GUILTY TX - Alanna Gallagher, 6, Saginaw, 1 July 2013 - #9

[jjenny]

That's one of the things we've been hoping for weeks now. I think current speculation is that they probably have DNA results back but maybe no hits. (Unless the "zeroing in on suspect but no arrest yet" theory is true, but people have been saying that for a while and I am dubious they'd let a killer walk the streets once a DNA match was in place. Also keep in mind the family all provided DNA swabs willingly.)

I don't think they have a suspect. We haven't heard anything about them searching somebody's house, etc, except the parents. If they had a suspect, they would be searching his house, car, etc.
If they have DNA but no match, in some cases they did a dragnet where they tested everyone in the area. But they have to have permission. Still most people agree to be DNA tested.

 

[ArianeEmory]

I guess I have to admit I'm starting to worry that this one will go cold, or at least not see a quick resolution as in Jessica Ridgeway's case (but I've stated a few times and still maintain that IMO Austin Sigg wanted to be caught). Either the killer didn't make a mistake/got hugely lucky, there really is an administrative backlog (on tests, etc)...or "LE is closing in".

I hate saying this kind of thing because it seems disrespectful to the family and victim to suggest that my *voluntary* involvement in this a hardship, but man...this one has really bothered me from day one (I remember when Peachy first caught the info on the scanner the first night, right before I fell asleep), and I've been over-invested in it ever since. I think, no matter which way you lean, we all expected something to break sooner.

 

[texashello]

I don't think they have a suspect. We haven't heard anything about them searching somebody's house, etc, except the parents. If they had a suspect, they would be searching his house, car, etc.
If they have DNA but no match, in some cases they did a dragnet where they tested everyone in the area. But they have to have permission. Still most people agree to be DNA tested.

They would need probable cause to get a warrant to search. Maybe they are still trying to get enough probable cause to get a warrant if they do have a suspect.

 

[jjenny]

They would need probable cause to get a warrant to search. Maybe they are still trying to get enough probable cause to get a warrant if they do have a suspect.

If they had a DNA match, that would be probable cause for sure.

 

[Janeumayer]

I can't keep that red tape out of my mind.

 

[Mitsana]

(Regarding DNA on the belt...)

That's one of the things we've been hoping for weeks now. I think current speculation is that they probably have DNA results back but maybe no hits. (Unless the "zeroing in on suspect but no arrest yet" theory is true, but people have been saying that for a while and I am dubious they'd let a killer walk the streets once a DNA match was in place. Also keep in mind the family all provided DNA swabs willingly.)

Another possibility I've speculated about (not saying it's likely, just a possibility) is that someone set out to frame KG, even going so far as to steal a belt of his (in that case, it would obviously have to be someone at least close enough to be in their home). But if KG had an airtight alibi at work, the DNA on the belt wouldn't do LE any good (and the frame-up would fail). It might explain why LE seemed more confident at first. Even after the alibi is confirmed, LE would still have reason to think the job was "isolated" because of the personal connection.

 

[jjenny]

(Regarding DNA on the belt...)



Another possibility I've speculated about (not saying it's likely, just a possibility) is that someone set out to frame KG, even going so far as to steal a belt of his (in that case, it would obviously have to be someone at least close enough to be in their home). But if KG had an airtight alibi at work, the DNA on the belt wouldn't do LE any good (and the frame-up would fail). It might explain why LE seemed more confident at first. Even after the alibi is confirmed, LE would still have reason to think the job was "isolated" because of the personal connection.

Why would someone try and frame KG? And if one was trying to frame KG, one would presumably pick a day when KG was not at work.

 

[Mitsana]

Why would someone try and frame KG? And if one was trying to frame KG, one would presumably pick a day when KG was not at work.

I can think of two basic reasons, maybe combined. One is to deflect suspicion from oneself. The other is personal animus. The reason for doing it when KG is at work is opportunity. The perp might not realize KG would have an airtight alibi (which I am speculating he does). Again, I'm not touting this as the solution, just a possibility. It's one way to explain the odd coincidence of the items in KG's car (and possibly the subsequent torching of the car if the perp felt he might have possibly left fingerprints behind).

