2010.04.15 Presser Video: Sheriff, Haleigh Likely Dead; POI Identified

[newstome]

In one report, it said Ronald was brought over to be questioned....just like Misty was. Not to be in a meeting with the families. Would be interesting to find out from one of the family members if Ronald was with them.

If they wanted to question him they could do it in jail. He left at the same time as the rest of the family. If they wanted to keep him informed they could do it at the jail.

 

[Muffet]

I wonder the same...I also wonder why Ron denied the fight between Joe?
The fact that he had no interest in the possibility that Joe had anything to do with Haleigh's disappearance made me suspicious as well. He kept screaming out that he would kill whom ever took Haleigh, yet he discarded the possibility that Joe had anything to do with it and Married the last person to be with Haleigh. Made no sense then, and make no sense now..

...and denied that Joe was even there the night of Haleigh's demise.

 

[MADJGNLAW]

In one report, it said Ronald was brought over to be questioned....just like Misty was. Not to be in a meeting with the families. Would be interesting to find out from one of the family members if Ronald was with them.

I recall reading that article and thought that maybe they were interviewing Ron and Misty and then using the statements against each other. Like, hey look what she said about you and Haleigh, then turn around and tell Misty..hey this is what Ron is saying about you, and that may of been what finally got her to crack. Just a thought though...Maybe I am watching to much CSI. LOL

 

[newstome]

I'm sure you didn't intend to suggest that a person who commits the crime as stated in the statute you noted should be relieved of punishment of his crime because, in the process of committing this felony, person or persons as yet unknown murdered his daughter. While most everyone on this site is compassionate to the loss of the innocent life, this particular crime is also a felony against another child. The loss of his child is directly linked to his felonious relationship with Misty Croslin. That is inescapable, and as much compassion for the death of Haleigh, I still also hold in review the crime against Misty. Whether she be a willing participant as seems she was, the law states a child of this age is not capable of issuing consent and any adult engaging in sexual relations with that child has committed a crime.

The punishment of statutory rape was not the death of his child. As yet, Ronald has not faced any punishment for his particular crimes.

I guess I don't care about the statutory rape charge against Misty. It seems like that is added when Ron is said to have murdered his daughter to add to his history. How many on this thread had sex quite early? Should you and your
partner in your youth have been jailed, and the incident been used for the rest of your life to show you are capable of doing violent things?
Think about it.

 

[debs]

I guess I don't care about the statutory rape charge against Misty. It seems like that is added when Ron is said to have murdered his daughter to add to his history. How many on this thread had sex quite early? Should you and your
partner in your youth have been jailed, and the incident been used for the rest of your life to show you are capable of doing violent things?
Think about it.

I don't recall any person being incarcerated for the rest of their lives for stat. rape. Ronald is not in his youth, he's 26. It wasn't added to say Ron murdered his daughter; it's added to say Ron raped Misty according to the laws of Florida.

But the initial post I was responding to seemed to expect one felony charge to be excused due to the circumstances of Haleigh's disappearance/now believed homicide. I am compassionate to that circumstance; however, there has been another crime committed. That is all.

 

[debs]

Still trying to get the pressor transcribed, almost done with it. I got to about 5 mins into it last night which took about 20 mins lol and it was already 12:00 am. I will finish it today after work I'm off at noon if we still need it....

Already taken care of for you, Mystic:

JH: ...Shell Harbor Boat Ramp. This search is the result of information obtained during interviews of the Haleigh Cummings case. Items have been recovered at the search site, but at this point it is not known if these items are related to the Haleigh Cummings investigation. All items located during this search will be forwarded to several independent labs for analysis. The PCSO has received numerous inquiries regarding the status of this investigation, specifically if this is a missing person's investigation or a homicide investigation. Over the past few weeks, information has been obtained by investigators that lead them to believe that Haleigh Cummings is most likely deceased. The specific details of this information cannot, and I will add, will not, be released at this time. There have been rumors that a suspect has been taken into custody as a result of this investigation. This rumor is not true. However, the investigative team has identified PERSONS of interest in this case. Now I'm gonna go ahead and open up for some questions:

Q:Sir, can you tell me if you found a cinder block with a rope tied on it, and if you did, if it has anything to do with that tip that you got?
Ma'am we're not going to discuss anything of possible evidence that MIGHT have been located at the boat ramp, but thank you for your question.

Q: You've said all along that Misty is the key. Is that still the case?
Absolutely.

Q: Is it true this area has not been searched before?
This area has not been, you know we've searched lots of areas in Putnam County, but to say "did we put divers at this specific location" uh, the answer to that question would be no.

