Thursday, September 10, 2009

The Unsolved Murder of Amber Hagerman


Snatched from her bicycle
by Robert A. Waters

On the afternoon of January 13, 1996, Amber Hagerman, 9, and her five-year-old brother, Ricky, pedaled their bicycles to an abandoned grocery store in Arlington, Texas. Minutes later, Ricky turned to head back home, about a block away.

Jim Kevil, a 78-year-old retiree, stood in his backyard not far away. “I saw [Amber] riding up and down,” he said later. “She was by herself. I saw this pickup. He pulled up, jumped out and grabbed her. When she screamed, I figured the police ought to know about it, so I called them.”

Kevil described the truck as being dark, possibly black. The abductor was white or Hispanic.

Police arrived within a minute or two. By that time, Jimmie Whitson, Amber’s grandfather, was on his way to the locale of the former Winn-Dixie store to check on her. (When Ricky had arrived back home without Amber, Whitson had grown worried.) By the time he arrived, cops were there.

Experts say that stranger abductions are rare. They are also among the most difficult cases to solve. Even with an eyewitness, investigators were stymied. They theorized that it was a crime of opportunity, that the kidnapper saw Amber alone and impulsively decided to snatch her. The vacant lot where children liked to play was on East Abram Street, not far from a huge General Motors plant. From the beginning, cops felt that the abductor was almost certainly familiar with the area.

Local police were joined by volunteers and the FBI in the massive search that followed. A truck similar to that of the kidnapper had been spotted outside a nearby laundromat before Amber was taken, but investigators never located the vehicle.

Four days later, a man was walking his dog near the Forest Hill Apartments, just a few miles from where the child had been snatched. At the bottom of a creek bed, he saw a child’s body. Amber Hagerman had been found.

An autopsy determined that Amber had been held alive for two days. During that time she was sexually assaulted.

Arlington police and the FBI formed a task force to search for the killer. Investigators followed up thousands of leads, but none turned up the murderer.

By 1999, the task force had been disbanded and the case had gone cold. The killer has gone undetected now for eleven years. Arlington detective Jim Ford recently said, “There would be nothing more important or rewarding than seeing this case get resolved because [it] is as bad as they get.”

Shortly after Amber went missing, a caller to a Dallas radio station asked a simple question: why can’t law enforcement team with the media to quickly provide information to the public when a child is abducted? The idea caught on, and the Amber Alert was born. It began locally as the Dallas Amber Alert. Then it became a state-wide program and finally went national.

Since its formation, the Amber Alert is credited with the rescue of more than three hundred missing and abducted children.

Glenda Whitson, Amber’s grandmother, prays that the killer will be caught. However, she’s not optimistic. “[Police] really don’t have much to go on,” she said. “A few fibers they found on her body, they tell us. They’re still working on it, and they call us now and then. They say they’ll never give up. After ten years, you lose hope that they’ll ever find him, but I still have a little bit of hope.”

A psychological profile was issued by police a few weeks after the murder. Unfortunately, it was a generic rehash of profiles released after many such crimes. The killer was at least 25, cops said. He lived or worked near the scene of the crime. Since Amber was alive for two days after she was kidnapped, the killer had to have had some place to keep the child. Something probably caused him to snap, police said.

Since 1996, a killer has roamed free. Did he keep trophies of his victim so he can relive his crime? Has he killed again? Is he free or incarcerated? Amber Hagerman deserves justice and her killer deserves a Texas send-off to Hell.

109 comments:

Annonymous said...

God's got a little Angel now and her name is Amber Hagerman. I hope the man that did this is caught by DNA or somehow. May he rot in HELL!
For Amber's Family, especially her mother and brother the whole world is still praying for you and for Amber.

EN in Md.

Unknown said...

I still cannot understand how the police could have missed the car identification. There should not have been billions of dark trucks in the area!! Why didn't they investigate deeply on every owner of such a dark truck in the area? One by one, even if it takes months. Did they do it? Years later this unforgivable murder still makes me so angry.

kelly said...

i think what happened to amber was a horrible thing, just horrible. The guy who did this should rot in jail. let him suffer in jail. if anybody thinks that he should be executed, your wrong! your doing him a favor. your giving him the easy way out. that guy should rot in jail and get what he has coming to him, for a long time. i hope they find the guy, he can spend the rest of his life in jail and get tortured in there.

Ladybug5 said...

