Family holds vigil for missing man
Steven Curtis Jones disappeared April 16; some fear foul play
We just feel like weve got to keep the community knowing about whats going on and that hes not found, and weve got to keep looking for him until he is found, wife Lynn Jones said in the parking lot of Liberty-Eylau Middle School, where about 50 people attended the vigil. That included Stevens and Lynns son, 12-year-old Curtis.
A table was set up in the parking lot with Happy Birthday trim around its edges. Jones sister, Kathy Sturdivant, said birthdays are supposed to be about celebrating, but that was impossible Monday.
This day only brings more anguish and heartache to those who know Steve, Sturdivant said. She urged people to tell their neighbors of Jones disappearance and to constantly be on the lookout for signs of him.
~ snip ~
In keeping with the determination always shown by Steve Jones, there will be another search, said family friend Jo Ann Eichler as she read a statement while standing in the back of a pickup. The search is not being organized by local law enforcement, but friends and family, and is tentatively set for May 5.
Sturdivant said she appreciates the efforts of the Sheriffs Office but is frustrated that more isnt being done and fears Jones harsh opinions about law enforcement may be one reason for that.
He was very outspoken in his belief that there was corruption in the local law enforcement, Sturdivant said.
People at the rally said an outside group, Texas EquuSearch, wanted to come look for him, but were denied permission to do so by the Sheriffs Office.
In a telephone interview Monday night, Sheriff James Prince said thats false.
From what I was told, they told my investigator they couldnt do anything different than what weve already done without having an idea of where to go search, Prince said.
Prince said deputies have searched every area where Jones was known to go riding.
And were doing everything we can to also look at the possibility, and I say possibility, of foul play, but we can only do what we can do there as well, the sheriff said.
Sturdivant called for an outside agency to investigate her brothers disappearance. Prince said he would have no problem with that and no law enforcement officer bears ill will toward Jones for comments he has made.
I have no problem with anyone coming in,cause I want him found as much as anybody, Prince said.Matter of fact, I pray every night we find him.
Sturdivant said Jones left the house with just $10 in cash, no helmet and no medication. She referred to enemies Jones has made and fears he met with foul play.
~ snip ~
Theres a lot of speculation, a lot of rumors and stuff, (family friend Ed)Cook said.Only God knows what happened.
Id love to see him come home, though, said Randy Roberts, another friend. Cook replied confidently,God will bring him home.