GUILTY NH - AH, 14, North Conway, 9 October 2013 - # 9

[eileenhawkeye]

this may be an unusual case because of all the publicity. Someone, and I'm sorry I can't remember who, stated that often times predators look for a specific child or type: past history of abuse, broken family, not many ties to the community and there have been a number of hispanic children who are missing in the NE area. It's quite possible that AH was being groomed, but when they took her or lured her away they didn't expect the amount of publicity she would get. I mean really, how many missing children have posters magnetized signs on trucks and cars and everyone change their facebook cover to her missing poster? The amount of publicity in this case is also unprecedented. It's hard to exploit a child in the way they may have planned with her face plastered everywhere. And let's also understand this went "viral" within hours of her disappearance, not days or weeks or months. It was immediate. Given that she can't be "groomed" or used, the people holding her may be looking for a way to rid themselves of her and still keep their other interests going with other girls. This might explain why the FBI is involved, they may be negotiating a release of AH. It's kind of like if you want to steal something big you don't steal the mona lisa, it's too "hot" and to hard to sell to anyone. It's my guess she's being moved around to keep her hidden, and in the meantime FBI and LE are negotiating with whoever has her to get her home. I also think that's why it's so important to keep her face out there and plaster the area with her missing posters and keep the pressure on.

Do you mean the publicity is unprecedented for New Hampshire? Abby's case has gotten a lot of media attention, but the amount doesn't really stand out from other high-profile cases. I do agree with you that the abductor(s) might not have expected for people to care and be interested in the case. They might have thought that the disappearance of teenage girl with the last name "Hernandez" would just be pushed aside. I noticed that children from wealthy or even upper middle class homes are rarely abducted by predators, and it makes me wonder if its because they know the response their disappearance would get, in terms of media, resources, what the parents will be able to do, etc.

 

[Aleph]

I wonder if JY said that the case had "become unusual" because of whatever new information LE has received that they wished they had received earlier, as mentioned at the press conference.

 

[Mom24]

Do you mean the publicity is unprecedented for New Hampshire? Abby's case has gotten a lot of media attention, but the amount doesn't really stand out from other high-profile cases. I do agree with you that the abductor(s) might not have expected for people to care and be interested in the case. They might have thought that the disappearance of teenage girl with the last name "Hernandez" would just be pushed aside. I noticed that children from wealthy or even upper middle class homes are rarely abducted by predators, and it makes me wonder if its because they know the response their disappearance would get, in terms of media, resources, what the parents will be able to do, etc.

Unprecedented for NH and for most cases. It does stand out for me from other high profile cases in terms of the way the information is being disseminated. I've never seen an online fb vigil before, or seen magnetized signs on vehicles. I've not seen bookmarks done in books or billboards, especially in the absence of much information and as quickly. This girl's face was everywhere within hours of her disappearance, in complete absence of an amber alert.
I agree that her last name may have made her appear an easy target. AH comes from a broken family and an apparent absentee father, another thing making her appear an easy target. She's 14 so having to do the dishes can seem "abusive" to a child that age, that's why the cinderella theme resonates with children at this age. Not to say she was abused, but kids that age can feel abused and then you've got another risk factor making them easy prey. I'm sure they didn't expect she came from a family that cared as much as they do and I'm equally sure they didn't understand the community she came from which is by large a very tight and supportive community. I also don't think they counted on a mother like ZH. ZH has ties to the community, she's educated, she's tough as nails and beyond that she's a fighter. Much easier to take a child and exploit them when mom is a single parent and overwhelmed with a teenager and has no emotional or moral support. I agree that whoever took her didn't expect this much publicity and it's putting pressure on them to return her. JMO

 

[takeitfromme412]

For those who live in NH, what is the general feeling about Jane Young? The only cases I recall her involvement were Krista's, which was not that difficult due to her being involved in drug dealing, and Celina, which remains unsolved. JMO

Jane Young... describe her as to how she does her job in one word....FANTASTIC.... I would never have a bad word to say about her... if I were in the position of my child being missing here in NH she is who I would want by my side as well as the victim/witness advocates that work in her office.....
She is excellent at her job and at running these kind of investigations from the AG's part of it. She works with the best of the best and these are all well educated and experienced investigators

 

[rizzo0904]

For those who live in NH, what is the general feeling about Jane Young? The only cases I recall her involvement were Krista's, which was not that difficult due to her being involved in drug dealing, and Celina, which remains unsolved. JMO

Honestly, I think at least 75% of people don't even know who she is...not a household name at all. So the general feeling is, who?

