Jada Justice, 2, Missing Since 6/16/09, Gary, IN [BODY FOUND] [Archive]

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:21 PM

Police search for missing toddler

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/doc4a3941bd25862651475589.jpg
Jada Justice, was last seen sitting in a car at a gas station at Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary at about 9:30 p.m. King said the girl had been with a female cousin from Hobart. The cousin told police she went into the gas station's convenience store to buy a gallon of milk and, upon her return to the car, discovered the toddler was missing.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

GARY | A three-year-old Portage girl was reported missing Tuesday night, prompting police in Gary, Hobart and Portage to search for the girl.

Cpl. Gabrielle King of the Gary Police said Wednesday the girl, Jada Justice, was last seen sitting in a car at a gas station at Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary at about 9:30 p.m. King said the girl had been with a female cousin from Hobart. The cousin told police she went into the gas station's convenience store to buy a gallon of milk and, upon her return to the car, discovered the toddler was missing.

Police said Justice is 2-feet-2 inches tall, weighs between 35 and 50 pounds, and is African-American. They did not describe the clothing the child was wearing.

King said a Lake County police helicopter and police canine units were brought in to help search for the girl beginning Tuesday night.

Police from various departments and about a dozen law enforcement recruits are going door to door in the 3900 block of Missouri, fanning to the west where the gas station is, combing the whole area, asking residents if they've seen the girl.

Police issued a search warrant for the home of the baby sitter. They did not release baby sitter's identity.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gary Police at (219) 881-1201.

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:21 PM

what a beautiful precious little girl. I pray she is found safe.

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:23 PM

http://www.missingkids.com/photographs/NCMC1125154c1.jpg

View Poster (http://javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:MM_openBrWindow%28%27/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=1125154&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US%27,%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20 %20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%2 0%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20% 20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%27Poster%27,%20%27al waysRaised=yes,resizable=yes,scrollbars=yes,toolba r=no,location=yes,menubar=yes,status=yes%27%29)
Case Handled By: http://www.missingkids.com/orglogos/NCMC_en_US.gif

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

JADA J JUSTICE
Case Type: Non Family Abduction
DOB: Aug 3, 2006
Sex: Female
Missing Date: Jun 16, 2009
Race: Black
Age Now: 2
Height: 2'2" (66 cm)
Missing City: GARY
Weight: 35 lbs (16 kg)
Missing State : IN
Hair Color: Black
Missing Country: United States
Eye Color: Brown
Case Number: NCMC1125154

Circumstances: Jada was last seen on June 16, 2009. She may be with an adult companion. Jada was last seen wearing an orange skirt and a striped shirt.

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewChildDetail&LanguageCountry=en_US&searchLang=en_US&caseLang=en_US&orgPrefix=NCMC&caseNum=1125154&seqNum=1

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:24 PM

The age is conflicting- I don't know is Jada is 2 or 3.

annalyzer

06-17-2009, 05:27 PM

The age is conflicting- I don't know is Jada is 2 or 3.

She'll be 3 in August.

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:29 PM

Thanks Anna.

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:30 PM

Gary police search for missing toddler

June 17, 2009 3:30 PM

Gary police are searching for a young girl who disappeared when a cousin who was taking care of her left left the toddler alone in a car to get milk at a gas station.

Jada Justice, who turns three in August disappeared from the car at a gas station near the intersection of East Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary about 9:30 p.m., police said in a news conference today at Gary police headquarters.

Jada was in the back seat of the car when her cousin stopped at the gas station about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said. When the cousin returned to the car, Jada's car seat was still there, but Jada was missing, police said.

Jada had been staying with her cousin temporarily, but was due to return to her mother on Saturday, police said.

No family member is involved in a custody dispute with the mother over Jada, and there's no reason to believe a family member may have taken her, police said.

Police have searched the area, including using police dogs, they said.

Jada, who is black, about 2-foot-3 and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. Details of what she was wearing when she disappeared were not available.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/06/gary-police-search-for-missing-toddler.html

annalyzer

06-17-2009, 05:38 PM

Most convenience store/gas stations you can park right out front, there are large floor to ceiling windows and you can look out at your car. Wonder what the situation was here?

Faith

06-17-2009, 05:39 PM

Gary Police Searching For Missing Girl
Toddler Disappeared Tuesday Night

3:39 PM CDT, June 17, 2009
(WGN-AM)- Gary police are searching for a young girl who disappeared when a cousin who was taking care of her left left the toddler alone in a car to get milk at a gas station.

Jada Justice, who turns three in August disappeared from the car at a gas station near the intersection of East Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary about 9:30 p.m., police said in a news conference today at Gary police headquarters.

Jada was in the back seat of the car when her cousin stopped at the gas station about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said. When the cousin returned to the car, Jada's car seat was still there, but Jada was missing, police said.

Jada had been staying with her cousin temporarily, but was due to return to her mother on Saturday, police said.

No family member is involved in a custody dispute with the mother over Jada, and there's no reason to believe a family member may have taken her, police said.

Police have searched the area, including using police dogs, they said.

Jada, who is black, about 2-foot-3 and weighs between 35 and 50 pounds. Details of what she was wearing when she disappeared were not available.

(The Chicago Tribune contributed to this story)

http://www.wgnradio.com/news/top/wgnam-gary-child-missing-061709,0,40432.story

Roamer

06-17-2009, 06:05 PM

Rough place to be missing. I hope the little girl didn't just wander off...but I also hope no one took her. And I pray she's found safe.

Faith

06-17-2009, 07:10 PM

Police search for missing toddler

HOBART | Police searched Wednesday for a missing Portage toddler while the relative who was baby sitting the child was taken into custody and being held as a person of interest.

Hobart police said the missing girl, Jada Justice, is 2 years and 10 months old, 2-feet-2 inches tall, weighs about 35 pounds, and is African-American. She was last seen wearing an orange skirt and a striped shirt.

The 18-year-old cousin who was watching Jada, Angelica Castillo, was in custody Wednesday at the Gary Police Department, Hobart police detective David Grissom said. He said Castillo may be charged with neglect.

Cpl. Gabrielle King of the Gary Police said Wednesday the girl was last seen sitting in a car at Glen Park Gas at Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary at about 9:30 p.m. Castillo told police she went into the gas station's convenience store to buy a gallon of milk and, upon her return to the car, discovered the toddler was missing.

Jada's uncle, Mike Valdez, sought the help of the community in finding the missing girl who lives in Portage with her mom, Melissa Swointek of Portage and the girl's two brothers.

He said a missing person report was filed with the Gary Police Department but the little girl's disappearance did not meet the criteria to issue an Amber Alert.

A Gary police spokeswoman could not be immediately reached to comment on why that was the case.

"We as a community, should make every effort possible to reunite this child safe and sound with her mother and as quickly as possible," Valdez said.

Hobart police, who had joined the investigation on Wednesday morning, spent the day combing the neighborhood starting at the home of the baby sitter Castillo, in the 3900 block of Missouri Street in Hobart, west to Glen Park Gas.

Cpl. Gabrielle King of the Gary Police said a Lake County police helicopter and police canine units were brought in to help search for the girl beginning Tuesday night.

Police were also issued a search warrant to go through Castillo's house which was cordoned off with yellow tape, according to Grissom.

Valdez said his niece was staying with Castillo because Jada's mom had planned to go out of town with a boyfriend and was visiting friends.

Jada's dad is Clarence Justice of Hammond.

He said the couple, who have three children together, are not married.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hobart police at (219) 942-3406.

Times correspondent LuAnn Franklin contributed to this report

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/17/updates/breaking_news/doc4a3941bd25862651475589.txt

Faith

06-17-2009, 09:22 PM

Police search for missing Indiana toddler

Wednesday, June 17, 2009 | 7:45 PM

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

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Jada.jpg

June 17, 2009 (WLS) -- Police in northwest Indiana are searching for a missing 2-year-old girl.

The toddler disappeared after being left alone in a car while her babysitter ran into a gas station convenience store.

Police in Gary, Hobart and Portage, Indiana are searching for the child.

The search for Jada Justice began on Tuesday night. Her babysitter reported her missing around 9:30 p.m.

Jada will be 3 in August. She was staying with an adult cousin from Hobart for the last eight days, according to her mother.

Gary police were told that a little girl was taken from a gas station in Gary on Tuesday.

"I don't know what could be happening to her or where she's at or who she's with, if she's scared," said Melissa Swiontek, mother of missing child.

Two-year-old Jada Justice was with her babysitter on Tuesday night. The babysitter says she disappeared.

"She's saying she just went into the service station to purchase a gallon of milk at 9:30 last night and when she came back out she's saying Jada was gone," said Gabrielle King, Gary police.

"It's shady. It don't add up," said Clarence Justice, the baby's father.

Police in both Gary and Hobart have been searching around the gas station and the babysitter's home in Hobart.

The babysitter's neighbors say they noticed searches late last night.

As the search continues, baby Jada's mother pleads for help.

"Just bring her back. Bring her back and take her to the police station, or bring her here. I don't know what went on. She don't deserve this," said Swiontek.

Relatives say that the babysitter and the baby-sitter's boyfriend have been questioned by police. ABC7 has learned that the searchers were able to cover a lot of ground. They had help from police recruits as well as a mountain biking class.

Gary police have reached out to other agencies, including the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the F.B.I.
VIDEO
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6870550

annalyzer

06-17-2009, 10:07 PM

From above link, ""She's saying she just went into the service station to purchase a gallon of milk at 9:30 last night and when she came back out she's saying Jada was gone," said Gabrielle King, Gary police."

Doesn't sound like he believes her story.

Faith

06-17-2009, 11:25 PM

I sure hope they find Jada safe, this is so sad.

Faith

06-18-2009, 12:22 AM

FBI joins serach for missing 2-year-old Ind. girl

Associated Press
11:05 PM CDT, June 17, 2009

GARY, Ind. - The FBI has joined the search for a missing toddler who vanished from a car while her baby sitter went into a convenience store in Gary.

The FBI says 2-year-old Jada Justice of Portage was apparently abducted. The girl was last seen in the car outside the store about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Officers combed the neighborhood near the store Tuesday night and Wednesday with police dogs and helicopters.

The girl's 18-year-old cousin, Angelica Castillo, told police she discovered the child was missing when she returned to the car after buying a gallon of milk.

Jada is described as African-American, 2 feet 2 inches tall and 35 pounds. She was last seen wearing an orange skirt and a striped shirt.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-missingtoddler,0,7228680.story

Amusedtdth

06-18-2009, 09:39 AM

No surveillance footage from the store? Most have it nowadays. Praying for her safe return.

Roamer

06-18-2009, 09:43 AM

It seems to me the store would have video cameras, too.

I'm not sure if I believe her story, either.

Pandabear

06-18-2009, 12:14 PM

Faith

06-18-2009, 03:11 PM

FBI hotline established for missing 2-year-old

June 18, 2009 12:48 PM

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/_Jada400x200.jpg

The FBI has established a hotline for tips about a missing 2-year-old girl from Gary, Ind.

Anyone with any information about Jada Justice should call 1-800-CALL-FBI, special agent Wendy Osborne said.

Jada is described as 2 foot, 2 inches tall, 35 pounds, black hair, brown eyes and light brown complexion. She was last seen wearing an orange skirt, white tank top with orange and green stripes, and white sandals.Jada will be 3 in August.

Jada disappeared at about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday when a cousin left the toddler alone in a car to get milk at the Glen Park Gas Station at 1401 East Ridge Road in Gary, Ind., police said.

Jada had been staying with her cousin but was to return to her mother on Saturday, police said. No family member is involved in a custody dispute with the mother over Jada, and there's no reason to believe a family member may have taken her, police said.

Police have searched the area, including using police dogs, they said.

"At this time, nothing is being ruled out," Osborne said, adding the FBI has been speaking with everyone involved in Jada's life.

Osborne said the case does not qualify for an Amber Alert because there is no vehicle or suspect description.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/06/missing-gary-ind-toddler-still-missing.html

Faith

06-18-2009, 03:12 PM

Justice for Jada

Help us find two-year old Jada Justice. She was said to have been missing since Tuesday night at 9:30 p.m. from a convenience store near east Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary, Indiana. She is 2 feet 3 inches tall, weighing between 35-50 pounds. See story below and call Hobart police (219-942-1125) or Gary Police at (219-881-1260) if you know of her whereabouts or have any leads.

http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/garrard-mcclendon-live/2009/06/justice-for-jada.html

Faith

06-18-2009, 03:15 PM

Reward now offered in disappearance of Indiana toddler
Father offers $5000 reward

WGNtv.com

June 18, 2009

CHICAGO - The father of a missing Indiana toddler is now offering a $5000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts.

