Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Thank you Fysty! We are now over 600 members and still growing! Yay!
Something is in the air!!!!! I can feel it!
Something is in the air!!!!! I can feel it!
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Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Happy Birthday Sweet Angel....Leah Freeman.....
Today is a sad day for me. I wasn't sure that I would post this, but decided that I would anyway. Today would have been Leah Freeman's 25th birthday. She was killed when she was just 15 yrs old. He life was tragically cut short. Her killer was never found. Leah, sweet angel...May you rest in peace. You are never far from my thoughts.
~Fysty~
Today is a sad day for me. I wasn't sure that I would post this, but decided that I would anyway. Today would have been Leah Freeman's 25th birthday. She was killed when she was just 15 yrs old. He life was tragically cut short. Her killer was never found. Leah, sweet angel...May you rest in peace. You are never far from my thoughts.
~Fysty~
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Happy Birthday in Heaven dear Leah! You & your family are in my heart, thoughts & prayers. I pray that the person who took you from your family will be caught, and punished. May your mom finally find the justice, & closure that she so rightfully deserves. God Bless you, Leah & family.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Happy Birthday, dear girl. May the Lord bless your Mom and help her find peace.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
DA may have break in 2000 murder case
http://media.causes.com/ribbon/714535
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Coos County District Attorney plans to release new information on the 2000 death of 15-year-old Leah Freeman during a press conference today.
The Coquille Police Department sent out a press release over the weekend, announcing it would hold a press conference on the Freeman case at 2:30 p.m. in the Coquille City Council chambers.
The teenager was reported missing on June 28, 2000. Following a 37-day search, investigators found her body in a forested area off Fairview Road. They concluded she’d been murdered, however police have never released the cause of her death. They also never arrested any suspects over the years.
When asked if anyone is to be arraigned today, Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels said, “No.”
He refused to provide any further details before the press conference.
“We’re going to give out everything at 2:30 p.m. today,” Dannels said.
http://media.causes.com/ribbon/714535
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Coos County District Attorney plans to release new information on the 2000 death of 15-year-old Leah Freeman during a press conference today.
The Coquille Police Department sent out a press release over the weekend, announcing it would hold a press conference on the Freeman case at 2:30 p.m. in the Coquille City Council chambers.
The teenager was reported missing on June 28, 2000. Following a 37-day search, investigators found her body in a forested area off Fairview Road. They concluded she’d been murdered, however police have never released the cause of her death. They also never arrested any suspects over the years.
When asked if anyone is to be arraigned today, Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels said, “No.”
He refused to provide any further details before the press conference.
“We’re going to give out everything at 2:30 p.m. today,” Dannels said.
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Search for justice: A decade after her daughter died, Coquille mom still wants answers
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/search_for_justice_a_decade_af.html
An urn in Cory Courtright's bedroom holds her murdered daughter's ashes and a full size photo recalls Leah Freeman's last prom.
COQUILLE – Nine and a half years ago on a clear June evening, Leah Freeman, 15, left her friend's house in a huff, and headed for her home, only a few blocks away.
Several people would see the slight, 5-foot-2 teen striding up Central Avenue, past McKay's Market, past Hunter's Restaurant, past the credit union.
She wore jeans, a white tank top and white Nikes with a yellow swoosh.
Later that night, one of those Nikes would be found by the local cemetery, and a week or so later, the second shoe, far out of town on a dirt road. It was splattered with blood.
That's when Leah's mom, Cory Courtright , knew her daughter wasn't coming home.
Leah would have turned 25 on Oct. 29. Only days before, her father, Denny Freeman, died of cancer, never knowing how his daughter's life ended, why, and most importantly, who killed her.
Now Courtright, 53, wonders if she will eventually die with the same questions: Did her daughter die at the hands of a friend, as police have long suspected; or was she the victim of a passerby who saw a pretty young girl alone and stole away with her into the night?
"I have to find justice," says Courtright. "This was my child. I just can't stand the thought of someone getting away with this."
This photo of Leah Freeman still hangs in her mother's home.
Roughly five weeks after Leah disappeared, three county detectives took a drive on Fairview Avenue. About nine miles out, they turned onto Lee Valley Road, drove past the sign that warns the pavement ends, and into a dark, heavily wooded area. There, down a steep, dense embankment off a winding gravel road, they found Leah Freeman's body.
It didn't take long for police to turn their suspicions toward McGuffin and Bartley, but search warrants for both cars – executed for the Mustang about eight days after Leah went missing and for the Thunderbird more than a month after – revealed nothing.
The Mustang's trunk had been stripped clean, but according to court documents, McGuffin's father told police the car had recently been repaired, necessitating the removal of everything from the trunk. The pair also apparently did not do well on polygraph tests, but when offered immunity to tell all he knew about McGuffin's role in the Leah's murder, Bartley had nothing to say.
And that, so far, is where the story ends.
Neither McGuffin nor Bartley could not be reached for comment and McGuffin's defense attorney, Robert McCrae said he hasn't heard from his client for some time. But he said he still considers himself McGuffin's attorney and still believes the now 27-year-old is innocent.
He wonders if police have even considered other possibilities.
"They get an idea about who done it and they seem incapable of going outside of the box," says McCrea.
Not true, says, Coos County D.A. Paul Frasier.
"When we get a tip we are on top of it," says Frasier, who has never revealed the cause of Leah's death in hopes the information might eventually help catch the killer. "The rumor mills have been up and going. We have gone and looked at three or four other individuals, and all have been found not to be have been involved.
"That case is always on my mind. I personally have been involved since a few days after she disappeared. There is nothing more in the world I would like to do than to solve this crime."
And nothing more in the world Cory Courtright would like for him.
"It's become my life," says Courtright. "It's there when I wake up and it's there when I go to bed. I never ever thought I'd spend the latter years of my life looking for the killer of my daughter, and unlike her dad, I hope I don't have to leave this world without knowing."
]http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/search_for_justice_a_decade_af.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Task Force Formed to Solve 10-year Coquille Cold Case
COQUILLE, Ore. -- The formation of a task force in Coquille has renewed hope for solving a 10-year-old cold case.
On Monday, investigators announced its renewed focus in the murder investigation of 15-year-old Leah Freeman.
Freeman disappeared on her way home from a friend's house on June 28th, 2000. Her body would be discovered five weeks later, dumped in the woods. Since then, the case has gone cold, with few answers about what happened. However, detectives announced that more than 20 investigators are dedicated to re-examining Freeman's death in its entirety.
The Coquille Police Chief says they've spent hundreds of hours following up on both old and new leads over the past 15 months, giving hope to the Freeman family that justice will be served.
"To say I'm excited doesn't even come close. I am revitalized," said Leah's mother Cory Courtright
"We are optimistic based on what we found so far and with the work that's being done that we can bring this case to a resolution," said Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier.
Investigators say they're starting back at square one as if Freeman's murder happened yesterday. While it's been nearly a decade since she disappeared, detectives say advances in technology are helping uncover clues that were missed the first time around.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. If you have a tip, call the Coquille Police Department. They're manning the phones around the clock to ensure all tips go directly to officers.
http://kezi.com/page/160105
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/search_for_justice_a_decade_af.html
An urn in Cory Courtright's bedroom holds her murdered daughter's ashes and a full size photo recalls Leah Freeman's last prom.
COQUILLE – Nine and a half years ago on a clear June evening, Leah Freeman, 15, left her friend's house in a huff, and headed for her home, only a few blocks away.
Several people would see the slight, 5-foot-2 teen striding up Central Avenue, past McKay's Market, past Hunter's Restaurant, past the credit union.
She wore jeans, a white tank top and white Nikes with a yellow swoosh.
Later that night, one of those Nikes would be found by the local cemetery, and a week or so later, the second shoe, far out of town on a dirt road. It was splattered with blood.
That's when Leah's mom, Cory Courtright , knew her daughter wasn't coming home.
Leah would have turned 25 on Oct. 29. Only days before, her father, Denny Freeman, died of cancer, never knowing how his daughter's life ended, why, and most importantly, who killed her.
Now Courtright, 53, wonders if she will eventually die with the same questions: Did her daughter die at the hands of a friend, as police have long suspected; or was she the victim of a passerby who saw a pretty young girl alone and stole away with her into the night?
"I have to find justice," says Courtright. "This was my child. I just can't stand the thought of someone getting away with this."
This photo of Leah Freeman still hangs in her mother's home.
Roughly five weeks after Leah disappeared, three county detectives took a drive on Fairview Avenue. About nine miles out, they turned onto Lee Valley Road, drove past the sign that warns the pavement ends, and into a dark, heavily wooded area. There, down a steep, dense embankment off a winding gravel road, they found Leah Freeman's body.
It didn't take long for police to turn their suspicions toward McGuffin and Bartley, but search warrants for both cars – executed for the Mustang about eight days after Leah went missing and for the Thunderbird more than a month after – revealed nothing.
The Mustang's trunk had been stripped clean, but according to court documents, McGuffin's father told police the car had recently been repaired, necessitating the removal of everything from the trunk. The pair also apparently did not do well on polygraph tests, but when offered immunity to tell all he knew about McGuffin's role in the Leah's murder, Bartley had nothing to say.
And that, so far, is where the story ends.
Neither McGuffin nor Bartley could not be reached for comment and McGuffin's defense attorney, Robert McCrae said he hasn't heard from his client for some time. But he said he still considers himself McGuffin's attorney and still believes the now 27-year-old is innocent.
He wonders if police have even considered other possibilities.
"They get an idea about who done it and they seem incapable of going outside of the box," says McCrea.
