Laneeka Varnado 22,(Deceased/Car Accident) Msg 11/25/2008, Paulding County GA

[sarahhod]

http://wsbradio.com/localnews/2008/11/missing-paulding-county-woman.html

Missing Paulding County Woman
By Condace Pressley @ November 26, 2008 4:52 PM

http://i36.tinypic.com/14y6bdg.jpg



(WSB Radio) -- Paulding County Police are asking for your help to find a missing woman.

Laneeka Varnado has not been seen since late Monday. Her family says she went to an event at the Georgia Internationl Convention Center and never returned.

Varnado was last seen driving a 1999 Silver Mercedes bearing the Georgia tag ASK 6592.

Varnado is 22-years old, 5'5" tall, and weighs 105 pounds. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Paulding County Sheriff's office at 770-443-3010.

[sarahhod]

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=7952403&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Paulding County Authorities Seek Missing Woman
Last Edited: Wednesday, 26 Nov 2008, 2:08 PM EST
Created: Wednesday, 26 Nov 2008, 1:02 PM EST
Edited by Steve Dixon

http://i38.tinypic.com/35d0q5y.jpg


The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help with locating Laneeka Varnado whom has been reported as missing by her family on November 25, 2008.

ATLANTA (MyFOX Atlanta) -- The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s help with locating Laneeka Varnado whom has been reported as missing by her family on November 25, 2008.

Varnado is described as a 22-year-old black female, about 5'5" and weighs approximately 105 lbs.

Authorities said Varnado left her residence in Paulding County on November 24, 2008 to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

Varnado called her father throughout the night to let him know of her whereabouts. The last phone call was made around 11:13 p.m. to her father. She advised him that she may stop at another location on her way home, but that she would call him to let him know if she did.

Varnado has not been heard from since.

Varnado was last seen driving a silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230 passenger car with Georgia tag - ASK6592

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Laneeka Varnado is asked to call The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010.

[sarahhod]

Father Cries For Help Finding His Daughter

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=124074&catid=40

Posted By: Kevin Rowson

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- On a night when many people prepare to give thanks, a Paulding County man is pleading for help to find his daughter. And the Paulding County Sheriff Office is asking the publics help in locating 22-year-old Laneeka Varnado or her car. She has been missing since Monday night.

Melvin Mackey is not waiting for word about his daughter. He's out pounding the pavement, following his daughter's last tracks, posting flyers with pictures of her and her car. If you're a parent, you'll understand his pain. His daughter hasn't called him since Monday night.

"Laneeka calls me up 24-7 a day, all day, daddy this, daddy that," he said.

He says Laneeka calls him every time she arrives at a location and every time she's ready to head home. Monday night at 11:13, she called him to tell him she might stop at Club Esso on Memorial Drive in Atlanta before she headed home to Paulding County.

Melvin told her to call him if she stopped at the club.

"She said okay Dad, love you. I said love you too, and that was the last time I heard my daughters voice and I've been looking for her ever since," Mackey said in tears.

He was at Club Esso putting up flyers about his missing daughter. He's hopeful she stopped there and someone saw her or her car. The car is a 1999-silver Mercedes, SLK-230. It has a Georgia tag ASK-6592.

"Please if anybody knows anything, please just, I just want my baby, please help me," Mackey said.

One day before Thanksgiving this is what this father has to worry about. There is no shame in his pleas. No hesitation to tell the world what his daughter means to him.

"I'm begging you, anything, I don't care I'll give anything," he said. "If you want money, I don't care I got money, I'll give you anything. I just want my child back."

Mackey says he has called hospitals, medical examiners offices, police and even towing companies to see if any of them have seen his daughter or her car. He has checked her credit cards which have shown no activity. He has checked her cell phone which hasn't been used since 11:13 p.m. Monday. That was the call she made to him.

Paulding County Sheriff Investigators are asking anyone who has seen Laneeka or her car to call them at 770-443-3010.

[KittyMom]

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/stories/2008/11/27/missing_1128_web.html?cxntlid=homepage_tab_newstab

Paulding County woman, 22, missing after celebration
Law enforcement background didn't prepare dad

By MICHELLE E. SHAW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Melvin Mackey always taught his children to be prepared for the unexpected.