Have they ever checked first time offenders? If the person who did this had never been charged or convicted of any sex crime before, would their DNA be in the database? Why not start with people who were charged after that, for the first time? Maybe starting with ones who lived in Arlington at the time?

julie said...

to donna and ricky amber is watching u both she will never forget u both wat u have done with the amber alert is amazing u have saved so many children amber would be very proud of u both and ure family all my love to the amber hagermans family xxx

Unknown said...

To those who think that the killer should rot in jail. you are gravely mistaken. Prisoners have it easy in the system. I come from a family of Law Enforcement Officers and criminals a murderers never truly get what they deserve until our one and only God judges them for what they have done. No human can truly punish those who have done unspeakable things to our loved ones. Only when God has his turn will this Unforgivable sin be handled!

Unknown said...

I knew her my sister always played with her I played with ricky a lot they lived in my apartment complex when I was little if I ever found out who killed the sweetest girl I ever knew I swear I will make him suffer every way he made her suffer and if the cops find him first he is lucky her family was and will always be devastated by this loss I will always have amber in my heart and I am sorry. And im glad to say the amber alert has heled save at least a hundred childern and now that I have a child of my own thank god for sex offender resgiter but a impossiable cost we paid REST IN PEACE AMBER MAY U ALWAYS BE WITH US

angelica12 said...

Hi my name is Angelica and i was born the same year as your little girl and the frist time i saw the movie of your little girl it touched me and i cry i couldnt imagen what you have went threw. I now have a little girl and she 5 years old and me and her watch the movie of amber and she cry when she saw and now she looked at me and she said i know why mommy you dont let me go out side and ride my bike by my self she looked at me and gave me a hug and i cry bcause i dnt imagen what you went threw. My she Rest In Peace....

Anonymous said...

hi i am 12 years old not that much older than amber when she died i saw my mom reading this i caught the name and went and looked it up i wasnt born yet when this happened i dont really know what to say i guess all i can say is this story really touched me and WOW and like ever one else may this man rot in HELL!!!

Amyn Chauthani said...

Amber's soul may rest in eternal peace. She lives on saving so many vulnerable kids. God bless her soul. Ameen

Unknown said...

I am so truly sorry for the loss of Amber. Donna and Rick know that she is watching you both. I am a mother myself and i dont know what i would do in your shoes, i know i wouldnt be alive. i just watched the movie on Lifetime and that man deserves to be in jail and have the same things he did to amber done to him. God is watching and that bastard will get what he deserves.

Anonymous said...

I wish that little blehhh didn't do that to that sweet little girl.If you did it, how would you feel if somebody did that to you.You deserve to rot in jail for your sick crime.Your also a sick hearted man.Rot in heck!!!!!!Even if you are mean and nobody likes you and yu'll probably never get a girlfriend and yeah afense!Chew on dirt sicko!!!!

Anonymous said...

Don't give up hope of solving Amber's case. Lisa Bonham, who was 6 years old, was abducted from here (Reno, Nevada) in 1977. Her case went cold for 23 years before her murder was solved. We never thought anyone would be arrested, but now her murderer is serving a life sentence.

Sherry said...

I hope this culprit rots in hell to hurt that child like that and take her from her loving family Someday he will pay for this on his judgement day.

katie-angel said...

as soon as i saw the movie i was crying and i was so upset i didnt want to watch the reat but i did and i think that the killer will rot in hell

Graced said...

Precious little Amber Hagerman will never be forgotten. She is dancing with the angels today in God's glorious Kingdom.

daisy rodriguez said...

to the family of Amber Hagerman i am so sorry for ur lost i have four kids my self and i wouldn't want to ever have to go thou anything like this but i do pry for him to get capture and get life in prison so he could get what he have coming let the prisoner to with him as they see fit.and i think u should keep on looking for him if the cops do have fiber that they did find on ambers body with the new upgraded technology that they have the should be able to find him i do wish u the best and my heart goes out to u and ur family and good luck i really do wish they find cause u and amber deserve that much much love and again i am so sorry about ur lost daisy

Jennifer said...

This is such a tragic, heartbreaking story and horrible crime. There has got to be something they can do NOW to figure this crime out. Truthfully, I don't think the police did everything they could to find her those first couple of hours. I do not understand how anyone could hurt a child :( God Bless her Mother and family.

KatrinaKay said...

