Melanie Metheny

There is a letter on the family website of Melanie Metheny that her family discovered among her belongings that they didn't even know was there. At the end of the letter Melanie writes the following:

"Being a single mom is not easy at all but watching my kids grow up and watching them learn new things is the greatest feeling that I ever had. I would not change them for the world and I don't know where I'd be right now if I didn't have them but I know my life wouldn't have as much meaning."

The rest of the letter is a mother's tribute to her children, a heartfelt look at them individually, something deep for young 21 year old mother with 3 children. The letter gives the reader a peek into the depths of love a mother has for her children.

After reading those words lovingly put down on paper by Melanie Metheny, there can be no question in the reader's mind that she did not drop them off at day care on the morning of July 19, 2006 and walk away into a new life. Something has happened to Melanie and someone knows exactly what that something is.

Melanie had too many life plans in place to just take off, 3 children, nursing school, and money saved in the bank for a new home. Not the typical things someone who is unhappy with their life would have. Melanie had a lot to look forward to in her life and in the lives of her children.

There have been extensive searches which have turned up nothing so far except her minivan found parked on "the wrong side of town", which, as usual, leaves rumors and speculations running rampant. It is reported that she was last seen by her boyfriend of 5 months, Jared Davis. The family has not given up, and will not give up, looking for her. Her children ask questions and in an earlier article in the WV Gazette, grandmother Sandra Winnings is quoted:

“What can you tell them? What can you say?” Winnings said. “They don’t understand time, thank God. The one says, ‘Mommy’s going to come and get me when she finds her keys.’”

To further put pressure on the "someone" who must know what happened to Melanie Metheny,
CUE Center from Wilmington, NC has erected a billboard with Melanie's information on it in hopes of finding a resolution to this case for her family. After erecting a billboard in Whiteville, NC, within 2 weeks there was a break in the case of Carol Dowless, someone came forward, and she was found after 3 years. We hope that the same answers can come for the Metheny family and that 3 children will have answers.

For further information, updates, or to leave an anonymous tip:

Official Family Website
Find Melanie
Charley Project
Missing Pieces
CUE Center

Investigative Agency:  Kanawha County Sheriff's Office
Phone:  (304) 357-0169
Investigative Case #:  71924
or contact CUE Center For Missing Persons
24 Hour Tip Line  (910) -232-1687
or submit a confidential tip Here

Lacey Gaines: A Mother Murdered, Remembered

Occasionally I will write about a mother who is not missing in the sense of "vanishing," but who is missing from the life of the child or children which will never see her again.

One year ago today, on December 7, 2009, Lacey Gaines was found brutally murdered, lying on the floor in her apartment in Justice, IL.  One year later, ironically, there is no justice served for Lacey's murder, no one has been arrested, nor named a suspect or person of interest.

Cherry Simpson, Lacey's beloved aunt and staunch activist for victim's rights, has pulled out all the stops, asked for help from various expert sources, and yet, the investigation seems to be moving at a snail's pace.  Her offers for outside help from experts have been turned down continuously, but she has been assured by the authorities in charge that this is an active investigation and that the facts will be presented to the District Attorney at the appropriate time, but still.....she waits.

Cherry's relationship with her niece, Lacey, was a special bond of love, life and laughter.  Her remembrances of Lacey's life brings her into the hearts of total strangers and we now know a piece of Lacey through Cherry.  Now that we know her, her murder is personal to us, and we support all efforts to find out who snuffed out her young life and bring that person/persons to justice.

The most heartbreaking aspect of a murdered mother is the child left behind that will never know the warmth of it's mother's touch.  Lacey's son will grow up without the guidance, love and support of his mother, which can not be replaced by another human being.

By gathering together as supporters of justice, advocates and activists, we all mourn the loss of Lacey along with her family.  Through websites, blogs and radio shows, as well as connections with those with influence, we will continue to remember Lacey Gaines and continue to seek justice for her.

A candlelight vigil was held for Lacey on Sat Dec 4th,2010 in Justice, IL (the site of her murder). It was snowing, family and friends handed out brochures looking for answers in Lacey's murder. Lacey's brother closed by saying a beautiful prayer thanking GOD for Lacey and everyone attending.

Please show your support for Lacey, her son and her family by visiting the various sites set up for her:

www.laceygaines.com
Facebook page
Lacey Claire Gaines

If you have infomation, call your anonymous tip into the hotline at 1-800-535-STOP. Your name is not needed, you will be given a code number to remain anonymous.Or you can call Det.Joe Malloy at 708-458-2194

Liza Murphy, Missing Mother of Three

With so many news reports of fathers killing mothers, mothers gone missing, leaving their children behind, I find the reality of children growing up as victims of violence to be an epidemic. Every day the stories are played out in national news and news talk shows.