But there was nothing that could have prepared him for his youngest daughter’s disappearance.

Laneeka Varnado, who had been living with her father in Paulding County, left home Monday night for an evening of celebration and relaxation, Mackey said.

“She worked so hard and she had two jobs,” he said. “I encouraged her to relax a bit and take some time for herself. I’m sorry I did that now.”

The 22-year-old never returned home from her night out. Earlier this week her father filed a missing persons report with police.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office had no new information on the case Thursday, said department spokesman Cpl. Brandon Gurley.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Varnado left her father’s Paulding County house to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. She called her father throughout the night to let him know of her whereabouts, which was normal, Mackey said. The last time they spoke was around 11:13 p.m. During that call, Varnado told her father that she might stop at a club on her way home, but that she would call him to let him know if she did. Varnado, who is 5 feet 5 and about 105 pounds, did not call back and she hasn’t been heard from since.

Mackey, who has worked in law enforcement in Georgia and Louisiana, planned to spend Thanksgiving Day putting up homemade posters of his daughter, and her silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230, in some of her last known locations around Atlanta.

He had a hard time putting many of his feelings into words, often choking back tears.

“In my head, I know she’s gone. My baby’s gone,” he said, breaking down. “With my background in law enforcement, I know how this goes, but that doesn’t make it better.”

He said as a father he hopes for the best.

“I don’t feel it in my soul, that she’s gone,” he said. “But honestly, right now I don’t feel anything. I’m just a shell of a man without her.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Laneeka Varnado is asked to call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010.


http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/57/99/image_7999573.jpg

[KittyMom]

http://img.coxnewsweb.com/B/03/41/99/image_7999413.jpg

[TigressPen]

I don't think anything could prepare a parent for a child to be gone and not know where they are. My prayers go out to her father and family. And that she will be found.

[grammybears]

What a beautiful girl. I cannot even imagine what this family is going through. I am sure because of her father's career he knows exactly what is going to go on. I have such a hard time with anybody disappearing and not being able to go anywhere. It is so sad that people are not safe in their neighborhoods, homes and where they socialize.
I pray that her father and family will be comforted during this nightmare.

[sarahhod]

Missing Paulding County Woman

http://wsbradio.com/localnews/2008/11/missing-paulding-county-woman.html


By
Condace Pressley
@ November 26, 2008 4:52 PM

(WSB Radio) -- Paulding County Police are asking for your help to find a missing woman.

Laneeka Varnado has not been seen since late Monday. Her family says she went to an event at the Georgia Internationl Convention Center and never returned.

Varnado was last seen driving a 1999 Silver Mercedes bearing the Georgia tag ASK 6592.

Varnado is 22-years old, 5'5" tall, and weighs 105 pounds. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Paulding County Sheriff's office.

[sarahhod]

Search Continues for Missing Paulding Co. Woman

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=7961037&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1


Last Edited: Thursday, 27 Nov 2008, 10:36 PM EST
Created: Thursday, 27 Nov 2008, 10:36 PM EST

Edited By: Leigha Baugham


PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) – Authorities were still searching for a missing Paulding County woman Thursday. Laneeka Varnado vanished Monday and her family members from out of town have joined in the search.

Varnado was reported as missing by her family on November 25, 2008.

Varnado is described as a 22-year-old black female, about 5'5" and weighing approximately 105 lbs.

Authorities said Varnado left her residence in Paulding County on November 24, 2008 to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

Varnado called her father throughout the night to let him know of her whereabouts. The last phone call was made around 11:13 p.m. to her father. She advised him that she may stop at another location on her way home, but that she would call him to let him know if she did.

Varnado has not been heard from since.

Varnado was last seen driving a silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230 passenger car with Georgia tag - ASK6592
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Laneeka Varnado is asked to call The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010.

[sarahhod]

Woman, 22, calls father, then vanishes


http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/printedition/2008/11/28/missing.html?cxntlid=inform_sr

By Michelle E. Shaw

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, November 28, 2008

Melvin Mackey always taught his children to be prepared for the unexpected.