 

[GingerzMomma]

Why would someone try and frame KG? And if one was trying to frame KG, one would presumably pick a day when KG was not at work.

Probably another incorrect story (which makes me wonder why MSM has so much credibility, but anyhoo......and BBM):

"Police say the Gallaghers and McDaniel were all home while Alanna played outside alone on the evening of July 1."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-ablaze-vandals-family-car.html#ixzz2ZppIJwTc
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

[jjenny]

Probably another incorrect story (which makes me wonder why MSM has so much credibility, but anyhoo......and BBM):

"Police say the Gallaghers and McDaniel were all home while Alanna played outside alone on the evening of July 1."

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-ablaze-vandals-family-car.html#ixzz2ZppIJwTc
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Dailymail strikes again. We already know non-biological father was at work while mother was out with a friend. Only bio-dad was at home.

 

[GingerzMomma]

Dailymail strikes again. We already know non-biological father was at work while mother was out with a friend. Only bio-dad was at home.

Is that (Dailymail) an unreliable source?

The latter was my understanding until I saw this today.

 

[manzana]

I can think of two basic reasons, maybe combined. One is to deflect suspicion from oneself. The other is personal animus. The reason for doing it when KG is at work is opportunity. The perp might not realize KG would have an airtight alibi (which I am speculating he does).

But if one is going off the 38-46 belt size, the frame would have to be MM.

KG and LG both appear to wear a larger size belt.


I am sure their DNA is expected to be found and maybe the DNA that has been found is innocent DNA, not pointing to the perpetrator of the crime.

The overall silence suggests to me they know who did it or why not up the reward? I have seen cases within a week go from 10-50 thousand and more. I am in SATX and have heard almost nothing on the news.

I really feel like they have the means to add more to the reward, especially if they are committing as many FBI, local LE on the case.

Silence is golden but not in this case!

 

[jjenny]

Is that (Dailymail) an unreliable source?

The latter was my understanding until I saw this today.

In my experience, it's not very reliable. IMO it's more of a tabloid than msm.

 

[ArianeEmory]

The reporting on the Gallagher's whereabouts at the time of that article was shaky because there was no official info and media hadn't quite figured out everyone's place in the family/who was who. It's easy enough for LE to prove/disprove all the family's whereabouts, especially KG's, so I am much more inclined to assume earlier reports (which were full of other errors) are just wrong. (Re: who was home July 1)

 

[greenpalm]

I just posted a "Who's Who" in the timeline/media thread. I welcome input and corrections. I might even alphabetize it tomorrow but not tonight.


You can find it here:
TX - Alanna Gallagher, 6, Saginaw Timeline and Media Links *NO DISCUSSION* - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community

But here it is so it's in here at least once.

Alanna Gallagher Who’s Who?​

Alanna Keely Gallagher - the victim. Her body was found wrapped in a tarp and tightly wrapped with a belt to the side of the street at the intersection of Cindy Lane & Roundrock in Saginaw, Texas about a mile from her own home on Babbling Brook. She was reported missing after her body was found.

Miles McDaniel - Alanna’s biological father

Karl Gallagher - listed on Alanna’s birth certificate

Laura Gallagher - Alanna’s mother

TM - Alanna’s Aunt, “I just broke down and cried," she said. "There was no speculation as to whether it was her, not her. When I read how she was found, I just broke down." http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Saginaw-Child-Found-in-Tarp-Identified-214189511.html

? Alanna’s Uncle told NBC 5, that his niece’s family had recently gone on a camping trip. http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Saginaw-Child-Found-in-Tarp-Identified-214189511.html

VW: member of Calvary Lutheran Church, interviewed at funeral,
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Sl...Alanna-Gallagher-Laid-to-Rest-215053131.html0

OW - 14 year old who found her ““It’s a lot more quiet. Not as much people.”
When asked if people were scared he said, “The parents probably. They won’t let their kids outside.” http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/04/child-murder-keeps-saginaw-residents-inside-on-edge/
JS (sometimes as John Smith) - 18 year old cousin was with OW and discovered Alanna’s body in the tarp. He he will never be the same after seeing the girl dead. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9160977

