AR AR - Cassie Compton, 15, Stuttgart, 14 Sept 2014 #3

[Sunkist]

Thank you, Sammy32! Very informative post. The fire seems to be a key piece of this puzzle. I wonder if it was investigated. A horrible stench? Did the stench end after the fire? LE believes they have the perp in custody. Maybe they do...but if they aren't investigating this he will not remain in custody!

These questions/comments are not aimed at you...just frustration at the lack of movement in this case. Thank you again for your inside view!


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[believe09]

4. Race relations are not good. It is a cliquish town, with "haves" vs. "have nots" and "black" vs. "white". There is a "right" and "wrong" side of the tracks, and the Compton's live on the "wrong" side. If the right players get involved in this effort, things could change overnight. Maybe recruit more teachers, business leaders, etc. to bring attention to the effort. Right now, these people think this is a domestic issue, and the culprit has been arrested.

Sammy a great post and we really appreciate you coming here and sharing your knowledge and experience.

I have been very very curious about the above. I know discussing race can be difficult but I am certain we can handle it with respect and grace. We talked about the "wanna be gangsta" mentality of Cassie's peers on SM a while back and it caused me to wonder about how comfortable everyone is regarding mixing with one another. It could easily add another flashpoint to this case if lines were being crossed that frustrated some of the insiders here.

 

[believe09]

Getting back to the fire at the Compton house-did anyone define the stench? Like was it a chemical smell etc?

Let's say, hypothetically, that there was an attempt at destroying some direct evidence after Stuttgart PD searched the house and car. (Actually it would be nice to know if they went in with a warrant or the house was turned over voluntarily by JC. It would make a difference I would think because a SW would limit PD perhaps.) Starting a fire big enough to draw SFD is remarkably stupid.

It would be nice to see that log either in the newspaper or the actual log. Maybe Oriah pulled it with the FOIA.

 

[believe09]

I realize I keep repeating myself, but I truly believe that a streamlined FB page without the hearts and flowers would be a very effective approach here. Think about it from a reporting/media perspective-everything that is known is there and defined. Stripped down posters and clear information regarding upcoming outreach. I truly believe that Cassie needs a page that is removed from infighting and drama. We are working on drawing more media, both local and national. There are multiple MP cases in the area. There are some questions by locals regarding the commitment of some of the local LE. All of these things make it likely that we can draw national attention, but if you are looking for a 30 sec sound bite how will you sort out what you need on the Find Cassie Compton FB page?

This is not a criticism. I see this as two different things-the Find Cassie Compton FB page has a stated objective of positivity. A more clinical SM approach divorced from the prior FB wars between competing admins of the other pages may be what is needed to give outsiders the info they are looking for. jmvho.

 

[believe09]

This is what I am talking about...again, not a criticism just an observation: This is from the Find Cassie Compton FB page. I would expect to see it on a personal FB page kwim?

 

[believe09]

Great point about Church Bulletins!! Church Bulletins combined with boxes for well wishes, offers of support, information...if the Churches are where people tend to gather in large numbers, this could be a very effective means of outreach!!

 

[believe09]

I am new here - born and raised on the Grand Prairie and have a huge family that still lives in and around Stuttgart. A few thoughts to share.
1. With a dozen teen girls over the Thanksgiving weekend - when I asked them about Cassie, they were all confident that she wasn't in danger, she has been spotted around town, etc. These Jr. High kids are clueless - and the school would be a good place to start educating about the truth of this case. Tip boxes in the schools ASAP - IMO
2. Adults spoke of the house fire and said that neighbors reported a horrible stench at the Compton home and the house fire followed. Rumor is that BR burned any DNA evidence in that random fire.
3. Stuttgart LE is a joke. As stated on this site, there has been criminal activity, the Chief's son's involvement in a murder, drugs, bribery. I wouldn't count on anything being handled properly from that agency.
4. Race relations are not good. It is a cliquish town, with "haves" vs. "have nots" and "black" vs. "white". There is a "right" and "wrong" side of the tracks, and the Compton's live on the "wrong" side. If the right players get involved in this effort, things could change overnight. Maybe recruit more teachers, business leaders, etc. to bring attention to the effort. Right now, these people think this is a domestic issue, and the culprit has been arrested.
5. New Mayor, J.W. Green, is a lawyer, former Judge and a bad ! If anyone will kick butt and take names, he is the man. I think things will get cleaned up, and I hope locals get to him ASAP about how this case has been handled. Some LE could lose their jobs over this mess. His "Bufford Pusser" style of leading should whip some folks into shape and hopefully bring down the crime rate in ArCo. Sheriff Cheek came in on fire, but I think he hit some brick walls. Maybe these two together can change to landscape of Stuttgart and ArCo.

