Haleigh Ann Marie Cummings, 5 MSG Since 02/09/09, Satsuma, FL, # 2

[Faith]

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Flyer-2.jpg

[Faith]

Haleigh's mom on JVM

She doesn't know what to think- she is just blank- she's been told so many things.

[chambord]

Jane VM is interviewing Haleigh's mom Crystal. Another vigil is planned for tonight.

[Trailblazer]

Haleigh's mom on JVM

She doesn't know what to think- she is just blank- she's been told so many things.

I feel so bad for her....Hoping they find Haleigh real soon...

[Faith]

I feel so bad for her....Hoping they find Haleigh real soon...

me too- this is so heartbreaking.

[AmyE]

I feel so bad for her....Hoping they find Haleigh real soon...

I do too! I am praying for Haleigh's safe return!

[F~M]

I hope Ronald and Misty aren't sleeping in the tent tonight. It's cold and windy!

[Isabella]

me too- this is so heartbreaking.
Same for me, I know she has been sick, I hope she is taking care of herself I feel so bad for her.

[gramvof14]

I don't know how I would handle something like that and I don't ever want to know. May God be with Haleigh and bring her home safe and sound.:1222423::1222423:

[F~M]

I don't know how I would handle something like that and I don't ever want to know. May God be with Haleigh and bring her home safe and sound.:1222423::1222423:

Me either, gram.

[AmyE]

Tip leads to all-day search for Haleigh Cummings

A tip led to an intense search in a wooded area of Putnam County just miles from where 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings went missing last week.
About 60 deputies combed the area of thick trees and brush, but this tip, as with many others, produced nothing.

"There has been a couple of false sightings," said Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy. "People are very on-edge and nervous."

Now deputies are scaling back the search to focus on tips and clues to specific locations. They're also reinterviewing friends of Haleigh's family.

"...to include polygraph tests that are being conducted at the sheriff's office at this time," Hardy said.
Deputies have changed the status of Haleigh's disappearance from missing to endangered.

Hardy said they will continue with limited searches Tuesday. He encouraged the Cummings family and those people helping in the search to "don't lose hope." He said, "right now, hope is probably the best thing that we have."



http://wdbo.com/localnews/2009/02/tip-leads-to-allday-search-for.html

[Bernie]

I'm praying for this child and family.......there are way to many of these cases.....

[dojewo]

I was hoping to hear some good news tonight, my prayers are still for Haleigh and the family.

[packy]

Same here, Dojewo.

[sciencegirl]

I was gone most of the evening. Still no news?? I'm so frustrated.

[AmyE]

Investigators to Focus on Events Prior to Haleigh's Disappearance

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- A retired FBI agent says investigators are going to be taking a detailed look at leads now that the investigation has shifted away from a search for Haleigh Cummings.

Ron Wirth, who now works with First Coast Crime Stoppers after spending thirty years with the FBI, says investigators are going to take the time now to look at detailed statements and confirming witness statements.

"Are there any inconsistencies?" asked Wirth in an interview with Ken Amaro during an hour-long Special Report on First Coast News at 4 p.m.

Authorities will also look in reverse from when Haleigh was kidnapped and go backward.

"What happened the day before she was kidnapped?"

"Who has the keys, who had the keys, who was there before?"

Wirth says investigators will be looking for anything unusual in Haleigh's neighborhood and beyond.



http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131484&catid=3

[Faith]

Deputies Back in Haleigh's Neighborhood
Created: 2/16/2009 8:04:40 PM Updated: 2/16/2009 8:22:28 PM

SATSUMA, FL -- Sheriff deputies are back around the home of Haleigh Cummings, checking everyone going into and leaving her neighborhood.

Authorities asked drivers if they passed by at the same time last week, which is the last night Haleigh was seen.

Misti Croslin, the girlfriend of Haleigh's father, put the girl to bed around 8 p.m. on the night of February 9, one week ago. She vanished by the time Croslin got up at around 3 a.m.

Authorities spent the evening looking for something that only time would tell, such as a delivery person who only passes through on Monday nights.

At the same time, detectives are recanvassing the neighborhood and talking to neighbors again.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131483&catid=3

[chambord]

Polygraphs to Continue on the Family!

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/2/16/amber_alert_ground_search_for_haleigh_to_end_monda y.html

[chambord]

Tim's poignant goodby to the search for Haleigh.

http://texasequusearch.org/


note...Tim has deployed a team to search for Domiinick

[AmyE]

The Quiet Returns to Haleigh's Neighborhood

SATSUMA, FL -- The tiny town of Satsuma, Florida, is known for its peace and quiet.

Some of that is returning to this town of 5,000 people since the Putnam County Sheriff's Office changed strategies in the search for Haleigh Cummings.

Investigators moved the command post 20 miles away to the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center in Palatka. The large satellite trucks and news vans soon followed.

About the only thing now parked outside the River Villas subdivision are several large, "no trespassing" message boards.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131486&catid=3

[Faith]

The Quiet Returns to Haleigh's Neighborhood

Updated: 2/16/2009 9:01:34 PM

Quantcast

SATSUMA, FL -- The tiny town of Satsuma, Florida, is known for its peace and quiet.

Some of that is returning to this town of 5,000 people since the Putnam County Sheriff's Office changed strategies in the search for Haleigh Cummings.

Investigators moved the command post 20 miles away to the Putnam County Emergency Operations Center in Palatka. The large satellite trucks and news vans soon followed.

About the only thing now parked outside the River Villas subdivision are several large, "no trespassing" message boards.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090216085752_021609_joy_neighborhood2.jpg

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131486&catid=3


Relatives Make One Final Plea to Keep Searching for Haleigh Cummings
Updated: 2/16/2009 9:05:02 PM

SATSUMA, FL -- The family of Haleigh Cummings is making a plea for volunteer search teams to stay and continue to search for their missing daughter.

"There's still time to look," said Ronald Cummings who thanked all the volunteers for spending their time to look for his little girl.

"I'm not giving up on my daughter, never!"

EquuSearch director Tim Miller even took Ronald Cummings out for a brief search by horseback Monday afternoon.

Miller told First Coast News he understands why Cummings wants volunteers to hold their ground, but he's only returning to Texas at the request of authorities.

EquuSearch has been on the ground since Thursday.

"I encourage anyone who wants to help me to look for my daughter to come back and help me look," pleaded Cummings.

His fiveyear old daughter Haleigh Cummings vanished from her home in rural Satsuma sometime after she went to bed one week ago.

"Baby I love you," said her father. "I'd never give up on you."

Video
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/breaking/news-article.aspx?storyid=131465&catid=17

[Faith]

Videos-

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/video/default.aspx?aid=149444&storyid=131483

[Faith]

http://www.cfnews13.com/uploadedImages/sign%20left%20at%20haleigh%20vigil.JPG

[chambord]

Haleigh's neighborhood didn't stay quiet long.

Detectives spent the evening back in the neighborhood.

IMO, something's up.


http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131483&catid=3&GID=up6+XPFOo7ImOdaS+0IMC5QenDlmYjDlr3s8uCtxkiE%3D

[Faith]

Big Case for New Sheriff

Updated: 2/16/2009 10:01:12 PM

PUTNAM COUNTY, FL -- Jerry's Drive-In is a beloved local hang-out in Palatka. The cheeseburgers are stacked high and the hot conversation for the past week has been about the new sheriff and the biggest case this county has seen in years.

That's the case of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings.

And the new sheriff is Jeff Hardy.

Ed Killebrewsits at a booth for lunch and says, "It's hard for him, I'm sure jsut getting into office. But he's been a dedicated law enforcement officer for many years. He knows what he's doing."

Hardy was first a deputy in Broward County. He then joined the Putnam County sheriff's office and worked for it for almost 15 years. While there he was a deputy, a detective, and he worked in the narcotics unit.

In 2005, he was hired as a sworn police administrator for the Putnam County School District.

In 2008, Hardy ran for Putnam County Sheriff and won by a landslide.

In January of 2009, Hardy officially became Sheriff.

A few weeks later in February.

Video

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131480&catid=3

[AmyE]

Misty is her name...not Mitsy!

[Jute]

I'm praying for this child and family.......there are way to many of these cases.....

So am I, Bernie. And you are so right - the number of cases just grows and grows.

JMO

[annalyzer]

http://www.rightpundits.com/?p=2895

This was posted in the missing SO's thread but it has more in it about Misty and Ronald then it does him.

[Jute]

Haleigh's neighborhood didn't stay quiet long.

Detectives spent the evening back in the neighborhood.

IMO, something's up.


http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131483&catid=3&GID=up6+XPFOo7ImOdaS+0IMC5QenDlmYjDlr3s8uCtxkiE%3D

Cham - according to the article, the roadblocks are a standard part of an investigation like this:

Deputies Back in Haleigh's Neighborhood

SATSUMA, FL -- Donald Bard remembers the phone call early last Tuesday morning that woke him up.

His wife Phyllis answered the call.

"We were sleeping and then we received a phone call, the automated phone call that Haleigh Cummings was missing in our neighborhood," said Phyllis Bard.

The Bard's recognized the name right away.

"The home where Haleigh was taken from belonged to my parents," said Phyllis.

It sits right next door to her own home, and Phyllis began renting it out a few years ago after her father died of diabetes complications and her mother died in a car crash 80 days later.

The Bard's first met Haleigh's father, Ron Cummings, last August.

Phyllis says, "They first moved next door to us, and then they needed a bedroom for each of the children he said, and so he asked to rent that house and we rented that to him in November."

She's an adorable little girl," says Phyllis. "Just adorable. She would come over when I was hanging clothes on the line, and I would see the two of them out in the yard playing and she's just, what can I say, a beautiful, adorable little girl. It just breaks my heart that all this has happened."

The Bard's say, almost one week later, it's still so hard to believe. The FDLE Command Center is just yards from their front door, and Monday night, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office teamed up with the Florida Highway Patrol to set up a another roadblock outside the neighborhood.

Sgt. Joseph Wells of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said, "It's just a general set of questions. Were they down here last week, and then if yes, a few more questions."

"We might find that there's a paper delivery or a gas delivery company or something that comes and goes on this day and time and we'd just like to know who was down here and maybe did they see anything."

Sgt. Wells said the roadblock, which will be up until 2 a.m., is part of CART protocol, which is the Child Abduction Response Team.

Just down the road, Phyllis Bard thinks of the missing daughter, and of her own mother, and is comforted.

"I heard on the television, hold on to hope. I heard the sheriff say that, and all of a sudden it hit me, my mother's name was Hope. It's the house of hope. Because if my mother were living, my mother would say, just hang on to hope."

[d.fletch316]

I was so hoping to hear some good news on haleigh by now. This is so hard on the family..... God Bless you Haleigh!!!

[annalyzer]

Cham - according to the article, the roadblocks are a standard part of an investigation like this: ~ snip




I do hope this was also done soon after Haleigh disappeared.

[annalyzer]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29226272/

excerpt from article:

"Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo and Diane Cho report a large number of federal agents and local police at the Cummings' mobile home late Monday afternoon. Also, police set up a checkpoint on Buffalo Bluff -- the road leading in and out of the neighborhood -- where detectives stopped and talked with the drivers.

No one would discuss what information prompted those responses."

[Jute]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29226272/

excerpt from article:

"Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo and Diane Cho report a large number of federal agents and local police at the Cummings' mobile home late Monday afternoon. Also, police set up a checkpoint on Buffalo Bluff -- the road leading in and out of the neighborhood -- where detectives stopped and talked with the drivers.

No one would discuss what information prompted those responses."

Maybe the tip that led nowhere after being checked out? JMO

[sarahhod]

Officials: Sex predator not a suspect in Haleigh Cummings case

Amy L. Edwards |Sentinel Staff Writer February 17, 2009

A week into the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/crime-law-justice/crimes/crime-victims/haleigh-cummings-PECLB0001223.topic), law-enforcement officials vowed Monday to find the missing Putnam County girl.

About 60 officers continued to search for the 5-year-old from Satsuma who vanished last week from her family's mobile home while her father's girlfriend slept.

Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said during a televised news conference that investigators have identified another area they plan to canvass within the next day or so.

"We've not abandoned this search," Hardy said.

Investigators will now be taking a more "tactical" approach to looking for Haleigh, said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent-in-Charge Dominick Pape.

Texas EquuSearch, the volunteer group that organized a search for Haleigh during the weekend -- and helped look for Caylee Marie Anthony (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/crime-law-justice/crimes/caylee-anthony-PECLB004332.topic) in Orange County last year -- concluded its work in the rural area.

The search is not limited to Putnam, and investigators said they will go wherever needed until they find Haleigh. They continue interviewing people, and evidence is being evaluated at a crime lab.

"We will continue searching until she is recovered," Pape said.

During the conference, the investigators briefly discussed a sexual predator wanted in Marion County (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/us/indiana/marion-county-%28indiana%29-PLGEO100100406000279.topic) but said he is not considered a person of interest in Haleigh's disappearance "today."

Chad Eugene Reynolds, 25, who was convicted in Putnam in 2003 of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12, has not been seen since he left his mother's Ocklawaha home for a Super Bowl (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/sports/football/super-bowl-EVSPR000004.topic) party Feb. 1.

Marion officials alerted Putnam County investigators about Reynolds after Haleigh disappeared. At this point, authorities don't think the two are connected, Marion County Sheriff's spokeswoman Jenifer Fisher said.

Hardy said he remains hopeful investigators will find Haleigh.

Detectives are asking that anyone who has information on the child call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-missing1709feb17,0,7611569.story

[sarahhod]

Week After Haleigh Goes Missing, Police Keep Working

Sheriff To Family: 'Do Not Give Up Hope'

http://images.ibsys.com/2009/0210//18680273_106X150.jpg

updated 1:45 a.m. ET Feb. 17, 2009


PALATKA, Fla. - One week after 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings disappeared from her bedroom, local, state and federal authorities have sent volunteer search-and-rescue teams home but said they will continue "tactical searches" in response to new leads.
Almost from the beginning, authorities treated Haleigh's disappearance as an abduction.
Late Monday, Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy urged everyone involved not to give up hope that the girl will be found alive.
"We're asking the family, 'Do not give up hope.' We have hope that we're going to find Haleigh, and we hope to bring her home alive," Hardy said, his voice cracking. "As I explained it to them with my staff -- we've not abandoned the search. Depending on the urgency of the tip, we have resources ready to deploy."
Sunday, after a six-day search of a 5-mile area around the Satsuma mobile home where Haleigh disappeared at times involving hundreds of people, officials suspended general search operations.
But a tip that came in Monday morning prompted about 60 officers to search for hours in a field near Pomona Park -- about 10 miles south of Satsuma. They left without finding anything significant.
Haleigh's family, which expressed support for the decision to scale back the daily searches on Sunday, was openly critical Monday that not enough was being done.
"I asked that we get permission for horses to still be out here to look," Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, said Monday. "It's not time to give up. It's still time. My daughter is still out there, and we want her home."
Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, also hoped search efforts will continue.
"I feel like they should stay expand the search," Sheffield said. "They need to search other areas, but I do think they should stay."
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent Dominic Pape confirmed that efforts to find Haleigh have not diminished, just entered a new phase.
"We will continue searching until she is recovered," Pape said. "We will search any place in this county and outside this country if we get a valid lead that says we need to be there."
Authorities said they have received more than 500 tips over the past several days, which is one of the reasons the command center was moved from a trailer in Satsuma to county offices in Palatka, where investigators had access to more resources.
Hardy said Haleigh's mother, father, his girlfriend and extended family members were being interviewed again, even though he has praised them for cooperating over the past week.
"We don't have all our questions answered and, obviously, we don't have Haleigh," Hardy said. "We'll interview people as many times as we feel necessary."

Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo and Diane Cho report a large number of federal agents and local police at the Cummings' mobile home late Monday afternoon. Also, police set up a checkpoint on Buffalo Bluff -- the road leading in and out of the neighborhood -- where detectives stopped and talked with the drivers.
No one would discuss what information prompted those responses.
Search-And-Rescue Team Leaves Disappointed
After three days of searching the area on horseback and all-terrain vehicles and using high-tech equipment, the volunteer search-and-rescue team Texas Equusearch was preparing to leave Satsuma.
"The hardest thing about our organization is for every person involved to put this kind of effort into it and walk away empty-handed," Equusearch founder Tim Miller said Sunday night. "It's heart-breaking, it truly is. But you what? When you look at the whole picture, we did everything right. Our hearts were here, our compassion was here, we was focused on what we was doing -- she just isn't here."
Authorities ask anyone with any information to call Crimes Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS or the FDLE's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29226272/

[sarahhod]

Mystery Surrounding the Haleigh Cummings Abduction Deepens

By Karen Diaz
Feb 16, 2009

Everyone is a suspect, but no one is under arrest. Haleigh Cummings is a five-year old girl that is missing and has likely been snatched and kidnapped in the night hours of Tuesday, February 9. That's when the young girl was last seen in her Satsuma home in south Putnam County, Florida. Her father returned to their modest home in the middle of the night from work at about 3:30 a.m.
http://www.nationalledger.com/artman/uploads/haleigh_cummings.jpg
His young seventeen-year old, live in girlfriend Misty Croslin told him at that time that his daughter Haleigh Cummings was missing. Croslin claims she got up to use the restroom at 3 a.m. and she noticed the little girl missing. Haleigh Cummings's father Ronald Cummings says he found the door ajar and in a frantic 911 call threatened the life of whoever took the girl but would later say he vowed no revenge if his girl was returned safely.

***


Blame has spread quickly. At one point early after the girl was taken, Cummings went on television to plead for the return of the little girl and also told those that had suspicion of his involvement in what police believe is a kidnapping that he had "no involvement in his daughter’s disappearance and that his girlfriend, Misty Croslin, is not at fault for being the last known person to see Haleigh."

A report from the Gainesville Sun notes, "On Saturday, Sheffield and Haleigh's maternal grandmother, Marie Griffis, apologized for making accusations that Cummings and his girlfriend may have been lying about what they knew. They were all side-by-side on Saturday night to pray for Haleigh.."

***


The mystery is deepening and hope dims with each passing day of a missing little girl. After one week, the ground search will end on Tuesday. Officials in charge are adamant that the investigation is active, and they are working every single lead. Cops say they have interviewed all 44 sex offenders who live within 5 miles of the Cummings' home, and for now all alibis check out. CBS 4 has video here (http://cbs4.com/local/amber.alert.haleigh.2.933919.html) and adds that "Haleigh is around 3 feet tall, has blond hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 39 pounds. She was wearing a pink shirt and her underwear when she was last seen."

If you see Haleigh, you are urged to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0808, or call 911 immediately. Rev. Terry Wright, pastor of Dunn’s Creek Baptist Church, said a service to pray for Haleigh’s return will be held there 6:30 p.m. Tuesday night.

http://www.nationalledger.com/ledgerdc/article_272625039.shtml

[sarahhod]

More information about the missing Marion County sex offender

By Jim Ross
Staff Writer


Published: Monday, February 16, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.
Last Modified: Monday, February 16, 2009 at 3:24 p.m.

Putnam County officials have heard about Chad Eugene Reynolds, 25, a Marion County registered sexual predator who has been missing since early February. They have talked to Reynolds' family members in Putnam County, and right now they do not believe he is connected with Haleigh's case. Still, they would like to talk with him.

