By Stephen Kindland
Staff writer
ORANGE PARK – A specially trained crisis intervention team of Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputies has been created to help other deputies cope with the emotional “roller coaster” effect of working the Somer Thompson murder case.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Mary Justino said on Wednesday, Nov. 4, that the peer counseling team was formed because the multi-agency investigation into the abduction and murder of the 7-year-old child two weeks ago is “taking its toll” on department personnel.
“There’s a certain mix of hopefulness when they pursue hot leads, then disappointment when the leads don’t pan out,” Justino said. “There’s determination, hopefulness and anguish. It’s a roller coaster.”
She said U.S. Marshalls and detectives from her office, the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement have received more than 2,800 tips related to Somer’s Oct. 19 abduction, which ended with the discovery of her body at a South Georgia landfill two days later.
No arrests have been made, no one is in custody and police have not named any persons of interest in the case, which has drawn national attention and created an outpouring of support from Orange Park residents and other Clay County communities.
Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler has been working with crew members from the TV show America’s Most Wanted for a segment that is scheduled to air on Saturday night, Nov. 7.
A reward fund established by the Justice Coalition and First Coast Crime Stoppers now stands at a combined $45,000.
Anyone with information about the case can call the Clay County Sheriff's Office tip line at (877) 227-6911 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS). Callers can remain anonymous.
Information also can be sent via e-mail to CART@claysheriff.com.
Here is a list of fund-raisers for the Thompson family. To have an event added, send an e-mail to skindland@jcpgroup.com or gwalsh@jcpgroup.com.
Sunday, Nov. 8: Benefit motorcycle ride sponsored by Jax Bikers, 11 a.m. at Love 2 Ride, 3275 U.S. Highway 17 near Green Cove Springs. (904) 284-4321.
Sunday, Nov. 15: “Somer’s Day” music festival sponsored by Rockers Against Sexual Predators (RASP), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall Park next to Orange Park Town Hall, corner of Kingsley Avenue and U.S. Highway 17. Mike Lowe (904) 477-6260.
Sunday, Nov. 22: Bass Tournament, first light to 3 p.m., Whitey’s Fish Camp, 2032 County Road 220; $40 entry fee per boat; optional $10 for biggest bass contest; 50 per cent of entry fees divided among top five finishes. Sponsored by Whitey’s, North Florida Bass Masters and the Florida Bass Network. Sid (904) 759-3846 or Eddie (904) 923-4862.
Where to contribute: Any VyStar Credit Union office through an account under Somer Thompson’s name with account number 0702794000.
Ameris Bank also has an account (No. 3123504437) for donations to the Justice Coalition reward fund. Bank locations are 4835 Town Center Blvd. on Fleming Island and 888 Lane Ave. in Jacksonville.
October 30th 2009 - 12:11PM