FL - Somer Thompson, 7, Orange Park, 19 Oct 2009 #40

[Dr.Fessel]

If you're not a suspect, doesn't that mean you are cleared?

No, because it is an on going investigation and at anytime evidence could have come up that implicated any of those people.

 

[Noway]

Good point. I guess it would pretty presumptuous to think they had done a thorough investigation after 1 1/2 days.

On anyone.

 

[Noway]

All sex offenders living within a 5-mile radius of the area where Thompson disappeared were questioned, but that didn't mean that cops ruled them out.


"No one has been cleared of suspicion of this crime until we arrest a suspect," Sheriff Beseler said.


http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=69151

We should have realized he meant this.

 

[angelswatchoverthem]

Well, i guess they pretty much figure they have the right perp from charges laid, but i guess will have to wait and see at trial.

 

[Dr.Fessel]

And what mission would that be? I think everyone is well aware of this case, and there are lots of others out there who's children have been raped and murdered that don't get all this television coverage. BTW, does she get paid for these interviews? Just wondering?

To help other people. The rest of the stuff you would have to ask the networks.

 

[razorback]

And what mission would that be? I think everyone is well aware of this case, and there are lots of others out there who's children have been raped and murdered that don't get all this television coverage. BTW, does she get paid for these interviews? Just wondering?

IMO...Her mission is to help prevent and stop this from happening to others. As far as the other families, it's the media that picks and chooses what stories to run with and cover. Some families are more private then others and some just don't have the strength to appear on national TV only to be criticized for their looks, makeup, mannerisms, and purple attire. Some people are more sensitive to this type of belittling and ignorance and they choose to grieve in private rather then have their life splattered all of the internet and news.

 

[eyes4crime]

And what mission would that be? I think everyone is well aware of this case, and there are lots of others out there who's children have been raped and murdered that don't get all this television coverage. BTW, does she get paid for these interviews? Just wondering?

Until recently - the mission would be to keep her daughter's face and the crime in front of judgmental America. Tough job to to but parents who are articulate and can work the media need to do just that. I give mom Diena much credit for appearing on media when she would rather be in bed with the covers over her head. moo

I hope she got paid - going in front of the camera when in crisis and having just lost one of her twins to a heinous crime is hazardous. An articulate, intelligent, vulnerable, and attractive mom in front of the cameras can and does bring out insecurities in many people - look at all the hate that was spewed her way. How do you put a dollar amount on that? MOO MHO

 

[Kimberlyd125]

And what mission would that be? I think everyone is well aware of this case, and there are lots of others out there who's children have been raped and murdered that don't get all this television coverage. BTW, does she get paid for these interviews? Just wondering?

BBM

I disagree. Everyone is not aware of this case.

As far as the rest of the post...I just don't know what to say.
I'm not being rude but this has been discussed over and over. So has the attorney thing.
Fact is, some people think she is wrong by having an attorney or being on t.v.
Some people don't.

I personally think she is doing a good thing when she puts Somer's story out there.
I also think her attorney helps her in many ways. She needs it IMO.

 

[Noway]

If only it was the children of perfect mothers who were kidnapped and murdered -- we'd never have another missing and murdered child ever. If only.

 

[Noway]

Well, i guess they pretty much figure they have the right perp from charges laid, but i guess will have to wait and see at trial.

DNA and admissions (from JH).

That does not sound like it's going to work in his favor.

 

[nursebeeme]

Somer's mother may NEED to vent right now. She strikes me as a very outspoken woman with an inner strength that is rare. Imhoo it is that strength that will help her take the lemons handed to her and try to make some lemonade. If she gets paid to make appearances more power to her and good for her. Something tells me that she will continue to speak out on behalf of her daughter and other similar victims for the rest of her life and that she most likely will not give a carp what anyone thinks about it (and also be able to pay no mind to people questioning her motives, etc). And you know, I respect her for it.

jmo

 

[nursebeeme]

DNA and admissions (from JH).

That does not sound like it's going to work in his favor.

amen noway! ((and don't forget 'witness statements' as well))... LE took their time and got it right imhoo. They are not just shooting blindly into the barrel of sex offenders imhoo!

 

[angelswatchoverthem]

IMO...Her mission is to help prevent and stop this from happening to others. As far as the other families, it's the media that picks and chooses what stories to run with and cover. Some families are more private then others and some just don't have the strength to appear on national TV only to be criticized for their looks, makeup, mannerisms, and purple attire. Some people are more sensitive to this type of belittling and ignorance and they choose to grieve in private rather then have their life splattered all of the internet and news.

I guess the critisism goes with the territory unfortunately! I think we see this often when people put themselves in the public eye, there are always questions, and critisism, i think that is only to be expected, and i also think a lot of people have been burnt with giving their money to the A's and Cummings, and are more mistrustful of these things now. There are so many foundations out there too. Anyone can start a foundation.

 

[Kimberlyd125]

Nurse:

I agree. She has said she wants to help make the world safer for children.
I don't know how she will accomplish it, but it's great that she wants to.

I think Somer's foundation can make a difference. I see DT being a big part of that.

 

[Angel Who Cares]

*Added For Quick Reference For Everyone! :wink:

Part 1:

Murder charge in Somer Thompson case
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 1:14 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 6:38 AM EDT
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced on Friday that 24-year-old Jarred Mitchell Harrell has been charged with the murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson. The announcement was made in the gymnasium of the First Baptist Church of Orange Park.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Somer-Thompson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATED: Somer's Mom To Man Charged With Murder: "We Got You"
Posted: 7:06 am EDT March 26,2010
Updated: 6:29 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
A 7-year-old Florida girl whose body was discovered in a Georgia landfill was walking home from school when she was lured into a home by a 24-year-old man and sexually assaulted before being killed, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said Friday. Jarred Mitchell Harrell, who was already in jail on dozens of child charges, was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson. Authorities said she was asphyxiated and tossed into a trash bin, but they did not give many details about her death. Harrell also faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery.

Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in this case, but they have not said whether they will do so. Diena Thompson said she would support prosecutors' efforts to seek the death penalty against Harrell. "A monster. That's all this person is, a monster," she said.

Clay County detectives said at the time of Somer's disappearance, Harrell was living at his parents' suburban Jacksonville home, near her home and school. Beseler said Somer was not in Harrell's parents' home for long. "I believe it was something that went rather quickly," he said. He didn't want to reveal details about the case, for fear of jeopardizing the trial. "We are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said.

