RIP Caylee Anthony

So now it looks like little Caylee is laid to rest, George and Cindy are cleaning up their act, and Casey spends her holiday without family or friends.

There were times when I wondered if George and Cindy realize they have made asses of themselves in the public spotlight. Now I am starting to have good feelings for them. It began with my reading about them giving the memorial stuffed animals to needy children for Christmas, and it continues with what I have just read here.

http://www.wftv.com/news/18373572/detail.html?treets=orlc&tid=2658219508813&tml=orlc_4pm&tmi=orlc_4pm_-1_03000112292008&ts=H
(Thank you Doreen Prior)

Perhaps, with the discovery of Caylee's remains, George and Cindy have come to realize that Casey is not so innocent as they have claimed before, or that they can no longer persuade anyone to believe it. Either way, it seems they have turned around, just in time for Christmas.

Meanwhile, Casey sits alone in her cell, while the rest of the world celebrates. Does anyone feel sorry for her? It doesn't look like it. Who can say she didn't bring it upon herself? She won't even be allowed to attend Caylee's funeral.

Caylee's story has rocked the world from July to December, gaining more public attention than any other news story this year. Caylee's short life has become a story that will never be forgotten.

And it's not over yet.

Memorial Toys go to Charity

I like stories where something good comes out of something sad.

A makeshift roadside memorial at the scene in Orlando, FL, where the remains of Caylee Anthony have been found, has been growing each day since the announcement came. The memorial consists of cards, letters, balloons, flowers, and hundreds of stuffed animals.

On Sunday the hundreds of stuffed animals have been collected and donated to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. 89 homeless children who are being housed there, ages 18 months to 10 years old, have received these toys as Christmas gifts.

But not everyone is happy about that.
There are those who say the stuffed animals were given as a memorial to Caylee Anthony, and so they must remain.
George and Cindy Anthony made the decision to give the toys to the rescue mission, and some say that it was not their call to make.

Still, there are more who believe that the stuffed toys would be ruined by the weather if left outdoors, while we have needy children who would not have much of a Christmas without them. Besides, the balloons, flowers, and other trinkets would remain at the scene as a tribute to Caylee.

Brad Conway, the Anthonys' attorney, had this to say.

"The Anthony family knows that what Caylee would want is for some other children to have these gifts. She always shared her toys with other kids, and they know if Caylee was here, she would share these."

A survey was taken on these conflicting opinions, and you can see it here.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/18331389/detail.html#

My opinion may not be worth a whole lot, but it's free.
I say when it comes to Christmas, the children come first.
Also, I believe we should always remember those less fortunate, and that living children would appreciate these toys more than anyone else.
Isn't that what Christmas is about?

Your opinion is also welcome, and there's a comment button down there you can use.
Merry Christmas!

Closure for John Walsh & Family

Although it has long been suspected that Adam Walsh was killed by Ottis Toole 27 years ago, it needed to become official. Thankfully, that time has come.

For the family of John Walsh, there has never been any doubt.

John Walsh is considered by many to be the greatest crusader against crime in America today. For 20 years John has served as host for America's Most Wanted, perhaps the most popular crime show not only in the US, but also in Canada.

Some believe that AMW was the inspiration behind NC Wanted, following similar guide lines, but focusing on crimes in the Tarheel State. NC Wanted has become my favorite crime show, for personal reasons I'm sure you'll understand.

Ottis Toole, a convicted serial killer, died in prison in 1996. By deathbed confession, he revealed to his niece he did kill Adam Walsh, who was 6 years old. For reasons I can't explain, it took another 12 years after that for it to become official.

Isn't it amazing how many crimes have been solved since this Holiday Season began?

I hope that John Walsh will continue as host for AMW.

http://www.amw.com/features/feature_story_detail.cfm?id=3078

http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2008/12/fla-cops-solve.html

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/posted/archive/2008/12/16/who-was-ottis-toole.aspx

Arrests Made in Ira's Murder!

More breaking news today!
Two men were arrested in connection with the murder of Ira Yarmolenko!

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4128171/

Ira's brother, and my new friend, Pavel Yarmolenko, has left for Mt. Holly to meet with police. We'll keep in touch.
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PS - This just in from NC Wanted
---------------------------------------
-NC WANTED INSIDER-
December 12, 2008

ALERT: The Irina Yarmolenko case appears to have been solved. Two Mount Holly
men have been charged in the death of Ukrainian-born Yarmolenko, who was a
University of North Carolina-Charlotte student from Chapel Hill, police said
Friday.

Irina "Ira" Yarmolenko was also a graduate of Chapel Hill high school.

For more, go to www.wral.com and www.ncwanted.com
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PPS - Here's more on this story from the Gaston Gazette, with more links to check out at the end.
http://www.gastongazette.com/news/charlotte_28091___article.html/mystery_murder.html

Caylee Anthony Found?

Today the skeletal remains of a small child were found inside a plastic bag less than a half mile from the Anthony home in Orlando, Florida. The area has been under water during previous searches.
You can read all about it here
http://www.newsday.com/iphone/orl-bk-caylee-anthony-body-found-121108,0,7926553.story
and here
http://www.wftv.com/news/18253901/detail.html

Chris's Crime Forum has also picked up the story.

http://chriscrimeforum.freeforums.org/remains-of-young-child-removed-from-near-anthony-home-t2895.html

Crazy Christmas Lights

"Amazing" things happen to houses around here this time of year!

Website of the Month in CCF

Ladies and Gentlemen;
It gives me great pleasure to announce to you that Friends of Debbie Key has made "Website of the Month" for December 2008 in
Chris's Crime Forum.
There's a link over there where you can check out CCF. --->
Thank you, Everyone, for your support!

In other news...
Here's the latest on the Michelle Young case.