It is amazing to see the efforts this group is making to help Cassie and I am willing to help in any way. God Bless you all and continued prayers to bring this precious child home!

BBM-this also intrigued me, Sammy. Why the discrepancy? Adults in the town believe that evidence with DNA is being burned and that there are foul odors coming from Cassie's house. Yet her peers are positive she is fine. ?? What message is being delivered by locals to their kids or is there that big of a disconnect?

I think if I were a parent here, I would be having a full and frank discussion with my kids about Cassie's missing status being confirmed missing, not as a runaway. Especially if there has been no statement that the person responsible is in custody for her disappearance. Ugh.

 

[skibaboo]

Someone got me thinking and I think this is the best approach, no need for a new fb page, the guys on find cassie are really trying, the twitter now too but a website can be linked to both, a website with all the important information and links for tips ect.

I'll mention it again but abby hernandez, http://www.bringabbyhome.com/ the website, tied to the fb page and the twitter account were pretty groundbreaking, they got something like a million mentions on twitter and 1000's of hits. There is not much on there now as she was found, but it was THE place to go for updates, news etc, it was run by a family friend of abbys mom.

I just checked and findcassiecompton.com is available and cheap. I used to be able to build websites but my knowledge is way out of date now. I do think a website tied in with the fb page and twitter is the way to go though. It doesn't need to be full and fancy, just the basic facts, missing posters and pics of cassie, and important news articles and videos. There are web building sites now, where it's all templated and I don't think it's too expensive, this one looks free http://www.wix.com/

 

[SmallTownMomma]

Okay, a few thoughts on what has been said this morning so far...

Welcome to the thread Sammy32 and thanks so much for your input. I completely agree with the "haves" and "have-nots" in town. Stuttgart is a very divided town... it has always been that way. The "haves" don't want to get muddled down with this type of thing, it's not in their interest and they see this whole situation as something "below them". This area has always been quite snobbish when it comes to "keeping your name clean". Now, don't get me wrong... the "haves" mess up plenty but it is usually within fixable with daddy's money and connections.

On a personal note: My parents divorced and I moved from here to a big city in another state when I was 13. It was the best move for me because I have always been curious about everything... education, travel, culture, etc. A small town was not where I needed to be. I would never have been one of the many 16-year-olds who are driving this year's Chevy Silverado that daddy just bought me. I got a hand-me-down at 17-years-old to get me to school and to my part-time job afterwards and I was happy with it. There are a lot of families around here that are in tons of debt because they have to keep up that facade of 'the in-crowd', unfortunately it doesn't end in high school here. When I had my first child we moved back here thinking it would be easier financially and we would be able to give our children a better life. My childhood was good here... private school, played a lot of sports, we could walk down the street to a friend's house without our parents worrying, and leave our cars unlocked at night. Crime was very minimal and consisted of an occasional bike getting stolen that a kid left in the front yard.

Anyways, back to the other stuff... I think the kids in school are saying that because this is not something that has been experienced around here and they are unaware of the seriousness of the situation. Yes, they know that every once in a while someone on the "wrong side of the tracks" gets shot over a bad drug deal, or there is a brawl at the local bar between a bunch of drunks... but a kid their age missing and possibly murdered? Even their age is not immune to the denial around these parts.

I, too, am excited about those in charged of running the town being picked through and cleaned up. Stuttgart doesn't have to be this way.

 

[SmallTownMomma]

Someone got me thinking and I think this is the best approach, no need for a new fb page, the guys on find cassie are really trying, the twitter now too but a website can be linked to both, a website with all the important information and links for tips ect.

I'll mention it again but abby hernandez, http://www.bringabbyhome.com/ the website, tied to the fb page and the twitter account were pretty groundbreaking, they got something like a million mentions on twitter and 1000's of hits. There is not much on there now as she was found, but it was THE place to go for updates, news etc, it was run by a family friend of abbys mom.

