ID - Robert Manwill, 8, Boise, 24 July 2009 - #2

[Kimster]

The last I heard was the birthday party was never real. When I first heard he was missing and that he may be spending the night with an unknown friend I thought that sounded strange. Now that we know he didnt live there it makes even less sense that he would have been at a birthday party that none of the other kids knew about. It never made sense from day one when they kept saying on the news he may be spending the night with a friend. As a mom I was thinking "so why dont you check with all the friends to get that out of the way". They used that unknown friend thing for a few days.

Thats why I think the parents used the friend story as a way to take focus off the apartment for at least a short time so something could be done with the body before it was discovered the story was made up.

I was afraid you were going to say that, actually...

 

[mysticrose]

They may have had a master plan but LE would have been keeping an eye on them after the report. LE I'm sure knew right away about Mom's charges along with the boyfriend. The suburban that had been reported stolen on the 22nd of July had Robert's scent on it.
That is to much coincidence for my liking. If it was in fact the BF or Mom who stole this car and then moved Robert in it on that Friday the 24th that would be to me considered premeditated , why else would they steal this car. Are we sure your niece played with Robert that Friday or could she be mistaken on the day, perhaps it was Wed. TIA..and JMO of course..

 

[Ivan's Phoenix]

The other night on HLN, and don't remember if it was Prime News, JVM, or NG, they showed a canal with the water flowing very quickly. It took my breath away when I saw it, I felt sick, and I thought I will bet he is in that water. But eveyone in the video's just kept walking along side of it. I know I have no psychic abilities like the infamous Brian and all his drawings from Trenton's case. The sad part is I felt it because so many missing children have been found in or near water, so it was an automatic thought process. And that is sad.

This news is gut wrenching. I feel like I am going to be sick. And I never met the little precious angel. He has the sweetest smile. You look at his picture and you just want to give him a big hug. I can not imagine the pain his father and brother feel, his aunt's and uncle's, grandma's and grandpa's, and all the rest that knew him and loved him. At this point I do not know what to think about his mother or her bf. I pray they did not do this.

I came home just after 7pm and sat down and started to watch JVM. About 7:45 or so is when I heard the news about LE findind a boy's body. She talked about it for a minute or so and showed her panel of experts and said they would be back next, they broke for a commercial and Comcast never brought the show back! They just showed a bunch of commercials until the NG MJ hour came on! I have never seen Comcast do that! Then I came here and began to read all of your comments and I have to say that I am glad you guys are here because when I tried to mention Robert to those around me I basically got no response!

Precious Precious Robert...have they found you?

 

[UnderDog]

I do believe this little angel is Robert. But, if it isnt, it is someone elses angel that was floating towards Heaven today. I'm not good with words sometimes and music always says it better for me. So may I share this with you in remembrance of the little ones that have floated out of our lives here at W/S's.

Wow, thanks for that. I couldn't help but grab the Strat and do some lead guitar on that one. Beautiful song. Thanks again.

 

[mysticrose]

Well goodnight all, I hope tommorrrow will bring more answers for us all, but most importantly Roberts family...may they find peace.
See you in the morning..

 

[Idaho-native]

They may have had a master plan but LE would have been keeping an eye on them after the report. LE I'm sure knew right away about Mom's charges along with the boyfriend. The suburban that had been reported stolen on the 22nd of July had Robert's scent on it.
That is to much coincidence for my liking. If it was in fact the BF or Mom who stole this car and then moved Robert in it on that Friday the 24th that would be to me considered premeditated , why else would they steal this car. Are we sure your niece played with Robert that Friday or could she be mistaken on the day, perhaps it was Wed. TIA..and JMO of course..

I agree that certain things dont make sense. I have thought about the stolen suburban as well. I haven't heard they found Roberts scent on the stolen suburban. If that is the case then it does make it more confusing. The crazy part is the people with the stolen suburban were friends of the family. There are so many things that point in a certain direction, but then there are the few little things that dont make sense.

I have no doubt in my mind that my niece was playing with that little boy. My sister called my mom that same night when the cops came and took the report. She is the one who told my mom that my brothers daughter was playing with him. I just dont see how a child could play with someone the day before, but think it was just hours before. She was very specific about where they were playing.

I am curious to know how much of this information that is out there was planted for investigation sake. Someone mentioned the police had said maybe the rumor about the canal being searched was just a way to get someone to let their guard down. Maybe some of this other stuff such as the actual date of when the suburban was reported stolen was altered for some reason. I am sure the police know a lot more then they are telling us.

I did also read somewhere that the bf's dad said the bf had accused him of taking the child. One minute the parents are saying the child and boy got into a discussion about not being able to go to this party. The news was stressing the boy may not be missing and could be at a friends house. Then all the sudden you hear that the by accused his dad of taking the child.