I knew Amber very well as a child... we went to school together at C.B.Berry Elem. and we were also in girlscouts together. As well as the fact that I lived right down the road from her grandparents house. I was in Wisc at tye time of her murder due to the passing of a very dear uncle and to this day I wish that I had been there... I still ask myself "could I have done anything to stop it?"... although a very dear angel was taken at such a young age I know she is up in heaven smiling down at us! God bless you Donna and Ricky to this day you are still in my prayers! I love and miss you very much Amber Rene may God guide you through the roads in heaven till we can all meet up with you again!!!

Veronica said...

This family is in my prayers. This family is so much stronger than they should ever have been made to be.

Veronica said...

God's got the best little angel now. This family is in my prayers each and every day. They are so strong, they are stronger than they should ever have been made to be.

Jenn said...

Was any of the killers DNA left of that little girls body? Semen, a hair folical,or skin under her nails?! Anything?! This is a horrible thing that happened to this little girl & her family! You best believe what the police can't solve, God can! REST IN PIECE AMBER!

Amber Hansen said...

Wow.. This is quite the story.. I never knew the reason why it is called an "Amber alert" until now.. I hope and pray that Amber's family receives some sort of justice and closure on this terrible crime. It is so heartbreaking to know there are people who prey on children.. My heart goes out to the family and my prayers are going out to Amber's soul and healing for her family..

jacob Da pissed off father said...

still this crime hasnt been solved how can they not find her killer withing 24hours unlikely right,my god they havent found him yet \, im wacthing the movie with my girl and it angers us they say crime is impossible how come u cant get away with robbing a bank why because they now take procederes how come they are not with all our children america is a fucking same of what we the poeple allow and care about ID the che children have them swipe in one the bus oh wait that would take movie right what the fuck is worng wheere our tax money going lets fucking change this shit our children lives are at stake so freaking mad im off here

freewriterguy said...

government workers are dumb, as was the family it seems, if only the caller would have said, a dark black pick up truck just took a little girl, the cops in the area could have immediately been looking, but as is so often the case, the "its not my job mentality overode common sense" surely giving speeding tickets to the working class citizens is more important, as our ever in search of a profit government continues as usual. i would have pulled over every black truck if i was in the police force, would have radioed all other patrol officers to drop the mundane tasks they were doing. But then again, when you look at how our country is being destroyed by rich corporate execs hoarding the wealth while we the people struggle, it just seems ironic. The people on this planet dont seem very intelligent or edumacated after all.

tarablanco97@gmail.com said...

I live in florida, I have a child of my own so I know how you feel. I hope this bastard rots in hell too, and he will justice will be served for amber florida

tarablanco97@gmail.com said...

Amber God is with you Florida

tarablanco97@gmail.com said...

teresa, Amber justice will be served I know in my heart youir abductor will be caught

Unknown said...

You knew her? Hows her family doing now? I hope he gets the electric chair. And those cops didnt do enough. They were to busy talking to the news station. Im actually watching the movie now. Its so sad. I dont know what i would do if my boys were tooken. I would sit home i know that. Shes helped so many kids become saved from the amber alert. Im in washington state. And i look for the signs everytime when i see a amber alert

JM said...

I was a classmate of Amber at CB Berry Elementary. It seems like once a year I still look online to see if they have ever found the killer. I am now a father of two handsome boys and could not imagine losing them. I still think about who could have done such a horrible thing. RIP Amber, always in our hearts.

Jesus M Arlington, TX

texasbaby said...

i was a lilttle girl who lived in watauga tx when she was taken. it make so sad then and now that im grown its makes me sick to tummy to no some one of that kind is still out there. im so sorry and i will never forget u amber.

texasbaby said...

i was a lil girl who lived in Watauga TX when Amber Hagerman was taken. Still to this day im so sick to no that the great state of TEXAS has not found this guy. Im so sorry for what happin there are no words for how i fill. Just remember god will provide. I will always keep u in my pryers.

Fredric Dennis Williams said...

You might want to change the title of this entry. I don't think you want to suggest that Robert A. Waters was the murderer of Amber -- which is the way I read it when I first saw the title. -- FDWilliams

Sgraser said...

I lived a couple of miles from where she was taken... I had a strong faith & prayed on my hands & knees for God to save her!! I felt for sure she would be saved. I have since questioned my beliefs. I dont understand how God could allow that to happen. My faith has been shaken such that I don't even attend church anymore. (& my father is a pastor). I want to speak to her Mother....I want to apologize for not being faithful enough to save her. I think about her every day....

Sgraser said...

I lived a few blocks from where Amber was abducted. I still question why God would allow an innocent baby to be be taken. I was on my hands & knees praying for her safe return... My faith has never been the same since. I feel the need to speak to her Mother & beg for her forgiveness...