Clarence Justice announced the reward this afternoon, as he frantically searched for his 2-year old daughter Jada.

The Portgage girl was last seen around 9:30 Tuesday night. The child's 18-year old relative sitter told police she left the girl in the car while she ran an errand at a gas station in Gary. She says that when returned, Jada was gone.

The relative is in police custody, facing charges of neglect of a dependent.

The FBI has joined local police in the search and is treating the case as an abduction. Anyone who has information is asked to call the F.B.I. hotline at 317-639-3301

Video @ link
http://www.wgntv.com/news/wgntv-missing-toddler-june18,0,4411706.story

Faith

06-18-2009, 03:22 PM

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/jj-jada1.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/030.jpg

Amanda has a lot of photos on the case here
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/?evt=user_upload_approve&sort=ascending

Faith

06-18-2009, 08:46 PM

Tippecanoe helping in missing toddler's case

June 18, 2009

Anyone with information on a 2-year-old Portage girl missing since Tuesday from northwest Indiana can now report it anonymously.

ada Justice was reportedly taken from a parked vehicle outside a gas station and convenience store in Gary. She was in the care of a relative at the time.

The Tippecanoe County prosecutor's office today assisted the FBI and Gary Police Department by providing use of its anonymous WeTip hot line, according to Kathryn Redd, the county's Project Safe Neighborhoods coordinator.

WeTip is a nonprofit based in California with affiliates nationwide. In Tippecanoe County, it was launched a year ago as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods anti-crime initiative.

Jada is described as a black female, about 2-foot-2 and 35 pounds. She has black hair, brown eyes and a light brown complexion.

She was wearing a white tank top with orange and green stripes, an orange skirt, purple underwear and white sandals the day she disappeared.

Anyone with information can call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME or (800) 782-7463. Monetary rewards are available for information that leads to a suspect's arrest and conviction.

http://www.jconline.com/article/20090618/NEWS03/90618027

Faith

06-18-2009, 09:28 PM

FBI joins search; cops doubt baby sitter's story
* Care-giver in custody charged with neglect; she's a cousin to child's mother

GARY -- From the first frantic call about a missing toddler Tuesday night, police had suspicions about the baby sitter’s version of events.

A day later, Jada Justice, 2, has not been found, despite a massive search that spanned two neighboring cities and more than 18 hours.

The baby sitter, Angelica Castillo, 18, of 3925 Missouri St., Hobart, is in custody facing charges of neglect of a dependent. She is a cousin to the missing girl's mother, Melissa Swiontek of Portage.

Castillo told Gary police she went to Glen Park Gas at 1401 E. Ridge Road about 9:40 p.m. Tuesday to buy milk, leaving Jada in her car seat with the doors unlocked.

When she returned, Jada wasn't there, Castillo said.

But other customers told police they saw no one around Castillo's 1991 maroon Cadillac Fleetwood while it was parked in the lot.

And police dogs brought into the search found no scent in the immediate area.

Nonetheless, Gary police devoted the next six hours looking for the girl in a wooded area south of the gas station. Cmdr. Jon Cooros and Sgt. Greg Martin flew the city’s helicopter through the top of trees as Gary Fire Department lights illuminated the scene, Cmdr. Anthony Titus said.

"We are leery of the baby sitter's accounting of the facts, but right now that's all we have to work with," Titus said.

Gary police contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, but learned the case involving Jada did not meet the criteria for an AMBER Alert because investigators do not have detailed information on a suspect.

About 3:30 a.m., police called off the search and focused on Castillo. Hobart police obtained a search warrant for her home, where they found bloody crib sheets.

Hobart investigators determined the blood came from a dog in heat, and shifted the investigation back to Gary. Police did find evidence of drug use at the house and members of the FBI-led Gang Response Investigative Team were at the home for a time Wednesday afternoon.

Hobart Chief Rod Gonzalez couldn't say how the blood was tested to convince detectives it wasn't human. "I don't know anything about that," he said. "I'm fairly certain the crime happened in Gary," he added.

All day Wednesday, police recruits attending the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy traipsed through muddy woods, fighting swarms off mosquitoes and turning over logs and brush in their search of the area between the gas station and Castillo's home.

Gary police also questioned Castillo's boyfriend, who complained he had suffered some serious burns recently.

Police would not comment on the 23-year-old man's condition. He was released Wednesday.

Investigators said the FBI and the U.S. Marshal's Service have joined Gary police in the search.

Swiontek could not be reached by telephone Wednesday evening.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1627856,gmissing0618-1.article

Faith

06-18-2009, 09:31 PM

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/jjandherdaddy.jpghttp://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/mikeandmelissa.jpghttp://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/jadalittle2-23-08.jpg

http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/?evt=user_upload_approve&sort=ascending

annalyzer

06-18-2009, 10:11 PM

In the above photos what is the title of the movie shown in the child's room? Does it say "Scream"?

Faith

06-18-2009, 11:55 PM

I think that is what it says.

Faith

06-19-2009, 09:24 AM

$6,000 Reward Offered For Missing 2-Year-Old Girl

Jada Justice Hasn't Been Seen Since Monday

Authorities are offering a $6,000 reward for information to help find a missing toddler in Hobart, Ind.

Investigators say they have very few clues in the disappearance of Jada Justice, 2, who was last seen in a car at a Gary gas station on Monday.

Jada vanished while in the care of Angelica Castillo, 18, of Hobart, a cousin to the missing girl's mother. Castillo is now charged with neglect.

Castillo says she left the child in her car seat with the doors unlocked at the Glen Park Gas Station, at 1401 E. Ridge Rd. in Gary, while she ran in to buy some milk and cigarettes. She says when she came out, the car was still there, but Jada was gone.

But police doubt Castillo's story. Other customers told police they saw no one around Castillo's 1991 maroon Cadillac Fleetwood while it was parked in the lot.

And police dogs brought into the search found no scent in the immediate area.

Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, of Portage, Ind., refused to give up hope that her daughter would be found alive and well. "The more people that come to look, the more who are involved, is encouragement to me," she said.

Shortly after their search began, the family learned someone had found suspicious items in the backyard of Castillo's home at 3925 Missouri St. in Hobart.

Federal agents joined Hobart police, who used shovels in their search.

Investigators dug a small area in the easement behind Castillo's home but determined most of the dirt had not been disturbed recently and halted the search there after about an hour. They took some evidence but declined to provide details.

Jada's father, Clarence Justice, his wife and other members of his family spent Wednesday at the gas station on Ridge Road passing out fliers and talking to customers.

Elizabeth Justice, Jada's stepmother, said the girl spent "every other weekend" at the couple's Hammond home.

"She loves McDonald's. We usually take her to the playground inside. She loves cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets," Justice said. "And she's tough. She sticks up for her little brother."

Castillo was expected to be released from jail Thursday night after Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter rejected charging information presented by Gary police. Police arrested Castillo after she related her story of the toddler's disappearance and hoped to obtain a felony charge of neglect of a dependent.

Her 23-year-old boyfriend had been questioned and released early in the investigation.

On Thursday, as relatives kept a vigil at the gas station, the FBI Child Abduction Rapid Deployment team also joined the investigation.

Jada is described as an African-American female, 2 feet 2 inches tall and 35 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes and a light brown complexion. At the time she vanished, she was wearing orange skirt, a white tank top with orange and green stripes, white sandals and purple underwear, the FBI said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1 (800) 225-5324, or Gary police Cmdr. Anthony Titus at (219) 881-1237, (219) 881-1229 or (219) 881-1210.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/jada.justice.reward.2.1051295.html

Faith

06-20-2009, 04:37 PM

Search for Jada Justice: Police, parents make plea for help

June 20, 2009

http://www.nwi.com/content/articles/2009/06/20/news/top/doc2b1a3b50579bc9db862575db0008f13a.jpg
Engelica Castillo, babysitter of Jada Justice.

http://images.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/articles/2009/06/20/news/top/doc2b1a3b50579bc9db862575db0008f13a3.jpg

http://www.nwi.com/content/articles/2009/06/20/news/top/doc2b1a3b50579bc9db862575db0008f13a1.jpg
Tim Tkachik

http://www.nwi.com/content/articles/2009/06/20/news/top/doc2b1a3b50579bc9db862575db0008f13a2.jpg

HOBART | The mom of a missing 2-year-old Portage girl choked back tears Friday as she pleaded for the public's help in bringing her daughter home.

"I just know someone knows something. ... She brightens up my world. I need her home," Melissa Swiontek said of her daughter, Jada Justice.

Swiontek and Clarence Justice, Jada's father, spoke briefly at a news conference at the Hobart Police Department Training Center at Westfield Southlake mall.

Deputy Police Chief Jeff White, who led the news conference, declined to answer any questions after reading from a brief statement seeking help from the public in the case.

White said his department, Gary police and the FBI are working together to investigate the disappearance of Jada Justice from the Glen Park Gas station at the intersection of Louisiana Street and Ridge Road in Gary on Tuesday night.

Engelica Castillo, Jada's 18-year-old cousin, had been baby-sitting the toddler when she disappeared.

Castillo, who lives in the 3900 block of Missouri Street in Hobart, told police she took Jada with her to the Gary gas station to buy milk. She said she left Jada in the car and when she came out Jada was missing.

"We believe there are individuals who have information important to this investigation who have not yet come forward because they do not feel their information was important; they thought someone else may have reported it or they were not sure it was relevant," White said.

He asked people to call (800) CALL-FBI if they have seen Jada Justice since Sunday or if they have seen Castillo or her boyfriend, Tim Tkachik, with or without the toddler Sunday through Tuesday.

Castillo drives a 1991 maroon Cadillac Fleetwood, and Tkachik generally drives a 1999 red Chevrolet Tahoe.

"All sightings are extremely important to this investigation," White said in his statement.

Castillo had been held by the Gary Police Department as a person of interest but was released Thursday and not charged, Gary police Cmdr. Anthony Titus said.

Titus, who joined White at the news conference, said police remain skeptical about details surrounding Jada's disappearance.

"At this point, it's still where it was Tuesday night," Titus said.

Police are not currently pursuing charges against Castillo, Titus said, but he did not rule out the possibility.

He said police have not ruled out any leads or potential suspects or interested parties.

"Everybody's a suspect until we can say they're not," Titus said.

He said blood found at Castillo's home in Hobart is still included as possible evidence to investigate.

"I don't think anything has been nipped in the bud," Titus said.

Jada's disappearance also has drawn the national attention of "America's Most Wanted" TV show, White said, earlier on Friday.

A photo and information about Jada Justice is already on the show's Web site, and her case is being considered for a slot on an upcoming show, White said.

He said FBI agents were canvassing areas Friday morning seeking information on the disappearance.

That canvassing included showing residents photos of Jada, Castillo and Tkachik, he said.

Times staff writer Christine Kraly contributed to this report.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/20/news/top/doc2b1a3b50579bc9db862575db0008f13a.txt

Faith

06-20-2009, 04:40 PM

Agencies to review Indiana missing toddler case

June 20, 2009 10:50 AM | No Comments

Police and FBI agents in Indiana will meet with the Lake County prosecutors Monday to review the case of a missing 2-year-old Portage girl.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said his office would sit down with police representatives from Gary, Hobart and Portage, as well as the FBI, to decide how to proceed in the case of Jada Justice, who went missing Tuesday outside a Gary convenience store.

"We want to talk about the case in its entirety," Carter said. "We would like to find the child. Once we know the status of the child, that will help us decide how to proceed with the case."

Jada's 18-year-old cousin and babysitter, Angelica Castillo, told police she left the girl in the car while running into a Gary convenience store to grab a gallon of milk Tuesday night. When she returned to the car, Castillo said, Jada was gone.

Other family members and police officials have expressed skepticism with Castillo's account.

Castillo was questioned by Gary police but was released Friday afternoon.

Police presented Carter's office with a request for a charge of neglect of a child this week against somebody connected with the disappearance, but the prosecutor declined to approve the charge.

"We weren't interested in that," Carter said. He declined to say who the requested charge was against.

