Monday, April 29, 2013

Amber Alert issued for missing 6-year-old Elijah Reczek canceled, child found safe

An Amber Alert issued on Monday, April 29, 2013, from Roswell, New Mexico has been canceled after authorities say the child was found safe in Lubbock, reports My Fox Lubbock.

Elijah Reczek was found safe on April 29, 2013.
Authorities issued the Amber Alert after reports stated that Elijah Reczek's mother Miranda Ann Aguilar abducted him at gunpoint and was possibly headed
towards Montana. New Mexico law enforcement stopped a van and located the Elijah, 6, his mother and several other people who were not publicly identified.

It is unclear whether charges will be filed, however, she was taken into custody.

Please review these missing children cases from New Mexico.


FBI Captures Man wanted for Rape, Kidnapping of 10-year-old girl


A pedophile who went by the alias of "Peckerwood" has been captured and brought to justice, according to an FBI announcement. Tobias Dustin Summers, who is a member of the white supremacist "Peckerwood" gang, was wanted for allegedly kidnapping and raping a 10-year-old Los Angeles, California girl.

On the run for approximately one month, Summers fled to Mexico where he was later identified then sent back to the United States where he will face multiple charges.

Click the source below for further information.

Source: KPCC




Poster Distributed by the FBI before the capture of Toby "Peckerwood" Summers




Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution - Kidnapping; Kidnap to Commit Sex Act; Sex with a Minor Under 10 Years Old; Sexual Assault of a Child; Lewd or Lascivious Act on a Child; Burglary

TOBIAS DUSTIN SUMMERS

Subject ImageSubject ImageSubject ImageSubject Image
Photograph taken in January 2013Tattoo on right calf

Aliases:

"Toby", "Peckerwood", Toby Peckerwood, Dustin Summer, Tobias David Summer, Tobias Dustin Summer, Dustin Summers, Peckerwood Summers, Tobia David Summers, Tobias Summers, Tobias David Summers, Tobis Dustin Summers, Toby Dustin Summers

DESCRIPTION

Date(s) of Birth Used:

November 30, 1982;
May 11, 1977;
November 30, 1980

Place of Birth:

Fresno, California

Height:

6'0" to 6'1"

Weight:

140 to 170 pounds

NCIC:

W557170157

Hair:

Blond

Eyes:

Blue/Gray

Sex:

Male

Race:

White

Nationality:

American

Scars and Marks:

Summers has a tattoo on his right shoulder/bicep of a skull/naked woman. He has a tattoo of a face with horns on his right calf. He has a small tattoo on top of his right hand between the thumb and forefinger, and pictures on his chest. He has the Superman logo on his upper chest. He also has tattoos on his left and right arms, his neck, his genitals and under his right arm.

Remarks:

Summers is a member of the Peckerwood street gang, a white supremacist gang in California concentrated in Summers' home area of the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. Summers wears eyeglasses occasionally. He was last seen wearing a long-sleeved thermal shirt, a black t-shirt, and black Dickie-brand pants. He was also carrying a red and black backpack.

CAUTION

Tobias Dustin Summers, a convicted felon, is wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and rape of a 10-year-old girl. On March 27, 2013, Summers is alleged to have kidnapped the young girl from her bedroom in her residence. She was then taken to several locations and raped. On March 30, 2013, video showed Summers entering into Tecate, Mexico.
On April 3, 2013, the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, issued an arrest warrant for Summers charging him with 37 counts in connection with the kidnapping and rape of a child, all of them felonies. On April 11, 2013, a federal arrest warrant was issued in the United States District Court, Central District of California, after Summers was charged with unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

REWARD

The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the location and arrest of Tobias Dustin Summers.

SHOULD BE CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.
Field Office: Los Angeles

Amber Alert canceled: One-year-old Brayden Blasius from Montana found

An Amber Alert issued early Sunday morning has been canceled after authorities say they located one-year-old Brayden Blasius safe in Fife, Washington. Authorities with the Flathead County Sheriff's Office stated that Brayden's non-custodial parents, Beau Blasius and Bryndi Gibson were apprehended and taken into custody on April 28, 2013.