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GS&Date=20090216&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=902160908&Ref=AR&MaxW=250&border=0
(http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090216/ARTICLES/902160908/1002/NEWS01?Title=More_information_about_the_missing_Ma rion_County_sex_offender_#) Chad Eugene Reynolds
(Marion County Sheriff Office)

Reynolds, who was released from prison last November, was arrested in connection with a lewd and lascivious act upon a child younger than 12. The incident occurred in Putnam County.
Court records provide these details about the case:
On Sep. 3, 2002, Reynolds broke into a doublewide mobile home in Interlachen, which is west of Palatka. He was 19. He had a small pocketknife and it was late at night.\
He stole cash. He also used the knife to cut away a section of the shorts and underwear of an 11-year-old girl and then touched her private area, the records showed. He was sentenced to serve seven years in prison (with credit for time served in jail awaiting resolution of his case) and 10 years of special probation for sex offenders.
Marion Sheriff's Office Capt. Tommy Bibb said investigators have been trying to Reynolds. Bibb said he is concerned for the man's well-being, considering he has not called his mother since leaving to go watch the Super Bowl.
"We have no reason to believe he is connected with her (Haleigh's) disappearance," Bibb said, adding they contacted Putnam authorities. "We are concerned about his welfare."

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090216/ARTICLES/902160908/1002/NEWS01?Title=More_information_about_the_missing_Ma rion_County_sex_offender_

[sarahhod]

One week later: Where's Haleigh?


BY LARRY SULLIVAN

Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:08 AM EST
Palatka Daily News

SATSUMA - Haleigh Cummings vanished a week ago.

Authorities marked that depressing anniversary about 5 p.m. Monday by imposing roadblocks and going door-to-door in the 5-year-old's South Putnam County neighborhood.

The show of force was exactly one week after Haleigh was last seen in public by neighbors in Hermits Cove.

More than 100 local, state and federal officers combined for the sweep.

"We're checking people coming in and out of the area in hopes that they might have seen something," Rick Ryan, chief deputy of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, said as officers worked in the twilight nearby.

The sweep was designed to include any residents who may have been away from home when Haleigh disappeared, Ryan said.

"There's a possibility someone who might have seen something was on vacation," he said. "There is nothing that prompted this. We didn't get any tips or anything like that today."

The sweep is part of the state Child Abduction Response Team plan the sheriff's office implemented within hours of Haleigh's disappearance, Ryan said.

Questions asked of residents and motorists included names, vehicle descriptions, how often they travel the area and what and who did they see a week ago.

"If they didn't see any of that, we're asking them if there is anything else they want to tell us about the situation," Ryan said.

At the roadblock on Buffalo Bluff Road, deputy sheriff Nicole Quintieri asked motorist Reginald Robinson the list of questions.

"If you hear anything that would help us, please call us at the sheriff's office," she said.

Robinson said deputies were "doing the right thing."

"I have two daughters of my own and I live 10 miles down the road," he said. "This is real scary, especially when you have two daughters of your own."

Meanwhile, at a press conference Monday afternoon in Palatka, Sheriff Jeff Hardy urged residents to remain positive.

"Don't lose hope. In fact right now, hope is probably the best thing that we have," Hardy said. "We have hope that we're gong to find Haleigh and bring her home alive."

He said investigators were re-interviewing people they have already questioned including Haleigh's family members "and their associates."

The reason is simple, Hardy said.

"We don't have all of our questions answered and we don't have Haleigh," he said.

Hardy, however, declined to specify where leads have taken investigators.

"This search is not limited to Putnam County, I can tell you that," he said.

Haleigh was last seen Monday night asleep at home, Misty Croslin has told authorities. Croslin, 17, is the girlfriend of Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, and was babysitting Haleigh.

Haleigh was reported missing ay 3:27 a.m. Feb. 10.

As a full week has passed since with no sign of Haleigh, the response of authorities has gone from widespread to more focused, with officers engaging in what Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent Dominick Pape called "a tactical search" following leads.

For instance, about 60 lawmen checked an area south of Satsuma during the day Monday.

Pape described this as "the next mode" in the case.

"We don't stop searching," Pape said. "We will continue searching until she is found."

Gigantic sweeps of woods and swamp by volunteers on horses, four-wheelers and on foot have been scaled back or even stopped.

EquuSearch, the Texas-based organization of specially trained horse-borne searchers, packed up and left on Monday after several days in Putnam County

"With all the ground we covered, it's getting frustrating," Tim Miller, the group's founder, said Sunday.

Miller, who took Haleigh's father on horseback during Sunday's search, said the group had done its best.

"I guarantee you that everything is covered," Miller said. "We won't hear of a deer hunter next year finding her. We just haven't been lucky enough to find her."

Items found on the ground by searchers are being examined by crime lab specialists, but nothing related to Haleigh's disappearance has been recovered by volunteers, Hardy said.

Meanwhile, the criminal investigation launched shortly after Haleigh disappeared continued in earnest Monday.

Investigators questioned several people, including relatives of Haleigh, on Monday, Hardy said.

The investigation into Haleigh's disappearance, which Hardy has labeled an abduction, is a cooperative effort of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, FBI and FDLE.

More than 500 tips have been phoned in to the sheriff's office.

"We're continuing to receive numerous tips and we're continuing to diligently follow up on each and every one of them," Hardy said.

There have been a couple of false sightings reported to authorities, Hardy said.

"People are on edge and a bit nervous," he said.

Authorities are still asking for the public's help in finding Haleigh and identifying who took her. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (888) 277-8477.

http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2009/02/17/news/news01.txt

[sarahhod]

Search for Haleigh begins to slow down

Investigators are moving away from the full-out ground search.

By Christopher Curry
Staff writer


Published: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 6:02 a.m.

PALATKA - The investigation into the disappearance of Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings has moved away from a full-out ground search, Putnam Sheriff Jeff Hardy said Monday, though investigators continue to "diligently follow up" on tips and interview family members and "known associates" of Haleigh's family, with some taking polygraph tests.

http://www.ocala.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=OS&Date=20090217&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=902171008&Ref=AR&MaxW=250&border=0
(http://www.ocala.com/article/20090217/ARTICLES/902171008/1001/NEWS01?Title=Search_for_Haleigh_begins_to_slow_dow n#) Ronald Cummings, father of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings, hugs Tim Miller, director of Texas EquuSearch on Monday in Satsuma.
Tim Hussin / Special

"We don't have all our questions answered and obviously we don't have Haleigh," Hardy said.
He did not answer specific questions on who was interviewed Monday.
About 60 officers searched a wooded area Monday near the Satsuma mobile home where Haleigh lives but found no new evidence, Hardy said.
The child was last seen about 10 p.m. Feb. 9 inside the mobile home that she shared with her brother, her father and his live-in girlfriend. Authorities were called after 3 a.m. Feb. 10 when the girlfriend awoke to use the bathroom and found the child was gone.
The back door to the mobile home was found propped open, and law enforcement say they found no signs of forced entry. They said they believe Haleigh was abducted.
Monday afternoon, Haleigh's parents pleaded for law enforcement and Texas-based search group EquuSearch to continue a full-out ground search for their daughter.
"I want everybody to keep looking for her," Haleigh's mother, Crystal Sheffield, said. "I don't think anybody should stop. My daughter is out there somewhere."
EquuSearch ended its search early Monday afternoon, search coordinator Michael Ray said.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement special agent Dominick Pape said investigators were taking a more "tactical approach" to the ground search, relying on leads and tips.
"We will continue searching until she is found," Pape said.
Like last week, the families of Crystal Sheffield and Ronald Cummings spend their days camped out under tents. Cummings' family was in the front yard of a mobile home in his neighborhood. Sheffield's family has set up camp on a stretch of grass near the entrance to the neighborhood. The two families have started holding a single candlelight vigil each night. Sunday night they held a birthday party for Ronald Cummings Jr., who turned 4.
Tonight, the Dunn's Creek Baptist Church, located just north of Satsuma, will hold a ceremony to pray for Haleigh's return. Ronald Cummings and Haleigh are members of the congregation, said the Rev. Terry Wright.
"Until there is a conclusion, we have a choice to make," Wright said. "We can get depressed and give up or we can have hope."

http://www.ocala.com/article/20090217/ARTICLES/902171008/1001/NEWS01?Title=Search_for_Haleigh_begins_to_slow_dow n

[LiveLaughLuv]

"The hardest thing about our organization is for every person involved to put this kind of effort into it and walk away empty-handed," Equusearch founder Tim Miller said Sunday night. "It's heart-breaking, it truly is. But you what? When you look at the whole picture, we did everything right. Our hearts were here, our compassion was here, we was focused on what we was doing -- she just isn't here."
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29226272/

TM is so experienced if she was out in those woods, he would have found her. Someone has her that's all there is too it.

This child is endangered due to her physical ailment. I do wonder when her next series of injections were to take place. I am so worried about this child and hoping whoever has her would think about what they are doing and bring that child home to her family.

I asked a question and didn't receive an answer. Does anyone know if the washing machine in in that trailer home or is there an area dedicated to doing the laundry at that trailer park.

The reason I'm asking is, if Misty was doing the laundry could she have left the door open and someone hid in that home until Misty went to sleep and then just left with Haleigh? Since there is no forced entry, could this be a possibility. Then if this were the case whoever went in that home must have left some trace evidence.

This is so heartbreaking and hoping Haleigh is found today.

[LiveLaughLuv]

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Assist in Haleigh Search
Monday, February 16, 2009

The search for Haleigh Cummings hitting close to home has brought the community together to lend a helping hand in any way possible. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is assisting the search and rescue efforts by providing consultants working hand and hand with law enforcement officers. The consultants designate search areas are most probable to find missing children. The Director of the Missing Children’s Division, Larry Bonney says the agency provides services to the community and families which will expedite process in finding the missing children. Bonney also believes people in the community can assist in some way by just keeping an eye out for Haleigh, or by participating in searches conducted by volunteers. The Center provides families with specific recommendations to prevent an incident like this from occurring. Giving your child an identification card allows someone who finds a child to report it immediately and contact the parents. If your child is suspected to be missing, report it to law enforcement and contact the NCMEC. People in the community are encouraged to be informed if a situation like such were to arise. If you have any information regarding this case please call the police or 1-800-THE-LOST. http://www.am850.com/news/archives/2009/02/national_center_for_missing_exploited_children_ass .asp

[Faith]

Authorities Hold Briefing On Missing Girl

A news conference is held with the latest on Haleigh Cummings. Watch it live on
WESH.com at 9:30 a.m.

http://www.wesh.com/video/16456665/index.html?treets=orl&tml=orl_break&ts=T&tmi=orl_break_1_07350102172009

[Trailblazer]

http://www.wftv.com/news/18729752/detail.html

Haleigh Search Taking Financial Toll On Sheriff's Office

Eyewitness News has learned that Putnam County commissioners will be looking for financial help from the state and federal governments because of the search for Haleigh.

From overtime and fuel, to equipment costs, Putnam County Sheriff Jeff hardy said the search has taken a toll on the sheriff's office budget.

Hardy said assistance from outside agencies helped, but the county still has a bottom line. He met with commissioners Monday to discuss other possibilities for funding.

"He told me that at some point they were going to have to come to us they thought because they would have exhausted their budget with what they have," said Putnam County Commissioner Nancy Harris.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office doesn't expect to get a final figure for the cost of the search for several weeks

[Faith]

I lost signal.

[Faith]

What I got out of what I heard was they came up with something last night but will not release that to us. They will not release to us if Misty had transportation the night Haleigh went missing.

[Trailblazer]

What I got out of what I heard was they came up with something last night but will not release that to us. They will not release to us if Misty had transportation the night Haleigh went missing.

Very interesting...thanks Faith for posting this...I missed the presser

[foxfarmboxers]

Very interesting...thanks Faith for posting this...I missed the presser

I missed it too Trail....when I got "booted"...GRRRR...thanks for posting Faith. I wonder what they came up with.

[Faith]

There was more but the signal was lost. I'm sure it will be a video available soon.

[AmyE]

Thanks Faith for updating us! I sure pray Haleigh is safe and found soon.

[Isabella]

What I got out of what I heard was they came up with something last night but will not release that to us. They will not release to us if Misty had transportation the night Haleigh went missing.
TY..well last night it was said that Fed agents and LE went back to the mobile home and that more poly's were being done, maybe something came from that.

[AmyE]

Still Following New Leads in Search for Haleigh

PALATKA, FL -- Putnam County officials held a news conference at 9:30 Tuesday morning to update the media and the public on the search for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings.

Capt. Steve Rose with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said the searchers spent time yesterday establishing checkpoints and conducting what he called a "secondary neighborhood canvas."

In that process, officials stopped and searched every vehicle, and questioned the people inside.

Rose said the checkpoint idea was something they had learned while undergoing child abduction response training.

It's designed to go over the same area again, and hopefully be able to talk to someone or see something that may not have been there earlier in the search.

Capt. Rose said their teams gained several important leads in the secondary canvas, but wouldn't disclose what any of them were.

He did say that leads were still coming in locally, statewide, and out of state, and that they were following up on each one.

Asked if officials had come up with a suspect or suspects yet, Rose said, "We are still looking at everybody as a suspect at this time."

The next scheduled news conference is at 4 p.m. We will bring it to you live on First Coast News and firstcoastnews.com. Of course, if there's a major break in the search before then, we'll bring it to you as it happens.


http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131517&catid=3

[texanne]

It sounds like they are doing every thing that can possibly be done to find Haleigh. This is so frightening and frustrating. I am praying for that one lead or tip that will find her.

[annalyzer]

http://cbs4.com/local/amber.alert.haleigh.2.936836.html

Feb 17, 2009 11:09 am US/Eastern

Police Follow Leads In Search For Missing Fl. Girl

Haleigh Cummings Was Last Seen Monday Feb. 9th Around 10:00 p.m.

Last Person To See Haleigh Was The 17-Year Old Girlfriend Of Haleigh's Father

SATSUMA, Fla. (CBS) ― Police are still actively searching for a missing north Florida girl who disappeared without a trace. Investigators said Tuesday they've done another neighborhood canvas of the area where 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings vanished more than a week ago.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office Captain Steve Rose says detectives received several good leads while talking to neighbors in the Satsuma area and will be looking into those Tuesday. Rose declined to talk about those leads.

He also says authorities conducted a road block near the girl's home, stopping all the cars to talk to drivers about what they may have seen.

Haleigh vanished from her father's double wide mobile home, just outside the community of Satsuma, which is about 10 miles south of Palatka.

The woman who was the last person to see Haleigh before she vanished said she passed a lie detector test last week. Misty Croslin, the 17-year old girlfriend of Haleigh's father, spoke to CBS' The Early Show on Tuesday. In the exclusive interview, Croslin said Haleigh Cummings was asleep just four feet away from her the night she disappeared. "She wasn't there when I woke up," Croslin said.

Croslin did not recall the questions she was asked in the lie detector test. "I passed it," she said bluntly.

Putnam County Sheriff's officials said they sent about 50 officers Monday to a wooded area that had not previously been searched after receiving a tip on Haleigh's disappearance, but nothing was found.

Appearing alongside Croslin on The Early Show, Haleigh's grandmother, Theresa Nevis, said the family remained hopeful the little girl would be found. Asked to speculate who might take Haleigh, Nevis said it would likely be someone who knew that her son, Ronald Cummings, worked nights.

Also, Nevis again stated there is no way Haleigh would have wandered off on her own. "Absolutely not. My baby girl was afraid of the dark," she said.

The girl's parents are divorced and she was being watched by the father's 17-year-old girlfriend, Misty Croslin, when she vanished from the father's home.

The sheriff's office was called about 3 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 10th when her father, Ronald Cummings, returned home from work and discovered his daughter was missing.

When he called 911, he told the operator, "If I find whoever has my daughter before y'all do, I'm killing them; I don't care, I'll spend the rest of my life in prison I'm telling you, you can put it on record and I don't care."

Croslin told a 911 dispatcher that a back door that was usually locked had been propped open by a brick.

Several dozen sex offenders and predators living in the area have all been interviewed and their homes checked, investigators said.

Haleigh is around 3 feet tall, has blond hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 39 pounds. She was wearing a pink shirt and her underwear when she was last seen.

If you see Haleigh, you are urged to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at (386) 329-0808, or call 911.

[Emyo]

http://www.news4jax.com/news/18700310/detail.html

"I didn't hear anything at all. If I'd heard something, I would have got up and I wouldn't have let them take her," Croslin said.

Croslin said after putting Haleigh to sleep about 8 p.m., she was up doing laundry, which was right by the back door, which she knew was locked when she went back in the bedroom. She said she put a blanket on Haleigh and lay down in a bed nearby.
It's unclear whether Croslin left the bedroom prior to Haleigh disappearing. Croslin's account indicates that she left the room at some point. She said she woke up about 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom.

[AmyE]

Investigators Say They Have "Several Good Leads"

A tactical search for five-year-old Haleigh Cummings has produced "several good leads" says Captain Steven Rose.

http://wokv.com/images/2009/02/haleigh%20week%202%20photos%20002_m.jpg?SSImageQua lity=Full

The cooperative effort of law enforcement from the local, state and federal level, may have produced some helpful information in the search for the missing Putnam County girl. Rose says multiple agencies canvassed several neighborhoods in the Satsuma area to ask questions about the little girl's whereabouts.

They also carried out a vehicle check point to ask drivers about the case. Rose says they developed a few leads from the questioning, but they can't release those details at this time.

Rose says more investigators will patrol the South Putnam area to follow-up on the leads and hope to have new information at a 4pm news conference.



http://wokv.com/localnews/2009/02/investigators-say-they-have-se.html

[annalyzer]

I hope those good leads result in good news and Haleigh is found alive.

[AmyE]

Police Follow Leads In Search For Missing Fl. Girl

SATSUMA, Fla. (CBS) ― Police are still actively searching for a missing north Florida girl who disappeared without a trace. Investigators said Tuesday they've done another neighborhood canvas of the area where 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings vanished more than a week ago.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office Captain Steve Rose says detectives received several good leads while talking to neighbors in the Satsuma area and will be looking into those Tuesday. Rose declined to talk about those leads.

He also says authorities conducted a road block near the girl's home, stopping all the cars to talk to drivers about what they may have seen.

Haleigh vanished from her father's double wide mobile home, just outside the community of Satsuma, which is about 10 miles south of Palatka.

The woman who was the last person to see Haleigh before she vanished said she passed a lie detector test last week. Misty Croslin, the 17-year old girlfriend of Haleigh's father, spoke to CBS' The Early Show on Tuesday. In the exclusive interview, Croslin said Haleigh Cummings was asleep just four feet away from her the night she disappeared. "She wasn't there when I woke up," Croslin said.

Croslin did not recall the questions she was asked in the lie detector test. "I passed it," she said bluntly.

Putnam County Sheriff's officials said they sent about 50 officers Monday to a wooded area that had not previously been searched after receiving a tip on Haleigh's disappearance, but nothing was found.

Appearing alongside Croslin on The Early Show, Haleigh's grandmother, Theresa Nevis, said the family remained hopeful the little girl would be found. Asked to speculate who might take Haleigh, Nevis said it would likely be someone who knew that her son, Ronald Cummings, worked nights.

Also, Nevis again stated there is no way Haleigh would have wandered off on her own. "Absolutely not. My baby girl was afraid of the dark," she said.

The girl's parents are divorced and she was being watched by the father's 17-year-old girlfriend, Misty Croslin, when she vanished from the father's home.

The sheriff's office was called about 3 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 10th when her father, Ronald Cummings, returned home from work and discovered his daughter was missing.

When he called 911, he told the operator, "If I find whoever has my daughter before y'all do, I'm killing them; I don't care, I'll spend the rest of my life in prison I'm telling you, you can put it on record and I don't care."

Croslin told a 911 dispatcher that a back door that was usually locked had been propped open by a brick.

Several dozen sex offenders and predators living in the area have all been interviewed and their homes checked, investigators said.