On August 19, 2007, it's reported that Liza Murphy just up and walked out of her home after an argument with her husband, Joe Murphy, leaving behind her cell phone, cigarettes, all forms of identification, and most importantly, her three children, now 15, 13, and 10.

Liza Murphy and her husband were having marital problems, her family said. Stellatos described Joe Murphy as possessive of his wife, never allowing her to go out with her friends. She said he was even jealous if she spent time with her parents.

Liza and her children had just returned from a week long visit with her parents, 125 miles away. Liza suffered from fibromyalgia and depression, however, according to her mother, would never walk away willingly from her children.

Oddly enough, Joe Murphy tried suicide by throwing himself in front of a fire truck. He recovered from his injuries, then subsequently "lawyered up" and is now not cooperating in the investigation of his missing wife. Joe Murphy has full custody of the children and has isolated them from Liza's family. They have not seen them since the last visit she made days before she vanished.

Similar in many ways to the Renee Pagel murder case in Michigan, where the father is also isolating the children and not cooperating with the investigation into Renee's murder, although Renee isn't a missing person, she very well could have been.

As in all cases of a troubled marriage, a lot of the truth will remain hidden. We don't know about alleged affairs, lifestyles and habits. What we do know is that there are three children who do not know where there mother is. Three more children have joined the club of many who didn't ask for tragedy and violence to enter their lives, but will now be guided by it forever.

Lilly Aramburo, Still Missing

Lilly vanished, without a trace, on June 1, 2007. Life hasn't been the same. Her mother lives in constant agony, waiting for her daughter's return. Having to raise her grandson under such difficult circumstances is not an easy task. With each day, Lilly's son slowly loses precious memories of his mother. He was 9 months old, last time he saw her smiling face and was held in her warm embrace.

Commemorate and pray for Lily and her family.
Sunday, May 31st, 2009 at 6pm

The march will begin in Cocowalk to
3440 PERCIVAL AVENUE, COCONUT GROVE, FL.

If you are not able to attend, please light a personal candle in honor of Lilly.

Travis Lee Baker, Remembered

                                                     

No Where to Turn for Family of Missing Son

Travis Baker’s case joins the rising number of missing person cold cases


Wilmington, N.C. – the family of Travis Baker once again dread the upcoming date of April 16th,
As it remains a constant reminder of their son and him vanishing without a trace.
Travis Lee Baker was last seen in Catawba County in North Carolina on April 16, 2007; neither Travis nor his candy apple red 1998 camero, NC tag number WRP8627 has been recovered. Mr. Baker has three tattoos, his last name in capital letters across his back, the name “Hallie” on his chest and red & black tribal band on his upper left and right arm. Travis has a 2 inch scar on his left upper thigh from a sport injury.

Since his disappearance many rumors and speculation have invaded the small town community of Catawba County, one being Travis was involved in a drug deal gone bad which may have lead to his becoming a missing person; although the proof of this fact is nothing more than hearsay. “I do not think what a person was or was not doing should give anyone the right to hurt or murder a person”, said Dwayne Baker, the father of Travis. “All children will makes mistakes and are guilty of making bad decisions in life, Travis was nineteen years old and was still growing up”, he would have never fallen far from his roots and values instilled by his loved ones”, Mr. Baker added.

“Families of the missing are the victims of various crimes and should be treated as such; they have the right to be informed of their case progress and be treated with empathy”, said Monica Caison, CUE’s founder. Recently information surfaced of human remains that were found in Charlotte, N.C. last December; the family of Travis Baker has made inquiries to officials and the media to only be told when they find out, the family will be notified. After waiting four long months Dwayne Baker inquired himself and found out that his son was excluded in the first week of the discovery. “It’s frustrating that we, the families of the missing have to work on our own to get answers, we are the ones out here that cannot sleep and worry every minute of the day”, Mr. Baker said.

The family and friends of the missing youth have conducted public events in hope that a tip would be called in and have conducted searches in an effort to aid local authorities; in addition to keep focused they have attending conferences for the missing to be empowered in their journey and have took a leap further in obtaining training and attending searches for other missing persons, even traveling out of state.

Just this past January Dwayne Baker answered the call for a search conducted by the CUE Center for Missing Persons in collaboration with many levels of law officials in South Carolina for Alice Donovan, a woman who was car jacked and murdered in 2006 by two Kentucky escaped prisoners. Mr. Baker was involved in the search effort that discovered her remains. “To keep my sanity, I try to give back, it’s the right thing to do”, said Dwayne Baker. We all have the right as American citizens, my son and I both have rights and I will continue to exercise them and for the victims who have no voice.