It is believed that Brayden's parents abducted the boys and that drugs somehow played a role in the incident. It is unclear why the parents do not have custody of the child, but authorities believed he was in imminent danger and issued the Amber Alert.

Source: Flathead County Sheriff's Office

Please view these missing children cases from Montana and Washington.


CHILDREN MISSING FROM MT



CHILDREN MISSING FROM WA

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Hailey Dunn case: Vigil held in honor of slain Texas cheerleader (videos)


The news that missing 13-year-old Hailey Dunn's remains have been positively identified has left the city of Lubbock, Texas in sorrow and mourning. The bubbly, blonde cheerleader disappeared on Dec. 28, 2010, leaving her city and nation praying for her safe return. While some may find some solace in knowing that Hailey's remains have been located, the quest for many has now focused on seeking justice.

Who killed Hailey Dunn and why?

Dunn's mother and stepfather have been the subject of intense scrutiny, but no arrests related to Hailey's disappearance or death have been made.

Though Hailey's mother Billie Dunn and her boyfriend Shawn Adkins have moved from the home they shared with Hailey in Colorado City, residents who remembered Hailey gathered in front of the home in a candlelight, prayer vigil.

Go San Angelo spoke with Charlene Mayes, who attended the vigil and remembered searching for Hailey.

 “She has been with the Lord all this time. I hope they find whoever did this to her and get the punishment (he or she) deserves,” stated Mayes. They have been looking for that baby for two years and nothing was left but her bones.”

Connie Jones, Hailey's paternal grandmother spoke to KCBD. She said,"What made somebody want to hurt her? What did she did she do that was so bad? I'm numb, I'm numb, I just don't want to live."

You may see a video clip from the vigil for Hailey Dunn below.





Texas Missing Children Cases




Nancy Grace takes break from missing children cases for Jodi Arias trial

Nancy Grace is usually one of the most outspoken media voices for missing children cases, except for when there are high profile crimes taking place. How do you feel about Nancy Grace stopping coverage for missing children cases and Amber Alerts to focus solely on cases such as the Jodi Arias trial?

Do you think Nancy does a disservice to missing children when she stops featuring them? There have been many children who have gone missing since Jan. 2, 2013, the first day of the Jodi Arias trial, and if it weren't for that case, these children would undoubtedly get the focus and recognition often provided through Nancy's popular HLN show.

You can find more stories that Grace is currently covering at her official HLN blog, but you simply won't find an abundance of information regarding current missing children. That is bound to change; however, once Jodi Arias' case goes before the jury and a verdict is rendered.

What do you think? Should Nancy Grace find a way to balance high profile cases such as the Jodi Arias trial along with missing children?

Here is a video from Nancy Grace regarding missing children from 2012.


Children murdered in California

On April 28, 2013, a 9-year-old girl was reportedly found in her own home, stabbed to death apparently by an intruder. The investigation is ongoing and the Calavaras County Sheriff's Office has scheduled a  press conference is scheduled. The news has already caused many to relive horrific child murder cases in California.

California is no stranger to child victims and some of the nation's most heart-wrenching and terrifying crimes against children have taken place in the state.

Here are some of the most notable cases of children murdered in California.

Danielle Van Dam Case

Danielle Van Dam: Born September 22, 1994, Danielle's life came to a tragic end when her neighbor, David Alan Westerfield, abducted the seven-year-old from her San Diego, California bedroom on Feb. 2, 2002. Convicted of kidnapping and killing the young girl, the 61-year-old pedophile now sits in San Quentin where he awaits the death penalty.



Danielle Van Dam Case Resources

Polly Klaas Case

Born on Jan. 3, 1981, Polly Hannah Klaas was abducted at knifepoint from her mother's Petaluma, California home on Oct. 1, 1993. Polly had two friends over who spent the night as the three planned to enjoy a slumber party. Richard Allen Davis crept through a window, tied up Polly's friends and put pillowcases over their heads, then led Polly out of the home at knifepoint. Davis ultimately led authorities to Polly's body. It is believed he sexually assaulted her, murdered her then buried her in a shallow grave. Richard Allen Davis is currently on death row at California's San Quentin.