Q: Why not?
This is a huge river, and uh, we searched in areas surrounding the home uh that we believe she could have, uh, potentially been put in.

Q: Can you say anything more about what the tip was that led you to this spot?
Uh, the tip came from a source that led us to this area, and as we have in the past, we're gonna follow up on all leads and that, uh, is what led us to this area in for this dive that we have been doing for the last 3 days.

Q: Did that tip come from Tennessee?
No ma'am.

Q: Did it come from behind bars?
I'm not going to discuss where the tips came from....the leads came from. (added by me, he said tips and leads, plural)

Q: Can you tell us who those persons of interest are?
I will not be mentioning any names at this time.

Q: Can you tell us a little about Misty's visit yesterday?
Listen, people are starting to cooperate. That's why I've told people it's gonna be just a matter of time and we're going to accept any cooperation that we can get, so again, it's a good thing. People are starting to talk.

Q: How soon do you think this case can be solved?
We will follow this case to the end, and to give you a timeline on that, I'm not gonna do that.

Q: What kind of items are, like...are they little? Are you guys collecting little things too for analysis, like everything you see that might be something?
Absolutely. Let me tell you something. We've had something like 15, 25, 30 divers in this water every day. They have searched in zero/zero conditions using their bare hands, um, you know it's it's....a rough search. We've found everything from alligator toenails to, you know, you name it. We've pulled 'em out and we've looked at it and ... so.

Q: Sheriff, how likely is it, if she was in this river ... I'm generally speaking if she was in this river... how likely is it that you would actually find her with the gators and the current and the boats and the mud that you'd be able to find something that significant?
It's like looking for a needle in a haystack, but we were willing to go ahead and take the effort and the time to go look for that needle.

Q: Sheriff, you said some people are beginning to cooperate. Is Misty Croslin cooperating specifically and is there (helicopter noise drowns out rest of question).
As far as the cooperation goes, from who's cooperating and what plea bargains, I'm not here to talk about any of that. I dont' know of any plea bargain that's been offered to anybody. Just so you know.

Q: Do you think Haleigh died in this area?
It's our belief that this is, that's a ............. that's a very real possibility.

Q: Well, have you searched the land?
Yes, ma'am. We have searched the river banks obviously through due diligence we have went out and dived the area and searched on the other side of the river, searched this side of the river. Yeah...yeah, we've been there.

Q: How long are you gonna be staying out here?
We're getting ready to wrap up this search here today. We're gonna wrap it up about 6:00 this afternoon. And just because we're leaving here doesn't mean this lead isn't gonna be followed up any farther. We're gonna continue to run with the information that we have.

Q: Can you give an idea how long this analysis might take, and will it be, like, DNA type......can you talk a little about what kind of analysis will be (rest of question unclear).
A lot of the materials were analyzed on scene right there. We have an anthropologist, so a lot of the stuff that we had found was deemed non-evidence and we cleared it right there on the spot.

Q: If those items are not considered to be part of this case, do you still have a case against the person who likely killed Misty (sic)?
We are working on building a case. That's what we've been doing for the last 14 months.

Q: But without this physical evidence, do you still think you have a case?
Oh, yeah, we're working diligently to go forth with this, yes.

Q: But you did say you have items that you are getting analyzed, right?
Yes ma'am, and I'm not going to discuss the particular items that I've taken for analysis.

Q: How long are you going to be in this area?
Til 6:00 tonight. We're getting ready to shut this search down. And we're going to still continue forth with the leads that we have.

Q: The grandmother told us that her grandson Tommy gave her a confession saying he knows who did it and that it's Joe Overstreet in TN. What do you make of that story?
We've we've talked to Joe Overstreet in TN. We've interviewed him. We had two investigators from my agency, two agents from FDLE, and uh, we interviewed him again the other night, we've interviewed him before. He has an attorney and he's lawyered up.

Q: Do you consider this a homicide investigation or what?
At this point, I'm comfortable to go ahead and say I'm gonna call it a homicide.

Q: Is this a crime scene, would you call it that?
This right here, that's what we've been doing for the last three days. We've searched numerous areas in Putnam County. So we can't sit here and call every search area a crime scene.

Q: Sheriff, you say that you're building a case. Does that mean an arrest is imminent?
We're hoping to make an arrest in this case, let's be real about this, ok? Number 1, this case has been going on for 14 months. People are finally starting to talk. Where that's gonna lead us, I don't know. But we're gonna follow it to the end. And Yeah, we're trying to make an arrest, we're trying to bring somebody to justice for this little girl right here and her family. This is what it's about here today, not about me.

Q: How are they helping, what...how are they talking?