Just this week, another set back for the Baker family as they learned that no entry was made for their son Travis into CODIS, a Texas lab that handles the nations DNA process for missing persons. Over a year ago the inquiry was made on this matter to officials and he was informed Travis was entered, but he is not, “I will move forward to make sure my son has every advantage for what is available to identify him and or locate him”, Mr. Baker said. Today’s technology such as CODIS is free to law officials across the country and set in place for the victims and should be utilized, said CUE’s founder, Monica Caison.

On April 16 the family and friends of Travis Baker marked two years since he vanished.  We join them in remembering and offer our support and prayers that Travis will be found soon and put an end to their daily trials.


UPDATE:

Travis Baker's remains have been found and he has been returned to his loving family who never, ever gave up the search.

TIMELINE (from the family website)

April 16, 2007 — Travis Baker goes missing

June 19, 2009 — Sgt. Aaron Turk, of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, receives new information on the investigation, leading him to property on Eulalia Lane in Catawba

Consent search done on property reveals possible locations fitting description of Baker’s burial place

June 22 — Search warrant issued and executed on Eulalia Lane property

Officers seize skeletal remains, textiles and vehicle parts.

June 24 — Skeletal remains sent to state Medical Examiner’s Office in Chapel Hill, confirmed through dental records as Travis Baker.

John Lee Mitchell Jr. arrested in Orange County, Fla., charged with first-degree murder

June 25 — Catawba County Sheriff’s Office holds press conference to announce identity, arrest

Branson Perry, Monday4 the Missing

So much has happened since Branson Perry vanished on April 11, 2001. His younger brother graduated and is now living on his own, his father passed away in 2004, and now his mother, Becky, has been diagnosed with cancer and yet still no word from Branson and no answers to where he might be.

From America's Most Wanted

Family Of Missing Man Looking For Answers

Branson Perry went missing on April 11, 2001, and his family has been looking for answers ever since. Branson's family says that day, he and a friend were cleaning the family's home in preparation for his father's return from the hospital.

In the middle of tidying up the house, Branson told his friend he was going to put a pair of jumper cables in the family's shed and that he'd be right back.

That was the last time anyone saw him.

Initially, in the days that followed Branson's disappearance, his family says the jumper cables were missing from the shed.
But according to family members, the cables mysteriously re-appeared several days later.

In February 2009, police hoped to break the case using playing cards. Prison inmates were given decks of cards featuring the faces of fugitives, missing persons and unsolved homicides in hopes that it jogs the memory of an inmate that could lead to information to recover the missing person.

Branson's face is featured on the six of clubs. These decks of cards have been distributed to prisons throughout Missouri.

Police are actively looking for leads in the case.

Branson's family just wants answers and hopes that someone out there can give them the help they're looking for.

From recent press release from CUE Center for Missing Persons:

Now time is even more important for answers concerning Branson and his location;his mother recently visited a local emergency room after a minor fall at her residence;doctors located and successfully removed a tumor on her brain on March 25, 2009,with that came the diagnoses of cancer found in other areas of her body. “My wish is that Branson is located soon, I know in spirit he will take this journey with me”, said
Becky Klino, Branson’s mother. “I feel him close”, she added.

Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

Missing Since: April 11, 2001 from Skidmore, Missouri

Classification: Endangered Missing

Date Of Birth: February 24, 1981

Age: 20

Height: 5'9"-5'10"

Weight: 140-155 lbs.

Hair Color: Blond

Eye Color: Blue

Race: White

Gender: Male

Distinguishing Characteristics: Small faint scar on upper
right cheek. Small scar on left knee. Normal teeth; wisdom teeth
have been pulled. Right handed. Black belt in Hopkido, lifted weights.

Medical Conditions: Racing heart condition. Allergic to Penicillin.

Clothing: Shorts (size 32) and a T-shirt (size medium to large).

Jewelry: Possibly wearing necklaces and leather trinkets
or chains with arrowheads on them.

NCIC Number: M-061492631

Case Number: 010201

DNA: in CODIS

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Network and support for families of missing persons and victims of crime.

Allison Jackson Foy Case Featured On Dateline Friday, April 10

THIS FRIDAY, APRIL 10: HELP DATELINE SOLVE AN UNFOLDING INVESTIGATION!

Please tune in and watch!

From the Allison Jackson Foy family website:

As one chapter closes another is opened. This new chapter is about seeking and finding justice for our loved one Allison and for Angela Rothen who was found with her. It is my families hope that all of you who have stood by us and walked with us on the journey that brought Allison home after two years will now be with us as we seek justice for her and finally bring closure to this case.