KW - Mom of O.W. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/04/child-murder-keeps-saginaw-residents-inside-on-edge/

another link for Katie http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece

WW - Father of O.W. who place the 911 call
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9160977

JG - Alanna’s brother

MG - Alanna’s sister

BR - Alanna’s half brother, lives in California

Damon Ing - spokesperson for the Saginaw Police Department, “I can assure the community of Saginaw and all surrounding areas that you’re perfectly safe.” in video at: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/04/parents-not-suspected-in-saginaw-child-death/


Reverand Phil Heinze - led her funeral at Calvary Lutheran Church http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...aw-girl-eulogized-as-exuberant-and-loving.ece

LDHummingbird - our verified insider, who was visiting the Gallagher family the morning before Alanna’s death. She left, with Laura Gallagher around noon, to run errands before Laura dropped her at her own home at about 2:30. LDHummingbird lives about an hour away from Saginaw.

D - Another neighbor said there were signs that something was not right at home. She was gardening when she heard the girl shouting for help. She was stuck in the tree in her front yard. Alanna told her, “Strangers are not to be in my yard. You are not allowed in my yard.” D described Alanna as a “spitfire.”
recalls the mother saying, “I bet she’s over at a neighbor’s home, she always does this.” http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece

Soft Kitty - the song Alanna sang in the video
http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/bfon...ows-Saginaw-girl-before-murder-215014541.html
AND:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/02/4977697/body-of-young-girl-found-in-saginaw.html

John J a neighbor who said, “She seemed smarter than the average 5-year-old, just because of the questions she’d ask. And her parents are nice and very, very smart people. They like books. The last time I was in their home, the front room looked like a library.” He has an 11 year old daughter who played with Alanna
http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/07/02/4977697/body-of-young-girl-found-in-saginaw.html


Roger Macon - Saginaw Police Chief
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece


Opal Jo Jennings - a 6 year old who was abducted from outside her parents Saginaw home in 1999. Her body was found in December 2003 near the western shore of Lake Worth.

Richard Lee Franks - sentenced to life in prison for his conviction of kidnapping Opal Jo.

The Texas Rangers - Routinely assist policer in smaller jurisdictions that are confronted with major crimes (when my husband served as an alternate juror for the Sarah Walker murder trial a Texas Ranger was a key witness for the prosecution. He said the guy was clearly well versed in the forensics of violent crimes)

EC - organized vigil “I want to see it purple like TCU purple.” http://www.wfaa.com/news/crime/bfon...ows-Saginaw-girl-before-murder-215014541.html

KS- “She was a precious girl, I usually saw her on her scooter.” http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece

MP - neighbor, “She was a really sweet little girl. What was odd was she never wanted to go home. She would hang her head and cry. I didn’t think it was this serious.” In video but not text at: http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece

Twins - KS is grandmother, MP is their mother. ?

SB- lives a few houses down from Alanna, she remembers seeing Alanna wander around the neighborhood on her own. “She was just a smart little girl who loved classical piano music.”
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9160977

KB- 13 year old girl who befriend Alanna, they would jump on the trampoline.
‘“I never really saw her play with other kids,” KB said. “She would always come to my house and knock on the door … . It doesn’t seem real.”
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece

KB is credited with taking the photograph of Alanna in the quilted purple coat. (is KB also where the footage of Alanna singing Soft Kitty came from? She is wearing the same purple coat in both) http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/article_b8a2f1f8-ea63-11e2-bf11-0019bb30f31a.html

Marissa G - spokesperson for Child Protective Services. Received a report of the girls death.
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/metr...th-of-young-girl-dumped-on-saginaw-street.ece


MR - the mother of a six-year-old girl who went to school with Alanna. "Never in a million years would I have thought I'd have to tell my daughter that her friend is dead,"
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9160977

DP - lives on the block where the body was found, “No matter what neighborhood it happens in, it’s still awful, and it’s still a tragedy. But you just don’t expect it to happen in your neighborhood, on your street.”
http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/state&id=9160977