Well, they have a lot of time to sit and think about it.

Q: Early on in the investigation, they tracked Haleigh to the water's edge near the home.....
Right.

Q: Did dogs lead you to search this area?
No, it's been 14 months and the answer to that question is no.

Q: How many persons of interest or suspects do you have right now?
I'm just gonna say SEVERAL

Q: What did you learn from Misty at the dock yesterday?
That's information that's obviously going to be between me and my investigators.

Q: (question unclear)
....
If information becomes available, we'll search any area we have to.

Q: Can you at least explain her demeanor, have you seen a shift in her, Misty's demeanor?

Absolutely. Calmness, I think she's come to realize that...she's in trouble. I'm gonna take two more questions. So, I'm going to take 2 more questions.

Q: Has anything in the form of a body or (unclear) been found?
NO.

Q:How confident do you feel differently from 14 months ago ... do you feel like the case is getting stronger or do you feel it's about the same?
Well, we worked this case as hard as day one as today and to tell you how confident I am I'm confident I'm not gonna give up on this little girl and her family, so with that let's hope and pray that we can bring this thing to a logical conclusion for the family and thank you very much for coming.
(end presser)

 

[mybrokenwings]

I wonder the same...I also wonder why Ron denied the fight between Joe?
The fact that he had no interest in the possibility that Joe had anything to do with Haleigh's disappearance made me suspicious as well. He kept screaming out that he would kill whom ever took Haleigh, yet he discarded the possibility that Joe had anything to do with it and Married the last person to be with Haleigh. Made no sense then, and make no sense now..

I wonder if Ron gave Joe the gun that was talked about to get rid of Haleigh? Maybe that is why Ron is hesitant to point the finger at Joe but at the same time leaves the possibility of pointing the finger at Joe is it came down to them getting charged? Have the police investigated where the gun that was supposedly stolen is and who owns it??

 

[cj1132]

Not sure where to put this so I'll ask here since it's been said Haleigh is likely deceased.

If this case is being considered a homicide, what could they have found to come to this conclusion? If a skull was found, it could show blunt force trauma. If indeed a rope and cinder block were found with something of Haleigh's attached, how would that prove it was homicide? She could have died accidentally and then been put in the water. They wouldn't be able to check her lungs to see if she was alive going in. Other than collaborating stories from believable witnesses, I don't know how they could come up with homicide. I suppose they could tell if she had been killed with a gun. All this is based on the supposition that they even found her little body.

Not arguing with their call but I'm really curious as to how they came up with it. Could someone please enlighten me? tia

 

[sneezy]

I don't recall any person being incarcerated for the rest of their lives for stat. rape. Ronald is not in his youth, he's 26. It wasn't added to say Ron murdered his daughter; it's added to say Ron raped Misty according to the laws of Florida.

But the initial post I was responding to seemed to expect one felony charge to be excused due to the circumstances of Haleigh's disappearance/now believed homicide. I am compassionate to that circumstance; however, there has been another crime committed. That is all.

Just a point of fact:

Under Florida code, Title XLVI, Chapter 794

The age of consent in Florida is 18, but close in age exemptions exist. By law, the exception permits a person 23 years of age or younger to engage in legal sexual activity with a minor aged 16 or 17.

794.05 Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.-- (1) A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

People have to realize these laws are to protect children who are not mature enough to make these kind of life changing decisions. If the older party truly "loves" the younger...you'd think they'd wait.

 

[suspicious1]

Not sure where to put this so I'll ask here since it's been said Haleigh is likely deceased.

If this case is being considered a homicide, what could they have found to come to this conclusion? If a skull was found, it could show blunt force trauma. If indeed a rope and cinder block were found with something of Haleigh's attached, how would that prove it was homicide? She could have died accidentally and then been put in the water. They wouldn't be able to check her lungs to see if she was alive going in. Other than collaborating stories from believable witnesses, I don't know how they could come up with homicide. I suppose they could tell if she had been killed with a gun. All this is based on the supposition that they even found her little body.

Not arguing with their call but I'm really curious as to how they came up with it. Could someone please enlighten me? tia

I want to know too. This should have its own thread, IMO.

 

[debs]

Just a point of fact:

Under Florida code, Title XLVI, Chapter 794

The age of consent in Florida is 18, but close in age exemptions exist. By law, the exception permits a person 23 years of age or younger to engage in legal sexual activity with a minor aged 16 or 17.

794.05 Unlawful sexual activity with certain minors.-- (1) A person 24 years of age or older who engages in sexual activity with a person 16 or 17 years of age commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.

People have to realize these laws are to protect children who are not mature enough to make these kind of life changing decisions. If the older party truly "loves" the younger...you'd think they'd wait.

