ACTIVE SEARCH SD - Serenity Dennard, 9, Children’s Home Society, Pennington County, 3 Feb 2019 #2

[PommyMommy]

The change in time - odd, but I need to go back and see the original report. It may be a misunderstanding.
The parking lot people - that is not strange at all. The parking lot is down a hill from the road, with trees around it. So she was spotted, they reported it, but she disappears from their vantage point.
The search warrants - that has never been answered and I have wondered about that since they mentioned it. I don't think they would need a search warrant to verify time of the 911 call though, as that would have been logged.
Serenity standing by the gate for 20 minutes - that is pure speculation, and I don't think it is true. Just because she was seen there does not mean she was standing there the whole time. First she had to find a way out - again, something that is unclear - does the gym door go directly outside or to a hallway? Then once out did she run directly to the gate and wait? I don't think so. Neither the parking lot people nor the staff member indicated that she was merely waiting. They both reported her as moving - to the road, along the road, then up into the hills. At no point was she seen simply standing and waiting. I don't think it is a valid assumption to say that when she left the gym, she ran as fast as she could for the cattle guard and then simply stood there for 20 minutes. That still doesn't explain entirely what Serenity did for those 15 or 20 minutes, but I think the parking lot people didn't say she was running, just walking. And it does take time to walk from the gym to the road.

Thank you for this post. I was just about to ask where it was reported that she was seen standing at the gate. I don't remember reading that either but if anyone has a link to that, I'd like to see it.
MOO

 

[SkipperKey3]

Ive got insomnia, and I keep thinking about this.

Things that bother me about this:
If she was in the gym, those doors are locked from the inside, and you need a pass code to open them. The only time they are supposed to unlock other than staff access, is if a fire alarm is pulled.

If she was outside, why wasn't she wearing a coat? It was below freezing already.

Did the person she ran from call for help of other staff before or after the parent saw her in the parking lot?

Why, when staff said they saw her run for the trees did they waste time and not call 911?

Staff said they immediately called 911, and then it comes out that they waited at least an hour, if not closer to two hours.

That facility has a ton of cameras, including one aimed at the parking lot/cattle guards area. I wonder why footage of her heading to the road hasn't been released.

Did staff see her run across the cattle guard before or after the parent and passenger said they saw her?

Some thoughts: I actually wonder if staff actually saw her run off to start with, or if a staff member or two are covering their backsides.

The scenario of the person who saw her in the parking lot picking her up is unlikely. If they were returning their kid, that means that they were close to getting them out of the Home. I doubt they would risk getting their child back and going to prison.

I do wonder if them notifying the Home was the first anybody actually knew about her running away.

The cameras are curious, to say the least. If in fact they had cameras inside and out, there should be some that show Serenity at some point.
She was in the gym - do those doors go outside or to a hallway?
Are the doors locked on the inside or just from the outside? If they are in fact locked on the inside, and require a pass code as you say, just how did she get outside?
As for not wearing a coat, that was probably just instinctual on her part - she ran and saw a chance to get outside.
Staff went out to where they saw Serenity. When Serenity wasn't there and they knew she headed up in the trees, that's when 911 should have been called.
Someone said the outside cameras were down because of the weather, although there was some question as to which cameras were implicated - the Home cameras or the MSM cameras. Nonetheless, it has been mild and the temps were only just dropping that day. I would have expected the cameras to still be operational when Serenity ran as it was still in the 20s. The issue of the cameras really bothers me.
The staff did not see her run across the cattle guard (or more specifically, on the main road BY the cattle guard), that was the passenger/parent. They went in and reported it and that's when the staff saw her cross the road and head toward the hills - that is, if the stories we have pieced together are correct.
I agree that the parking lot people wouldn't have picked Serenity up. In fact, they are reported to have gone up and down the road looking for her, but were unsuccessful.
I agree that each statement is by itself inconclusive. I am just trying to build a cohesive picture. Since it has been reported that more than one person actually saw her outside on the road, I think that can be taken as fact.

 

[YaYa_521]

That is heartbreaking, mean, cruel, and I will stop there.

Oh dear Serenity, I hope you never felt anything like this.

I wish you could see, and feel, all the love that strangers are showering you with. We all care. We all pray for a positive outcome. I know Serenity will always hold a place in my heart.

Thanks for this, Jim. She is loved now more than ever before!