Saturday morning, detectives in Hobart were canvassing the neighborhood around Castillo's home, police said.

http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/06/agencies-to-review-indiana-missing-toddler-case.html

MrzEzell

06-20-2009, 07:08 PM

I can only pray that this child is safe and brought home soon. Please let her be safe.

Naia

06-20-2009, 10:22 PM

Another precious child left in a relatives care just disappears. :smiley_aasg::45024:
What is going on this world? :lex_10:

Has it been stated that the cousin's bf was with her when the baby so called disappeared? Not insinuating anything, but the cousin/babysitters story stinks to high heavens. Has her boyfriend been questioned? Maybe he can confirm his gf's where abouts and can shed light on Jada last being seen.
(Looks like he's been in some type of accident, maybe been burned.Just an observation.)

AmandaReckonwith

06-20-2009, 10:42 PM

Faith, I was just coming to post the pic of Tim, but I should have known you'd have it!

It looks to me like he was wearing a baseball cap when he started the fire, his forehead isn't burned nor is his head. You cansee where he closed his eyes tight to protect them.

I have a lot of guessing going on. But I mostly want to know where he started the fire, or explosion or whatever it was, and where was Jada at the time.

Ignited? Nearby? Fatally burned and hidden because of that? What?

AmandaReckonwith

06-20-2009, 10:46 PM

nomadpatti

06-20-2009, 11:21 PM

I am sick on my stomach over this one!!!!
Please let me be wrong!

Lilly

06-21-2009, 01:00 AM

Jada disappeared Tuesday night according to Engelica (I don't believe it).

Tim was released Wednesday.

When was he in the hospital? Was he admitted or ER treated and released?
When exactly was the fre, what time, what day?

Melissa last spoke to Jada on Thursday or Friday, 11th or 12th. Engelica said she was taken from the car within a 90-second period and nobody saw anyone around the car.

Were there fingerprints on the carseat release button? The door handle?

My Magic 8-Ball says OHN.

CC, Where did you find that Melissa last talked to Jada on Friday? Isn't four days a long time to go without talking to her two year old daughter? I can't figure this one out.

I pray that Jada is found safe soon!

annalyzer

06-21-2009, 02:44 AM

Jada's family clings to hope

Sunday, June 21, 2009

GARY | Jada Justice's family braced themselves Saturday on faith.

Nearly 100 people -- family, friends and strangers of all ages and races -- clasped hands Saturday evening and prayed for the Portage toddler's safe return.

The nearly 3-year-old girl has been missing since Tuesday night, when her baby sitter and cousin Engelica Castillo said Jada was taken from a gas station in Gary's Glen Park.

For four full days, Jada's family and friends have canvassed the region begging for the little girl's return. Her family was sweaty and exhausted Saturday, but still clinging to hope.

"You have to believe, you have to pray," Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, said. "I can't think the worst."

Swiontek said she was overwhelmed by the community's support. The group held its prayer vigil Saturday in the parking lot of the gas station where Jada was reported missing.

"I don't have a bad feeling," Jada's grandmother, Lisa Huerta, said. "I have to be realistic, but I really think she's going to come back."

Huerta said the family has no ill feelings toward Castillo, who was watching Jada when she reportedly disappeared.

Castillo, Jada's 18-year-old second cousin, told police she had been watching Jada in Hobart June 16, when she took the little girl to the gas station at Ridge Road and Louisiana Street to buy milk. She said she left Jada in the car at about 9:30 p.m. and, when she came out minutes later, Jada was missing.

Hobart police officers continued searching the wooded areas near Castillo's home in the 3900 block of Missouri Street Saturday, Hobart Deputy Chief Jeff White said.

Police have blocked off Missouri Street at 39th Avenue from nonresident traffic.

White said there are no new leads in the case. His department continues to work with Gary police and the FBI in the search, also aided by Lake County and Portage police.

White said Hobart police and the other agencies are expected to meet with Lake County prosecutor Bernard Carter's office Monday to talk about the case. White declined to elaborate on what they would discuss.

Police have expressed doubts about Castillo's story, and Gary police initially took her into custody as a person of interest in the case. She was released Thursday without being charged.

Gary police Cmdr. Anthony Titus has said police have not ruled out any leads, potential suspects or interested parties.

Police and family members say Castillo had been watching Jada for about a week by the time she went missing Tuesday night.

Stephanie Floyd -- former stepsister to Swiontek -- said Saturday that Castillo often baby-sat for Jada and other children within the family for days at a time.

"She always has a baby on her hip," Floyd said.

Investigators on Friday released photos of Castillo and boyfriend Tim Tkachik. They asked people to contact the FBI if they saw the toddler since Sunday, or if they saw Castillo or Tkachik -- with or without Jada -- Sunday through Tuesday.

Anyone who may have seen Jada Justice since last Sunday, or who may have seen Engelica Castillo or boyfriend Tim Tkachik, with or without Jada between June 14 and June 16, is asked to call (800) CALL-FBI. Castillo drives a 1991 maroon Cadillac Fleetwood, and Tkachik generally drives a 1999 red Chevrolet Tahoe.

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2009/06/21/news/top/docdb1fc6eb6ee23b77862575dc0009c3b2.txt

Faith

06-21-2009, 04:06 PM

No Search For Indiana Toddler On Sunday
Search Called Off Until Monday; Police Representative Can't Say Why

Jun 21, 2009 10:33 am US/Central

Authorities have suspended the search for 2-year-old Jada Justice for Sunday, and plan to resume looking on Monday.

By then, it will be close to a week since the Northwest Indiana toddler disappeared.

Officers have been conducting an exhaustive search for Jada since she was reported missing. But a police representative in Hobart, Ind., told CBS 2 that officers are not searching for Jada on Sunday.

He could not say why the search was suspended on Sunday, or whether police believe Jada is living or dead. He said the search would resume on Monday.

No one of rank or in the detective bureau was available for comment Sunday morning, the Hobart police representative said.

No one in detective bureau, no one of any rank at department. Hobart IN
Federal and local investigators did an exhaustive search for Jada Justice on Saturday, but there was still no sign of the missing Northwest Indiana toddler.

According to a relative, Jada disappeared Tuesday night in Gary.

Her mother's cousin was watching her at the time and claims she left Jada in a car while she ran into a gas station store.

When she returned, the car was there, but Jada was gone.

Police have been working with agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to search for Jada. On Saturday, they spent almost 10 hours scouring woods blocks from the babysitter's home and beyond, but there was no sign of the girl.

Authorities have offered a cash reward to help find Jada.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or Gary police Cmdr. Anthony Titus at (219) 881-1237, (219) 881-1229, (219) 881-1209 or (219) 881-1210.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/jada.justice.search.2.1053501.html

texanne

06-21-2009, 07:45 PM

Still no word of this child's whereabouts? I get so exasperated that no matter how many children are taken and never seen alive again, that idiots still would leave a baby out in a car at night while they ran in for milk and .....cigarettes!! I'm sorry, just not feeling good about this one. Praying for this baby's safe return.

Naia

06-22-2009, 12:16 AM

The fire story makes this little ones disappearance all the more alarming, imo.
None of this is adding up. I won't share what I fear.
I am praying that Jada will come home.

lost indie

06-22-2009, 03:02 AM

What a beautiful little girl! Why don't people realize that in this day and time, you cannot leave your child alone in a car any place at any time? I wonder if the doors to the car were locked or not?

My grandmother always told me to never leave a child where you wouldn't leave a hundred dollar bill.

Naia

06-22-2009, 12:40 PM

Just heard on the news that the cousins boy friend won't tell LE where, when or how he recieved his burns. Wonder if he's been questioned about making illegal substances, ie, meth? Meth labs can explode.

Also read that the baby was staying with her aunt for 2 weeks for a summer vacation. :0 The parents don't know how long their child has actually been missing.
If the boyfriend isn't recieving treatment for his burns, he will most likely get an infection. Interesting to see if he ends up getting medical treatment. His injuries of course may have nothing to do with Jada being missing.

texanne

06-22-2009, 01:35 PM

Naia

06-22-2009, 02:32 PM

I actually thought of a meth lab explosion also. Was this another child that was surrounded by people "doing their thing" while the child is secondary to their life?

I hope not texanne, but I wouldn't be surprised.

nicky

06-22-2009, 03:25 PM

Praying for Jada's return!

annalyzer

06-23-2009, 03:00 PM

http://imgsrv.wbbm780.com/image/DbGraphic/200906/1282687.jpg?1245771960
Jada Justice, 2, is missing from Gary, Indiana. (FBI Indianapolis)

Posted: Tuesday, 23 June 2009 8:23AM

No leads in search for missing 2-year-old girl

CROWN POINT, Ind. (STNG) - The search for 2-year-old Jada Justice continued Monday, but officials say they have no leads on the whereabouts of the Portage girl reported missing seven days ago.

Staff from the U.S. Department of Justice, FBI and police from Hobart and Gary met at Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter's office Monday morning.

FBI spokeswoman Wendy Osborne said there are no new leads in the case. Police began an intensive, eight-hour search June 16 after the girl's babysitter reported Jada had disappeared from a car parked at a gas station in Gary's Glen Park neighborhood.

Gary police have said they have doubts about the story told by the baby sitter, Angelica Castillo, the 18-year-old cousin of Justice's mother, Melissa Swiontek.

Castillo told police she left Jada in a car seat in her unlocked Cadillac Fleetwood about 9:40 p.m., while she went into the gas station to buy milk. When she returned, she said the girl was gone.

Police dogs did not pick up Jada's scent near the car

Police found bloody sheets in Castillo's home in Hobart, but concluded the blood came from a dog in heat. Castillo was held at the Lake County Jail for child neglect, but was released when prosecutors

Anyone with information about Jada Justice should call the FBI at (800) 225-5324, Cmdr. Anthony Titus at (219) 881-1237, Detective Chris Rodriguez at (219) 881-1210 or Detective James Nielsen at (219) 881-1229

http://www.wbbm780.com/No-leads-in-search-for-missing-2-year-old-girl/4657499

Faith

06-23-2009, 05:12 PM

I pray Jada is found soon.

Roamer

06-23-2009, 05:39 PM

She's too young to get lost and stay lost.

Either someone took her...

Or.... keep checking the babysitter and her b/f. Something is wrong.

Naia

06-23-2009, 10:41 PM

Police dogs did not pick up Jada's scent near the car
Looks like the cousin needs to find a new story.
http://www.post-trib.com/news/1634503,jadafolo.article
Gary police have said they have doubts about the story told by the baby sitter, Angelica Castillo, the 18-year-old cousin of Justice's mother, Melissa Swiontek
Jada's mother had not spoken to her in a couple of days.
The cousin said Jada was in the car.
Scent dogs did not hit on the car, meaning Jada was not in it.
Cousin's bf shows up with burn marks covering his face at just about the same time a 2 year old goes missing. I doubt seriously if that is a coincidence.

Prayers that Jada is found safe.

Faith

06-24-2009, 11:39 PM

Police still hope to find missing Portage girl alive

HOBART | On the eighth day of the search for missing 2-year-old Jada Justice, police still hope to find the Portage girl alive, Hobart Deputy Police Chief Jeff White said Wednesday.

"Everyone remains hopeful that someone knows where she is," White said. "It's unthinkable that someone who knows where she is wouldn't come forward. Her family has been through hell and back."

Although White declined to be specific, he said law enforcement agents on Wednesday planned to expand their search area.

That area so far has included the 3900 block of Missouri Street in Hobart, near the home of Engelica Castillo. Castillo is Jada's 18-year-old cousin and was babysitting the girl on the night Jada went missing. The search area also has included the Glen Park Gas station, at the intersection of Ridge Road and Louisiana Street, where the child was reportedly last seen by Castillo.

"We're looking at certain areas of interest based on leads we've received," White said.

FBI spokeswoman Wendy Osborne said Wednesday she did not know where officers were extending the search, calling Hobart the lead department on the case.

Osborne said there are no new leads in Jada's case but that the FBI has received more than 100 tips from its toll-free hotline.

She could not say where any of the calls had lead in the investigation.

Authorities are asking anyone who has information about the case to call (800) 225-5324.

Castillo, who had been baby-sitting Jada in Hobart, reported her missing on the night of June 16.

She initially was held by Gary police as a person of interest but later was released without being charged.

Castillo told Gary police she had driven from her Hobart home to the Glen Park Gas Station to buy milk and cigarettes.

White said the investigation remains a cooperative effort between his department, the Gary police department and the FBI.