Polly Klaas' father Marc Klaas went on to found the Klaas Kids Foundation. He is a prominent speaker on child victims, missing children and promoting child safety awareness.


Despicable Comments by Richard Allen Davis at Sentencing

Marc Klaas: Klaas Kids Foundation
 

Polly Klaas Case Resources


Sandra Cantu Case

When eight-year-old Sandra Cantu disappeared from her Tracy, California home, no one thought that a 28-year-old Sunday School teacher and mother of a 5-year-old would be responsible. In what may be one of the nation's most shocking and horrific crimes, it was determined that Melissa Huckaby abducted, drugged and most likely sexually assaulted the young girl with a rolling pin. Details of the sexual abuse Huckaby inflicted upon Sandra were kept secret due to her plea arrangement.

Sandra Cantu was born on March 8, 2001. It is believed that Huckaby murdered her at her father's church on March 27, 2009. Huckaby pled guilty and avoided the death penalty. Though initially indicted on rape charges, the charge was dropped as part of the deal. Huckaby maintains she never sexually assaulted Sandra Cantu though the evidence in the case says differently.
Melissa Huckaby was sentenced to life without parole and is currently housed at the Central California Women's Facility.


Sandra Cantu's Father Speaks During Melissa Huckaby's Sentencing


Melissa Huckaby Apologizes to the Cantu Family



 Sandra Cantu Case
 

Sandra Cantu Case Resources


Samantha Runnion Case

Born in Boston, Massachusetts on July 26, 1996, Samantha Bree Runion became the subject of an intensive, California search when she was abducted from the front of her grandmother's Stanton, California home on July 15, 2012. Samantha had been outside playing with a friend when a man by the name of Alejandro Ávila approached the girls claiming he had lost his dog. Avila grabbed Samantha and drove off with the child screaming for her friend to get her grandmother.

Samantha Runnions' body was found the next day, naked along a highway. Avila's DNA was found under Samantha's fingernails.

Avila was sentenced to death. He is currently at San Quentin.

Erin Runnion visits place where Samantha's Body was Found

Erin Runnion Interview
 

Samantha Runnion Case Resources





Endangered missing boy Michael Flores Kershaw found safe in Texas

Michael Flores-Kershaw was found safe
A 10-year-old boy who was listed as endangered missing was found safe on Saturday, April 27, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas. Michael Flores-Kershaw was reported missing on Friday evening, April 26, 2013. It was rumored he possibly WFAA confirmed he was found safe.
ran away due to a poor report card. It is unclear where he was throughout the night or how authorities found him, but

You may view other Texas missing children cases in the links below.




Friday, April 26, 2013

Hailey Dunn case: Remains positively identified; press conference (videos, photos)

Hailey Dunn's remains positively identified on April 26, 2013
On April 26, 2013, authorities with the Scurry County Sheriff's Office held a press conference and announced that Hailey Dunn's remains had been positively identified. Thirteen-year-old Hailey Dunn was reported missing by her mother Billie Dunn on Dec. 28, 2010, when she failed to show up at her father's house. The investigation into her disappearance has been ongoing and both her mother and her live-in-boyfriend Shawn Adkins have faced increasing scrutiny. A cause of death has not  been announced and no charges or arrests have been made in the case.

Hailey Dunn vanished from her home in Colorado City, Texas and the Colorado City Police handled the case. On March 16, 2013, authorities with the Scurry County Sheriff's Office received a report that human remains had been located at Lake J.B. Thomas.A multi-agency effort was initiated to recover evidence from the crime scene. Accompanying the Scurry County Sheriff's Office was the F.B.I., Texas Rangers, Colorado City Police, Mitchell County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Authorities spent four days combing the area retrieving evidence.

The remains were sent to the University of North Texas Center for Human Identification where they were tested and underwent DNA analysis.

The investigation continues. Those with information regarding the case are asked to contact the Scurry County Sheriff's Office at (325) 573-3551 or the F.B. I. at (972)  579-5000. Those worried about their identity may choose to remain anonymous.

You may listen to the press conference and view photos of Hailey Dunn in the video player below.