Haleigh is around 3 feet tall, has blond hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 39 pounds. She was wearing a pink shirt and her underwear when she was last seen.

If you see Haleigh, you are urged to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at (386) 329-0808, or call 911.

http://cbs4.com/local/amber.alert.haleigh.2.936836.html

[AmyE]

Press conference held on Haleigh Cummings search

Captain Steve Rose from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office finished speaking to the media around 10 a.m. Tuesday and said law enforcement has been utilizing sources from federal, state and local officers in the search for missing 5-year old Haleigh Cummings.

Rose said local and adjacent neighborhood canvasses were conducted Monday and police came up with "several good leads," from those canvasses but can't disclose what they've learned.

Police also conducted vehicle checkpoints and continued to polygraph people close to Haleigh. When asked the results of those polygraphs, Rose said they will not disclose the results.

Rose said police feel "confident" in the general timeline they have of Haleigh's disappearance but would not disclose any details of that timeline.

One reporter asked if the 17-year old girlfriend of Haleigh's father, Misty Croslin, was home the entire evening Haleigh disappeared, Rose said, "No comment, that's sensitive information to the investigation."

"We look at everyone as a suspect," Rose added.



http://www.cbs12.com/news/cummings_4714596___article.html/canvasses_local.html

[AmyE]

Official: We are checking on leads involving Haleigh Cummings

Today's Updates

9:53 a.m. New tips generated overnight have led Putnam County investigators to places around Florida and even out-of-state to search for missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings.

Detectives canvassed the Satsuma neighborhood last night and found new people they hadn't spoken to the first time they did a "knock and talk" last week, an official said.

Several people have been taken polygraph tests, including Haleigh's father Ronald Cummings, 25, and his girlfriend Misty Croslin, 17.

Croslin was the last person to see Haleigh before she disappeared. Investigators would not release information about what those tests showed or comment on whether they still believe Croslin is telling the truth.

The ground search for the missing child has ended, but investigators will continue to work on leads.
--------------------------------------------------

A week into the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings, law-enforcement officials vowed Monday to find the missing Putnam County girl.

About 60 officers continued to search for the 5-year-old from Satsuma who vanished last week from her family's mobile home while her father's girlfriend slept.

Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said during a televised news conference that investigators have identified another area they plan to canvass within the next day or so.

"We've not abandoned this search," Hardy said.

Investigators will now be taking a more "tactical" approach to looking for Haleigh, said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent-in-Charge Dominick Pape.

Texas EquuSearch, the volunteer group that organized a search for Haleigh during the weekend -- and helped look for Caylee Marie Anthony in Orange County last year -- concluded its work in the rural area.

The search is not limited to Putnam, and investigators said they will go wherever needed until they find Haleigh. They continue interviewing people, and evidence is being evaluated at a crime lab.

"We will continue searching until she is recovered," Pape said.

During the conference, the investigators briefly discussed a sexual predator wanted in Marion County but said he is not considered a person of interest in Haleigh's disappearance "today."

Chad Eugene Reynolds, 25, who was convicted in Putnam in 2003 of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child younger than 12, has not been seen since he left his mother's Ocklawaha home for a Super Bowl party Feb. 1.

Marion officials alerted Putnam County investigators about Reynolds after Haleigh disappeared. At this point, authorities don't think the two are connected, Marion County Sheriff's spokeswoman Jenifer Fisher said.

Hardy said he remains hopeful investigators will find Haleigh.

Detectives are asking that anyone who has information on the child call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 1-888-277-8477.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-haleigh-cummings-missing-girl-021709,0,5829153.story

[Faith]

I hope those good leads result in good news and Haleigh is found alive.

Me too, this is pure torture for the family. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

[Claudia]

Please God, let them find this little girl safe. :innocent0001:

[sarahhod]

Original Haleigh
Cummings case police
narrative

Spelling and grammar as found on
original report

- Police were dispatched to 202 Green Drive, in reference to the report of a missing 5-year-old child. Due to the age of the child, police responded to this location with a Code 3, blue lights and sirens. D/S Bridges and Iarrived on scene at the same time, 3:40. Upon our arrival, I observed a white male standing in the driveway who was visibibly upset. I made contact with the individual who identified himself as Ronald Cummings. Ronald told me that his daughter, Haleigh Cummings, 5, was missing.
Police asked Ronald what happened, and he told me that he had just gotten home from work, and his, "dumb [censored] girlfriend" told him his daughter was missing. Ronald repeadtedly said that someone had taken his child and also said, "when I find him, I'll kill him." Ronald was referring to a 9mm Beretta hand gun which heowed inside of his residence and that if law enforcement found whoever had this child, he would shoot them through the back window of the patrol car. I attempted to get information from Ronald regarding HAleigh, however, due to his emotional state he was unable to provide any useful information.
I then made contact with Misty Croslin, Ronalds girlfriend. Misty told me that she had put the children to bed at approximately 8pm. MIsty said that they were sleeping in HER BED, and when she laid down at around 10:30pm both children were still in bed. I asked MIsty who the other child was and she advised the other child was Haleighs brother. Misty old me that she woke up just before 3am to get a drink and she noticed that Haleigh was missing, however the OTHER child was still in bed. MIsty ran around the residence franticallly looking for haleigh and that she noticed the back door was stanfing open. MIsty said that she was sure the back door had been locked prior to her going to bed.
Mist said that at approximately 5 minutes after she noticed Haleigh missing, Ronal arrived home. MIsty said that as soon as she told Ronald HAleigh was missing, Ronald told Misty to call 911, which she did. I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.
At this time, Teresa Neves arrived on scene. Teresa is Ronald's mother. Teresa told me that she had been called by Ronalds shortly after he learned HAleigh was missing. Teresa told me that Haleighs mother is Crystal Sheffield, however Ronald has full custody. Teresa told me that Ronald and Crystal have not been disputing the custody of Haleigh. Teresa provided a 2008-2009 school photograph of Haleigh.
While an officer spoke with the family, another coducteda canvass search of the residence in an attemptto locate Haleigh.
Police initiateda track beginning at the back door and down a wooded path, as we travelled down the wooded path, we located what appeared to be asmall child's footprint in the dirt. It should be noted that Ronald said Haleigh's shoes were still located inside the residence. The track lead up to a small pond and then back to the railroad crossing. At the last residence on the right side of the Green Drive was a small building with a door which had been left open. I entered the building but found no one insire
The track then continued past the north residence, where police made a left turn on Monroe Avenue. We made another left onto Buchan Circle, which we followed in a loop back to Monroe Avenue. We then made a left onto Tyler Street, and travelled past 116 Tyler, which is a location where Misty stated she had walked with Haleigh in the past. We then made a right turn on BUffalo Bluff Road to the railroad crossing, where we found were forced to end the track, because the canonwas unable to follow it any further.

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/state/missing_haleigh_police_report_021609

[sarahhod]

New leads in disappearance of Haleigh Cummings

February 17, 11:36 AM
by Cindy Adams, Crime Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner)


On Tuesday, authorities announced they have several new leads in the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d17-Haleigh-Cummings-family-beg-authorities-to-keep-searching) after interviewing individuals they missed during their initial sweep (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d16-Investigators-ending-ground-search-for-Haleigh-Cummings). “We were able to come up with several good leads that we are following up on today,” said Capt. Steve Rose of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. “At this time we cannot discuss the nature of those leads.”
Haleigh disappeared Monday night from her home while her father (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d15-A-birthday-without-his-big-sister--Haleigh-Cummings-little-brother-turns-four) was at work and his girlfriend (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d15-A-birthday-without-his-big-sister--Haleigh-Cummings-little-brother-turns-four) was taking care of Haleigh and her 4-year-old brother. Haleigh has blond hair and brown eyes and is 3 feet tall. She was last seen wearing underwear and a pink shirt.
“It’s possible those are people we missed the first time—new people, new information,” said Rose. “We’re still looking at everybody as a suspect at this time.”
Anyone with information regarding Haleigh Cummings should contact the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m2d17-New-leads-in-disappearance-of-Haleigh-Cummings (http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d17-New-leads-in-disappearance-of-Haleigh-Cummings)

[Micky_Spill]

Original Haleigh
Cummings case police
narrative


http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/state/missing_haleigh_police_report_021609
Spelling and grammar as found on
original report

- Police were dispatched to 202 Green Drive, in reference to the report of a missing 5-year-old child. Due to the age of the child, police responded to this location with a Code 3, blue lights and sirens. D/S Bridges and Iarrived on scene at the same time, 3:40. Upon our arrival, I observed a white male standing in the driveway who was visibibly upset. I made contact with the individual who identified himself as Ronald Cummings. Ronald told me that his daughter, Haleigh Cummings, 5, was missing.

Police asked Ronald what happened, and he told me that he had just gotten home from work, and his, "dumb [censored] girlfriend" told him his daughter was missing. Ronald repeadtedly said that someone had taken his child and also said, "when I find him, I'll kill him." Ronald was referring to a 9mm Beretta hand gun which heowed inside of his residence and that if law enforcement found whoever had this child, he would shoot them through the back window of the patrol car. I attempted to get information from Ronald regarding HAleigh, however, due to his emotional state he was unable to provide any useful information.

I then made contact with Misty Croslin, Ronalds girlfriend. Misty told me that she had put the children to bed at approximately 8pm. MIsty said that they were sleeping in HER BED, and when she laid down at around 10:30pm both children were still in bed. I asked MIsty who the other child was and she advised the other child was Haleighs brother. Misty old me that she woke up just before 3am to get a drink and she noticed that Haleigh was missing, however the OTHER child was still in bed. MIsty ran around the residence franticallly looking for haleigh and that she noticed the back door was stanfing open. MIsty said that she was sure the back door had been locked prior to her going to bed.

Mist said that at approximately 5 minutes after she noticed Haleigh missing, Ronal arrived home. MIsty said that as soon as she told Ronald HAleigh was missing, Ronald told Misty to call 911, which she did. I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.

At this time, Teresa Neves arrived on scene. Teresa is Ronald's mother. Teresa told me that she had been called by Ronalds shortly after he learned HAleigh was missing. Teresa told me that Haleighs mother is Crystal Sheffield, however Ronald has full custody. Teresa told me that Ronald and Crystal have not been disputing the custody of Haleigh. Teresa provided a 2008-2009 school photograph of Haleigh.

While an officer spoke with the family, another coducteda canvass search of the residence in an attemptto locate Haleigh.

Police initiateda track beginning at the back door and down a wooded path, as we travelled down the wooded path, we located what appeared to be asmall child's footprint in the dirt. It should be noted that Ronald said Haleigh's shoes were still located inside the residence. The track lead up to a small pond and then back to the railroad crossing. At the last residence on the right side of the Green Drive was a small building with a door which had been left open. I entered the building but found no one insire

The track then continued past the north residence, where police made a left turn on Monroe Avenue. We made another left onto Buchan Circle, which we followed in a loop back to Monroe Avenue. We then made a left onto Tyler Street, and travelled past 116 Tyler, which is a location where Misty stated she had walked with Haleigh in the past. We then made a right turn on BUffalo Bluff Road to the railroad crossing, where we found were forced to end the track, because the canonwas unable to follow it any further

[sarahhod]

Police Have 'New Leads' in Disappearance of Missing Florida Girl Haleigh Cummings

Tuesday, February 17, 2009 http://www.foxnews.com/images/foxnews_story.gif



Police said they have several new leads in the disappearance of a 5-year-old Florida girl after interviewing individuals they had missed during earlier sweeps of her neighborhood.
Capt. Steve Rose, of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, declined to describe the information Tuesday in the case of Haleigh Cummings.
"We were able to come up with several good leads that we are following up on today," Rose told reporters. "At this time we cannot discuss the nature of those leads."
The news comes after an announcement earlier this week that authorities were scaling back their hunt for Haleigh, who vanished in the middle of the night from her trailer home last week.
Rose said police did a second neighborhood canvass Monday evening and got more information from people they hadn't previously talked to. They also set up a vehicle checkpoint.
"It's possible those are people we missed the first time — new people, new information," Rose said. "We’re still looking at everybody as a suspect at this time."
Rose reversed the department's weekend remarks that police were pulling away from the search for the child, which has involved several tips and about 250 volunteers — including those from Texas EquuSearch.
Putnam County Sheriff's Deputy Rick Ryan told The Gainesville Sun that police would comb through two more small patches of land Monday at the end of their ground search. The investigation, now a week old, is no longer focusing on an inspection of the surrounding area.
"This is frustrating," Ryan said in a Sunday news conference. "This is not 'CSI.' We can't wrap this up in an hour."
Haleigh was discovered missing from her home before dawn last Tuesday by her father's girlfriend, 17-year-old Misty Croslin.
The father, Ronald Cummings, said Haleigh had gotten up to use the bathroom, and when she didn't return, Croslin went to look for her and noticed that the back door of the mobile home they shared was open. Cummings said he'd just come home from work when Haleigh disappeared.
Police haven't narrowed down a list of suspects in the case, and they have received more than 350 leads.
"All the sex offenders [in the area] have been interviewed and their residences have been searched," Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said earlier. "They're cleared as far as us contacting them and speaking to them."
Cummings and Croslin told FOX News' Greta Van Susteren last week that they both had submitted to polygraphs and "passed" the tests.
Sheriff's officials would not release the results. Rose said several of those questioned have taken lie detector tests.
Croslin has told different stories to police and the media about the timing of her discovery that Haleigh was gone and where she and the child were in the mobile home the night the little girl vanished.
Rose said Tuesday that police are focusing on the timeline Croslin has given them in the case.
"We're still working on the timeline, but we're not going to divulge (specifics) at this time," he said. "We feel pretty confident about when the girlfriend last saw Haleigh. That’s the timeline we’re focusing on."
He wouldn't comment on what authorities have learned about the sequence of events before and after the child was discovered missing.
Police had never been called to the home in the past, but there have been investigations by a social services agency involving Cummings, Croslin and Haleigh and her 4-year-old brother Junior, according to Rose. He hasn't revealed the nature of those cases.
The Florida Department of Children and Families confirmed that the agency "was involved with the family," but wouldn't disclose details, citing confidentiality laws.
In addition to Croslin and Cummings, the child's mother, Crystal Sheffield, also has been questioned in the case.
Another press briefing was planned for 4 p.m. EST Tuesday.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,494425,00.html

[annalyzer]

Spelling and grammar as found on
original report ~ snip


oh i know micky. i was thinking i'd love to have a job like that and was wondering if they were hiring! there is just no excuse to write and have published a report like that. heck i'm on a new laptop and not making (or at least correcting) mistakes.

back on topic, i hope there is good news at four. would someone post a link to the news conference if it will be live?

[Micky_Spill]

oh i know micky. i was thinking i'd love to have a job like that and was wondering if they were hiring! there is just no excuse to write and have published a report like that. heck i'm on a new laptop and not making (or at least correcting) mistakes.

back on topic, i hope there is good news at four. would someone post a link to the news conference if it will be live?


Sorry Anna, I did not make that comment regarding spelling, it was from the original link

http://i41.tinypic.com/29eqihh.png


BUT true that!

[annalyzer]

is there a live news conference at four and will someone please post a link to cnnlive or other place i can view it?

[Trailblazer]

So far, LE has said that Haleigh was NOT wearing a pink shirt at the time of her going missing....but LE won't say anymore about it...

So what was she wearing??? Did anyone catch it? Oh just heard they don't know what she was wearing....hmmmm

[annalyzer]

So far, LE has said that Haleigh was NOT wearing a pink shirt at the time of her going missing....but LE won't say anymore about it...

So what was she wearing??? Did anyone catch it?

no, no one posted a link!

[Trailblazer]

no, no one posted a link!

OH sorry anna...I'm watching it on HLN tv

ETA - Ok the only thing the news conference said was that Haleigh was NOT wearing the pink shirt...LE has that shirt...and not to focus on what she was wearing, but what she looks like...

They have talked to Misty numerous times, as well as others numerous times...

They won't discuss anything else...

That was it

[AmyE]

Ya'll keep me updated, I have the flu and been down and up....trying to not get behind.

I am praying she is safe and found soon.

[annalyzer]

Ya'll keep me updated, I have the flu and been down and up....trying to not get behind.

I am praying she is safe and found soon.

sorry to hear that amy. i'm feeling sick too and am heading to bed, hopefully there will be good news concerning haleigh later. sounds like the news conference didn't give us anything again.

[chambord]

In that police report, it says they came upon Ron standing in the driveway. I wonder did he go into the house when he first arrived home. Or did he stay outside. How was it he knew Haleigh's shoes were in the house, and she was not wearing them. Just a curiosity about that.

moo

[Isabella]

Officials Don't Know What Haleigh Was Wearing

PALATKA, Fla. -- Authorities updated the Amber Alert for Haleigh Cummings on Tuesday, because they no longer know what clothes she was wearing when she disappeared a week ago.

Earlier, investigators said the 5-year-old girl was wearing a pink shirt, but that shirt has been located. Now, officials do not know what clothing the girl was wearing when she was reported missing from her Putnam County home on Feb. 19.

At a 4 p.m. news conference, investigators would make no comment about the pink shirt.

At the county's emergency operations center in Palatka, officials have fielded hundreds of calls from people who believe they may have a clue to Haleigh's whereabouts.

At a news briefing on Tuesday, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Capt. Steve Rose said authorities are following several good leads they received while canvassing the neighborhood where Haleigh vanished one week ago.

http://www.wesh.com/news/18729399/detail.html

[Faith]

OH sorry anna...I'm watching it on HLN tv

ETA - Ok the only thing the news conference said was that Haleigh was NOT wearing the pink shirt...LE has that shirt...and not to focus on what she was wearing, but what she looks like...

They have talked to Misty numerous times, as well as others numerous times...

They won't discuss anything else...

That was it

oh no- i didn't see that. What else was said.

[Trailblazer]

oh no- i didn't see that. What else was said.

Unfortunately that was all that was said....they wouldn't talk about anything else...

[Isabella]

sorry to hear that amy. i'm feeling sick too and am heading to bed, hopefully there will be good news concerning haleigh later. sounds like the news conference didn't give us anything again.
Hope you and Amy get to feeling better :) maybe Mike JVM or Nancy will have more news.

[Faith]

OH sorry anna...I'm watching it on HLN tv

ETA - Ok the only thing the news conference said was that Haleigh was NOT wearing the pink shirt...LE has that shirt...and not to focus on what she was wearing, but what she looks like...

They have talked to Misty numerous times, as well as others numerous times...

They won't discuss anything else...

That was it

Unfortunately that was all that was said....they wouldn't talk about anything else...


Thank you-


HLN talking about the case in a few

[Faith]

over 1200 new tips he said.

[sunstar]

Officials Don't Know What Haleigh Was Wearing

PALATKA, Fla. -- Authorities updated the Amber Alert for Haleigh Cummings on Tuesday, because they no longer know what clothes she was wearing when she disappeared a week ago.

Earlier, investigators said the 5-year-old girl was wearing a pink shirt, but that shirt has been located. Now, officials do not know what clothing the girl was wearing when she was reported missing from her Putnam County home on Feb. 19.

At a 4 p.m. news conference, investigators would make no comment about the pink shirt.

At the county's emergency operations center in Palatka, officials have fielded hundreds of calls from people who believe they may have a clue to Haleigh's whereabouts.

At a news briefing on Tuesday, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Capt. Steve Rose said authorities are following several good leads they received while canvassing the neighborhood where Haleigh vanished one week ago.

http://www.wesh.com/news/18729399/detail.html
I'm trying to catch up on news while at work, and it seems odd that Misty doesn't know what Haleigh was wearing. Even if she (Haleigh) had changed clothes herself during the night (which I find unlikely) can't they tell what she had on by what's missing? :confused:

[Faith]

from 202 Green Ln, Satsuma, FL to 116 Tyler Street, satsuma, fl is 0.2 mi

[PolkaDot]

no, no one posted a link!