Unknown said...

I was 17 or 18 at the time, was driving home from high school. I remember seeing Amber and the boy riding there bikes in the (shutdown) Win Dixie parking lot. I remember smiling as I once rode my bike there just a few years earlier. I lived in the neighborhood just behind the Burger Box. That was 15 minutes before she was abducted. I wished I had been a bit late from leaving school that day.

Unknown said...

I was born the same day as amber, every time I see the movie I always cry when I see the part where her mother reacted to learning her little girl had just been taken, i would die if my little girl was taken from me, she is my world.

Unknown said...

No that means he is the one that posted the sorry

Unknown said...

Why would you ask for her forgiveness, did you do it, probably not.

Unknown said...

Yes I do wonder y the police didn't immediately start looking for the black truck when the elderly neighbor said that someone in a black truck just took a girl. Thank God for the amber alert.

Baby Bull said...

Very sick, the problem is; the parents nor the children, how come parents let their kids alone without supervision
They shall be punish too. For the sick bastard who killed this inocent child, He must died by head off or trow his ugly and sick body to the lions "a life" no remorse for this sick Bastard... Deserved to died...

Unknown said...

I can't figure out why the police and other officials have not found this creep that killed Amber. That is so very sad that this sick killer has roamed free all these years. I feel so bad for this child's mother...that is awful! That poor little girl...

Unknown said...

I can't figure out why the police and other officials have not found this creep that killed Amber. That is so very sad that this sick killer has roamed free all these years. I feel so bad for this child's mother...that is awful! That poor little girl...

Unknown said...

So tragic such a sweet innocent little girl. Prayers for the family and that her killer will get caught or has already died. So sad I can't imagine that poor little girls terror she felt. I feel so sorry for her family. They have been so strong.I don't know what I would do if something happened to my daughter

Unknown said...

Did The police ever check for dwi 's in the area of men driving a dark truck?

nothingelsematters said...

this is so sad.. and I dont know why police didnt search every single corner, questioned every person..they are not doing enough...hoping they will find her killer. this will bring some peace to her family and loved ones....

erica.warren said...

amber Hagerman was a good little girl and did not deserve to get killed. But however the man who killed her should go to hell. But amber is in a better place now. I am still praying for her. bless ambers family.

rcichock said...

how can police not find the evil man who did this, since she was sexually assaulted it would have left dna
from the murderer
whoever killed deserves the wrath of god for killing one of his precious children
AMBER RIP

Unknown said...

Now im only 12 but if he sexually assaulted her shouldn't his dna be inside her therefore they should know who he is and caught him 18 years ago

Unknown said...

Now im only 12 but If he sexually assaulted her shouldn't his DNA be inside her therefore the trace his body and find who he is and all of his information??

Unknown said...

She was found in a creek...generally under these circumstances all dna material washes away.

Da Lash said...

Only if they have his dna on file. Csi and law and order don't really accurately depict Forensic science. I would know I took it for 2 years

Unknown said...

Not necessarily, sperm can only live in the human body for seven days, assuming no air contacted it. But it air contacts it it can die within a minute. They're best bet would be if they found a pubic hair or finger prints on her clothes.

Unknown said...

Today they solve cases 20-60 years cold. The killer will get his here or in the hereafter.

Unknown said...

The murders of Amber Hagerman and Opal Jennings have numerous points of commonality... First...a point of interest...both girl's names are "stone" names...Amber...Opal. May have checked out these little girls..prior to their kidnappings... Both abductions were in the Ft. Worth immediate area...Arlington...Saginaw! Both were taken while in the presence of other children...Had anyone ever checked into " Franks " who was convicted of Opal's murder...that he might have " the " connection with Amber's death!!! Worth looking into...wouldn't hurt!!! The guy may be in the pen already...but not accountable for Amber's death...worth a try! Even with Amber's body being in the water...for as long as it was ... And with the killer keeping her alive for two days...while he raped and tortured this child...seems like some DNA would have still been present...inside the body...to be of evidential importance...there had to be something left with the body that could be utilized ... Something !

Unknown said...