But there was nothing that could have prepared him for his youngest daughter’s disappearance.

Laneeka Varnado, who had been living with her father in Paulding County, left home Monday night for an evening of celebration and relaxation, Mackey said.

“She worked so hard and she had two jobs,” he said. “I encouraged her to relax a bit and take some time for herself. I’m sorry I did that now.”

The 22-year-old never returned home from her night out. Earlier this week her father filed a missing persons report with police.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office had no new information on the case Thursday, said department spokesman Cpl. Brandon Gurley.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Varnado left her father’s Paulding County house to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. She called her father throughout the night to let him know of her whereabouts, which was normal, Mackey said. The last time they spoke was about 11:13 p.m. During that call, Varnado told her father that she might stop at a club on her way home, but that she would call him to let him know if she did. Varnado, who is 5 feet 5 and about 105 pounds, did not call back and she hasn’t been heard from since.

Mackey, who has worked in law enforcement in Georgia and Louisiana, planned to spend Thanksgiving Day putting up homemade posters of his daughter, and her silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230, in some of her last known locations about Atlanta.

He had a hard time putting many of his feelings into words, often choking back tears.

“In my head, I know she’s gone. My baby’s gone,” he said, breaking down. “With my background in law enforcement, I know how this goes, but that doesn’t make it better.”

He said as a father he hopes for the best.

“I don’t feel it in my soul, that she’s gone,” he said. “But honestly, right now I don’t feel anything. I’m just a shell of a man without her.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Laneeka Varnado is asked to call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010.

[sarahhod]

http://www.paulding.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=185560

[sarahhod]

Father Cries For Help Finding His Daughter

http://www.wxia11.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=124074&provider=top



Posted By: Kevin Rowson

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- On a night when many people prepare to give thanks, a Paulding County man is pleading for help to find his daughter. And the Paulding County Sheriff Office is asking the publics help in locating 22-year-old Laneeka Varnado or her car. She has been missing since Monday night.

Melvin Mackey is not waiting for word about his daughter. He's out pounding the pavement, following his daughter's last tracks, posting flyers with pictures of her and her car. If you're a parent, you'll understand his pain. His daughter hasn't called him since Monday night.

"Laneeka calls me up 24-7 a day, all day, daddy this, daddy that," he said.

He says Laneeka calls him every time she arrives at a location and every time she's ready to head home. Monday night at 11:13, she called him to tell him she might stop at Club Esso on Memorial Drive in Atlanta before she headed home to Paulding County.

Melvin told her to call him if she stopped at the club.

"She said okay Dad, love you. I said love you too, and that was the last time I heard my daughters voice and I've been looking for her ever since," Mackey said in tears.

He was at Club Esso putting up flyers about his missing daughter. He's hopeful she stopped there and someone saw her or her car. The car is a 1999-silver Mercedes, SLK-230. It has a Georgia tag ASK-6592.

"Please if anybody knows anything, please just, I just want my baby, please help me," Mackey said.

One day before Thanksgiving this is what this father has to worry about. There is no shame in his pleas. No hesitation to tell the world what his daughter means to him.

"I'm begging you, anything, I don't care I'll give anything," he said. "If you want money, I don't care I got money, I'll give you anything. I just want my child back."

Mackey says he has called hospitals, medical examiners offices, police and even towing companies to see if any of them have seen his daughter or her car. He has checked her credit cards which have shown no activity. He has checked her cell phone which hasn't been used since 11:13 p.m. Monday. That was the call she made to him.

Paulding County Sheriff Investigators are asking anyone who has seen Laneeka or her car to call them at 770-443-3010.

[Roamer]

I googled her name this morning, and couldn't find a thing.

I feel so bad for her dad.

[KittyMom]

http://www.11alive.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=124139&catid=40

Frantic Father Chases Leads For Missing Daughter

[KittyMom]

1999-silver Mercedes, SLK-230

hmmm...It's old but I'm wondering about gps tracking? And her dad should be checking for cell phone pings.