Not true, says, Coos County D.A. Paul Frasier.
"When we get a tip we are on top of it," says Frasier, who has never revealed the cause of Leah's death in hopes the information might eventually help catch the killer. "The rumor mills have been up and going. We have gone and looked at three or four other individuals, and all have been found not to be have been involved.
"That case is always on my mind. I personally have been involved since a few days after she disappeared. There is nothing more in the world I would like to do than to solve this crime."
And nothing more in the world Cory Courtright would like for him.
"It's become my life," says Courtright. "It's there when I wake up and it's there when I go to bed. I never ever thought I'd spend the latter years of my life looking for the killer of my daughter, and unlike her dad, I hope I don't have to leave this world without knowing."
]http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/11/search_for_justice_a_decade_af.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Task Force Formed to Solve 10-year Coquille Cold Case
COQUILLE, Ore. -- The formation of a task force in Coquille has renewed hope for solving a 10-year-old cold case.
On Monday, investigators announced its renewed focus in the murder investigation of 15-year-old Leah Freeman.
Freeman disappeared on her way home from a friend's house on June 28th, 2000. Her body would be discovered five weeks later, dumped in the woods. Since then, the case has gone cold, with few answers about what happened. However, detectives announced that more than 20 investigators are dedicated to re-examining Freeman's death in its entirety.
The Coquille Police Chief says they've spent hundreds of hours following up on both old and new leads over the past 15 months, giving hope to the Freeman family that justice will be served.
"To say I'm excited doesn't even come close. I am revitalized," said Leah's mother Cory Courtright
"We are optimistic based on what we found so far and with the work that's being done that we can bring this case to a resolution," said Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier.
Investigators say they're starting back at square one as if Freeman's murder happened yesterday. While it's been nearly a decade since she disappeared, detectives say advances in technology are helping uncover clues that were missed the first time around.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction. If you have a tip, call the Coquille Police Department. They're manning the phones around the clock to ensure all tips go directly to officers.
http://kezi.com/page/160105
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I hope this new evidence leads to finding who murdered beautiful Leah. She deserves justice, and has waited a long time for it.
God Bless you, Leah!
God Bless you, Leah!
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I found this posted, by a new poster on CSI today:
Re:Leah Freeman 17 Hours, 34 Minutes ago
Great news today announcing that a large cold case squad has FINALLY been assembled to completely re-investigate this case from square one, as well as "new leads"(???)
Hoping this gets the job done for Cory & clan, with justice for Leah at last! Send your thoughts & prayers to coquille.
Re:Leah Freeman 17 Hours, 34 Minutes ago
Great news today announcing that a large cold case squad has FINALLY been assembled to completely re-investigate this case from square one, as well as "new leads"(???)
Hoping this gets the job done for Cory & clan, with justice for Leah at last! Send your thoughts & prayers to coquille.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Coos County ‘cold case’ heats up
http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/Coos-County-cold-case-heats-up/i67t_cM3EkaF9XQLqhPCbA.cspx?rss=191
Coquille (KMTR) - New leads are bringing new life to a cold murder case in Southern Oregon.
Investigators are hopeful they will finally be able to solve the case of Coquille teenager Leah Freeman, who mysteriously disappeared nearly ten years ago.
The Coos County District Attorney and Coquille's chief of police announced Monday the creation of a new cold case team.
In just the last 15-months, It has already generated new leads, revitalizing the case.
Combining old tips with today's forensic technology has the D.A. hoping they'll finally get the answers they've been searching for.
Leah was 15 years old when she was last seen on June 28, 2000, walking home on Elm Street. Five weeks later, her body was found down an embankment at the side of a road about nine miles from her home.
No arrests were ever made.
At the time, Leah's mother, Cory Courtright, called for the D.A. to do more to follow up on tips and assign a dedicated team to the case. And now that they have, she says she’s found new hope.
"It’s probably the most awesome feeling I’ve had in ten years. I just feel inspired. I have confidence," said Courtright.
Investigators have not told Courtright specifically what the new leads are, but they say people are more willing to talk, now that so much time has passed.
The Coquille Police Department has set up a new 24-hour, anonymous tip line. The number is (541) 396-2114.
http://www.kmtr.com/news/local/story/Coos-County-cold-case-heats-up/i67t_cM3EkaF9XQLqhPCbA.cspx?rss=191
Coquille (KMTR) - New leads are bringing new life to a cold murder case in Southern Oregon.
Investigators are hopeful they will finally be able to solve the case of Coquille teenager Leah Freeman, who mysteriously disappeared nearly ten years ago.
The Coos County District Attorney and Coquille's chief of police announced Monday the creation of a new cold case team.
In just the last 15-months, It has already generated new leads, revitalizing the case.
Combining old tips with today's forensic technology has the D.A. hoping they'll finally get the answers they've been searching for.
Leah was 15 years old when she was last seen on June 28, 2000, walking home on Elm Street. Five weeks later, her body was found down an embankment at the side of a road about nine miles from her home.
No arrests were ever made.
At the time, Leah's mother, Cory Courtright, called for the D.A. to do more to follow up on tips and assign a dedicated team to the case. And now that they have, she says she’s found new hope.
"It’s probably the most awesome feeling I’ve had in ten years. I just feel inspired. I have confidence," said Courtright.
Investigators have not told Courtright specifically what the new leads are, but they say people are more willing to talk, now that so much time has passed.
The Coquille Police Department has set up a new 24-hour, anonymous tip line. The number is (541) 396-2114.
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I really hope the new information leads to justice. It has taken far too long in this case.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Cold case: Teen was snatched from street, killed
By Rupa Mikkilineni, Nancy Grace Producer
March 30, 2010 11:05 a.m. EDT
New York (CNN) -- Leah Freeman, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, vanished from the street near her home in Coquille, Oregon, leaving one tennis shoe behind on the sidewalk.
Police believe she was snatched by someone while walking home from her best friend's house as it was beginning to get dark on June 28, 2000. Leah lived with her grandparents, her mother and her older sister, Denise.
More than a month later, her body was found on the outskirts of Fairview, a neighboring village in Oregon.
"The last time I saw my daughter was that afternoon," said Leah's mother, Cory Courtright. "She was so happy. She and her boyfriend were washing the windshield of his car and horsing around with the wet sponge. It was 4 p.m. and she jumped and kissed me on the cheek and told me she loved me before [she] took off."
Courtright said Leah's boyfriend dropped her off at the home of her best friend, Sherrie Mitchell, and was to pick her up at 9 p.m.
She said she later learned from the Mitchells and from police that the two friends had a spat because Sherrie's mother wouldn't let her go jogging with Leah after dark. Leah overheard the argument between her friend and her mother, and then the two girls argued. Leah angrily left the Mitchell home before her boyfriend arrived to pick her up.
At about 10:15 p.m., the boyfriend called Courtright from the Mitchells' house to ask whether Leah had arrived home.
Friends of Leah's boyfriend later told police and her family that he had been partying at Johnson Mill Pond before he arrived to pick up Leah. According to the police and Courtright, "partying at the pond" meant smoking marijuana.
Leah and her boyfriend often argued about his occasional use of marijuana. It was a bone of contention between them, says Courtright.
Courtright reported Leah missing to police the next morning.
Police found Leah's boyfriend and his best friend at a relative's home in the neighborhood, where they had been with Leah the day she vanished.
According to Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels, the front porch was littered with empty beer cans. Police also noticed a white men's tank top, which investigators initially assumed belonged to one of the boys.
Later, police learned that Leah had been wearing a white men's tank top when she vanished. When police returned to the house, the tank top was gone and the place was cleaned up.
Police executed search warrants on the boyfriend's family's home and vehicles. They discovered that the trunk of the car he drove had been recently gutted. His father told police there had been a fuel leak so the trunk liner, the spare tire, jack and tire iron had to be removed, Dannels said.
Police also learned from neighbors that the family held a bonfire in their yard the day after Leah disappeared.
The mate to Leah's lost shoe was found along a dirt road in Fairview nearly a week after she disappeared. Forensic testing showed blood spatter on the bottom of the shoe. The sample matched Leah's blood and experts determined a pattern consistent with medium- to high-velocity blood spatter, which can happen when an object -- a bullet or a car, for example -- hits a person while traveling at high speed.
Leah Freeman's body was found on August 8 in the woods along the dirt road where her shoe was found.
"We are holding back information on the exact cause of death to protect our investigation," Dannels said. He also would not comment on whether Leah's body was fully clothed or whether she had been sexually assaulted.
Police have not publicly named any suspects. However, Dannels said Leah's boyfriend and friends are a focus of their investigation.
"Recently, the boyfriend and his family came to us saying they wished to clear their son's name and wanted to cooperate and help in our investigation," Dannels said. CNN's calls to the boyfriend and his attorney were not returned.
In January, a cold case team of more than 20 members from several jurisdictions was appointed to reinvestigate the case.
Asked why the case is being re-investigated after 10 years, Dannels told CNN that witnesses are more mature now and are coming forward to help provide more information. And, he said, newer forensic technological advances allow police to re-evaluate the evidence gathered 10 years ago.
"We feel strongly that we will have an arrest in this case," Dannels says.
A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Leah Freeman's death. The tip line for the Coquille Police Department is 541-396-2114.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/29/grace.coldcase.freeman/index.html
By Rupa Mikkilineni, Nancy Grace Producer
March 30, 2010 11:05 a.m. EDT
New York (CNN) -- Leah Freeman, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, vanished from the street near her home in Coquille, Oregon, leaving one tennis shoe behind on the sidewalk.