He said that law enforcement officers are following up every tip received and are asking the public to call them with more information.

"We're still urging the public to call with information no matter how big or small or whether they think it is of consequence or not," White said. "The family doesn't deserve this."

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2009/06/24/updates/breaking_news/doc4a427fb3ac15d057086975.txt

Louise

06-24-2009, 11:54 PM

I hope that they find her, she looks like such an adorable little girl.

kam1953f

06-25-2009, 01:56 AM

I hope the police don't make a mistake hunting just west of Missouri St. I know there is the division line between Gary and Hobart right there, and I am somewhat familiar with the turf wars that go with that division line.

I pray that I am wrong and that Jada will be found alive and well. But given the time lapse, I'm sorry to say, my guess is that Jada will be found in an area little foot-traveled East of I-65.

kam1953f

06-25-2009, 01:59 AM

God please grant that I am mistaken.

nicky

06-25-2009, 10:41 AM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,529042,00.html

Around the clock search for Missing Indiana Girl 2

According to this article, the cousin and her boyfriend aren't cooperating. They have also recieved over 100 tips to the FBI hotline.

Amusedtdth

06-25-2009, 10:52 AM

I can't even imagine what Jada's mother is going through. The guilt alone would kill me. Just goes to show you can't trust anyone........not even family.

Battnt

06-25-2009, 02:27 PM

Police focus on baby sitter's home

By Christine Kraly and Deborah Laverty
Times Staff Writers | Thursday, June 25, 2009 | (7 comment(s))

HOBART | Authorities expanded their search for missing 2-year-old Jada Justice on Wednesday, saying they still hope to find the girl alive but acknowledging there were no new leads in the Portage girl's case.

Police, however, would not disclose the new areas in which they were hunting for the girl, missing now for nine days.

"We're looking at certain areas of interest based on leads we've received," Hobart Deputy Police Chief Jeff White said.

Investigators on Wednesday singled out the Hobart home of Jada's 18-year-old baby sitter as a place of interest in the case.

Searches thus far have included the wooded areas near Engelica Castillo's residence in the 3900 block of Hobart's Missouri Street.

White said Castillo, who is also Jada's cousin, and her boyfriend have not been working well with authorities.

"If I were in her shoes, I'd be a lot more cooperative with the police," White said.

Castillo could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Law enforcement officials also confirmed Wednesday that the Hobart Police Department is the lead agency in an investigation that has spanned Hobart and Gary.

White said the investigation remained a cooperative effort among Hobart and Gary police and the FBI.

Police and volunteers also have canvassed the Glen Park Gas station at Ridge Road and Louisiana Street in Gary, where Castillo reportedly last saw Jada.

Bill Baker, who lives in Hebron and owns the Missouri Street house on which Castillo lives, said Hobart police told him he could not return to the house yet because it is a "crime scene" and part of an active investigation.

Police are awaiting the results of tests taken on materials pulled from the Hobart home. White was uncertain of what items were recovered.

Castillo had been baby-sitting Jada in the house on June 16, the day she reported the toddler missing. She told Gary police she left Jada in her unlocked Cadillac about 9:30 p.m., outside the Glen Park Gas station.

After Castillo went inside to buy milk and cigarettes, she returned to find Jada missing, she said.

Gary police initially held Castillo as a person of interest but later released her without charges.

Her boyfriend also has been questioned by police but has not been named as a suspect or a person of interest.

Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, told CNN's Nancy Grace on Tuesday that she and Jada's father, Clarence Justice, both had been administered polygraphs by police.

Gary police Cmdr. Anthony Titus said Gary police did not offer Castillo a polygraph, but he could not speak to what other departments had done.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said he met Monday with the FBI, Gary and Hobart police departments and the U.S. attorney's office to discuss the case.

"It did go very well," Carter said Wednesday of the meeting. But he declined to discuss details.

White said police still hope to find Jada alive.

"Everyone remains hopeful that someone knows where she is," he said. "It's unthinkable that someone who knows where she is wouldn't come forward. Her family has been through hell and back."

Authorities are asking anyone who has information about Jada Justice's disappearance to call (800) CALL-FBI.
"We're still urging the public to call with information no matter how big or small, or whether they think it is of consequence or not," Hobart Deputy Police Chief Jeff White said.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/25/news/top/doc5ee8f4ff7bbab1cd862575df007dcda0.txt

Battnt

06-25-2009, 02:46 PM

Meanwhile, family, friends and the community at large continue to search for the toddler. There have been land searches, helicopters used and the family has requested that Texas EquuSearch (TES) provide assistance. TES is a mounted search and recovery team that joined search efforts for Caylee Anthony, Haleigh Cummings and Stacy Peterson, to name a few. A reward has been offered, and the FBI has received in excess of 100 tips.

http://www.chicagodefender.com/blog-258-remembering-good-times-while-a-child-is-missing-jada.html

Battnt

06-25-2009, 02:49 PM

Hobart cops plan to release more info in case of missing toddler

The mother of a babysitter at the center of a missing child investigation said she has filed a police complaint against the father of the missing girl, alleging he has intimidated the babysitter.

Clarence Justice, the father of 2-year-old missing girl Jada Justice, said he has done no such thing.

Engelica Castillo's mother, Rita Rincon, spoke out in support of her daughter Thursday, saying information about Castillo is being misunderstood or misconstrued.

"She wants the baby home," Rincon said of her daughter. "We all want her home."

Investigators have been searching the area near the 3900 block of Hobart's Missouri Street since June 16, when Jada's cousin and babysitter Engelica Castillo, 18, reported the little girl missing. Gary police investigators, who also are involved in the case, have since said that Castillo appeared under the influence of a substance when she spoke to police.

Hobart police are planning to issue a news release for later Thursday pertaining to updates in the case of missing Portage 2-year-old Jada Justice, a secretary at the department said.

Meanwhile, FBI officials in Indiana, who have been involved in the investigation of the girl -- now missing for nine days -- were referring all questions regarding the case to the Lake County prosecutor's office

Diane Poulton, a spokeswoman for the Lake County prosecutor's office, said Thursday morning: "The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are meeting later today, but at this point there is no new information."

Rincon denied police criticism that Castillo has been uncooperative with authorities in the investigation.

Rincon said Castillo and her boyfriend, Tim Tkachik -- both questioned by police -- have been out with other volunteers passing out fliers with Jada's information, trying to find the girl.

"We've been doing everything we can," Rincon said. "That's all of us."

Rincon said Jada's father, Clarence Justice, has threatened Castillo, once named a person of interest in the case.

Rincon filed a complaint with Hammond police on Sunday, claiming she was a victim of intimidation that night.

Justice denied the threat accusation on Thursday, saying, "That's not true."

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2009/06/25/updates/breaking_news/doc4a43a1384f183585438698.txt

Isabella

06-25-2009, 04:36 PM

If I heard right on NG Jada is not an only child, was the
sitter/cousin babysitting all the kids or just Jada?

Battnt

06-25-2009, 05:31 PM

Source: Charges expected to be filed in missing toddler case, body recovered

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/25/updates/breaking_news/doc4a43a1384f183585438698.txt

Battnt

06-25-2009, 05:32 PM

The Times has learned that charges are expected to be filed Thursday against the baby sitter of 2-year-old Jada Justice and the young woman's boyfriend, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation.

Various reports surfaced throughout the day Thursday that Justice's body had been recovered. Though Hobart police and other officials would not comment on those reports, one source familiar with the case told The Times the girl's body had been recovered.

The charges against Engelica Castillo and Tim Tkachik could come as early as 5 p.m., when Hobart police are scheduled to hold a news conference to update the status of the case, the source said.

Meanwhile, FBI officials in Indiana, who have been involved in the investigation of the girl -- now missing for nine days -- were referring all questions to the Lake County prosecutor's office.

Diane Poulton, a spokeswoman for the Lake County prosecutor's office, said Thursday morning: "The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are meeting later today, but at this point there is no new information."

Castillo's mother, Rita Rincon, said she has filed a police complaint against the father of the missing girl, alleging he has intimidated the babysitter.

Clarence Justice, the father of 2-year-old missing girl Jada Justice, said he has done no such thing.

Rincon, spoke out in support of her daughter Thursday, saying information about Castillo is being misunderstood or misconstrued.

"She wants the baby home," Rincon said of her daughter. "We all want her home."

Investigators have been searching the area near the 3900 block of Hobart's Missouri Street since June 16, when the 18-year-old Castillo -- Jada's cousin and babysitter reported the little girl missing.

Gary police investigators, who also are involved in the case, have since said that Castillo appeared under the influence of a substance when she spoke to police.

Rincon denied police criticism that Castillo has been uncooperative with authorities in the investigation.

Rincon said Castillo and her boyfriend, Tim Tkachik -- both questioned by police -- have been out with other volunteers passing out fliers with Jada's information, trying to find the girl.

"We've been doing everything we can," Rincon said. "That's all of us."

Rincon said Jada's father, Clarence Justice, has threatened Castillo, once named a person of interest in the case.

Rincon filed a complaint with Hammond police on Sunday, claiming she was a victim of intimidation that night.

Justice denied the threat accusation on Thursday, saying, "That's not true."

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/25/updates/breaking_news/doc4a43a1384f183585438698.txt

nomadpatti

06-25-2009, 05:37 PM

Oh no..............
:cray:

Faith

06-25-2009, 05:39 PM

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Battnt

06-25-2009, 05:41 PM

There is/was supposed to be a PC, but not sure if it's taken place yet...:cray:

Faith

06-25-2009, 05:43 PM

Missing girl's body found

A body believed to be of missing Portage toddler Jada Justice, 2, has been found in a field outside of Otis, Ind.

Police investigators, working all day in the rural area, discovered the body around mid-afternoon.

http://www.post-trib.com/news/1639942,jada-break-625.article

Battnt

06-25-2009, 05:45 PM

Isabella

06-25-2009, 06:10 PM

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Faith

06-25-2009, 07:02 PM

Source: Body of missing Portage toddler found in LaPorte County

HOBART — The Northwest Indiana Times is reporting that the body of 2-year-old Jada Justice, missing since June 16, has been recovered.

The body was found in a field outside of Otis in LaPorte County, according to the Post-Tribune.

Charges are also expected to be filed against the girl's 18-year-old cousin and the cousin's boyfriend, according to the Times.

There is a press conference scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT, when Hobart police are expected to update the case.

Authorities say Jada, of Portage, was apparently abducted from a car while her cousin, who was babysitting her, went into a convenience store in Gary. The cousin was briefly held as a person of interest but was released.

Stay with WSBT.com for updates.

http://www.wsbt.com/news/regional/49119587.html

Faith

06-25-2009, 07:03 PM

Body Found Believed To Be Missing Gary Toddler

A body believed to be that of a missing northwest Indiana toddler has been found in a field about 30 miles away from where the girl was last reported seen.

Police investigators, working all day in the rural area near Otis, Ind., discovered the body around mid-afternoon. Otis is located about 6 miles south of Michigan City in LaPorte County.

Jada Justice, 2, of Portage was reported missing June 16 by her baby sitter, Engelica Castillo, 18, of Hobart, who said the girl was taken from her car when she stopped at a Gary gas station to buy milk.

Castillo says she left the child in her car seat with the doors unlocked at the Glen Park Gas Station, at 1401 E. Ridge Rd. in Gary, while she ran in to buy some milk and cigarettes. She says when she came out, the car was still there, but the baby was gone.

Police had suspicions about the version of events stated by Castillo.

Castillo, cousin of the girl's mother, Melissa Swiontek, of Portage, was arrested for child neglect, but released after 48 hours when prosecutors did not file charges.

Justice's father, Clarence, and other family members have been blanketing the area with missing person flyers since she went missing.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Body.Found.Believed.2.1059888.html

Nut44x4

06-25-2009, 07:19 PM

HOBART | Investigators believe they have found the slain body of missing 2-year-old Jada Justice in rural LaPorte County and have taken two suspects into custody, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said Thursday.

"We have reason to believe that we have recovered the body of Jada Justice but we do not know from forensic standpoint," Carter said. "We feel very comfortable that we do, in fact, have Jada Justice."

Carter said two people are in custody in relation to the murder investigation into the toddler's June 16 disappearance. He would not confirm the identities of those in custody, saying it was still an active investigation.

However, other sources with knowledge of the investigation said Thursday that the baby sitter Engelica Castillo and her boyfriend Tim Tkachik were arrested at a rural Porter County residence near Valparaiso Wednesday night in connection with the case.