There is someone out there somewhere who knows who and how Allison left Junction Pub and Billiards that night and eventually we will have all of the answers we so desperately seek. No one deserves to die in the horrific way that Allison and Angela did, and we must prevent this from happening again to others. If you have any information at all, no matter how insignificant it may seem please contact our family through this site or call the Wilmington PD.

The blog and guestbook are still up and running and we encourage you all to continue to share with us. When you log onto helpfindallison.com you will be brought to the justice for Allison site, however there is a link back to the original website which will stay up in memoriam and as a tribute to Allison. This site will bring you any new news about Allison's case and keep you updated with any and all media concerning Allison's case.

Please continue to remember all of the missing and their families, as I know my family and I will. There are still so many people out there looking for their missing loved ones and they need our help and support.

It is still so hard to believe that Allison was missing and now she is a victim of homicide. My family and I will stand strong and continue to fight the good fight always persevering and never giving up. We will not stop until justice is served! Allison will never be forgotten and continues to live on in all who loved her, but most especially her two daughters.

Once again, thank you to all for the incredible support and love you have shown my family and Allison over the past two years, we could not have gotten through this without you. May God bless you all and be with us as we get justice for Allison!

Angela Rothen's remains were also found with Allison's although it has been determined they died a year apart.

Please help solve this crime and bring justice to honor these two mothers.

April Beth Pitzer

I have a best friend who lives in the Mojave Desert near Death Valley. We grew up together and I remember her tales of the fun she and her high school friends had roaming the old gold mine trails, the mountains and the vast expanse of nothing. It takes a tough soul to live there and she is definitely a tough soul. The days of gold mining and borax are long gone, but the area dotted with little towns is still home to families with a strong tie to the harshness and the beauty of the Mojave.

The Mojave is a place that hides many things, remember Charlie Manson and his "family" hid out there for quite some time. It also hides the answers for two little girls and their grandmother who have been searching in mine shafts, behind rocks and under bushes since June 28, 2004.

April Pitzer was preparing to go home again. After a separation from her husband and her family which brought her to the tiny town of Newberry Springs, California, she realized that it wasn't the place she needed to be and arranged to go back to Arkansas to be with her mother. Gloria Denton was anticipating April's return, knowing that the life she was eking out in Newberry Springs was not the life that she was hoping she would find.

The day before April was planning to leave California she talked to her mother several times. Gloria was moving from Texas to Arkansas and taking the last load that day. Not able to be near phones, she tried to reach April for a couple days, calling people April had known in Newberry Springs. When she received a phone call from a man that April knew, asking how she liked having April back with her, Gloria knew something wasn't right. She immediately notified authorities and registered a missing persons report.

Being so far away and only able to make phone calls, she started where most families of a missing person start, calling hospitals and morgues. It was one of these phone calls that brought her to David Van Norman, the coroner for San Bernadino County, and known to many families of the missing as being an angel sent from God. With his help and a detective they were able to determine that there was a possibility that April could have been murdered and dumped into one of the thousands of abandoned mines in the Mojave.

The detective took a team and cadaver dogs to a particular mine that rumors around town said the man who April knew had connections with. During that search, the dogs from a couple search teams all laid down close to the air shaft of a certain mine, indicating the presence of human remains. However, several days later they returned to the same mine and none of the dogs hit again, indicating the possibility that the remains were moved.

Not able to idly sit by any longer, Gloria Denton took off to California to find her daughter, April. While searching in another mine site they found the clothes that Gloria had recently sent to April strewn about, buried, and some burned. It was a poor attempt to cover up evidence. They also found in a desert shack more clothes, duct tape, gauze and iodine, possibly an attempt to "patch" April up. There has been blood found on a sheet and mattress.

The man that April knew, and could be a part of the mystery surrounding her vanishing, has since died. There is another man who some think holds the answers and he is currently in prison on other charges. Authorities say that without a body they really don't have enough circumstantial evidence to file charges against him. So the question of April's whereabouts has yet to be answered.

No mother should have to search for her child like this and no mother should ever have to find evidence of the possibility of her child's demise. April Pitzer has not been found and brought home to her mother and her two little girls. There will be more searches, and until the day that April is found, Gloria Denton will not give up searching for her.



April was last seen in the vicinity of the 30000 block of Caspian Way in Newberry Springs, CA. She indicated she was going to travel to Arkansas to see her mother but never arrived. As of November of 2006, April's case was updated from a missing case to a missing/homicide case.

If you have information regarding the case of April Beth Pitzer, please contact:
San Bernardino Sheriff's Department at 1-760-256-4838 or the Free "No Cops" Tip Line at 1-866-479-LBTH

Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Network and support for families of the missing and victims of crime.

Nadia Kira Kersh

She was born in an orphanage in Russia, a twin of a sister named Vira. Nadia Kira Kersh was adopted by a military family when she was 10, by Kevin and Nancy Kersh, and was separated from her twin who was adopted by another family. The Kersh's lived in many parts of the world, stationed with the military at one time in Alabama.