Police believe she was snatched by someone while walking home from her best friend's house as it was beginning to get dark on June 28, 2000. Leah lived with her grandparents, her mother and her older sister, Denise.
More than a month later, her body was found on the outskirts of Fairview, a neighboring village in Oregon.
"The last time I saw my daughter was that afternoon," said Leah's mother, Cory Courtright. "She was so happy. She and her boyfriend were washing the windshield of his car and horsing around with the wet sponge. It was 4 p.m. and she jumped and kissed me on the cheek and told me she loved me before [she] took off."
Courtright said Leah's boyfriend dropped her off at the home of her best friend, Sherrie Mitchell, and was to pick her up at 9 p.m.
She said she later learned from the Mitchells and from police that the two friends had a spat because Sherrie's mother wouldn't let her go jogging with Leah after dark. Leah overheard the argument between her friend and her mother, and then the two girls argued. Leah angrily left the Mitchell home before her boyfriend arrived to pick her up.
At about 10:15 p.m., the boyfriend called Courtright from the Mitchells' house to ask whether Leah had arrived home.
Friends of Leah's boyfriend later told police and her family that he had been partying at Johnson Mill Pond before he arrived to pick up Leah. According to the police and Courtright, "partying at the pond" meant smoking marijuana.
Leah and her boyfriend often argued about his occasional use of marijuana. It was a bone of contention between them, says Courtright.
Courtright reported Leah missing to police the next morning.
Police found Leah's boyfriend and his best friend at a relative's home in the neighborhood, where they had been with Leah the day she vanished.
According to Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels, the front porch was littered with empty beer cans. Police also noticed a white men's tank top, which investigators initially assumed belonged to one of the boys.
Later, police learned that Leah had been wearing a white men's tank top when she vanished. When police returned to the house, the tank top was gone and the place was cleaned up.
Police executed search warrants on the boyfriend's family's home and vehicles. They discovered that the trunk of the car he drove had been recently gutted. His father told police there had been a fuel leak so the trunk liner, the spare tire, jack and tire iron had to be removed, Dannels said.
Police also learned from neighbors that the family held a bonfire in their yard the day after Leah disappeared.
The mate to Leah's lost shoe was found along a dirt road in Fairview nearly a week after she disappeared. Forensic testing showed blood spatter on the bottom of the shoe. The sample matched Leah's blood and experts determined a pattern consistent with medium- to high-velocity blood spatter, which can happen when an object -- a bullet or a car, for example -- hits a person while traveling at high speed.
Leah Freeman's body was found on August 8 in the woods along the dirt road where her shoe was found.
"We are holding back information on the exact cause of death to protect our investigation," Dannels said. He also would not comment on whether Leah's body was fully clothed or whether she had been sexually assaulted.
Police have not publicly named any suspects. However, Dannels said Leah's boyfriend and friends are a focus of their investigation.
"Recently, the boyfriend and his family came to us saying they wished to clear their son's name and wanted to cooperate and help in our investigation," Dannels said. CNN's calls to the boyfriend and his attorney were not returned.
In January, a cold case team of more than 20 members from several jurisdictions was appointed to reinvestigate the case.
Asked why the case is being re-investigated after 10 years, Dannels told CNN that witnesses are more mature now and are coming forward to help provide more information. And, he said, newer forensic technological advances allow police to re-evaluate the evidence gathered 10 years ago.
"We feel strongly that we will have an arrest in this case," Dannels says.
A $10,000 reward is being offered to anyone who has any information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Leah Freeman's death. The tip line for the Coquille Police Department is 541-396-2114.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/29/grace.coldcase.freeman/index.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Here is another article I just found. The boyfriend actually came forward, back before the new year, with his parents to try to clear his name. He has now lawyered up, and has been advised not to talk to authorities.
http://www.kcby.com/news/local/89647242.html
http://www.kcby.com/news/local/89647242.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I wonder what made Nick do an about face and decide not to help. The lab test gives us hope that all important evidence wasn't lost in the bonfire. I'm hoping that this case is solved once and for all once the lab results come back.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
More info on Leah Freeman investigation to be released this month
Story Published: Jun 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM PDT
By KCBY News Staff
COQUILLE, ORE - KCBY has learned that investigator's are set to announce another press conference for the last week of June to update their renewed investigation into the ten year old killing of a Coquille teen.
Six months after calling a press conference to announce they were taking a new look into the murder of 15-year-old Leah Freeman, investigators say they will hold another press conference on June 25th.
Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels and Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier will explain what has been done since January, what they have seen, and what's next in the investigation.
Leah Freeman disappeared on June 28th of 2000 and her body was discovered on August 3rd of that year, off a nearby dirt road. A suspect has never been identified.
New lab results started coming back to Coquille Police at the end of April, but Dannels says the results have not yet been divulged to the public.
Officers are still taking calls, 24-hours a day, for tips on the case(541-396-2114) and a $10,000 reward is still being offered.
The June 25th press conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Coquille City Hall.
http://www.kcby.com/news/local/95737274.html
Story Published: Jun 6, 2010 at 5:04 PM PDT
By KCBY News Staff
COQUILLE, ORE - KCBY has learned that investigator's are set to announce another press conference for the last week of June to update their renewed investigation into the ten year old killing of a Coquille teen.
Six months after calling a press conference to announce they were taking a new look into the murder of 15-year-old Leah Freeman, investigators say they will hold another press conference on June 25th.
Coquille Police Chief Mark Dannels and Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier will explain what has been done since January, what they have seen, and what's next in the investigation.
Leah Freeman disappeared on June 28th of 2000 and her body was discovered on August 3rd of that year, off a nearby dirt road. A suspect has never been identified.
New lab results started coming back to Coquille Police at the end of April, but Dannels says the results have not yet been divulged to the public.
Officers are still taking calls, 24-hours a day, for tips on the case(541-396-2114) and a $10,000 reward is still being offered.
The June 25th press conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. at Coquille City Hall.
http://www.kcby.com/news/local/95737274.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
That's good news Tish. I have a strong feeling that many of us already know who is getting arrested once the grand jury gives the okay.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
This is good news. Her mother needs answers. It's about time for those responsible to be held accountable for her murder.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
20/20 Follows Leah Freeman's Murder Investigation
July 2, 2010
By Sharon Ko
COQUILLE, Ore. -- As Coquille police continue to investigate Leah Freeman's murder case, ABC's 20/20 is doing their own story of her death.
It's been 10 years, and police are close to solving the murder of a young girl found nine miles away from her home.
"You have a girl here who was 15-years-old, walking down the street in the middle of town at dusk that disappears," said ABC Correspondent Jim Avila.
20/20 followed alongside police as part of a special they'll air based on a book, which Avila says is a story about a group of former and current experts from all branches of law enforcement.
These experts, the VIDOCQ Society, stationed in Philadelphia help small police departments all across the country solve murder cases.
"One of the current cases they're working on is Leah's story," said Avila.
20/20 says there were inconsistencies with how the case was handled. Leah's mother was ignored by the former police chief.
"She tried giving him some evidence, and he poked her in the chest and said 'Just go to the media,' and yelled at her..she went away crying," said Avila.
This curtailed valuable time. "It was treated as a run away even though everybody told the police department this girl would not run away," said Avila.
But when a new police chief entered, things changed.
"It's really something to see a police department here that isn't trying to cover it up. What they're trying to do it is get justice even if it made their police department look bad in the past," said Avila.
Now police have enough evidence to present for a possible indictment and a grand jury has formed.
"They're looking at four people. One perpetrator and three accomplices," said Avila.
A possible trial is set for two months from now.
http://kezi.com/news/local/180075
July 2, 2010
By Sharon Ko
COQUILLE, Ore. -- As Coquille police continue to investigate Leah Freeman's murder case, ABC's 20/20 is doing their own story of her death.
It's been 10 years, and police are close to solving the murder of a young girl found nine miles away from her home.
"You have a girl here who was 15-years-old, walking down the street in the middle of town at dusk that disappears," said ABC Correspondent Jim Avila.
20/20 followed alongside police as part of a special they'll air based on a book, which Avila says is a story about a group of former and current experts from all branches of law enforcement.
These experts, the VIDOCQ Society, stationed in Philadelphia help small police departments all across the country solve murder cases.
"One of the current cases they're working on is Leah's story," said Avila.
20/20 says there were inconsistencies with how the case was handled. Leah's mother was ignored by the former police chief.
"She tried giving him some evidence, and he poked her in the chest and said 'Just go to the media,' and yelled at her..she went away crying," said Avila.
This curtailed valuable time. "It was treated as a run away even though everybody told the police department this girl would not run away," said Avila.
But when a new police chief entered, things changed.
"It's really something to see a police department here that isn't trying to cover it up. What they're trying to do it is get justice even if it made their police department look bad in the past," said Avila.
Now police have enough evidence to present for a possible indictment and a grand jury has formed.
"They're looking at four people. One perpetrator and three accomplices," said Avila.
A possible trial is set for two months from now.
http://kezi.com/news/local/180075
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
This is so good to hear. Maybe, at last, Leah will get the jusice she so deserves, and Cory will finally get some closure to all her questions.
Thank God for the new police chief.
Thank God for the new police chief.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I agree mama. This most likely wouldn't be happening under the old police chief.
I wonder how Nick feels about this. He should be glad that there will finally be justice for Leah. I'm pretty sure his girlfriend still reads here, so maybe she can let us know whether he is happy or if he seems tense and nervous.