Please review these other cases of children missing from Texas as well.






 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Is Mother of Bryeon Hunter Murderer or Victim of Battered Woman's Syndrome?

There is terrible news in the case of missing 1-year-old boy Bryeon Hunter, and it has resulted in the arrest of his mother and her boyfriend. Prosecutors state that Bryeon's mother brutally beat her son with a belt while her boyfriend covered the child's mouth then participated by beating him with plastic hangers. One day following the beating, the child died in the home, the Chicago Tribune reports. Both Lakeisha Baker, 22 and her boyfriend Michael Scott 21, have been arrested and charged with the boy's death. His body has not been found.

What is interesting about the Chicago Tribune's report, is that the perpetrator of the hideous crime is portrayed as Lakeisha Baker. Baker, however, appeared before the judge with two black eyes.

Did Lakeisha Baker kill her son or is she covering for Michael Scott?

Apparently, the prosecution believes she was the perpetrator as she is being held without bond while Scott's bail was set at $750,000.

According to the report, Scott took the child's body and placed it somewhere. Authorities continue to search for the child's remains. The couple had contacted authorities and stated that three Hispanics attacked Baker, beat her and abducted her son. An Amber Alert was issued, but authorities quickly grew doubtful of the couple's story.

Did Baker take a beating to her face in order to make her story seem plausible? The defense stated in the Chicago Tribune's report that their version of events differs greatly from the prosecutor's and alleges that Lakeisha Baker has been the victim of domestic abuse for an ongoing period.

Did Lakeisha Baker kill her son or is she taking the blame for Scott?

According to the Chicago Tribune, Lakeisha Baker's attorney Irv Frazin said regarding his client's take on the prosecutor's case.

"Well, she denies all that. We’ll get into that later. That’s their version. The defense version is entirely different.” 

Frazin claimed his client regularly suffered abuse at the hands of her boyfriend. “I’m not going to talk about any of the facts that are going to come out in trial, but I can tell you she’s been abused and beaten on a regular basis. She’s been hospitalized regularly by a man who is in the lock-up with her,” Frazin said.

Michael Scott, Lakeisha Baker held on charges of murdering 1-year-old Bryeon Hunter


One thing is certain, Bryeon Hunter is dead, and he didn't have to die. His little life was snuffed out way before his time. One look in this child's eyes, and you can see within one year of his life, he has suffered great pain.

The following video contains an up-to-date news report and comments by YouTube user MRSUPERBOY222 who speaks to the African American community regarding issues he believes are contributing to child abuse and murder. (warning, the following video contains a few profanities).

Saturday, April 20, 2013

10 Tips for Keeping Children Safe



Keeping children safe should be every parents priority.
Keeping children safe from harm is one of the most important jobs parents and child care guardians and caregivers have. From the time a woman conceives, focus shifts from the mother to that of the infant growing within her womb. Women who love, care for and nurture their children give up substances that are harmful to a child’s growth and focus their attention on ensuring the child has a protective and safe environment. As children grow, this is also the primary concern by parents who care for their children. If an environment isn’t the safest for a child to grow and thrive, then changes must be made to ensure the safety and well-being of children.

As the new millennium has brought with it an increase of child crimes, abductions, and the ever-growing threat of sexual predators and offenders, parents must also take steps to ensure their children are safe from these dangers as well. From predators in children’s environments (such as school, summer camps, day care settings and churches) to Internet threats from sexual predators and offenders who would hide their identity in order to lure children into sexual situations, parents must take a proactive role in their children’s lives in order to ensure absolute safety.
While some would like to keep their head in the sand and pretend that once they open the front door their child will step onto the idyllic streets of Andy Griffith’s Mayberry or enter the world of 50’s charm such as on Leave it to Beaver, the truth is that today’s children live in a war zone filled with predators and sexual deviants that spend their days looking for children to hurt, harm, steal, kill and destroy. At the same time, parents are left with the daunting task of trying to keep children safe, giving them the tools they need to remain protected in a variety of situations, without instilling fear, panic and even terror in them.

It is a daunting task, no doubt and many parents are left wondering what is the appropriate and best method for teaching children safety.