DOCUMENT: Jarred Harrell's Arrest Report
http://www.wftv.com/pdf/22968069/detail.html

VIDEO REPORT: Man Charged In Somer Thompson's Murder 3:03
Five months after a Somer Thompson was snatched off the street and murdered, deputies say they caught her killer,
http://www.wftv.com/video/22969293/index.html

PRESS CONFERENCE: Somer Thompson's Mom Talks About Murder Charge 17:24
http://www.wftv.com/video/22967561/index.html

NEWS CONFERENCE: Man Charged With Somer Thompson's Murder 25:37
In a Friday afternoon press conference, investigators charged a man with murder in the slaying of Somer Thompson. (03/26/10
http://www.wftv.com/video/22966751/index.html

VIDEO REPORT: Man Charged With Murdering 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson 1:58
http://www.wftv.com/video/22966072/index.html

Article:
http://www.wftv.com/news/22962544/detail.html
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UPDATED: Person Of Interest Charged With Murdering Somer Thompson
Friday, March 26, 2010 6:34:19 PM
<snipped>
On Friday Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler reminded the gathered press about what he said when the search for Somer Thompson's killer began back in October. "The first day, if you'll remember, I said we were going to solve this crime," Beseler said.

The sheriff said Harrell's name came up among the thousands of tips received in the days leading up to her body being found. Once he was picked up in Mississippi last month, he began talking to investigators. However, the sheriff will not say what Harrell said. "And I can't say much more other than that we did rely on admissions by the defendant to give us the amount of probable cause to make our arrest today," Beseler said.

Beseler added this case may be solved, but he knows there are other predators out there living in his community. "I'm talking not in dozens but hundreds -- hundreds of cases that we've got out there. It's a very scary thing," Beseler said. Those on Team Somer, who wore purple in honor of the little girl none of them knew, are confident they've got one of those predators off the street.

Thompson's family and friends will hold a benefit concert Saturday in Jacksonville, which was planned well ahead of Friday&#8217;s events. Somer&#8217;s mother, Diena Thompson, hopes to start a foundation to help out other families going through the same nightmare she's living.

Video: Murder Charges Filed In Thompson Death
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PSONARREW_032620100635&cat=Local&title=Murder Charges Filed In Thompson Death

Video: Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PRESSERW_032620101236&cat=Local&title=Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder

Video: Big Break In Somer Case?
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...SomerPreview_032620100902&cat=Local&title=Big Break In Somer Case?

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/26/sheriff_major_break_in_somer_thompson_murder.html
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Song Pays Tribute To Somer Thompson
Sister Abby To Sing With Molly Hatchet At Saturday's Concert
Thursday, March 25, 2010
<snipped>
A nationally known band who got their start in Clay County will perform a special song in memory of Somer Thompson in a fund raising event Saturday.

Molly Hatchet wrote a song called "Fly On Wings Of Angels," in memory of the young murder victim. The band asked Somer's 10-year-old sister, Abby Thompson, to be a part of it. She will perform the song with the band during Somer Jam, a benefit concert for the Somer Thompson Foundation.

"It's actually telling people she's not really gone," Abby said. "She's in our hearts. She's just not around us."

Abby has a solo, singing part of another song that has become synonymous with her sister, "You Are My Sunshine." Lead guitarist Bobby Ingram said he proposed the idea to Abby's mom, Diena. "'You Are My Sunshine' was at the beginning of the song in keyboard and I said to Diena, 'Why don't we have Abby sing it in memory of her sister,' and Diena said, 'That's a great idea,let's do it!'"

Abby admits the first time she heard the song, she couldn't get through it without crying. Now, she said, it makes her feel good and she hopes it will do the same for others who have experienced a similar loss."

Here are the lyrics to Molly Hatchet's song, "Fly On Wings Of Angels":

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine / You make me happy when skies are gray / You'll never know dear how much I love you / Please don't take my sunshine away

Vision of a baby child a blessed event in our lives / So warm and tender so sweet and kind / When I looked at you I see my life through my mama's eyes / I held you oh so close to my heart when you laughed or cried / But it ended way too early no one could ever answer why / We bow our heads and say our prayers to Somer in the night time sky

Fly on wings of angels a shining star on a cold and rainy night / Somer's with the angels so she'll never have to say goodbye.

Abby Thompson recorded a song with Molly Hatchet in memory of her sister, Somer.

Video: Preview Of Somer's Song 2:42
In a musical tribute to Somer Thompson, a nationally known band that got their start in Clay County, will perform a tribute.
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22960423/index.html

Video: Molly Hatchet Playing For Somer Thompson 5:37
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22964269/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22960348/detail.html
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Somer's Mom To Harrell: 'We Got You'
Mother Of 7-Year-Old Girl Killed In October Talks About Arrest In Murder Case
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:54 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Wearing her daughter's favorite color -- purple -- and surrounded by her closest family and friends, Diena Thompson, the mother of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who was killed in October, thanked all of those who have supported her and those who were involved in the investigation leading to the arrest of Jarred Harrell, who is now charged with Somer's murder.

"One hundred-fifty-eight days ago, my 7-year-old twin daughter was walking home from school like a child should be allowed to do," Diena Thompson said. "And on this day, someone took her away from me, her siblings, my family and the world. A monster -- that's all this person is is a monster." "Somer was such a bright star that never got her chance to shine," she said.

"Justice is not fast as an impulse, and that's what this monster did: He had an impulse, and he took something away from me that no one will ever be able to give back to me," Thompson said. "I stood here in front of all of you (158) days ago and said that 'We're coming to get you. We will get you. So I would like to take this opportunity to say to Jarred Harrell, 'We got you, and you ain't getting away,'" Thompson said. Thompson's older sister, who was standing next to her at the emotional news conference, appeared to be faint and fell forward, though she was said to be OK.

Samuel Thompson, Somer's father, released the following statement via the law office of Leigh, James & Associates on Friday regarding Harrell's murder charge: "Samuel Thompson would like to thank the Clay County Sheriff's Department for their diligent efforts in this matter. At this time, Mr. Thompson is not prepared to make a public statement. It is his intention to let the legal process run its course. On behalf of himself and his family, he would like to thank everyone in advance for respecting their privacy."