I wonder how Nick feels about this. He should be glad that there will finally be justice for Leah. I'm pretty sure his girlfriend still reads here, so maybe she can let us know whether he is happy or if he seems tense and nervous.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I'm sorry to say this, but I really hope it is not Nick. Cory has thought it was him from the beginning, and I would hate for her to have been correct, and still go through this horrible 10 years.
I'm thinking maybe some of his friends maybe???????
I'm thinking maybe some of his friends maybe???????
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Anything's possible mama. Whoever it is, I hope they arrest the right person and get a conviction. Luckily, it shouldn't be too much longer until we find out.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Oh my, this is very good news. I so pray they do find the right person/people who took Leah's life. Cory must be feeling such a mix of emotions right about now.
God bless Cory... and justice for Leah!
God bless Cory... and justice for Leah!
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Leah Freeman
Just over @ VH reading up on the Leah case. The new police chief has opened Leah's case and said he has 4 POI, one perp and 3 accessories. Cory is actually testifying at this time in the Grand Jury hearing. I sure hope they do make an arrest in this case. Ten years is too long to wait for justice.
Last edited by sitemama on Wed Jul 14, 2010 4:01 pm; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : changed sheriff to police chief. Sorry!)
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I am so glad that a Grand Jury is going to take a look at what LE has found. Maybe they now have been able to match up some DNA or something. I cry every time I think about Leah & Cory. I have a feeling that this is now going to be a double edge sword for Cory. Up until now, she didn't even know "how" Leah died. With an indictment, more documents (or worse) may come out.
Cory...I will be keeping you in my prayers. You ave remained strong though 10 years, in the hope of getting justice for Leah. Please stay strong a little longer. I hope you know that I think of you & Leah often & if you need me...I'm here.
Cory...I will be keeping you in my prayers. You ave remained strong though 10 years, in the hope of getting justice for Leah. Please stay strong a little longer. I hope you know that I think of you & Leah often & if you need me...I'm here.
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Leah's case will be featured on 20/20 tomorrow night at 10 p.m. ET.
Cold Case Squad: Modern-Day 'Sherlock Holmes' Team Takes on Oregon Slaying
Killing of Leah Freeman, 15, Was Cold Case for 10 Years. Then the Vidocq Society Got Involved.
By ROB WALLACE, LAUREN PUTRINO and TOM McCARTHY
Aug. 11, 2010
In the summer of 2000, 15-year-old Leah Freeman went missing in Coquille, Ore. For almost a week, the Coquille Police Department, led by Chief Mike Reeves, treated it as a missing person case, believing that the teen had run away.
Yet on the night the teen disappeared, an ominous discovery was made. A man picked up a shoe by the side of a town road. He thought it belonged to his daughter. It was not until days later, after the town's search for Leah had grown increasingly anxious, that he turned the shoe over to police.
The police identified the shoe as Leah's. On it they discovered blood.
Six weeks passed before Leah's mother, Cory Courtright, got the call from police that would end her hopes that Leah was still alive. Another discovery had been made.
"I still let the denial take over," Courtright said. "I wanted to... I wanted to go back in time. I didn't want, I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to hear the final news. I didn't want to hear it."
Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/leah-freeman-oregon-teen-murder-vidocq-society/story?id=11374958
Cold Case Squad: Modern-Day 'Sherlock Holmes' Team Takes on Oregon Slaying
Killing of Leah Freeman, 15, Was Cold Case for 10 Years. Then the Vidocq Society Got Involved.
By ROB WALLACE, LAUREN PUTRINO and TOM McCARTHY
Aug. 11, 2010
In the summer of 2000, 15-year-old Leah Freeman went missing in Coquille, Ore. For almost a week, the Coquille Police Department, led by Chief Mike Reeves, treated it as a missing person case, believing that the teen had run away.
Yet on the night the teen disappeared, an ominous discovery was made. A man picked up a shoe by the side of a town road. He thought it belonged to his daughter. It was not until days later, after the town's search for Leah had grown increasingly anxious, that he turned the shoe over to police.
The police identified the shoe as Leah's. On it they discovered blood.
Six weeks passed before Leah's mother, Cory Courtright, got the call from police that would end her hopes that Leah was still alive. Another discovery had been made.
"I still let the denial take over," Courtright said. "I wanted to... I wanted to go back in time. I didn't want, I didn't want to go home. I didn't want to hear the final news. I didn't want to hear it."
Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/leah-freeman-oregon-teen-murder-vidocq-society/story?id=11374958
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Cory said that the 20/20 story about Leah has been postponed. She does not know when they will show it now.
She doesn't know if it is being replaced by a current news story, or if LE has received some info and they asked that it be postponed.
Any way, we will not see Leah's story tomorrow.
She doesn't know if it is being replaced by a current news story, or if LE has received some info and they asked that it be postponed.
Any way, we will not see Leah's story tomorrow.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
That preview video looked very interesting. I hope 20/20 shows the story within the next couple weeks.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Boyfriend charged with murder in decade-old case
By KCBY.com staff
Story Published: Aug 23, 2010 at 3:16 PM PDT
COOS BAY, Ore. - The boyfriend of a girl found dead a decade ago has been charged with her murder.
Nick McGuffin, 28, was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Leah Freeman. McGuffin was her boyfriend at the time she disappeared.
A grand jury hearing evidence in the case indicted McGuffin on a charge of murder.
He was taken into custody Monday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. and is being held on $2 million bail.
The Coos County District Attorney and the Coquille Police Department plan a 7 p.m. press conference Monday night on the arrest.
Read more: http://www.kpic.com/news/local/101336449.html
By KCBY.com staff
Story Published: Aug 23, 2010 at 3:16 PM PDT
COOS BAY, Ore. - The boyfriend of a girl found dead a decade ago has been charged with her murder.
Nick McGuffin, 28, was charged with the murder of 15-year-old Leah Freeman. McGuffin was her boyfriend at the time she disappeared.
A grand jury hearing evidence in the case indicted McGuffin on a charge of murder.
He was taken into custody Monday afternoon at 2:15 p.m. and is being held on $2 million bail.
The Coos County District Attorney and the Coquille Police Department plan a 7 p.m. press conference Monday night on the arrest.
Read more: http://www.kpic.com/news/local/101336449.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Thanks J4a for this article. I felt something was coming down pretty soon in this case, since 20/20 postponed their story they were going to show last week on this case.
I spoke with Cory, and she couldn't really say anything about the GJ, but I did get the feeling that Nick was going to be arrested.
I spoke with Cory, and she couldn't really say anything about the GJ, but I did get the feeling that Nick was going to be arrested.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Yay!!!!! Finally!!!!
Cory must be so relieved with this news.... she has always believed Nick killed Leah.
Cory must be so relieved with this news.... she has always believed Nick killed Leah.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Snaz, remember @ CSO, the ppl who were friends of his trying to tell us Nick didn't do this? I think one of them was Nick's current girl friend wasn't she?
Did you see the picture of him? His face was really skinny. Cory said they had told her a few months ago an arrest was pending, and she felt it was Nick and she thinks there will be 3 others arrested very soon.
Did you see the picture of him? His face was really skinny. Cory said they had told her a few months ago an arrest was pending, and she felt it was Nick and she thinks there will be 3 others arrested very soon.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I can't imagine what her mother has been through the last 10 years. I would think even though she felt it was him, she wouldn't want to believe it. Finally there will be some justice in a senseless murder of a beautiful young girl. Does anyone have any idea what motivated him to murder her?
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
There were two different press conferences with the LE, that Leah actually appeared at!! Don' believe me?????
At the first one, there was a picture of Leah beside the new sheriff when he was speaking and the left eye of Leah winked. I'm serious, we watched that video several times and it winked every time.
At the second one, I guess Leah thought we had missed that, so she tried something more noticeable. There were a bunch of books standing on a table behind the speaker. These books held the evidence in her case, and Leah made one of the books fall with a very loud bang, that even made the speaker jump.
At first Cory didn't want to believe that Nick could have done it, since he supposedly loved her. But, how many 18 year old boys really know what love is. I don't know why he would have done that, since he hasn't admitted it, he's not going to tell why he did it. But it was a brutal death.
At the first one, there was a picture of Leah beside the new sheriff when he was speaking and the left eye of Leah winked. I'm serious, we watched that video several times and it winked every time.
At the second one, I guess Leah thought we had missed that, so she tried something more noticeable. There were a bunch of books standing on a table behind the speaker. These books held the evidence in her case, and Leah made one of the books fall with a very loud bang, that even made the speaker jump.
At first Cory didn't want to believe that Nick could have done it, since he supposedly loved her. But, how many 18 year old boys really know what love is. I don't know why he would have done that, since he hasn't admitted it, he's not going to tell why he did it. But it was a brutal death.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Man accused of killing girlfriend appears in court
By Adam Ghassemi KATU News and KATU.com Staff
Aug 24, 2010
PORTLAND, Ore. - A man charged with murdering his girlfriend a decade ago appeared in a Coos County court Tuesday.
Coos County authorities arrested 28-year-old Nicholas McGuffin Monday on charges of killing then 15-year-old Leah Freeman.
He is being held on $2 million bail.
McGuffin cried in court Tuesday during his arraignment and asked the judge to reduce his bail.
“Thank you for letting us try to get the bail reduced,’ said McGuffin. “I’m not a flight risk. I’m a family man.”
Read more: http://www.katu.com/news/local/101434724.html?
By Adam Ghassemi KATU News and KATU.com Staff
Aug 24, 2010
PORTLAND, Ore. - A man charged with murdering his girlfriend a decade ago appeared in a Coos County court Tuesday.
Coos County authorities arrested 28-year-old Nicholas McGuffin Monday on charges of killing then 15-year-old Leah Freeman.
