Jodi Parrack-11 Year Old Girl Murdered

[odette]

11 Year Old Girl Murdered

fox28.com - November 9, 2007

Constantine police are investigating a murder after finding the body of an 11 year old girl in a cemetery.

They say Jodi Christine Parrack never made it home after playing with some friends and was found by a group of people, including her mother.

Since Constantine is a small community, so they're relying on just about any tip a person can bring in.

Police say Jodi was last seen around 4:45 Thursday afternoon and was found dead in the cemetery around 10:30.

The cemetery is less than a mile from her home. — continued

http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=27873

Jodi Christine Parrack

[odette]

Autopsy of girl's body found in cemetery indicates homicide; FBI joins Mich. case

detnews.com - Santiago Esparza / The Detroit News - November 9, 2007

CONSTANTINE TOWNSHIP -- Preliminary autopsy reports Friday indicate an 11-year-old girl found dead at a Florence Road cemetery was killed, but did not show how she died.

Jodi Christine Parrack's death now is being investigated as a homicide and the Federal Bureau of Investigations is assisting on the case, Constantine Township police said.

Jodi's body was discovered about 10:30 p.m. Thursday at the cemetery, Constantine Township police said. She was reported missing about 4:45 p.m. Thursday.

Police are asking that anyone with information about the case, particularly a light-colored, older-model van seen in the area last night call investigators.

Jodi, a fifth-grader at Riverside Elementary School, was wearing a black sweater, black T-shirt, jeans and black tennis shoes, police said. She was riding a silver Mongoose bicycle.

She was clothed and the bike was found near her body at the cemetery, according to WWMT-TV. — continued

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...11090432&imw=Y

[odette]

11-year-old's death ruled homicide

woodtv.com - Posted: JOE LaFURGEY - Nov 10, 2007

CONSTANTINE -- Police say an 11-year-old girl's death was homicide, and the county prosecutor said they have reason to believe she was abducted. The FBI has joined the investigation.

Jodi Christine Parrack's body was found in a cemetery by her mother Thursday evening.

At first, police ruled her death suspicious. After the autopsy results came back on Friday, they ruled the death a homicide, though the details that led them to this conclusion were not revealed. — continued

The cemetery where Jodi Parrack's body was found.

» Press conference on the investigation
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.a...35158&nav=0Rcd

[odette]

Girl's death ruled a homicide

Prosecutor: ‘Children are going to help us solve this case’

sturgisjournal.com - Corky Emrick - November 9, 2007

CONSTANTINE - The death of 11-year-old Jodi Christine Parrack of Constantine has been ruled a homicide with an undetermined cause. — continued

Excerpt: "Most of the search was done by Jodi's family and friends," Honeysett said. "They checked all the normal areas where kids hang out, and the cemetery was a last resort."

Parrack's mother found her daughter's body at about 10:30 p.m., next to a large tombstone, fully clothed and not breathing. Constantine firefighters performed CPR but their lifesaving efforts failed. Authorities said there was no indication that she had been struck, nor were there any other clear signs of trauma.

Members of the St. Joseph County Major Crime Task Force
work to collect evidence at the site where the body of Jodi
Parrack was found Thursday night. Police have ruled her
death a homicide.

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/articl...9924713226.txt

[odette]

Officials Rule 11-Year-Old's Death a Homicide, Urge Parents to Be Alert

wsbt.com - Leanne Tokars - Nov 9, 2007

(WSBT) A little girl disappears, then turns up dead. Now neighbors and police are looking for answers about who's behind her death.

Police believe someone abducted 11-year-old Jodi Parrack as she rode her bike home from a friend's house, then killed her.

Her body was found around 10:30 Thursday night in a cemetery near her home in Constantine.

Police are now calling it a homicide and urging other parents to stay alert. — continued

»
http://www.wsbt.com/news/11155741.html

[odette]

Body of 11-Year-Old Girl Found in Southwest Michigan Cemetery

http://www.wsbt.com/news/11144161.html

[odette]

FBI joins probe of girl's death

mlive.com/kzgazette - Earlene McMichael - November 10, 2007

CONSTANTINE -- In a town known for its cupolas and cornfields, the homicide Thursday of an 11-year-old girl has left residents here wondering how such a crime could happen in their community.

