Somer Thompson on America’s Most Wanted

Police believe Somer Thompson was carrying this lunch box at the time of her disappearance. It has never been recovered

The Somer Thompson case was featured on America’s Most Wanted Saturday, November 7, 2009. Somer Thompson disappeared on October 19, 2009 while walking home from school in Orange Park, Florida. Her body was discovered in a Georgia landfill, approximately 55 miles from the abduction site, on October 21, 2009. Somer Thompson’s killer is still on the loose and police are exhausting all means to locate the perpetrator of this horrific crime.

There has been a new lead in the case, one that wasn’t previously reported. When Some Thompson ran ahead from a group of children (including her siblings) she was last seen in front of the home located at 1080 Gano Ave Orange Park, Florida. The house had previously been gutted in a fire and workers were remodeling the house. Several of the workers reported to authorities that Somer Thompson had walked inside the fence around the home and had spoken with them. According to the workers, she then left and no one saw Somer Thompson alive again. No one that is, except for her killer.

Though police sealed off the home on Gano Ave with crime scene tape and processed it, no evidence has yielded clues to who kidnapped and killed Somer Thompson. As of today, there are no suspects in the case of Somer Thompson and there are approximately 3,000 tips that have come in. Authorities continue to follow up on every lead. Though police have investigated the numerous sex offenders that live in the area, John Walsh of America’s Most Wanted reports that none of those sex offenders have been ruled out. Sheriff Rick Beseler states that no one will be cleared as a suspect until they find the perpetrator.

Tip lines remain open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and there is a reward currently in excess of $45,000.

Mary Justino, spokesperson for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office released a statement prior to the airing of the America’s Most Wanted episode.

To date, our agency has fielded 3,000 leads in regards to the Somer Thompson case.

Our detectives will continue their work throughout the weekend and the tips line remains open and active. Due to the planned airing of a Somer Thompson case feature on America’s Most Wanted Saturday night, additional manpower has been assigned to the tips line phones. CCSO personnel will be ready to move on any tips regarding specific suspects that come in as a result of the show, along with U.S. Marshals who remain an active part of our team.

If there are any major developments in the case, members of the media will be notified as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Mary Justino

Police believe Somer Thompson was carrying this tote bag at the time of her disappearance. It has never been recovered.

You may submit an anonymous tip at CrimeStoppers, at (866) 845-TIPS or through the 24/7 manned tip line at 1- (877) 227-6911. You may also send any information via e-mail CART@claysheriff.com.

Interview with Diena Thompson, Somer Thompson’s mother

Interview with Sheriff Rick Beseler

Photos of Somer Thompson

Somer Thompson featured on America’s Most Wanted

Somer Thompson case Part 1

Somer Thompson case Part 2

Somer Thompson case Part 3 (the investigation continues)

Somer Thompson case Part 4 (profile of killer released)

Search for Somer Thompson leads to body in landfill

Amber Alert for Missing Florida Girl: Somer Thompson