Video: Harrell Charged With Somer Thompson's Murder; Tiphne Hollis' Funeral Plans
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22964037/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22967004/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arrest In Somer's Killing Draws Applause
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:42 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Beseler said that there was a mountain of evidence processed in the case, but the thing that allowed authorities to file the murder charge was Harrell's own admission to the facts of the case.

Citing the need to protect many details of the investigation to not taint the prosecution, Beseler would only say that Somer was assaulted and died of asphyxiation. He said investigators obtained DNA from Harrell, along with other evidence placing Harrell at the location where Somer was killed, which also allowed them to file the murder charge.

"Based on our evidence from this investigation, we feel confident that Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said. He said he believes the crime was "probably a crime of opportunity." "I don't believe anything could've been done differently than what was done (to prevent the crime)," Beseler said. "We did our job."

Rod Buchanan -- the person who helped bring Harrell to the attention of authorities by turning over a computer containing pornographic images -- told Channel 4 he does not want to see Harrell placed on death row.

"Give him life without parole; put him in general population; let the guys in jail take care of him the way they do," Buchanan said. "He will no longer be the monster, he will actually be the victim, and I think that is a much better sentence for him."

The Clay County Sheriff's Office released a new photo of Jarred Harrell after he was rebooked on charges of premeditated murder, sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery on a victim under 12.

Document: Jarred Harrell Murder Booking Sheet
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0326/22966619.pdf

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22965522/detail.html
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Somer Thompson&#8217;s mom calls murder suspect a &#8216;monster&#8217;
Jarred Harrell charged with murdering 7-year-old
1:07 p.m. EST, March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged in the death of Somer Thompson, who went missing Oct. 19. Her lifeless legs were discovered two days later in a landfill about 50 miles from Orange Park. Diena Thompson called Harrell a "monster'' during an afternoon news conference.

Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" &#8212; the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case &#8212; stood by.

Video: Jarred Harrell charged with murdering 7-year-old 1:47
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...39f4a/News/Man-charged-in-7-year-old-s-murder

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...murder-charges-filed-20100326,0,4002000.story
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Harrell charged with murder of Somer Thompson; DNA, admissions led to charges, Clay sheriff says
Harrell hangs head when advised of charge; Somer's mom calls him a monster
March 26, 2010 - 6:39am
<snipped>
Harrell, 24, already in the Clay County jail on child- charges, appeared in court at 1:30 p.m. on the new murder charge. He also was charged with sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 and lewd and lascivious battery. He hung his head when Circuit Judge William Wilkes advised him of the premeditated murder charge during the 90-second proceeding. Wilkes scheduled arraignment next month.

State Attorney Angela Corey, who joined Beseler at the news conference, said the murder is the type of crime that would merit the death penalty.

One of Harrell 's attorneys, Assistant Public Defender Quentin Till, also attended the sheriff's news conference. Till acknowledged the public's right to know but said the continued publicity will make seating a jury difficult in Clay County. He said his office will take a hard look at seeking a change of venue.

Diena Thompson praised those who worked on the case. "I love them. They're part of my family," she said, dressed in purple, her murdered daughter's favorite color. She said she hadn't told her other children about the arrest. "I'm sure they'll be happy to know somebody's going to pay for this crime," she said. "I'm just going to tell them the monster's caught."
She was surrounded by members of her own family and a number of supporters.

Reached in Lucedale, Miss., Loretta Harrell would only say she was upset about the news of her stepson's arrest and that she had not yet told his father.

Read: Sheriff Rick Beseler's speaking notes from the press conference
http://jacksonville.com/news/sherif...rence-announcing-murder-charge-somer-thompson

Video: Clay County Sheriff Announces Charges Against Jarred Harrell in Somer Thompson Case 7:08
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid40190701001?bctid=74125691001

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/crime/...omer-thompson-dna-admissions-led-charges-clay
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ex-Roommate of Jarred Harrell Left Town Before Somer Thompson Announcement
Created: 3/26/2010 11:54:32 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 2:36:18 PM
<snipped>
The stepfather of one of Jarred Harrell's ex-roommates who turned Harrell's computer over to police after finding child on it said the ex-roommates left town when they heard about the charges. Harrell was arrested and charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson today.

Buchanan didn't give his stepdaughter's name, but said she knew an arrest and announcement would be made today so she packed up and left Orange Park. Buchanan said the roommates won't be speaking with the media. Buchanan said he's known Harrell for about two years. Buchanan never thought Harrell would do something like this, he said, but once the child was found and Somer was murdered, he said he felt the investigation would lead to Harrell.

Buchanan added he's not interested in the Crime Stoppers reward.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153882&catid=3
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Somer Thompson: What did you make of mother&#8217;s challenge to &#8216;reclaim our children&#8217;s safety&#8217;?
posted by halboedeker on March, 26 2010 2:40 PM
<snipped>
Somer Thompson&#8217;s mother today challenged communities to help children, and she made her remarks shortly after a man was formally charged with her daughter&#8217;s murder.

&#8220;A lot of people have been saying since this happened, &#8216;This isn&#8217;t Mayberry anymore,&#8217;&#8221; Diena Thompson said at a news conference this afternoon. &#8220;We as parents, as community leaders, as citizens, we need to get together and figure out what it is that we&#8217;re not doing right. It&#8217;s time for us to do something different and let our children be allowed to walk home and play and ride their bikes. It&#8217;s time for us to reclaim our children&#8217;s safety and innocence.&#8221;

Article:
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/en...ampaign=Feed:+entertainment/tv/tvguy+(TV+Guy)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mother Calls Murder Suspect A Monster
Friday, March 26, 2010 3:03:45 PM
<snipped>
The mother of a 7-year-old girl murdered 158 days ago called the suspect, Jarred Harrell, a monster. Diena Thompson was talking about the man charged with killing her daughter, Somer, in October 2009. Harrell, 24, was charged today with premeditated murder, sexual battery on a victim younger than 12 years old, plus lewd and lascivious battery.

At times, Diena Thompson fought back tears as she confronted a day she dreaded, an arrest in the case of slain daughter that captured the attention of the nation. She was also defiant. "I'd like to take this opportunity to say to Jerrod Harrell," she said "We got you and you ain't getting away."

Supporters have said the tight-knit community is no longer Mayberry, a mythical reference to an idyllic town in North Carolina. Continuing to express defiance, she said, "it's time for us to reclaim our children's innocence." She said she no longer looked forward to Monday's, the day her daughter disaappered. The arrest closed one chapter of her life, she said.