Something tells me that there has been a lot of inconsistencies in the stories

 

[JoniP2211]

IMO, the boyfriend and the mother were a couple of abusive, violent, drug addled creeps who are so powerless over their own lives, that they take their frustrations out on little children, and hurt those who are powerless to defend themselves.

In the beginning of this story, I read where the mother had just come home from work that Friday night (I want to say it was after 9:00 PM). This would mean that she came pulling into the apartment complex in a vehicle around that time (the red SUV they towed away?). Could it have actually been her and the boyfriend together after taking the body over to that rental house? The people were out of town. Maybe the boyfriend's brother, who is good friends with the people who live in that rental house - got the stolen SUV and got rid of the body sometime during that week - because the police didn't go over to look at that house until the following weekend.

I'm sure mother and boyfriend thought dumping Robert's body in a canal, and not having him discovered for a week or so would disfigure his body enough to make the cause of death difficult to determine. Once a body has been in water that long, bruising, cuts, etc, are probably indistinguishable, or impossible to determine if they happened before or postmortem (from making it's journey down a canal with debris in it).

Mom and boyfriend are betting on there not being sufficient evidence to charge them with murder. I fear there is too much room for reasonable doubt now that it has been determined that a body could float the distance from their apartment to where his body was discovered (it was quoted in an article, that it is possible, grates and all). I know this case is getting a lot of national attention, maybe the authorities will bring in Dr. Michael Baden (from the HBO series Autopsy) or someone like him to get their professional input. If it is murder, please God, don't let who did it get away.

 

[Idaho-native]

the conflicting information about the grates do make it hard. Logically I cant help but think that even if a body did get past one or two grates what are the chances a body will get through five or six grates. The problem is reasonable can be a half empty glass.

 

[Kimster]

JoniP:

Your first post was well thought out, yet very sad to think about. Your first sentence is what I've been thinking since the first day I heard about little Robert's disappearance.

Today my youngest son and I were watching old family videos. My oldest son had his 9th birthday on one part. I was thinking about how he was little Robert's age...and all the wonderful times I've had with him since then. It breaks my heart...just breaks it.

 

[UnderDog]

*Heavy heavy sigh * This is so incredibly sad.

I'm curious. When was the last time anyone here saw a missing child case where the mother was absent during the pressers? I'm trying to recall. I understand being absent if your child has been the victim of a crime and has been located and you are devastated. But to not be around at all? That is so weird to me. I'd be screaming from the rooftops like a frigging lunatic, begging and crying and pleading.

I commented on thread #1 what I thought happened and I haven't changed my mind. But if Robert did indeed drown and this is just a tragic accident, I'll be back on later to get my foot out of my mouth and eat humble pie.

Prayers and thoughts to Robert's family if this is him, which I fear it is.

RIP little one :blowkiss:

If he died from drowning, it was in the bathtub. If he had ran off, there was no need for a U-Haul at the apartment. The tragic accident was granting Melissa Jenkins visitation "rights". I won't harp on this because I fully understand the complexities of visitation and separation, but we really need to start looking at reforming "family law" which really doesn't promote "family" but treats children like property. The only reason Robert was in that apartment was because the COURTS viewed Robert as property and granted Melissa the right to her "property" under conditions. I sincerely hope Charles Manwill is given the opportunity to become active in the movement to reform "family law" and force the courts to rethink this antiquated notion of "parental rights" and start focusing on the CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. Ok, I've said my piece. I won't make a habit of this, but from the tone of the older brother's MySpace sight, I felt compelled to share the concept.

 

[Kimster]

The deal about family law is that they feel children are ALWAYS better off if they have some kind of a relationship with their bio-parent. I do not agree! My stepkids were so confused by their bio-mom's lack of parenting that it just screwed them up. There wasn't any kind of conformity and they, being kids, thought the "freedom" at their mom's was the way it should be and that I, who loved them and wanted them to grow up to be responsible adults, was the b****. My sons dad had very little contact with my son (his choice) and my son ended up growing up in a more stable atmosphere and is a happy, secure college student. Next time I see his dad, I will make sure to thank him!

ETA: The bio-mom did not have custody. She lost custody of them due to poor parenting, but the kids were required to see her every other weekend. It was hell on them, believe that.

 

[Idaho-native]

The only reason Robert was in that apartment was because the COURTS viewed Robert as property and granted Melissa the right to her "property" under conditions. I sincerely hope Charles Manwill is given the opportunity to become active in the movement to reform "family law" and force the courts to rethink this antiquated notion of "parental rights" and start focusing on the CHILDREN'S RIGHTS. Ok, I've said my piece. I won't make a habit of this, but from the tone of the older brother's MySpace sight, I felt compelled to share the concept.