While every family is different and one parent may become extremely overprotective while another offers children unlimited amounts of freedom, there are steps that all parents can take that will help ensure their children have the wisdom, knowledge and tools available to identify dangerous situations and know how to handle them.

Here are 10 tips parents and child caregivers may use to keep children safe.

1.Let Those who work with your Children know you are Involved

While some sexual predators and offenders randomly pick children for their crimes, others target those who fit a profile. Children who are often depressed, quiet, withdrawn and lonely often come to the attention of sexual offenders and predators. This is because a predator may see an opportunity to fulfil a role in the child’s life where he or she is missing a solid relationship with an adult, and there is greater chance a withdrawn, quiet child will keep abuse secret. With a near epidemic of sexual abuse occurring in our nation’s schools, it is important for parents and child care guardians to let teachers and coaches know they are actively involved in their children’s lives.

Meeting teachers and coaches immediately, involving yourself in school activities, and letting those who work with children know you are involved, active and have open and frequent communication with your child can lower the risk of your child being targeted by predators.

2. Talk to your Kids and Don’t Ignore Warning Signs

Speak to your children on a daily basis about the people who they come in contact with and look for warning signs of inappropriate adult/child behavior and relationships. Many times children are sexually abused by someone they know, and teaching “stranger danger” simply isn’t adequate to ensure children are protected and aware of the dangers they may face. Children should be aware that someone they trust could still cause them harm and it is never a good idea to give someone in your child’s life 100% trust.

If a child shows signs of discomfort at the mention of an adult’s name, do not ignore this, but ask questions. A child who is being abused may become quiet, withdrawn, show signs of anxiety, agitation or discomfort, or even change the subject if the name of someone who is abusing them is mentioned or if a discussion turns towards that person. Be wary of any adult that seeks to spend inordinate amounts of time with your child.

Look at Jerry Sandusky for example. Sandusky had earned the trust of both children and their parents and went out of his way to spend “alone” time with his victims.

Children do not have the skills to protect themselves when they are unduly influenced and manipulated by grown adults. It is up to parents to ensure their children are safe and protected.

Grown adults who try to spend time with your children alone is one of the greatest warning signs you are dealing with a possible sexual predator.

3. Teach Children Healthy, Appropriate Relationships and let them know he or she is in Control of his or her Body

One of the best ways to keep children safe from predators and unhealthy relationships is to teach them what a good, healthy relationship looks like. Also, teach children that they are in control of their bodies and no one has the right to touch their body. Children should understand the importance of open communication with their parents or other child caregivers, and should have the freedom to express any concerns they have. If an adult or another child makes him or her feel uncomfortable, they must have the assurance of knowing they can tell a trusted adult who will believe and validate their concerns.

4. Know Where your Child is at all Times

There is simply no way around it; parents must know where their children are at all times. Even when a parent is aware of a child’s schedule or plans, dangerous situations can happen, but a parent who knows when and where a child was last seen, whom he or she was with, is taking necessary precautions that can provide pertinent information should a child go missing. Communicate with your child frequently and ensure that he or she knows how to contact you or another trusted adult in an emergency.

5. Know your Child’s Friends, Habits and Routines

Part of being an involved parent means knowing your child’s friends, habits and routines. Tragedy can strike in the blink of an eye and the only way parents can truly be prepared is to do their best to prevent disaster from occurring. Know your child’s habits, routines and acquaint yourself with his or her friends. Meet your child’s friends parents and know where they live, how to get in touch with them, and keep an open door of communication with them as well. By involving yourself in all aspects of your child’s life, you can detect warning signs that something may not be right.

6. Monitor your Child’s Internet Activity

Like it or not, children use the Internet. Even the majority of children who aren’t allowed to use the Internet will find a way to use it. Children must be taught Internet safety and rules regarding the type of information they will post and share online. Home computers may be set up with parental protection blocks that will provide parents data and tracking information as to their child’s online behavior.

There are numerous resources available that children and parents may use to further understand Internet dangers and how to reduce those risks.