Ron was 24/25 when he was having sex with Misty prior to her becoming emancipated and they married. Under statute 794.05, that means he was unlawfully engaging in sexual acts with a person 16/17 years old. Misty admits they began their relationship in July of 2009. She was then 16.

All this is off topic, and so will stop there.

 

[MADJGNLAW]

Not sure where to put this so I'll ask here since it's been said Haleigh is likely deceased.

If this case is being considered a homicide, what could they have found to come to this conclusion? If a skull was found, it could show blunt force trauma. If indeed a rope and cinder block were found with something of Haleigh's attached, how would that prove it was homicide? She could have died accidentally and then been put in the water. They wouldn't be able to check her lungs to see if she was alive going in. Other than collaborating stories from believable witnesses, I don't know how they could come up with homicide. I suppose they could tell if she had been killed with a gun. All this is based on the supposition that they even found her little body.

Not arguing with their call but I'm really curious as to how they came up with it. Could someone please enlighten me? tia

This would be a great question to add to the "question & answer" thread.
I will assume that LE has found something, whether it be a tooth, bone fragments, or maybe even a confession (I know wishful thinking.)

They would have to have something other than the allege accusations that Joe killed Haleigh. Maybe the items found fit into someone confession that also tie into the murder and evidence found elsewhere. LE would never call a case a Homicide unless they had some kind of proof that the person was deceased. Sorry I could not answer any better..


You can ask your question here: Q & A ABOUT THE CASE**ask a question, leave an answer**NO DISCUSSION**#2 - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community

 

[MADJGNLAW]

Did Ron injure his hand punching, say, a wall or something while hearing something horrible at work during his 90-some-odd phone calls? I wonder....

If I am not mistaken he had said he punched the wall at the mh that night he found out Haleigh was missing. LE took swabs from his hand and the wall. Please correct me if I am wrong anyone. TIA

 

[Muffet]

Sounds right M, except I think it was the fender of the car instead of a wall, and I don't know about swabs.

 

[debs]

If I am not mistaken he had said he punched the wall at the mh that night he found out Haleigh was missing. LE took swabs from his hand and the wall. Please correct me if I am wrong anyone. TIA

You're not mistaken (though I'm not sure about the swabs). We were also told by "a friend" of Ron's that he'd hurt his hand when he hit the bumper of his car in frustration.

There is never just one story regarding Ronald Cummings.

 

[LaLaw2000]

I do not believe LE would have taken Ron to the meeting to inform the family that Haleigh was probably murdered if they felt he had anything to do with it.

I believe that LE had Ronald at that meeting because they called the two seperate families together for a briefing on the search. That would be Haleigh's mother, father, and grandparents from both sides.

JMO

 

[Homegrown]

Not sure where to put this so I'll ask here since it's been said Haleigh is likely deceased.

If this case is being considered a homicide, what could they have found to come to this conclusion? If a skull was found, it could show blunt force trauma. If indeed a rope and cinder block were found with something of Haleigh's attached, how would that prove it was homicide? She could have died accidentally and then been put in the water. They wouldn't be able to check her lungs to see if she was alive going in. Other than collaborating stories from believable witnesses, I don't know how they could come up with homicide. I suppose they could tell if she had been killed with a gun. All this is based on the supposition that they even found her little body.

Not arguing with their call but I'm really curious as to how they came up with it. Could someone please enlighten me? tia

Usually if it is an accidental death an ambulance and 911 are called. So I'm thinking the body was disposed of to hide evidence. That is the only reason I can think of for disposal especially in water.

 

[GhstTrkn]

Respectfully, I think they have to tell Ron. He's Haleigh's father and next of kin. Even if LE suspects Ron was involved, they have to keep him in the loop with regards to the investigation.

jmo

I agree BUT they didn't have to allow him to be with the rest of Haleigh's family...they could have told him while he was still in his jail cell which is what I believe they would have done had they thought he was involved :twocents:

 

[badme102]

Respectfully, I think they have to tell Ron. He's Haleigh's father and next of kin. Even if LE suspects Ron was involved, they have to keep him in the loop with regards to the investigation.

jmo

Not only that but LE does this on a regular basis to gauge a persons reaction to such news.

They do it all the time and this case is no different.

I hate to bring up Casey, but they put her in a room and told her about Caylee being found and it's obvious she is responsible for her death.

 

[kalekona]

In one report, it said Ronald was brought over to be questioned....just like Misty was. Not to be in a meeting with the families. Would be interesting to find out from one of the family members if Ronald was with them.

Crystal has said Ron was in the room with the family.