For me, the word 'serenity' is forever changed. I imagine myself thinking of her each and every time I see/hear/think of it. It'll be even more beautiful of a word than it was before. May Serenity be resting in peaceful serenity.

 

[SkipperKey3]

Thank you for this post. I was just about to ask where it was reported that she was seen standing at the gate. I don't remember reading that either but if anyone has a link to that, I'd like to see it.
MOO

I think I assumed that by "gate" they meant the cattle guard.

 

[SkipperKey3]

FYI... I am assuming the passenger in the car of the woman dropping someone off was an adult or teenager given that she left that person in the car when she went in to report that serenity was outside. I would never leave a child in my car for one second unattended.

I believe they reported that the passenger left in the car was another adult.

 

[PommyMommy]

From FEB 7:

Children's Home staff called 911 later than initially reported
[...]
The timeline of 9-year-old Serenity Dennard's disappearance was confirmed by Helene Duhamel, spokeswoman with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, and Bill Colson, executive director of the Children's Home Society, which runs the Black Hills Children's Home near Rockerville.

"We have been reviewing the events of Sunday and have confirmed that the 911 call was placed at 12:26," Colson wrote in an email on Thursday. "When Serenity left staff sight on Sunday, we immediately conducted a thorough search of our grounds and buildings. When we were unable to find Serenity we called law enforcement."

Colson initially said on Monday that Dennard ran away before noon and staff called 911 "right away."

While dozens of people on social media have been asking why the staff didn't call 911 sooner, Duhamel said there's no one right time to call police in a situation like this.

"There is no set standard for how long people should wait before they call for help. It's case by case with a lot of variables," she said.

[...]

Investigators later determined that someone heading to the Children's Home around 11 a.m. was probably the last to see Dennard, Duhamel said. She was near the cattle guard in front of the Children's Home and heading north on South Rockerville Road.

Dennard went missing around 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning when she ran away from the Children's Home while playing inside the facility's gym, Colson previously said. Dennard and three other children were being supervised by two staff members when one of the other children ran away but stayed inside the building. As a staffer ran after that child, Dennard then took off herself, running outside. Because the remaining staff member was still supervising two other children, the staffer stayed put and called for help rather than follow Dennard and leave the others behind. Staff then searched for Dennard before calling 911.

 

[SkipperKey3]

BBM

I think the staff member who called for help did so immediately (10:45 a.m.), however, they didn't know that Serenity went outside. By the time the woman who was dropping off a relative (11:00 a.m.) reported seeing Serenity outside, 15 minutes had elapsed. They were looking for her inside the building.

Also, the director originally stated that 911 was called immediately and later corrected that to the staff member called for help immediately, and 911 was called when they couldn't locate Serenity. The director wasn't there when Serenity ran and was relaying events as told to him - the staff member called for help immediately could easily be misunderstood as they called 911 immediately. I don't think anyone was untruthful.
MOO

I agree that the focused the search inside initially, and only when told she was outside did they shift focus. That is - I agree if it is true that the gym door she went through only heads to a hallway, not directly outdoors. And if in fact it takes a pass code to get outside, that is another reason why they would have focused on finding her inside.
Supposing... what if in fact she WAS inside for the first 10 minutes or so, wandering around, but found a maintenance door that was unlocked for some reason, and only then went outside? Then it would take her another five or ten minutes to walk (maybe around the building if the maintenance door was in the back) across the yards and get to where she was spotted at the road near the cattle gate?

 

[SkipperKey3]

Hopefully they can start the searches soon, or better yet find Serenity somewhere alive and warm. It looks like a little better weather is just beyond the horizon. It is nasty and bitter cold there right now.



Rockerville March Weather 2019 - AccuWeather Forecast for SD 57702

I hope this is accurate. It looks like it will be bitterly cold through the weekend, but then things finally start improving?

 

[misgrn]

Quotes snipped by me for focus.

I am confused. My understanding is that Black Hills Childrens Home is not a locked facility. It is locked from the outside but the exits are not. Bill Colson was even quoted in an article stating that it was not a lockdown facility.

Children's home focused on supporting children and staff

Not discounting your experience. Just asking for clarification. If it is a locked facilities that is an important distinction.

Thanks for the rest of your info in the quotes, especially regarding the cameras because that was also more info than I had seen before

I know I had to be buzzed in and show identification each time.