 

[sophiebelle]

Well, law enforcement does not need to reveal anything that may harm the investigation. Just know they are working diligently on this case and only they really need to know where the letter was postmarked from. I have hope they are getting closer to where abby may be.

Somebody told me once that you could send your letter to the "postmaster" in a different envelope and they would open their envelope and just mail the one you sent. It would then be post marked in a different state. That was 20 years ago and don't know if it would work now.

 

[Dixie811]

Somebody told me once that you could send your letter to the "postmaster" in a different envelope and they would open their envelope and just mail the one you sent. It would then be post marked in a different state. That was 20 years ago and don't know if it would work now.

I have heard that just recently, so I think it is still true.

 

[Eileen730]

I think she dropped the letter in a mail box and walked away.
Plain and simple! As I see it she ran away. I think she had threatened
To do it! Jmo

 

[gitana1]

For those who live in NH, what is the general feeling about Jane Young? The only cases I recall her involvement were Krista's, which was not that difficult due to her being involved in drug dealing, and Celina, which remains unsolved. JMO

Goodness gracious. Surely you don't believe that an assistant attorney general is involved in only a few cases? What can I say? She's only two steps down from the attorney general of the entire state. She's only one of three associate attorney generals. She's handled multiple homicide and other cases non-stop. Like I said before, no one gets promoted from assistant attorney general to associate attorney general unless they are stellar, tenacious, supremely intelligent rock stars with an incredible track record of convictions. That's just the way it is.

A couple other, more high profile cases some may be familiar with, other than the apparently incredibly easy to solve Krista Dittmeyer case, (which, BTW, people were saying was not being handled properly and were demanding info and complaining that Jane Young would not reveal anything), that Young has handled, included the super sad 2009 case of Christopher Gray, a mentally disabled Walmart worker who was missing for days until his body was found stabbed (four people were convicted in that case. Thanks, Jane), and the 2012 case of missing student Elizabeth Marriott (a couple arrests very quickly. Trials set for 2014. Thanks, Jane),

As to the Celina Cass case, here's what the state attorney general (the top position) had to say about her at that time:

State Attorney General Michael A. Delaney described Young as a “exemplary public servant” and “top-notch prosecutor” who has served the state well.

“She demonstrates a deep compassion for victims of crime, and she has a long record of successful criminal prosecutions,” Delaney said.

“I believe she has represented the Attorney General’s Office and the entire law enforcement community exceptionally well during this most difficult case in West Stewartstown, and she has been capably assisted by a strong team led by the New Hampshire State Police, the FBI and so many other law enforcement agencies,” Delaney said.

Young is an “excellent public speaker” with “good investigative instincts” and a “strong command” of the state’s criminal law, Delaney said.

Despite her low-key style, Young has handled many high profile cases since she joined the Attorney General’s Office in 1992. They include prosecuting the seven-week insanity trial of Sheila LaBarre, in which she helped convince a jury LaBarre was sane and guilty of two counts of first-degree murder. http://www.unionleader.com/article/20110803/NEWS03/708039985/0/NEWS0602

(Much more at link.)

It is important to note that Jane Young was promoted AFTER her handling of the Celina Cass case. So despite a lack of arrests, she is thought by the top brass to have done an incredible job with it.

Also, it's insanity to think this lady has not had a ridiculously successful track record. No way to get promoted to where she is otherwise. Here's a bit more on her promotion in 2011:

Young has served as the Criminal Justice Bureau Chief since 2007. She first joined the Office in 1992 as a drug prosecutor, following 3 years as an assistant county attorney in Hillsborough County. She is a veteran prosecutor and has led many of the Office's major criminal prosecutions and death investigations, including the seven-week first degree murder case of State v. Sheila Labarre, and the recent death investigation of Celina Cass in West Stewartstown. Attorney General Delaney stated: "Jane Young is a top-notch, seasoned prosecutor who has performed above and beyond the call of duty as a prosecutor for the State. I am pleased to promote her into this senior leadership position as the Associate Attorney General overseeing our public protection functions." http://doj.nh.gov/media-center/press-releases/2011/20111215-doj-appointments.htm

(More at link, including her prior work and what types of crimes were covered).