He is being held on $2 million bail.
McGuffin cried in court Tuesday during his arraignment and asked the judge to reduce his bail.
“Thank you for letting us try to get the bail reduced,’ said McGuffin. “I’m not a flight risk. I’m a family man.”
Read more: http://www.katu.com/news/local/101434724.html?
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Emotional arraignment
Nicholas James McGuffin is charged with murdering 15-year-old Leah Freeman a decade ago in Coquille
By Winston Ross
The Register-Guard
August 25, 2010
Snipped from http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/25217016-46/guard-register-startstoryhere-writername.csp
Nicholas James McGuffin is charged with murdering 15-year-old Leah Freeman a decade ago in Coquille
By Winston Ross
The Register-Guard
August 25, 2010
Snipped from http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/25217016-46/guard-register-startstoryhere-writername.csp
McGuffin wasn’t the only one trying to keep it together. Outside the courtroom, Freeman’s mother, Cory Courtwright, stood at the front of a line of people waiting to enter until the 28-year-old accused of murdering her daughter had been seated. When she spotted him, she started to shake too, and to sob.
“I was staring at the man that’s believed to be my daughter’s killer,” Courtwright said later. “I couldn’t hardly look at him. I nearly fainted.”
Behind her was McGuffin’s mother, Kathleen, who is convinced her son had nothing to do with Freeman’s death.
“Cry all you want,” McGuffin told Courtwright. “My son is innocent.”
“Don’t talk to me,” Courtwright shot back. “Don’t ever talk to me again.”
For Courtwright, it’s been a decadelong battle for justice, from the moment authorities found her daughter’s body in a forested area 10 miles east of Coquille, down an embankment. At first, she said in an interview with The Register-Guard after Tuesday’s arraignment, she didn’t suspect Leah’s boyfriend, Nick.
“I thought he was an all right kind of guy,” Courtwright said.
She was concerned about the couple’s age difference, though, and at one point forbade her daughter from seeing him. Eventually, hearing reports that the two were sneaking around behind her back and sexually active, she said she realized her top priority should be to try to keep her daughter from getting pregnant. She made an appointment with the county health department, for her daughter to get on birth control.
Leah never made it to that appointment.
When the girl went missing, Courtwright was more intent on finding her than thinking about who might be responsible, she said. But after Leah’s body was discovered, Courtwright’s relationship with Nick McGuffin took a strange turn, she said.
After failing a polygraph test to determine whether he was involved in Leah’s disappearance, McGuffin showed up at Courtwright’s house, with his parents, she said. He immediately went into the backyard and started vomiting. His father, Bruce McGuffin, tried to comfort the grieving mother, explaining that his son was upset because he’d just taken the lie detector test.
“(Bruce) was hugging me, and I pushed back, and said ‘Wait. What were the results?’ ” Courtwright said. “He said ‘Oh, he passed with flying colors.’ ”
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
McGuffin security reduction hearing canceled
By Tim Novotny KCBY News
Story Published: Aug 31, 2010 at 12:57 PM PDT
COQUILLE, ORE - A security reduction hearing for Nick McGuffin that had been set for Thursday, September 2nd, has been canceled at the request of his attorney's.
Read more: http://www.kcby.com/news/local/101908018.html
By Tim Novotny KCBY News
Story Published: Aug 31, 2010 at 12:57 PM PDT
COQUILLE, ORE - A security reduction hearing for Nick McGuffin that had been set for Thursday, September 2nd, has been canceled at the request of his attorney's.
Read more: http://www.kcby.com/news/local/101908018.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
SMALL TOWN KEPT GIRL’S MEMORY ALIVE
Coquille residents never stopped demanding that police find Leah’s killer
By Winston Ross
The Register-Guard
Appeared in print: Saturday, Sep 4, 2010
COQUILLE — To this day, K’Lynn Landmark still can see the black sedans speeding down Lee Valley Road, past her house on the outskirts of Fairview. Traffic on this rural stretch of county road near Coquille is anything but bustling, so she knew something was up.
Landmark’s husband, Jim Judd, hopped on his four-wheeler to find out what was going on.
“He asked them, and they said they’d found Leah Freeman,” Landmark remembers.
By that point, five weeks after the 15-year-old girl’s disappearance on June 28, 2000, just about everybody in Coquille knew who Leah Freeman was. There were fliers and yellow ribbons and bows all over town: at the grocery store, the beauty salons, the restaurants. Teenage girls don’t disappear from a small town like Coquille. That kind of thing was supposed to happen in other places — bigger, scarier places.
In the weeks that followed her disappearance, the police and the town focused on finding Leah. But the discovery of her body that Aug. 3 provided little closure to a stunned community. Her killer, or killers, were still on the loose, and the Coos County District Attorney’s Office was making no promises that they’d solve the case.
“No arrests have been made,” said Paul Frasier, then chief deputy district attorney, three days after Leah’s body turned up, debunking rumors that someone had been nabbed in the case. “Nor are any anticipated in the near future.”
Nor for a decade, as it turned out, until Coquille police showed up at the home of Leah’s former boyfriend, Nicholas James McGuffin, last Monday. McGuffin and his parents both have said the 20-year-old is innocent. But the arrest marks a huge milestone for Coquille. This town never forgot Leah Freeman. And, led by a grieving mother’s decade-long quest for justice, the community never stopped demanding that police find her killer.
Read more: http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/25254065-41/leah-case-coquille-freeman-police.csp
Coquille residents never stopped demanding that police find Leah’s killer
By Winston Ross
The Register-Guard
Appeared in print: Saturday, Sep 4, 2010
COQUILLE — To this day, K’Lynn Landmark still can see the black sedans speeding down Lee Valley Road, past her house on the outskirts of Fairview. Traffic on this rural stretch of county road near Coquille is anything but bustling, so she knew something was up.
Landmark’s husband, Jim Judd, hopped on his four-wheeler to find out what was going on.
“He asked them, and they said they’d found Leah Freeman,” Landmark remembers.
By that point, five weeks after the 15-year-old girl’s disappearance on June 28, 2000, just about everybody in Coquille knew who Leah Freeman was. There were fliers and yellow ribbons and bows all over town: at the grocery store, the beauty salons, the restaurants. Teenage girls don’t disappear from a small town like Coquille. That kind of thing was supposed to happen in other places — bigger, scarier places.
In the weeks that followed her disappearance, the police and the town focused on finding Leah. But the discovery of her body that Aug. 3 provided little closure to a stunned community. Her killer, or killers, were still on the loose, and the Coos County District Attorney’s Office was making no promises that they’d solve the case.
“No arrests have been made,” said Paul Frasier, then chief deputy district attorney, three days after Leah’s body turned up, debunking rumors that someone had been nabbed in the case. “Nor are any anticipated in the near future.”
Nor for a decade, as it turned out, until Coquille police showed up at the home of Leah’s former boyfriend, Nicholas James McGuffin, last Monday. McGuffin and his parents both have said the 20-year-old is innocent. But the arrest marks a huge milestone for Coquille. This town never forgot Leah Freeman. And, led by a grieving mother’s decade-long quest for justice, the community never stopped demanding that police find her killer.
Read more: http://www.registerguard.com/csp/cms/sites/web/news/cityregion/25254065-41/leah-case-coquille-freeman-police.csp
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
AJ, I am confused. Do you really not believe Nick is guilty of killing Leah?
I, like many others, have felt he was the one, since I first heard of this case.
I, like many others, have felt he was the one, since I first heard of this case.
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Leah
Damn! Ever try to post & get a nice long one & have your mouse fall & erase EVERYTHING??? Well, that's what I have done two times! I'm wanting to respond to AJ's post (because I almost completely agree with her).
I hope that everyone will keep in mind that J4A & I built this site so that everyone can voice their opinion & discuss those opinions. I know I certainly have LOTS that I'd like to discuss about that case. (Leah Freeman).
Because I'm still one handed because of these damned shingles....I'm having a horrible time with typing one handed. I'm going to give it another day or two & actually move AJ's post (and mine) over to the "Leah Freeman" thread. I believe there is lots to discuss with that case & hope that everyone will join in.
~Fysty~
I hope that everyone will keep in mind that J4A & I built this site so that everyone can voice their opinion & discuss those opinions. I know I certainly have LOTS that I'd like to discuss about that case. (Leah Freeman).
Because I'm still one handed because of these damned shingles....I'm having a horrible time with typing one handed. I'm going to give it another day or two & actually move AJ's post (and mine) over to the "Leah Freeman" thread. I believe there is lots to discuss with that case & hope that everyone will join in.
~Fysty~
Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
AJ and Tish, you have raised enough questions to make me take a look at everything in detail again before being ready to convict Nick. It definitely wouldn't be justice if the wrong person was convicted.
I want to read over all the docs again before making too many comments, especially about the timeline, but I'll play the devil's advocate and give a few possibilities to some of the questions you have raised.
Possible motive: Nick suspected that Leah was pregnant.
Appeared normal when pulled over: It is probably normal for a person being pulled over to be a bit nervous which would cause the cops to not notice anything out of the ordinary if he was acting nervous without overdoing it. He also may have been high which probably would have helped to calm his nerves.
Nick was described as being non violent: I've also heard him described as having a flash temper and his current girlfriend has admitted to that.
The white shirt also bothers me. I wish the cop had taken it, but he thought Leah had been wearing a woman's tank top. By the time he found out she had been wearing a man's sleeveless T-shirt, it was gone.
I'm not saying anybody is right or wrong, I just wanted to lay out some possible explanations.
