TX TX - Deanna Merryfield, 13, Killeen, 22 July 1990 - #1

  • #321
You are very welcome. (Sorry for the tears, though!:( )
I have always thought music is a powerful method of communication and healing, at times. I myself have spent time compiling specific songs for particular occasions or ppl., and they have always been received warmly. It is a great way to purge our feelings and sometimes escape for a few moments. I play music in my office continuously...and sometimes I have to be careful what it is or I will get a little too emotional about a case!

Let me know if I can help with this investigation in any way. You have some good people on your side already, it seems!

OT: How goes the house situation?
P.S. My new quote in my signature line is in honor of you!:angel:
 
  • #322
I found this article with some contact numbers for inquiring in Mexico...
The article is not relevant, but I include it for the contact and as an indication that there are lots of unidentified persons in mexico, but getting the info is somewhat problematic, sigh
http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-57882755.html
Digging starts for 120 remains in Mexico: 600 soldiers plus FBI unit of 100 seek drug lords' victims, some American.(Nation)
From: The Washington Times | Date: December 1, 1999 | Author: Aynesworth, Hugh | More results for: mexico unidentified persons

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico - The first human remains were found yesterday in the search for more than 100 victims of Mexican drug lords.

A large contingent of FBI agents and hundreds of Mexican soldiers and police continue searching for bodies around two remote ranches about 10 miles south of here.

"At this stage there are four sites where there could be human remains . . . and we are carrying out thorough investigations at two," said Jose Larrieta Carrasco, head of the organized crime unit of the Mexican Attorney General's Office.

Assistant FBI Director Thomas Pickard said in Washington that agents found part of one body yesterday morning. An El Paso, Texas, source, a local lawman, said two more were found later in the day.

"We believe these people were killed for their knowledge or for being witnesses to drug trafficking endeavors," Mr. Pickard said. "Most of the information we have shows these individuals were buried there at least two or three years ago, so it's not a recent situation."

"We have at least a hundred people there [investigating]," said Mr. Pickard, "the Mexicans have six or seven hundred."

Mexican Attorney General Jorge Madrazo said 120 persons could be buried in the ravines and trenches. Several sources said 20 to 25 Americans could be among the victims.

"The list is more than 100 persons who hypothetically could be buried in those points," Mr. Madrazo told the Televisa network yesterday in Mexico. Later he specifically mentioned a list of 120 missing persons they were seeking, 22 of whom are Americans.

At an El Paso news conference yesterday, officials said they were not looking for the bodies of any agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration or the FBI.

Mr. Madrazo said the victims died at the hands of the Juarez drug cartel, one of the most vicious trafficking organizations the past five years or more. Most were believed to have been either informers or people closely aligned with rival organizations.

Agents at the scene yesterday weren't talking, but some local officials close to the investigation - now several weeks old - said the Mexican government was informed of the burial site by an unidentified Mexican police officer accused of several murders. Other media reported that the ex-officer had passed a polygraph test.

On Monday night, dozens of Mexican soldiers, guns drawn and black ski masks hiding their faces, surrounded one of two targeted ranches - some scaling a concrete wall topped with razor wire to gain entrance.

The ranch is located on a two-lane highway with little more than desert close by. A junkyard sits across the highway. The area is not lighted.

Rodrigo Falcon, 18, told reporters Monday night his family had been taking care of the Ortiz property for about two years. When he returned from his job in Juarez, he said, Mexican soldiers refused to let him enter the property. He said his family was detained inside.

At Mexico's request, the United States has ordered 68 FBI agents and forensic experts, plus support personnel, to help examine the ranches. Part of the U.S. contingent had recently returned from a investigation of possible war crimes in Kosovo.

"It's a major enforcement initiative by the U.S. and Mexico," said Louis J. Freeh, FBI director.

While the expected body count is vast, several times that many people have been reported missing in the past four or five years in Mexico, a direct result of the continual battle for control of the billions of dollars realized from narcotics trafficking across the U.S.-Mexican border.

Mexico's Attorney General's Office gave two phone numbers for people to call to pass along information or to inquire about missing family members: 800/338-5856 and 800/716-7852.

A Texas missing persons association said it was flooded with phone calls yesterday from hundreds of relatives of people who disappeared from Ciudad Juarez.
 
  • #323
You are very welcome. (Sorry for the tears, though!:( )
I have always thought music is a powerful method of communication and healing, at times. I myself have spent time compiling specific songs for particular occasions or ppl., and they have always been received warmly. It is a great way to purge our feelings and sometimes escape for a few moments. I play music in my office continuously...and sometimes I have to be careful what it is or I will get a little too emotional about a case!

Let me know if I can help with this investigation in any way. You have some good people on your side already, it seems!