The murders of Amber Hagerman and Opal Jennings have numerous points of commonality... First...a point of interest...both girl's names are "stone" names...Amber...Opal. May have checked out these little girls..prior to their kidnappings... Both abductions were in the Ft. Worth immediate area...Arlington...Saginaw! Both were taken while in the presence of other children...Had anyone ever checked into " Franks " who was convicted of Opal's murder...that he might have " the " connection with Amber's death!!! Worth looking into...wouldn't hurt!!! The guy may be in the pen already...but not accountable for Amber's death...worth a try! Even with Amber's body being in the water...for as long as it was ... And with the killer keeping her alive for two days...while he raped and tortured this child...seems like some DNA would have still been present...inside the body...to be of evidential importance...there had to be something left with the body that could be utilized ... Something !

shay monay said...

i just got done watching the movie i watch it every single time it comes on life time and still to this day i cry i don`t under how god can allow anything like that to happen to a beautiful innocent child i pray that her murder is found i dont care if this happened years ago he still deserves all the worse he needs done to him how can someone still roam around after raping torturing and killing a little girl whom had no self control over her self I definitely feel as if the police didn't search hard enough cases like this today are solved due to all the new technologies they've came up with and etc prayers for amber's family I still hope that her case will reopen and be solved this beautiful little girl deserves justice what she went to was harsh and uncalled for :( rest in peace amber we love you I'm so sad </3 watching the movie makes me SO MAD !!!! because I know the movie is just for show but only amber really knows what she actually went through which makes the situation even worse then it already is PLEASE LETS REOPEN THIS CASE !!!!

shay monay said...

i just got done watching the movie i watch it every single time it comes on life time and still to this day i cry i don`t under how god can allow anything like that to happen to a beautiful innocent child i pray that her murder is found i dont care if this happened years ago he still deserves all the worse he needs done to him how can someone still roam around after raping torturing and killing a little girl whom had no self control over her self I definitely feel as if the police didn't search hard enough cases like this today are solved due to all the new technologies they've came up with and etc prayers for amber's family I still hope that her case will reopen and be solved this beautiful little girl deserves justice what she went to was harsh and uncalled for :( rest in peace amber we love you I'm so sad </3 watching the movie makes me SO MAD !!!! because I know the movie is just for show but only amber really knows what she actually went through which makes the situation even worse then it already is PLEASE LETS REOPEN THIS CASE !!!!

Unknown said...

Prayers and hugs for Amber's family.
If they don't catch who did this God will and he will have to answer to God.
God knows who that person evil person is.
He won't escape God's wrath.

Unknown said...

I am up at 215 am and my tv is turned off but I'm lying in bed and my cable box goes off and shouts out the sos mores code a,d I go on my phone and it's an Amber alert. So what I did was shared it with all my phone contacts all my friends on Facebook and instagram. I made sure that this SOB doesn't get away. THIS SICKENS ME knowing that our government let a case like this go cold for over ten years. I wouldn't have stopped even if I was looking for this guy for ten years. A girl shouldn't have to go through this to open the country's eyes up. This man needs to be taken put in a straight jacket and everyday get tortured beat everyday until God takes his turn and punishes this man. AMBER REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. EVERY CHILD RESCUED FROM THE AMBER ALERT SYSTEM IS SAVED BY YOU. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO I JUST LOOKED IT UP SO FAR 738 CHILDREN AND COUNTING HAVE BEEN SAVED BECAUSE OF YOU. REST IN PEACE BUDDY.😍😘😇

Unknown said...

I am up at 215 am and my tv is turned off but I'm lying in bed and my cable box goes off and shouts out the sos mores code a,d I go on my phone and it's an Amber alert. So what I did was shared it with all my phone contacts all my friends on Facebook and instagram. I made sure that this SOB doesn't get away. THIS SICKENS ME knowing that our government let a case like this go cold for over ten years. I wouldn't have stopped even if I was looking for this guy for ten years. A girl shouldn't have to go through this to open the country's eyes up. This man needs to be taken put in a straight jacket and everyday get tortured beat everyday until God takes his turn and punishes this man. AMBER REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS. EVERY CHILD RESCUED FROM THE AMBER ALERT SYSTEM IS SAVED BY YOU. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO I JUST LOOKED IT UP SO FAR 738 CHILDREN AND COUNTING HAVE BEEN SAVED BECAUSE OF YOU. REST IN PEACE BUDDY.😍😘😇

Unknown said...