Everyday there has been a live update at 4pm est at this link....

http://www.news4jax.com/video/15505198/index.html

[Isabella]

I'm trying to catch up on news while at work, and it seems odd that Misty doesn't know what Haleigh was wearing. Even if she (Haleigh) had changed clothes herself during the night (which I find unlikely) can't they tell what she had on by what's missing? :confused:
I would sure think so...I wonder if they found that pink shirt in the home last night or somewhere else? It is odd and with no new
description of what she WAS wearing I guess Misty doesn't know what clothing was missing. JMO

[Isabella]

from 202 Green Ln, Satsuma, FL to 116 Tyler Street, satsuma, fl is 0.2 mi
What is at Tyler Street Faith?

[sunstar]

I would sure think so...I wonder if they found that pink shirt in the home last night or somewhere else? It is odd and with no new
description of what she WAS wearing I guess Misty doesn't know what clothing was missing. JMO

I'm wondering too where the pink shirt was found, but I suppose it was somewhere in the house. I just would've thought since Haleigh was supposed to be sleeping so close to where Misty was she would've known what Haleigh had on. :blondblush113268230

[Micky_Spill]

What is at Tyler Street Faith?


http://i44.tinypic.com/2v0joyq.png

[Faith]

Isabella, from Sarah's post on page 7

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10992&page=7

I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.

[cavimom]

I'm trying to catch up on news while at work, and it seems odd that Misty doesn't know what Haleigh was wearing. Even if she (Haleigh) had changed clothes herself during the night (which I find unlikely) can't they tell what she had on by what's missing? :confused:

I dont know about that. My kids have SO MANY clothes I would have a hard time deciding what ONE item was missing... but thats just me..

[Trailblazer]

Isabella, from Sarah's post on page 7

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10992&page=7

I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.


I thought that was where Misty's brother lived...but I could be wrong...

[Micky_Spill]

Isabella, from Sarah's post on page 7

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10992&page=7

I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.

My post above is picture of the residence.

[Isabella]

Thank You Micky and Faith! :smile:

[Faith]

I thought that was where Misty's brother lived...but I could be wrong...

It could be, TB, that article says her family.

[sunstar]

Isabella, from Sarah's post on page 7

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10992&page=7

I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.

I remember Haleigh's scent was tracked as if she was wandering and wonder if it's anywhere around this Tyler address?

[texanne]

I dont make much of the clothes thing. I have to concentrate to remember what my grandson wore to school sometimes. I only remember today because I noticed he wore his red shirt he got for the valentine dance. However, when they are small and you are the one putting their outfits together, it seems you would remember. A 17 yr. old probably did not pay much attention to what the child wore.

[Faith]

I remember Haleigh's scent was tracked as if she was wandering and wonder if it's anywhere around this Tyler address?

LE are very tight lipped so we do not know. I feel like something made them go back to the neighborhood last night which looks like it paid off with new leads.

[chambord]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HihQ_vPvn6c

2/17 Misty on CBS Early Show

[sunstar]

LE are very tight lipped so we do not know. I feel like something made them go back to the neighborhood last night which looks like it paid off with new leads.

I noticed the press conferences don't contain much information, but if LE believes Haleigh could still be alive, that's probably good ~ not to tip off whoever might have her. It's been a week already so I hope they do have some new leads. :smile: MOO

[AmyE]

We have another parental abduction amber alert.

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?p=536545#post536545

I sure hope Haleigh is found soon with all these new leads.

[Isabella]

2/17 Misty on CBS Early Show
So Misty did call Ron before 911, wonder if he answered the phone, I was under the impression he only found out Haleigh was missing when he drove up to the house.

[chambord]

Isabella, from Sarah's post on page 7

http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10992&page=7

I asked MIsty if she ever took Haleigh on a walk, and Misty advised that she sometimes walked with Haleigh to 116 Tyler Street to visit her family.

That's her brother's house. The brother who was visiting her that day. His wife owns a van.

moo

[chambord]

So Misty did call Ron before 911, wonder if he answered the phone, I was under the impression he only found out Haleigh was missing when he drove up to the house.

Did you hear Misty say she passed the LD? It was the loudest comment she spoke. She looks so young for 17.

moo

[chambord]

The 4pm Press Conferance Coverage

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131556&catid=3&GID=xEbhtzk8+xbNVNbb0+Nwtt8n9oGj7FjeLE3AuzuuMio%3D

[katfish]

I dont know about that. My kids have SO MANY clothes I would have a hard time deciding what ONE item was missing... but thats just me..

Hi Cavi:0012: and All
My 5 year old niece LOVES to change her clothes. AMF when she comes to my house she heads to a room I have for her and her sister(they visit often) and changes. Haleigh's grandmother cared for her before Misty came along and I bet she still helped out...she may keep some clothes for the kids when they come. That may account for not knowing what was where as far as clothes. Clothes can be changed so easily, what are the chances her abducter(if one exists) would leave the same clothes on her anyway? jmo

[chambord]

Interesting Info. From a Former Tenant who Once Lived There.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/amberalerts/news-article.aspx?storyid=131562&catid=295

[Faith]

So Misty did call Ron before 911, wonder if he answered the phone, I was under the impression he only found out Haleigh was missing when he drove up to the house.

Yes she did, they reported she called as he was pulling into the driveway.

[chambord]

JVM talking to a reporter who said one of the leads LE is looking at is that Misty was not at home the entire evening.

moo

[Faith]

Family Says Get to Know Haleigh Cummings
Posted By: Dave Wax Created: 2/17/2009 5:32:34 PM Updated: 2/17/2009 6:01:18 PM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090217053441_021709_thomas_haleigh1.jpghttp://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090217053448_021709_thomas_haleigh3.jpg

SATSUMA, FL -- The family of Haleigh Cummings wants people to get to know the little girl.

Her grandmother says too much of the focus seems to be on the search, how it's going, where they're looking, and how many people are searching.

She says people need to understand the 5-year-old better.

Her favorite movie is "Air Bud." Her favorite color is red.

She's a huge Hannah Montana fan.

This personal knowledge of the missing 5-year-old comes from a family who has spent the last week sleeping in tents heated by portable propane heaters.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has been frequent visitors to the family, including an early morning visit by Sheriff Jeff Hardy and a long talk with detectives Tuesday afternoon.

Sleep isn't coming easy to the tired family, but they say they keep going for Haleigh.

"Hang in there, sweetheart," says her grandmother. "We love you, baby."
http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131560&catid=3

[sunstar]

JVM talking to a reporter who said one of the leads LE is looking at is that Misty was not at home the entire evening.

moo

Oh thank you for the update ~ I missed the part of her show where she was talking about Haleigh. This is very interesting!

[F~M]

NG is reporting that Misty was not in the trailor (just released as she went to start the show).

Cham.. I believe you called this a week ago.

ETA: Not confirmed. *sigh*

[Pauli]

Misty not being home is so far just media rumor... not a fact.

[Trailblazer]

Therese Neves , the grandmother said that she knew Misty was there, that she had a family member there and that they dropped off some clothes..per NG show

[annalyzer]

JVM talking to a reporter who said one of the leads LE is looking at is that Misty was not at home the entire evening.

moo


That's been my theory/thinking all along.

I wish there had been more news today besides Haleigh wasn't wearing the pink shirt as first reported.

[Faith]

Therese Neves , the grandmother said that she knew Misty was there, that she had a family member there and that they dropped off some clothes..per NG show

I am not watching NG but wasn't the brother there around 5pm?

[Trailblazer]

I am not watching NG but wasn't the brother there around 5pm?

According to Misty, that was the time he showed up and stayed about 30 to 45 mins.

[AmyE]

Vigil planned tonight for missing girl

Another vigil has been planned for Haleigh Cummings, the 5-year-old Putnam County girl who has been missing for a week.

Tonight’s vigil will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Dunns Creek Baptist Church, 686 S. U.S. 17 in San Mateo.

Haleigh’s father, Ronald Cummings, previously attended the church on occasion.

Church leaders described this evening’s vigil as a community gathering open to anyone who wants to show their support for Haleigh’s family.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090217/ARTICLES/902170952/-1/SPORTS0102?Title=Vigil-planned-tonight-for-missing-girl

[AmyE]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=88648517

Misty???

[Grande]

Police follow tips that say teen girlfriend wasn't home when Haleigh was taken
February 17, 2009 - 8:20 PM
WJXT

Since an Amber Alert was issued for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings one week ago, more than 1,000 tips have poured into a Crimestoppers hot line; and until Tuesday afternoon investigators have not released specific information about the leads they've received.

However, on Tuesday, new information was released that Haleigh's father's girlfriend, 17-year-old Misty Croslin, may not have been at home the night Haleigh disappeared.Investigators in Putnam County said they are looking into the Croslin tip as a possibility.

Haleigh was reported missing just after 3 a.m. last Tuesday when Croslin told authorities she woke up and found the child missing. Within minutes, Croslin and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, placed frantic calls to 911. By first light, a massive search was under way and an Amber Alert was issued. Since the investigation began, Croslin has told detectives that she put Haleigh and the girl's younger brother to bed at about 8 p.m., and that at 10 p.m. both children were still in bed. Croslin said when she awoke at about 3 a.m. to use the bathroom she noticed Haleigh was missing.

"I didn't make it to the bathroom. I seen the kitchen light on and I walked in the kitchen and the back door is wide open," Croslin said. "I go in the room and she's gone. And that's all I know. When I went to bed she was there and then when I got up and she was gone."

Croslin has been interviewed by detectives and volunteered to take a lie-detector test -- which she said she passed -- but had not spoken publicly until midday Thursday when she spoke to Mazzeo. "I didn't hear anything at all. If I'd heard something, I would have got up and I wouldn't have let them take her," Croslin said. Croslin said Haleigh and her 3-year-old brother "look at me like their mom."

"I love her like she's my own," she said. "I just want her to come home. "Croslin said she doesn't blame herself, but she's emotionally devastated and just want to know that Haleigh is safe. "I wished they'd took me instead of her, because I could have fought," Croslin said.

"She's only 5; she can't really do anything. What do they want with a little 5-year-old?"

http://www.cbs12.com/news/croslin_4714634___article.html/haleigh_year.html

[sunstar]

I think this is very important information!!

Former Tenant Talks About Haleigh's House

SATSUMA, FL -- The floor creeks, the back door sticks and makes a scraping noise, and you can feel other people walking in the house.

That's how Dr. Jessie Smallwood describes the mobile home where 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings disappeared.

Smallwood lived in it nearly a decade ago.

When we called him this morning -- 1 week since Haleigh was reported missing -- Smallwood says it "shocked" him and "chilled" him to know his old home is now at the center of a massive search that's made national headlines.

"We've been watching it on TV, and we've been saying, 'Boy, that looks so familiar,'" he recalls, "'That looks just like the house that we used to live in."

Smallwood stresses that the next owner(s) may have made upgrades to the rickety structure, but he remembers complaining often about the home to his landlord.

"If someone was even trying to creep across the house, the floor creeks," Smallwood explained by phone.

He was also so concerned about the back door not being secure, he and a friend installed a sliding lock.

"My son was a short 9," Smallwood tells us, "and we put the latch up too high for him to reach."

But when asked if the door could be opened even with the latched locked he said, "A man could [open it]."

Smallwood and his wife now live in Claxton, Georgia, but during that year they spend living at 202 Green Lane in Satsuma, Florida, Smallwood says the nights were scary for his then 9-year-old son.

"He was scared of the dark, and we had a security light put in there," Smallwood says, and goes on to describe the area around the mobile home.

"If there was no security light, it was pitch, absolutely black."

Smallwood also gave some insight to the surroundings if someone were targeting the home.

"You could park down in the trees," he explains, "if you were going to abduct someone, all you would have to do is sit back there and no one would see you watching the house."

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/amberalerts/news-article.aspx?storyid=131566&catid=295

[Jute]

Hope you and Amy get to feeling better :) maybe Mike JVM or Nancy will have more news.

Unfortunately that was all that was said....they wouldn't talk about anything else...

I hope that the lack of information is good news; I am getting very frightened for Haleigh and her family. It's good to hear that LE was able to get some new information from the people they spoke with today.

JMO

Feel better, Anna and Amy. :(

[Jute]

Everyday there has been a live update at 4pm est at this link....

http://www.news4jax.com/video/15505198/index.html

Welcome to HFTM, PolkaDot - love your mug. :)

[Faith]

http://media2.myfoxtampabay.com//photo/2009/02/16/HALEIGH_CUMMINGS_5_2009021609294760_320_240.JPG
Cell phone camera photo of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings, courtesy Misty Croslin.

[annalyzer]

http://media2.myfoxtampabay.com//photo/2009/02/16/HALEIGH_CUMMINGS_5_2009021609294760_320_240.JPG
Cell phone camera photo of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings, courtesy Misty Croslin.


She looks so happy in all of her photos. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

[chambord]

In answer to NG's question to Ron's mother about Misty , is there a drug problem? Ron's mother responded that there was. As in past tense.

Mark Klass is saying the inconsistincies are very telling. Stories keep changing.

I'll post the transcript as soon as its available.

moo

[chambord]

David Lohr's Report


incl. Ron alledgely says Haleigh's abduction may hace something to do with what he had done in the past.

Lohr also writes that TES was asked to leave.

yikes!



http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html

[AmyE]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=88648517

Misty???

BUMP!

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j105/mrseden2004/Screen%20Shots/MistyCummings.jpg

Misty Croslin

[Trailblazer]

David Lohr's Report


incl. Ron alledgely says Haleigh's abduction may hace something to do with what he had done in the past.

Lohr also writes that TES was asked to leave.

yikes!



http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html

Thanks cham

[annalyzer]

In answer to NG's question to Ron's mother about Misty , is there a drug problem? Ron's mother responded that there was. As in past tense.

Mark Klass is saying the inconsistincies are very telling. Stories keep changing.

I'll post the transcript as soon as its available.

moo

Mark Klass is saying that? Wow.

[Stacey3772]

I'm trying to catch up on news while at work, and it seems odd that Misty doesn't know what Haleigh was wearing. Even if she (Haleigh) had changed clothes herself during the night (which I find unlikely) can't they tell what she had on by what's missing? :confused:

ya know, honestly, my daughter has so many clothes that I would truly NEVER know what was missing from this house. Between my purchases and my mom (who spoils her rotten) she has a full sized closet full of clothing, stuff constantly in the hamper or laundry... not to mention 8 pair of shoes. Ridicules, I know.... :022: :shrug1:

[Stacey3772]

I dont know about that. My kids have SO MANY clothes I would have a hard time deciding what ONE item was missing... but thats just me..

lol, i just posted the same thing before i read this.... glad im not the only one! Also - I dont think what she was wearing a week ago would matter at this point... im sure if she were in public view (not likely), her clothing would have been changed by now.

[Jute]

That is my photobucket acct. I had to post the screenshot there to post here.

This is the properties of the original picture.

http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/54/m_7ed2f830275e40ec80e81dad9c4a6b69.jpg

I'm sorry, Amy - I just deleted my comment. :blondblush113268230

[Buddeelove]

David Lohr's Report


incl. Ron alledgely says Haleigh's abduction may hace something to do with what he had done in the past.

Lohr also writes that TES was asked to leave.

yikes!



http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html


why was TES ask to leave???

[AmyE]

I'm sorry, Amy - I just deleted my comment. :blondblush113268230

Well... you didn't have to do that, but thanks!

ETA: I deleted mine too...cause I replied to it....LOL!

[Faith]

Message of Hope Comforts Family at Church Vigil for Haleigh Cummings

Updated: 2/17/2009 11:29:04 PM

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090217110555_021709_lindy_tent_haleigh_.jpghttp://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090217110609_021709_lindy_tent_haleigh_1.jpghttp://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090212115223_021209_haleighcandlelighvigil1.jpghtt p://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=3&h=240&w=320&i=/assetpool/images/090217110542_021709_lindy_tshirt_haleigh_.jpg

PUTNAM COUNTY, FL -- Pastor Terry Wright said Tuesday night, "We can choose to embrace despair, or we can choose to have hope."

Hope - the feeling that what is wanted can be had.

5-year-old Haleigh Cumming's mother walked into Dunn's Creek Baptist Church in San Mateo clutching her youngest child, and framed pictures of her oldest.

Johnny Marcus Sheffield, Jr., Haleigh's uncle on her mother's side, said through tears, "[Haleigh] is amazing. She's the greatest. Her and her little brother, I just love them to death. It's a shame."

Inside the hour-long service, Haleigh's mother and father sat on each aisle seat right in front of the pastor's pulpit, taking turns holding the 4-year-old son they have together. Each parent, physically leaning on their loved ones for support.

Both families nodded their heads in agreement when Pastor Wright prayed if someone has Haleigh, their heart would be softened.

"We're not naive about statistics," said Pastor Wright. "But we have a choice to make because they've not found Haleigh."

They choose hope over despair, and leave the sanctuary with the message that when the world says give up, hope whispers to keep going.

Community member Marisa Sapp brought two of her children to the vigil. Her daughter attends Haleigh's elementary school.

"It's just emotional," said Sapp. "Gives you chills, just knowing she's out there somewhere and you don't know if she's hungry, cold, you don't know. There's nothing you can do but sit and wait and just hope and pray."

The service included songs, prayer, and a short message from Pastor Wright. A pot luck dinner followed.

The church holds a few hundred people, and there was standing room only.

Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy and other law enforcement members attended the vigil.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131576&catid=3

[annalyzer]

http://www.news4jax.com/news/18735417/detail.html

Police Follow Tip Haleigh's Dad's Girlfriend Wasn't Home

Investigators Following More Than 1,000 Tips

POSTED: Tuesday, February 17, 2009
UPDATED: 11:44 pm EST February 17, 2009

PALATKA, Fla. -- Since an Amber Alert was issued for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings one week ago, more than 1,000 tips have poured into a Crimestoppers hot line; and until Tuesday afternoon investigators have not released specific information about the leads they've received.

However, on Tuesday, new information was released that Haleigh's father's girlfriend, 17-year-old Misty Croslin, may not have been at home the night Haleigh disappeared.

Investigators in Putnam County said they are looking into the Croslin tip as a possibility.

Haleigh was reported missing just after 3 a.m. last Tuesday when Croslin told authorities she woke up and found the child missing. Within minutes, Croslin and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, placed frantic calls to 911.

A massive search was under way by first light and an Amber Alert was issued.

Since the investigation began, Croslin has told detectives and told Channel 4 that she put Haleigh and the girl's younger brother to bed at about 8 p.m., and that at 10 p.m. both children were still in bed. Misty Croslin tearfully describes waking up, finding the back door of their mobile home open and Haleigh gone.

Croslin said when she awoke at about 3 a.m. to use the bathroom she noticed Haleigh was missing.

"I didn't make it to the bathroom. I seen the kitchen light on and I walked in the kitchen and the back door is wide open," Croslin told Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo. "I go in the room and she's gone. And that's all I know. When I went to bed she was there and then when I got up and she was gone."

Croslin has been interviewed by detectives and volunteered to take a lie-detector test -- which she said she passed -- but had not spoken publicly until midday Thursday when she spoke to Mazzeo.

"I didn't hear anything at all. If I'd heard something, I would have got up and I wouldn't have let them take her," Croslin said.

Croslin said Haleigh and her 3-year-old brother "look at me like their mom."

