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[Angel Who Cares]

Voice of Haleigh search changes
Published: Saturday, March 21, 2009 1:57 AM EDT
<snipped>
Dwindling media attention in the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings has triggered a change in the role of spokesman for the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
Dick Schauland, a veteran lawman who came out of retirement to assist Putnam authorities in media matters shortly after Haleigh's disappearance drew national attention, said Friday he was returning to his life as a retiree.

Media inquiries have de-creased markedly compared to the frantic days after Haleigh was re-ported missing Feb. 10, Schauland said.
"I'm here all day at the sheriff's office, and I'm taking only six calls and doing one on-camera interview, and that's it," he said.

Schauland stressed his departure was not because he felt the investigation was going nowhere.
"I'm really not giving up yet," he said. "I'm just down here all day and not doing anything."

Lt. Johnny Greenwood will assume Schauland's duties as the department's public information officer.
Greenwood worked at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office for the 12 years, then spent a year working at the State Attorney's Office as an investigator. He was recruited back to the agency by newly elected Sheriff Jeff Hardy.

"They brought in Schauland to help with the case when it got a bit crazy, but now that it's slowed back down they are letting him go back to enjoying being retired," Greenwood said.
"If something big happens he will come back to help."

Article:
http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2009/03/21/news/news02.txt

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Bounty Hunter from Miami on Haleigh Case
Created: 3/21/2009 6:08:34 PM
Updated: 3/22/2009 12:09:29 AM
<snipped>
The neighborhood where Haleigh Cummings lived and disappeared has returned back to normal.
But there is one man very visibly and actively out searching the area, a private investigator and bounty hunter from Miami who goes by the name of "Cobra."

William "Cobra" Staubs has been in Satsuma for more than a week. He is searching woods on his own and following up on leads. He says he is making progress.
"Investigators have five weeks working on this, I've had one week and I've caught up...now I have to connect all the dots," says Cobra.

Cobra visited the home of an accused sex offender Friday, and earlier in the week he asked Ronald Cummings and Misty Croslin Cummings to re-enact the night Haleigh disappeared.
Cobra is paid partly by an anonymous donor in Miami. He says he will stay in Satsuma until his money runs out.

Also Friday, the Putnam County Sheriff's office told First Coast News that deputies were involved in looking into allegations of child abuse or neglect by Ronald Cummings three times in the last four years.
None of the incidents led to criminal charges.

03/20/09 6PM Report "Cobra The Bounty Hunter On Haleigh Case": VIDEO :57
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...t_amberalerts&maven_referralObject=1067709501

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/amberalerts/news-article.aspx?storyid=134317&catid=295

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Haleigh's mom's family says 'thanks' with cookout
Thanks and food are served up in equal portions
Story updated at 4:59 AM on Monday, Mar. 23, 2009
<snipped>
Hamburgers and hot dogs sizzled on a grill and side dishes stood ready for any who heeded the signs offering free food and thanks in equal portions.
The cookout also was a chance to showcase a place where those interested in the case can come to talk. Painted one of the still missing kindergartner&#8217;s favorite colors, the low purple building will serve as a center to collect information anyone may wish to share.

&#8220;Sometimes people don&#8217;t want to talk to the cops if they have skeletons in their closet,&#8221; said Connie Sheffield, Haleigh&#8217;s stepgrandmother. In the small rural community, people may know things they are reluctant to discuss.
Anyone with information about the case can come forward at the center, she said.
&#8220;We have to be cautious,&#8221; she acknowledged, &#8220;but not afraid.&#8221;

Many at the cookout early Sunday afternoon were veterans of the search for Haleigh, who vanished Feb. 10 from a mobile home where she was asleep in a room with her father&#8217;s then-girlfriend, Misty Croslin. Ronald Cummings has since married the 17-year-old.

Griffis said the center gives her daughter a way to focus on the investigation.
&#8220;It&#8217;s therapeutic,&#8221; she said.
Inside, there are a pair of couches, a refrigerator and tables piled high with stuffed animals. There are posters of Haleigh, including those that look out onto U.S. 17, where motorists slowed to honk and wave if they didn&#8217;t stop.