[sarahhod]

http://www.ajc.com/news/content/metro/stories/2008/11/28/missing_paulding_woman.html

No new leads to missing Paulding woman

By MICHELLE E. SHAW
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Friday, November 28, 2008

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office said Friday afternoon that there were no new leads in the search for a 22-year-old woman who went missing Monday night.

Meanwhile Melvin Mackey continues to follow up on anything that might explain the disappearance of his youngest daughter, Laneeka Varnado. Mackey was in Carroll County on Friday after getting a phone call that Varnado’s car might have been seen there.

According to the sheriff’s office, Varnado left her father’s Paulding County house to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta. She called her father throughout the night to let him know of her whereabouts, which was normal, Mackey said. The last time they spoke was about 11:13 p.m. During that call, Varnado told her father that she might stop at a club on her way home, but that she would call him to let him know if she did. Varnado, who is 5 feet 5 and about 105 pounds, did not call back and she hasn’t been heard from since.

Mackey, who has worked in law enforcement in Georgia and Louisiana, spent Thanksgiving Day putting up homemade posters of his daughter, and her silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230, in some of her last known locations about Atlanta.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Laneeka Varnado is asked to call the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at 770-443-3010.

[grammybears]

How sad. I sure wish there was answers in where she went to. My prayers go out to her father and family.

[KittyMom]

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/18181404/detail.html

22-Year-Old Georgia Woman Missing For Week
Monday, December 1, 2008 – updated: 5:53 pm EST December 1, 2008

ATLANTA -- Authorities said they have new information about a 22-year-old woman who disappeared Nov. 24. Atlanta police said they received information that Laneeka Varnado may have left an event in College Park with another woman.

Investigators said the information came from a credible source at the Georgia International Convention Center.

“It hurts me to my heart to be on the site where she was last seen. But it’s what I have to do,” said Melvin Mackey, Varnado’s father.

Varnado hasn’t been seen since attending a hip hop awards shot at the Georgia International Convention Center Nov. 24.

“If I had to give my life in order for my child to return home, so be it,” said Mackey.

Mackey said authorities told him they are looking into whether his daughter left the awards show with another young woman.

“If she had a young lady in the car with her or she picked her up here at the convention center and they left together, that means either one of two things. Either another young lady is missing or she knows something.

“The information is coming from a source at the convention center,” said Cpl. Brandon Gurley with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

Paulding County investigators said they want to talk to the woman.

“We need to identify this person and see if we can try to retrace Laneeka’s steps.

Everyone said Varnado wouldn’t have disappeared on her own. She was driving a Mercedes CLK 230 – a car that stands out. Her father said if you see the car or his daughter, to please call authorities.

“Just call it in anonymously. Atlanta Police Department. Whatever county you’re in. Just call it in,” he said.

Investigators also looked at surveillance video from the convention center. They said they were unable to find Varnado on them.
I wonder if they can find any parking security tapes?

[Faith]

22-Year-Old Georgia Woman Missing For Week

http://www.wsbtv.com/2008/1201/18181801.jpg

Monday, December 1, 2008 – updated: 5:53 pm EST December 1, 2008
ATLANTA -- Authorities said they have new information about a 22-year-old woman who disappeared Nov. 24. Atlanta police said they received information that Laneeka Varnado may have left an event in College Park with another woman.

Investigators said the information came from a credible source at the Georgia International Convention Center.

“It hurts me to my heart to be on the site where she was last seen. But it’s what I have to do,” said Melvin Mackey, Varnado’s father.

Varnado hasn’t been seen since attending a hip hop awards shot at the Georgia International Convention Center Nov. 24.

“If I had to give my life in order for my child to return home, so be it,” said Mackey.

Mackey said authorities told him they are looking into whether his daughter left the awards show with another young woman.

“If she had a young lady in the car with her or she picked her up here at the convention center and they left together, that means either one of two things. Either another young lady is missing or she knows something.

“The information is coming from a source at the convention center,” said Cpl. Brandon Gurley with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office.

Paulding County investigators said they want to talk to the woman.

“We need to identify this person and see if we can try to retrace Laneeka’s steps.

