can get her there. But I still think eventually she will tire of him. They have nothing in common. Will she be ok without the luxuries teenagers have these days? My kids think they are dying if they go without their electronics for too long. They are ok while on vacation........for a week..........but after that, they want their games.

I've always had the thought he took her into Walmart to "prove" to her what they weren't doing wasn't wrong. Like "see, we can be out in public and it's ok". More of him controlling her. He got it over with fast, now he has to be careful. That he's playing coy with her making her think it's not a big deal when inside he's having to calculate his every move. If they are camping, this would also eliminate her watching TV somewhere.

I haven't seen one billboard here and this is the state where they were seen in.....

I appreciate the reply.

I agree that she will tire of him, thus, he needs to keep the adventure going.

As you stated, none of the options look easy. My thought is that, with no option being easy, he drives into Mexico and out of Mexico as fast as he can. From what I know of Central America , crossing a border is not as difficult as getting into the US illegally (and how many millions have done that?).

Thanks for the discussion.

The above is my opinion only.

 

[OtisC]

I picture them being on the low down for 4-6 months. I'm not saying they won't leave their shelter, but that they will be consciously living quiet and off the grid...long enough for other cases to grab the media's attention.

Then I think, if his plan is longterm--and to me, it seems like it is--I think they will risk resettling with different names/identities.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It, to me, seems to be much easier to be on the "low down" in another country. The same is true for assuming new identities.

I could be wrong, but hiding in fear in hopes of one day living in another US town does not seem to be the plan.

Tad needs the hope of exotic places to keep her interested.

The above is my opinion only.

 

[Thisiove]

Just a little piece of not super useful info but I found it sad.. my mom and I have been following this case. We live in Michigan. My mom was on a work call with a collegue in Nashville yesterday. My mom mentioned the case and ET the lady hasent even heard of her or the case. I just couldn't believe someone that close to her home wouldn't have heard about it! There's a chance in my head that although they may be far from Tenn. they could probably be hiding in plain sight.

 

[OtisC]

Just a little piece of not super useful info but I found it sad.. my mom and I have been following this case. We live in Michigan. My mom was on a work call with a collegue in Nashville yesterday. My mom mentioned the case and ET the lady hasent even heard of her or the case. I just couldn't believe someone that close to her home wouldn't have heard about it! There's a chance in my head that although they may be far from Tenn. they could probably be hiding in plain sight.

That is possible if she does not listen to local radio, watch local TV, or follow local social media accounts.

That would not be the norm here in Nashville. It has been well covered.

The above is my opinion only.

 

[Pamela_Brewer]

He doesn't even have to go into the pharmacy to get his BP meds. He can have them shipped.
Transferring a prescription from one Walmart location to another may even be electronic and not involve a phone call.
Laws vary from state to state, but if he did request to have it transferred, at least they'd know what area he was in at the time.
MOO
http://help.walmart.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/78/~/pharmacy:-transferring-prescriptions

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk

 

[Deleted member 155000]

It, to me, seems to be much easier to be on the "low down" in another country. The same is true for assuming new identities.

I could be wrong, but hiding in fear in hopes of one day living in another US town does not seem to be the plan.

Tad needs the hope of exotic places to keep her interested.

The above is my opinion only.

Agreed. My gut since the beginning has always been the remote west or something like an Air BnB room just over the Mexican border...

Just my opinion...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[perfectingpink]

Just a little piece of not super useful info but I found it sad.. my mom and I have been following this case. We live in Michigan. My mom was on a work call with a collegue in Nashville yesterday. My mom mentioned the case and ET the lady hasent even heard of her or the case. I just couldn't believe someone that close to her home wouldn't have heard about it! There's a chance in my head that although they may be far from Tenn. they could probably be hiding in plain sight.

It just so happens I just sent off an email to Michigan's Forestry division of Michigan's Dept of Natural Resources (in charge of the state parks). Funny I come back here and see this post. Btw, after emailing these government agencies, I am wondering if I am going to end up on a cuckoo list.

 

[MsArk]

I appreciate the reply.

I agree that she will tire of him, thus, he needs to keep the adventure going.