Video: Somer's Mother
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...om_032620100220&cat=Local&title=Somer&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Message To Suspect

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/26/mother_calls_murder_suspect_a_monster.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Man Charged With Murder In Somer Case
POSTED: Friday, March 26, 2010
UPDATED: 2:00 pm EDT March 26,2010
<snipped>
Five months into an investigation into the abduction and killing of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, who disappeared on her way home from her Orange Park elementary school, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced that a man named earlier this year as a person of interest in the case has now been charged with murder. Jarred Harrell, arrested in Mississippi on child charges last month and extradited to Clay County, was charged at 6 a.m. Friday with premeditated murder and sexual battery.

After he announced the charges at the church where Somer's funeral was held, applause broke out among the dozens of local, state and federal investigators, many of whom spent the past 158 days investigating the case, WJXT-TV reported.

Video: Arrest Made In Somer Case 11:14
A man arrested on child charges has now been charged with murder, sexual battery and other counts in connection with the death of Somer Thompson.
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22966740/index.html

Video: Somer's Mom: 'We Got You' 1:36
The mother of a 7-year-old Florida girl who disappeared while walking home from school last year lashes out at the man charged with her daughter's murder.
http://www.clickorlando.com/video/22967589/index.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/22962438/detail.html
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UPDATED: Jarred Harrell Charged in Murder of Somer Thompson
Created: 3/26/2010 6:46:37 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:40:39 PM
<snipped>
"Jarred Harrell has now been formally charged with the murder of Somer Thompson," said Beseler at a news conference at Orange Park Baptist Church. "Harrell assaulted Somer and killed her and dumped her body." Harrell has been charged with sexual battery on a victim under 12, and lewd and lascivious battery, according to the sheriff's office. He is being held on a $1.6 million bond. No other charges are anticipated. He was arraigned today at 1:30 p.m. The cause of death was asphyxiation.

The crime likely happened at Harrell's home on Gano Avenue in Orange Park, he said, adding that police know where she was dumped and have established a timeline for the crime. "I believe it is something that went rather quickly," Beseler said. "We don't believe it was very long she was with them." He said he could not comment on the condition of the body or whether a weapon was involved.

Harrell was one of 4,000 leads and, Beseler said, Harrell's "name first surfaced not long after Somer's death." The arrest was made based on the location, DNA and admissions from Harrell; Beseler called it a "crime of opportunity." "We are confident that Jarred Harrell committed this crime," he said, but did not elaborate on the nature of the admission from Harrell or the timeline. He also said that police don't know that Somer ever had contact with Harrell prior to the day she was abducted.

The sheriff said there would be no further details from the sheriff's office, only from the State's Attorney Office. "All future statements will come from the state's attorneys office," he said. Beseler called it a "difficult case to put together, difficult to prove...We wanted to wait on some other test results to come back to make sure we had the right person." The investigation will continue, Beseler said. "This is really the begin of the process."

Harrell is being held in the Clay County jail; the new murder charges came very early this morning, Beseler said. He is being held in a single-man cell. "We worry about his safety...he is safe where he is right now," the sheriff said.

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged in Murder of Somer Thompson 3:54
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...+Thompson/50619441001/50624658001/74148754001

Video: Somer Thompson News Conference 25:35
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74114036001

Related:
Video: Same Courtroom, 13 New Charges
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22675386/index.html

Video: Child Production, Molestation Charges Added
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22662839/index.html

Video: Team Coverage Of Harrell In Court, Reaction
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22658414/index.html

Video: Harrell Makes First Court Appearance
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22655851/index.html

Video: Documents Detail Harrell's Stay In Jail
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22710944/index.html

Video: State Attorney Provides Answers
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22708863/index.html

Court Documents:
PDF: Jarred Harrell Jail Documents
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0301/22708448.pdf

PDF: New Arrest Report: Harrell Charged With Molestation
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0224/22661218.pdf

PDF: Harrell - Clay County Booking Sheet
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0224/22656983.pdf

PDF: Harrell - Mississippi Rendition Warrant
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0223/22639648.pdf

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153869&catid=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jarred Harrell arrest report
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 3:37 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 3:37 PM EDT
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced on Friday that 24-year-old Jarred Mitchell Harrell has been charged with the murder of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.

Document:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/28994823

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Jarred-Harrell-arrest-report
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Somer Thompson&#8217;s mom calls murder suspect a &#8216;monster&#8217;
1:07 p.m. EST, March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" &#8212; the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case &#8212; stood by.

He was arrested Feb. 11 on child charges at an aunt's home in Meridian, Miss., where he had moved a few weeks earlier. Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler called him a person of interest in Somer's slaying at the time. He has said Harrell wasn't arrested earlier because detectives had to prove Harrell downloaded the child . Harrell was charged with 29 counts of possessing child in Florida, then charged with a dozen additional counts of child and child molestation.

At the time of his February arrest, Harrell's aunt said she didn't think her nephew was capable of violence. "They tried to make it sound like he's some monster, but he's not," said Kriss Mizelle, who let Harrell stay with her in Meridian. "I could say all these good things about him, but nobody wants to hear that. They think you're delusional and don't know about his secret life, but he's a good kid." Harrell was originally from Lucedale, Miss., and was home-schooled before moving to Florida. He worked various jobs, from cooking to retail, Mizelle said. Friends described him as a "computer wiz."

Video: Police 7-year old lured into home killed 1:28
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...News/Police-7-year-old-lured-into-home-killed

Video: Somer's Mom 'We got you' 1:36
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/vide...735-0d67c3801771/News/Somer-s-Mom-We-got-you-

Article:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news...murder-charges-filed-20100326,0,4002000.story
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diena Thompson statement on Harrell charges
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:27 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:27 PM EDT
<snipped>
Jarred Mitchell Harrell, who was already in jail on dozens of child charges, was charged with premeditated murder in the death of Somer Thompson. Authorities said she was asphyxiated and tossed into a trash bin, but they did not give many details about her death. Harrell also faces charges of lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery. His relatives have said they don't believe he is capable of violence. It is unclear whether he has an attorney. Messages left at the public defender's office were not immediately returned.