I see some of the problems with convicting somebody with circumstantial evidence, but what if Casey had been a little smarter, did most stuff the same, but killed Caylee in a remote area, dumped her without using bags and duct tape from the Anthony residence, burned the trunk liner in a fire, reported Caylee missing right away, and said the car had been stolen with Caylee in it. That would still make her look suspicious, but the case would be mostly circumstantial. Should somebody be able to walk because they manage to destroy any physical evidence linking them to a crime, and they manage to hide the body good enough that by the time it's found, none of their DNA is found on the body?
I want to read over all the docs again before making too many comments, especially about the timeline, but I'll play the devil's advocate and give a few possibilities to some of the questions you have raised.
Possible motive: Nick suspected that Leah was pregnant.
Appeared normal when pulled over: It is probably normal for a person being pulled over to be a bit nervous which would cause the cops to not notice anything out of the ordinary if he was acting nervous without overdoing it. He also may have been high which probably would have helped to calm his nerves.
Nick was described as being non violent: I've also heard him described as having a flash temper and his current girlfriend has admitted to that.
The white shirt also bothers me. I wish the cop had taken it, but he thought Leah had been wearing a woman's tank top. By the time he found out she had been wearing a man's sleeveless T-shirt, it was gone.
I'm not saying anybody is right or wrong, I just wanted to lay out some possible explanations.
I see some of the problems with convicting somebody with circumstantial evidence, but what if Casey had been a little smarter, did most stuff the same, but killed Caylee in a remote area, dumped her without using bags and duct tape from the Anthony residence, burned the trunk liner in a fire, reported Caylee missing right away, and said the car had been stolen with Caylee in it. That would still make her look suspicious, but the case would be mostly circumstantial. Should somebody be able to walk because they manage to destroy any physical evidence linking them to a crime, and they manage to hide the body good enough that by the time it's found, none of their DNA is found on the body?
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Suspect's father: Nick is innocent
Bruce McGuffin says police seek scapegoat in Leah Freeman case
By Jessica Musicar
September 10, 2010 11:00 am
The first time Bruce and Kathy McGuffin laid eyes on their son after his arrest was through the window of a Coos County courtroom door.
He was 'sitting all alone sobbing while the entire jury stand was filled with reporters and cameras only feet from him," Bruce McGuffin wrote in a statement to The World.
'From what I read ... it sounds like Nick was arrested because they needed someone in jail.
'We know our son is innocent."
It's a message Bruce McGuffin has asserted since his son Nick McGuffin first became a murder suspect in the 2000 death of 15-year-old Leah.
Waiting for justice
'He has lived here most of the time because he could not leave until the people responsible for this crime came to trial; otherwise, our whole family would have left a long time ago," the elder McGuffin wrote.
He has an alternate theory for the crime: Bruce McGuffin believes that several people struck Leah with a car, tortured her, and then dumped her body. Those people were granted immunity, he contends, and the homicide was pinned on Nick 'because he's the boyfriend."
'I know Nick had nothing to do with it," Bruce McGuffin said in a subsequent interview.
Read more: http://www.theworldlink.com/news/local/article_5e99c78b-3b8a-5de2-b0af-a58c9b97efa4.html
Bruce McGuffin says police seek scapegoat in Leah Freeman case
By Jessica Musicar
September 10, 2010 11:00 am
The first time Bruce and Kathy McGuffin laid eyes on their son after his arrest was through the window of a Coos County courtroom door.
He was 'sitting all alone sobbing while the entire jury stand was filled with reporters and cameras only feet from him," Bruce McGuffin wrote in a statement to The World.
'From what I read ... it sounds like Nick was arrested because they needed someone in jail.
'We know our son is innocent."
It's a message Bruce McGuffin has asserted since his son Nick McGuffin first became a murder suspect in the 2000 death of 15-year-old Leah.
Waiting for justice
'He has lived here most of the time because he could not leave until the people responsible for this crime came to trial; otherwise, our whole family would have left a long time ago," the elder McGuffin wrote.
He has an alternate theory for the crime: Bruce McGuffin believes that several people struck Leah with a car, tortured her, and then dumped her body. Those people were granted immunity, he contends, and the homicide was pinned on Nick 'because he's the boyfriend."
'I know Nick had nothing to do with it," Bruce McGuffin said in a subsequent interview.
Read more: http://www.theworldlink.com/news/local/article_5e99c78b-3b8a-5de2-b0af-a58c9b97efa4.html
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I am unfamiliar with this case, but I found this:
The Coos County District Attorney's office has released all documents not sealed in the Leah Freeman murder investigation. Most of these documents consist of affidavits for search warrants, search warrants and the results of search warrants. Those not familiar with legal documents should not confuse these affidavits with actual police reports and other similar documents. There are undoubtedly numerous affidavits, reports and documents remaining in the Leah Freeman case that are currently sealed.
Read more:
http://www.leahfreeman.com/documents.htm
The Coos County District Attorney's office has released all documents not sealed in the Leah Freeman murder investigation. Most of these documents consist of affidavits for search warrants, search warrants and the results of search warrants. Those not familiar with legal documents should not confuse these affidavits with actual police reports and other similar documents. There are undoubtedly numerous affidavits, reports and documents remaining in the Leah Freeman case that are currently sealed.
Read more:
http://www.leahfreeman.com/documents.htm
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I have been doing some reading and trying to get up to speed on this incredibly sensitive and tragic case. I have not followed it closely so I will depend on all of you to help me fill in the blanks.
READER'S DIGEST VERSION OF THE CRIME: Leah is 15 y/o. She disappeared 10 years ago and was later found murdered. She had a boyfriend, Nicholas McGuffin, then 18 y/o. Her mother was obviously aware of this relationship, so let's not even get into whether they were sexually active or not because, come on, I'm sure all you guys remember what you were like when you were 18 and all you girls remember what you were like when you were "almost 16 years old."
On the night she disappeared she spent the early evening at her boyfriend's house (Nick). They washed a car, watched videos and ate dinner with his Grandparents. She went from there to her friend Sherri Mitchell's house at around 7:00 PM but got mad and left there around 9:00 PM. The Mitchell's did not notify Leah's parents that she had left, assuming she would get home safely (not what I would have done in those circumstances, but okay). Leah does not return home. Her mother calls Sherri's house the next morning to ask after her and is told that Leah left the night before.
Her boyfriend started looking for her around 10:15 the prior evening after trying to call Leah at her house. He looked for her until 2:30 AM or so.
He drove more than one vehicle and was stopped twice by LE for some kind of headlight problem (probably the reason he switched cars?).
He even went to talk to Leah's sister. He did not find her and no one else saw her after 9:00 PM.
There was an issue about no trunk liner in one of the cars Nick drove that night, which his parents said was because of recent repair work done to the vehicle.
Nick's family has a gathering the next day at their home that includes a bonfire.
After Leah's bloody sneakers are found an investigation is opened. 37 days after her disappearance her body is found. I am not sure at what point the then sheriff decided this was not a runaway but a homide. It may have been after the sneakers were found or after her body was found. A grand jury is convened but never hands down any indictments. There is never a cause of death, time of death or timeline provided either for the murder or anyone's possible alibi for that night (not that I can find anyway).
An 18-year-old Nick heaves chunks after taking a lie detector test. (Not surprising to me, I probably would too).
No one knows what that lie detector test showed because LE doesn't release that info, mainly because these tests are so subjective they are not allowed as evidence in a court of law and they are used mainly as investigative tools (barometers, if you will) of which way to take an investigation.
FLASH FORWARD TO ABOUT 10 YEARS LATER:
Nick and his family have lived under suspicion (as many POI's do- think of Jayie Dugard's stepfather who lived under suspicion for 20 some years but was never charged with anything. In fact, he was the only person of interest in Jaycie's disappearance and remained the sole POI for 20 years until she turned herself in that fateful day and announced that she had been kidnapped 20 years ago) for the past ten years that he was somehow connected to or responsible for Leah's murder. He wants to clear his and his family's name.
There's a new sheriff in town by now. And within 3 days of reinvestigating the case, Nick has obtained legal counsel (or, as the sheriff would have you believe, he "lawyered up"- which implies something nefarious, like the only people who need legal counsel are the ones who are guilty). I mean, the guy has been under suspicion for 10 years! He wants to exonerate himself and his family of any wrong doing..... and now he's in the crosshairs of a trigger happy sherrif and grand jury who want someone charged and convicted of this horrible crime.
Then, Nick is indicted and charged with murdering Leah 3 days after the 10 year anniversary of Leah's murder.
There is still no cause of death, time of death or place of death. No DNA. In fact, other then the bloody sneakers, I really don't see much of any forensics whatsoever. The cause of death is simply "homicidal violence"- what ever the heck that means. Three is no indication as to whether Leah was sexually assaulted or not. There are allegedly "3 accomplices" to this murder, although I cannot find any info about them at all.
I have read articles that say things like "after 10 years of searching for Leah's murderer, he is finally apprehended!."- which sounds really dramatic and all, but what did they really do in those 10 years? As far as I can see, a new sheriff rode into town and decided to clean up the books. I also read that there is mountains of "circumstantial evidence"- but I can't find that either.
Further confounding me is the assertion that witnesses' memories have suddenly sharpened rather than dimmed over the intervening decade which seems to be key to the prosecution's case.
I understand that emotions on both sides of the family are running high. I want to see justice for Leah. And her family. And Nick. And his family.
But is there really any evidence at all that Nick committed this crime? And if so, what is it?
I just don't see it.