&#8220;It keeps Haleigh&#8217;s face alive,&#8221; in the minds of passers-by, Griffis said of the center.
&#8220;We&#8217;re able to keep our minds focused on finding Haleigh.&#8221;

VIDEO: Haleigh Cummings Putnam Cookout 1:43
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid10363234001?bctid=17229603001

Article:
http://www.jacksonville.com/news/me...s_family_says_thanks_with_cookout_for_helpers

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Race Fans Donate to Haleigh
Last Update: 3/21 11:19 pm
<snipped>
The community continues to raise money for the family of missing 5 year old Haleigh Cummings.
Fans at the Putnam County Raceway have not forgotten that a little girl disappeared from a neighborhood just a mile down the road.

The announcer asked spectators to say a prayer for Haleigh and her family. Drivers collected donations for the Haleigh Bug Foundations in their helmets.
Most of the race fans have never met Haleigh or her family, but they all have something in common. They are donating with the hope it will help bring Haleigh home.
Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...Donate-to-Haleigh/Co7JZjCd9k6uS7G_DZShVg.cspx
***************************************************************************
Community Revs Up Support For Haleigh
Last Update: 3/22 11:44 am
<snipped>
Community supporters and race fans cheered at a local race track to help raise money for the Cummings family.
Race car drivers passed around their helmets to collect donations from the crowd Saturday night. Fans hope the donations and community effort will help bring five-year-old Haleigh Cummings home.

With all the donations and support coming from the local area, Haleigh's family and friends want to show their gratitude.
All the money collected for Haleigh will be donated to the Haleigh Bug Foundation, which will have its grand opening Monday, March 23rd.

"Racing for Haliegh": VIDEO 2:10
http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/[email protected]

Related Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...pport-For-Haleigh/nsODSGjcz0-yLSrvSvNZ6Q.cspx

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Doors to &#8220;Haleigh Bug Foundation&#8221; open
Building to serve as foundation headquarters
Last Edited: Monday, 23 Mar 2009, 6:01 PM EDT
Created On: Monday, 23 Mar 2009, 5:28 PM EDT
<snipped>
The focus has just been to get the community back together, to get this going again, get some fuel on the fire,&#8221; said Ragan.
The building has two rooms and a bathroom. It&#8217;s set up much like an apartment with a couch, television and refrigerator. The original memorial site, near Haleigh&#8217;s home, had to be moved. So all of the donations left at the original area have been moved here. The walls are filled with cards and pictures, and the entire second room of the building has been filled with toys and stuffed animals people have brought by to share with Haleigh&#8217;s family.


"Haleigh Bug Foundation": VIDEO 1:46
http://www.fox30online.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=12

*NOTE: FOX Link has a video included in article!

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/032309_Doors_to_Haleigh_Bug_Foundation_open

 

[ladonna]

Art Harris Interview with Misty's Mom and Sister in Law

http://www.artharris.com/

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Haleigh Flyers at the Fair
Last Update: 3/23 11:23 pm
<snipped>
Walking into the Putnam County fair, one can't help but notice the bright lights and the wild rides.
But some are hoping fairgoers will also notice the smiling face on flyers hanging at the entrance gate.
On them is a picture of five-year-old Haleigh Cummings, the Satsuma kindergartner who was last seen at her family home February 9th.

"You need to keep it in everybody's minds and keep everybody diligent and looking and hopefully catch a break somewhere. Maybe somebody has seen something or will see something," said James White, who was at the fair Monday night with his grandchildren.
Haleigh's family friends are putting out the flyers.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has a booth set up at the fair where they are handing out flyers and making sure people know they are available in case anyone wants to come forward with information about Haleigh's whereabouts.
"We hope that something will trigger their memories or they may have seen Haleigh or seen something that they believe is a tip and we can follow up on it and our whole objective is to bring Haleigh home to her parents," said Captain Dominic Piscitello, who is supervising the investigation.

Haleigh's family friends say they will hand out flyers at the fair every night.
The 59th Annual Putnam County Fair is held at 117 Yelvington Road in East Palatka. It goes until March 28.

