Somer Thompson Murder Profile Generates More Leads

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- A brief flurry of tips followed the national broadcast this weekend of  "America's Most Wanted," which profiled the Somer Thompson murder investigation.

Three weeks ago, the 7-year-old disappeared while she was walking home from her Orange Park school. Two days later her body was found in a landfill in Folkston, Ga.

Clay County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Mary Justino said she could not put a figure on the number of calls the show generated, but she did say none resulted in a break in the case.

So far investigators have received more than 3,300 leads with detective teams following up on the workable tips.

Investigators do need help trying to track down Somer's tote bag and lunch box that she was carrying home the day of her disappearance. An artist's rendering of those items has been released. The tote bag and lunch box have not been recovered.

Somer's mother, Diena Thompson, in an interview with ABC News said, "I just hope she (Somer) knew that I loved her."

Thompson recalled one of the hardest questions she had to answer for investigators is whether she believed Somer would willingly get into a car with someone she didn't know.

"I feel like there's a piece of broken glass in front of me, and  I've got all the pieces to the broken glass except for this one, huge piece and that's to catch the monster who did this," said Thompson.

This weekend a benefit motorcycle ride attracted hundreds of bikers who hit the road for Somer.  Organizers say the ride raised $9,100 that will go to the Thompson family.

REWARD

• The Justice Coalition has set up an account for donations to a reward fund for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the murder of Somer. If you want to donate, go to Ameris Bank at 888 Lane Ave., or at 4835 Town Center Parkway, both in Jacksonville, and give account number 3123504437. Donors can also call the Justice Coalition at  904-783-6312. The reward stands right now at $45,000
• CrimeStoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for an arrest also; to donate to that fund, call 866-845-TIPS.

If you have any information that could help investigators, all 911, or call 1-877-227-6911 or 1-866-845-TIPS. You also can email cart@claysheriff.com.  

TO READ THE THANK-YOU LETTER FROM DIENA THOMPSON, CLICK HERE.

TO HELP AND RELATED EVENTS:

• There is an account at Vystar Credit Union for donations.  The account number is 0702794000.

FOR COMPLETE COVERAGE, CLICK HERE.

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