It couldn't have been said any better

 

[UnderDog]

The boyfriend and the mother were a couple of abusive, violent, drug addled creeps who are so powerless over their own lives, that they take their frustrations out on little children, and hurt those who are powerless to defend themselves.

In the beginning I read where the mother had just come home from work (I want to say it was after 9:00 PM). This would mean that she came in a vehicle around that time (the red SUV they towed away). Could she and he have come in together after taking the body over to that house? The people were out of town. Maybe the boyfriend's brother, who is good friend's with the people who live in that house - got the stolen SUV and got rid of the body sometime during that week - because the police didn't go over to look at that house until the following weekend.

I'm sure mother and boyfriend thought dumping Robert's body in a canal, and not having him discovered for a week or so would disfigure his body enough to make the cause of death difficult to determine. Once a body has been in water that long, bruising, cuts, etc, are probably indistinguishable, or impossible to determine if they happened before or postmortem (from making it's journey down a canal with debris in it).

Mom and boyfriend are betting on there not being sufficient evidence to charge them with murder. I fear there is too much room for reasonable doubt now that it has been determined that a body could float the distance from their apartment to where his body was discovered (it was quoted in an article, that it is possible, grates and all). I know this case is getting a lot of national attention, maybe the authorities will bring in Dr. Michael Baden (from the HBO series Autopsy) or someone like him to get their professional input. If it is murder, please God, don't let who did it get away.

It's a reasonable fear, but there's also plenty of resources to testify it was either not probable or impossible. The canals are designed to prevent floating debris from going too far before being trapped. At least, that's the design I'm familiar with in Eastern Oregon. Either by current or by grates or even manually operated dams. It's also almost impossible for the body not to be seen over the course of 10 days just floating aimlessly with thousands of search and rescue volunteers. The canal was a focal point for at least two days and a good portion of it is in more heavily populated areas. In the rural areas, the canals are almost always observed by farmers that rely on the water for irrigation and check for vandalism. Ultimately, I don't believe it's a viable defense strategy.

 

[Kimster]

It's a reasonable fear, but there's also plenty of resources to testify it was either not probable or impossible. The canals are designed to prevent floating debris from going too far before being trapped. At least, that's the design I'm familiar with in Eastern Oregon. Either by current or by grates or even manually operated dams. It's also almost impossible for the body not to be seen over the course of 10 days just floating aimlessly with thousands of search and rescue volunteers. The canal was a focal point for at least two days and a good portion of it is in more heavily populated areas. In the rural areas, the canals are almost always observed by farmers that rely on the water for irrigation and check for vandalism. Ultimately, I don't believe it's a viable defense strategy.

Does this mean you believe the remains were in the canal for a short period of time?

 

[JoniP2211]

The deal about family law is that they feel children are ALWAYS better off if they have some kind of a relationship with their bio-parent. I do not agree! My stepkids were so confused by their bio-mom's lack of parenting that it just screwed them up. There wasn't any kind of conformity and they, being kids, thought the "freedom" at their mom's was the way it should be and that I, who loved them and wanted them to grow up to be responsible adults, was the b****. My sons dad had very little contact with my son (his choice) and my son ended up growing up in a more stable atmosphere and is a happy, secure college student. Next time I see his dad, I will make sure to thank him!

ETA: The bio-mom did not have custody. She lost custody of them due to poor parenting, but the kids were required to see her every other weekend. It was hell on them, believe that.

If a mother loses her child to the state (as Melissa did), how were her other two children left in her care? She voluntarily gave up custody according to what I've read. That is why she had visitation, because she was the one who initiated the change of custody, it wasn't done by the state! Idaho has a seriously flawed system if they let someone crack their baby's skull, reduce it to misdemeanor from a felony, and give her work release and a $ 75 fine, and don't demand that the other children living with the accused parent be taken away. I hope some serious overhauling of the system is forthcoming.

I'm sure Robert's father had his misgivings about his ex having extended visitation with their son, but probably felt "what are the odds that something tragic would happen to another one of my children at the hands of the mother?":scream:

 

[eyes4crime]

IMO, the boyfriend and the mother were a couple of abusive, violent, drug addled creeps who are so powerless over their own lives, that they take their frustrations out on little children, and hurt those who are powerless to defend themselves.

snipped for time and space

JoniP2211 - They weren't powerless in the court rooms! Melissa and her defense attorney managed to convince a judge and a DA that smashing an infant's head because you want a nap is 'no big deal' and she was fined $75 and got a two year probation. None of us really know the condition of the infant who had a hematoma that was bleeding into the brain cavity. We have no idea of the quality of life the infant has or even if the infant is alive.

Their way of gaining power and control is to divert blame on everyone else for their unforgivable acts. By doing that they alleviate themselves of all blame. Their long, chaotic criminal records and dysfunctional lives show just that.