Article:
http://www.fox30online.com/content/...lyers-at-the-Fair/tTFaolhcLkmN_1r1jNkhiQ.cspx

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Buzz in Haleigh&#8217;s neighborhood lessens
Last Update: 3/24 7:50 pm
Created On: Tuesday, 24 Mar 2009, 5:08 PM EDT
<snipped>
The community off Buffalo Bluff Road in Satsuma used to be filled with slow moving cars, people mowing their lawn, or children playing. In the weeks following Haleigh Cummings disappearance, the streets were cluttered with investigators, media, onlookers and well wishers. Today, the streets are calm again and you&#8217;d barely notice anything happened. Neighbors living here say even though the spotlight is off their community, Haleigh is still on their minds.
&#8220;It&#8217;s like a big fire, then all of the sudden the fire dies down to nothing,&#8221; said Jeannie Glover. She lives in the home Haleigh Cummings used to live before moving to the home she was taken from.
&#8220;The people still talk about it&#8230;they&#8217;re not giving up. She&#8217;s going to come home,&#8221; said Glover.

As neighbors worked to get their lives back together, the foundation started to help bring Haleigh back home is asking for your help. The Haleigh Bug Foundation set up by Haleigh&#8217;s mother Crystal Sheffield is asking for volunteers to come and search areas police have not looked.

Officers scoured a five square mile area around Haleigh&#8217;s home with dogs and special equipment in the days and weeks following her disappearance. The Haleigh Bug Foundation says it&#8217;s received tips from people outside that original search area.

Volunteers are now needed to go and search woods and areas outside the original search region. The organization is looking to put groups of 10 people at a time into areas and search in a grid-like pattern. If you&#8217;d like to volunteer, the organization would like you to sign up in person. The group&#8217;s headquarters is located at 1185 US-17 in Satsuma. It&#8217;s nearly at the intersection of US-17 and County Road 309.
A new phone line has also been set up to call in donations or tips. That number is 954-533-6514.

Search For Haleigh-"Neighboors Look Back": VIDEO 1:53
http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/[email protected]

Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...ghborhood-Lessens/pEK6xbx5KUGjXBlZJrG2Eg.cspx

Related Article & Video Included In Fox Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/032409haleigh_neighbor_buzz_lessens

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Search For Haleigh Continues Into Sixth Week
<snipped>
The search for the child was on Tuesday in its 43rd day, and investigators in Putnam County said they still have no good clues as to where the kindergartner might be.
"We're not frustrated. We're trying to stay positive. We have to," said Putnam County Sheriff's Office Lt. Johnny Greenwood.

What happened to Haleigh continues to puzzle investigators and the community.
"We are still conducting interviews with people that's names have turned up during the other investigations. I really can't go into the names of those people at this time, but we are currently conducting interviews with people as we speak," Greenwood said. "We are hopeful. That's what we have -- hope."

VIDEO: Investigators, Community Still Hopeful In Search For Haleigh 1:53
http://www.news4jax.com/video/19007119/index.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/19005967/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

More Interviews Conducted In Haleigh Disappearance
Investigators Won't Disclose Who They're Interviewing
POSTED: Wednesday, March 25, 2009
UPDATED: 7:34 am EDT March 25, 2009
<snipped>
"We're not frustrated. We're trying to stay positive. We have to," Putnam County Sheriff's Office Lt. Johnny Greenwood told WJXT-TV. "We are still conducting interviews with people that's names have turned up during the other investigations. I really can't go into the names of those people at this time, but we are currently conducting interviews with people as we speak," Greenwood said. "We are hopeful. That's what we have -- hope."

But the girl's disappearance continues to puzzle investigators and the community.In the 44 days that have passed since Haleigh's disappearance, local, state and federal investigators along with volunteers have searched for answers both inside and outside Putnam County.

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/19008243/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Lawyer for Haleigh&#8217;s mom reveals investigation details
Last Edited: Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009, 5:13 PM EDT
Created On: Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009, 5:12 PM EDT
<snipped>
With a few hours left ahead of her on the road, Picazio shared new details about what she says happened the night Haleigh disappeared, and what she&#8217;s calling bad living conditions inside Haleigh&#8217;s home.
&#8220;The particular lifestyle that we believe is led by Misty and Ronald Cummings is one that essentially laid out the red carpet to something at some point happening to these children, and something did,&#8221; said Picazio.

She says Ronald Junior, Haleigh&#8217;s brother, woke up when a man came into the house to see Misty Croslin, Ronald Cummings then girlfriend.
&#8220;What he stated to his mother was that he saw a black man in black clothing take Haleigh&#8230;she asked him, if you were asleep Junior how could you have seen that if you were asleep? And he said well I woke up because the man had squeaky shoes&#8230;and the couch was bouncing,&#8221; said Picazio.