I am up at 2 am February 24 2015 and my cable box goes off SOS Morres code and I go on my phone and find that it's an Amber alert. I went on my phone and shared it to all my phones contacts and Facebook friends and shared it. I am disgusted with how my country closed a case for ten and MORE years after what happened. AMBER REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO. EVERY CHILD SAVED FROM THE AMBER ALERT SYSTEM IS SAVED BY YOU. I RECENTLY LOOKED IT UP 738 CHILDREN AND COUNTING WERE RESCUED BECAUSE OF YOU! REST IN PEACE BUDDY!!😘😍😇

Unknown said...

it makes me so sad that they have not caught ambers killer yet.my prayers go out to her and her family,that the killer gets caught.i have a 4 year old little girl and I am always so scare for her safety.i never let her out of m sight.i pray every day that he gets caught. I also want to thank ambers mom for the amber alert.so many children have been saved.rest in peace baby girl

Unknown said...

Bill Fry killed Amber Hagerman. The police don't arrest him because Jim Jenkins, and Rick Perry are letting murderers go free. He killed two other people, and molested other girls. He gets away with it every time.

Unknown said...

this is so sad that the killer is free hasnt got caught and amber is in heaven . this case makes me cry she could have been having kids going to her job enjoying but I found out in life that there is always going to be a person who mess it up my prays goes out to the family . how can somebody be so cold hearted to do that to amber . I don't know amber but if I would have a chance to see her just for once I would ask her whos the killer . this just kills me how can someone do this she had a life with her family that loved her so much that a person had to do that like I just imaged if this happened to me or my family members how I would feel . this is so wrong that I just feel like going to the police saying u have to find the man who did this to amber this case can not be unsolved that's not right my prays are going out to amber family

Unknown said...

I wonder if they ever looked at Tommy Lynn Sells as her killer? He was known as the cross country killer and he was an opportunist. He had also killed a little girl in Texas by stabbing her to death and slit her friends throat who lived. He was executed in April last year but I wouldn't be surprised if it was him!

ashadds said...

Is there anything ? DNA ? CCTV ? A Trace of everyone with black pick up trucks , all convicted sex offenders must have their history cross checked with their locations when amber,s adbuction murder happened . Any Tip you give will help us catch a child murderer . Please help ! You have to answer to god if not humans

Unknown said...

Oh it's not the easy way out you will have to deal with the big guy in the clouds then

Unknown said...

Oh it's not the easy way out you will have to deal with the big guy in the clouds then

Unknown said...

It will take either someone coming forward with a tip or strong suspicion. As far as semen dna I am quite certain it can be DECADES old and still useable. This case can be solved.
NOTE: For people who have problems with 'big brother' watching (namely surveillance cameras) they are complete idiots! A monster was caught nabbing a missing child in Florida. A surveillance camera behind the car wash parking lot where she had taken a shortcut on her way home. Her name was Carlie Brucia and Sarasota Florida is not a place anyone would have suspected that type crime as at all common.

Unknown said...

It will take either someone coming forward with a tip or strong suspicion. As far as semen dna I am quite certain it can be DECADES old and still useable. This case can be solved.
NOTE: For people who have problems with 'big brother' watching (namely surveillance cameras) they are complete idiots! A monster was caught nabbing a missing child in Florida. A surveillance camera behind the car wash parking lot where she had taken a shortcut on her way home. Her name was Carlie Brucia and Sarasota Florida is not a place anyone would have suspected that type crime as at all common.

Jay G said...

lOOK at James Harley. He lived in Arlington, TX. Also for a short time in Memphis, TN where children went missing also. At the time Amber went missing and after her body was found he turned himself in to Police for having a daycare in his house. It was illegal for him to have a daycare at his house because at 18 yrs of age he was convicted of child molestation. So rather than face a murder charge he turned himself in for child molestation and is hiding in jail.

Jay G said...

LOOK at James Harley. He lived in Arlington, TX. Also for a short time in Memphis, TN where children went missing also. At the time Amber went missing and after her body was found he turned himself in to Police for having a daycare in his house. It was illegal for him to have a daycare at his house because at 18 yrs of age he was convicted of child molestation. So rather than face a murder charge he turned himself in for child molestation and is hiding in jail.

DanielMock said...

You are an idiot! There are 10's of thousands of dark trucks in the DFW area. And to assume the police murdered this poor little girl? Wow.....are you sure YOU didn't do it? What a moron.

DanielMock said...

I hope they find and kill the bastard who did this. Never give up!!

Anonymous said...

I wanna be those people that try and find out the person or more clues I'm trying to get clues on April Tinsley and bring justice so please if you know anything else tell me�� Breaks my heart

Jlo said...

I still feel strongly (I can't shake that feeling) that it was a guy that lived close by the area where she was abducted. This guy's name is James & has a daughter that was the same age as Amber that he wasn't allowed to see. He was caught molesting the children that his wife was babysitting shortly after Amber's death. I even mentioned it to one of the detectives later via phone. The detective said that James was a person of interest in the case, but that he had an alibi.

