Archive for the ‘family’ tag
Aaroné Thompson Dead?
11.11.09: Aaron Thompson sentenced to 114 years. Read about it at
That night Aaroné did not return home during that bitterly cold night. I believe the temperature dropped to 12 degrees. She did not return home on Tuesday, or Wednesday. It snowed Tuesday night. Police called off the search for Aaroné today saying that they had searched every place a child that young could have gone. Aaroné is only six-years-old. When police began searching on Monday afternoon they made comments to the media indicating that the family was not being too cooperative with the search. They were reluctant to discuss what problems they were having with the family because they felt the investigation might turn into one of a criminal nature later on and they did not want to jeopardize the investigation. One thing police did mention was that they were unable to obtain a recent photo of the girl; the only photo provided to law enforcement was 1 1/2 years old. That is the photo at the top of this blog entry. Police believe the girl has been dead for at least 1 1/2 years and the request for help for her recent disappearance was fabricated. Search warrants have been served on the home and the father and the live-in girlfriend are being looked at as ‘persons of interest’ in the death of six-year-old Aaroné. Seven other children live in the home. They have been removed from their home and placed in protective custody with Child Protective Services. The family is upset with how they have been treated. They feel that they have been treated unfairly and have hired a family friend to be their spokesperson. They are considering hiring an attorney. I believe it may be a good idea to get an attorney at this point, but not for the reasons they want to hire an attorney. Other information learned during the investigation was that the girl did not attend school. Her mother lives in a woman’s shelter in Michigan. She told reporters she could not afford the cost of travel to come and look for her daughter. Perhaps they are innocent of any wrong-doing. In my last blog entry I wrote of how we have had at least one child murdered each month this year in the United States. So far, if Aaroné was murdered this month instead of a few years ago then that will be a total of two murdered children for the month of November. I wonder when will it end, the slaughtering of our children. The police are pretty confident that Aaroné Thompson was murdered in her home at least 1 1/2 years ago. They cite some interesting reasons; there were no pictures of Aaroné in the home older than 4 1/2 years and she had never been enrolled in school. It is as if she had fallen off of the face of the earth. They also received a tip from someone close to the family indicating that Aaroné most likely is deceased and has been for some time. According to law enforcement officials, interviews conducted with the children indicate they have acknowledged that Aaroné has been gone from the home for a considerable length of time. If this is true, Aaroné was not the only victim. It is a horrible thought that these children have had to keep that secret. I wonder what the effects on their psyches will be in the years to come. Thus far Aaroné’s father and his live-in girlfriend have not cooperated with the investigation. Time will tell if Aaroné was murdered or if she in fact walked out her door on Monday, November 14, 2005 never to be seen again. Much has happened over the past few years with this case. Aaron Thompson and his live-in girlfriend Shelly lost permanent custody of their children. Shelly died sometime last year from a heart condition. Aaron was indicted earlier this year and will stand trial November 3, 2008. It is interesting because the deceased former live-in girlfriend was also named in the indictment. I will be covering this trial on my other blog, The End of the Story. 09.10.09: Prosecutors will seek Death Penalty. Read about it at The End of the Story Video was released this past weekend showing a skipping and seemingly carefree Sandra going by what is believed to be the home of her grandparents. Her grandfather had recently installed the surveillance equipment because two weeks before Sandra’s disappearance his truck was vandalized. Police have been pretty diligent in their search for the eight-year-old. They have brought at least three men in for questioning who live in the mobile home park and have impounded at least four vehicles. Sandra’s father has been given a polygraph exam. Some things do not add up. Why did it take almost four hours for Sandra to be reported missing? Certainly she must have missed dinner. Her mother has been pretty much camera-shy, and Sandra’s aunt has been the spokesperson for the family. Today, a discovery was made in an irrigation pond approximately two miles from Sandra’s home, which prompted a call to police. Farm workers draining the pond to irrigate the fields noticed a black container floating to the surface as the water level receded. Someone pulled the container over to the embankment. According to a spokesperson for the FBI the container has not been opened; however, the county pathologist has been called to the scene. The spokesperson said Crime Scene Investigators are taking pictures of the surrounding area and making note of footprints, tire tracks and anything else that might look suspicious. The container will be taken to an undisclosed location later this afternoon and opened there. When asked by a reporter at the news conference why it is necessary to take such precautions if in fact the container does not hold human remains the response was in it important to preserve the scene in case they later discover human remains