Prosecutors can seek the death penalty in this case, but they have not said whether they will do so. Diena Thompson said she would support prosecutors' efforts to seek the death penalty against Harrell. "A monster. That's all this person is, a monster," she said. Clay County detectives said at the time of Somer's disappearance, Harrell was living at his parents' suburban Jacksonville home, near her home and school.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Diena-Thompson
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Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler on Harrell charges
Updated: Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:35 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 26 Mar 2010, 4:35 PM EDT
<snipped>
During a press conference at the same church where Somer's memorial service was held, Beseler said detectives used DNA evidence, witnesses and statements from Harrell himself to solve the case. "Our collective resolve to bring Somer's killer to justice is the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy," Beseler
said as about 50 members of "Team Somer" -- the sheriff's office investigators and staff who worked the case -- stood by.

Beseler said Somer was not in Harrell's parents' home for long. "I believe it was something that went rather quickly," he said. He didn't want to reveal details about the case, for fear of jeopardizing the trial. "We are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime," Beseler said.

*Video Included In Article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/032610-Beseler-Somer-Thompson
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATED: Grove Park Elementary Parents Fear for Children's Safety
Created: 3/26/2010 11:46:56 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:47:39 PM
<snipped>
Parents at Grove Park Elementary, who were concerned for their children's safety after Somer Thompson disappeared in October 2009, still are wary but relieved about the arrest in the case. The school is near Somer's home on Gano Avenue, and also near the home where Jarred Harrell once lived.

"There's still other people out there, so it's always good to keep an eye on your kids," said Watson. Jeannie Baker, who has two boys who attend Grove Park Elementary, said she is relieved but still upset there was a child predator living so close to the school. "If somebody knew we had a creep like that this close to our children's school and our county left him here, I don't care what anybody says that child did not have to die," said Baker. "I would have stood there every day myself to let children know not to walk by, but we didn't do that because we didn't know," She added that Harrell's arrest won't mean she will let her parental guard down.

Sheri Hamilton has been the crossing guard for Grove Park Elementary since 2002 and said she knew Somer. Harrell's arrest will bring a big celebration, she said."It's hard to talk about it 'cause you miss her. She's always on your mind," said Hamilton. "It's been all we've been praying for."

Video: Grove Park Elementary Parents Fear for Children's Safety 1:54
5 p.m. Report 3/26/10
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74089554001

Video: Orange Park Neighbors Speak on Harrell Arrest 1:08
5:30 p.m. Report 3/26/10
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74148759001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=153881&catid=3
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Neighbors: Jarred Harrell's Mom Leaves Home
Created: 3/26/2010 11:31:55 AM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:11:08 PM
<snipped>
Jarred Harrell's mother, Annis Dailey, has packed her car and left, according to neighbors. Neighbors along Nassau Oaks Drive where Harrell's mother lives said Dailey packed her car and left early this morning. No one answered the door.

Neighbors said they are hopeful Somer's killer would be caught. In a news conference earlier today, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler announced Harrell has been arrested and charged with premeditated murder in Somer's death. "I hope they move out of here, it's scary. I got babies of my own (and) that's not cool. I don't think they should be out here...I hope he gets what he deserves. I hope he gets time, he needs it," said neighbor Jackie Yarbrough.

Based on Dailey's phone conversations with Harrell while he was in jail, it appeared she believed he was innocent.

Video: Neighbors: Jarred Harrell's Mom Leaves Home 0:50
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74098315001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=153879&catid=3
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k55Tsaur3LQ[/ame]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Diena Thompson, Somer Thompson's Mother Thanks Public, Pushes for Community Action
Created: 3/26/2010 2:24:58 PM
Updated: 3/26/2010 5:42:39 PM
<snipped>
Diena Thompson thanked the public, police and local businesses this afternoon, hours after police announced charges against Jarred Harrell in the murder of Thompson's daughter Somer. "Why would you do this? Why would you take away your life for my 7-year-old daughter," said Thompson. "I would have nothing nice to say to him."

Thompson was flanked by the law enforcement team responsible for the case as well as her sisters and friends. One sister, Dawn, appeared to pass out during Thompson's speech. Learning the cause of death, Thompson said was especially painful. "That's enough to destroy you, to break you down," she said.

Her children have good days and bad ones, she said; they do not know Harrell and neither does she. "I'm sure they'll be happy to know that someone will finally pay for this horrific crime...the monster's caught and locked up, and will never get out."

She said she would like Harrell to be tried in Clay County. "I have faith that a jury will have no problem finding him guilty." Thompson said she had a feeling that the crime had happened in the neighborhood. "I will never understand." Purple still always makes her think of Somer, she said. "I do think I catch a glimpse of her every now and then."

PDF: JARRED HARRELL ARREST REPORT
http://download.gannett.edgesuite.net/wtlv/docs/032610harrelldoc.pdf

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks after Jarred Harrell Announcement 18:46
03/26/10 Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...ouncement/50619441001/50624658001/74125714001

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks to Public after Harrell Announcement 2:13
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...ouncement/50619441001/50624658001/74139280001

Video: Neighors Speak about Recent Arrest in Somer Case 1:45
03/26/10 5 p.m. Report
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...omer+Case/50619441001/50624658001/74148755001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153884&catid=3

:angel:

 

[angelswatchoverthem]

Somer's mother may NEED to vent right now. She strikes me as a very outspoken woman with an inner strength that is rare. Imhoo it is that strength that will help her take the lemons handed to her and try to make some lemonade. If she gets paid to make appearances more power to her and good for her. Something tells me that she will continue to speak out on behalf of her daughter and other similar victims for the rest of her life and that she most likely will not give a carp what anyone thinks about it (and also be able to pay no mind to people questioning her motives, etc). And you know, I respect her for it.

jmo

Yes that is great if that is what she needs to do, but as long as she's not cashing in on her daughters death.That would definitely discredit what she is doing. I hope she is the exception to others that have cashed in on the death or disappearance of a child, as we have seen recently with other cases in florida. Like i have said it does make people very skeptical about intentions, and i mean no disrespect to D.T.

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Part 2:

Harrell arrested in Somer Thompson murder
Last Update: 7:23 pm
<snipped>
Today, Jarred Harrell was arrested and charged with the murder of Somer Thompson. In a news conference today, Sheriff Rick Beseler announced Harrell's arrest, "158 days ago our community was rocked by the brutal murder of a 7 year old girl," he said, " As we all wrapped our arms around the family of Somer Thompson and each other to grieve, the out pouring of support and generosity to bring Somer&#8217;s killer to justice was the light in the search for justice in this community."