Nadia was reunited with her twin sister several years ago and moved to the Birmingham area to be near her sister. She had several friends in the area who all describe her as an outgoing, independent, generous person who was very trusting, a free spirit who would give you the shirt off her back if needed.

November 3, 2008 was a typical day for hardworking Nadia. She went to work at the Tria Market, leaving her young son, Christopher, at daycare. Nadia was an extremely devoted mother, content in her role, and stable in her job. She had been working at the Tria Market for two years. She left for lunch that day, but never returned. When she didn't pick her son up at daycare that evening he was turned over to Social Services. Her friends and family were alerted and a search of the area began. A close friend was able to obtain emergency custody of the child.

Two days later Nadia's abandoned car was found in West Birmingham, no evidence of foul play was immediately found, but authorities were concerned for her well being. It only took a few days when police found someone they questioned as a person of interest in her vanishing, and then a second man was detained for questioning and then a third. Evidence was collected and processed by several agencies.

Nadia's family gathered in the Homewood suburb of Birmingham where Nadia lived and rallied the press and organized searches. Texas Equusearch's Tim Miller and Beth Holloway Twitty, Natalie Holloway's mother, lent there expertise and support for several searches of the area. No sign of Nadia has surfaced, no activity on her bank accounts and credit cards, no word from her at all. Rewards are set up, searches continue and the media has kept her case in the public eye. Law enforcement agencies have worked tirelessly to solve this mystery.

Just days ago it was announced by Homewood police that they are close to charging the primary suspect of murder, someone who had harassed Nadia in the past. Along with him, authorities have not ruled out additional charges on others. They feel forensic evidence being processed will seal the case and will only strengthen the charges when the results come in.

As of this writing, Nadia Kira Kersh has not been found. Her son, Christopher, has been motherless for over five months. Just a toddler, he surely misses the hugs and wet kisses of his mother, the lullabyes she most likely sang to put him to sleep. Like his mother and her twin sister, he is orphaned at a young age. May he experience all the love and kindness that life can give him as he grows up and may Nadia be found soon and justice served in her honor.

UPDATE MAY 4, 2010

http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Arrest-in-Nadia-Kersh-Case/HhQuouqP2UGhSztH9yvH6w.cspx?rss=1659

Police have made an arrest in the case of missing mother Nadia Kersh. An acquaintance of her's was arrested named Joacquas Haywood. Mr. Haywood turned himself in around 9pm last night. According to Jefferson County DA Brandon Falls, Haywood is charged with Capital Murder and that the murder occurred during a burglary. Haywood, from Irondale,  is currently in the Jefferson County Jail. No body has been recovered.

Nadia Kersh was last seen on November 3rd, 2008.  Surveillance video showed her leaving Tria Market, where she worked. 

Sandra Travis

Hitting a brick wall is what it feels like to the children of Sandra Travis and many others who have a missing loved one. You hit that brick wall so many times it's a wonder it doesn't leave bruises. All of the bruises are hidden within a broken heart unlike some of Sandra's bruises which were visible on her tiny body.

Sandra Travis was living in a violent marriage when she disappeared July 31, 2005 from Mayfield, Kentucky, a rural area near the borders of Illinois and Tennessee. Sandra took a lot of punches over the years from her husband, Bobby Travis, probably another man who treated his wife as a piece of property, there to do his bidding, no caring for the way she felt.

Many women in rural areas believe they are supposed to live this way. This is the unbroken circle going back generations in some families and carrying forward to the children of today. In some families hunting dogs are given better care by their master than the wife and mother living in the home. I'll speculate Sandra's life was just as many others, doing everything in their power to please the one who thinks nothing of using them as a punching bag when the notion hits. Living in daily fear that this day will be just like the last one, Sandra most likely was beaten to death that last day of July.

According to information found online, Bobby Travis had sad news for the family, he said Sandy died while on a trip to Illinois visiting other family members. When that story was easily proved false, he had another ready. The "whore" left with a truck driver and was never heard from again! As he continues to abuse Sandra by lying about her, she has never been found, the abuser is still victimizing.

It's reported that Graves County has a new Sheriff that is willing to take a second look at Sandra's disappearance, a new set of eyes on the evidence. Bobby Travis has been a "person of interest" for quite some time, but there doesn't seem to be much movement towards justice for Sandra Kay Travis. Her daughter, Dawn Vowell, is certain there is someone else who knows what happened to her mother, but lips are sealed and Bobby Travis isn't cooperating, either. All it would take is a search warrant to search the property near where Sandra was last seen, but that has not been forthcoming.