Everyone said Varnado wouldn’t have disappeared on her own. She was driving a Mercedes CLK 230 – a car that stands out. Her father said if you see the car or his daughter, to please call authorities.

“Just call it in anonymously. Atlanta Police Department. Whatever county you’re in. Just call it in,” he said.

Investigators also looked at surveillance video from the convention center. They said they were unable to find Varnado on them.

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/18181404/detail.html#

[Faith]

She's such a pretty young lady, I pray she is found safe.

[emmeblu]

I sure hope this young woman did not leave with someone she just met at a Hip-Hop concert. Why would she even be there alone to start with? I hate it so much for her father. He sounds just beyond sick with worry. Makes me wonder if someone just wanted her car. Horrible thought and a scary thought.

Praying she is found alive and found soon.

[sarahhod]

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=433784272

[Faith]

No Sign on Missing Paulding Woman
By
Jon Lewis
@ December 2, 2008 7:28 AM Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

(WSB Radio) It's been over a week since anyone has seen Laneeka Varnado.

The 22 year old Paulding County woman had driven from her father's house to a hip-hop event at the Georgia International Convention Center near the airport and never returned.

The Paulding County Sheriff's department says they've received a tip she was seen with another woman just before she vanished.

"If she had a young lady in the car with her or she picked her up here at the convention center and they left together, then that means either one of two things." says Melvin Mackey, Varnado's father, "Either another young lady is missing, or she knows something."

Varnado was last seen driving a 1999 silver Mercedes with Georgia license number ASK 6592. The car is also missing.

http://wsbradio.com/localnews/2008/12/no-sign-on-missing-paulding-wo.html

[KittyMom]

This is an email I received from the reporter from WXIA 11 alive.

We updated the story last night at 11pm. I'm sorry it didn't get updated on our web page. There really isn't a lot new. The Paulding County Sheriff Office says they are looking for a black female who may have been seen with Laneeka leaving the Convention Center the night she dissappeared. They are asking anyone who may have seen the two to call them. So far, they have no witnesses who have seen her since that point.
I do not believe the GBI is involved at this point, however I will make that call and find out. They won't get involved unless Paulding County requests their help.
I hope this helps, but there really isn't a whole lot new. I know thats very frustrating, especially for her father.

Sincerely,
Kevin Rowson

[KittyMom]

http://middlegeorgia.cox.net/cci/newslocal/local?_mode=view&view=LocalNewsArticleView&articleId=3912906&_action=validatearticle

Metro Area Woman Missing For Second Week
12-02-2008 3:59 AM

(Atlanta, GA) -- Authorities say they have new information about a metro area woman missing now for the second straight week. Atlanta police say Laneeka Varnado may have left an event in College Park with another woman, this information coming from a credible source at the Georgia International Convention Center. Varnado's father, Melvin Mackey, says he was told his daughter was last seen leaving a hip-hop awards show at the venue on November 24th. Mackey says if this is true, then the other young lady who was seen leaving with his daughter is missing or she knows something. Varnado was driving a Mercedes CLK 230, a car that her father says stands out. Mackey is asking anyone who has seen that car or who knows anything about the case to call the Atlanta Police Department.

[Faith]

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

By Michelle E. Shaw, Derrick Mahone, Gayle White

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Friday, December 05, 2008

PAULDING, FULTON

Fund-raiser aids in search for woman

The family of Laneeka Varnado, 22, who disappeared last month, is still searching for her.

The Paulding County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating Varnado, spokesman Cpl. Brandon Gurley said in a news release.

The missing woman’s father, Melvin Mackey, is an avid biker, and members of the motorcycle community have organized a reward fund-raiser from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday at Dugan’s Sports Bar on Old National Highway in College Park.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Varnado left her father’s Paulding house to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta and has been missing since then. Varnado, who is 5 feet 5 and weighs about 105 pounds, drives a silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230. Anyone with information should call 770-443-3010.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/12/05/metrail.html

[Battnt]

Investigators May Have Found Car Belonging to Missing Paulding Woman

PAULDING COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) – Investigators said Saturday that they may have found the car belong to a missing Paulding County woman. Laneeka Varnado was last seen 12 days ago.