Again, some cases are incredibly hard to solve. Some will never be solved. That's not due to ineptitude. It's just life. It astounds me that of hundreds upon hundreds of successful arrests, convictions and prosecutions in a jurisdiction each year, some will point to a couple high profile cases that remain unsolved as proof that the investigators are bumbling. I think that just evidences an incredible naivete about the process.

Are there bumbling investigators? Prosecutors? It happens sometimes. I think Los Angeles County has had a poor track record in some missing adult cases, for example. But for the most part, investigators and prosecutors do more and know more than we can ever understand.

 

[Donna64]

I agree Eileen.

 

[takeitfromme412]

Goodness gracious. Surely you don't believe that an assistant attorney general is involved in only a few cases? What can I say? She's only two steps down from the attorney general of the entire state. She's only one of three associate attorney generals. She's handled multiple homicide and other cases non-stop. Like I said before, no one gets promoted from assistant attorney general to associate attorney general unless they are stellar, tenacious, supremely intelligent rock stars with an incredible track record of convictions. That's just the way it is.

A couple other, more high profile cases some may be familiar with, other than the apparently incredibly easy to solve Krista Dittmeyer case, (which, BTW, people were saying was not being handled properly and were demanding info and complaining that Jane Young would not reveal anything), that Young has handled, included the super sad 2009 case of Christopher Gray, a mentally disabled Walmart worker who was missing for days until his body was found stabbed (four people were convicted in that case. Thanks, Jane), and the 2012 case of missing student Elizabeth Marriott (a couple arrests very quickly. Trials set for 2014. Thanks, Jane),

As to the Celina Cass case, here's what the state attorney general (the top position) had to say about her at that time: (Much more at link.)

It is important to note that Jane Young was promoted AFTER her handling of the Celina Cass case. So despite a lack of arrests, she is thought by the top brass to have done an incredible job with it.

Also, it's insanity to think this lady has not had a ridiculously successful track record. No way to get promoted to where she is otherwise. Here's a bit more on her promotion in 2011: (More at link, including her prior work and what types of crimes were covered).

Again, some cases are incredibly hard to solve. Some will never be solved. That's not due to ineptitude. It's just life. It astounds me that of hundreds upon hundreds of successful arrests, convictions and prosecutions in a jurisdiction each year, some will point to a couple high profile cases that remain unsolved as proof that the investigators are bumbling. I think that just evidences an incredible naivete about the process.

Are there bumbling investigators? Prosecutors? It happens sometimes. I think Los Angeles County has had a poor track record in some missing adult cases, for example. But for the most part, investigators and prosecutors do more and know more than we can even understand.

I couldn't agree with you more. Like I said she is EXCELLENT at what she does, no doubt!

 

[gitana1]

Honestly, I think at least 75% of people don't even know who she is...not a household name at all. So the general feeling is, who?

Heck. I'm not from New Hampshire but I've sure heard of her! Long before this case.

 

[cluciano63]

Goodness gracious. Surely you don't believe that an assistant attorney general is involved in only a few cases? What can I say? She's only two steps down from the attorney general of the entire state. She's only one of three associate attorney generals. She's handled multiple homicide and other cases non-stop. Like I said before, no one gets promoted from assistant attorney general to associate attorney general unless they are stellar, tenacious, supremely intelligent rock stars with an incredible track record of convictions. That's just the way it is.

A couple other, more high profile cases some may be familiar with, other than the apparently incredibly easy to solve Krista Dittmeyer case, (which, BTW, people were saying was not being handled properly and were demanding info and complaining that Jane Young would not reveal anything), that Young has handled, included the super sad 2009 case of Christopher Gray, a mentally disabled Walmart worker who was missing for days until his body was found stabbed (four people were convicted in that case. Thanks, Jane), and the 2012 case of missing student Elizabeth Marriott (a couple arrests very quickly. Trials set for 2014. Thanks, Jane),

As to the Celina Cass case, here's what the state attorney general (the top position) had to say about her at that time: (Much more at link.)

It is important to note that Jane Young was promoted AFTER her handling of the Celina Cass case. So despite a lack of arrests, she is thought by the top brass to have done an incredible job with it.