when the container is opened. For what it’s worth I believe they know Sandra is in that container or perhaps evidence pertaining to Sandra. The reason I believe that is because of human nature. It is human nature to immediately open something up when you find it floating. I am reminded of the Baby Grace case. The fisherman who found that container floating up to shore immediately opened it up. He then called police when he realized there was a body inside. Of course, time will tell in this case whether the remains of Sandra Cantu are inside the large black container that some news organizations have referred to as a suitcase. On another note, just prior to discussing the discovery of the container, he read a written statement from the family. Contained in that written statement was information indicating that Sandra’s aunt is the official spokesperson for the family, that monies donated should only go to the Carole Sunde Foundation or the Crime Stoppers of the Tracy Police Department. The addresses were given for each and a mention was made to make sure to put the name Sandra Cantu in the memo section of the check. Also, cash can be dropped off at the Tracy Police Department. Sandra’s family will no longer participate in the nightly Prayer Vigils because it is just too painful for them. The FBI spokesperson made a point of stating this written statement from the family and their decisions has nothing to do with today’s discovery of the container. Updates April 6, 2009: 9p.m. During an 8:30p.m. news conference held tonight the a spokesperson for the Tracy Police Department announced the recovery of Sandra Cantu’s body. The large container located this afternoon did in fact contain the remains of Sandra Cantu. Police are now identifying the container as a suitcase. At this point authorities are not commenting on possible suspects or ties to the suitcase with persons already questioned. An autopsy will be conducted tomorrow. Sandra’s family was notified of the find just prior to the news conference and they are in seclusion. This case chills me to the bone. I am having the same reaction as when Christopher Barrios went missing from the mobile home park in Georgia. Three neighbors are awaiting trial for his murder. I would imagine the person or persons responsible for Sandra’s death will be someone she knew, just as her mother mentioned in one of her interviews. April 7, 2009: 4p.m. Police say they are close to solving the case of who murdered Sandra Cantu and are closing in on the suspect. Last night they served a search warrant on another home inside the mobile home park where Sandra lived. “We are open to whatever they want to ask,” said Connie Lawless, who also said Sandra used to come by and play with their great granddaughter….Lane Lawless told a Sacramento news station, News 10, he had nothing to do with the girl’s disappearance. 1 According to one report, Sandra’s mother, Maria Chavez, passed out when she was given the news about her daughter. She was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. I can’t imagine how it would feel to have lived in that mobile home park and considered most in the park friends. Sandra was allowed to visit both children and adults inside the park. Some adults referred to Sandra as her friend or she their friend. Now, all are looking at one another knowing that at least one of the neighbors is a hardhearted child killer. April 7, 2009: 4:30p.m. During this afternoon’s news conference police confirmed the autopsy was completed on Sandra’s body this morning. However, they are not releasing the cause of death until toxicology reports and tissue sample tests are completed; those results could take from 4 to 6 weeks. Also during the news conference police stated they have received many phone calls from community members wanting to send condolences to the family. The police spokesperson stated any cards or letters for the Cantu family should be sent to the Tracy Police Department and they will make sure the family receives the mail. For those wishing to donate cash the spokesperson said to contact the Sund-Carrington Foundation in Modesto, California. April 10, 2009: 2 a.m. The items placed at the makeshift memorial site in front of the mobile home park have been removed at the request of the family. They were concerned the items would be damaged from the expected rain. The family plans to donate the items to various childrens’ charities. Police confiscated a letter that was left at the memorial site. It was addressed as follows: ‘From Sandra, To My Killer’, and on the inside it read, ‘You’ve taken my life away from me, but I forgive you. And God will judge you at some point.’2 Investigators do not know if the letter has any bearing on the case but they will attempt to investigate the origin. Police continue to aggressively pursue Sandra’s killer or killers. April 11, 2009: 5 p.m. Police did not elaborate on a motive and said it will be up to the district attorney and the courts to determine whether Sandra’s death was an accident or pre-meditated murder. During the news conference Shenman did say they are pretty sure they know where the murder occurred. Another investigator stated that by the time Sandra was reported missing, at 8 p.m., the murder had already occurred. Police notified Sandra’s parents of the arrest at approximately 2:15 a.m. Melissa Huckaby is the mother of a five-year-old girl – one of Sandra’s best friends. Huckby lives in the mobile home park with her grandfather, Pastor Lawless and she taught Sunday school at her grandfather’s church. Huckaby had told police on the day of Sandra’s disappearance that Sandra had come to her home to play with her daughter but she had told Sandra the girl