It is costly, bloated and for the most part useless. Many law enforcement agencies have said it wastes their time and resources. Even it’s advocates like John Walsh said “Let’s get rid of the sex offender registry of 680,000 names and focus on the 10,000 violent offenders.” There are close to a million people on that registry now. Facts are facts. Out of the hundreds if not 1000s of alerts served through our service in 2010 not even 1% were registered.
So if it isn’t those loathsome registered sex offenders we all hate who are the predators? This indeed is the question. To find out we’ll review some higher profile alert cases from 2010. The results should come as no surprise. Let’s start with the recent case of Zahra Baker.
If you have followed the Zahra Baker case you know she had survived bouts of cancer. She lost one leg and was partially blind because of the cancer. Her body was found dismembered. Who were the predators? In this case evidence points to the parents, in particular the step mother. I can’t fathom what could motivate anyone to murder and mutilate a child, especially not a caregiver, yet that appears to be the case here.
Predator: Parents/Caregiver
Another recent case also involved a mothers boyfriend. Brittany Smith was abducted after her mother had been murdered. Evidence in the murder point to the mothers boyfriend. Fortunately the child was retrieved safely.
Predator: Boyfriend
In a case that is still pending an outcome the three Skelton boys remain missing for well over a month. The suspect is the biological father. He says he gave the boys to a woman but won’t disclose who she may be. Authorities do not expect a positive outcome to the case.
Predator: Parent
One of the most recent alerts and still under investigation, Jonathan Foster. Evidence points to a family acquaintance. The 12 year old child was abducted on Christmas Eve. A few days later a child’s body was found burned so badly it was unrecognizable . It was identified as Jonathan Foster. The acquaintance indicated she dumped the body after a surveillance video surfaced.
Predator: Family acquaintance
One last case. 15 year old Taylor Eileen Manley had a 38 year old boyfriend. This is against the law. He was convicted of third-degree criminal sexual conduct after the relationship was discovered. The day she was to testify against him in court he abducted and murdered her, then killed himself.
Predator: Boyfriend
Those are few of the of many alerts in year 2010 that have not had happy endings. The predators in the mentioned alerts were all known by, or a part of the family. This unfortunately is most often the case. There are strangers that will abduct your children make no mistake, but it is much, much more likely that someone you know will.
They will not be on any registry. You will probably never suspect them. They will however likely know your daily routine and when/where they can abduct your child. They may be perceived as a good friend. Your best defense is knowledge. Read about real statistics concerning abductions, not the hype that constantly get’s put out there.
I cited the cases above because they are recent and got nationwide attention. Most cases do not get this kind of attention. In turn it leaves the public misinformed and mislead. It generates fear and hate, not child safety. I urge every parent to arm themselves with all the knowledge they can find. Learn the true facts, avoid the myths and political agendas.
Protect your children by knowing and looking for the signs that would normally be brushed off because you know that person, it’s your job as a parent.