"We're such an idyllic town," said Peg Connelly, as she stood in front of her home. "We're a tight-knit community. We don't want to tell anybody we're so perfect because then we might have someone who's not-so-perfect move in."

Connelly's disbelief was echoed by many in this village of 2,100 who are anxious to know how Jodi Christine Parrack died. Continued

Excerpt: Last month, in Three Rivers, police investigated an incident where a girl was approached by a man in a brown minivan on Millard Street and asked her if she wanted a ride. When the girl, a student in middle school, said no, the man told her to get into the vehicle, police have said. The girl fled on foot and was not injured.

That incident and three other reports -- two in Three Rivers and one in Flowerfield Township -- of vehicles either approaching or following girls and a boy were received in less than a week in October, according to police.

In the latter two incidents in Three Rivers, police have said two girls and a boy were followed by a tan-colored sports utility vehicle that drove slowly behind them as they walked.

[odette]

Parents Keeping Children Closer After Girl Is Found Dead

wsbt.com - Nora Gathings - Nov 9, 2007

(WSBT) Parents weren't letting their kids out of their sight Friday night after a girl was found dead.

Police believe Jodi Parrack, 11, was kidnapped on her way home from a friend's house Thursday night. Her mother found the body in a cemetery near their home.

There was no outward sign of what may have happened.

The cemetery is just down the street from her home, but on the opposite side of where she would have been coming from. Police say she should have never been there. Friends say she would never go there on her own. — continued

»
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/11162681.html

[odette]

Police are asking anyone who may have seen Jodi Thursday evening to call the Constantine Police Department at (269) 435-4355 or the St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at (269) 467-4195. They are also asking for tips from anyone who may have seen strange activity in the cemetery. They are also interested in a light colored, older van from the area

http://www.wzzm13.com/printfullstory.aspx?storyid=83444

[odette]

‘Awful, just awful’

Shock spreads through village after girl’s death

sturgisjournal.com - Rosalie Currier - November 9, 2007

CONSTANTINE - George Dieffenderfer was on his way to Meek's Mill Restaurant Friday morning when he noticed a roped-off area as he drove past Constantine Township Cemetery.

Dieffenderfer's first question when he arrived at the restaurant was, "What's going on?"

Those who arrived earlier already knew: a young girl was found dead Thursday night at the cemetery.

That girl turned out to be 11-year-old Jodi Parrack, who police say was murdered Thursday.

Dieffenderfer shook his head in disbelief.

A similar reaction was taking place at Harvey House Restaurant.

"It's awful. Just awful," said Chris Howell, a Harvey House waitress. — continued

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/articl...1664382176.txt

[odette]

11-Year-Old Death Ruled A Homicide

fox17.trb - November 9, 2007

CONSTANTINE — It's a mystery that has an entire town on edge: An 11-year-old girl found dead.

When Jodi Parrack didn't come home, family and friends went out searching. Until her mother came across her daughter's body in a cemetery. — continued

Excerpt: Ann Dupree and her daughter Mariah were the last to see her. The fifth-grade girls were hanging out at a home less than a mile from the cemetery. When Mariah had to go to Girl Scouts, they split up.

"I asked her if she wanted to go with me," said Mariah. "And she said she didn't really want to join."

Jodi took off on her bike down the street but didn't make it home. So her mother Valerie dropped by the Duprees.

"We all jumped in our cars, looking, searching for her," said Ann.

As a last resort, Mom searched the cemetery. Nothing could prepare her for what she found.

http://fox17.trb.com/news/110807-wxm...ll=wxmi-home-2

[odette]

Update On Jodi Parracks Murder Investigation

wwmt.com - November 10, 2007

CONSTANTINE (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – A press conference was held Saturday that revealed new information in the death of 11-year old Jodi Parrack.

Police received over a 150 tips since the story was aired on NEWSCHANNEL 3. From those tips police have gathered two suspicious vehicles that were in the area during the time of Parracks murder.