In the meantime, Sandra Travis is just another missing mother, forgotten by many, but not forgotten by her family who loved her dearly. Every day they face that brick wall, the same brick wall many family members across our country hit when there seems to be nowhere else to turn, no one else to listen, and nothing active happening in their case.

Justice Interrupted will be presenting Sandra's case and Dawn Vowell, her daughter will be a guest on Justice Interrupted Radio tonight, Tuesday, March 24th starting at 11PM Eastern time. Investigator Vito Colucci will join the panel to discuss this case.


Please join us at Peace4 the Missing
Network and Support for families of the missing and victims of crime.

Rachel Conger

March 13, 2008 was the first day of Spring Break for Amber Simmons, but when she awoke that morning things were different.  Her mother, Rachel Conger, wasn't home and as Amber went about her day, her mother never returned.  Family members gathered and went to the police that evening and reported her missing.

Rachel was estranged from her husband, Paul Conger, and by March 16 he would be found dead of a self inflicted gunshot wound.  Sources say that the marriage between Rachel and Paul was stormy and they had planned on a divorce.  According to investigators they think Rachel is the victim of a murder suicide at the hands of her husband, Paul.

According to family members Rachel married young, but always had a great sense of responsibility.  She was young when she became a mother, but took the role quite seriously and raised her daughter, Amber to have that same sense.  Rachel's first marriage broke up, but she was on great terms with her ex husband's family and they all mended their fences years ago.  Rachel stayed close to the family, as did Amber.

Even though this year did not bring the answers Amber is looking for, it's not because she hasn't been in the forefront leading the way for searches to be conducted in several areas of interest.  Amber coordinated car washes, bake sales, and concerts, any way she could she raised money to fund searches.

Last month, CUE Center for Missing Persons united with local law enforcement and search and recovery K9 teams from all over the country to conduct a massive search, trying to bring Rachel home before the one year anniversary of her vanishing.  Although weather hampered their efforts, they will be back again to continue searching.

Amber Simmons has had a lot of love and support for her efforts this year, not only from her loving family, but from total strangers who were won over by her maturity and strength to carry on looking for her mother.

“My mom was the most amazing woman ever and the best friend I have ever had and that is what keeps me going everyday. I know that one day eventually she will be found because I will never give up looking for my mother, my best friend. I could tell her everything and she wouldn't judge me- only help me and be understanding.”

This beautiful poem is posted on the family site, Bring Rachel Home:

Rachel Lynn Younger Conger
Oct. 11, 1977-March 13, 2008


The Broken Chain

We little knew that morning,

that God was going to call your name.

In life we loved you dearly,

In death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

you did not go alone;

for part of us went with you,

the day God called you home.


You left us peaceful memories,

your love is still our guide;

and though we cannot see you,

you are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,

and nothing seems the same;

but as GOD calls us one by one,

The Chain will link again.

~author unknown


Donations for further searches can be made at the family site or directly to CUE Center For Missing Persons.


Prayers, support and encouragement for Amber and her family can be made at Peace4 the Missing.

Lisa Shuttleworth

A 19 year old daughter should not have to reflect on the past about her mother and how dear she was to her, and a 14 year old son should not have to worry about not being able to remember his mother's voice. Children should not have to wonder where their mother is and why she can't be found, but this is exactly how the last five years have been for the two children of Lisa Shuttleworth who has been missing since September4, 2003 from Beech Island, SC.

Lisa was supposed to pick up her son, Ryan, at the bus stop after school that afternoon, but in her stead an older family friend was there to meet him. Returning Ryan to his home, they found it locked and no sign of Lisa, although her car, along with a car she had borrowed, were still in her driveway. After Lisa's parents were called they all entered the house and found no signs of struggle, and the only thing missing was her purse. It looked as if Lisa planned to return shortly, even a pot of tea was on the stove, her jewelry on the kitchen counter.

Lisa was a single mother, an excellent mother according to family sources, her two children knew they were loved, well taken care of, and that she would never leave them of her own free will. So what happened to Lisa?

Lisa was divorced from the father of her children and it's said that he could be violent at times. Lisa also had a boyfriend at the time who sources say had a bad argument with her the night before she vanished. Both men had trucks that were not available to be searched at the time. One of the trucks was located recently and sprayed with luminol to detect the presence of blood. There was blood reportedly in the truck, but was determined to be "male blood".

As in most cases, suspicions and rumors abound and questions go unanswered while there is an open investigation. Law enforcement officials in Aiken County, SC claim that this is a "very open investigation". As of this writing, there have been no ground searches conducted and the pond behind Lisa's home has not been drained.

Five years have gone by and evidence may now be cold, but that doesn't stop Lisa's children, family members and close friends from giving up hope that one day their questions will be answered and justice will be served.