As you stated, none of the options look easy. My thought is that, with no option being easy, he drives into Mexico and out of Mexico as fast as he can. From what I know of Central America , crossing a border is not as difficult as getting into the US illegally (and how many millions have done that?).

Thanks for the discussion.

The above is my opinion only.

RBBM
I see your point but how will he pay for adventures? He has to be watching his funds like a hawk. While $4,500 is a nice chunk, it is finite unless he finds a way to secure more, which, IMO is unlikely.

It is his limited cash that leads me back to thinking they are being housed somewhere. I may be way off point but I always end up circling back to this theory.

 

[OtisC]

RBBM
I see your point but how will he pay for adventures? He has to be watching his funds like a hawk. While $4,500 is a nice chunk, it is finite unless he finds a way to secure more, which, IMO is unlikely.

It is his limited cash that leads me back to thinking they are being housed somewhere. I may be way off point but I always end up circling back to this theory.

I appreciate your question. The adventure is the hope of new, warm, sandy, and tropical destinations. Continuing to travel with that goal keeps the dream alive until they arrive.

Upon arrival, she sees that he can deliver on the promise of a life in paradise (in her eyes) and will further believe future promises.

In the right places, living "pura vida" is the adventure.

The above is my opinion only.

 

[Deleted member 155000]

RBBM
I see your point but how will he pay for adventures? He has to be watching his funds like a hawk. While $4,500 is a nice chunk, it is finite unless he finds a way to secure more, which, IMO is unlikely.

It is his limited cash that leads me back to thinking they are being housed somewhere. I may be way off point but I always end up circling back to this theory.

My thought all along has been that he has more than $4,500. I don't think he has tens of thousands, mind you. But if he had the calculated thinking to take out a loan on the equity in their vehicle, logic suggests he thought of another way or two to get money.

Did he pull any money out of a retirement account?

Did he take out one of those quick cash pay day loans knowing he would skip town?

Did he sell his wedding ring or some family heirloom?

Did he sell any other valuable possession--a four wheeler, moped, guitar etc.

Did he steal anything from family or friends to sell?

Did he ask any locals for loans citing some made up story?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[OtisC]

My thought all along has been that he has more than $4,500. I don't think he has tens of thousands, mind you. But if he had the calculated thinking to take out a loan on the equity in their vehicle, logic suggests he thought of another way or two to get money.

Did he pull any money out of a retirement account?

Did he take out one of those quick cash pay day loans knowing he would skip town?

Did he sell his wedding ring or some family heirloom?

Did he sell any other valuable possession--a four wheeler, moped, guitar etc.

Did he steal anything from family or friends to sell?

Did he ask any locals for loans citing some made up story?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

None of those have been reported.

While he may have had, or obtained, more than the $4,500, that amount would get him into a location where the cost of living is cheaper and getting a cash paying job is easier.

The above is my opinion.

 

[Kapua]

Gonna throw my earlier post in for pondering

The best hiding place is in plain sight.

I said earlier that I suspected the phones were transported to Decator by someone else to be turned on there and dumped, and that the particular exit they used in OK was a diversion to make it look like they were going to head south.

If I was betting on where they are now, I would put my last Dollar on Tennessee. He's changed plates, Or maybe used black electrical tape ( heck, maybe paint) to alter the characters. He's also altered the appearance of the car. Merely painting the wheels black with plasti dip, and adding some vinyl stripes, would cause you to think it's a kid's car and look away.

I also think someone is helping them out. Maybe dropping groceries off in a designated spot for them to pick up later.

We're looking for a silver Nissan which is is pretty good shape.

A frog will watch a baseball roll right past without flinching because he is looking for the fly-

If they are somewhere familiar, they can move about without having to ask too many questions. The WalMart in OKC, for example, might have a very similar layout to the one they are familiar with in Columbia, TN, allowing them to get in and out as quickly as possible.

I also posted this a while back. I did this with Photoshop. Look for the car, not the plates.

 

[Pamela_Brewer]

I wonder why he didn’t sell the Jeep. They hold their value. He could have gotten a good bit from it.
Maybe he was still paying on it.
Not that I want to get into his head, but he knew she couldn't drive it.
MOO

Sent from my SM-G900T using Tapatalk