One is a dark colored pick-up truck and the other is a light colored van. Police are not saying that these vehicles are related to the murder only that they were in the area. — continued

http://www.wwmt.com/news/police_1344...nstantine.html

[odette]

The Community Reacts

wwmt.com - November 10, 2007

CONSTANTINE (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – The crime stunned an entire community. A young girl's body found lying in a cemetery.

They're uncovering a mystery that begins at a home on East 3rd Street in Constantine. Friends say Jodi Parrack left a store Thursday afternoon heading home. She never made it.

Jodi's mother found her daughter's body and bicycle in a cemetery just a block from their home.

An autopsy leads investigators to believe she was murdered. Her friends are nearly certain Jodi wouldn't go to the cemetery on her own. Friend Ray McCann said, “she doesn't like cemetery, even during the daytime she doesn't like that."

News of the murder has shaken this small village. In the words of one parent... It's a somber day in Constantine. — continued

http://www.wwmt.com/news/constantine...i_friends.html

[odette]

Second suspect vehicle sought in homicide case

Police review leads, ask for tips

sturgisjournal.com - Corky Emrick - November 10, 2007

CONSTANTINE - Authorities are now seeking a second vehicle in connection with the death of Jodi Parrack of Constantine.

Parrack, 11, was found dead in Constantine Township Cemetery Thursday night.

At a press conference today, assistant prosecuting attorney Holly Curtis said the vehicle in question is a dark-colored pickup similar to a Ranger. — continued

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/articl...1854637215.txt

[odette]

Constantine murder investigation

wndu.com - Stephanie Stang - Nov 10, 2007

Police are asking for help in finding any suspects in the death of an eleven year old Michigan girl. — continued

»
http://www.wndu.com/news/headlines/11173771.html

[odette]

Community Remembers Young Girl

fox28.com - November 10, 2007

It’s all quiet on Third Street as many people remember the smiling face of 11-year-old Jodi Parrack.

Parrack’s Cousin Angela Elder says, "She was just the sweetest little girl, always happy. She was friends with everybody." — continued

»
http://www.fox28.com/News/index.php?ID=27902

[odette]

Two Days After Girl's Death, Constantine Residents Searching for Answers

wsbt.com - Sarah Rice - Nov 10, 2007

(WSBT) Investigators are working round the clock trying to find answers in the death of 11-year-old Jodi Parrack. She disappeared Thursday afternoon and her body was found a few hours later in the Constantine Township Cemetery.

As some would say, it's a perfect example of small town, middle America.

"It just seems like everyone knows everyone," said Tommy Sicard.

News of Parrack's death sent shockwaves through Constantine. People can't stop talking or reading about it, especially at popular spots like Harvey's House diner. — continued

»
http://www.wsbt.com/news/11174776.html

[odette]

Police say public responds with 150 tips - People grieve with makeshift memorial where 11-year old's body was found

mlive.com - REX HALL JR. - November 11, 2007

CONSTANTINE -- Authorities continued Saturday to plead for information from the public in hopes of solving the killing of an 11-year-old girl. — continued

Excerpt: Friends remember Jodi

On Saturday, at the cemetery where Jodi's body was found, a makeshift memorial was created at the foot of a large tree.

There were lit candles, teddy bears, flowers, a card and a plastic box to drop off prayers.

"R.I.P., Sweet Miss Jodi,'' read a note placed atop the prayer box. "You will always be remembered and greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.''

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/...490.xml&coll=7

[odette]

Update On Jodi Parracks Murder Investigation

wwmt.com - November 11, 2007

Excerpt: A little girl with no medical problems, no drug problems and a clean bill of health, found dead in the cemetery with no physical evidence on her body.

Jodi was missing for six hours. She was last seen with friends before heading home on her bicycle at 4:45.

At 10:32, her body was found by her mother in the Constantine Township Cemetery.

That's where investigators combed the scene Friday morning, tagging potential evidence, looking for footprints, tire tracks, pieces of clothing, anything that can help them solve this case.

Both Jodi's body and her bicycle were found just a few feet from one another. Again, no physical evidence on her, no signs of strangulation, no bruising and no gun shot wound.