Varnado was reported as missing by her family on November 25, 2008.

Varnado is described as a 22-year-old black female, about 5'5" and weighing approximately 105 lbs.

Authorities said Varnado left her residence in Paulding County on November 24, 2008 to attend a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=8017570&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

[KittyMom]

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/myfox/MyFox/pages/sidebar_video.jsp?contentId=8017430&version=1&locale=EN-US

Video where reporters tells that there was a fatal accident near Astell (Cobb county) involving a car that would match the description of Laneeka's. Car was off the roadway in woods and difficult to see. It makes me think that they've just discovered the car.

[Battnt]

Car Matching Missing Woman's Found; Body Inside

http://www.wsbtv.com/news/18219372/detail.html#-

[Faith]

Missing woman’s body found in wrecked car

By CHRISTIAN BOONE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Authorities believe they have located the dead body of a Paulding County woman missing for 12 days.

Cobb County Police Department spokesman Dana Pierce said “we are all but certain” they’ve identified the body of Laneeka Varnado, who was last seen by her father the Monday before Thanksgiving. An Austell property owner discovered her silver Mercedes, with the 22-year-old inside, Saturday afternoon off the C.H. James Parkway on State Route 6.

Cobb County Police Department spokesman Dana Pierce said “we are all but certain” they’ve identified the body of Laneeka Varnado, who was last seen by her father the Monday before Thanksgiving. An Austell property owner discovered her silver Mercedes, with the 22-year-old inside, Saturday afternoon off the C.H. James Parkway on State Route 6.

Varnado’s father, Melvin Mackey, was at the scene and confirmed the car belonged to his missing daughter, Pierce said.

Although they’re awaiting an exact cause of death from the Cobb County Medical Examiner, investigators say foul play was not involved.

“At this point, there’s nothing of a vicious nature to be found in this death,” Pierce said, “except for the injuries sustained in the crash.”

It’s uncertain when the wreck occurred — “it could be anytime from November 24th to 3:30 this afternoon,” he said Saturday.

The car was found some 200 feet off the highway, easily hidden from passersby, Pierce said. Investigators say the car rammed a tree at the bottom of a ravine.

Interviewed nine days ago, Mackey said he was fearing the worst.

“In my head, I know she’s gone. My baby’s gone, ” he said, breaking down. “I don’t feel it in my soul, that she’s gone. But honestly, right now I don’t feel anything. I’m just a shell of a man without her.”

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/12/06/missing_woman_body.html

[annalyzer]

God bless her father and family. RIP Laneeka :1222423:

[KittyMom]

I feel so sorry for her daddy. But this is a different ending than I expected after 12 days. Not better, but not the nightmare I thought this young woman might have endured.

Prayers for Laneeka Varnado's family.

[sarahhod]

Wreck victim may be missing 22-year-old

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/printedition/2008/12/07/accident.html

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Authorities believe they have located the body of a Paulding County woman missing for 12 days.

Cobb County Police Department spokesman Dana Pierce said, “We are all but certain” they’ve identified the body of Laneeka Varnado, who was last seen by her father the Monday before Thanksgiving. An Austell property owner discovered her wrecked silver Mercedes, with the 22-year-old inside, Saturday afternoon off the C.H. James Parkway on Ga. 6.

Varnado’s father, Melvin Mackey, was at the scene and confirmed the car belonged to his missing daughter, Pierce said.

Although they’re awaiting an exact cause of death from the Cobb County medical examiner, investigators say foul play was not involved.

“At this point, there’s nothing of a vicious nature to be found in this death,” Pierce said, “except for the injuries sustained in the crash.”

It’s uncertain when the wreck occurred —- “it could be anytime from Nov. 24 to 3:30 this afternoon,” he said Saturday.

The car was found some 200 feet off the highway, easily hidden from passers-by, Pierce said. Investigators say the car rammed a tree at the bottom of a ravine.

Interviewed nine days ago, Mackey said he was fearing the worst.

“In my head, I know she’s gone. My baby’s gone,” he said, breaking down. “I don’t feel it in my soul, that she’s gone. But honestly, right now I don’t feel anything. I’m just a shell of a man without her.”