Sheriff Beseler described four key points that lead Team Somer to arrest Jarred Harrell, &#8220;We have evidence that will show that Harrell assaulted Somer, killed her and dumped her body in a dumpster that eventually ended up in a Folkston, Georgia landfill.&#8221; Beseler said, investigators relied on statements from witnesses, admissions from the suspect (Harrell), evidence collected from the Gano Avenue home and DNA evidence linking Harrell to the crime.

State Attorney, Angela Corey spoke briefly saying, &#8220;I concur with the Sheriff that this type of crime, absolutely qualifies for the death penalty.&#8221; Harrell is charged with premeditated murder, meaning Harrell, planned, plotted or deliberated before committing murder. Premeditation is an element in first degree murder that shows intent to commit that crime.

PDF: Harrell Arrest Docket (648.5KB)
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/media/...f84-453a-89a3-3a441c85696a/harrell_arrest.pdf

Video: Justice For Somer: Arrest 1:52
A suspect has finally been arrested in the Somer Thompson case.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: Mom Speaks 5:31
TONIGHT, DIENA THOMPSON SAYS SHE MADE GOOD ON HER PROMISE TO FIND THE MAN WHO MURDERED HER BABY, BUT THAT DOESN'T EASE THE PAIN OF HER LOSS
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: The Case 2:43
DIENA THOMPSON SAYS, THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO WORKED AROUND THE CLOCK ON SOMER'S CASE MADE TODAY'S ARREST POSSIBLE
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Justice For Somer: The Case 1:11
Neighbors saw Harrell's mother packing to leave her home.
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Justice For Somer: Harrell 3/26/10 1:24
HARRELL APPEARED IN COURT TODAY TO ANSWER TO THE NEW MURDER CHARGES AGAINST HIM
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...r-Thompson-murder/Zm9_69IToUaz4uiH-LHw1g.cspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Danny Gokey sings for Somer
Last Update: 7:34 pm
<snipped>
American Idol's Danny Gokey visited Action News Friday. After hearing about what happened to Somer Thompson, he sang a special song in her memory. Gokey also took the time to talk to Action News' Dawn Lopez during the noon show. The former Idol contestant will be singing at The Jacksonville Landing Friday night at 9 p.m

Video: Danny Gokey 3/26/10 3:53
Danny Gokey sings for Somer
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...y-sings-for-Somer/NhHsvmPkTEm9e49xYfcFvg.cspx
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somer's mother: They caught a 'monster'
March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Beseler said during a news conference held Friday, March 26 that based on the man&#8217;s own admissions, DNA samples, evidence taken from a Gano Avenue house where the man was living and witness statements, he is confident that Jarred Harrell is the person responsible for the &#8220;brutal&#8221; and &#8220;random&#8221; slaying of the second-grade student. He said it was Harrell who abducted Somer as she walked home from Grove Park Elementary School on Oct. 19, sexually assaulted her and asphyxiated her before tossing her lifeless body into a dumpster that was found two days later in a South Georgia landfill.

Beseler said the murder charge marks the end of &#8220;an extreme roller coaster ride&#8221; for investigators as well as Somer&#8217;s mother, Diena Thompson, and her family. He said Harrell had been on the radar of &#8220;Team Somer&#8221; since the early stages of the investigation, but team investigators, who represent six law enforcement agencies, have endured public pressure to find Somer&#8217;s murderer quickly in favor of their commitment to conduct a thorough investigation with no loopholes.

&#8220;We feel confident that Jarred Harrell committed this crime,&#8221; Beseler said. &#8220;His movements and whereabouts were being monitored. We didn&#8217;t have a hard time finding him [in Mississippi].&#8221;

Diena Thompson, mother of 7-year-old murder victim Somer Thompson, is surrounded by family and members of Team Somer at the Friday, March 26, press conference.

Somer & Her Siblings.

Article:
http://www.claytodayonline.com/content/2112_1.php
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Video: Jarred Harrell Charged In Somer's Murder 3:05
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22970937/index.html

Video: Somer's Mom To Harrell: 'We Got You And You Ain't Getting Away' 3:46
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22969599/index.html

Video: Diena Thompson On The Arrest 2:58
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22971143/index.html

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged With Murder Of Somer Thompson 3:05
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22966692/index.html

Video: Jarred Harrell Charged In The Death Of Somer Thompson 1:29
Harrell had been a person of interest after being arrested on child charges
http://www.digtriad.com/video/defau...+Thompson/49911607001/49960901001/74124170001

Video: Statement From Diena Thompson 17:27
Somer Thompson's mother talks about the charges against Jarred Harrell
http://www.digtriad.com/video/defau...+Thompson/49911607001/49960901001/74124115001

Video: Man Charged With Murder In Somer Thompson Death 1:55
http://www.wesh.com/video/22972195/index.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Discovery News: Arrest in Girl&#8217;s Murder Highlights Sex Offender Myth
Fri Mar 26, 2010 04:33 PM ET
<snipped>
Predictably, Harrell is not a convicted sex offender. Why &#8220;predictably&#8221;? Because most people who abduct, molest, and kill children have no previous criminal records for crimes against children.

According to Department of Justice studies and professor David Finkelhor, director of the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire, sex offenders have a lower recidivism (re-offense) rate than people convicted of other crimes (the idea that sex offenders can&#8217;t be cured, or often commit further sex offenses, is a common myth).

Jarred Harrell is a far more typical perpetrator than John Couey. It may seem counterintuitive, but the fact is that a convicted sex offender is far less likely to assault a child than a person who has never been convicted of a sex crime. The vast majority of crimes against children are committed by the child&#8217;s parents, family, or friends&#8212;not a stranger. (Though Harrell had been arrested for unrelated sex crimes, he had not been convicted and therefore did not appear on any sex offender registries.)

When looking for a suspect in a child abduction or molestation, it&#8217;s natural for the police and public to focus first on convicted sex offenders. But more often than not the concern about sex offenders only distracts from the more likely suspects. Children need to be protected, and that means understanding where the real dangers lie.

Department of Justice Studies: Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New Hampshire ~ "Myths & Facts"
http://www.csom.org/pubs/mythsfacts.html

Article:
http://news.discovery.com/human/arrest-in-girls-murder-highlights-sex-offender-myth.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Man Charged In Death Of Girl Whose Body Was Found In Landfill
March 26, 2010
<snipped>
Unemployed food service worker and computer whiz Jarred Mitchell Harrell, 24, has been charged with murder in the death of 7-year-old Somer Thompson, the Florida schoolgirl who was kidnapped as she walked home and whose body was later found in a Georgia landfill.