"I love her like she's my own," she said. "I just want her to come home."

Croslin said she doesn't blame herself, but she's emotionally devastated and just want to know that Haleigh is safe.

"I wished they'd took me instead of her, because I could have fought," Croslin said. "She's only 5; she can't really do anything. What do they want with a little 5-year-old?"

Detectives said the lead that Croslin may not have been home when Haleigh went missing is just one of many tips they are looking into.

Investigators also revealed on Tuesday new information about Amber Alert that was issued last week, say they have the pink T-shirt Haleigh was originally thought to be wearing the night she disappeared.

"We obtained information through our investigation that young Haleigh was not, in fact, wearing the pink shirt at the time of her disappearance," Putnam County Chief Deputy Rick Ryan said. "What we need people to focus on (Haleigh's) face because we do not know at this time what the clothing was."

Tuesday afternoon, officials said they have received almost 1,200 leads -- double the number they had on Monday -- but there have been no confirmed sightings of Haleigh.

Still, officials said all tips are welcome and anyone with information about Haleigh's disappearance should call at 888-277-TIPS or the FDLE's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

[sarahhod]

February 17, 2009

Misty Croslin … Cat's out of the bag

http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef01116883427f970c-150wi (http://blogs.discovery.com/.a/6a00d8341bf67c53ef01116883427f970c-popup) In my last blog post (http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html) I alluded to new information law enforcement had received in the search for Haleigh Cummings, a 5-year-old girl who vanished from her Putnam County, Fla., home on Feb. 10.
In that post, I informed you that a source close to the investigation had told Investigation Discovery that law enforcement had received new leads "revolving around the timeline the girl disappeared and the initial report given to law enforcement." I also said, "due to the sensitive nature of the information obtained by ID, no further details can be provided on it at this time."
Unfortunately, that information has since been leaked and was reported on tonight by both a local Florida outlet and a national media outlet.
The information I am referring to is a tip that the FBI received from a local resident who came forward and told them that Misty Croslin, the 17-year-old girlfriend of Haleigh's father, 24-year-old Ronald Cummings, was not at home the night Haleigh disappeared. It has further been alleged that the night Haleigh was abducted was not the first time Croslin had sneaked out while Cummings was at work and his kids were sleeping. There are further allegations regarding her activities at that time; however that information has not officially been released.
Croslin's inconsistent statements to both law enforcement and the media have been apparent since the start of the investigation. Whether or not these new allegations will cause her to reveal new information to the authorities is yet to be seen.
Keep checking back with Investigation Discovery for more details in the case.
Haleigh Cummings is described as three feet tall, weighing 39 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0808 or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS.


http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/misty-croslin-cats-out-of-the-bag.html

[sarahhod]

Satsuma girl wasn't wearing pink when she went missing, police say

Sarah Lundy |Sentinel Staff Writer February 18, 2009

Haleigh Cummings (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/topic/crime-law-justice/crimes/crime-victims/haleigh-cummings-PECLB0001223.topic) wasn't wearing the pink shirt she was initially described as wearing the night she disappeared, Putnam County Sheriff's officials said Tuesday.

Investigators say they don't know what she was wearing when she vanished late Feb. 9 or early the 10th from her home 80 miles north of Orlando.

"What we need to focus on is the face," Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape said as he held up a picture of Haleigh.

Authorities were originally told the 5-year-old was last seen wearing the pink shirt. That's the information they released to the public in the Amber Alert and on missing-person fliers about the girl, who lives in the small town of Satsuma.

On Tuesday, investigators wouldn't discuss details of the pink shirt in their possession -- how they found it, where it was and whether it will be tested for any forensic evidence.

"The investigation is not going to change because the clothing is different," Pape said.

Tuesday marked day 8 in the search for Haleigh, who was last seen by her father's girlfriend when the child went to bed Feb. 9. The girlfriend, Misty Croslin, 17, said she woke around 3 a.m. and found the girl gone.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, 25, returned home from work about 5 minutes later and alerted authorities.

So far, officials have received nearly 1,200 tips on the case. One tip led investigators to the St. Johns River earlier in the day but nothing was found. The ground search for the child has ended.

On Monday night, authorities stopped more than 200 vehicles at a checkpoint and questioned motorists. Another neighborhood canvass was done and officers hit around 300 homes and interviewed residents.

Officials hoped to reach people who were returning to the area and weren't questioned last week.

Several people have taken polygraph tests, including Haleigh's father and Croslin. Investigators would not release information about what those tests showed or comment on whether they still think Croslin is telling the truth.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/southwest/orl-missing1809feb18,0,2574631.story

[sarahhod]

Police follow leads in missing girl case

http://www.gainesville.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=GS&Date=20090218&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=902181008&Ref=AR&Profile=1002&MaxW=600&border=0 (http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090218/ARTICLES/902181008/1002/news?Title=Police-follow-leads-in-missing-girl-case#) Photo by Tim Hussin / Special to the Sun
Crystal Sheffield, mother of missing 5-year-old Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings, mourns next to her van in Satsuma on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. Law enforcement suspended ground searches on Tuesday.


By Lise Fisher (fisherl@gvillesun.com)
Staf Writer


Published: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at 6:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at 11:14 p.m.

PALATKA - Hugs and yellow ribbons on trees and doors showed the continued support for the family of a missing Putnam County girl a week after her disappearance.
But relatives didn't get what they wanted most Tuesday: news about her whereabouts.
"We've got the life of a 5-year-old at stake," Chief Deputy Rick Ryan told reporters about ongoing efforts to find Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings, explaining why officers have been tight-lipped with their investigation.
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office reported they had leads in the possible abduction case after a night spent canvassing the Satsuma neighborhood where she lived and nearby residences as well as stopping vehicles at an area checkpoint. Officers went to about 300 homes and stopped more than 200 vehicles. About 1,200 tips have been phoned in.
Investigators also changed information on an Amber Alert for Haleigh, noting that she had not been wearing a pink shirt the night she apparently disappeared, as previously reported. A revised alert didn't provide a clothing description for the kindergartner.
People should focus on Haleigh's photograph and her face to help locate the child, said Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Updates from the Sheriff's Office didn't reveal if investigators had made any significant progress toward locating Haleigh.
Officers didn't talk about any leads taking them to other states, reports that Haleigh's mother, Crystal Sheffield, 23, had heard. Nor did they mention Chad Eugene Reynolds, 25, a registered sex offender who had been living in Marion County but has been missing since Feb. 1.
Reynolds committed a sex offense in Putnam County in September 2002. Investigators have said he is not considered a "person of interest" in Haleigh's disappearance but they do want to interview him.
Reynolds' mother, Debora Reynolds, said in an interview Tuesday that she doesn't think her son knows either of Haleigh's parents. He went to Interlachen High School, and after that worked in Tampa as a waiter and a concrete laborer.
Her son has not been back to Putnam County since his release from prison in November, she said. She emphasized that she's worried about his well-being and didn't think he had anything to do with the missing girl.
Reynolds worked at a LongHorn Steakhouse in Sumter County. LongHorn is owned by Darden Restaurants. A Darden company spokesman, Rich Jeffers, declined on Tuesday to answer questions about Reynolds.
Marion County Sheriff's Capt. Tommy Bibb said the restaurant is on alert: If anyone there sees Reynolds, they should call authorities. Reynolds has not picked up his paycheck, Bibb said.
Haleigh's parents took their usual posts in the Satsuma neighborhood off Buffalo Bluff Road in southern Putnam County Tuesday. Ronald Cummings, 25, stayed at a tent stationed up the road from his home, while Sheffield was at the entrance to the neighborhood where flowers and candles flourished.
Haleigh's relatives said they had heard officers were following leads out of state but didn't know what information investigators had or where the search had led beyond Florida.
"I think that it's great they're over there looking," said Sheffield. "She's out there. And whoever has her, they just need to bring her home."
Cummings didn't talk to reporters who came to the tent where he and others were waiting for news Tuesday afternoon. He did let media take pictures of his daughter's photographs, which hung from a pink string around his neck, before he asked reporters to leave the area.
Relatives and friends mentioned that officers were checking into reports Cummings had recently been in an argument with a man who had been at the home but who left before Haleigh disappeared. Officers are reportedly checking this man's criminal history.
Otherwise, a relative of Cummings said they want the focus to remain on the search for Haleigh instead of accusations that family members say are aimed at Cummings or his girlfriend, Misty Croslin, 17, who officers say was the only person in the home other than a 3-year-old when Haleigh was apparently discovered missing.
Relatives described Haleigh as a "girly-girl" who loves bicycling and whose favorite color is red.
Family members say the child was last seen last week at the home at 202 Green Lane, a double-wide mobile home that Cummings moved to in November, according to the home's owners, Phyllis and Donald Bard. The retired ministers divide their time between Pennsylvania and Florida and live down the street from where Cummings and his two children were staying.
Family members say Haleigh vanished from the home after she was last seen at about 10 p.m. on Feb. 9. She had been up watching "Air Bud," a favorite movie, that night, according to a relative.
The movie is about a Golden Retriever who can play sports. Haleigh loves animals, said Sheffield. She particularly liked a Chihuahua that Sheffield said her family has.
Every other weekend, Haleigh would see the dog and other animals ranging from cows to cats when she went to stay with her mother and her family from Friday evening until Sunday evening. Otherwise, officers said Cummings had custody of Haleigh and her brother Ronald Cummings Jr., who relatives said Haleigh called Bubbie.
Custody of the two children prompted Cummings to move from a two-bedroom home the Bards had to the three-bedroom home on Green Lane, the couple said. It offered more space where everyone could have their own bedroom.
Until the move, Cummings and the children lived next door to the Bards.
Phyllis Bard, 65, said she would see the brother and sister outside playing, just as another neighbor closer to the Green Lane home, James Batchelor, 88, said he saw the two.
"I seen both of the kids out there riding their bikes not too long ago," Batchelor said.
Two bikes still sit in front of the home, which remains behind yellow crime scene tape and is watched over by Putnam County sheriff's deputies.
"They're darling little children," said Phyllis Bard. She said she remembered once when the children were outside and came over to her, but she said, overall, they seemed shy.
The couple said Croslin came into the picture while Cummings still was living next door. They described Croslin as "very quiet."
"Ron really loved those children. He really wanted the best for them," the couple said.
Haleigh rode the bus to Browning-Pearce Elementary School in San Mateo.
At school, if Haleigh got there early enough, she could have breakfast and then begin the day with her kindergarten class of about 18, said Principal Debra Buckles.
Buckles said Haleigh's smile is what stands out about the little girl.
"The smile you see in that picture, that's what you get," she said.

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090218/ARTICLES/902181008/1002/news?Title=Police-follow-leads-in-missing-girl-case

[sarahhod]

Questions surround what Haleigh was wearing

By Marva Hinton @ February 18, 2009 7:06 AM

It's day nine in the search for five-year-old Haleigh Cummings of Satsuma, and there still appears to be more questions than answers.

http://wdbo.com/images/2009/02/haleigh_schoolpic180_m.jpg
Initially, the Amber Alert in this case indicated that Haleigh was wearing a pink t-shirt when she disappeared. That information came from 17-year-old Misty Croslin, the girlfriend of Ronald Cummings, Haleigh's father. She was the last person to see the child.
Now investigators say they don't know what Haleigh was wearing. They have a pink shirt in their possession but won't give any details about it and say the public should focus on Haleigh's face.
A prayer vigil was held in honor of Haleigh Tuesday night. Pastor Terry Wright told the crowd to keep the faith.
"We can choose to embrace despair and get all depressed and all dour and all down and this become a dirge, or we can choose to have hope," said Wright. "We could have hope and believe that there is a God bigger than the statistics and there is a God able to bring Haleigh back to us."
Dozens of people attended the service.
"We had a lot of hurt, but God brought us through, and he'll bring them through, too," she one woman in attendance.
Haleigh disappeared from her father's trailer either late Monday, February 9 or early on the 10th. Croslin was watching the child while Cummings worked. She told authorities she put the child to bed around 10 p.m. and discovered her missing around 3 a.m.
More than a thousand tips have come in about Haleigh's disappearance. Several people have taken lie-detector tests, including Cummings and Croslin. The results of those tests have not been released, and so far, no suspects have been named.

http://wdbo.com/localnews/2009/02/questions-surround-what-haleig.html

[Lilly]

I'm praying that Haleigh is found safe today. Whatever has happened and wherever Haleigh is, God is powerful enough to bring her home safely. Praying that anyone involved in this will do the right thing and give LE any information they need to bring Haleigh home. Praying also that God will comfort Haleigh's family, friends, and neighbors.. that He is with Haleigh and protecting her until she is brought home safely.

Haleigh needs to be found NOW... whoever is responsible or knows anything needs to speak up NOW regardless of the consequences. Haleigh is a precious girl who deserves to be brought home to her family's arms.

[texanne]

If, indeed, it turns out that the girlfriend was not at home that evening....then who would know that? Who would know that the small children were asleep alone in the home? She needs to admit it if she sneaked out, so the investigation can begin about how many people were aware that she had a habit of doing that. Whatever it takes to find Haleigh.

[Faith]

If, indeed, it turns out that the girlfriend was not at home that evening....then who would know that? Who would know that the small children were asleep alone in the home? She needs to admit it if she sneaked out, so the investigation can begin about how many people were aware that she had a habit of doing that. Whatever it takes to find Haleigh.

If she were with friends they would know and need to come forward.

I'm not accusing anyone and we do not want speculation here. We do not want to post anything that a family member will be offended.-

if Misty did go out of the home with friend/s then that means someone was watching and knew Haleigh and Jr were in the house alone. They knew Ron's schedule.

Right now it is rumor that Misty may have left the home. Until we hear it from LE lets be very careful of what we post.

Anne, this is not only directed at you, this is in general.

Thanks

Faith

I pray today is the day that Haleigh comes home safe. :1222423:

[sarahhod]

Girlfriend Under Investigation In Missing Girl Case

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – updated: 8:04 am EST February 18, 2009

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. -- Eyewitness News discovered that the Putnam County Sheriff's Office is investigating Ronald Cummings' girlfriend, who claimed that she was at home and sleeping when Haleigh Cummings was taken. But a tip puts the spot light on the 17-year-old girlfriend.The most recent information investigators got was that Ronald Cummings' girlfriend, Misty Croslin, may not have been home when Haleigh disappeared from her Satusum house early last week.The Putnam County Sheriff's Office said its dealing with more than 1,200 tips in the case and plans to pursue each and every one of them."We will take any lead, any place, anytime," said Dominick Pape of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.On CNN, Tuesday night, Haleighs paternal grandmother, Terese Neves, spoke out in support of the 17-year-old's story."I believe someone went into the house and took her. I believe they either know my grandchildren and my family or Haleigh's mother's family," said Neves.Sheriff's deputies also said they have the pink shirt that Haleigh was thought to be wearing when she disappeared."What we now need people to focus on is this face because we do not know at this time what the clothing was at this point," said Pape.The massive search for Haleigh was scaled back this week. Deputies do not want to say too much in fear of jeopardizing the investigation, but confirmed they set up a road block this week and interviewed at least 300 neighbors in the area."We've got a life of a 5-year-old girl at stake," he said.Another prayer vigil was held Tuesday night, at the Dunns Creek Baptist Church in Putnam County.Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings and the little girl's mother, Crystal Sheffield sat side by side while the community came together to comfort them."I care for the people even though I don't know them," said one neighbor.

http://www.wftv.com/news/18738704/detail.html#-

[sarahhod]

Tipsters: Girlfriend's
story not true

Last Edited: Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 7:52 AM EST
Created On: Wednesday, 18 Feb 2009, 7:41 AM EST

SATSUMA, Fla. - Putnam County Sheriff's investigators said they have receieved 1,200 tips that claim the 17-year-old girlfriend in the case of a missing Satsuma girl was not actually home at the time of the girl's disappearance, which is contrary to what she told detectives.
The girlfriend, Misty Croslin, said she had been sleeping next to 5-year-old Haleigh but when she awoke, the girl was gone. "She was sleeping right next to me," Croslin told the Palatka Daily News. "I can't believe I didn't hear anything," she added.
Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, told investigators his daughter was missing when he returned home from work around 3 a.m. Tuesday. Ronald said his girlfriend was awake and frantic that Haleigh was missing from her bed.
Croslin has responded to the allegations by the tipsters and said they are lying. Croslin is adamant that she was there at the home with Haleigh and says no one can say she wasn't there.

http://www.myfoxorlando.com/dpp/news/local/021809Tipsters_say_girlfriends_story_not_true

[Trailblazer]

Live presser at 9:30am

http://www.wftv.com/video/18738968/index.html

[TigressPen]

News conference about to begin -


http://www.wftv.com/video/18738968/index.html

[sarahhod]

Haleigh Cummings wasn't wearing pink shirt when she vanished

Reported by: Cary Williams
Email: cwilliams@abcactionnews.com
Last Update: 9:05 am

http://www.abcactionnews.com/media/news/3/e/5/3e525dde-8e52-4c0c-a052-d17914886ae5/Story.jpg (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29;) Haleigh Cummings



PUTNAM COUNTY, FL -- Investigators say they have the pink shirt they thought Haleigh Cummings (http://www.abcactionnews.com/content/news/specialreports/haleigh_cummings/default.aspx) was wearing the night she disappeared.
“We obtained information through our investigation that young Haleigh was, in fact, not wearing the pink shirt as reported at the time of her disappearance," Putnam County Sheriff's spokesman Rick Ryan told reporters on Tuesday.
He would not say when or how detectives came across the shirt.
Investigators now say they don't know what the girl was wearing when she went missing from her Satsuma home on February 10.
"What we need to focus on is the face," said Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape.
Investigators have interviewed the girlfriend of Haleigh's father repeatedly about what happened. 17-year-old Misty Croslin told them she was at home sleeping when Haleigh disappeared.
Jacksonville station WJXT reports that investigators are following up on a tip that Croslin may not have been home when Haleigh disappeared.
Croslin told authorities she awoke around 3 a.m. and found the child missing. A short time later, Croslin and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, placed panicked calls to 911.
Croslin and Cummings have both taken lie detector tests, but detectives won't discuss the results.

http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Haleigh-Cummings-wearing-pink-shirt-disappeared/J3FapIedJ0-xByPBRdCG3Q.cspx

[Faith]

News conference about to begin -


http://www.wftv.com/video/18738968/index.html

Live presser at 9:30am

http://www.wftv.com/video/18738968/index.html

Thank you- I'm listening.

nothing new he said.