[sarahhod]

This is so terribly sad.

Prayers for the Varnado family at this devastating time.

[Faith]

It really is, Sarah. Her daddy is hurting so bad. I just want to reach out and hug him. She was so young and pretty, her whole life ahead of her. I know accidents happen but it sure hurts.

I pray God will wrap his loving arms around the family and hold them close and comfort them.:1222423:

[sarahhod]

Missing Woman Found Dead In Car
Appears To Be Car Accident


http://www.cbs46.com/news/18222114/detail.html#-

POSTED: 10:23 am EST December 7, 2008
UPDATED: 11:06 am EST December 7, 2008

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- The search for a metro Atlanta woman who vanished last month is over, but tough questions remain about how she died and why it took so long to find her.

Cobb County police said they found the body of 22-year-old Laneeka Varnado of Powder Springs.

Her body was discovered Saturday afternoon by a landowner clearing out trees and brush on his property discovered the car smashed against a tree down a ravine along C.H. James Parkway in Austell.

Varnado's body was found inside her silver 1999 Mercedes.

Varnado was last seen on November 25th when she left her house in Paulding County for a concert at the Georgia International Convention Center, but she never made it.

Police say they got additional help identifying the body from Varnado's father who happened to ride by the scene on his motorcycle.

“He gave us additional information as to what she was wearing at the time she was last seen. It was consistent with her body her injuries seem to be at this point consistent with an automobile crash,” said Cobb police spokesperson Dana Pierce.

Her body, still in the car, was taken to a vehicle examination center at the Cobb County Police Headquarters where she was removed from the car. An autopsy and complete investigation of the vehicle are underway, but it appears this was an accident.

[Faith]

Missing Woman Found Dead In Car
Appears To Be Car Accident

POSTED: 10:23 am EST December 7, 2008
UPDATED: 11:06 am EST December 7, 2008

COBB COUNTY, Ga. -- The search for a metro Atlanta woman who vanished last month is over, but tough questions remain about how she died and why it took so long to find her.

Cobb County police said they found the body of 22-year-old Laneeka Varnado of Powder Springs.

Her body was discovered Saturday afternoon by a landowner clearing out trees and brush on his property discovered the car smashed against a tree down a ravine along C.H. James Parkway in Austell.

Varnado's body was found inside her silver 1999 Mercedes.

Varnado was last seen on November 25th when she left her house in Paulding County for a concert at the Georgia International Convention Center, but she never made it.

Police say they got additional help identifying the body from Varnado's father who happened to ride by the scene on his motorcycle.

“He gave us additional information as to what she was wearing at the time she was last seen. It was consistent with her body her injuries seem to be at this point consistent with an automobile crash,” said Cobb police spokesperson Dana Pierce.

Her body, still in the car, was taken to a vehicle examination center at the Cobb County Police Headquarters where she was removed from the car. An autopsy and complete investigation of the vehicle are underway, but it appears this was an accident.

http://www.cbs46.com/news/18222114/detail.html#-

[Alibar]

The last article posted says she never made it to the convention center... that isn't what her father said. He said she called him throughout her time at the center.

[TigressPen]

Dad: Daughter led him to accident scene

‘She brought me to the same path that she took’

By ANDRIA SIMMONS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Monday, December 08, 2008

Melvin Mackey had a sinking sense his missing 22-year-old daughter, Laneeka Varnado, had been found when he saw police cars lining the highway Saturday afternoon.

Mackey was motorcycling down C.H. James Parkway in Austell when he happened upon officers loading a smashed-up car onto a tow truck.


“A calm came over me, and I knew,” Mackey said Sunday. “I thought, ‘That’s my child in there.’ “

Cobb County police spokesman Dana Pierce said Sunday that investigators are “all but certain” the body inside the wrecked car is Varnado, based on the clothes she was wearing and the car she was driving. Police are waiting for the medical examiner’s office to confirm her identity.