could not play so she allegedly sent Sandra away. Huckaby had also mentioned in the media that the same day that Sandra disappeared someone stole a suitcase from her driveway. It was her inconsistent comments in the press that caused authorities to take another look at Huckaby. She is set to be arraigned on Tuesday. Huckaby is turning away visitors. She is housed away from the other prisoners and is said to be on suicide watch. April 13, 2009: 3:45 p.m. According to San Joaquin County Deputy District Attorney Robert Himmelblau during an interview with the Associated Press, he stated that murder charges filed against Melissa Huckaby could include special circumstances of rape with a foreign object, lewd and lascivious conduct with a child and murder in the course of a kidnapping. The special circumstances charges would make Huckaby death penalty eligible. If the death penalty is not sought a conviction on any of the special circumstances charges would mean a life sentence without the possibility of parole. April 14, 2009: 4:45 p.m. Melissa Huckaby was led into the San Joaquin County Courthouse this afternoon in shackles to face murder charges. As the charges were read in open court Melissa Huckaby silently wept. I did notice in the video that she wept considerably more when the charge of rape with a foreign object was read aloud. The complete list of charges are as follows: Special circumstances The murder charge with special circumstances makes this a Death Penalty eligible case. Huckaby did not enter a plea today. She was assigned a public defender. Huckaby is scheduled for further arraignment on April 24. I will be blogging about the remainder of this case on my other blog, The End of the Story April 15, 2009: 5 p.m. Police believe Huckaby could have other victims and are asking those children to come forward. Any parent who suspects their children may have had “inappropriate contact” with Huckaby are being asked to contact authorities, Sgt. Tony Sheneman said. 3 April 15, 2009: 6:00 p.m. April 16, 2009 The public memorial service held today at Merrill F. West High School was attended by thousands of people paying respects to Sandra Cantu. Many did not personally know Sandra Cantu or her family, but they said they could relate to the little girl and her family. I was surprised to read that Senator Barbara Boxer and State Attorney General Jerry Brown not only attended the memorial service, but also spoke during the service. Other speakers included Tracy’s police chief and Sandra’s aunt. Donations in Sandra’s memory may be sent to: Carole Sund/ Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation August 17, 2009: 3 p.m. PST San Joaquin grand jury indicted Melissa Huckaby on all charges against her regarding the death of Sandra Cantu and the drugging of an unnamed adult male and another child earlier this year. Huckaby appeared in court today with her attorney to hear the charges against her. According to reporters Huckaby seemed relaxed and was even smiling until the judge read the charges. At that point Huckaby began to cry. It was also observed by some reporters that Huckaby appeared to have scratches on her face and arms. Sandra Cantu’s Body Found in Luggage, KCRA.com, April 6, 2009. Mike Martinez and Eric Louie, Staff Writers and Aaron Swartz, Correspondent, San Joaquin Herald, Pastor of Tracy Church Being Searched Says He Lived Near Slain Girl, The Mercury News, April 7, 2009. Search for Tracy Girl’s Killer Intensifies (12:22p.m.), The Record.net, April 7, 2009. Sarah Netter, Sandra Cantu Found in a Suitcase; Police Closing in on Suspect, ABC News, April 7, 2009. Sunday School Teacher Arrested in Cantu’s Death, KCRA – Sacramento, April 11, 2009. Associated Press, Report: Prosecutors Considering Rape, Molestation Charges in Sandra Cantu Case, Mercury News.com, April 13, 2009. Tracy Murder Suspect Weeps in Court, KRCA.com, April 14, 2009. Public Memorial for Cantu, KCBS, April 16, 2009. 08.01.09: AMBER Alert cancelled, Cynthia located safe, suspect in custody. A California AMBER Alert has been issued this evening for a 13-year-old girl from Whittier allegedly abducted by her paternal uncle. According to Whittier Police, Cynthia Hernandez was taken by her uncle, Juan Hernandez, 45, last night after having an argument with Cynthia’s mother. Family members have told police that Juan Hernandez carries a handgun. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Whittier police at (562) 945-8249. Victim: Cynthia Irene Hernandez Suspect: Juan Hernandez Suspect Vehicle 1994 Black Chevrolet Silverado Pickup with CA License Text: 8N84118 August 1, 2009: 11 p.m. Cynthia was located at 9 p.m. this evening at a San Dimas Arco gas station. According to the Whittier Police, with the cooperation of the Department of Justice and “sophisticated surveillance equipment” they were able to locate the suspect’s truck. He was taken into custody without incident when he stopped at the gas station to refuel his truck. Cynthia has been returned to her family in Whittier. The police would not elaborate on the “sophisticated surveillance equipment”.2
Aaroné Thompson was reported missing Monday afternoon from her home in Aurora, Colorado by her father Aaron Thompson. He told police that there was some sort of disagreement about discipline and she walked out of the house. I don’t recall reading information about how long she was gone before her father went to look for her, but he claims he searched for her and then called police.I am trying to understand why a parent who had murdered a child would report that child as missing 1 1/2 years after the fact. It would seem to me that a secret like that kept for so long would be kept as a secret and taken to the grave.