[sarahhod]

Investigators found Haleigh's described shirt
Authorities no longer think she was wearing it when she vanished

By DANA TREEN | by this reporter | Morris News Service |
Posted: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 ; Updated: 12:23 AM on Wednesday, February 18, 2009

PALATKA -- Less than three hours before the start of a community prayer service Tuesday for missing Putnam County kindergartner Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings, investigators said they have the pink shirt they initially believed she was wearing the night she vanished.
At the evening service where nearly 300 people offered support to the 5-year-old's family, her grandmother, Teresa Neves, said she did not think anyone in the family knew investigators had recovered the top described eight days earlier in a statewide Amber Alert.
"We didn't know until they came and said they were changing the Amber Alert," she said. "To my knowledge, nobody knew."
http://c13.zedo.com//OzoDB/0/0/0/blank.gif
At a news briefing Tuesday afternoon, investigators would not say how or where they found the shirt.
"We obtained information through our investigation that young Haleigh was in fact not wearing the pink shirt as reported at the time of her disappearance," said Chief Rick Ryan of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
He said no other information would be released about the clothing.
The Amber Alert was changed to read that it was unknown what Haleigh was wearing when she disappeared.
"The key to an Amber Alert is that it is only as good as the best information that we have at the time," said Dominick Pape, director of the Jacksonville office of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. "At that time that was the best information that we had."
Ryan said officers have spoken repeatedly with 17-year-old Misty Croslin, who reported the little girl missing early Feb. 10 after they had been asleep in the same room.
The family has been cooperative, including Haleigh's 25-year-old father, Ronald Cummings, Ryan said.
Tuesday evening, Pastor Terry Wright of Dunns Creek Baptist Church asked those in the full sanctuary to offer a prayer.
"Pray to the Lord that he would bring Haleigh back to her family," he said.
Then he addressed any abductors who may have her.
"Ask God to soften their hearts right now," he said and spoke to what her future could be.
"She is a precious child with infinite possibilities, not an object," he said.
Through much of the service, Ronald Cummings sat with hunched shoulders, flanked by Haleigh's mother, Crystal Sheffield, and Croslin.
Cummings and Sheffield have not been together since about 2005, and Cummings has sole custody of their two children, Haleigh and Ronald Jr., who turned 4 on Sunday.
Earlier Tuesday, Croslin's father, Hank Croslin, said scrutiny on the case and what role his daughter may have played have been tough to handle.
"Misty is hurting as much as anyone else, if not more," he said in his first interview with any media. "I'm sure she is feeling some responsibility because she didn't wake up."
Misty Croslin called the Sheriff's Office at 3:27 a.m. on Feb. 10 to say she woke to go to the bathroom and that Haleigh was missing.
Eight days later, the new information about the pink top added to earlier confusion over other statements.
At first it was reported Haleigh was sleeping with Croslin but that changed to a description of the kindergartner sleeping in a nearby bed in the same room.
Hank Croslin said his daughter is doing the best she can to help authorities and is under tremendous pressure.
"Misty is going through a lot," he said. "You can't expect her to say everything right."
Croslin said his daughter and Cummings have been together for several months, and at first he did not like the arrangement. He did not initially like that Cummings first said he was 19, then 21.
As he has watched the couple, his opinion has changed, he said.
"I'd rather see my daughter with someone like him," he said. "You don't see too many 25-year-old men take care of two kids."
He said his daughter and Cummings were dedicated to Haleigh and Cummings' son.
"I've never seen that girl without a smile," he said of Haleigh. "Both of those kids were happy."
Throughout the weeklong search, law enforcement officers have scoured the woods and waters of the nearby St. Johns. Ryan said the canvass and road stop was intended to back up similar searches and designed to catch any people who may have been missed earlier.
Most of the ground and water searches have been curtailed, though a marine unit was on the water Tuesday.
A neighborhood canvas Monday night of 300 homes by 100 officers turned up the lead that put that boat in the water, but it did not produce any significant find, Ryan said. In addition, 210 cars in the neighborhood were stopped and the occupants questioned.
Tuesday afternoon, Shelia Clifton Delongis and her daughter, Jessie Clifton, spoke with both Ronald Cummings and Sheffield, who lives in Baker County.
Delongis' 8-year-old daughter, Maddie Clifton, disappeared in 1998 and was found murdered by a young neighbor a week later.
"I told him just to be positive," Delongis said she told Cummings. "I told him not to use harsh words."
She said both parents needed to hold on to hope.
Sheffield said Delongis told her she was praying for Haleigh.
"She told me that her daughter was going to make sure Haleigh came home," Sheffield said.

http://www.staugustine.com/stories/021809/news_021809_024.shtml

[TigressPen]

I sure was hoping for some good news. Sending out prayers for little Haleigh and her family.

[Faith]

I sure was hoping for some good news. Sending out prayers for little Haleigh and her family.


IMO LE are doing the right thing and that is not leaking info.


Prayers for Haleigh's safe return. :1222423:

[sarahhod]

IMO LE are doing the right thing and that is not leaking info.


Prayers for Haleigh's safe return. :1222423:

I agree Faith. LE are so doing the right thing not revealing anything that could compromise this investigation.

Prayers for Haleigh's prompt return.:1222423:

[texanne]

If she were with friends they would know and need to come forward.

I'm not accusing anyone and we do not want speculation here. We do not want to post anything that a family member will be offended.-

if Misty did go out of the home with friend/s then that means someone was watching and knew Haleigh and Jr were in the house alone. They knew Ron's schedule.

Right now it is rumor that Misty may have left the home. Until we hear it from LE lets be very careful of what we post.

Anne, this is not only directed at you, this is in general.

Thanks

Faith

I pray today is the day that Haleigh comes home safe. :1222423:

No problem...I actually hesitated before posting that. I was not accusing the girl...she is only 17 yrs old and has found herself in a situation that any adult would have trouble handling.

[LiveLaughLuv]

I agree Faith. LE are so doing the right thing not revealing anything that could compromise this investigation.

Prayers for Haleigh's prompt return.:1222423:

Or cause the community to get into an uproar as they did in that "other" case. Then LE has too much to deal with and dealing with a missing child is enough in itself. I guess lessons were learned...

[Grande]

Tim Miller from Texas Eqqusearch and Ronald Cummings Jr.

http://i41.tinypic.com/2s0mfjr.jpg

www.myspace.com/chelsea_croslin

[sarahhod]

Or cause the community to get into an uproar as they did in that "other" case. Then LE has too much to deal with and dealing with a missing child is enough in itself. I guess lessons were learned...

Yes I agree LLL, that was exactly the case I was thinking of.

[Faith]

No problem...I actually hesitated before posting that. I was not accusing the girl...she is only 17 yrs old and has found herself in a situation that any adult would have trouble handling.

I know, it wasn't directed at you. It was a reminder to all to be very cautious.

Rule of thumb- do not post anything that would offend you if your child was missing and you were reading here. :kissyface4:

[Faith]

According to David Lohr's blog which I linked here last night, Cummings allegedly said it could have been retribution for something he had done bad. I hope LE caught that and are asking questions.

moo


Who did Ron supposedly tell that to, Chammy?

[sarahhod]

Who did Ron supposedly tell that to, Chammy?

Not Chammy, but Ron supposedly said it to an Investigation Discovery Source.

Meanwhile, Haleigh's father, 24-year-old Ronald Cummings, reportedly told an ID source that he has a new theory on what might have happened to Haleigh.
Cummings allegedly said that it is possible that Haleigh's abduction was in retaliation for something he did in the past, but he did not clarify what that "something" could be. Cummings also allegedly said that he believes someone gained entry to his home using a lock bumping technique.http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html

[chambord]

Who did Ron supposedly tell that to, Chammy?

Here's the link again where Lohr tells us that.

Lohr uses an ID as his source. I'm not sure what Lohr means by an ID.

http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html

[annalyzer]

Here's the link again where Lohr tells us that.

Lohr uses an ID as his source. I'm not sure what Lohr means by an ID.

http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html

Look at the top of the page to the right. ID is Investigation Discovery.

[sarahhod]

Investigators In 2nd Week Of Hunt For Haleigh

Leads Pour In To Crime Stoppers Hot Line

http://images.ibsys.com/2009/0217//18728540_200X112.jpg

updated 12:47 a.m. ET Feb. 18, 2009

PALATKA, Fla. - One week after an Amber Alert was issued for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings, leads are pouring into a Crime Stoppers hot line but the Putnam County Sheriff's Office doesn't know how or why she disappeared from her father's mobile home.
Haleigh was reported missing just after 3 a.m. last Tuesday after her father's girlfriend woke up and found the child missing. Within minutes, 17-year-old Misty Croslin and Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, placed frantic calls to 911.
Almost from the beginning, the case was treated as an abduction.[/URL]
Authorities said Tuesday they have modified the Amber Alert description to remove Haleigh's clothing.
"We obtained information through our investigation that young Haleigh was not, in fact, wearing the pink shirt at the time of her disappearance," Putnam County Chief Deputy Rick Ryan said, urging people to only focus on her face.
Tuesday afternoon, officials said they have received almost 1,200 leads -- double the number they had on Monday -- but there have been no confirmed sightings of Haleigh.
"I don't know where the investigation will take us and every lead is critical," said Dominick Pape, special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Officials Tight-Lipped, Determined
As the days have passed and the focus is less on the search and more the investigation, authorities will answer fewer questions at their daily briefings.
"We've got the life of a 5-year-old at stake," Ryan said Tuesday afternoon. "We're not going to do anything that will compromise that, period."

Monday afternoon and evening, officers contacted about 300 people in the neighborhood and other state officers make 210 contacts at checkpoint along Buffalo Bluff Road -- the only access to the home park. Ryan said one piece of information gathered in that effort resulted in a search on Tuesday, but nothing of significance was found.
Investigators said they have reinterviewed Croslin, Cummings, Haleigh's mother Crystal Sheffield, and extended family members and friends who had contact with Haleigh in the hours and days before she disappeared.
"We don't have all our questions answered and, obviously, we don't have Haleigh," Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said. "We'll interview people as many times as we feel necessary."
Even though Hardy has praised the family for cooperating over the past week, lie detector tests were administered to most of them. The sheriff's office won't discuss the results of the polygraph tests.
Family Waits, Hopes, Prays
Haleigh's family continues to spend their days and nights in a tented area near where Haleigh disappeared. Surrounded with flowers, teddy bears, candles and well-wishes, the family can just watch, hope and pray.

"We just watch the TV and pray for something to break," Teresa Neves said in an interview Tuesday morning.
She then turned to the camera and addressed her granddaughter: "We love you, baby. We're doing everything we can to bring you home. Just hang in there, sweetheart."
While candlelight vigils have been held at the site every night for the past week, the Cummings family's pastor is holding a special service Tuesday night at Dunn's Creek Baptist Church. Family, friends, Haleigh's classmates, community members and law enforcement officials are expected to attend.
Authorities ask anyone with any information to call Crimes Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS or the FDLE's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

[url]http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29236594/ (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29236594/#storyContinued)

[sarahhod]

Haleigh's pink shirt found by police
Posted: Feb 18, 2009 03:54 PM
http://wflx.images.worldnow.com/images/9864559_BG1.jpg http://wflx.images.worldnow.com/images/static/gfx/pxl_trans.gif


SATSUMA, FL (WFLX) - During a news conference held Tuesday, investigators indicated that details about the clothes Haleigh Ann Marie Cummings was wearing when she vanished were different from what was originally reported.
In fact, police just aren't sure what Haleigh Cummings was wearing when she disappeared. At first, she was reportedly wearing a pink shirt and underwear. Now, police say, they've found that pink t-shirt - but they won't say where.

Haleigh's status as a missing person has also been changed - she's considered endangered. She probably always was, but police in Putnam County have pointedly changed the flyer giving details about Haleigh to read "ENDANGERED".
It has also been revealed that Haleigh has Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal condition caused by complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome. Characteristics of Turner Syndrome include a narrow, high-arched palate, low-set ears, a low hairline, webbed neck, slight droop to eyes, flat feet, small, narrow fingernails and toenails and swelling of the hands and feet. Children with Turner Syndrome have normal intelligence but sometimes have difficulty with math, sense of direction, manual dexterity and social skills.
Investigators have re-examined a number of places they'd already covered and they still don't feel any closer to solving the mystery behind this child's disappearance. Everyone is still a suspect.

Call 1-888-277-TIPS if you think you have information that might lead to the whereabouts of Haleigh Cummings.

http://www.wflxfox29.com/Global/story.asp?S=9864559&nav=menu98_2

[sarahhod]

New Information In Search For Haleigh Cummings

Haleigh Cummings Was Last Seen Monday Feb. 9th Around 10:00 p.m.

http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/31/2009/02/10/175x131/haleighcummings.jpg


As the search for a missing central Florida girl enters it ninth day, there's new information on the disappearance of 5-year old Haleigh Cummings.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office Capt. Dick Schauland said they are now looking into a tip that the 17-year-old girlfriend of the Cumming's father may not have been home the night the girl disappeared. He said detectives have interviewed girlfriend Misty Croslin and family members several times.

Schauland cautioned that too much shouldn't be read into such information. He pointed out that it was just one out of more than 12 hundred tips that investigators are looking into.

Tuesday afternoon, Putnam County Sheriff's Office Chief Rick Ryan announced that their initial report that Haleigh was wearing a pink shirt the day she disappeared were incorrect. He admitted that investigators now don't know what she was wearing that night.

Haleigh vanished nine days ago from her father's double wide mobile home, just outside the community of Satsuma, which is about 10 miles south of Palatka. Croslin told investigators she awoke about 3 a.m. last Tuesday and Haleigh was missing. Croslin has passed a lie detector test. In the exclusive interview with the CBS Early Show Croslin said Haleigh was asleep just four feet away from her the night she disappeared.

"She wasn't there when I woke up," Croslin said.

Putnam County Sheriff's officials said they sent about 50 officers Monday to a wooded area that had not previously been searched after receiving a tip on Haleigh's disappearance, but nothing was found.

Appearing alongside Croslin on The Early Show, Haleigh's grandmother, Theresa Nevis, said the family remained hopeful the little girl would be found. Asked to speculate who might take Haleigh, Nevis said it would likely be someone who knew that her son, Ronald Cummings, worked nights.

Also, Nevis again stated there is no way Haleigh would have wandered off on her own. "Absolutely not. My baby girl was afraid of the dark," she said.

The girl's parents are divorced and she was allegedly being watched by the father's 17-year-old girlfriend, Misty Croslin, when she vanished from the father's home.

The sheriff's office was called about 3 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 10th when her father, Ronald Cummings, returned home from work and discovered his daughter was missing.

When he called 911, he told the operator, "If I find whoever has my daughter before y'all do, I'm killing them; I don't care, I'll spend the rest of my life in prison I'm telling you, you can put it on record and I don't care."

Croslin told a 911 dispatcher that a back door that was usually locked had been propped open by a brick.

Several dozen sex offenders and predators living in the area have all been interviewed and their homes checked, investigators said.

Haleigh is around 3 feet tall, has blond hair, brown eyes, and weighs about 39 pounds.

If you see Haleigh, you are urged to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at (386) 329-0808, or call 911.

http://cbs4.com/local/amber.alert.haleigh.2.937838.html

[sarahhod]

Haleigh Cummings has Turner Syndrome

Police have also found the pink t-shirt she was supposedly wearing


February 18, 2009 - 10:21 AM

During a news conference held Tuesday, investigators indicated that details about the clothes Haleigh Ann Marie Cummings was wearing when she vanished were different from what was originally reported. Police just aren't sure what Haleigh Cummings was wearing when she disappeared, after all. At first, she was reportedly wearing a pink shirt and underwear, but now police say they've found that pink t-shirt - but they won't say where.

Haleigh's status as a missing person has also been changed - she's considered endangered. She probably always was, but police in Putnam County have pointedly changed the flyer giving details about Haleigh to read "ENDANGERED."
It has also been revealed that Haleigh has Turner Syndrome, a chromosomal condition caused by complete or partial absence of the second sex chromosome. Characteristics of Turner Syndrome include a narrow, high-arched palate, low-set ears, a low hairline, webbed neck, slight droop to eyes, flat feet, small, narrow fingernails and toenails and swelling of the hands and feet. Children with Turner Syndrome have normal intelligence but sometimes have difficulty with math, sense of direction, manual dexterity and social skills.
Investigators have re-examined a number of places they'd already covered and they still don't feel any closer to solving the mystery behind this child's disappearance. Everyone is still a suspect.

http://www.cbs12.com/news/haleigh_4714651___article.html/turner_syndrome.html

Call 1-888-277-TIPS if you think you have information that might lead to the whereabouts of Haleigh Cummings.

[Faith]

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/67131239xf2.gif

[dojewo]

Praying that Haleigh will be found today

[sarahhod]

Police probe teen's account in case of missing Florida girl


http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/img/2.0/mosaic/base_skins/baseplate/corner_dg_TL.gif
(CNN) -- Police searching for a missing 5-year-old girl are investigating whether the woman who reported her gone was at home at the time the girl vanished, an officer working on the case said Wednesday.

"It's a tip we're following up on," Capt. Dick Schauland of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office in Florida said.
He was responding to a question about a report that Misty Croslin was not home after Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings was last seen on the night of February 9.
Croslin, 17, is the girlfriend of Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings (http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/Ronald_Cummings).
The police officer rebuffed a question about whether Croslin had changed her story about where she was when the girl disappeared, though he called the tip "a very important one."
"I don't know that you can say her story is changing," Schauland said. "I don't know if it's a true tip or not. It may not be valid."
He said Haleigh's father's alibi, that he was at work, had been confirmed.
Authorities said earlier they believe girl was abducted.
Since opening the case a week ago, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office has received more than 1,200 tips about the missing girl.

Croslin told police she was watching Haleigh when she went missing sometime before dawn last Tuesday. Cummings shares his double-wide mobile home with Croslin, daughter Haleigh and 4-year-old son in the town of Satsuma, east of Gainesville. He has said that when he returned home at 3 a.m. ET, he was surprised to see his girlfriend awake and asked her why she was up.
She told him she awoke to find the trailer door open and discovered that Haleigh was missing (http://topics.edition.cnn.com/topics/Missing_Children).
Croslin waited until Cummings came home to phone 911 about the girl's disappearance, though it's unclear how long that wait was. Police said last week that Croslin had tucked the girl and her brother into bed at 8 p.m. before going to sleep at 10 p.m. The girl, boy and Croslin usually sleep in the same bed.
Officials originally thought Haleigh may have wandered outside on her own, but are now certain that she was abducted.
Investigators are looking into various angles of the case, including finding out the location of 44 registered sexual offenders who live within a five-mile radius of the Cummings home, said Lt. Johnny Greenwood of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office.
Late Tuesday police announced that they have changed the Amber Alert they originally put out for the girl.

They originally said she was wearing a pink shirt, but the shirt has since been found, Schauland said Wednesday.
"Now what we need people to focus on is the face because we do not know at this time what the clothing was at this point," said Dominick Pape, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/18/florida.missing.girl/


It is really good to know that Ronald's alibi of him being at work has been checked out and verified. Very important IMO.

[Micky_Spill]

What's up with the Amber Alert?

AMBER Alert: Florida
Incident Information
Missing Person Circumstance Text : Update: Added child's photo The 5 year-old child was last seen in the area of Hermit's Cove in Satsuma, FL. She was last seen wearing a pink shirt and underwear.
Missing Person Last Seen Date : 2009-02-10
Missing Person Last Seen Time : 00:00:00

Last Seen Address
Address : Area of Hermit's Cove
Address State Name : FL
Address City Name : Satsuma

Point Of Contact
Contact Organization Name : Putnam County Sheriff's Office
Number : 386-329-0808, 911

Missing Child
Person Given Name : Haleigh
Person Sur Name : Cummings
Gender : Female
Age : 5

http://www.amw.com/missing_children/case.cfm?id=63252

Why would it not list the home address as last place seen?

[Grande]

Satsuma residents booked into Putnam County after Feb 9, 2009;

http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752282&IMG=57866
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752315&IMG=57882
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752350&IMG=37863
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752419&IMG=37480
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752453&IMG=57927

It appears as though these 3 were arrested together, the male attempted to flea;

http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752396&IMG=57909
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752398&IMG=52557
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752399&IMG=53907

YIKES! AGGRAV BATTERY PERSON USES A DEADLY WEAPON ~ Levi Browning
http://public.pcso.us/jail/bookingDetails.aspx?SYSID=752435&IMG=56145

[Micky_Spill]

I see they bond people out for kibbles and bits there!

[annalyzer]

If someone was watching that home and knew the father's work schedule and knew Misty was leaving the children alone (I said if) then I would think it would have to be someone who lives very near to them like in the Lunsford case. But I could be wrong. My theory from the beginning was that Misty had left the home that night and now it is being discussed in the news as a possible lead.