Video: Police: 7-year-old Lured Into Home, Killed
http://video.ap.org/?t=By Section/U.S.&g=0326dv_fla_thompson_paknew&f=1139949

Article:
http://www.kwtx.com/nationalnews/headlines/89295792.html

:angel:

 

[Kimberlyd125]

Yes that is great if that is what she needs to do, but as long as she's not cashing in on her daughters death.That would definitely discredit what she is doing. I hope she is the exception to others that have cashed in on the death or disappearance of a child, as we have seen recently with other cases in florida. Like i have said it does make people very skeptical about intentions, and i mean no disrespect to D.T.

I think those other cases in FL are much different than this one.

CA - The mother is accused of killing her baby. That family making a penny off of it is a shame.

HC - The babysitter/stepmommy was the last to see her...someone "came in the same room" and took HC. That was hinky from the start.

To me, comparing Somer's case to those two are like apples to oranges. No, more like apples to bacon. Not even in the same group.

JMO

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Part 3:

Somer&#8217;s Suspected Killer Could Face Death Penalty
Sunday, March 28, 2010 9:42:38 AM
<snipped>
Prosecutors said they may seek the death penalty against the man charged with murdering 7-year-old Somer Thompson. Jarred Harrell was charged Friday with sexually abusing, then asphyxiating the girl in October 2009 near her home before dumping her body in the trash.

Sheriff Rick Beseler said Harrell&#8217;s name came up among the thousands of tips received in the days leading up to Somer&#8217;s body being found. Harrell was locked up without bond in Clay County. His public defender has hinted he may ask the trial be moved, because of all the publicity in the case.

Video: Somer Thompson Murder Arrest
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...MPSONARREW_032620100635&cat=Local&title=Somer Thompson Murder Arrest

Video: Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...PRESSERW_032620101236&cat=Local&title=Charges Announced In Somer&#8217;s Murder

Video: Somer&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Message To Suspect
http://www.cfnews13.com/MediaPlayer...om_032620100220&cat=Local&title=Somer&#8217;s Mom&#8217;s Message To Suspect

Article:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2010/3/27/somers_suspected_killer_could_face_death_penalty.html
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Hundreds of People Listen to Six Bands Perform At The Jacksonville Landing With Donations Going to The Somer Thompson Foundation
Created: 3/27/2010 9:43:37 PM
Updated: 3/28/2010 12:00:38 PM
<snipped>
Crowds came out to the Jacksonville Landing for the music and good times, but mostly they came for the 7-year-old girl they may not have ever met but felt like they knew. Six bands took the stage Saturday for Somer Jam, a concert to benefit the newly formed Somer Thompson Foundation.

"To give Somer Thompson's mom the support she needs, and a good concert of course," said Tracy Holmes.

The paperwork forming the new Somer Thompson Foundation was presented to Somer's mother, Diena Thompson at the concert. "Diena's said from the get-go she wants someone to talk to who's been through what she's had to go through; this foundation gives her a way to do that for future victims," says friend Haley Hartley.

Video: Somer Jam Kicks Off For Somer Thompson Foundation 1:27
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=74282880001

Video: Former Officer Gives Insight On Harrell Investigation 3:07
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=68444325001

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=153917&catid=3
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Thousands Pack Landing For 'Somer Jam'
Fundraiser For The Somer Thompson Foundation
Saturday, March 27, 2010
<snipped>
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus and Molly Hatchet headlined a concert at the Jacksonville Landing Saturday, but all the attention was on Somer Thompson.

Thousands of people attended Somer Jam -- the very public launch of a foundation to financially assist families and victims of violent crimes. Those in attendance paid $20 for an afternoon of live music, with all proceeds benefiting the foundation.

Toward the end of the concert, Somer's sister Abby joined Molly Hatchet on stage to sing a special song. "Fly on Wings of Angels," was written as a tribute to Somer, who most people in the audience never knew, but whose death touched the entire community.

Before taking the stage, Abby said she was pleased to be a part of the event. "I'm expecting everybody to have fun and to remember Somer and that she was a really sweet girl," she said.

Abby Thompson sings "Fly on Wings of Angels" -- a song written in tribute to Somer Thompson -- with Molly Hatchet.

Video: Thousands Support 'Somer Jam'
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22977610/index.html

Video: Somer's Sister Sings With Molly Hatchet
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22979701/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22977905/detail.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Somer Thompson benefit at Jacksonville Landing brings tears
Event was time of reflection.
March 28, 2010 - 12:22am
<snipped>
Diena Thompson brought a jolt of energy to the Somer Jam concert held Saturday in her slain daughter's memory.

She danced and sang along to the chorus of the Journey song a band on stage was covering: "Don't Stop Believin'." The crowd joined in, singing a song that seemed to personify Thompson's efforts to bring justice and now a purpose for the brutal murder last fall of 7-year-old Somer.

Diena Thompson mingled with the crowd about 6 p.m., accepting hugs and pats on the back from strangers who attended the benefit. She smiled when Rita Laufer approached her, but only a few moments passed before both women, and Dave Laufer, standing nearby, were weeping.

Rita Laufer said she told Thompson, "We feel what she feels." Their son, 26-year-old Eric, was killed last year, and his assailant has not been caught.

Diena Thompson (left), mother of slain 7-year-old Somer Thompson, dances with family, friends and supporters to Hollywood LoveScene playing Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'\u2009" at Somer Jam at the Jacksonville Landing on Saturday.

The event was the official kickoff and a fundraiser for the Somer Thompson Foundation, which will raise awareness about protecting children from sexual predators.

Tori Lloyd, volunteering at Somer Jam, wears a pair of socks she decorated in memory of Somer, whose favorite color was purple.

Shelby Singletary wears a Somer Jam T-shirt in the courtyard at the Landing.