Grandparents shouldn't have to step in to raise their grandchildren, but Lisa's parents did just that. They have taken Krystina and Ryan into their home and loved them and provided for them for the last five years.

"She's my mom, when my mom was gone, she was here. She hasn't left my side."

Krystina is showing all the signs of being a beautiful copy of her mother, with a lot of her same features. She has plans to attend college and work in the area of criminal investigations to help others investigate missing persons cases as well as her mother's case.

Family and friends have passed out fliers and even have gone so far as to consult a psychic in order to help find Lisa Shuttleworth. They have registered Lisa with NCMA and set up a website, Bringing Lisa Home. Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, should be reported to:

To help, call: Crimestoppers of the Midlands: (800) 559-TIPS

Aiken County Sheriff's Office: (800) 922-9709

Suzanne Lyall, Monday4 the Missing

written by: Mammabear, Lost Faces of the Missing

Nineteen!
The thing I remember most about being nineteen, was how spontaneous and carefree the world seemed to be, back then. I had an entire life before me, and I was unstoppable!

Suzanne was nineteen when she disappeared...
she had her entire life before her, too!

Suzanne Lyall was last seen on the evening of March 2, 1998, at approximately 9:20 p.m., as she departed her place of employment at the Crossgates Mall in Guilderland, New York. Lyall was known to have boarded a Capital District Transit Authority bus heading to Collins Circle at the State University of New York (SUNY), at Albany, New York, where she was a student. It is believed that she exited the bus at Collins Circle at approximately 9:45 p.m. and has not been seen since that time.


Man sought as a possible witness
At about 4 p.m. on March 3, 1998, Lyall's ATM card was used at the Stewart's Store located on the corner of Manning Boulevard and Central Avenue, Albany, NY.

At about this same time the individual appearing in the composite picture, left, made a purchase at the counter inside the store.

He is a black male, with a medium/muscular build approximately 30 years old, 6-foot tall,wearing a mid-length "Carhart" type jacket and a dark baseball cap with the "Nike" swoosh symbol on the front.


It is believed that Lyall was wearing the jewelry shown when she disappeared. A polished, 14K, fluted bow ring; a silver ring in the shape of a frog and a necklace with a silver medallion inscribed with a runic character that looks like a block-style letter S. She may also have been wearing a 14K gold flower design cocktail ring.

Eric DeGrechie
March 7, 2008

I was a student at the University at Albany when Suzanne Lyall went missing in
March of 1998.
Living in a downtown dormitory, I still recall the night when the fliers
stating she was missing went up on the walls in the hallways.
Looking at them, my friends and I shrugged the whole situation off as just
being another kid leaving town for the weekend and not letting their parents
know their plans.

Ten years later, we still don’t know what happened to Suzanne. Her parents,
Douglas and Mary, are struggling with not knowing and they may be for
the rest of their lives.
Suzanne Lyall story continues to tug at the heartstrings

Age ProgressedPrintable Poster

“Until we know for sure that Suzanne’s deceased, we’ll always hold out hope that she’s alive and out there somewhere. There’s no getting away from that for us. Even if on the surface people in our situation might say we’ve given up and there’s no way she’s alive, there’s still that little cell way back in the consciousness that says she could be. You see a story on TV where a woman has been held captive in some underground bunker for ten years and you think, ‘Is Suzanne being held against her will somewhere?’”
Crime Rant

ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678
New York State Police
Troop G 1-518-783-3209
or 1-518-783-3211

sources:
FBI
NY Wanted and Missing

Kathleen Savio, Justice Vanishing

As her white casket was pulled from the ground on November 17, 2007, questions arose concerning her "accidental" death, drowning in her own bathtub. Her peaceful rest was disturbed by questioning, probing and sampling. It would mark the beginning of a spotlight that has not shone on Kathleen Savio and the circumstances of her death, nor the two boys she left behind, but on her ex-husband, Drew Peterson, and the three ring circus he has created, basking in every minute of the limelight and insisting on his innocence.

Kathleen's last day on earth was March 1, 2004, not a date that too many are remembering these days, as her death has been overshadowed by news of Drew's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, and possible fifth, fiancee Chrissy Raines, but the Savio family continues to mourn and seek justice on her behalf. Little did they know, but suspected, that their beloved "Kitty" did not die accidentally, and, as a new investigation has reported, she was a victim of homicide.

Kathleen lived with and reported many beatings, threats and petitioned for Orders of Protection. Police were called to her home several times, many reports were take, but many were not. She went so far as to write to the Illinois States Attorney describing what would happen to her according to the threats she was receiving. She laid it all out describing in detail what was happening in her life and the lives of her children, and what was going to happen to her next. Kitty eerily knew she was going to die, and die at the hands of her ex-husband, according to her letters and petitions. Please take the time to read for yourself the words she wrote predicting her fate.