They are two DESPICABLE lowlifes. MHO :razz:

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Body in canal: Is it Robert Manwill?
The boy pulled from the water is the age and size of the missing 8-year-old, but officials won't know for sure who he is or how he died until an autopsy
Published: 08/04/09
<snipped>
Melissa Jenkins left the Boise police headquarters in tears Monday afternoon, and later police officials confirmed why.

A dead boy found in an irrigation canal between Boise and Kuna Monday could be her missing 8-year-old son, Robert Manwill.

Boise police were about to start a 2 p.m. news conference about the Manwill case Monday when they suddenly canceled - about a half-hour after two people saw the body of what appeared to be a young boy floating in the New York Canal near Cloverdale Road in southern Ada County.

About three hours later, Robert's mother, Melissa Sue Jenkins, appeared to be crying as she left the Boise police station, physically supported by two other family members. Other family members left the station in groups, escorted to their cars by a police officer. Police said the family did not want to comment and asked for privacy.

A New York Canal company worker said it would be possible for a body to travel from where the canal passes Vista Avenue to where a body was found Monday.

In the past couple of decades, bodies have floated for as long as at least two weeks and as far as at least 14 miles.

But the spot where this body was found also is about 2 miles southeast of the Ada County home near Five Mile Road where police searched a backyard over the weekend.

Wallis told the Idaho Statesman Friday police were digging up his backyard after bloodhounds picked up a scent at his house. He said his Chevy Suburban had been stolen the Wednesday before Robert disappeared and that he found it the Monday after.

Boise police have not disclosed what evidence they removed from his home, or from Jenkins and Ehrlick's apartment off Vista Avenue, which was searched at least twice last week.

Authorities pulled the body of a young boy out of the New York Canal in Ada County southwest of Boise on Monday afternoon. Police called off a planned afternoon update on the 10-day-old investigation of the disappearance of Robert Manwill as detectives converged on this rural spot.

Article:
http://www.idahostatesman.com/localnews/story/855054.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Search For Robert Manwill
<snipped>
The Search for 8 year old Robert Manwill has gripped the people of Boise, Idaho. Find out the latest information and see all of FOX 12's Special Coverage of the story here.

NEW VIDEO: Search For Robert Manwill Day 10 2:21
http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/vi...Format=flv&clipId1=4012907&at1=News&h1=Search For Robert Manwill Day 10&flvUri=

NEW VIDEO: Body Found In Canal 2:09
http://www.fox12idaho.com/global/vi...ipFormat=flv&clipId1=4012905&at1=News&h1=Body Found In Canal&flvUri=

Article:
http://www.fox12idaho.com/Global/category.asp?C=172367
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEW VIDEO~Police: No Positive ID On Body
http://www.kivitv.com/global/Catego...&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=4012874&flvUri=
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Body in canal matches Manwill&#8217;s size, age
August 4, 2009
Updated 41 minutes ago
<snipped>
At a press conference Monday night, Boise Police Deputy Chief Jim Kerns said the Ada County coroner had not positively identified the body but would conduct an autopsy today.

"Obviously, the question is, 'Is this Robert?'" Ada County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Andrea Dearden said.

Kerns said about 1:30 p.m. two callers reported a body floating in the New York Canal near Deer Flat Road. An Ada County deputy found the body near the area of Deer Flat and Stewart Road and jumped in to retrieve it.

"At this time we do not have a positive ID on the body," Kerns said. "I can tell you the body found today floating in the canal is that of a young boy, approximately the same age and size as Robert Manwill."

Investigators told Manwill's family of the body, and Kerns said they have been a "source of strength" for investigators.

"A missing child is every family's nightmare and a heartache for this entire community," he said. "All of us, including the investigators on this case, have said to ourselves, 'What if Robert were my child?' Our hearts go out to Robert's family tonight (Monday) as they wait in private for a positive ID from the coroner."

Article:
http://www.idahopress.com/news/?2009-08-04-Body-matches-boys-size-age

:angel:

 

[petresq_algc]

I am so heartbroken right now for little Robert. His poor father and brother must be going through hell I hope to hear that this was a tragic accident...an accidental drowning from falling into the canal. I don't feel that is the case though. If Robert died at the hands of his mother or bf it was completely preventable. She should have never gotten unsupervised visitation! There is something seriously wrong with our laws when someone faces stiffer penalties for writing a bad check than fracturing an infant's skull!

 

[FifthEssence]

The mother was on probation. If they hurt this child and went to the hospital with him looking abused or young Robert saying what caused the problems, she'd be in big trouble wouldn't she.

At that point in time when she was thinking about HERSELF, I think a decision was made.

 

[SeriouslySearching]

I haven't figured out how Wallis fits in here. The story of his truck being stolen, LE digging up his yard, being so close to the dump site, and the things he has said make me believe he knows more than he is telling at this point. His "innocent bystander" comments don't sit well with me.