Carter said charges are expected to filed in the case Friday.

LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan told The Times Thursday that he was aware police were searching an area near U.S. 421 in rural LaPorte County in connection with the Jada Justice case, but he said he could not comment on the matter as it was not his agency's case.

As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police and FBI agents had closed off Snyder Road, just north of the toll road and just east of U.S. 421 near Otis, Ind.

Sullivan said the recovery is a LaPorte County case, but an autopsy on the remains will be performed Friday in Lake County.

Interviewed near the rural Porter County residence where Castillo and Tkachik were reportedly arrested, Jamie Napier, of Portage, said her estranged boyfriend, Castillo and Tkachik along with three others were arrested during a police raid of the house. She said she was told by FBI agents Thursday that she could come to the house, where her estranged boyfriend lives, and collect belongings for her sons, ages 5 and 7. Napier said she shares custody of her children with the estranged boyfriend.

Napier said she first learned of the raid at the cottage when a neighbor called her Wednesday evening. She said she then drove to the house and saw her estranged boyfriend, Castillo and Tkachik being arrested.

Investigators had been searching the area near the 3900 block of Hobart's Missouri Street since June 16, when the 18-year-old Castillo -- Jada's cousin and baby sitter -- reported the little girl missing.

Gary police investigators, who also are involved in the case, have since said that Castillo appeared under the influence of a substance when she spoke to police.

Castillo's mother, Rita Rincon, denied police criticism that Castillo has been uncooperative with authorities in the investigation.

Rincon said Castillo and Tkachik -- both questioned by police -- have been out with other volunteers passing out fliers with Jada's information, trying to find the girl.

"We've been doing everything we can," Rincon said. "That's all of us."
http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/25/updates/breaking_news/doc4a43a1384f183585438698.txt

Kathy*Rae

06-25-2009, 10:01 PM

This outcome is really no surprise.
No surprise at all. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

Faith

06-25-2009, 10:12 PM

This outcome is really no surprise.
No surprise at all. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

It really is so very sad. Such a beautiful little girl and "gone to soon". :1187603408.CR.Mothe

Naia

06-25-2009, 11:08 PM

Oh my! I so wanted her to be found alive. I had a feeling there was something amiss.
Battn and Faith, thanks for the updates. Jada was so precious. I am just sick about this.
Fly little one, forever on the wings of angels.
:frown: :1187603408.CR.Mothe :1187603408.CR.Mothe :cray:
Too many gone today.

annalyzer

06-25-2009, 11:14 PM

From Nut's post above, "As of 4:30 p.m. Thursday, police and FBI agents had closed off Snyder Road, just north of the toll road and just east of U.S. 421 near Otis, Ind."

Is this near where Kam1953f predicted in post #52?

Naia

06-25-2009, 11:46 PM

annalyzer,
:eek: Is this what you're referring too?
How did kam1953 know THIS information before the child was declared dead? :nocomment:

kam1953f
New Member

Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 2

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope the police don't make a mistake hunting just west of Missouri St. I know there is the division line between Gary and Hobart right there, and I am somewhat familiar with the turf wars that go with that division line.

I pray that I am wrong and that Jada will be found alive and well. But given the time lapse, I'm sorry to say, my guess is that Jada will be found in an area little foot-traveled East of I-65.

Pauli

06-26-2009, 12:35 AM

Please... let's not start accusing the mother of anything at this point... She has just found out her daughter is deceased...

I'm sure y'all would have found my actions odd also.. I kept my emotions to myself.. I did not cry in public, that was for when I was alone. I'm sure many people thought I was cold.. it was the only way I could handle things. I guess I'm odd also...

the family has been looking

"Justice's father, Clarence, and other family members have been blanketing the area with missing person flyers since she went missing."

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Body.Fo...2.1059888.html (http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Body.Found.Believed.2.1059888.html)

Naia

06-26-2009, 12:59 AM

http://www.fox28.com/Global/story.asp?S=10599087

Carter said two people are in custody in connection with the toddler's June 16 disappearance.

He said that charges are expected to filed Friday in the case.
---------------------------
Rest in peace little Jada
http://image.examiner.com/images/blog/wysiwyg/image/Jada(2).jpg
The Times newspaper reports the two people in custody are babysitter Engellica Castillo and her boyfriend Tim Tkachik.

Herz

06-26-2009, 01:51 AM

Why?!!!!! WHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHY?

Roamer

06-26-2009, 04:52 AM

Fly with the angels, sweet little girl. :1222423:

LiveLaughLuv

06-26-2009, 06:39 AM

Rest in Peace Jada...:1222423:

so senseless..what ever happened to the babysitter and the boyfriend?

The Times has learned that charges are expected to be filed Thursday against the baby sitter of 2-year-old Jada Justice and the young woman's boyfriend, according to a person with knowledge of the investigation.

Various reports surfaced throughout the day Thursday that Justice's body had been recovered. Though Hobart police and other officials would not comment on those reports, one source familiar with the case told The Times the girl's body had been recovered.

The charges against Engelica Castillo and Tim Tkachik could come as early as 5 p.m., when Hobart police are scheduled to hold a news conference to update the status of the case, the source said.

Roamer

06-26-2009, 06:45 AM

They are the two in custody, LLL.

Battnt

06-26-2009, 09:39 AM

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/25/updates/breaking_news/doc4a43a1384f183585438698.txt

Authorities believe Jada may have died two weeks ago Saturday -- several days before Castillo reported the toddler's disappearance.

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

nicky

06-26-2009, 09:46 AM

RIP Jada! May the courts grant you justice!

packy

06-26-2009, 09:55 AM

R.I.P. Little Jada

Bayou Lass

06-26-2009, 10:32 AM

Isabella

06-26-2009, 10:48 AM

AmandaReckonwith

06-26-2009, 10:57 AM

Saved pictures:
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/

Tim did burn his face trying to burn Jada's body. When that backfired --literally-- he put her in a container with concrete and dumped her into this pond just over the railroad tracks in Otis Indiana where he grew up.
http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/014-1.jpg

When he was 17 years old, his father shot his mother and aunt, then turned the gun on himself.
Barry Tkachik was a man who was cruel to animals. Not sure what kind of life Tim and his brother Nick had.
Tim turned to drugs and was arrested several times in his teens.

Isabella

06-26-2009, 11:08 AM

Thank You Amanda :)

Incredible details...

Faith

06-26-2009, 11:30 AM

June 26, 2009 10:20 AM
Body Of Jada Justice Found, Prosecutor Certain

A prosecutor says a body found in rural northern Indiana is believed to be that of a 2-year-old Portage girl who vanished more than a week ago.

Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said he's quite certain that the body found Thursday afternoon in rural LaPorte County near the town of Otis, Ind., is that of Jada Justice.

But he said a formal identification still needs to be done. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed Friday on the body.

Justice was apparently abducted from a car June 16 while her 18-year-old cousin who was baby sitting her went into a convenience store in Gary.

Carter said two people are in custody in connection with the toddler's June 16 disappearance.

He said that charges are expected to filed Friday in the case.

Press Conference Courtesy Of WISH-TV 8 Indianapolis (http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/news/national/midwest/nat_ap_indiana_body_believed_that_of_missing_india na_toddler_20090626634_2576848)

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/05/18/crimesider/entry5022355.shtml

Faith

06-26-2009, 11:46 AM

Sources confirm arrests made near Valparaiso
Friday, June 26, 2009

http://www.thetimesonline.com/content/articles/2009/06/26/news/top/doc9c7715212c796099862575e1000c7613.jpg
JOHN LUKE | THE TIMES Six people were arrested during a raid Wednesday evening on a rented home near Flint Lake, according to witnesses, where drugs and other evidence were collected. The Porter County sheriff and FBI raided the home, which apparently was rented by Tim Tkachik, the boyfriend of Engelica Castillo.

VALPARAISO | The baby sitter of 2-year-old Jada Justice and the sitter's boyfriend were arrested late Wednesday in a rural Porter County cottage, sources with knowledge of the case and eyewitnesses confirmed Thursday.

Investigators believe they found the slain body of missing 2-year-old Jada Justice in rural LaPorte County and have taken two suspects into custody, Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said Thursday.

MORE: Click here for more reports on the Jada Justice case. (http://www.nwi.com/news/jada_justice/)
[/URL]

Carter would not confirm the identities of those in custody, saying it was still an active investigation. However, other sources with knowledge of the investigation said Thursday that baby sitter Engelica Castillo and her boyfriend Tim Tkachik were arrested at the rural Porter County residence.

Carter said charges are expected to be filed in the case today.

Interviewed near the rural Porter County residence where Castillo and Tkachik were reportedly arrested, Jamie Napier, of Portage, said her former boyfriend, Castillo and Tkachik along with three others were arrested during a police raid at the house. She said she was told by FBI agents Thursday that she could come to the house, where her former boyfriend lives, and collect belongings for her sons, ages 5 and 7. Napier said she shares custody of her children with the former boyfriend.

Napier said she first learned of the raid at the cottage when a neighbor called her Wednesday evening. She said she then drove to the house and saw her former boyfriend, Castillo and Tkachik being arrested.

Federal and local law enforcement officials would not comment on whether any of the occupants of the cottage Wednesday night faced any charges.

Neighbors living near the Porter County cottage confirmed that there was a large police presence Wednesday in what is normally a quiet rural neighborhood.

[URL]http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2009/06/26/news/top/doc9c7715212c796099862575e1000c7613.txt (http://www.nwi.com/news/jada_justice/)

Amusedtdth

06-26-2009, 12:23 PM

How utterly devastating....that poor precious litte girl. God Bless and RIP Little one. May justice be yours......soon!

AmandaReckonwith

06-26-2009, 03:35 PM

No surprises...
Coroner says COD is homicide. Won't release MOD until later.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/26/updates/breaking_news/doc4a451d72d8e13473504991.txt?

Battnt

06-26-2009, 03:40 PM

No surprises...
Coroner says COD is homicide. Won't release MOD until later.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/26/updates/breaking_news/doc4a451d72d8e13473504991.txt?

Thanks for the link Amanda...Bless her sweet little soul...:1222423:

texanne

06-26-2009, 05:30 PM

Another innocent angel murdered by the very people that were entrusted with keeping her safe. why, why, why

AmandaReckonwith

06-26-2009, 06:19 PM

http://i44.tinypic.com/157owzl.jpghttp://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/et.jpg

6/17 to 6/26. Burns healed.

AmandaReckonwith

06-26-2009, 09:14 PM

Prosecutor: Drug-using baby sitter beat Jada to death
By Christine Kraly
christine.kraly@nwi.com, (219) 662-5335 | Friday, June 26, 2009

CROWN POINT | Jada Justice's 18-year-old baby sitter and the young woman's boyfriend took drugs and schemed a desperate cover story after killing her and trying to get rid of her body, prosecutors allege.

Engelica Castillo, 18, and her boyfriend, 24-year-old Timothy Tkachik , both of Hobart, were charged Friday with murdering the 2-year-old Portage toddler. They also were charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing.

"This tragic ending is not the outcome we were all hoping for," prosecutor Bernard Carter said Friday in a statement. "The relentless efforts by all involved shows that Northwest Indiana has a big heart."

Prosecutors accuse the two of abusing heroin and marijuana in the hours leading up to the girl's death, only to try more than once to dispose of her body and concoct a story about her disappearance.

In his testimony to police, Tkachik blamed the girl's death on Castillo, saying the girl died hours after Castillo beat her in the head with her knuckles and after the girl struck her head against a table.

Tkachik said Castillo spanked Jada in an attempt to potty train the girl, but that it escalated June 13 into harsher beating that he claimed to have tried to stop Castillo.

That night, the couple realized Jada wasn't breathing in a car seat in the back of Tkachik's car, on the way to Porter County to buy heroin, Tkachik told investigators.

The two stopped the car, tried administering CPR to the girl, but realized she was dead, court documents state.

"I told you to stop," Tkachik told investigators he told Castillo. "I told you enough is enough."

They returned to Hobart where they left Jada covered in the back seat of Tkachik's car for hours while driving Castillo's car back to Porter County, then to Chicago, and back to Hobart, records state. Back in Hobart, Tkachik placed Jada -- covered in bumps and bruises -- in garbage bags in the home's basement before he and Castillo went to sleep, court records state.