But where is the proof? Was Drew Peterson responsible for her death? A Grand Jury in Will County, Illinois has been probing into this for over a year and still no arrest has been made. Was Drew Peterson, as a veteran Bolingbrook police officer, able to conceal every piece of evidence of a crime scene? It's a very real possibility that he will never be charged, never found guilty, never be sentenced, and although the mother of two of his children has been gone for five years, circumstantial evidence and the layout of Kathleen's letters must not be good enough to arrest or convict.

It's hard to find accounts of Kathleen before her connection with Drew, but I am assuming she, as other of his wives, thought she had found what she was looking for. A nice home, two children, nursing school, a police officer husband, all look like a positive lifestyle from an outsider's viewpoint. However, Kathleen, as so many others, was living a nightmare behind closed doors, the dirty little secret of domestic abuse hiding behind the policeman coward's badge.

As many before, and many will again, Kathleen lost her life.

She had no safety strategy plan set in place to get out of this marriage with her life. Police officers are trained in crime scene evidence, in how to use weapons, and, in a lot of cases, how to cover up a crime committed by one of their own. It seems that the circumstances Kathleen predicted five long years ago have come true. In her words she stated that he threatened to kill her and no one would suspect. So far, Drew Peterson was telling the truth.

May the Savio family and the children of Kathleen and Stacy know that there are many, many out here that have not forgotten, that wish to see justice served, that continue to keep the memory of Kathleen as a woman and a mother alive and not just yesterday's news article about the "puppetmaster", Drew Peterson. May Kathleen rest assured that many are concerned for her children and only want what's in their best interest.

Peace to you, Kathleen.

Jasmine Haslag, Monday4 the Missing

written by: Peace4 the Missing member, Miranda Rhuda

Jasmine Haslag of Cole County, Missouri, has been missing since June 18, 2007. Her family knew that something was very wrong when she did not arrive to pick up her children from their father’s house as she had promised them that Monday.

Her mother, Peggy Florence, called the Cole County Sheriff’s office to report her daughter missing on June 21st. What Peggy would hear next was devastating.

Her daughter’s car, described as a green 1996 Toyota, had been found in a field between Dixie and Mokane, off of Route PP in Callaway County, on the other side of Missouri River, the previous day. There was frontal body damage to the vehicle and the license plates were torn off.

“When we ran the VIN on the car it checked back to Haslag, but there was no connection with a missing person at that time,” said Callaway County Sheriff Dennis Crane Wednesday. “Since there were no warrants for her, we had the car towed because it was found on private property.”

    After learning of the girl’s disappearance, Sheriff Crane and his deputies processed the car for any potential evidence and completed a five hour search of the immediate area in which the car was found.

The Cole County Sheriff’s office has been very cooperative and forth-coming with all case details. They have worked with various Cole County officials in following up on leads in the Holts Summit area.

Her mother admits that it is possible that Jasmine was suffering from depression at the time of her disappearance but reassures that she would have never left her children.

Jasmine failed to appear for court on July 18, for a couple of drug-related charges which occurred in May. She was out on a 50 thousand dollar bond.

As of July 18, officials are saying that foul play is definitely suspected in the disappearance of Jasmine Haslag. A reward of increasing amounts has been offered for any information leading to an arrest in the Haslag case.

Authorities have followed up on several leads and interviewed many people

KRCG's Mallory McGowin spoke to Jasmine's mother, who is searching for answers about her daughter.

"I'm not going to give up looking for Jasmine because those three little kids want to know where their mother is.  And I need to know where their mother is," says Peggy Florence, Jasmine's mother.

Full Name:           Jasmine Sue Haslag
                                Maiden Name:      Martelli, Florence
                                Hair Color:           Brown, Possibly Blonde
                                Eye Color:           Hazel
                                Weight:              115lbs, Slender Build
                                Height:               5'9
                                Race:                 White

The last time Jasmine was in contact with her family was on the 17th of June '07.  It is said that she was last seen on the 18th of June '07.  Her car was found abandoned in Callaway County on the 20th of June '07.

Cole and Callaway Countys are seeking information on the disappearance of Jasmine Haslag. If you have any information, please call any of the following numbers:        Cole County Sheriff's Department at
          573.634.9160

      Callaway County Sheriff's Department at
          573.642.7291

      Or by submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers at
          573.659.TIPS (8477)

To help Jasmine's family in increasing the reward, donations can be made to The Jasmine Sue's Recovery Fund at Jefferson Bank. The address to Jefferson Bank is 2815 Truman Boulevard Jefferson City, Mo 65109.

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