"To be found in a remote location like that at 10:30 at night, you always wonder why in the world that would be, and police officers tend to be cynical anyway so you always look at it as suspicious," said Chief Mark Honeysett, of the Constantine Police Department.

Jodi's body was sent to Grand Rapids for an autopsy. Preliminary results indicate that she was a victim of homicide. The cause of her death is still undetermined.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/police_1344...tine_jodi.html

[odette]

Constantine case is 'every parent's nitemare'

Constantine girl last seen riding bike from friend's house.

southbendtribune.com - LOU MUMFORD - November 11. 2007

CONSTANTINE -- After attending classes at Riverside Elementary School Thursday, 11-year-old fifth-grader Jodi Parrack came home, climbed on her silver bicycle and rode to a friend's house.

But shortly after she left the friend's house to return home, she became the victim of the village's first homicide in nearly 30 years. — continued

Excerpt: Curtis said Jodi was last seen about 4:45 p.m. riding her bicycle on Third Street. When she failed to return home by 5:30 as she was told, her family began looking for her, Curtis said.

The family notified police she was missing about 7:30. Honeysett said authorities were preparing to issue an Amber Alert when the child's mother found her body in the cemetery at 10:32 p.m.

Honeysett didn't identify Jodi's mother by name but said she and Jodi's two brothers "are holding up well ... considering what they've been through.''

http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps.../1130/Sports01

[haroldPE]

http://tinyurl.com/6owxl
Police say they're looking at a lot of evidence collected at the cemetery, and they're plowing through tips, contacting people and doing interviews.

Yet, what remains is an almost six-hour block of time no one can account for.

[One2Snoop]

Every parents worst nightmare! From what I read above it sounds as though someone's been casing the area for awhile now. I hope they find out who did this to Jodi. Such a beautiful young lady, may she rest in peace.

[odette]

Memorial grows where mother found girl's body

wwmt.com - November 12, 2007

CONSTANTINE (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Kids are back to school just days after a little girl's murder cast a dark light on a small town in West Michigan. — continued

Excerpt: There are only a few bikes in the bike racks at riverside elementary Monday afternoon. More kids have been getting a ride home with an adult.

"From here on out I will pick my child up every day.” April Kneppel says the moms and dads in her neighborhood have made a deal: no child will head home on their own. "If I can't get here when I get off work, a couple others put together, they'll pick them up if I can't."

Seven is the number of kids Diane Warren is in charge of supervising as they walk to after school daycare. They used to make the short trek on their own. "It helps them, they knew the little girl, it helps us, helps ease the parents' minds,” said Warren.

http://www.wwmt.com/news/_1344751___article.html/_.html

[odette]

Small town shaken by homicide

woodtv.com - By JOE LaFURGEY

CONSTANTINE -- At the Meek's Mill Cafe, talk about the weather, deer hunting season and the approaching holidays has given way to a much darker topic: the mysterious death of an 11-year-old girl.

"Everybody's talking about it," said Lisa Johnson, a waitress at the caf. "Ya know, you think about your kids going to school. I make sure I'm driving my kids back and forth every day."

Johnson said it's bad enough to hear about it at work.

"Then to have your kids freaking out all the way to school, looking for a white van. The mystery van. I don't know." — continued

»
http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.a...7&nav=0RceYA7H

[odette]

Investigation continues into girl's murder

wndu.com - Sarah Platt - Nov 12, 2007

Four days later, it is a murder that continues to shock the small community of Constantine, Michigan. Last Thursday night, 11-year-old Jodi Parrack's body was found in a cemetery in town. Police say she was murdered.

Here's at look at where the investigation stands Monday night. This weekend, local police and the FBI followed up on about 300 tips. Investigators say there are no solid leads right now. The medical examiner is ruling Parrack's death a homicide, although they still are not releasing her cause of death. — continued

»
http://www.wndu.com/news/headlines/11212066.html

[odette]

Fewer students at bus stops; community pays respects

By Rosalie Currier - Sturgis Journal - November 12, 2007

CONSTANTINE - Four days after 11-year-old Jodi Parrack was found dead, family, friends and community members gathered for visitation at Eley Funeral Home.