There&#8217;s a wide gap in time from 10:30 till three in the morning and somewhere in that timeframe, Haleigh went missing,&#8221; said Picazio.

Ronald Cummings, Haleigh&#8217;s father, could not be reached for comment.

"Investigating Abuse Claims": VIDEO 1:59
http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/032509haleighs_mom_reveals_investigation_details

 

[radio]

45 Days; and Counting

The number of leads coming in has really dropped off, Bowling said.
We're not getting as many as we were.



http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2009/03/26/news/news01.txt

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Painting raises funds for Haleigh Bug Foundation
Last Edited: Thursday, 26 Mar 2009, 5:40 PM EDT
Created On: Thursday, 26 Mar 2009, 5:39 PM EDT
<snipped>
It&#8217;s an oil painting showing a rolling water scene and its colors will hopefully bring some green into the foundation.
&#8220;I know that painting can be sold at a raffle to raise more money than I could just give,&#8221; said the painter Diana White.
White went on to say, &#8220;I wanted to help, and I really feel good about that, that&#8217;s why I did it&#8230;I just want to help&#8230;and if they raffle that off, and they get good money for it---I&#8217;ll give them another one!&#8221;

Also going on inside the Haleigh Bug Foundation organizers are working on putting together new volunteer search parties for the weekend. One volunteer inside says three different cadaver dog groups have been contacted and may be joining the search. The group is still looking for volunteers, and if you&#8217;d like to help out, they&#8217;d like for you to sign up in person. The center&#8217;s headquarters is 1185 US-17 in Satsuma. You can also call in any questions, or donations to 954-553-6514.

Article:
http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/032609haleigh

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Haleigh's Father Fights Back Against Abuse Allegations
Cummings' Attorney Calls Abuse Claims 'Reckless'
POSTED: Thursday, March 26, 2009
UPDATED: 7:03 pm EDT March 26, 2009
<snipped>
He said a photo taken of the girl on Nov. 5 -- the day before the accident at school -- shows Haleigh without any injuries. Cummings' attorney said a photo showing the girl with bruises was taken an hour and a half after Haleigh's accident on Nov. 6.
That same day, Haleigh's grandmother, Teresa Neves, took the child to Flagler Hospital's emergency room for care.

Another picture taken by Neves on Nov. 7 show Haleigh's facial injuries get worse, the attorney claimed. Yet another photo, taken on Nov. 9, according to Cummings' attorney, shows "natural progression and continuation of her response to the injury."
Three days later, the attorney said Haleigh's grandmother took her back to the hospital because of stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. Haleigh was treated and released, and Cummings' attorney said no one at the hospital made any mention of possible child abuse.

IMAGE: Haleigh Cummings' Bruises
http://www.news4jax.com/image/19023469/detail.html

SLIDESHOW: Haleigh Cummings' Bruises
http://www.news4jax.com/slideshow/news/19023484/detail.html

Article:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/19023072/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Ronald Cummings' Attorneys Fight Back Against Abuse Allegations -- HOLD
Created: 3/26/2009 4:27:11 PM
Updated: 3/26/2009 7:25:25 PM
<snipped>
The attorneys provided a photo taken by Haleigh's paternal grandmother the day before the playground incident. The attorneys say it shows no injuries. In the next photo provided, time-stamped almost two hours after the playground incident, Haleigh has scrapes on her nose and face.
Concluding their argument, Cummings lawyers say, "Most importantly, the focus has been taken off the search for Haleigh by this tawdry and inexcusable publicity stunt."

Sheffield's attorney, Picazio, responded to the press release and photos released by Cummings' attorneys.
Picazio told First Coast News that Ronald Cummings may be able to "explain away" one incident or injury, but he will not be able to explain away all the other injuries and eyewitness accounts she has learned about.

03/26/09 5PM Report "Haleigh's Parents In Legal Battle":VIDEO 2:40
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video...t_amberalerts&maven_referralObject=1074142107

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/amberalerts/news-article.aspx?storyid=134693&catid=295

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Haleigh's Father Fights Abuse Allegations
5-Year-Old Last Seen On Feb. 9
POSTED: Friday, March 27, 2009
<snipped>
Cummings' attorney said simply, the allegations against his client are false. In a statement he wrote:
"These accusations were made recklessly, without any effort to obtain all relevant information. Instead, Crystal Sheffield and her attorney sensationalized the allegations when they appeared on various TV shows."