Watch: Diena Thompson answers questions from the media about Jarred Harrell
http://jacksonville.com/video/news/...-answers-questions-media-about-jarred-harrell

Watch: Diena Thompson speaks to the media
http://jacksonville.com/video/news/crime/2010-03-26/watch-diena-thompson-speaks-media

Article:
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-03-28/story/somer-benefit-brings-tears
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Video: Slain girl's aunt collapses
[ame]http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2010/03/26/vo.somer.aunt.collapses.wjxt[/ame]

Video: Charges in Somer Thompson case
[ame]http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/crime/2010/03/26/sot.chief.sommer.thompson.WJXT[/ame]
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Somer&#8217;s mom: Death penalty would be &#8216;fair&#8217;
Mother of murdered Florida child says she&#8217;s &#8216;happier&#8217; after arrest in case
3/29/10 updated 1 hour, 15 minutes ago
<snipped>
&#8220;Right now, I think it&#8217;s fair that he gets the death penalty,&#8221; Diena Thompson told TODAY&#8217;s Ann Curry Monday via satellite from Jacksonville, Fla. &#8220;I think the only way he&#8217;s going to repay society for what he took away from society is to give up himself.&#8221;

It took five months for police to arrest a suspect, but investigators are confident that 24-year-old Jared Mitchell Harrell is the person responsible for the crime. Harrell had been living with a relative in a brick home just five minutes away from Somer&#8217;s home at the time of the murder. Without being specific, investigators said the evidence against Harrell includes DNA and his own statements.

Thompson dabbed constantly at her eyes and choked back tears as she talked to Curry about the agonizing five months between Somer&#8217;s murder and Harrell&#8217;s arrest. &#8220;I&#8217;m happy to know that there&#8217;s someone charged and arrested in my daughter&#8217;s murder. But there&#8217;s just a gamut of emotions that go through you. It&#8217;s so hard to explain exactly how you feel in a situation like this, but definitely I was happier this weekend than I&#8217;ve been in a really long time,&#8221; Thompson said.

&#8220;She was a beautiful, wonderful child that had a twin brother who&#8217;s going to miss her a whole lot, along with the rest of her family and community,&#8221; Thompson said. &#8220;We miss her and love her.&#8221;

Harrell is charged with capital crimes, but prosecutors have not yet given any indication whether they will seek the death penalty once he goes to trial. Thompson said that while she favors the death penalty for him now, her feelings may change as she learns more about him and what happened to Somer, who died of asphyxiation. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know how I&#8217;m going to feel in one to four years from now, when a trial may come about,&#8221; she told Curry.

While waiting for Harrell&#8217;s trial, Thompson continues to work to raise funds for the foundation she created in her daughter&#8217;s name, Remembering Somer. Part of the foundation&#8217;s mission is to try to prevent a recurrence of what happened to Somer. As important, Thompson said, is offering financial help to families overwhelmed by tragedy. &#8220;We want to keep it from happening,&#8221; Thompson told Curry. &#8220;In the unfortunate occasion that it does happen, then we want to be there for the families that are like myself, who didn&#8217;t know how they were ever going to get the money together to pay for their baby to get buried, or how they were going to pay their bills that month. That&#8217;s what this foundation is going to do.&#8221;

Today Show Video: Thompson&#8217;s mom: Death penalty would be &#8216;fair&#8217;
March 29: In an exclusive interview with TODAY&#8217;s Ann Curry, Diena Thompson, the mother of murdered Florida 7-year-old Somer Thompson, says suspect Jared Mitchell Harrell should face the death penalty &#8220;at this time.&#8221;
[ame="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/36080263#36080263"]Today Show Video Player[/ame]

Today Show Video: John Walsh offers tips to protect kids 7:34
March 29: As TODAY's Ann Curry reports, children can face many dangers on their street, at school, on the computer and via cell phones. John Walsh, of TV's "America's Most Wanted," offers advice for shielding your kids from these lurking dangers.
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Today Show Video: Somer&#8217;s mom addresses murder suspect
March 27: NBC&#8217;s Kerry Sanders reports, then TODAY&#8217;s Amy Robach sits down with former FBI profiler Clint Van Zandt.
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Article:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/36080274/ns/today-today_people/
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Somer's Mom: Charges Bring Some Relief
POSTED: Monday, March 29, 2010
UPDATED: 11:28 am EDT March 29,2010
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"I'm happy to know that there's someone charged and arrested in my daughter's murder," Thompson said. "But there's just a gamut of emotions that go through you. I mean, it's so hard to explain exactly how you feel in a situation like this. But, definitely, I was happier this weekend than I've been in a really long time."

Harrell has also been charged with lewd and lascivious battery and sexual battery. He was already being held on child charges in a separate case. On Friday, Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said that Somer was assaulted and died of asphyxiation. He said investigators obtained DNA from Harrell, along with other evidence placing Harrell at the location where Somer was killed, which also allowed them to file the murder charge.

Uncut Video: Somer's Sister Sings Tribute Song With Molly Hatchet 8:57
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22979701/index.html

Video: Somer Jam Is A Hit 1:27
http://www.news4jax.com/video/22977610/index.html

Document: Jarred Harrell Murder Booking Sheet
http://www.news4jax.com/download/2010/0326/22966619.pdf

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/22987385/detail.html
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"Somer Jam"
Last Update: 3/27 10:35 pm
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Just a day after a man is charged with killing Somer Thompson thousands are expected to gather today at the Jacksonville Landing to remember the girl at "Somer Jam." The foundation will aid victims of crimes like Somer's. It will also work to create child protection awareness and saftey.

Video: Somer Jam 1:43
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Somer's Sister Sings 0:33
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Video: Justice for Somer: Warning Signs 2:10
JARRED HARRELL WAS CHARGED WITH SOMER'S MURDER WHILE BEHIND BARS ON CHILD CHARGES
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/Somer-Jam-today/IMJPuVRFrE-nmKlTUcyyXw.cspx
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Somer Jam raises $30,000
Last Update: 4:50 pm
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The concert in memory of Somer Thompson raised $30,000 for other families of tragedy. The new numbers were released Monday by concert organizers. Organizers estimate 1500 people came to the Jacksonville Landing Saturday night for the benefit.

Article:
http://www.actionnewsjax.com/conten...Jam-raises-30-000/MiCPlhpxnkS6lDE6wFb3LA.cspx

:angel:

 

[angelswatchoverthem]

If only it was the children of perfect mothers who were kidnapped and murdered -- we'd never have another missing and murdered child ever. If only.

That is true, and if we lived in a perfect world children would not be sexually molested by those they trust, and therefore crimes of this nature wouldn't happen at all. There are stats. that tell us it is children that were sexually abused that grow up and continue this vicious cycle, in a lot of cases. Maybe we need to take this back to where it all originated from, all those that were put in positions of trust that abused that trust! Hell, if kids can't rely on adults to protect them, then what can? And as parents we have to take every measure to protect them from harm, because if we don't who will???