The next day, in the couple's attempt to burn Jada's body in a hole in the ground in rural Westville, Tkachik badly burned himself trying to ignite the fire, he told police. The couple drove back to Hobart, leaving Jada's body exposed in the burned-out hole, he said.

The next day, after purchasing materials from a Merrillville hardware store, the couple drove back to Westville where Tkachik placed Jada into a blue plastic tub, poured concrete in and waited for it to harden, records state. After it had dried, he chipped away the tub, dropping her concrete-encased body into a nearby swamp, records state.

He later directed police to the spot, records state.

A Lake County coroner's spokesman said Friday that Jada's death was a homicide by blunt force trauma. Numerous skull fractures were revealed during the girl's autopsy, charging documents state.

She was positively identified Friday by a family member by a photograph, LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan said. Sullivan said he wanted to spare the family from seeing Jada's body in person.

Sullivan said he could not determine when the girl had died, based on the autopsy.

Castillo's lawyer, T. Edward Page, said Castillo planned to plead not guilty to the charges.

"We believe that once all of the evidence is presented to a fair and impartial jury at trial, she will be cleared of responsibility for her cousin's death," Page said. "She is distraught over her cousin's death and distraught that she has been accused of it."

It was unclear Friday if Tkachik has retained a lawyer.

Both Castillo and Tkachik each could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted. Castillo and Tkachik both are being held in Lake County Jail without bond.

They are expected to appear in court Monday.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/26/updates/breaking_news/doc4a452d88851ca193114268.txt

Isabella

06-26-2009, 09:19 PM

OMG :45024:

How many days did the cousin babysit for Jada?

Sounds like it wasn't just for hours but days?
Sorry I am confused.

AmandaReckonwith

06-26-2009, 09:31 PM

Engelica and Tim watched Jada often. This time, Melissa dropped her off June 8, last spoke to her on the 12th. LE thinks Jada was killed 6/16.

So... day 5 Jada was killed. Probably beaten a lot before it.

Also, Melissa was supposedly out of town with friends, and that is why Jada was with Tim & Engelica.

Isabella

06-26-2009, 09:37 PM

Naia

06-26-2009, 10:16 PM

:eek: :sad0119::45024::1187603408.CR.Mothe

nanabillie

06-27-2009, 02:07 AM

That fire was nothing compared to what hell will be.

Faith

06-27-2009, 03:24 AM

Faith

06-27-2009, 03:28 AM

Dead toddler's mother under investigation by Child Services

Saturday, June 27, 2009

http://www.nwi.com/content/articles/2009/06/27/news/top/doc99f48010ba24f8d2862575e20001eefb.jpg
Jada Justice's mother, Melissa Swiontek, left, and father, Clarence Justice, speak with Wayne Miller, right, of Michigan City, in this file photo. The Department of Child Services confirmed Friday it is investigating Swiontek on the safety of her four surviving children after the report of Jada's alleged abduction.

HOBART | The Department of Child Services is investigating the mother of 2-year-old Jada Justice, a spokeswoman for the department confirmed Friday.

Child Services spokeswoman Ann Houseworth said an assessment into the safety of Melissa Swiontek's four surviving children was opened after the report of Jada's alleged abduction.

"While I can't speculate on whether the assessment was a result of her disappearance, I can say the assessment was opened as the result of a valid report," Houseworth said.

She said the allegations in the report met the level of abuse or neglect listed in the state statute.

Houseworth could not say whether that information surfaced during the investigation into Jada's disappearance. She declined further comment, citing rules of confidentiality.

Neither Swiontek nor Clarence Justice, the biological father of Jada and two of Swiontek's other children, could be reached Friday for comment. Justice's wife, Elizabeth, declined comment on his behalf.

Swiontek has said she dropped Jada off with baby sitter and cousin Engelica Castillo on June 8.

Swiontek previously told The Times she intended to leave Jada with Castillo until Father's Day – nearly two weeks after she dropped her daughter off.

She said she last spoke to Jada on June 12. Swiontek called June 13 and spoke to Castillo, but not to her daughter.

Castillo and boyfriend Tim Tkachik told police Jada was dropped off at their Hobart home to be potty-trained, court records state.

The couple was charged Friday with murder, neglect, battery and false informing for the toddler's death, Lake Criminal Court records state. Jada's body was found Thursday in rural LaPorte County, officials said.

Both Castillo and Tkachik admitted to using drugs while they watched the toddler, according to court records.

Tkachik told police he and Castillo did several lines of heroin the night before Jada died, records state. He said he and Castillo were on their way to buy more heroin in Porter County, with Jada in the back seat, when he first realized the little girl wasn't breathing.

Castillo, who has not confessed to involvement in Jada's death, told police she and Tkachik were smoking marijuana while Jada played on the bedroom floor the day she was reported missing from a Gary gas station, records state.

Houseworth said Child Services was working with the Hobart Police Department in its investigation into Swiontek's other children.

Hobart Deputy Police Chief Jeff White said he expressed to Child Services his opinion on the timing of their investigation while the family is dealing with the loss of Jada. He acknowledged, though, that the safety of the other children is paramount.

White said he has not visited Swiontek's home and could not comment on whether the surviving children lived in a safe household.

"Unfortunately it became my responsibility to inform Jada's parents of what we found," he said. "I can tell you the emotions I witnessed from both are legitimate and very real. If that's any indication of how other children in the home are being cared for, I would say, yes, (they are safe)."

White said he will meet with Child Services on Monday and intends to cooperate with its investigation.

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/27/news/top/doc99f48010ba24f8d2862575e20001eefb.txt

LiveLaughLuv

06-27-2009, 06:54 AM

Tkachik said Castillo spanked Jada in an attempt to potty train the girl, but that it escalated June 13 into harsher beating that he claimed to have tried to stop Castillo.

That night, the couple realized Jada wasn't breathing in a car seat in the back of Tkachik's car, on the way to Porter County to buy heroin, Tkachik told investigators.

The two stopped the car, tried administering CPR to the girl, but realized she was dead, court documents state.

"I told you to stop," Tkachik told investigators he told Castillo. "I told you enough is enough."

They returned to Hobart where they left Jada covered in the back seat of Tkachik's car for hours while driving Castillo's car back to Porter County, then to Chicago, and back to Hobart, records state. Back in Hobart, Tkachik placed Jada -- covered in bumps and bruises -- in garbage bags in the home's basement before he and Castillo went to sleep, court records state.

The next day, in the couple's attempt to burn Jada's body in a hole in the ground in rural Westville, Tkachik badly burned himself trying to ignite the fire, he told police. The couple drove back to Hobart, leaving Jada's body exposed in the burned-out hole, he said.

The next day, after purchasing materials from a Merrillville hardware store, the couple drove back to Westville where Tkachik placed Jada into a blue plastic tub, poured concrete in and waited for it to harden, records state. After it had dried, he chipped away the tub, dropping her concrete-encased body into a nearby swamp, records state.

He later directed police to the spot, records state.

OMG! this poor child...I do hope these two get the DP for what they've done to beautiful Jada...

How ironic Jada Justice is her name and justice she will receive..

I don't get why a mother would allow a MAN to babysit...I hear there are "manny's" now and I'd never, ever leave my child with a male sitter..never...:45024::madranting94dp:

MrzEzell

06-27-2009, 09:45 AM

My prayers are with the family what has happened to this child is completely disgusting and there is no excuse. When will people learn to protect their children you can not trust anyone. It’s a fact most crimes are committed by someone you know. I'm glad these two have been caught have confessed for their sickness and I just pray that the system gives Jada the proper Justice. Our children shouldn't be dying like this! RIP precious angel.

sunstar

06-27-2009, 03:22 PM

I always had a feeling this wouldn't have a happy ending. From watching Nancy's coverage last week (before she was interrupted by something else on Thursday) it seemed the story about the abduction from the gas station was just too unbelievable. I'm very glad that arrests have been made but think the state should at least ask for LWOP, preferably the DP, especially for the torture she seemed to have endured and then the way she was disposed of. :madranting94dp: MOO

:1222423: Rest in Peace sweet baby Jada :1222423:

Amusedtdth

06-27-2009, 05:17 PM

Lizziebeth

06-27-2009, 09:28 PM

Jun 27, 2009 5:44 pm US/Central
Family, Friends Gather To Remember Jada Justice

EAST CHICAGO, Ind. (CBS) ― Family and friends of Jada Justice gathered for a memorial on Saturday, the day after two people were arrested for her murder. And while the family was gripped by sorrow, they didn't dwell on her murder. As CBS 2's Suzanne Le Mignot reports, instead they focused on her short life.

Gathering at Tod Park in East Chicago, Jada's family talked about how a person so young could bring people from all backgrounds together. Blacks, Whites and Hispanics came together for her search. And today, they united once again, to remember her.

With the release of baby pink balloons into the air, came a celebration of Jada Justice's life.

"A 2-year-old girl changed a lot of people," said Jada's father Clarence Justice.

Her father says in her short time on earth, his daughter had a tremendous impact on so many.

"The lord sent her," Clarence said. "Told an angel to go down in the form of a 2-year-old girl and unloosen a lot of people's hearts. I really feel that. That's what the lord put on me this morning."

Jada's cousin, Engelica Castillo and boyfriend Tim Tkachik, were charged with the murder of the girl they were babysitting. Prosecutors say the toddler was beaten to death. The pair tried to conceal their crime by burning the child's body and encasing her in cement.

"I don't want nobody to have any kind of bitter feelings towards anybody, even on the other side of the family," Clarence said. "Because that's the work of the devil and he wants to divide us and go our separate ways and have their hearts hardened."

Jada's mother says she will never forget her last conversation with her daughter and what other parents should take away from it.

"She told me that she loved me, she got back on, 'I love you, mommy', and I told her, 'I love you,'" said Jada's mother Melissa Swiontek. "It makes me look at my kids in a different way. It makes me look at all kids and all family. That is something that needs to be said and showed all the time."

Jada's 10-year-old sister, speaking with wisdom well beyond her years, had this to say.

"Jada's not gone. She's right with us," Jada's sister said. "She's alive in our hearts and she'll be with us forever. Till we meet her back in heaven, she'll be with us."

Jada's family expressed their deepest thanks to all law enforcement and the city of Gary for their help in the case, and the kindness they received from total strangers.

They are still working out the toddler's funeral arrangements.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/jada.justice.memorial.2.1062678.html

Lizziebeth

06-27-2009, 09:35 PM

Remembering Jada Justice
Saturday, June 27, 2009 | 6:32 PM

By Evelyn HolmesJune 27, 2009 (WLS) -- There was a special memorial Saturday for 2-year old Jada Justice. The northwest Indiana girl had been missing for days. Her body was found on Thursday.

On Friday Jada's cousin and her boyfriend were charged in her murder.
It was for healing and closure that the relatives and friends of Jada Justice, and even those that never met her family before her death, came together Saturday.

They say their purpose was not to mourn the toddler but to celebrate her short life -- and the lessons of love and forgiveness they say -- even in death -- she's teaching.
"I wish I could have had my baby girl for a long time but the man upstairs decided otherwise," said Clarence Justice, Jada's father.
Saturday afternoon Clarence Justice celebrated the life of his baby girl - Jada Justice. Those touched by the 2-and-a-half year old's story gathered with family and friends for a memorial just a day after the girl's cousin - Engilica Castillo and her boyfriend Tim Tkaychik were charged with her murder. both have denied any involvement in the crime.
"I'm a dad. I have kids of my own. I'm a grandfather. it just hurts to the heart," said Anthony Santos, a family friend.
The weekend gathering follows the tragic end to the frantic search for the toddler and a glimpse into the horrific final hours of the child's life -- when investigators allege Jada was beaten to death because of a potty training incident.
"I don't trust anyone now. If I couldn't trust the one I thought loved my baby. It's mind-blowing. my baby is in heaven. She's an angel," said Melissa Swiontek, Jada's mother.
But amid the prayers for Jada and the ones who loved her, for some there is anger over the alleged brutality that claimed the little girl's life. "We're still hurt and angry. To do something like this to a child? Just unbelievable," said Nettie Collins.
So on this day despite the grief -- most of all there is hope and remembrances -- of the one who brought so many together is such a short time. "She's still with us. She's alive in our hearts. She's not gone. She's with us," said Celeste Albanic, a friend of Jada's.
Jada's mother and father say funeral arrangements are still pending because the lake county coroner's office has not yet released the girl's body.
During the memorial service the family thanked law enforcement, the dozens of volunteers who came out for the search for Jada as well as the media for keeping -- Jada's story out there.
They are hoping that through "their" pain -- they can help others.