7. Teach Your Children the Dangers and Consequences of Sexting

Sexting is a growing area of concern that not only can endanger a child’s safety due to sexual predators, but can also lead to bullying in the school setting. Sexting occurs when a child engages in sexual activity via a mobile phone or through the use of a web based application. Sexting may range from sending sexually explicit text messages to sharing semi-nude or nude photos. Sexting is not only dangerous, but it is a crime. When minors share semi-nude or nude photos of themselves, they are engaging in child porn. This includes those who receive those photos as well.

Sextng has led to several tragic cases where young girls have taken their lives due to the bullying and harassment that followed their sharing photos with others. Make sure your child is aware of these dangers and understands the risks of sexting.

8. Look for Secretive Behaviors

One of the most tell-tale signs that something is going wrong in a child’s life is that he or she will begin to behave in a secret manner. A child who is being sexually molested or abused may become secretive regarding a relationship with their abuser. Teens engaging in sexting may suddenly become glued to their cell-phone and frequently leave the room or go somewhere private to answer texts. Children may sneak on computers to communicate with someone they believe is a friend, who may instead be a sexual predator.

Any secretive behavior is an indication that your child is in trouble and needs to be addressed. Never ignore secretive behavior or assume your child simply needs his or her privacy. Something is going on and it is your job to determine what it is. Children and teens should feel confident enough in your relationship that they do not need to keep secrets from you, but let you know what they are dealing with.

If children fear punishment to the point they won’t come to you for help, there is a breakdown in your relationship and you, as the parent, must make steps to ensure your child’s safety and well-being comes first.

9. Teach Children to Trust their Instincts

Sometimes parents spend so much time telling children what to do, they neglect teaching children how to think for themselves. While it is true that children needs rules, boundaries and guidelines, they should also learn how to trust their own instincts and learn how to make their own decisions when it comes to choosing right from wrong.

Parents must guide children through life as they will ultimately be on their own and set free in the world where they will have to rely upon their own moral compass. Children who are encouraged from a young age to trust their instincts and gut feelings may have an easier time saying no to negative situations, turning away from peer pressure, and recognizing harmful people than those who have only been taught to follow their parent’s rules, but not how to think for themselves.

All children have natural instincts about situations, dangers, and people and more often than not, those instincts are correct. If a child instinctively feels uncomfortable around a person, they should be encouraged to follow their gut feelings and not forced to associate with people they are uncomfortable with.

Children who recognize when they feel uncomfortable and have been encouraged to use their voice to say “No,” are less likely to become manipulated by sexual predators and offenders and may even withstand peer pressure better than those who were never taught to trust their basic instincts.

10. Teach Children it’s Okay to say ‘No’ and at times be Rude

Children are taught to respect their elders, to listen when spoken to, and to be polite. Seldom are children taught to be rude to adults or to answer a request with a firm, “No.” These are different times and children must be taught that there are situations when it is okay to be rude to adults. When children learn to trust their first instincts, they will have the freedom within to tell adults “No,” run away, or ignore someone who is making them feel uncomfortable.

A child or teen walking down the street shouldn’t be approached by an adult for directions, help finding a lost animal, or any other proposal. If an adult approaches a child, he or she should feel comfortable leaving immediately, running away from the situation,  or ignoring the request without feeling he or she is being rude.

By focusing on preventing disaster and tragedy by teaching children how to be safe, smart and prepared, you can lower the risk of their becoming victimized by sexual offenders and predators.

Amber Alert for Bryeon Hunter turns to murder investigation of mother and her boyfriend (videos)

In a story that evokes similarity to murdering mother Susan Smith, the search for Bryeon Hunter has turned into a recovery effort while the 1-year-old's mother and her boyfriend have been arrested for his murder.

An Amber Alert was issued on April 16, 2013, for Bryeon Hunter after his mother alleged she had been physically attacked by three Hispanic males who kidnapped her and the child then fled in a vehicle with her son. You may read a full timeline of events as they transpired at Chicago's WGN here.

 

According to a developing story by WGN, Bryeon's mother, Lakesha Baker and her boyfriend Michael Scott were charged with the boy's death on April 19, 2013. Stay tuned to WGN for more developments on this heartbreaking story.

Click below for other missing children cases from Illinois.


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