Unknown said...

I don't think that God controls death. That was the killer's choice to kill Amber-not God. Why would God let people die? Exactly. He doesn't. It our choice if we want to kidnap,then murder some innocent child.

Unknown said...

I just watched you and your son, who is now 25, on the news interview. I can't imagine the pain you and your family are going through. I wish i could give each of you a big hug and make all the hurt go away. We are very lucky to have the Amber Alert I just hate knowing the where it came from and the circumstances behind it. It breaks my heart. Whoever has done this to your sweet baby girl will die a horrible and very painful death. There will be no forgiveness given.

Unknown said...

They did go door to door of dark truck owners, my dads neighbor was inquired about because of his truck. They came and talked to him at home, I wouldn't say questioned per se but they talked to him bc of his registered owned truck.

Unknown said...

On the day of this crime. I was a deputy sheriff with the Dallas county Texas Sheriff's Dept. I was patrolling on I-20 in west side of Dallas county. After the report of this crime was dispatched over the radio that a black pickup truck was wanted for this crime. I stopped and checked over 20 black pickup trucks that day. Between Dallas county Sheriff's Dept. Dallas PD. Texas DPS. If you were driving a black pickup truck. You would see red and blue lights behind you. For 6 weeks after that. Every time I seen a black or dark pickup truck. I would take the tag number and pass it on to the Arlington Texas PD. I hope that law enforcement finds this pice of crape and puts his rear end in jail. Then set back and watch the other inmates have fun with him.

Unknown said...

Token?!

Unknown said...

Had anyone checked out the guy Jim Kevil who called the police??

Unknown said...

I wouldn't be surprised if the killer is on this chat. Some of these comments and questions are suspect js.

Aubrey said...

I used to live very close to where this happened. I worked with one of her cousins for a very long time and we discussed this entire thing, in detail, on more than one occasion. If you saw the area in person it would make a lot more sense. You could get on the highway closest highway in 30-45 seconds.

The last time we spoke about this ... 2yrs ago approx ... She gave me the impression they still didn't have a strong suspect or suspects. The big obvious think no one has brought up yet is the proximity of ft worth to Mexico. It could have been a person living there who previously was a Mexican citizen, committed the crime, and went back to Mexico once this began getting so much press coverage.

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carolyn said...

I have nothing to add to the search for the monster who took the life of Amber. But after seeing her story, I want to offer my prayers for her and the family who continue to love her. I believe that the monster will face the judgement of God someday.You can hide from man,but Our Lord sees all. I want Amber's family to know that parents all over the country are forever grateful for their efforts on behalf of all of our children. God bless and keep you. Thank you for your strength and all you continue to do.

Unknown said...

My and I can't get her to listen to me I tried to tell her this could happen to her but she won't listen I don't know what to do to get her to listen and understand how dangerous the world is out there

Unknown said...

Me and my wife had our daughter when we were in our forties I never thought we'd have a child I don't know what we'd do if we lost her I think that would be the end of both of us I can't get her to listen neither can her mother or grandmother about how dangerous the world is out there I wish there was some way that I can have somebody could explain to her that she would listen to she tends to walk outside when we don't know it I'm afraid something's going to happen to her I never understood what it's like to have to worry about your child all the time especially in the world like today my prayers go out to the mother who lost her little girl I hope they find the Killer God bless

Anon said...

Has Stuart Coker, the guy who FOUND Amber ever been considered a suspect? It is a long shot, but often the perpetrator is the person who FINDS the victim...and his behaviour seemed kind of unusual (in a '90s documentary about Amber) for someone who claims to have never known Amber - especially the things he said about her. Statements made by him include 'he feels he knows her', 'she was very lively' and 'she certainly was cute - no doubt about it - she was a pretty little girl'. He seemed to have a very keen interest in the case and was continuously looking for evidence in the creek where she was found by him.

Unknown said...

If he's real.

Manna said...

This sounds a bit like an arrogant possibly guilty person. Anyone else agree?

Unknown said...

That's exactly what it sounds like.

Unknown said...

Was the truck small or big i know someone who lived on lake Lewisville whos truck disappeared after she was found and i kept dreaming about a creek very strange but the truck im asking about was a small black mazda

Unknown said...

The police let her down!! And Bright star if you feel something isn't right you should really let authorities know everything that you know,this has been unsolved and it makes me sick how he can live knowing what evil he has done! This is long overdue. Its time for amber & her family to be at peace!