[sarahhod]

The latest on the search for Haleigh

February 18, 2009 - 12:26 PM
Marianne Wellendorf (mwellendorf@cbs12.com)
Law enforcement just finished another press conference on the disappearance of little Haleigh Cummings. They have received more than 1,200 leads but said they, "don't have much."
Captain Dick Schauland from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office that while the leads have poured in, they aren't ready to discuss the details because police are worried about jeopardizing the case.
When asked if police were following up a recent tip that said 17-year old Misty Croslin wasn't home the night Haleigh went missing, Schauland said "we did receive that tip but don't know anything more." He added that he didn't know if Croslin's story has changed since the beginning.
Schauland did say they have received some solid leads but aren't prepared to release anything. "We are really concerned about the welfare of this child."
Schauland added that Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, was at work when she disappeared. "Yes, he was at work. His alibi stands."

http://www.cbs12.com/news/haleigh_4714658___article.html/schauland_leads.html

[annalyzer]

Updated: 27 minutes ago

Investigators question girlfriend's story in Haleigh case

12:31 PM EST, February 18, 2009

Investigators are now questioning whether Misty Croslin lied to law enforcement about her whereabouts the night 5-year old Haleigh Cummings disappeared. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office received a tip that Croslin, 17, left the double-wide trailer she shared with Haleigh's father and his 4-year old son, sometime late Feb. 9 or early Feb. 10. "We have received that tip, they are following up on it," Capt. Dick Schauland of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said during a press conference this morning. Haleigh was last seen by Croslin when the child went to bed Feb. 9. Croslin said she woke around 3 a.m. and found the girl gone.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, 25, returned home from work about 5 minutes later and alerted authorities On Tuesday, Putnam County Sheriff's officials announced that Haleigh wasn't wearing the pink shirt she was initially described as wearing the night she disappeared.

Investigators say they don't know what she was wearing when she vanished late Feb. 9 or early the 10th from her home 80 miles north of Orlando.

"What we need to focus on is the face," Florida Department of Law Enforcement Special Agent in Charge Dominick Pape said as he held up a picture of Haleigh.

Authorities were originally told the 5-year-old was last seen wearing the pink shirt. That's the information they released to the public in the Amber Alert and on missing-person fliers about the girl, who lives in the small town of Satsuma. On Tuesday, investigators wouldn't discuss details of the pink shirt in their possession -- how they found it, where it was and whether it will be tested for any forensic evidence.

"The investigation is not going to change because the clothing is different," Pape said.

So far, officials have received nearly 1,200 tips on the case. One tip led investigators to the St. Johns River earlier in the day but nothing was found. The ground search for the child has ended.

On Monday night, authorities stopped more than 200 vehicles at a checkpoint and questioned motorists. Another neighborhood canvass was done and officers hit around 300 homes and interviewed residents.

Officials hoped to reach people who were returning to the area and weren't questioned last week.

Several people have taken polygraph tests, including Haleigh's father and Croslin. Investigators would not release information about what those tests showed or comment on whether they still think Croslin is telling the truth.

Bianca Prieto of the Sentinel staff contributed to this report. Sarah Lundy can be reached at 407-420-6218 or slundy@orlandosentinel.com.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-haleigh-update-021809,0,1755884.story

[texanne]

If all of their friends are sincere in wanting Haleigh home safe, then maybe they will step up and volunteer for a lie detector test. It certainly would settle a few of the rumors and tips pouring in. If a child of a friend of mine were missing, or a child in my area, I would not mind taking the test just to keep LE from spending more precious time on a wrong trail.

[Micky_Spill]

From the place missing on Amber Alert, the body of water is huge in that area.

Take a look at link.

http://attractions.uptake.com/florida/satsuma/hermits_cove_community_club_17579178.html

[Lilly]

From the place missing on Amber Alert, the body of water is huge in that area.

Take a look at link.

http://attractions.uptake.com/florida/satsuma/hermits_cove_community_club_17579178.html

Wow.. that's a lot of water. We had a man jump from a bridge in our area recently. Rescue divers were in a boat where he jumped but the water was so cold, they couldnt get to him. They've been dragging the river in the area for a couple of weeks. Even knowing the exact spot he went in at, they still haven't come up with anything yet :( It can be hard to find anything in water, especially if it's deep, full or brush or debris.

[Grande]

Haleigh's Parents Taken to Sheriff's Office
Posted By: Gary Detman
Updated: 2/18/2009 2:34:47 PM

SATSUMA, FL -- The mother, father and grandmother of Haleigh Cummings are at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office right now.

Moments ago, Marie Griffis, Haleigh's grandmother, told First Coast News that deputies had told her to pick up Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, and take her to the Sheriff's Office.

Griffis left in a hurry, according to First Coast News Chief Investigative reporter Jackelyn Barnard.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, was taken there by the lead detective in the case.

The flurry of activity came hours after a news conference where investigators announced little except the tip about Misty Croslin not being at the house when Haleigh vanished.

Capt. Dick Schauland said the tip is one of 1,200 under investigation.

Marie Griffis says the family is taking the tip with a grain of salt until detectives can say whether it's valid.

Haleigh Cummings disappeared a week ago from her home in rural Satsuma. Croslin put Haleigh to bed at 8 p.m. Croslin said she went to bed at 10 p.m. and when she woke up around 3 a.m. Haleigh vanished.

Investigators are pushing for tips in the case since they have no clothing description on Haleigh. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS if you have any information.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/breaking/news-article.aspx?storyid=131632&catid=17

[Trailblazer]

Haleigh's Parents Taken to Sheriff's Office
Posted By: Gary Detman
Updated: 2/18/2009 2:34:47 PM

SATSUMA, FL -- The mother, father and grandmother of Haleigh Cummings are at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office right now.

Moments ago, Marie Griffis, Haleigh's grandmother, told First Coast News that deputies had told her to pick up Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, and take her to the Sheriff's Office.

Griffis left in a hurry, according to First Coast News Chief Investigative reporter Jackelyn Barnard.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, was taken there by the lead detective in the case.

The flurry of activity came hours after a news conference where investigators announced little except the tip about Misty Croslin not being at the house when Haleigh vanished.

Capt. Dick Schauland said the tip is one of 1,200 under investigation.

Marie Griffis says the family is taking the tip with a grain of salt until detectives can say whether it's valid.

Haleigh Cummings disappeared a week ago from her home in rural Satsuma. Croslin put Haleigh to bed at 8 p.m. Croslin said she went to bed at 10 p.m. and when she woke up around 3 a.m. Haleigh vanished.

Investigators are pushing for tips in the case since they have no clothing description on Haleigh. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS if you have any information.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/breaking/news-article.aspx?storyid=131632&catid=17


Wonder what this is all about??? Could they have found Haleigh?????

[johnielee333]

a rose :1222423: for haleigh.

[chambord]

Oh I hope they have found Haleigh. Isn't she on meds for her condition? I was so concerned about that.

Is it her bio Mom and Dad that were taken?

moo

[Trailblazer]

Oh I hope they have found Haleigh. Isn't she on meds for her condition? I was so concerned about that.

Is it her bio Mom and Dad that were taken?

moo

Yes it is

[Grande]

Interesting comment, #348;

http://www.topix.net/forum/source/orlando-sentinel/TCMDHFLKTOQP1NM7O/p17

[annalyzer]

Oh I hope they have found Haleigh. Isn't she on meds for her condition? I was so concerned about that.

Is it her bio Mom and Dad that were taken?

moo


The article that Grande posted doesn't mention that Misty was taken to the sheriff's dept., only that Haleigh's father was already there and the grandmother was asked to bring Haleigh's mother to the sheriff's dept.

[Audie]

I remember reading the Florida Times Union on Fri 13 paper. Headline read "I Didn't Do It". My question is, why would she say that?
jmo

[chambord]

I remember reading the Florida Times Union on Fri 13 paper. Headline read "I Didn't Do It". My question is, why would she say that?
jmo

I asked that a few days ago too audie. Odd, imo , what is *it*?

moo

[annalyzer]

I asked that a few days ago too audie. Odd, imo , what is *it*?

moo

Yes I asked after reading that headline, "Do what?"

[Grande]

<Snipped>

UPDATE 02/18/09 3:31pm

Late this afternoon, sources inside Putnam County indicate that Ronald Cummings, father of Haleigh Cummings, 5, missing since February 10, 2009 and Haleigh’s Mother, Crystal Sheffield have been escorted seperately to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Cummings was transported by the lead detective in the case and Ms. Sheffield was alerted when deputies phoned her Mother, Marie Griffis and asked her to bring her to the Police Department.

Attempts to locate the family of 17 year old Misty Croslin, who police announced yesterday was going to be the focus of today’s efforts were not successful at press time. It is unclear if a suspect had been located, the child had been found, or whether Ms. Croslin’s account of the evening the child was abducted has pointed the investigation into a different direction.

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/02/18/amber-alert-haleigh-anne-marie-cummings-5-missing-from-putnam-county-florida-police-have-new-leads/#more-88

[Trailblazer]

<Snipped>

UPDATE 02/18/09 3:31pm

Late this afternoon, sources inside Putnam County indicate that Ronald Cummings, father of Haleigh Cummings, 5, missing since February 10, 2009 and Haleigh’s Mother, Crystal Sheffield have been escorted seperately to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Cummings was transported by the lead detective in the case and Ms. Sheffield was alerted when deputies phoned her Mother, Marie Griffis and asked her to bring her to the Police Department.

Attempts to locate the family of 17 year old Misty Croslin, who police announced yesterday was going to be the focus of today’s efforts were not successful at press time. It is unclear if a suspect had been located, the child had been found, or whether Ms. Croslin’s account of the evening the child was abducted has pointed the investigation into a different direction.

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/02/18/amber-alert-haleigh-anne-marie-cummings-5-missing-from-putnam-county-florida-police-have-new-leads/#more-88

Thanks Grande....Hopefully they found Haleigh safe and sound...

[Flgal]

SATSUMA, FL -- The mother, father and grandmother of Haleigh Cummings are at the Putnam County Sheriff's Office right now.

Moments ago, Marie Griffis, Haleigh's grandmother, told First Coast News that deputies had told her to pick up Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's mother, and take her to the Sheriff's Office.

Griffis left in a hurry, according to First Coast News Chief Investigative reporter Jackelyn Barnard.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, was taken there by the lead detective in the case.

The flurry of activity came hours after a news conference where investigators announced little except the tip about Misty Croslin not being at the house when Haleigh vanished.

Capt. Dick Schauland said the tip is one of 1,200 under investigation.

Marie Griffis says the family is taking the tip with a grain of salt until detectives can say whether it's valid.

Haleigh Cummings disappeared a week ago from her home in rural Satsuma. Croslin put Haleigh to bed at 8 p.m. Croslin said she went to bed at 10 p.m. and when she woke up around 3 a.m. Haleigh vanished.

Investigators are pushing for tips in the case since they have no clothing description on Haleigh. Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS if you have any information.

©2009 First Coast News. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten, or redistributed.
-----------------------

What do you all think this is about?? Why would the sheriff only ask for the mother, father, and grandmother to be there? Any thoughts?

[chambord]

Presser on now talking about a Reward, 16k which includes 1k from Kidfinders.

moo

[Faith]

Presser on now HLN-- he says nothing new.

[annalyzer]

http://www.cnn.com/live/

[Faith]

One vehicle is being processed for evidence. (Misty's)?

[chambord]

Grande is providing more info than these pressers do.

moo

[Micky_Spill]

Presser on now talking about a Reward, 16k which includes 1k from Kidfinders.

moo
The 1000 was from Crimestoppers not kidfinders.

[annalyzer]

Presser on now HLN-- he says nothing new.

Nope, nothing new again.

[DestinySearchOps]

I wonder why they had rushed the family there. seems not much came from the news conference.

[LiveLaughLuv]

Breaking news now on HLN...seems there's a $16,000 reward and are going through 1200+ tips.

Something about a vehicle and if it's still being processed. Still looking for Haleigh and every state is a state of interest, (someone asked if they are looking into Tennessee).

Following tips that the girlfriend may not have been at home when Haleigh was taken and have issued a warrant for SO who have not checked in with his parole officer.

[chambord]

The 1000 was from Crimestoppers not kidfinders.

I thought I heard Kidfinders, I stand corrected. If LP's 25k didn't bring anything, I doubt 16K is going to do it.

moo

[Tracian]

Question:

I read the link and post offered by Grande; Did TES give a reason they quit the search?

[AmyE]

<Snipped>

UPDATE 02/18/09 3:31pm

Late this afternoon, sources inside Putnam County indicate that Ronald Cummings, father of Haleigh Cummings, 5, missing since February 10, 2009 and Haleigh’s Mother, Crystal Sheffield have been escorted seperately to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Cummings was transported by the lead detective in the case and Ms. Sheffield was alerted when deputies phoned her Mother, Marie Griffis and asked her to bring her to the Police Department.

Attempts to locate the family of 17 year old Misty Croslin, who police announced yesterday was going to be the focus of today’s efforts were not successful at press time. It is unclear if a suspect had been located, the child had been found, or whether Ms. Croslin’s account of the evening the child was abducted has pointed the investigation into a different direction.

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/02/18/amber-alert-haleigh-anne-marie-cummings-5-missing-from-putnam-county-florida-police-have-new-leads/#more-88

I wonder why????

[annalyzer]

Question:

I read the link and post offered by Grande; Did TES give a reason they quit the search?

From what I understood they had conducted a thorough search over a pretty large area and had to leave to help with a search of someone else.

[LiveLaughLuv]

Question:

I read the link and post offered by Grande; Did TES give a reason they quit the search?

I heard LE asked them to leave??? Not too sure, Tracian.

[Faith]

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=1&h=210&w=280&i=/assetpool/images/090218022624_021809_haleighdad.JPG

[Micky_Spill]

Check thread on Dominick, a body has been recovered.:1222423:

Not id'ed as Dominick but found where he went missing.

[AmyE]

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=1&h=210&w=280&i=/assetpool/images/090218022624_021809_haleighdad.JPG

[DestinySearchOps]

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/genthumb.ashx?e=1&h=210&w=280&i=/assetpool/images/090218022624_021809_haleighdad.JPG

[AmyE]

http://www.findhaleigh.com/

[Faith]

Question:

I read the link and post offered by Grande; Did TES give a reason they quit the search?

Cham posted a link last night to David Lhor's blog and he said TES were asked to leave. I will try to find it.

[Tracian]

<Snipped>

UPDATE 02/18/09 3:31pm

Late this afternoon, sources inside Putnam County indicate that Ronald Cummings, father of Haleigh Cummings, 5, missing since February 10, 2009 and Haleigh’s Mother, Crystal Sheffield have been escorted seperately to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Cummings was transported by the lead detective in the case and Ms. Sheffield was alerted when deputies phoned her Mother, Marie Griffis and asked her to bring her to the Police Department.

Attempts to locate the family of 17 year old Misty Croslin, who police announced yesterday was going to be the focus of today’s efforts were not successful at press time. It is unclear if a suspect had been located, the child had been found, or whether Ms. Croslin’s account of the evening the child was abducted has pointed the investigation into a different direction.

http://blinkoncrime.com/2009/02/18/amber-alert-haleigh-anne-marie-cummings-5-missing-from-putnam-county-florida-police-have-new-leads/#more-88


I don't understand, is it just Misty's family they can't locate, or Misty as well?

[Faith]

David Lohr's Report


incl. Ron alledgely says Haleigh's abduction may hace something to do with what he had done in the past.

Lohr also writes that TES was asked to leave.

yikes!



http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report/2009/02/florida-police-receive-new-leads-in-abduction-of-haleigh-cummings.html


bump

[Tracian]

bump



Thanks Faith.

[Faith]

Please do not post anything that will offend a family member when they read here. Think of it as if it were your child missing and you read here, you wouldn't want anything hurtful posted.

We are here to support the family. No one has been charged.

Thanks,

Faith

[Jute]

I know, it wasn't directed at you. It was a reminder to all to be very cautious.

Rule of thumb- do not post anything that would offend you if your child was missing and you were reading here. :kissyface4:

I am very glad that LE are keeping a lid on information; I pray that today is the day Haleigh is found and comes home safe.

[annalyzer]

bump


IIRC Tim Miller stated in an interview that he was not asked to leave.

[Faith]

IIRC Tim Miller stated in an interview that he was not asked to leave.


I haven't heard that. ty

[annalyzer]

Or it was LE that stated in an interview that TES was not asked to leave. But I know I saw that somewhere. :6u8ky2o:

[LiveLaughLuv]

Girlfriend Under Investigation In Haleigh Case
Wednesday, February 18, 2009 – updated: 12:34 pm EST February 18, 2009

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. -- Eyewitness News discovered that the Putnam County Sheriff's Office is investigating Ronald Cummings' girlfriend, who claimed that she was at home and sleeping when Haleigh Cummings was taken. But a tip puts the spotlight on the 17-year-old girlfriend.

The most recent information investigators got was that Ronald Cummings' girlfriend, Misty Croslin, may not have been home when Haleigh disappeared from her Satusum house early last week.

"Obviously that puts a spotlight on her now, if that's the case," said Captain Dick Schauland. "We have a team of detectives that are following up on this and yes they are questioning her about that."

In a news conference Wednesday (watch news conference), Schauland said the information is one of the 1,200 tips that investigators are looking into. He says he doesn't know if it panned out. He says detectives have interviewed family members and girlfriend Misty Croslin several times.

"We have received that tip and they are following up on it. As far as a conclusion on the follow up, I don't have that," said Schauland.

On CNN, Tuesday night, Haleighs paternal grandmother, Terese Neves, spoke out in support of the 17-year-old's story.
http://www.wftv.com/news/18738704/detail.html

[annalyzer]

Cummings asked Tim Miller, TES, to keep his team here and to continue looking, but Miller told Cummings they had to leave. “He was begging for us to stay, but I explained to him that we have other cases,” Miller said. “Let’s move forward, and if something comes up, we’ll come back.”

http://itsamysterytome.wordpress.com/2009/02/17/haleighs-father-asks-searchers-to-stay-and-help-him-search-for-his-daughter/

[Jute]

I heard LE asked them to leave??? Not too sure, Tracian.

I read that, too, LLL. Don't have a link handy, sorry. JMO

[annalyzer]

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/2/16/amber_alert_ground_search_for_haleigh_to_end_monda y.html

Texas Equusearch Suspends Search

Haleigh's father, Ronald Cummings, joined Texas Equusearch's effort over the weekend, riding horseback through some of the wooded areas around his house.

However, on Monday, Tim Miller, the head of Texas Equusearch said they would suspend their volunteer efforts.

Cummings made a plea to Texas Equusearch to continue its efforts to find his daughter.

"This is my child. I don't think anybody else should give up. If I was searching for somebody else's child I wouldn't give up," Cummings told News 13.

Cummings pulled Miller aside to plead for his team to stay, but in the end, Miller told him that he had to leave.

"He was begging for us to stay. But I explained to him that we have other cases. Let's move forward and if something comes up, we'll come back,"

[Jute]

Cham posted a link last night to David Lhor's blog and he said TES were asked to leave. I will try to find it.

I looked at TES's website - this is what I found:

02/16/09 It’s a quiet morning here at the command center, and the crowds are gone. Law enforcement and Texas EquuSearch have announced that the massive search effort for Haleigh Cummings has been suspended. We are currently loading up to head home for Texas.

I hope it's ok to post this; it's a comment in response to the statement. I cannot find the PC to confirm it.

TES is wonderful.
Thanks to all for your search efforts for Haleigh.