Again, I wonder why someone would fabricate a story of a missing child for one that they knew was murdered. The only excuse I have come up with that is logical to me is that someone was coming to visit the family. Aaroné’s birthday was approaching on November 30th. Perhaps this person, a relative was particularly interested in seeing Aaroné. There was no way of getting around her not being there unless she was reported missing, possibly a victim of a kidnapping. This would bring sympathy for the family and it would also get them off the hook as being involved in their child’s murder; at least for a while until they could dispose of the body in a remote location. Could the murderer be that ignorant to the fact that law enforcement, once finding the remains would be able to pinpoint just how long she had been deceased?CA Endangered Missing: Sandra Cantu
Original Post: April 6, 2009Last Updated: August 17, 2009View Sources
Sandra Cantu, age 8 years, disappeared from her Tracy, California home at the Orchard Mobile Home Estates where she lived with her mother, grandparents, and other siblings including an older brother. According to her mother, Sandra went outside to play at about 3p.m. on Friday March 27. A neighbor said Sarah told her daughter she had to go back home to do her homework and that was approximately 4p.m. Sandra’s mother called police to report her daughter’s disappearance at 8p.m.
Today, the Clover Road Baptist Church located a short distance from the mobile home park has been labeled a crime scene. The church has been roped off with crime scene tape and police say they are searching for evidence there connected to the home they searched last night. The pastor of the church, Lane Lawless, and his wife, Connie, have also been questioned. According to Connie Lawless:
People are gathering in front of the mobile home park and placing objects at the growing memorial for Sandra Cantu.
I am really impressed with the Tracy, California Police Department and how quickly they were able to arrest someone for the murder of Sandra Cantu. During the morning news conference Sgt. Sheneman told reporters that Melissa Huckaby, 28, came into the police station late Friday afternoon at their request. She began a discussion with detectives. At first she was cool and calm, but then became emotional. After five hours Melissa finally admitted to the kidnapping and murder. She was taken into custody and booked on kidnapping and murder charges.
Los Angeles news station CBS reported this afternoon that Melissa Huckaby’s hospitalization the week prior to her arrest was for internal bleeding as she had previously stated to reporters. However, the reason for the internal bleeding was not as her grandmother stated – bleeding ulcers. Apparently Melissa Huckaby swallowed three X-ACTO knife blades in an attempt to commit suicide. It is not clear if she took herself to the hospital for treatment.
Sandra Cantu’s parents laid their daughter to rest in a private ceremony at Fry Memorial Chapel. After the service her casket was loaded onto a horse-drawn carriage and taken to Tracy Mausoleum.
301 Downey Ave.
Modesto, CA 95354
Sources CA AMBER Alert: Cynthia Irene Hernandez
Original Post: August 1, 2009Updated: 11 p.m.View Sources
Cynthia is a 13-year-old Hispanic female with brown hair and brown eyes. She is 5’11″ tall and weighs 240lbs. When last seen Cynthia was wearing a pink shirt, blue jean skirt, white tennis shoes, and brown prescription glasses.1
Juan Hernandez is a 45-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes. he is 5’8″ tall and weighs 245lbs. When last seen Juan was wearing gray slacks and a long-sleeve dress shirt. Considered armed and dangerous