RR - mother whose son went to school with Alanna, told the station that she won't let her kids play outside alone anymore. "It's either me or my mother with them," Roden said. "It's scary to let your kids outside and play, because we don't know exactly went on in this situation." In video footage as: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/10/saginaw-texas-girl-tarp-alanna-gallagher_n_3573446.html

SB - “We had seen her playing and wanted to show our respect. She is such a small baby,” http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/03/...rl-identified-as-6-year-old-alanna-gallagher/

SL - “It’s saddest thing to see a little girl not to experience life – someone took that away from her – it’s the worst thing ever.” http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/03/...rl-identified-as-6-year-old-alanna-gallagher/


KP & 17 year old niece AG - filed complaint against Saginaw police for pulling a gun on them during the road blocks used for questioning neighbors about Alanna. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/17/saginaw-family-files-complaint-against-police-department/

CC - “I had walked past before that and thought it was a pile of trash.” in video at: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/07/03/...rl-identified-as-6-year-old-alanna-gallagher/

 

[cypress]

This case is strange on many levels. It's difficult to ascertain a timeline, the tarp in the middle of the road is certainly unusual, the family life is unusual, and all of that's before arsonists set fire to one of the three family cars and possibly a dead child's memorial.

Given that she was found in a tarp with bags and tape, I felt sure that there had to be DNA evidence. Where her body was dumped indicates, to me, that the killer was hurried, and the timeline doesn't stretch for days on end. At most, the killer had three or four hours, IMHO. I feel like there is DNA evidence, but it may be problematic in some way.

I don't think anyone is trying to frame anyone, though. I don't think the items were taken out of KG's car as a way to frame him. I don't think this was a hate crime. I think this crime was committed by someone who deserves to be in hell and, unfortunately, the elements came together in such a way that the killer has avoided capture.

Just thinking about DNA evidence, though -- it's possible that Alanna had a lot of DNA on her. She was outside playing, so she could've had DNA or animal hairs from playing. She played with a friend earlier in the day, and even though later the intended playmate wasn't home, we don't really know if she played somewhere else. She could've petted neighborhood dogs and cats. The two boys who found her could've left DNA. It stands to reason that she would've had DNA from some family members. All transfers, perhaps, but anything is possible.

I think LE has more than we know, but I don't think they're close to an arrest.

 

[matou]

Greenpalm is rocking my world tonight xoxo!

 

[Karma28]

I keep thinking about the belt that was secured around Alanna or secured around the tarp, and the subsequent evidence list where police were looking for men's belts size 38-44 at Alanna's home. 38-44 is an XL belt.

So, the man's belt that was used is apparently from a big guy with a big waist.

Surely a belt would contain lots & lots of DNA.

I'm not that familiar with mens sizes and was wondering how big (or small) the 38-44 was .... so thanks for the info.

Considering all the items (tape, belt,etc..) that the demon left, LE has to have at the very least, a lot of trace evidence and in the best case scenario DNA. If they had a real suspect, you would think they would find a way to get his DNA, either by a court order or by watching him and waiting for him to discard a cup, or straw or? ........

I keep wondering why they collected so many toilet paper rolls when they did the search of the home and cars.

JMO

 

[blue22]

I'll look for an MSM link, but I thought that there were some cases of "evidence tampering" in TX convictions that were through the 90's (OJ was first "big" DNA case in '95-ish?) until one particular lab tech was caught maybe about 5 years ago? Don't take my word for it......I'll see what I can find.....

In the meantime, though: why would that not make TPTB (the powers that be) even more careful? (i.e., results take longer)

I'm pretty sure I know what you are talking about. The one I'm thinking of, was not exonerating people in prison for murder or rape. I'll see if I can find a link to the one I know of, and see if we are talking about separate people!

 

[BeginnersLuck]

On top of the chance that the perps DNA may not be in the system, from other cases that I've followed I thought it took a loooog....time to get forensics back on all the different items that are sent off to the lab.

I was looking for more info on time and came across this article that walks through the process of DNA testing. I thought it was interesting.

http://www.patc.com/weeklyarticles/dna-timeline.shtml