The Adam Herrman Mystery

January 24, 8:43 PMCrime ExaminerCindy Adams

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Adam Herrman (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) 

The fact that Casey Anthony waited one month to report her daughter Caylee missing shocked the world, however, the time that passed before Adam Herrman's foster parents admitted he was missing is unfathomable--10 years. 

Adam was born Irvin Goeninger III on June 8, 1987.  Due to suspected abuse in his biological family, Adam and his siblings were removed from the home and taken in as a foster child by Doug and Valerie Herrman, who adopted him in 1993.  He is given the name Adam Joseph Herrman.  Adam's two younger siblings were also adopted by the Herrman family.

The Herrmans had their foster care license removed in 1990 or 1991 for unknown reasons after a thorough investigation.

Allegations of Abuse

By 1996, Adam was enrolled in school as a fourth-grade school in the Derby school district.  Later that year, local police investigate a report that Adam has been abused.  The police report indicates Adam was a child in need of care and counseling through Kansas' Social and Rehabilitation Services (SRS).  The investigation into the matter concluded that the allegations of child abuse were unsubstantiated. 

SRS confirms that Adam had spent two days in county care after Valerie Herrman had spanked him with a belt, which left bruises.  Police were called by a psychological counselor; however, the Herrmans were simply told they could not discipline Adam with a belt. 

Two years later in 1998, suspected abuse was again reported to the Derby police from Adam's school.  The official report indicates Adam may have been abused at his home on Christmas day in 1997.  The investigation found no crime had occurred because Adams bruises were explained away by the Herrmans as injuries from playing sports with siblings.

Adam Disappears

In Jan. 1998, Adam ran way, but returned to his home two hours later.  According to Valerie Herrman, Adam ran away about eight times to get attention, but would return within two hours.

The next month, the Herrmans told the school district they were moving and withdrew Adam from school while in the fifth grade.  The family moved to a trailer part, where Valerie Herrman acted as park manager.

According to district records, Adam never enrolled in school in this new location.  Valerie Herrman claims he was home-schooled because he had psychological problems and disliked traditional schooling, although his younger siblings attended public school.
 

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