OT: How goes the house situation?
P.S. My new quote in my signature line is in honor of you!:angel:

Thank you Sloane-I am the same way about music-that is funny! When my husband and I first were married we were young and too broke to afford anniversary gifts for the first few years. I always found song lyrics to describe how I felt and wrote them down and gave them to him. I still do it now-just to remember where we were in the beginning (even though it's only been 8 years).

The house is going well. It should be complete in the beginning of June and then we are supposed to close on June 29th. It's the first house we're buying so we're nervous and giddy at the same time! Still have a lot to do since it's much smaller than the one we're renting-but it is so much safer! We live on the coast and a good portion of the housing was wiped out because of hurricane Katrina. This one will have steel framing, steel roof and strong windows, and it comes pre-wired for a generator! And it is about the same price as the other (older,dumpier) houses on the market here! Okay-I'm rambling!
 
  • #324
Monkalup-thank you so much for taking the time out to find that information!!
 
  • #325
Things are kind of slow right now. Sgt. Davis still hasn't called my sister to get a DNA sample from her. My sister was supposed to get Deanna into the NCMEC but I think she's too busy to have a chance, so I'll probably step in and do that in a day or two.
 
  • #326
Hi MissieMT, It's Angie I finally made it on. I am so glad to hear you got Deanna posted on Doe Network. They are amazing.
 
  • #327
Hang in there, MissieMt!

I know it must be difficult when things were moving along nicely, and then you have a lull, but you're doing a great job. It seems you have your sister Bekki on board to help you some, as well, so that is good. It will be great once the detective gets your DNA so it will then be on file. I know that must be a bittersweet thing to do, but a wise one.

thinking of you,
 
  • #328
okay everyone just a quick update (or not)-
I've emailed and called Sgt.Davis. For some reason he is not returning my calls or writing back. Not sure why, but I'm hoping it's because he's trying to come up with some new info or something. Nothing new from anyone right now:(
 
  • #329
Hang in there, MissieMt!

I know it must be difficult when things were moving along nicely, and then you have a lull, but you're doing a great job. It seems you have your sister Bekki on board to help you some, as well, so that is good. It will be great once the detective gets your DNA so it will then be on file. I know that must be a bittersweet thing to do, but a wise one.

thinking of you,
Good Morning Sloane!!
So nice to see you on again-I think you were writing the same time I was!
Bekki is waiting on a phone call from SgtDavis. He said he would call her once he gets the dna kit. It's easier for her to do since I live out of state. I will be excited once that is done. I think then I will know that if she is found we have a good chance of identifying her!
 
  • #330
Hi sloane and Missie:blowkiss:. Thank you sloane for all that you do. You are a kindred spirit, my friend.

Missie, I hope that Sgt. Davis is able to get the ball rolling on the DNA and other aspects of the investigation. Have you updated him with the info about the two Hispanic men and the cousin? I hope he is able to find out some things regarding those two pieces of info. I know it is not easy playing the waiting game.

OT: Falcon is doing very well, but he is not easy to keep minimally active. Thank you for your warm wishes and hopes and prayers.

Lion
 
  • #331
Awww, I'm so happy Falcon is feeling better!! I can't imagine trying to keep a pup calm for this long.
I did let Sgt.Davis know about all of the info. I emailed and called him last week to see if he was able to follow up on any of it, and so far he hasn't emailed me back. There must be something keeping the poor guy busy! I'm trying to be patient. With some things/people it's really hard. You guys are great, I just wish everyone involved with Deanna shared your enthusiasm! Thank You!!!
 
  • #332
Hello Missie and LionRun (and anyone else who reads this)

First, glad to her Falcon is doing well. And Missie it sounds like things are progressing with the search for Deanna. I have been following this thread from the beginning. I also wanted to say that I really respect your postings on other threads - you are always articulate and sensitive and sensible!

Okay, so excuse me for jumping in here O/T but I need to ask LionRun a favour and I know she hangs out here. LionRun am I remembering correctly that you train or used to train search dogs? Or I have I you mixed you up with another poster? I'm asking because if you do/did, we need your help over in the Jennifer Kesse thread. I'm not sure how familiar you are with her case but it is really a mystery and she has been missing for 1 1/2 years. (I think I've seen your name over there Missie). There is renewed interest because new video footage was released in the last couple of weeks. Anyway, tracking dogs were used and several of the posters have come up with some good questions. Would you be able to pop over there when you have a minute and see if you know any of the answers?
TIA:blowkiss: Utopia

Again, sorry for the O/T - Good luck with the search Deanna!

Hi sloane and Missie:blowkiss:. Thank you sloane for all that you do. You are a kindred spirit, my friend.

Missie, I hope that Sgt. Davis is able to get the ball rolling on the DNA and other aspects of the investigation. Have you updated him with the info about the two Hispanic men and the cousin? I hope he is able to find out some things regarding those two pieces of info. I know it is not easy playing the waiting game.

OT: Falcon is doing very well, but he is not easy to keep minimally active. Thank you for your warm wishes and hopes and prayers.