I just checked and findcassiecompton.com is available and cheap. I used to be able to build websites but my knowledge is way out of date now. I do think a website tied in with the fb page and twitter is the way to go though. It doesn't need to be full and fancy, just the basic facts, missing posters and pics of cassie, and important news articles and videos. There are web building sites now, where it's all templated and I don't think it's too expensive, this one looks free http://www.wix.com/

I have designed one of these before from this website but it's been quite a while. I do believe we need something else though. While the FB group is open to ideas and suggestions, it just won't ever go in the direction that I think is necessary... MSM links with discussions, maps of searched areas, maps of areas needing searched, news articles addressing domestic abuse or how to keep your children safe when in public, etc. I think it needs to be an informative page about Cassie, as well as touching on subject matter close to the situation. Does that make sense? Do you think it's too much? I'm hoping the FB page will be beefed up a little but it's always going to be "polite" and I think that's how they want to keep it. I would like if the two could work together and feed off of each other.

 

[skibaboo]

I have designed one of these before from this website but it's been quite a while. I do believe we need something else though. While the FB group is open to ideas and suggestions, it just won't ever go in the direction that I think is necessary... MSM links with discussions, maps of searched areas, maps of areas needing searched, news articles addressing domestic abuse or how to keep your children safe when in public, etc. I think it needs to be an informative page about Cassie, as well as touching on subject matter close to the situation. Does that make sense? Do you think it's too much? I'm hoping the FB page will be beefed up a little but it's always going to be "polite" and I think that's how they want to keep it. I would like if the two could work together and feed off of each other.

I don't think that's too much no, working together is best imo, strength in numbers and one goal, find cassie

 

[Caring4Many]

Someone got me thinking and I think this is the best approach, no need for a new fb page, the guys on find cassie are really trying, the twitter now too but a website can be linked to both, a website with all the important information and links for tips ect.

I'll mention it again but abby hernandez, http://www.bringabbyhome.com/ the website, tied to the fb page and the twitter account were pretty groundbreaking, they got something like a million mentions on twitter and 1000's of hits. There is not much on there now as she was found, but it was THE place to go for updates, news etc, it was run by a family friend of abbys mom.

I just checked and findcassiecompton.com is available and cheap. I used to be able to build websites but my knowledge is way out of date now. I do think a website tied in with the fb page and twitter is the way to go though. It doesn't need to be full and fancy, just the basic facts, missing posters and pics of cassie, and important news articles and videos. There are web building sites now, where it's all templated and I don't think it's too expensive, this one looks free http://www.wix.com/

While I think a website is a good idea, I don't necessarily think it should be "tied" in with the FB page. Not sure who is running the Twitter, but if people believe that the 2 are one entity & run by the same group it may cause some drama. If Stuttgart is as divided as it sounds, anything posted on that page could be taken as the word of those admins and cause them issues with the information that is posted. Not to mention anything posted on the FB page reflects back on the website.

I am not sure what the answer is tbh, I do think that Cassie needs facts posted and now-she's been missing almost 3 months now without real info in the public. I think that FB is more convenient for the masses as it shows them info real time, they don't have to seek it out. BUT I do think that there are too many FBs for Cassie as it is and they need to be consolidated- especially because a few others have over 2k people! However- where are people going to get these facts?

What is the answer? I don't know....

 

[believe09]

How do you see the racial divide in town, STM?

I keep going back to the crime in Stuttgart being well over the national average. Something is driving those numbers, and I cant seem to reconcile it with the image of a town that seems to believe it is immune from this kind of crime. There are 3 MP cases in this area inside of a few months. 3. Everyone should be talking about them I would think? In Cassie's case the chatter between the adults is about foul stenches, destroyed evidence and dismembered remains.

But the kids, the most vulnerable here to some kind of predator, believe that nothing happened.

I am missing something here. I really am. I have known communities to be OUTRAGED under similar circumstances. Completely outraged. In the thousands. I dont get it.

 

[Caring4Many]

I just want to 2nd all the love to Sammy32- FABULOUS POST!