Mackey had just left a fund-raiser at a restaurant in College Park aimed at finding his daughter. She disappeared Nov. 24 after attending a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

Mackey said he grew sleepy Saturday as drove his motorcycle toward the Powder Springs home he shared with his daughter. He decided to stay on C.H. James Parkway, rather than turning off onto back roads he typically traveled. Mackey reasoned the highway would be safer in his drowsy state,

His daughter, he thinks, had been of the same mindset.

Authorities say they think Varnado traveled that route the night she went missing. Her silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230 veered off the road, slid into a ravine and slammed into a tree. A man who owned property abutting the highway was walking in the area Saturday when he spotted the wrecked car and notified police.

Mackey said his daughter was probably dozing when her car ran off the road.

“She was trying to call me and tell me where she was,” he said. “She sprinkled some dust in my eyes for me to doze off, and she brought me to the same path that she took.”

Nobody saw the wrecked car because it was in a ravine about 200 feet off the highway, easily hidden from passing motorists.

There were no skid marks where the Mercedes left the road, Pierce said. It was unclear why the driver lost control. Investigators do not suspect foul play, Pierce said.

Mackey said he is relieved that his daughter’s death was an accident and that she didn’t suffer. Now, the family can lay her to rest.

“We’re gonna do it New Orleans style,” said Mackey. “We’re going to dance, we’re going to laugh, we’re going to celebrate her life. There is nothing to mourn.”

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/12/08/accident_victim_found.html

[Roamer]

:1222423::1222423::1222423:

[packy]

I wonder if they ever found the woman that was said early on about a woman leaving with her. If it's true hope they find her to interview and/or could she be lying somewhere in that ravine if she was in the car.

My condolences to Laneeka's family.

[sarahhod]

RIP Laneeka.:1222423:

Your father is special. :1222423:

[KittyMom]

I'm so glad that she was finally found and that her daddy can celebrate her life. It would've been terrible if he had had to wonder about where she was and what she was going thru.

May this daddy and family remember only good times.

[Faith]

Dad: Daughter led him to accident scene
‘She brought me to the same path that she took’


Monday, December 08, 2008

Melvin Mackey had a sinking sense his missing 22-year-old daughter, Laneeka Varnado, had been found when he saw police cars lining the highway Saturday afternoon.

Mackey was motorcycling down C.H. James Parkway in Austell when he happened upon officers loading a smashed-up car onto a tow truck.

A calm came over me, and I knew,” Mackey said Sunday. “I thought, ‘That’s my child in there.’ “

Cobb County police spokesman Dana Pierce said Sunday that investigators are “all but certain” the body inside the wrecked car is Varnado, based on the clothes she was wearing and the car she was driving. Police are waiting for the medical examiner’s office to confirm her identity.

Mackey had just left a fund-raiser at a restaurant in College Park aimed at finding his daughter. She disappeared Nov. 24 after attending a function at the Georgia International Convention Center in Atlanta.

Mackey said he grew sleepy Saturday as drove his motorcycle toward the Powder Springs home he shared with his daughter. He decided to stay on C.H. James Parkway, rather than turning off onto back roads he typically traveled. Mackey reasoned the highway would be safer in his drowsy state,

His daughter, he thinks, had been of the same mindset.

Authorities say they think Varnado traveled that route the night she went missing. Her silver 1999 Mercedes SLK230 veered off the road, slid into a ravine and slammed into a tree. A man who owned property abutting the highway was walking in the area Saturday when he spotted the wrecked car and notified police.

Mackey said his daughter was probably dozing when her car ran off the road.

“She was trying to call me and tell me where she was,” he said. “She sprinkled some dust in my eyes for me to doze off, and she brought me to the same path that she took.”

Nobody saw the wrecked car because it was in a ravine about 200 feet off the highway, easily hidden from passing motorists.

There were no skid marks where the Mercedes left the road, Pierce said. It was unclear why the driver lost control. Investigators do not suspect foul play, Pierce said.

Mackey said he is relieved that his daughter’s death was an accident and that she didn’t suffer. Now, the family can lay her to rest.

“We’re gonna do it New Orleans style,” said Mackey. “We’re going to dance, we’re going to laugh, we’re going to celebrate her life. There is nothing to mourn.”

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/stories/2008/12/08/accident_victim_found.html