The issue I have is that those doors are supped to be locked at all times and only unlock with a pass code or if the fire alarm is pulled.

Ive got insomnia, and I keep thinking about this.

Things that bother me about this:
If she was in the gym, those doors are locked from the inside, and you need a pass code to open them. The only time they are supposed to unlock other than staff access, is if a fire alarm is pulled.

 

[PommyMommy]

I agree that the focused the search inside initially, and only when told she was outside did they shift focus. That is - I agree if it is true that the gym door she went through only heads to a hallway, not directly outdoors. And if in fact it takes a pass code to get outside, that is another reason why they would have focused on finding her inside.
Supposing... what if in fact she WAS inside for the first 10 minutes or so, wandering around, but found a maintenance door that was unlocked for some reason, and only then went outside? Then it would take her another five or ten minutes to walk (maybe around the building if the maintenance door was in the back) across the yards and get to where she was spotted at the road near the cattle gate?

@Monkey boy is the one who told us that the gym door leads to a hallway. Perhaps he can tell us from there where the exit doors are that lead outside. ?
MOO

 

[SkipperKey3]

From FEB 7:

Children's Home staff called 911 later than initially reported
[...]
The timeline of 9-year-old Serenity Dennard's disappearance was confirmed by Helene Duhamel, spokeswoman with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, and Bill Colson, executive director of the Children's Home Society, which runs the Black Hills Children's Home near Rockerville.

"We have been reviewing the events of Sunday and have confirmed that the 911 call was placed at 12:26," Colson wrote in an email on Thursday. "When Serenity left staff sight on Sunday, we immediately conducted a thorough search of our grounds and buildings. When we were unable to find Serenity we called law enforcement."

Colson initially said on Monday that Dennard ran away before noon and staff called 911 "right away."

While dozens of people on social media have been asking why the staff didn't call 911 sooner, Duhamel said there's no one right time to call police in a situation like this.

"There is no set standard for how long people should wait before they call for help. It's case by case with a lot of variables," she said.

[...]

Investigators later determined that someone heading to the Children's Home around 11 a.m. was probably the last to see Dennard, Duhamel said. She was near the cattle guard in front of the Children's Home and heading north on South Rockerville Road.

Dennard went missing around 10:45 a.m. Sunday morning when she ran away from the Children's Home while playing inside the facility's gym, Colson previously said. Dennard and three other children were being supervised by two staff members when one of the other children ran away but stayed inside the building. As a staffer ran after that child, Dennard then took off herself, running outside. Because the remaining staff member was still supervising two other children, the staffer stayed put and called for help rather than follow Dennard and leave the others behind. Staff then searched for Dennard before calling 911.

That is part of what has been so confusing. Here it says the people in the parking lot may have been the last to see her, but later they reported that these people went in and reported it, and that a staff member actually looked out at that point and saw Serenity cross the road and head into the hills. For example:

Investigators seek couple that might have seen missing girl

"The staffers could not catch up to Dennard as she ran across Rockerville Road and into the hills."

 

[SkipperKey3]

@Monkey boy is the one who told us that the gym door leads to a hallway. Perhaps he can tell us from there where the exit doors are that lead outside. ?
MOO

If it is like a lot of school gymnasiums, most doors lead to other inside hallways, but one door (or two perhaps) may lead directly outside. The real question is - where did the specific door Serenity used lead to? And I don't think we have been told that, although they would definitely know.

 

[SkipperKey3]

Thanks for this, Jim. She is loved now more than ever before!

For me, the word 'serenity' is forever changed. I imagine myself thinking of her each and every time I see/hear/think of it. It'll be even more beautiful of a word than it was before. May Serenity be resting in peaceful serenity.

Me too. But I also find myself wondering if she had a shorter nickname that she was called. Most names with that many syllables are shortened. I have trouble coming up with a shorted version of Serenity. Maybe Renni? Not really relevant, just something that runs through my mind.

 

[sodakblackbird]

I hope this is accurate. It looks like it will be bitterly cold through the weekend, but then things finally start improving?

Unfortunately, not by much.
We desperately need a few days that get above freezing and melt the snow.