Unknown said...

I just watched how the Amber Alert came to be on a television show, and I am still baffled how someone out there could just grab an innocent child off the street. It makes my stomach hurt. My birthday is January 13, 1982, and now I will always wake up and say a prayer for her family on that day, because now celebrating especially with a healthy 4 year old of my own seems not quite right. I couldn't handle my job as a social worker, what is wrong with people! If a St. Jude's commercial doesn't make you cry, you're stronger than me, but a healthy child being tortured and murdered; I hope those monsters burn in hell. In reality, that is too good for them. To Amber's family, I will dedicated my birthday to her memory each year. God bless you.

Unknown said...

There was no reason to take Amber and killer her.
The killer is obviouly a coward!
Someone knows something..that is also a coward if
that person doesnt report...
I am sure that many people heard Amber screaming...
and saw what was happening..and saw the man take
her and saw the description of the vehicle he was driving.
The people who saw this are just as much of a criminal for
not speaking up....what a shame...she was only a child
someone should have spoken up for her.
I pray for oeace on this family.

Unknown said...

There are 3 suspects which are the owner of the store , the owner of the house and the witness.
There is one murderer and the murderer is the witness and this is the reason:
If he saw the crime why did not he try to stop it and how did not the criminal know that there was a witness as criminals make sure that no one is seeing them and why did not he record the car's number plate and how did not the criminal here the witness using the phone or calling the police I blame the police for the following reasons:
1-Why did not they ask about the length and the weight and they could have asked if the criminal is left-handed or right-handed.
2-Why did not they use luminol to see if there were traces of blood on the suspects.
3-Why did not they examine the body to find finger prints and they would try to make a search to find the weapon.
4-They would have searched for the black trucks and examine them to find the victim's finger prints.

Unknown said...

I am saying it again the witness is the murderer.
You may think that he is 78 years so he can not do it but my grand father's friend is 77 years and he still can do pushups.

Unknown said...

but I want just to confirm if the witness could move or not and maybe he did not carry her maybe he just told her to get in with him to buy a present or anything else as she was a child xo she will just say yes.

Unknown said...

the other possibility is that the witness met the criminal and the criminal said that if he said anything to the police, he will be murdered.

Unknown said...

SOME HOW I THINK THE KILLER NEVER DROVE THE TRUCK SINCE THAT DAY. I BET IT IS HIDDEN IN A BARN...
ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CITY..NOT TOO FAR AWAY. HE PROBABLY HID THE TRUCK SO NO ONE COULD FIND IT.
IT MAY HAVE BLOOD STAINES IN THE BACK SEAT..OR FRONT SEAT FINGER PRINTS ARE PROBABLY
STILL THERE. HAIR MAY BE FOUND OR SPERM.. IN THE SEAT. NOW A DAYS NEARLY ANYTHING CAN BE FOUND.
POLICE NEED TO GO TO AND INVESTIGATE THE FARMS AND SEE IF THE TRUCK IS HIDDEN IN A BARN.
I HOPE THEY FIND THE TRUCK. THIS NEEDS TO BE INESTIGATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Unknown said...

You have to realize though..this was over twenty years ago. The city as well as population wouldn't be near the size it is now. Which would make it easier to pinpoint the vehicle. Tire tracks would of been a good start. Bad police work.

Concern parent said...

The lesson here is, we parents have to be very careful with our kids and not let them play outside without watching them

Mary Rose said...

If that one truck has Amber's bicycle helmet, then there's their suspect...

Mary Rose said...

I saw the movie too... the cop assume it was a family abduction...when it was a stranger who took Amber ...they should have gotten more information from the witness who saw what happened to Amber... poor kid...

speakthetruth said...

I agree it was bill fry

Unknown said...

No he has there were a string of attempted abductions in Arlington between 1996-1999 involving a dark blue truck.

Kristen said...

I grew up in Arlington and I was just a few moths shy of 16 when this abduction took place...I never knew many of the details until recently when I read that they still haven't found her killer. I started looking for more details and learned about the description of the truck, which seems minimal...but it took me aback because right around that time probably March, my parents knew I was looking to buy my first car and they found a 1993 gmc Sierra shortbed, stepside pickup that I was able to purchase for the exact amount of money I had saved ($2000). It was quite a steal for such a nice truck. I drove that truck for years and I still have it...now I'm making myself crazy trying to find a more accurate description of the truck the abducter used, because it all seems so oddly coincidental.