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Neighborhood remains on edge following Somer Thompson murder
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Somer Thompson
The neighborhood where Somer Thompson vanished without a trace six weeks ago remains haunted by the unsolved murder of the little girl.
Neighbors say they feel chills walking their kids to and from school knowing that Thompson was snatched right from the street without anyone seeing a thing.
Parents are keeping an extra protective eye on their children as people wonder who is responsible for the terrible tragedy that took place in their close-knit neighborhood.
“Everybody eyes each other with suspicion now, wondering ‘Are you looking at me? Are you looking at my kids?’ ” Said 36-year-old mother of two, Keri Smith.
The 7-year-old Orange Park, Florida girl disappeared while walking home from school on Oct. 19. Her body was found in a Georgia landfill on Oct. 22.
So far the police have fielded over 4,000 tips, and the number grows each day. The sheriff's office has said they are waiting for evidence in the case to be processed at the crime lab.
Jaime Rathje, 30, mother of two, says she fears for the safety of her children who attend Grove Park Elementary school, the same school where Somer attended. “They have to be with me, in front of me,” said Rathje as she walked her kids home from school.
Local residents have noted a change in that most children no longer walk unescorted in the area.
The Sheriff's Office is working closely with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals, and the FBI to help bring Somer’s killer to justice.
There is a reward of $64,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for Somer’s disappearance and murder.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (877) 227-6911 or Crime Stoppers at (866) 845-8477 (845-TIPS) to remain anonymous or e-mail CART@claysheriff.com
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