Her funeral is today at Trinity Missionary Church.

Community members, some who knew Jodi and some who didn't, are flocking to support the family. — continued

http://www.sturgisjournal.com/articl...8134800829.txt

[odette]

Police hope for 'big break' in girl's death

kalamazoogazette.com - BY REX HALL JR. - November 12, 2007

CONSTANTINE -- Police said they spent the weekend doing interviews and poring over hundreds of tips, but still had no suspects and very little new information about the slaying of an 11-year-old girl. — continued

Excerpt: Meanwhile, officials at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine said they were expecting a large turnout today during visitation for Jodi, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday at Trinity Missionary Church in Constantine.

At Riverside Elementary School in Constantine, where Jodi was a fifth-grader, Principal Craig Badman said counselors were on hand again this morning for students. School officials were running the day as normal and hoping that a musical assembly would be a diversion for a school dealing with the loss of "a wonderful young lady,'' he said.

"It's very mind-boggling to an adult, as well as to children,'' Badman said of Jodi's killing.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/...050.xml&coll=7

[odette]

250 Tips Pour Into Police in Murder Investigation of Constantine Girl

wsbt.com - by Leanne Tokars - Nov 12, 2007

(WSBT) Murder in a small town has people on edge and police looking for the person who killed an 11-year-old girl. — continued

»
http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/11210021.html

[Joe Public]

I can't help but feel terrible for this little girl's family. I couldn't imagine finding that my little girl had been killed. My prayers are with this little girl who I KNOW is in heaven and her family. I also pray that whoever took the child from this world gets all that is coming to him in this life and the next!!! I hope that one day we will all be looking down on him while he is burning in Hell!!!

For this child. For her family. And for those who care enough to never rest in finding her killer.

[odette]

NANCY GRACE — CNN

11-year-old Michigan Girl Found Murdered in Cemetery

Aired November 12, 2007 - 20:00:00 ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

MIKE BROOKS, GUEST HOST: Tonight: Police search for a killer who could be stalking young children near Constantine, Michigan. An 11-year- old girl heads to a friend`s house on her bike, then disappears. Hours later, her own mom finds the little girl dead in a nearby cemetery. Police reveal sightings of two suspicious vehicles around the community, possibly connected to the attempted abduction. Are the same vehicles involved in the death of 11-year-old Jodi Parrack? — continued

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIP.../12/ng.01.html

[KTScarlettOkity]

As a member of this community, I hope the media stays away from the funeral service today. Our town is in pain and I was sickened to see the media descending upon our children as they were escorted to and from school yesterday. I pray we can find the peace we once had. I pray that this darling child is now in place of warmth and happiness. I pray her brothers and parents can get through this.

I can't help but remember just a few short weeks back to Halloween night in our little town. The sounds of kids having fun roaming the streets for treats warmed my heart. I remember hearing the silly screams and laughter and my greatest fear is that our town will never have that again.

[RaVeN71806]

This is so sad...my prayers our with the family of this little girl.. ..I hope this person gets caught for the safety of the other children in that city..

[Pak31]

Originally Posted by KTScarlettOkity

As a member of this community, I hope the media stays away from the funeral service today. Our town is in pain and I was sickened to see the media descending upon our children as they were escorted to and from school yesterday. I pray we can find the peace we once had. I pray that this darling child is now in place of warmth and happiness. I pray her brothers and parents can get through this.

I can't help but remember just a few short weeks back to Halloween night in our little town. The sounds of kids having fun roaming the streets for treats warmed my heart. I remember hearing the silly screams and laughter and my greatest fear is that our town will never have that again.

I am sure that it will KT but it will take awhile. I hope that your whole community heals from this soon. It's not fair that someone can not only do this to a child but the effect it has on the entire community is a crime as well. It's a shame that this is America yet you can't walk around in your own neighborhood with out fear.
My question for you or anyone is, and I have not found this out yet, but how long was the distance between Jodi's house and her friend's house?? Was the cemetery on her route home or was it out of the way? I know it was close to her home but wasn't it not the route she would have taken? I am just trying to get a mental picture of the situation. Thanks. She was a beautiful girl.