Let's talk about this.
kh
READER'S DIGEST VERSION OF THE CRIME: Leah is 15 y/o. She disappeared 10 years ago and was later found murdered. She had a boyfriend, Nicholas McGuffin, then 18 y/o. Her mother was obviously aware of this relationship, so let's not even get into whether they were sexually active or not because, come on, I'm sure all you guys remember what you were like when you were 18 and all you girls remember what you were like when you were "almost 16 years old."
On the night she disappeared she spent the early evening at her boyfriend's house (Nick). They washed a car, watched videos and ate dinner with his Grandparents. She went from there to her friend Sherri Mitchell's house at around 7:00 PM but got mad and left there around 9:00 PM. The Mitchell's did not notify Leah's parents that she had left, assuming she would get home safely (not what I would have done in those circumstances, but okay). Leah does not return home. Her mother calls Sherri's house the next morning to ask after her and is told that Leah left the night before.
Her boyfriend started looking for her around 10:15 the prior evening after trying to call Leah at her house. He looked for her until 2:30 AM or so.
He drove more than one vehicle and was stopped twice by LE for some kind of headlight problem (probably the reason he switched cars?).
He even went to talk to Leah's sister. He did not find her and no one else saw her after 9:00 PM.
There was an issue about no trunk liner in one of the cars Nick drove that night, which his parents said was because of recent repair work done to the vehicle.
Nick's family has a gathering the next day at their home that includes a bonfire.
After Leah's bloody sneakers are found an investigation is opened. 37 days after her disappearance her body is found. I am not sure at what point the then sheriff decided this was not a runaway but a homide. It may have been after the sneakers were found or after her body was found. A grand jury is convened but never hands down any indictments. There is never a cause of death, time of death or timeline provided either for the murder or anyone's possible alibi for that night (not that I can find anyway).
An 18-year-old Nick heaves chunks after taking a lie detector test. (Not surprising to me, I probably would too).
No one knows what that lie detector test showed because LE doesn't release that info, mainly because these tests are so subjective they are not allowed as evidence in a court of law and they are used mainly as investigative tools (barometers, if you will) of which way to take an investigation.
FLASH FORWARD TO ABOUT 10 YEARS LATER:
Nick and his family have lived under suspicion (as many POI's do- think of Jayie Dugard's stepfather who lived under suspicion for 20 some years but was never charged with anything. In fact, he was the only person of interest in Jaycie's disappearance and remained the sole POI for 20 years until she turned herself in that fateful day and announced that she had been kidnapped 20 years ago) for the past ten years that he was somehow connected to or responsible for Leah's murder. He wants to clear his and his family's name.
There's a new sheriff in town by now. And within 3 days of reinvestigating the case, Nick has obtained legal counsel (or, as the sheriff would have you believe, he "lawyered up"- which implies something nefarious, like the only people who need legal counsel are the ones who are guilty). I mean, the guy has been under suspicion for 10 years! He wants to exonerate himself and his family of any wrong doing..... and now he's in the crosshairs of a trigger happy sherrif and grand jury who want someone charged and convicted of this horrible crime.
Then, Nick is indicted and charged with murdering Leah 3 days after the 10 year anniversary of Leah's murder.
There is still no cause of death, time of death or place of death. No DNA. In fact, other then the bloody sneakers, I really don't see much of any forensics whatsoever. The cause of death is simply "homicidal violence"- what ever the heck that means. Three is no indication as to whether Leah was sexually assaulted or not. There are allegedly "3 accomplices" to this murder, although I cannot find any info about them at all.
I have read articles that say things like "after 10 years of searching for Leah's murderer, he is finally apprehended!."- which sounds really dramatic and all, but what did they really do in those 10 years? As far as I can see, a new sheriff rode into town and decided to clean up the books. I also read that there is mountains of "circumstantial evidence"- but I can't find that either.
Further confounding me is the assertion that witnesses' memories have suddenly sharpened rather than dimmed over the intervening decade which seems to be key to the prosecution's case.
I understand that emotions on both sides of the family are running high. I want to see justice for Leah. And her family. And Nick. And his family.
But is there really any evidence at all that Nick committed this crime? And if so, what is it?
I just don't see it.
Let's talk about this.
kh
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
thx khtish wrote:I see 2 issues with this story that I believe are factually incorrect.
Nick and Leah didn't go to Nick's grandparents house - they went to Brent Bartley's grandparents house Oh! Okay. I didn't know that for a little get together w/ Brent and his g/f and I'm not sure who else might have been at that party, but at least those 4 were there. Of importance here is the fact that BB's gparents were NOT home at the time why do you think that is important? What are your thoughts? ....
And while the grand jury WAS convened - they never heard anything regarding this case from what I recall (I need to freshen up on the details) Well freshen me up to while you're at it! How can a GJ be convened and then not hear any evidence? that is one of the HUGE misfortunes in this case - why did the case not go before the GJ as scheduled? was it because her body was found w/ evidence that didn't fit w/ Nick being the perp? That is something I am wondering about too it sure makes you wonder why they didn't go ahead with the GJ, they could have postponed it for a month or 2 rather than 10 yrs... I don't understand what has changed in the intervening 10 years? And certainly people's memories dont get better with time.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Cory said that things showed up in DNA testing, and when witnesses were confronted with that info, they are now ready to talk. I'm sure lab work is much more advanced than it was 10 years ago.
Cory attended the GJ, and she is more than convinced that Nick and his friend BB, are guilty, and I don't think it is all just witnesses remembering things they didn't remember before. I think the pathology testing they have done is helping to get the perps. At least I hope they have got them.
Cory attended the GJ, and she is more than convinced that Nick and his friend BB, are guilty, and I don't think it is all just witnesses remembering things they didn't remember before. I think the pathology testing they have done is helping to get the perps. At least I hope they have got them.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I remember one of the earlier articles stated that lab results came back at the end of April before the grand jury was appointed.
There were supposed to be two other accessories besides BB. I wonder if they are the friends Nick was smoking pot with. Has it been said whether they had something to do with the crime or whether they were accessories after the fact?
There were supposed to be two other accessories besides BB. I wonder if they are the friends Nick was smoking pot with. Has it been said whether they had something to do with the crime or whether they were accessories after the fact?
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Here is a timeline I came up with while reviewing the docs
(Times are approximate from witness statements.)
SM - Leah's friend
TM - Person who found Leah's right Nike shoe
DF - Leah's sister
BB - Nick's best friend
June 28, 2000
7 PM - Nick dropped Leah off at SM's house
9 PM - Leah left SM's house on foot
9:05 PM - Nick arrived at SM's house; Witnesses say they saw Leah in front of Hunter's Restaurant
9:15 PM - Witness saw Leah Freeman walking north on Central Avenue and that she was near the Oregon Federal Credit Union office
9:15 PM to 9:30 PM - Nick came into Denny's Pizza and asked DF if she had seen Leah
9:45 PM to 10 PM - Witness at the Fast Mart saw Nick driving the Thunderbird
10:15 PM - Nick showed up at SM's house
10:30 PM - Nick pulled over driving the Blue Mustang
11 PM to 11:30 PM - Nick came into Denny's again and told DF he had to go because he had someone in the car
11 PM to 2:30 AM - BB confirmed that he rode with McGuffin looking for Leah and that they did not find her.
11:30 PM - TM found Leah's right shoe
June 29, 2000
2:30 AM - Nick says after dropping BB off, he went to Leah's and saw a light on in Leah's room, but got no response when he approached the window and tried to make contact with her.
Early morning Hours - Nick pulled over driving Blue Mustang
July 3, 2000 - TM brought Leah's shoe found by cemetery on June 28 to the Coquille Police Department
July 4, 2000 - Sgt. Kip Oswald found Leah's left shoe on a dirt road by some power lines on Hudson Ridge which is located in the Fairview area east of Coquille
July 5, 2000 - Nick failed a polygraph test; BB passed questions asking if he had any direct involvement in Leah's disappearance, but the test indicated he had knowledge as to what happened to Leah.
July 6, 2000 - Search warrant executed on Blue Mustang. Trunk was empty. There was no liner, no spare tire, no jack nor was there a tire iron.
July 17, 2000 - Oregon State Police Crime Lab informed Coquille police that blood spatter was found on Leah's left shoe.
July 20, 2000 - Deputy District Attorney convened Coos County Grand Jury for the purpose of assisting in this investigation.
July 27, 2000 - Police gave BB an immunity offer which he did not accept.
August 3, 2000 - Leah's body found.
August 23, 2010 - Nick is arrested and charged with Leah's murder.
(Times are approximate from witness statements.)
SM - Leah's friend
TM - Person who found Leah's right Nike shoe
DF - Leah's sister
BB - Nick's best friend
June 28, 2000
7 PM - Nick dropped Leah off at SM's house
9 PM - Leah left SM's house on foot
9:05 PM - Nick arrived at SM's house; Witnesses say they saw Leah in front of Hunter's Restaurant
9:15 PM - Witness saw Leah Freeman walking north on Central Avenue and that she was near the Oregon Federal Credit Union office
9:15 PM to 9:30 PM - Nick came into Denny's Pizza and asked DF if she had seen Leah
9:45 PM to 10 PM - Witness at the Fast Mart saw Nick driving the Thunderbird
10:15 PM - Nick showed up at SM's house
10:30 PM - Nick pulled over driving the Blue Mustang
11 PM to 11:30 PM - Nick came into Denny's again and told DF he had to go because he had someone in the car
11 PM to 2:30 AM - BB confirmed that he rode with McGuffin looking for Leah and that they did not find her.
11:30 PM - TM found Leah's right shoe
June 29, 2000
2:30 AM - Nick says after dropping BB off, he went to Leah's and saw a light on in Leah's room, but got no response when he approached the window and tried to make contact with her.