Also, it's insanity to think this lady has not had a ridiculously successful track record. No way to get promoted to where she is otherwise. Here's a bit more on her promotion in 2011: (More at link, including her prior work and what types of crimes were covered).

Again, some cases are incredibly hard to solve. Some will never be solved. That's not due to ineptitude. It's just life. It astounds me that of hundreds upon hundreds of successful arrests, convictions and prosecutions in a jurisdiction each year, some will point to a couple high profile cases that remain unsolved as proof that the investigators are bumbling. I think that just evidences an incredible naivete about the process.

Are there bumbling investigators? Prosecutors? It happens sometimes. I think Los Angeles County has had a poor track record in some missing adult cases, for example. But for the most part, investigators and prosecutors do more and know more than we can ever understand.

I was merely asking a question and mentioned the two cases I had followed. I hardly thought they were the only ones she ever worked.

 

[SurfieTX]

Gitana, may I please ask you a question? What are the parameters or guidelines that are required for the AG to be involved early on in a missing person's case, especially one like Abby's?

 

[takeitfromme412]

Gitana, may I please ask you a question? What are the parameters or guidelines that are required for the AG to be involved early on in a missing person's case, especially one like Abby's?

I know this question is not directed towards me, and maybe Gitana can answer it better, but when there is suspicion of a crime (such as abduction or homicide) that brings in the need for the NH State Police Major Crimes Unit the AG's office is notified and from there is involved.... the MCU and the homicide unit of the AG's office work hand in hand as the homicide division of the AG's office falls under the AG's Public Protection Bureau

 

[gitana1]

I was merely asking a question and mentioned the two cases I had followed. I hardly thought they were the only ones she ever worked.

Okay. I thought I sensed a criticism of her expertise in your post based on the timing of it as well mention of one apparently "not that difficult"
case and one "unsolved" one she has handled. I wanted to make sure that everyone understands you don't get where she is without superior skills and also that she is among thd best of the best in general.

Gitana, may I please ask you a question? What are the parameters or guidelines that are required for the AG to be involved early on in a missing person's case, especially one like Abby's?

I was set to answer this, but see below:

I know this question is not directed towards me, and maybe Gitana can answer it better, but when there is suspicion of a crime (such as abduction or homicide) that brings in the need for the NH State Police Major Crimes Unit the AG's office is notified and from there is involved.... the MCU and the homicide unit of the AG's office work hand in hand as the homicide division of the AG's office falls under the AG's Public Protection Bureau

Frankly, your answer is more comprehensive and informed than mine would have been. Thanks!!

 

[cluciano63]

Okay. I thought I sensed a criticism of her expertise in your post based on the timing of it as well mention of one apparently "not that difficult"
case and one "unsolved" one she has handled. I wanted to make sure that everyone understands you don't get where she is without superior skills and also that she is among thd best of the best in general.



I was set to answer this, but see below:



Frankly, your answer is more comprehensive and informed than mine would have been. Thanks!!

Well Sarah Palin got to be governor, lol...
Just kidding.
I know nothing of Jane Young, which is why I asked.
We have had women in power in my state whose incompetence at times was midn-boggling, as well as men, so it does make one wonder...some people DO get into high positions when they shouldn't. JMO

 

[Cardinal47]

Honeybun, could you please explain your theory of the letter possibly being mailed twice?

Sure. What if Abby is out of state and doesn't want to be found. So she sends her letter to mom via a friend..relative in NH and they send it from a NH city.

That would explain it taking 10 days and being local...well in state.

 

[Cardinal47]

Honestly, I think at least 75% of people don't even know who she is...not a household name at all. So the general feeling is, who?

I like to judge how a person is doing their job by the results.

So far zero!

So sing ye praises all ye want but still no Abby!

 

[Cardinal47]

I know this question is not directed towards me, and maybe Gitana can answer it better, but when there is suspicion of a crime (such as abduction or homicide) that brings in the need for the NH State Police Major Crimes Unit the AG's office is notified and from there is involved.... the MCU and the homicide unit of the AG's office work hand in hand as the homicide division of the AG's office falls under the AG's Public Protection Bureau

Thank you for that. Now I have a question.

What about missing Abby brought in the NH State Police Major Crimes Unit?

This was just a missing girl like hundreds of others that get no attention.

Why this one?