[KTScarlettOkity]

It was not far...6-7 blocks? Cemetery is not on the route...approximately 3 blocks east of the southbound street she should have been on. Contrary to reports, people do indeed cut through the cemetery quite a bit (it's not as remote or untraveled as it's being portrayed) rather than going a few a block further east to get to the next street which connects the 2 larger streets. However, that's usually vehicular traffic. But folks on foot do so as well.

Worst part for some of the kids has been the police/FBI interviews. You know kids, they have a hard time remember what color their socks are let alone details which may have been minute at the time. Sadly, we've had to have teachers escort some media out of Riverside and Eastside schools to protect kids from further scrutiny. And I know for a fact that some of the media were indeed almost belligerent about it.

I know everyone wants answers...the family and townfolk more than anyone. But I do wish some could be a bit more sensitive in the process particularly when it involves other children.

[Pak31]

Originally Posted by KTScarlettOkity

It was not far...6-7 blocks? Cemetery is not on the route...approximately 3 blocks east of the southbound street she should have been on. Contrary to reports, people do indeed cut through the cemetery quite a bit (it's not as remote or untraveled as it's being portrayed) rather than going a few a block further east to get to the next street which connects the 2 larger streets. However, that's usually vehicular traffic. But folks on foot do so as well.

Worst part for some of the kids has been the police/FBI interviews. You know kids, they have a hard time remember what color their socks are let alone details which may have been minute at the time. Sadly, we've had to have teachers escort some media out of Riverside and Eastside schools to protect kids from further scrutiny. And I know for a fact that some of the media were indeed almost belligerent about it.

I know everyone wants answers...the family and townfolk more than anyone. But I do wish some could be a bit more sensitive in the process particularly when it involves other children.

Thanks for getting back to me. I have a better visual in my head now which clears things up for me a lot. Now that I know a little about her route, which wasn't too long, she left her friend's house sometime between 4:45 and 5:00 and she obviously wasn't home at her 5:30 curfew. So in that short time span something happened to her. My point is that it is very very scary that in a half of an hour and 6-7 blocks she's gone. Someone was watching her or just happened to spot her to be taken that quick. It is really quite scary. For someone to leave her where she would be found fairly quickly is awful as well. I hope that this person is found fast.
As far as your statements about the children go. It is too much for them to comprehend and handle. It's hard enough for the adults. Authorities and media need to be gentle with them. It is too traumatic for them. But like you said, the parents are staying close to them and that is what they need to do right now. Protect their kids from this predator and the media. It's easier for them to help their children than stop the media. Again, thanks for your clarifications.

[odette]

Constantine mourns 11-year-old



http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7352705

[RaVeN71806]

Originally Posted by odette

Constantine mourns 11-year-old



http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7352705

for the angel in heaven

[KTScarlettOkity]

Here is the headline today about the funeral yesterday.

http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/...070.xml&coll=7

I truly was a beautiful day in SW Michigan. Typically our November's are cold, rainy and cloudy. But I think God wanted a little sun to shine in our hearts after losing this little one. It's worthy to note the quote that hung on Jodi's bedroom door “Love is like a hug ... hang on to it tightly." Wise words indeed.

Last night brought another small scare. A young boy was sighted getting into a van late yesterday afternoon and it was reported causing the high school to be locked down (it was after hours and only kids there were practicing for an upcoming play). My stomach flipped when I got the phone call (husband helps with stage sound & lighting). We are all relieved that it turned out to be a perfectly innocent event. But I continue to pray that this person will be caught and that answers can help the healing process.

[FDInLaw]

HEARTBREAKING! Prayers for Jodi's family. . . I can't even imagine the loss they feel.

I hope the one responsible be found soon before another precious one is harmed!


JUSTICE FOR JODI!

[AlsoKnownAs]

Originally Posted by FDInLaw

HEARTBREAKING! Prayers for Jodi's family. . . I can't even imagine the loss they feel.

I hope the one responsible be found soon before another precious one is harmed!


JUSTICE FOR JODI!

+1 Well Put!
I cannot imagine the pain of the family and the community. It hast to be anagonizing moment for the Mother to find her. AKA