Early morning Hours - Nick pulled over driving Blue Mustang
July 3, 2000 - TM brought Leah's shoe found by cemetery on June 28 to the Coquille Police Department
July 4, 2000 - Sgt. Kip Oswald found Leah's left shoe on a dirt road by some power lines on Hudson Ridge which is located in the Fairview area east of Coquille
July 5, 2000 - Nick failed a polygraph test; BB passed questions asking if he had any direct involvement in Leah's disappearance, but the test indicated he had knowledge as to what happened to Leah.
July 6, 2000 - Search warrant executed on Blue Mustang. Trunk was empty. There was no liner, no spare tire, no jack nor was there a tire iron.
July 17, 2000 - Oregon State Police Crime Lab informed Coquille police that blood spatter was found on Leah's left shoe.
July 20, 2000 - Deputy District Attorney convened Coos County Grand Jury for the purpose of assisting in this investigation.
July 27, 2000 - Police gave BB an immunity offer which he did not accept.
August 3, 2000 - Leah's body found.
August 23, 2010 - Nick is arrested and charged with Leah's murder.
Last edited by Justice4all on Tue Sep 21, 2010 3:02 pm; edited 3 times in total
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
Here are a few things I noticed when reviewing the docs.
There were two things that concerned Chief Reeves about Nick besides the fact he was Leah's boyfriend.
Detective Ranger administered a polygraph test and found Nick to be not truthful on three questions:
From affidavit for search warrant signed by Coquille police officer David Hall:
There were two things that concerned Chief Reeves about Nick besides the fact he was Leah's boyfriend.
The first was McGuffin's claim that he drove up and down Central looking for Leah and his claim that he did not see her, when in fact several persons saw her walking on Central at the same time he claimed to be looking for her. The second was the fact that in all the time that McGuffin claimed he was looking for Leah, (except for the time at 2:30 AM) that he never physically went to Leah's house to see if she was home, even though he had to have been close by on several occasions.
Detective Ranger administered a polygraph test and found Nick to be not truthful on three questions:
1. Did you physically do something that resulted in Leah's death?
2. Did you have any direct involvement in Leah's disappearance?
3. Have you talked to Leah since last Wednesday night after 9 PM?
According to Leah's mother, Cory Courtright, on June 28, 2000, Leah was wearing a white men's sleeveless T-shirt, blue jeans and Nike tennis shoes.
From affidavit for search warrant signed by Coquille police officer David Hall:
On June 29, 2000, after Leah's disappearance had been reported to the Coquille Police, and after I had found out that Leah, McGuffin and (BB) had been to (BB's grandmother's) residence at the end of Fir Street/Dean Minard Road earlier on June 28, myself and Chief Reeves went to the (BB's grandparent's) residence to see if she was there. No one was at the residence. However, we did note that on the deck area there appeared to be several beer cans and a white men's sleeveless T-shirt. At the time we had a description of the clothes that Leah was wearing at the time she disappeared, which included a white top. At the time we were at the (BB's grandparent's) residence, I believed that she had been wearing a female white tank top. As the T-shirt I saw did not match with a female tank top, I did not seize the shirt. Later that day, after speaking with the Freeman family, I realized that she had been wearing a man's sleeveless T-shirt. At that time I realized that the shirt I saw at (BB's grandmother's) residence was of potential significance. I drove back to (BB's grandparent's) home to obtain the shirt. However, when I arrived back at (BB's grandparent's) house the deck area had been cleaned and the shirt and beer cans were gone.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
I think the witness's time was off on the siting at Hunter's Restaurant. According to Google maps, Leah would have reached McKay's Market around 9:06. A witness saw her by the phone booth in front of McKay's but a time wasn't given. If she didn't stop, she would have reached Hunter's around 9:11 and the Oregon Federal Credit Union around 9:12. A witness saw her in front of the Credit Union around 9:15 which is more realistic timing than the Hunter's witness report.
From the Credit Union, it would have taken her about 9 more minutes to reach the point where her right shoe was found. For the sake of argument, let's say she could have once again took three more minutes than Google says. That would put the time she could have reached the point her shoe was found at 9:27. If witness accounts were off by a few minutes, Google is accurate, and she walked nonstop, she could have reached that point as early as 9:22. So it could be any time between 9:22 and 9:27.
I believe she was on her way home and was forced into a car around the spot her shoe was found on Elm Street. She may have run that way trying to get away from somebody on W. Central which was on her way home. Anyway, she was most likely abducted between 9:15 and 9:27.
Nick left SM's in the Mustang around 9:05 and said he drove up Central all the way to Leah's street and back before stopping at Denny's Pizza where DF was working. DF saw him at Denny's sometime between 9:15 and 9:30.
Google says he could have driven to from SM's to Leah's House to Denny's in 8 minutes which makes me think he would have reached Denny's during the early part of the 9:15 to 9:30 time range since he left SM's house around 9:05. I'm not sure how he would have missed Leah, but witnesses put her on Central as late as 9:15.
He could have driven from Denny's to the point Leah's right shoe was found in as little as 2 minutes. If he talked to DF for a couple minutes and left at 9:17, he could have caught up to Leah as early as 9:19 anywhere between the Credit Union and the point her shoe was found.
It has been stated that the drive from town to Nick's house and back has been done in as little as 15 minutes. 9:27 plus 15 equals 9:42. He was seen at Fast Mart in the Thunderbird between 9:45 and 10. He showed back up at SM's house in the Mustang around 10:15 and was pulled over in the Mustang at 10:30.
The timings are pretty tight, but there was enough time for Nick to do something to Leah, possibly having hit her with the car by the cemetery where her shoe was found or getting mad and choking her or hitting her with something, and then driving home, switching cars, driving into town, and then driving home again and switching cars.
The police think he could have stashed her on his property or BB's grandparent's property which are both several acres. I believe if Nick was responsible, he probably had her in the trunk of the Mustang the whole time or at least until he got to BB's grandparents house sometime after being pulled over at 10:30. BB says he rode with Nick starting at 11, Nick stopped at Denny's between 11 and 11:30. After that, there was plenty of time to drive to the place where Leah's left shoe was found, and to the place her body was found, and then drop BB off around 2:30.
This is just a possibility. During the trial we will see what the lab results were and what the witnesses have to say.
From the Credit Union, it would have taken her about 9 more minutes to reach the point where her right shoe was found. For the sake of argument, let's say she could have once again took three more minutes than Google says. That would put the time she could have reached the point her shoe was found at 9:27. If witness accounts were off by a few minutes, Google is accurate, and she walked nonstop, she could have reached that point as early as 9:22. So it could be any time between 9:22 and 9:27.
I believe she was on her way home and was forced into a car around the spot her shoe was found on Elm Street. She may have run that way trying to get away from somebody on W. Central which was on her way home. Anyway, she was most likely abducted between 9:15 and 9:27.
Nick left SM's in the Mustang around 9:05 and said he drove up Central all the way to Leah's street and back before stopping at Denny's Pizza where DF was working. DF saw him at Denny's sometime between 9:15 and 9:30.
Google says he could have driven to from SM's to Leah's House to Denny's in 8 minutes which makes me think he would have reached Denny's during the early part of the 9:15 to 9:30 time range since he left SM's house around 9:05. I'm not sure how he would have missed Leah, but witnesses put her on Central as late as 9:15.
He could have driven from Denny's to the point Leah's right shoe was found in as little as 2 minutes. If he talked to DF for a couple minutes and left at 9:17, he could have caught up to Leah as early as 9:19 anywhere between the Credit Union and the point her shoe was found.
It has been stated that the drive from town to Nick's house and back has been done in as little as 15 minutes. 9:27 plus 15 equals 9:42. He was seen at Fast Mart in the Thunderbird between 9:45 and 10. He showed back up at SM's house in the Mustang around 10:15 and was pulled over in the Mustang at 10:30.
The timings are pretty tight, but there was enough time for Nick to do something to Leah, possibly having hit her with the car by the cemetery where her shoe was found or getting mad and choking her or hitting her with something, and then driving home, switching cars, driving into town, and then driving home again and switching cars.
The police think he could have stashed her on his property or BB's grandparent's property which are both several acres. I believe if Nick was responsible, he probably had her in the trunk of the Mustang the whole time or at least until he got to BB's grandparents house sometime after being pulled over at 10:30. BB says he rode with Nick starting at 11, Nick stopped at Denny's between 11 and 11:30. After that, there was plenty of time to drive to the place where Leah's left shoe was found, and to the place her body was found, and then drop BB off around 2:30.
This is just a possibility. During the trial we will see what the lab results were and what the witnesses have to say.
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Re: Leah Freeman -- Found Deceased 8/3/00
As far as the times that the witnesses say they saw Leah, and the times that Denise said Nick came by her work, and all the other time lines, we have to remember that we are dealing with humans, and I'm sure none of them looked at their watch and made a note of the exact time all these sightings took place.
None of these witnesses knew, at the time they saw Leah, 'Oh yell, I need to remember this time exactly as it will play a big part in Leah's disappearance'.
This is just as stupid as George Anthony saying he remembered what Caylee and KC had on when they left the house on June 16th. He did not know he needed to remember those facts.
None of these witnesses knew, at the time they saw Leah, 'Oh yell, I need to remember this time exactly as it will play a big part in Leah's disappearance'.
This is just as stupid as George Anthony saying he remembered what Caylee and KC had on when they left the house on June 16th. He did not know he needed to remember those facts.
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