Another child vanishes, 9 year old girl in Missouri

[OK!]

That poor little thing. I meant to watch the news tonight to see if there was any news on her...I was so hoping for a different outcome.

 

[luvmy3]

 

[aristocatz]

What is going on? For the life of me I do not understand why all of this is happening to these children. I pray that they find her soon and that she is safe.

I'm not sure if there are necessarily more children being abducted, but I do think that the media highlights these cases much more than they used to.....which I think is a good thing because by keeping these kids in the spotlight, sometimes they get found quicker.

 

[NotUrsula]

I think that in light of previous posts here, it is important to note that according to the Sheriff, the POI in this case (who led the police to the body) is someone that the girl knew -- NOT a stranger.

From the Post-Dispatch:

Cole County Sheriff Greg White said a juvenile, described only as a "person of interest," was taken into custody. The juvenile was acquainted with the girl, Elizabeth Olten, White said.

[...]

White said police found written evidence and that the juvenile led searchers to Elizabeth's body in a wooded area. He did not elaborate.

PS from the POV of several days later: While we normally would not get the name of a juvenile suspect, there is something a bit odd about how very carefully the police involved with this case are avoiding all references to the suspect's gender. I have a hunch that the 15 yo suspect in this case might be female.

 

[ChrisFL]

I'm not sure if there are necessarily more children being abducted, but I do think that the media highlights these cases much more than they used to.....which I think is a good thing because by keeping these kids in the spotlight, sometimes they get found quicker.

Unless it's a black girl, then you never hear about it

 

[2girlsmom]

Maybe in some places that is still true, but not all. Here in Omaha, we have a lot of coverage of children when they are missing, regardless of color. As an example, Amber Harris was on the local news less than 12 hours after she didn't make it home from school. I sincerely hope that race never has a place in the search for a missing child, every child is precious!

 

[mjkacmom]

I agree that these cases are horrible....very upsetting and disturbing. The little girl in Florida particularly bothered me, I think, because I've been in that community before. There is a state park near there that we like to visit when we are in Florida.

However, I'm going to be the unpopular one and say that I do not think allowing a seven year old to walk a mile home from school in the company of several other children is abuse or neglect. Would I do it? I don't know. It would depend on the area, the personalities of the kids, etc. I probably wouldn't...but that would be because I would be worried about getting hit by a car, which is MUCH more likely than getting kidnapped. As for the girl in MO, it was a quarter mile (1,300 feet) and four houses in between her friend's house and her own. Would I let a 9 year old walk that alone in the daylight in a neighborhood I felt was safe? Yep. I sure would. And, yes, after this news story, I still would. I'm not going to criticize anyone for making different choices that I would make....but I find it hard to find fault with either of the parents involved in these recent tragedies.

Interesting website to checkout for anyone who's interested..... www.freerangekids.wordpress.com

Personally, I pretty much agree with the philosophy. I know lots of others won't. And, that's fine.

I agree. Last year, dd8 was walking to school with ds11 and his friends (5 minute walk, with crossing guards). I always walked to school as a child, and I don't think there are more dangers today. My older kids walk to their friends' homes, or ride their bikes. However, I now walk the younger ones to school - ds11 is a patrol, and goes early with his friends, and I don't trust ds6 - he'd be one to run ahead. I think you just have to know what your children are capable of.

 

[teacups]

I agree. Last year, dd8 was walking to school with ds11 and his friends (5 minute walk, with crossing guards). I always walked to school as a child, and I don't think there are more dangers today. My older kids walk to their friends' homes, or ride their bikes. However, I now walk the younger ones to school - ds11 is a patrol, and goes early with his friends, and I don't trust ds6 - he'd be one to run ahead. I think you just have to know what your children are capable of.

I dont know. Maybe it has to do with where you live. I dont let my kids walk alone. I do think things have changed. There are less morals. I mean, back in the day, yes, you'd get a teen beating to death another teen... but when you can get an entire flock of teens beating to death one kid and not one stops it for fear of thier own death.... yep, I think the world has gotten more dangerous. The group mentality is bad. You have websites where child predators get together to discuss where and how best to grab a kid for sexual purposes. To each his own, and if you (anyone, not YOU) feel totally safe then good for you. I iwsh everyone could.