It is being reported on that TES was asked to leave.
Sheriff Hardy was surprised in this afternoon’s press conference to hear that. He expressed his gratitude for all the TES has done to help in the search.

Although I did read that LE had asked TES to leave, I have to wonder whether it is just another rumor? JMO

[Faith]

$16,000 Reward Offered in Search for Haleigh

Posted By: Dave Wax Created: 2/18/2009 4:21:29 PM Updated: 2/18/2009 4:35:49 PM

PALATKA, FL -- With the search for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings well into its second week, there is now a substantial reward being offered for information leading to the girl.

An anonymous private donor has pledged a $10,000 reward, the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation (http://www.carolesundfoundation.com/) has offered $5,000, and Crime Stoppers has its standard $1,000 reward offer, so there is a total of $16,000 being offered to help find Haleigh.

Capt. Dick Schauland with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday afternoon that while there isn't any new news or any new information on leads, "Hope is what we've got to live with."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement special Agent Dominick Pape said his department seized one vehicle for evidence, but wouldn't elaborate.

"Sooner or later" the investigation will get the tip it needs to find the little girl, Schauland says.

Admitting that investigators are disappointed, Pape was quick to say they are not discouraged. He says they will keep working until she's found.

Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your information leads to an arrest.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/breaking/news-article.aspx?storyid=131646&catid=17

[Jute]

IIRC Tim Miller stated in an interview that he was not asked to leave.

I hadn't heard that, Anna, but thanks - it didn't make sense that LE would ask them to leave. JMO

[Jute]

$16,000 Reward Offered in Search for Haleigh

Posted By: Dave Wax Created: 2/18/2009 4:21:29 PM Updated: 2/18/2009 4:35:49 PM

PALATKA, FL -- With the search for 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings well into its second week, there is now a substantial reward being offered for information leading to the girl.

An anonymous private donor has pledged a $10,000 reward, the Carole Sund/Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation (http://www.carolesundfoundation.com/) has offered $5,000, and Crime Stoppers has its standard $1,000 reward offer, so there is a total of $16,000 being offered to help find Haleigh.

Capt. Dick Schauland with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday afternoon that while there isn't any new news or any new information on leads, "Hope is what we've got to live with."

Florida Department of Law Enforcement special Agent Dominick Pape said his department seized one vehicle for evidence, but wouldn't elaborate.

"Sooner or later" the investigation will get the tip it needs to find the little girl, Schauland says.

Admitting that investigators are disappointed, Pape was quick to say they are not discouraged. He says they will keep working until she's found.

Call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277-TIPS. You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if your information leads to an arrest.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/breaking/news-article.aspx?storyid=131646&catid=17

The reward is very good news. I hope that it causes someone who hasn't been interviewed, but has important information, to come forward. JMO

[annalyzer]

I hadn't heard that, Anna, but thanks - it didn't make sense that LE would ask them to leave. JMO

Well I can't find the interview. IIIRC it was either TM or LE but if I can't link it just disregard.

[cavimom]

If all of their friends are sincere in wanting Haleigh home safe, then maybe they will step up and volunteer for a lie detector test. It certainly would settle a few of the rumors and tips pouring in. If a child of a friend of mine were missing, or a child in my area, I would not mind taking the test just to keep LE from spending more precious time on a wrong trail.

I agree with you 1000%%%%

[Isabella]

Well I can't find the interview. IIIRC it was either TM or LE but if I can't link it just disregard.
From my memory LE said TES had to be somewhere to search
and may come back...
But I heard Tim on JVM (I think) and he didn't mention that..

IMO someone took Haleigh in a car...

[Faith]

Well I can't find the interview. IIIRC it was either TM or LE but if I can't link it just disregard.

Thanks Anna, it really doesn't matter at this point, they are gone. If LE asked them to leave perhaps they meant they were finished with the physical search and will focus on the investigation and there would be no need for TES services anymore.

[Isabella]

Snipped

A recent tip suggested that Haleigh’s father’s girlfriend, Misty Croslin, 17, was not home when Haleigh disappeared. Croslin told police she put Haleigh to bed the night before she went missing and was home the entire time. Haleigh’s paternal grandmother said the tip is not true.

"That’s a crock. I went by the house that night. I know. She was there," Annette Sykes said. "I went by around 7."

http://www.wesh.com/news/18743397/detail.html

[Audie]

Grande is providing more info than these pressers do.

mooThats what I was thinking. jmo

[chambord]

True..
I don't really know who this Annette is do you?

I know Ron's mother said she sent a family member over with some clothes, is that her?..And to Misty's brother came by to, don't remember what time.

Oh I knew what you meant Anna.. : )

According to Misty, her brother was there around 5:30. So Annette drives by at 7 and says all is well. Then what...........until 3am.

moo

[Audie]

One vehicle is being processed for evidence. (Misty's)?I've been wondering about "vehicles" since this case started. jmo

[Audie]

The 1000 was from Crimestoppers not kidfinders.That is what I was thinking. Normally Crimestoppers. jmo

[annalyzer]

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131654&catid=3

Owners of Haleigh's Home Call Little Girl Adorable

Posted By: Jessica Clark
Created: 2/18/2009 5:44:44 PM
Updated: 2/18/2009 6:01:34 PM

SATSUMA, FL -- Rocking on the front porch.

It's one way Phyllis and Donald Bard pass the time, waiting on word about their missing neighbor, 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings.

"She and the little boy would come up to me when I was out at the clothes line. I'd talk with them," Mrs. Bard said. "They're just delightful. She's adorable!"

The Bards own the trailer Haleigh lives in now in Satsuma. Mrs. Bard said Haleigh and her father and brother moved into the double wide in November.

The Bards also own the trailer Haleigh, her brother, and her father -- Ronald Cummings -- lived in over the summer.

Mr. Bard says Haleigh's father's life revolved around his children.

"When the other house around the corner became available, which was a three bedroom, [Cummings] told the property managers -- without seeing the house -- 'I'll take it.' He needed a three bedroom, for his children," Mr. Bard explained.

A wooded area separates the Bards from Haleigh's home. They said they didn't hear or see anything the night Haleigh disappeared.

The Bards added that it would not have been pitch black in Haleigh's house because of two skylights.

Mr. Bard said, "That night there was a full moon and so there would still have been a potential with the skylights that a person could have seen to navigate the house."

The house sits empty now. It's still roped off with crime scene tape.

And just down the road, the Bards rock...and wait...and hope.

"It's very frustrating because what else can you do," Mrs. Bard said. "You just pray they find her and that she's safe."

Haleigh disappeared from her home in Satsuma and was last seen February 9th.

[texanne]

Surely LE did not wait this long to check out vehicles?

[annalyzer]

http://www.news4jax.com/news/18742867/detail.html

Reward Increased $16,000 In Haleigh Case

Dad, Mom Summoned To Sheriff's Office Wednesday

POSTED: Wednesday, February 18, 2009
UPDATED: 6:52 pm EST February 18, 2009

PALATKA, Fla. -- Putnam County investigators separately interviewed 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings' father and mother Wednesday afternoon, but officials downplayed that as routine and said there's no break in the hunt for the girl now missing for nine days.

Ronald Cummings and Crystal Sheffield, Haleigh's parents, were each brought to the sheriff's office.

"As leads develop, we will always going back to the family members," Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent-in-charge Dominick Pape said. "As this case goes on and we feel the need to bring them in, we will. They've been very cooperative with us."

Haleigh was reported missing just after 3 a.m. on Feb. 10 when the father's boyfriend, Misty Croslin, told authorities she woke up and found the child missing. Within minutes, Croslin and Cummings placed frantic calls to 911.

By first light that morning, a massive search was under way in the southern Putnam County community of Satsuma and an Amber Alert was issued.

For the first time Wednesday, officials confirmed that a vehicle was seized and processed for evidence, but would not discuss whose vehicle it was or what they may have learned in the search.

In the eight days that have passed since Haleigh disappeared, more than 1,200 tips have poured into a Crimestoppers hot line. The Putnam County Sheriff's Office said they are checking out each one.

"Sooner or later the one we need is going to come up and it's going to make the difference," Capt. Dick Schauland said Wednesday afternoon.

After eight full days, the investigators were asked if they were discouraged that Heleigh was not located.

"Are we frustrated? Absolutely. We wish we had this resolved day one -- with three hours. But discouraged? Absolutely not," Pape said. The men and women on this team, they're there every hour, every day giving 100 percent, and they will do that until we get resolution."

Schauland also announced that a Putnam County resident who wants to remain anonymous donated a $10,000 reward. That would be added to a $5,000 reward previously offered by the Carole Sund/Carrington Foundation and the $1,000 Crimestoppers reward for any tip that leads investigators to Haleigh.

Anyone with information about Haleigh's disappearance should call at 888-277-TIPS or the FDLE's Missing Endangered Persons Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

Haleigh's Great-Grandmother Speaks Out, Defends Croslin

A day after detectives said they were following up on a tip that Croslin may not have been home when Haleigh disappeared, the 5-year-old's great-grandmother, Annett Sykes, said she doesn't believe the tip at all. Ronald Cummings joins about 30 volunteers on horseback in the continuing search for Haleigh Cummings.

Sykes said there is no way Croslin wasn’t home the night Haleigh went missing.

"That's a crock. I went by the house that night. She fed them. She bathed them. Every morning when Haleigh went out to go to school, she looked like she just stepped out of a beauty shop," Sykes said. "Y'all don't know her. Those children love her, and she loves them. I know everybody makes a big deal that she's only 17, and that's true, but she's a lot more mature than a lot of people that I've seen and that I know who are 25 and 30."

Police said they received a tip that Croslin was out instead of home with Haleigh and her 3-year-old brother last Monday night. However, Sykes said that tipster was wrong.

"We have heard rumor after rumor after rumor that has scared the daylights out of us, and it was absolutely nothing but a rumor," Sykes said.

She said she last saw Haleigh outside on the porch eating dinner at 7 p.m. on Monday.

"Her and Junior were sitting up there with a plate in their lap and eating. When we drove up they hollered, 'Hey Granny. Hey Granny,' like they always do," Sykes said.

Putnam County officials said they are looking into the Croslin tip as a possibility, but added it's only one of hundreds of tips they've investigated.

"I don't know that you can say her story is changing," Putnam County Capt. Dick Schaulan said at a Wednesday morning briefing. "All I can tell you is that the tip we're receiving is the tip we're following up on."

Croslin told Channel 4 she is not lying about the situation and she was at home the night Haleigh disappeared.

[chambord]

Did Misty have a car, or for that matter a license?

[katfish]

I am glad to hear that more of Haleigh's family is coming out in support of Misty. Does that mean she was at the trailer that night? Of course not, but if they are willing to stand behind her, so will I, until we hear otherwise from LE.

[Lilly]

I am glad to hear that more of Haleigh's family is coming out in support of Misty. Does that mean she was at the trailer that night? Of course not, but if they are willing to stand behind her, so will I, until we hear otherwise from LE.

I agree Katfish. They know Misty, and even IF it turns out she left for awhile, that doesn't mean she did anything to Haleigh. Haleigh still needs to be found regardless of how hard or easy it might have been for someone to go into that trailer and take her.

Praying for Haleigh's safe return.:1222423:

[Micky_Spill]

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131661&catid=3



SATSUMA, FL -- Family members of Ronald Cummings say he got into a fight with another man over a gun one day before his daughter disappeared.
A relative told First Coast News Cummings accused the other man of stealing a gun. The relative could not remember the name of the man or where the fight happened.
The relative said the man disappeared the next day and the gun was found in a ditch.
No word on the type of gun, but on the night Haleigh disappeared, Cummings told responding deputies he had a 9 mm Beretta handgun and would kill the person who had taken his child.
Authorities would not comment on the claim.
An FBI expert told First Coast News (http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/news-article.aspx?storyid=131484) with the investigation at this stage, authorities take a really close look at anything unusual in the hours, days and weeks before a child's disappearance.

[Emyo]

I am glad to hear that more of Haleigh's family is coming out in support of Misty. Does that mean she was at the trailer that night? Of course not, but if they are willing to stand behind her, so will I, until we hear otherwise from LE.

I think it is just the media trying to throw a hook into the story. NG was disgraceful last night, imo, with her lead in that Misty was not home. It is just a tip, one of 1,200. Anyone can call in a tip, gmab. Let the story be what it is. Let LE do their job. Don't fall for the cable news' sensationalism. Don't fall for it. Give LE time.

[AmyE]

Vigil for missing Haleigh reminder of 'hope in Christ'

Florida Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers aid in search

By JONI B. HANNIGAN
Managing Editor
Published February 18, 2009


SAN MATEO (FBW)-Just after he dropped his own kids off at school Feb. 10, Terry Wright got a riveting call from the Putnam Co. Sheriff's Office where he serves as a chaplain.

Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings, 5, had disappeared, and through family connections to Dunn's Creek Baptist Church, where he is pastor, Wright and the church found themselves at the center of a massive hunt for the kindergartener.

Haleigh vanished from her mobile home in nearby Satsuma in the middle of the night, according to police who continue to treat the ongoing investigation as an abduction. Along with her brother, Junior, 4, she was in the care of her father's girlfriend, Misty Croslin, 17.

A week later, Wright was still holding onto hope, though bringing closure to the ground search -- which involved Florida Baptist Disaster Relief volunteers among others -- at a candlelight vigil Feb. 17.

Among them were Ronald Cummings, 25, the girl's father; Croslin; and Haleigh's mother, Crystal Sheffield, who lives in Glen St. Mary.

"Ronald was very upset," Wright told Florida Baptist Witness the day after the prayer vigil and the first day there was no active ground search. "He begged EquuSearch to stay and I saw some of those guys crying and weeping, but there was just no child to be found."

With tears and prayers, family members on both sides were joined by over 400 --, Haleigh's classmates, law enforcement officers and friends, and members of the press -- who heard Wright speak from 1 Peter about the "hope that is in Christ."

"We have a choice," Wright said of his words of encouragement. "We can choose to despair and to be discouraged" in looking at all of the statistical data which says the probability of finding the child is slim -- or else "we can believe that there's a God bigger than all the statistical trends and our God is able to do exceedingly above and beyond."

Wright described the vigil as a celebration of hope and an exercise of putting trust in God's character.

"God is always good even when people are bad," he said. Offering an invitation, even in a time of great duress, he said over a dozen people responded by praying to receive Christ.

"We understand that salvation is a journey," Wright sighed. "Not everyone can receive the Gospel the minute they hear it."

Wright said the service was the culmination of an impromptu Bible study led by various members of his church each night where the workers were focused while the search was ongoing.

And with the search involving law enforcement officers from throughout the state and experts in locating missing children from throughout the nation--Dunn's Creek Baptist and St. John's River Baptist Association churches joined with the community to provide support in tangible ways as well, he said.

Hauling in tents, tables, food, ice, and drinks, those in the rural and heavily wooded community about 25 miles west of St. Augustine, made sure there was plenty to go around. Referring to residents of the area and his church as "caring and compassionate," Wright said, "We just love God and love people."

And Florida Baptists, through their vast Disaster Relief network, were able to mobilize trained volunteers for the search over the weekend.

Working through Asa Greear, director of missions for the St. John's River Association, volunteers from 10 churches mobilized on Saturday and five on Sunday.

Unlike in a typical callout where there is a natural disaster or other event which requires a full response, a search for a missing child is coordinated directly through the sheriff's office or through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to Fritz Wilson, director of the disaster relief and recovery department of the Florida Baptist Convention.

Wilson said within 20 minutes of receiving a phone call requesting assistance, the Convention used it's automated calling system to contact all 150 trained volunteers in that particular association, requesting assistance.

"In these types of responses the investigators need willing volunteers that will take directions, search specific assigned areas in an organized manner and will not go off on their own," Wilson said.

Wilson, who has aided in these types of investigations in the past, said trained volunteers are the "eyes" of investigators and "understand the need to not touch anything that looks suspicious because of the criminal investigation that happens in an abduction."

In addition to aiding in the investigation, most Disaster Relief volunteers have been through Spiritual Care or "Barnabas" training, which Wilson said provides indepth listening, grief processing and evangelism skills particularly designed to be used in a crisis or disaster situation. And some are trained disaster chaplains as well.

"First and foremost, Disaster Relief volunteers are Christians who have a strong passion to serve folks in tough situations," Wilson said. Florida Baptist Disaster Relief teams are also currently responding in Paducah, Ky., in the wake of ice storms that paralyzed the region a few weeks ago.

Another Florida Baptist who joined the search was George Anthony, grandfather of 3-year-old Caylee Anthony, whose memorial service was Feb. 10 at First Baptist Church in Orlando. Anthony and his wife, Cindy, are members of Eastside Baptist Church in Orlando. Caylee Anthony disappeared in June of last year. After six months of desperate searching, Caylee's body was discovered less than a mile from the Anthony home in Orlando.

Of the candelight vigil and of hope, Wright said, yes, there is still hope Haleigh will be found.

"We are not sure what road God is leading us down," Wright said. "That road is seen clearly by God, it's known by god and God is able to move us down it with peace and courage. We are not alone. We trust God's character.

"Pray for us, absolutely and sincerely," Wright pleaded. "We need the prayers of our brothers and sisters."

Haleigh has blond hair and brown eyes and is 3 feet tall. Please call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800 if you have any information regarding Haleigh Cummings.


http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/9825.article

[AmyE]

Radio Transmissions on the Night Haleigh Vanished

SATSUMA, FL -- Newly released radio transmissions shed more light on the night Haleigh Cummings vanished from her bedroom.

A 'signal 8,' which is police chatter for a missing person, alerted deputies to 202 Green Lane, Haleigh's home.

"I got the age on this kid," said one deputy. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Whiskey Foxtrot," said dispatch. It's code for white female. "Last seen wearing her PJs."

Deputies swarm her neighborhood and take note of the railroad tracks. Dispatch informs them a train just passed through.

More deputies respond, some need directions from dispatchers. And the sheriff's office works to get dogs and helicopters to the scene.

"Stay at the residence," said one deputy to a colleague. "Maintain that point of access in reference to the canine and do another thorough search from inside the house."



http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131653&catid=3

[chambord]

Haliegh has a new pet waiting for her when she comes home.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131659&catid=3

[Isabella]

Haliegh has a new pet waiting for her when she comes home.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131659&catid=3
How sweet!

The family has named the pup Isabella. :)

[AmyE]

Little Clues Lead to Big Cases for Crime Stoppers

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- All it takes is a single phone call to crack a case wide open. And you don't need the smoking gun.

"A car driving by with the color or a car, make of a car could break the case. Best case scenario is tag number and description of a driver, but if you don't have that, call in what you got," Wyllie Hodges of First Coast Crime Stoppers told First Coast News' Erich Spivey.

In Putnam County, detectives are hoping for that perfect tip. Right now, they're pouring over hundreds of calls and some are advancing the investigation.

"The officers that are working a case may know this, this, and this, but they're at a standstill. And some little tidbit of information takes it over the brink," Hodges says.

Since 2002, tips to First Coast Crime Stoppers led to 1,347 arrests.

One of those was 54-year-old Raymond Bright. Last year, the investigation into a double murder in Jacksonville stalled. But a tip led police to Bright and the hammer he used to kill two people.

To report tips on the Haleigh Cummings case, call Crime Stoppers at 888-277-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a $16,000 cash reward.



http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=131660&catid=3

[Jute]

How sweet!

The family has named the pup Isabella. :)

Great name for that cute little puppy, Isa. I pray Haleigh is home soon so she can meet her new little pal.

[Claudia]

That is so sweet... I pray Haleigh gets to play with & love her puppy soon.