"Most importantly, the focus has been taken off the search for Haleigh by this tawdry and inexcusable publicity stunt."

After learning of Cummings' attorney's statements and the photos released, Pecazio called WJXT-TV and said the pictures might not have been taken on the dates that they were date stamped. She said the dates could be changed in a camera.

VIDEO: Ronald Cummings' Attorney Calls Abuse Claims 'Reckless' 3:00
http://www.news4jax.com/video/19024981/index.html

IMAGE: A picture of Haleigh Cummings was handed over to investigators
http://www.clickorlando.com/image/18979020/detail.html

Article:
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/19027219/detail.html

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Painting On The Wall Puts Money In The Bank For Haleigh Bug Foundation
Last Update: 3/26 7:24 pm
<snipped>
The Haleigh Bug Foundation headquarters along US-17 in Satsuma is set up much like a two bedroom apartment. The first room is filled with couches, a TV and a large table covered with flyers. The second room has been designated as the spot for all of the donations that have come in. One donation in particular has special meaning.
It&#8217;s an oil painting showing a rolling water scene and its colors will hopefully bring some green into the foundation.
&#8220;I know that painting can be sold at a raffle to raise more money than I could just give,&#8221; said the painter, Diana White.

Search for Haleigh - "Community giving": VIDEO 2:06
http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...y-In-The-Bank-For/kDHkhTX9bU-WhYXuVYP6Iw.cspx

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Haleigh's Parents Continue to Battle Each Other via Lawyers
Created: 3/27/2009 3:15:23 PM
Updated: 3/27/2009 5:04:36 PM
<snipped>
Today, the legal team is refuting statements attributed to Ronald Cummings, Jr., Haleigh's younger brother.
Citing an interview with Crystal and Junior conducted in early March by Craig Rivera, the lawyers say "shabby journalism" is what led to reports of 'Junior' saying a black man came into the house the night Haleigh disappeared.

They say the statements were made by the young boy while he was in his mother's arms, and that she coaxed his answers by putting them in her questions, and that the boy's response was "mystification and/or passive agreement" to what he was being asked.
Specifically, the lawyers say terms used by the 4-year-old such as "squeaking shoes" and "dressed in black" are not normal language for a child of that age.
Kimball & Snider also say that they have heard speculation that Crystal Sheffield received "a substantial amount of money" from Geraldo at Large, the show for which Craig Rivera conducted the interview. They add that they do not know any of that to be fact.

Article:
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/amberalerts/news-article.aspx?storyid=134771&catid=295

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Volunteers Asked Not To Search For Haleigh Cummings
Last Update: 3/27 7:35 pm
<snipped>
For days the Haleigh Bug Foundation in downtown Satsuma has been asking for volunteers to search wooded areas outside of the original five square mile search zone. Police have now asked those volunteers to hold off on their searches.

Organizers with the search group have said sheriff&#8217;s officers told them not to look in areas because of the dangers. They said outside of the wildlife, other illegal activity going on in the woods could pose a problem for the volunteers. Officers also told the searchers if they did find any evidence, they could contaminate the scene and the evidence would be useless.

"Weekend Search Cancelled":VIDEO 1:10
http://www.cbs47.com/mediacenter/[email protected]&navCatId=5

Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...earch-For-Haleigh/vIZNm345KUKnF43W8hC_OQ.cspx

 

[Angel Who Cares]

Crisis Dog Helps Haleigh's Family
Last Update: 12:18 am
<snipped>
Two year old Gunny is a 170-pound newfoundland, who happens to be an adversity dog. Gunny was introduced to Haleigh's family a week after the five-year-old disappeared. He visits the family periodically to provide comfort.

And that not all, Gunny also follows up on tips sent in to the Haleigh bug website.
"He led us to an area near the rail road tracks several times. I call it in to law enforcement or Crimestoppers and they go check it out", said Gunny&#8217;s handler Judi Lucia.
So far, nothing concrete has been found.

Article:
http://www.cbs47.com/content/topsto...s-Haleighs-Family/PUbLpMX72kil96H-TQd_pQ.cspx