Somer Thompson -- Found Deceased 10/21/09

Man charged in Somer Thompson’s murder
Seven-year-old disappeared while walking home from school last year

updated 12:34 p.m. ET, Fri., March. 26, 2010


Jarred Harrell is seen in this booking photo released by the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Clay County Sheriff's Office via AP

ORANGE PARK, Fla. - Investigators in Florida have charged a 24-year-old man with murder in the slaying of a 7-year-old girl who disappeared while walking home from school last year.

Jarred Mitchell Harrell was charged Friday with killing Somer Thompson. He has been in custody since Feb. 11, when authorities arrested Harrell in Mississippi on Florida child pornography charges. Harrell was then extradited to Florida.

Somer disappeared Oct. 19 and a massive search was launched in the Jacksonville suburb of Orange Park. Her body was found two days later in a Georgia landfill nearly 50 miles away.

Detectives said Harrell was then living at his parents' home near Somer's school and house.

The news was first reported by the Clay Today Web site, which reported that Harrell was a former resident of Orange Park, Florida, and lived on the same route that the girl used when she went missing in October.

The Clay Today report came ahead of a press conference by "Team Somer" of Clay County Sheriff's Office at the Frist Baptist Church of Orange Park.

Jail records released by the Sheriff’s Office said that Harrell, 24, was charged with premeditated murder, sexual battery of a child under 12 and lewd and lascivious battery, according to Clay Today.

Harrell has been in the Clay County Jail since last month when he was extradited from Meridian, Miss., Clay Today said.

The Web site added that Harrell had been charged with more than 55 counts as well as charges — unrelated to Somer Thompson — that he sexually molested a young girl and videotaped the assault, according to court records.

At an initial appearance in Clay County Court earlier this month Harrell pleaded not guilty to the charges and had asked for a public defender.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36051745/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/

55 counts?! OMG! My poor heart can't take much more of this.

I just caught the end of a news segment and they said that this creeps family swears he isn't capable of violence. Huh?

They should make his family view the explicit videos!!!!Then ask them what they think!!!

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks after Jarred Harrell Announcement

Video: Diena Thompson Speaks to Public after Harrell Announcement

Video: Neighbors Speak about Recent Arrest in Somer Case

J4A, thank you so much for posting the videos of Diena. I've watched them more than once. I amazed at her poise and strength. I've had to fight back tears everytime I've seen her speak. I am thankful she has so many people to support her and her family.

You are welcome Piper.

Here's a link to a video that will probably make you fight back tears. Unfortunately, I couldn't get it to embed here. It is on the right near the top at the link.

http://www.fox30jax.com/content/actionlocal/story/Danny-Gokey-sings-for-Somer/NhHsvmPkTEm9e49xYfcFvg.cspx

Danny Gokey sings for Somer

Last Update: 3/26 7:34 pm



JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- American Idol's Danny Gokey visited Action News Friday. After hearing about what happened to Somer Thompson, he sang a special song in her memory.

Gokey also took the time to talk to Action News' Dawn Lopez during the noon show.

The former Idol contestant will be singing at The Jacksonville Landing Friday night at 9 p.m.

That was absolutely beautiful....It should be the theme song for all missing and murdered children...So full of Love and Emotion...One can only imagine....

That was beautiful hearing Danny Gokey sing for Somer..... he lost his wife right before he was on AI last season, so he is all too familiar with the pain of losing someone you love.

Somer Thompson benefit at Jacksonville Landing brings tears

Event was time of reflection.

Posted: March 28, 2010 - 12:22am
By Tia Mitchell



Diena Thompson brought a jolt of energy to the Somer Jam concert held Saturday in her slain daughter's memory.

She danced and sang along to the chorus of the Journey song a band on stage was covering: "Don't Stop Believin'."

The crowd joined in, singing a song that seemed to personify Thompson's efforts to bring justice and now a purpose for the brutal murder last fall of 7-year-old Somer.

The Somer Jam, held Saturday at The Jacksonville Landing, was both the official kickoff and a fundraiser for the Somer Thompson Foundation, which will raise awareness about protecting children from sexual predators, as well as support the families of victims.

Diena Thompson mingled with the crowd about 6 p.m., accepting hugs and pats on the back from strangers who attended the benefit. She smiled when Rita Laufer approached her, but only a few moments passed before both women, and Dave Laufer, standing nearby, were weeping.

Rita Laufer said she told Thompson, "We feel what she feels."

Their son, 26-year-old Eric, was killed last year, and his assailant has not been caught.

The Laufers flew in from Buffalo, N.Y., when the leader of the Something Distant band asked if musician Dave Laufer could fill-in at the last minute on bass. Because of their own story, they didn't hesitate to join the cause for Somer.

The Laufers arrived Friday night, just hours after Jarred Harrell was formally charged with murder and other crimes that police say are connected to Somer's death. Rita Laufer said she can only try to imagine what Thompson was going through.

"It's got to make her feel like this will never happen again, but it will never bring her daughter back," she said. "Her heart will never stop breaking. Ever."

Scott Hanson, who lives on Jacksonville's Northside and grew up listening to headliner band Molly Hatchet, brought his 5-year-old son Devin to the concert with him. He said Somer's death was a rude awakening.

"It opened my eyes to awareness and how you need to watch your children because my son plays outside every day," he said. "You never know who's driving around the corner."

Hanson said he wanted to support the Somer Jam because the foundation will provide a necessary service.

"We need to bring awareness to what's really going on in our neighborhoods," he said, "and keep our children safe."

http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2010-03-28/story/somer-benefit-brings-tears