(Copyright ©2009 WLS-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6887653&rss=rss-espnChicago-wls-article-6887653

sunstar

06-27-2009, 10:21 PM

I almost wish they wouldn't detail what happened. I can't stand what happens to these children anymore. WTF do people do these things? I'm becoming increasingly depressed reading and should probably stay away but I keep coming back, and cry.....God do I cry for these babies, each and every one.....Where is God?

For some of them, I believe He knows they're not being loved and cared for here on earth and wants them home with Him...and for those who abuse them to be punished. MOO

texanne

06-27-2009, 10:32 PM

Faith

06-28-2009, 12:40 AM

Was the mother totally unaware of her cousin's drug use? Had she never noticed marks on the baby before after being left? And why was the child left so long this time? What could be so importatnt that you leave a baby that long? I am sorry, but this whole thing just stinks to high heaven.

>snipped from a previous article<

Castillo and boyfriend Tim Tkachik told police Jada was dropped off at their Hobart home to be potty-trained, court records state.

Swiontek has said she dropped Jada off with baby sitter and cousin Engelica Castillo on June 8.

Swiontek previously told The Times she intended to leave Jada with Castillo until Father's Day – nearly two weeks after she dropped her daughter off.

She said she last spoke to Jada on June 12. Swiontek called June 13 and spoke to Castillo, but not to her daughter.

>snip from NG 6/24<

Link (http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0906/24/ng.01.html)

GRACE: I`m going to go straight to special guest joining us tonight in a prime time exclusive. The mother of little Jada, Melissa Swiontek.

Miss Swiontek, what do you make of authorities now claiming that the babysitter you had may have been high on some type of drug or alcohol when they interviewed her when Jada went missing?

SWIONTEK: I wish they would have tested her. I wish they would have tested her to see if that was the case. I mean, it may have been and maybe that`s why she parked there and maybe that`s why the doors weren`t locked. Anything is possible. I -- I don`t know what happened.

GRACE: Well, let me ask you this.

SWIONTEK: I would hope not, but I don`t know.

GRACE: I`m concerned about a babysitter, so-called babysitter, that`s high as a kite, when she`s got a baby that`s she`s taking care of, that she`s out in the car, she`s driving. How well did you know this babysitter?

SWIONTEK: She was my cousin. She was my first cousin. And she`s been in my kids` lives since they were born. She`s -- you know, she was very close with my kids. And my kids loved her. You know, she loved my kids. And they have done plenty of the good things. They were good help, you know, with my babies. And I -- I never -- I never thought that she was capable of anything of this.

GRACE: Did she have any history -- did she have any history of drugs or alcohol?

SWIONTEK: I mean, not that I know of. I don`t know. I mean -- none of this is her history. None of this is the Angelica I know.

GRACE: Has she been in touch with you since Jada went missing?

SWIONTEK: I did talk to her one time through an attorney, on speaker phone, and she`s just saying the same things to me. I did try to get a hold of her a little bit earlier today. And hopefully she`ll be getting back to me.

GRACE: What did she say?

SWIONTEK: I want to talk to her and I need more answers.

sunstar

06-28-2009, 08:02 PM

The horrific murder of Jada Justice

The gruesome details of Jada Justice's death were revealed Friday when prosecutors charged the 2-year-old girl's cousin and her boyfriend with murder.

Engelica Castillo, 18, and her live-in boyfriend, Tim Tkachik, 23, of Hobart, also are charged with two counts of neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing. Both were being held without bond in the Lake County, Ind., jail.

Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, said Friday that she never thought Castillo or Tkachik would harm her daughter. Prosecutors said Jada's body was burned, encased in concrete and left in a LaPorte County swamp. "They should have the same fate she had, if you ask me," Swiontek said.

more at http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1642262,CST-NWS-jada27.article

(I agree with her. :madranting94dp: MOO)

nomadpatti

06-28-2009, 10:03 PM

"Both Castillo and Tkachik each could face up to 65 years in prison if convicted. Castillo and Tkachik both are being held in Lake County Jail without bond.

They are expected to appear in court Monday."
--------------
:madranting94dp::madranting94dp:How is that possible???? 65 years????

http://www.nwi.com/articles/2009/06/...a193114268.txt

"Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, said Friday that she never thought Castillo or Tkachik would harm her daughter. Prosecutors said Jada's body was burned, encased in concrete and left in a LaPorte County swamp. "They should have the same fate she had, if you ask me," Swiontek said."
------------
:madranting94dp::madranting94dp: All after she was beaten to death!!!!!

more at http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1...jada27.article

-------------
Rest in Peace Sweet Baby Girl!! :1222423::1222423:

Pandabear

06-29-2009, 12:35 AM

Why would a mother leave her toddler with an 18 year old to be potty trained? That makes absolutely no sense at all.

Fly with the angels sweet Jada. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

Naia

06-29-2009, 12:46 AM

For some of them, I believe He knows they're not being loved and cared for here on earth and wants them home with Him...and for those who abuse them to be punished. MOO
sunstar,
Hi,
How could that be? :z0tdntknw:
If God wanted them in heaven so they'd be loved, why let them be beaten to death on earth? I have a terrible feeling this precious baby suffered.

LiveLaughLuv

06-29-2009, 08:02 AM

I just dont' get this. Crimes against children are getting more horrific with each passing minute..Something has to be done to protect our children.

Why a mother leaves her child for 2 weeks with an 18 y/o cousin for potty training is beyond me..makes no sense at all...what was so important that mommy couldn't do this herself?

What a horrible death Jada suffered and I do believe this truly calls for the DP, these two POS's should not live or breathe for what they've done to Jada..:madranting94dp:

waltzingmatilda

06-29-2009, 09:00 AM

I dont' know what is wrong with some parents. It seems some lack the sacrifice and responsibility and dedication and patience required for raising children. I have friends who arrive at events with their three rambunctous boys and let them run wild. This couple are well respected business people. They assume others are watching the boys while they are having a good time yet everyone else is miserable. At one cookout these boys had climbed onto the roof of a 4 story condo! Anything could have happened! Fortunately, nothing did but it was blatant carelessness on the part of these parents. I don't see why people have kids if they can't be active and present in their raising. It's not like one has a second chance in rearing their babies. GRRRRRR!

My rant is over now.

Rest in Peace Sweet Baby Jada! My prayers are with your family....I know they must miss you terribly.

Naia

06-29-2009, 02:34 PM

I've enjoyed reading everyones comments.
I can't for the life of me figure out why people, especially young people it seems, are so violent now a days. I believe with everything in me that violent movies and violent video games have severely influenced our youth. :frown:

Can you imagine the fear that must have been in beautiful little Jada's eyes as she was struck over and over and over again in the head, until her skull was fractured? :1187603408.CR.Mothe

It's like the murderers had no regard for a babies life. To have beat her, placed her little body in car for hours if not days and finally bury her in cement----what kind of people DO such a thing?:1187603408.CR.Mothe:1187603408.CR.Mothe :cray:

Isabella

06-29-2009, 04:58 PM

Mike from HLN will be doing something today on Jada Justice...4pm CST

AmandaReckonwith

06-29-2009, 06:12 PM

Mike from HLN will be doing something today on Jada Justice...4pm CST

Tim and Engelica were in court today.

http://nwi.com/articles/2009/06/29/updates/breaking_news/doc4a49295d95b0b965512365.txt

Police have to stun Jada Justice suspect before court hearing
Monday, June 29, 2009

CROWN POINT | Lake County police had to use a stun gun Monday morning on one of the two adults now charged with the murder of 2-year-old Jada Justice.

Tim Tkachik, 24, of Hobart, appeared for his initial hearing Monday morning with his head bandaged and a prominent bruise on his left cheek.

Michael Higgins, a spokesman for county police, said Tkachik became disruptive in a holding cell shortly before the court session. "He got up on a table and was trying to get into an electrical panel. He was asked nicely to get down and when he didn't they had to use a Tazer," Higgins said.

Higgins said jail medical staff tended to Tkachik's injuries arising from the incident.

His 18-year-old girlfriend, Engelica Castillo, also of Hobart was visibly trembling during the court session as she stood a few feet from Tkachik and heard they both were being charged with neglecting, battering and murdering Jada on June 13 as well as being charged with lying to police in their effort to cover up the crime.

The girl's disappearance sparked a nine-day search by family, friends and members of the public caught up in the drama.

Lake Criminal Court Magistrate Natalie Bakota entered innocent pleas on behalf of Tkachik and Castillo's and said they will be held without bond until trial.

Merrillville attorney T. Edward Page, who represented Castillo's family last week, patted Castillo's shoulder in an effort to comfort her during the hour-long session.

Police say Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, left the child with Castillo June 8 for an extended period. Castillo and Swiontek are cousins. Police allege Castillo fatally beat the victim after becoming angry with her.

She and Tkachik tried to dispose of the body by burning it. Tkachik said he only suceeded in burning himself. They finally encased the child in concrete and dumped her in a swamp north of Westville in LaPorte County near Tkachik's family home. Tkachik directed police to the place where they recovered the body last week.

Castillo told police that someone abducted Jada from her car June 16 while it was parked outside a Glen Park service station in Gary.

Tkachik, who initially agreed with Castillo's story, later told police that his girlfriend killed the girl. Tkachik said he and Castillo were using heroin and marijuana throughout the period leading up and after Jada's death.

Tkachik briefly disrupted the court session Monday as the magistrate was questioning Castillo about whether she could afford a private lawyer or needed a court-appointed attorney who would defend her a taxpayer expense.

Castillo said she cannot afford to retain Page in the future. Bakota said the Lake County Public Defender's staff will appoint a new attorney to represent her.

As the magistrate was questioning Castillo about her lack of income, Tkachik said Castillo wasn't disclosing all her family's income. "You get child support. She gets child support," Tkachik said.

The magistrate warned Tkachik not to interrupt her or Castillo. She repeatedly told Tkachik to pay attention to her and not talk about other matters.

Tkachik said he plans to hire his own lawyer.

Page said her defense will require more financial resources then her family can afford. Page said he may assist the public defender's staff in her case at some future date if asked.

The magistrate ordered both to appear in Criminal Court next week for the beginning of a series pre-trial hearing. No trial date has been set.

Isabella

06-29-2009, 06:34 PM

:shock: Thanks Amanda HLN never did a thing on
Jada.

I can't believe a stun gun had to be used..WOW

Those two people are nuts!

Faith

06-29-2009, 07:05 PM

Thanks Amanda.... Just bizarre. innocent pleas was entered?? Poor Jada! :sad0119:

nomadpatti

06-29-2009, 10:32 PM

Thanks Amanda.... Just bizarre. innocent pleas was entered?? Poor Jada! :sad0119:

ITA.
Just as bizarre is Tkachik screaming about Castillo's child support!
WHAT? She has children and gets support? She's 18! :eek:
Does he really think she will be receiving support while in jail? :doh:
This will be a tough case to follow! :1187603408.CR.Mothe

RIP Jada and I feel in my heart there will be justice for you! :1222423:

Jess

06-29-2009, 10:59 PM

That's so awful. I can't stand the worl today.

Faith

07-01-2009, 10:37 AM

Jada Justice visitation and funeral services scheduled for Friday

June 30, 4:58 PM

On Friday, July 3, visitation and funeral services will be held for murdered 2-year-old Jada Justice.

Visitation will be held at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home in Portage, Ind. beginning at noon. The funeral is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, located at 6941 Central Ave.

Jada will be buried in Portage’s Heritage Cemetery.

One of the accused killers, Tim Tkachik, 24, led police to Jada’s body on Thursday. Originally, it was thought Jada had been abducted from a convenience store parking lot—a story given authorities by the toddler’s cousin and babysitter, Engelica Castillo, 18.

Tkachik gave police a different story about Jada’s death, indicating Castillo had effectively struck Jada's head on numerous occasions, which led to the little girl’s eventual death.

The coroner confirmed Jada had suffered multiple skull fractures.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m6d30-Jada-Justice-visitation-and-funeral-services-scheduled-for-Friday

Jess

07-01-2009, 05:07 PM

:shock: Thanks Amanda HLN never did a thing on
Jada.

I can't believe a stun gun had to be used..WOW

Those two people are nuts!

HLN DID do several segments on Jada. That's how I heard about it.