 

[believe09]

We are almost 3 months out on Cassie's disappearance and it has been like rolling a boulder up a hill to get anything going. This is a missing child, all hands on deck kwim? There is no room for hurt feelings and lots of conversations about who is in charge...this is the stuff that keeps people who can help away. Time is short for everyone-people have to pick and choose where they will spend it and it doesnt take much to cause folks to walk away rather than sorting through stuff to try and figure out what the story is. We have a road map here with recommendations on how to get a campaign rolling and the recommendations have been made by people who either do this as their profession or have a lot of experience with it.

I guess I am just wondering how much longer we should wait to see if people are interested in taking recommendations. Absolutely it is everyone's right to disagree or whatever. But it feels like we are losing opportunity after opportunity and there is no need for it. :banghead:

 

[believe09]

In the share your memories portion of the FB page, there seem to be some people who recently met Cassie or saw her some time prior to her disappearance. Maybe one of them can describe her phone and her cowboy boots.

 

[FindHG]

Okay, a few thoughts on what has been said this morning so far...

Welcome to the thread Sammy32 and thanks so much for your input. I completely agree with the "haves" and "have-nots" in town. Stuttgart is a very divided town... it has always been that way. The "haves" don't want to get muddled down with this type of thing, it's not in their interest and they see this whole situation as something "below them". This area has always been quite snobbish when it comes to "keeping your name clean". Now, don't get me wrong... the "haves" mess up plenty but it is usually within fixable with daddy's money and connections.

On a personal note: My parents divorced and I moved from here to a big city in another state when I was 13. It was the best move for me because I have always been curious about everything... education, travel, culture, etc. A small town was not where I needed to be. I would never have been one of the many 16-year-olds who are driving this year's Chevy Silverado that daddy just bought me. I got a hand-me-down at 17-years-old to get me to school and to my part-time job afterwards and I was happy with it. There are a lot of families around here that are in tons of debt because they have to keep up that facade of 'the in-crowd', unfortunately it doesn't end in high school here. When I had my first child we moved back here thinking it would be easier financially and we would be able to give our children a better life. My childhood was good here... private school, played a lot of sports, we could walk down the street to a friend's house without our parents worrying, and leave our cars unlocked at night. Crime was very minimal and consisted of an occasional bike getting stolen that a kid left in the front yard.

Anyways, back to the other stuff... I think the kids in school are saying that because this is not something that has been experienced around here and they are unaware of the seriousness of the situation. Yes, they know that every once in a while someone on the "wrong side of the tracks" gets shot over a bad drug deal, or there is a brawl at the local bar between a bunch of drunks... but a kid their age missing and possibly murdered? Even their age is not immune to the denial around these parts.

I, too, am excited about those in charged of running the town being picked through and cleaned up. Stuttgart doesn't have to be this way.

Wow. Thank you for all that context. I hope your answers come fast and you find Cassie Compton with the community whose heart she seems to own.

 

[believe09]

Here is a link to Cassie's Poster at NCMEC: http://www.missingkids.com/poster/NCMC/1238032/1#poster

There is no scar info on it-I am going to contact them and ask them to add it.

 

[TupeloMz]

I would like to extend my thanks and welcome to Sammy 32. Great posts and hit the nail on head imo about the circumstances.
This group has been brought up a couple times in both Cassie and Mr. Gibbs pages.
https://www.facebook.com/PromotePositiveChangeStuttgartAR/notes
but no one has talked about it. I would think these missing ppl in this town would be something that this group would jump all over and get the community involved with but yet I have seen nothing on their page even mentioning Cassie.
Do any of our locals have any contacts within this group? Know anything about them? Possibly be able to get them involved with Cassie and Mr. Gibbs?
What do y'all think?

 

[Caring4Many]

In the share your memories portion of the FB page, there seem to be some people who recently met Cassie or saw her some time prior to her disappearance. Maybe one of them can describe her phone and her cowboy boots.

Here lies the perfect example. This is something that could be posted as a question to a FB page or Website. I don't think this is something that the current page would feel comfortable doing. As STM mentioned they are going to "be polite" - while I don't think being rude will help, I think being forward & honest is necessary. Question is where do you post that- a FB page or a website? If on a website- how do you get the traffic to that page? If the current page is going to be worried about being polite-are they really going to post a link to current posts on a website?

Again, I am torn with the ideas & what is best but something needs to be done for Cassie & soon. For anyone that has contact with or through someone else to JC- maybe she could be asked to talk to her family about consolidating the other FBs that aren't active to get more members to one place FOR CASSIE's best interest.