 

[jewelsmac]

I agree that the focused the search inside initially, and only when told she was outside did they shift focus. That is - I agree if it is true that the gym door she went through only heads to a hallway, not directly outdoors. And if in fact it takes a pass code to get outside, that is another reason why they would have focused on finding her inside.
Supposing... what if in fact she WAS inside for the first 10 minutes or so, wandering around, but found a maintenance door that was unlocked for some reason, and only then went outside? Then it would take her another five or ten minutes to walk (maybe around the building if the maintenance door was in the back) across the yards and get to where she was spotted at the road near the cattle gate?

I’ve been wondering.... while a door leading from the gym to a hallway could be locked, I would imagine that any door that leads to the outside would have to be able to be opened from the inside, for fire safety reasons right? It might be alarmed so they would know if someone went through it but I would doubt that an exterior door would be locked in a way that prevented someone getting out sign during an emergency. Would that be true?

 

[mrbeansmom]

I'm going to switch gears and put out a scenario... Beautiful 9 year old Serenity may have some serious family dynamics we are unaware of due to sealed records but staff are all privy to. Perhaps staff is upset by her life story up to this point and how she has been treated by people in her past that have cared for her ( all speculation) and decide that she doesn't belong in the home, and maybe they want to take her out of this situation and take care of her on their own or know someone who could provide a "better life" for her?

In this case, Serenity could be alive.

It may explain why there was the almost 2 hour delay in calling the police, and lack of foot prints and dog scents??
Initially, I thought the lack of tracks and scent were potentially related to the weather but what if it isn't?

Where are her parents? I haven't seen any media coverage of them pleading for help or bringing attention to the case. I have seen in articles it mention the sheriff is in "regular contact with them." I have only heard about the cousin who hasn't seen Serenity in years pushing the Serenity Alert. Why isn't anyone talking?

I am friends with someone who knows the adoptive family intimately, and she can assure you that it is a very loving family who has never wanted anything but the best for Serenity. They are aching beyond words at this time. I would imagine they are following exactly what they've been told concerning speaking out.

 

[mrbeansmom]

Serenity's mom is active on at least 1 Facebook group, I'm not sure why she hasn't spoken out, other than the fact people have heaped accusations at her.

It would be VERY hard for someone to arrange to get a child out of there.

Are you referring to her birthmom? I don't believe the adoptive mom would even be seeking to take her out of there. Most adoptive moms, like myself, who are seeking treatment for their child have to jump through incredibly hoops just to get their kids in, and typically, you can remove them any time you want. They are not prisoners.

 

[PommyMommy]

That is part of what has been so confusing. Here it says the people in the parking lot may have been the last to see her, but later they reported that these people went in and reported it, and that a staff member actually looked out at that point and saw Serenity cross the road and head into the hills. For example:

Investigators seek couple that might have seen missing girl

"The staffers could not catch up to Dennard as she ran across Rockerville Road and into the hills."

Actually, this report is earlier (Feb 4) and it's unclear to me whether that information was confirmed by the PCSO. The statement is not attributed to anyone so it may be an assumption made by the reporter. I don't know.

Interestingly, the article also says, "Children's Home Society Executive Director Bill Colson, said Dennard was last seen playing with three other children in the gym when she ran out of the school," which leads me to believe that no staff member saw Serenity outside - just the person dropping off a family member.
MOO

ETA: Emphasis mine

 

[mrbeansmom]

UPDATE: Sheriff's Office looking for couple who last saw missing girl
Unfortunately once in a while they get away from us. It’s very, very rare. I don’t remember another situation like this one where a child has been gone this long," he said.

Sadly, this is true. Another friend who lives in the area where all this is taking place posted this yesterday. It broke my heart. It's not what anyone wants to think, but I guess, realistically, it could be true.

"Unfortunately, the treatment center she was in is out in the middle of the Black Hills, away from anything else. It's very mountainous and rough there. She could have gone off into the trees and gotten lost, then crawled into a hidden place to try to get warm. There are also quite a few mountain lions in that area. They may not find her body, or what's left of it, for years."

 

[YaYa_521]

Me too. But I also find myself wondering if she had a shorter nickname that she was called. Most names with that many syllables are shortened. I have trouble coming up with a shorted version of Serenity. Maybe Renni? Not really relevant, just something that runs through my mind.

Renni! Such a cute nickname, imo. I'd much rather play "Guess this whatever about Serenity" than to sit around thinking about what may have happened to her. I pray she's safe but ya know...

Yeah, I'll call her Renni with you, and imo, it's very relevant.