Roamer

07-01-2009, 05:16 PM

Maybe he wants them to think he needs an insanity defense? :groan:

Faith

07-01-2009, 06:02 PM

Prosecutor eyes death penalty in Jada case

July 1, 2009

CROWN POINT | Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter said Tuesday his office is undertaking a death penalty review against two defendants charged with the murder of 2-year-old Jada Justice.

The prosecutor's office on Friday charged Engelica Castillo, 18, and her boyfriend, Tim Tkachik, 24, both of Hobart, with the murder of the Portage toddler. Tkachik told police Jada died after a June 13 beating administered by Castillo, according to reports. Tkachik helped Castillo dispose of the body in a LaPorte County swamp, authorities said.

Carter said state law permits him to file a capital murder charge in a case where the victim was younger than 12, but he and his top deputies first must survey the evidence to determine if the case merits the ultimate punishment.

"We are still going through a lot of information. A lot of the physical evidence is being examined by our experts. That all has to be assessed before any decision as to a potential death penalty," he said.

Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek, said Tuesday she supports a death penalty case.

"If that's the court's decision, I'm not going to oppose it," she said.

Swiontek said before her daughter was killed, she used to be against the death penalty. But she has since changed her mind, she said, "when it comes down to your baby."

She said she has no remorse for her cousin or Tkachik, saying "They're not even human ... if they can do that to my Jada.

"My baby's gone. They broke my heart. They have no right to be on this earth, if you ask me."

Lake County Deputy Chief Public Defender David Olson said Tuesday a death penalty charge will affect his office, which will be defending Castillo.

"We are just waiting for the state to decide," Olson said.

He said he would have to request additional tax dollars from the County Council if the prosecutor does go for the death penalty, which usually costs hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional law fees, expert-witness fees and other extraordinary expenses. He said his office will appoint two lawyers to defend Castillo if a capital murder charge is filed.

Olson said, "The question is whether the county can afford it? I don't know. It's very expensive."

Tkachik said Monday he may hire his own lawyer, although court sources said few private lawyers have the resources to undertake a death penalty murder defense.

Olson said a cheaper option for the county would be for the prosecutor to pursue a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of parole.

Lake and Porter County judges have sentenced more than 23 men and women to death since capital murder was reinstated in 1977, but only one has been executed.

Kevin Charles Isom, 42, is awaiting trial later this fall on capital murder charges he killed his wife and her two children Aug. 6, 2007, at the Lakeshore Dunes Apartments in Gary's Miller section.

http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2009/07/01/news/top/doc0019c9d75415eb44862575e500838842.txt

AmandaReckonwith

07-05-2009, 05:43 PM

Added funeral pictures.
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/

I haven't seen anything more about the "people" who killed her.

LiveLaughLuv

07-06-2009, 08:54 AM

Maybe he wants them to think he needs an insanity defense? :groan:

Nah, Roamer. IMO, trying for that electrical panel he was trying to kill himself before the other inmates got to him...too bad he didn't succeed..

ITA.
Just as bizarre is Tkachik screaming about Castillo's child support!
WHAT? She has children and gets support? She's 18!
Does he really think she will be receiving support while in jail?

She's not screaming about child support, Patti..what was being said is that she didn't disclose all of her income and that she gets child support...that is a requirement for a public defender, you must be indigent or pretty near it to get a public defender...

Castillo said she cannot afford to retain Page in the future. Bakota said the Lake County Public Defender's staff will appoint a new attorney to represent her.

As the magistrate was questioning Castillo about her lack of income, Tkachik said Castillo wasn't disclosing all her family's income. "You get child support. She gets child support," Tkachik said.

The magistrate warned Tkachik not to interrupt her or Castillo. She repeatedly told Tkachik to pay attention to her and not talk about other matters.

Isabella

07-08-2009, 01:58 PM

HLN DID do several segments on Jada. That's how I heard about it.
No, I meant the day I was watching they didn't, Mike especially
did a lot on Jada. :)

My local station breaks in at the top and bottom of every hour
so I miss a lot of stories, they do it all day and night.

Faith

07-11-2009, 12:51 PM

Added funeral pictures.
http://s296.photobucket.com/albums/mm166/crankycrankerson/Jada%20Justice/

I haven't seen anything more about the "people" who killed her.

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/sad.jpg

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

AmandaReckonwith

07-14-2009, 12:54 PM

Engelica's trial date is set to begin Dec 7th.

Faith

07-14-2009, 03:12 PM

Engelica's trial date is set to begin Dec 7th.

Trial date set for Jada Justice murder

A trial date has been set for a Northwest Indiana woman charged in the murder of two-year-old Jada Justice.

The trial of Engelica Castillo, 18, is set to begin on December 7th.

The Hobart woman is charged with murder, neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing. Castillo and her boyfriend Timothy Tkachik are both charged in the June 13th murder of Jada Justice.

The two-year-old's body was found more than a week after Castillo reported the girl missing. Castillo was her babysitter. She has entered a not guilty plea.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=6913179

Faith

07-14-2009, 03:13 PM

Jada's dad seeks custody of her brothers
* Slain toddler's father says boys, 6 and 1, will be 'safer' with him and stepmother.

July 14, 2009
By Andy Grimm, Post-Tribune staff writer

VALPARAISO -- The father of Jada Justice will ask a judge to give him custody of her two brothers.

Clarence Justice said he and his wife can provide a safe home for the boys, ages 6 and 1, who are his children with Jada's mother, Melissa Swiontek.

Swiontek's cousin, Engelica Castillo, is charged with murder and neglect of a dependent for allegedly hitting 2-year-old Jada in the head and causing the toddler's death.

Swiontek left Jada with Castillo, 18, and Castillo's boyfriend, Tim Tkachik, for several days while Swiontek went on a trip.

Clarence Justice, who was never married to Swiontek, said he took care of Jada and her two brothers on alternate weekends and hopes to gain full custody of the boys at an emergency hearing Wednesday in Porter County Juvenile Court.

"I just feel my boys are safer in my arms than with anybody else," Clarence Justice said. "I'm working steady, they have a stay-at-home stepmom to look after them."

The Post-Tribune was unable to reach Swiontek.

who has said she wanted harsh punishment for her cousin.

Prosecutors said Tkachik told them Swiontek left Jada with them June 8. Four days later he saw Castillo rapping Jada on the head with her knuckles because the girl was being potty trained. Several hours later, Jada appeared to stop breathing as the toddler sat in the back of their car as the couple drove to buy heroin. The couple later made a bungled attempt to burn Jada's body, then tried to seal the body in concrete and dump it in a LaPorte County swamp.

Castillo then told police Jada was taken or crawled out of her car while Castillo was buying milk and cigarettes at a Glen Park gas station, touching off an eight-hour search for the girl that ended as police became increasingly suspicious

Tkachik also has been charged in Jada's murder.

http://www.post-trib.com/news/1664104,jada.article

AmandaReckonwith

07-20-2009, 04:21 PM

MrzEzell

07-20-2009, 05:46 PM

I had just wanted to stop by and show my condolenses for Jada and all the other children whom has fallen short by the violence of others. My prayer for the world is for parents to do their job, WATCH THEIR CHILDREN, trust no one and treat your child as if you were protecting your own life. To those parents whom are the one causing violence against the innocence of children I have no sympathy for you. I pray that they all get caught sooner. It's amazing ... I have seen things w/ my own eyes and it is so sad how an abused child who knows nothing but Mom or Dad no matter if he/she is hurt by that person will long for that person. That is the thought I always have in my mind when I read sad cases as such. As a mother I can't imaging looking into my sons face and hurting him. Jada baby girl RIP your with God now and no one can ever hurt you again.

Jute

07-28-2009, 05:33 AM

I wonder what's happening regarding custody og Julian and Jaylan, guess there's no news yet?

Latest I've read at all about this case is that the omnibus hearings are set.
Engelica 8/27, and Tim 8/28.

It's a start, the dad was awarded temporary custody:

Father awarded temporary custody of Jada's siblings
* Slain toddler's dad will have two sons for summer, pending second hearing.
July 16, 2009

VALPARAISO -- Jada Justice's father will take temporary, partial custody of his two sons.

A Porter County Juvenile Court judge on Wednesday awarded Clarence Justice custody of his sons, ages 1 and 6, with Melissa Swiontek.

Swiontek, whose cousin, Engelica Castillo is charged in the murder of 2-year-old Jada, declined comment on the hearing, saying only that Justice would have custody of the two boys "for the rest of the summer" pending a second hearing, and that she would still have partial custody of the boys.

The Post-Tribune was unable to reach attorneys for Swiontek and Justice, and calls to Clarence Justice were not returned.

Both Justice and Swiontek live in Portage.

The couple never married and split a year ago without setting a formal custody agreement, she said, though Justice paid child support and would often take custody of the boys and Jada on alternate weekends.

Swiontek left 2-year-old Jada in the care of her 18-year-old cousin, Castillo, June 8, when Lake County prosecutors allege she beat Jada to death, then tried with her boyfriend, Timothy Tkachik, to get rid of the body and tell police the girl disappeared from her car while she was buying milk and cigarettes at a Gary gas station.

In fact, Tkachik told police he saw Castillo rapping the 2-year-old on the head repeatedly at their Hobart home, and that Jada stopped breathing while in the back seat of their car as they drove to Portage to buy drugs.

They tried to burn the toddler's body, and failing that, encased the burned remains in concrete and dumped the body in a swamp in LaPorte County.

LaPorte County Coroner John Sullivan said an autopsy report has been filed with the Lake County Prosecutor's office and that the record is sealed. Sullivan ruled the cause of death was blunt force trauma and that Justice was the victim of a homicide.

Swiontek said the long-term separation will be difficult for her young children, who have already suffered the loss of their sister.

"They're doing better than I expected. We talk about Jada and try to do fun things, like look at her pictures," she said. "We still go out and try to do family things."

http://www.post-trib.com/news/1668006,jada.article

Jute

07-28-2009, 05:34 AM

Rest in peace Jada, you beautiful baby girl. :sad0119:

Naia

08-05-2009, 09:24 PM

I can't find any newer updates. I'm surprized this guys DNA wasn't taken early on.

http://www.examiner.com/x-1168-Crime-Examiner~y2009m7d18-Tim-Tkachik-ordered-to-give-DNA-sample-in-Jada-Justice-murder
During Friday’s hearing, accused killer of 2-year-old Jada Justice, Tim Tkachik, Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr. ordered that he provide a DNA sample. He also granted a defense request to be provided copies of audio statements Tkachik made to police in the case.

Faith

09-20-2009, 11:19 AM

Posted: 6:47 AM Sep 19, 2009
Prosecutors seeking life sentence in Jada Justice’s death
LaPorte County, IN

Prosecutors are seeing a life sentence without parole for a baby sitter charged with killing a toddler.

Prosecutors are seeing a life sentence without parole for a baby sitter charged with killing a toddler.

In June, 2-year-old Jada Justice was found in a swampy area near LaPorte.

Her body had been dumped there after being burned and encased in concrete.

Prosecutors are seeking the life sentence if Engelica Castillo, 18 is convicted. Castillo was Jada's cousin and babysitter.

She and her boyfriend Timothy Tkachik, 24, are each charged with murder, neglect, battery and false informing.

http://www.wndu.com/hometop/headlines/59840712.html

Faith

10-15-2009, 01:19 AM

Castillo trial delayed

October 9, 2009
POST-TRIBUNE STAFF REPORT

The murder trial for a Hobart woman facing life without parole if convicted in the beating death of a Portage toddler has been postponed until March 29.

Lake Superior Court Judge Thomas Stefaniak Jr. granted a request by defense attorney Lemuel Stigler to continue the trial in light of prosecutors' intent to seek a life sentence for Engelica Castillo, 19, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, two counts of neglect of a dependent, battery and false informing.

Stigler is seeking money from the county to conduct a mitigation investigation that would explore factors such as Castillo's mental health history, social history and medical issues that could factor into a sentencing decision.

Stefaniak has asked Stigler to provide a cost estimate for the mitigation investigation and what legal authority the judge may have to order the Lake County Council to pay for that investigation.

Also charged in the death of Jada Justice, 2, of Portage is Castillo's boyfriend, Timothy Tkachik, 22, of Hobart, who also has pleaded not guilty.

His omnibus hearing is Oct. 23.

http://www.post-trib.com/news/lake/1815026,castillo1009.article