Lion
 
  • #333
Bumping for my sister. Still waiting to hear from Sgt. Davis. Hope to get word about the polygraph (or something, anything) soon.
 
  • #334
Hi Missie:). Do you know if the step father has agreed to take the pg? That would be great! Please let us know if he takes it and what LE says the results are. This is interesting. I know that Sgt. Davis was going to look into getting him to take a pg. I sure hope he is successful.

Lion
 
  • #335
I don't know that he's agreed to take it. I will be so happy when I hear what Sgt. Davis says about that. I guess he'll either agree to take and be cleared (or not cleared, and then he'll have some explaining to do) or he's going to refuse to take it, which Sgt. Davis has already said would raise red flags and give him a solid reason to take him in for some serious questioning.
 
  • #336
Your step fathers probation officers should have lots of info. being that Deanna was the charge and all pertinent info. would have to be included in the files given to the officer.

I think the key to understanding everything going on at the time is the details in the sexual offense towards Deanna. The very minute details, descriptive account of how, when where and what went down concerning the step father. That very well could explain Deanna's behaviors and what she possibly was thinking and motivating her at the time.

What was so important Deanna needed to discuss with her twin at 3:00a.m. in the morning? That couldn't wait for a normal visit. To risk upsetting and waking the household of the uncle and being caught.

Where was the step father and what was his alibi at the exact time of Deanna's disappearance? What does he say about it? I would personally contact him face to face with Deanna's new posters, websites and information you now have publically listed. His answer as to why Deanna was never heart felt searched for by him and your mother. Very very impressive and excellent work to all those who aided.

Bless you Missie, everyone should have a loved one like you. Never give up, who do you think places that desire for the truth inside of you to begin with?

Lets contact America's Most wanted and have them do a segment on Deanna, somebody with some authority and weight to contact those in positions to help like police and push some buttons.
 
  • #337
Thank you for all of your questions KOOL LOOK. The charge against him was "indecency with a child/sexual contact".
I don't think Deanna had anything pressing to discuss with her sister. If she did, we probably never will know what it was because she didn't get the chance to talk to her for long. I think she was just being a "rebel" by sneaking out, and decided to go say "hi". But I don't know that for sure.
I don't think our stepfather ever had to give an alibi. I don't think he, or anyone, was ever questioned when she was reported missing. And I honestly with all my heart, believe I could throw all the fliers and pictures in his face and demand answers and he STILL would not give me the answers I need. Either because he doesn't have them, or because he would be (once again) trying to cover his own hiney.
 
  • #338
Thank you for all of your questions KOOL LOOK. The charge against him was "indecency with a child/sexual contact".
I don't think Deanna had anything pressing to discuss with her sister. If she did, we probably never will know what it was because she didn't get the chance to talk to her for long. I think she was just being a "rebel" by sneaking out, and decided to go say "hi". But I don't know that for sure.
I don't think our stepfather ever had to give an alibi. I don't think he, or anyone, was ever questioned when she was reported missing. And I honestly with all my heart, believe I could throw all the fliers and pictures in his face and demand answers and he STILL would not give me the answers I need. Either because he doesn't have them, or because he would be (once again) trying to cover his own hiney.


When I used to word charge, I didn't mean his charges. I meant Deanna being the charge of the state, department of family services, criminal then to the probation officers. Get the court transcripts from the hearing, they shouldn't be that long or expensive.

How about your moms best friend? A confidant? Someone she would have confided in, almost everyone has that kind of person in their lives. Who was close to her, a peer at the time? And drunks dooooooooo talkkkkkkk. :crazy: I sure did. Couldn't get me to shut up.

I think the step father could be persuaded to talk, especially since he was found guilty, did his time and is in no way in any legal trouble concerning the crime. I just wonder, if he ever threatened Deanna? The grandmother should know that reported the incident.
 
  • #339
I'm sure CPS has records of the charges and their findings. I will have to try talking to them again. I've sent a request for the police records, and I was told that I would legally be allowed to have them, but I haven't received them. I think I will send another request, but I will wait until we move at the end of this month so that if they actually get sent this time they don't get lost in the mail.
Our stepfather is one who is very eager to please (although he may have ulterior motives for doing so). I'm sure if he has nothing to hide he will go in for the polygraph.
From all accounts so far our stepfather didn't threaten Deanna, at least not while people were around. Once we were ordered to go live with other family members I don't think he had much contact with her. Our Grandmother never liked him (for other reasons) so she never wanted to be around him.
 
  • #340
Missie, Just keep being steadfast, never giving up til you get answers. Answers are there. Keep asking and requesting. When others see this isn't a wagon your on for a short ride, and realize your in it til the end they will help.

Especially law enforcement, you may have to stay on their heals. Not putting down LE, but some poeple are lazy by nature, settled in their jobs and don't feel urgency or importance as they should.

Keeping this thread alive and fresh.
 

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