Site's around the Internet sent out a bulletin for Jahmeshia as an "endangered runnaway " I wondered why there was no amber alert issued for this child. She was an excellent student, responsible in her actions and never got into trouble. The family realized Jahmeshia was missing when the following day when she did not return home from school. A relative thought she was staying over someplace else the night before. And no one seemed to take responsibility in checking on her destination or having her call home once she arrived to make sure she got there safely. Which in my opinion is a crime in and of itself. In this climate of predators and criminals parents must know where their kids are at all times, period.
Also why didn't Chicago police issue an amber alert for this child? If her body was found this morning it is likely that whom ever abducted her kept the girl alive for a period of time. An autopsy is scheduled for today to determine her cause of death.The most attention this case received appears to be today, after the discovery of her body. Guidelines must be established for all children from all neighborhoods regardless of a family's economic status in the community. At schools, libraries and in faith based organizations when a child is missing from a community and they are aware, access to mainstream communication is limited, they too, should pitch in to spread the word.
Perhaps in Mayor Daley's new budget he could provide funds to faith based organizations in the community for awareness and safety training.
10 comments:
Thank you so much for this article.
I will post this link so others can read.
I could not have said it better. You addressed so many important points in this article! I agree that it is disturbing that this young girl was missing for so long without the masses knowing about it. How tragic is it that the press she received occurred after her death. This should not happen to anybody's child...regardless of race or class. Our nation simply has to do better...
Thank you Susan for addressing this case. You have said it so well and I thank you for that. This is an age where everyone, parents, family,law enforcement, the courts and the general public need to be what may have once been called "overly cautious". Today one can't be too careful when it comes to the children. We need to know where our children are at all times, and Law enforcement need to think the worst first it just may save a life.
Thanks so much for bringing awareness to this problem with issuing Amber Alerts. It is sad to know that no one care about the whereabouts of this precious child.
I truly believe the responsibility of this horrible tragedy lies within the lack of media reporting. Law enforcement needs to have continual dialogue with the media to be sure that attention is given to ALL missing children and adults, regardless of race, status or the sensationalism behind the missing person. Had the media reported Jameshia as missing the community could have become aware and possibly found her before whomever took her life.
There needs to be accountability. A city as large as Chicago who has numerous missing children cases is no excuse. They should have special newspaper sections, just like in classifieds, that list child's name and photo and missing information. It IS news. It IS much more important than reading about celebrities-gone-wrong or trivial matters.
I am so disappointed with the media in Illinois. Maybe they ought to take lessons from media reporters in North Carolina? They are exemplary in reporting missing loved ones, regardless of the backgrounds as to why one is missing.
Shame on Illinois. Will the reporters learn from this? Will they step up to the plate and help report Peyton Borden,14 who is also missing? Or will they allow him to become an eraser child as they have done with Jameshia Connor? Will they rush with their pads, pens and tape recorders should a body be located? Or will they do the right thing and start reporting now so that another child will not become a statistic as Jameshia has...a statistic that never should have happened. A young life lost forever that cannot be replaced.
Rest in peace, sweet one. You're safe now, Jameshia. Safe in the presence of the Lord.
Thank you Susan for speaking out and bringing much needed attention in Jahmeshia's disappearance and death. You are absolutely right-it all starts at home. Every family must have a "safety plan" in place and the ultimate need must be to communicate, always. It saddens so many of us that no Amber Alert was issued, the "system" failed this young lady. From family to authorities - they all failed Jahmeshia, a child. Keeping Jahmeshia in our thoughts and prayers.
Wow so beautifully written with such compassion. Thank you for sharing with other that every life matters. Our children are precious and the more we bring awareness to the plight of our children the better they will be. Thank you Susan for being a voice for this family, their child and countless others. God Bless you
Susan is absolutely right. There is a dangerous trend in the USA of only focusing on certain types of high profile crimes. It sounds like Girl X all over again.
Establish guidelines, thanks Susan for making this point, truly no child or family should be denied the same opportunity in getting vital information out to the public.
It is imperative for communities to understand that collective efforts from all entites does make a difference.
Thank you for shinning the light on this subject. I agree that the public (ie.. Parents,Media Community Leaders etc.) should be alarmed at what happened to this child and all the children who go missing. The parents, caregivers etc. must take a proactive role in providing a safe, secure environment for the children. When my children were growing up, I was called "over-protective". I would not allow my children to play outside unless I was outside with them. I walked or drove them to school everyday.I made it my business to know where they were at all times. Being as "over-protected" as I was,I could still see room for improvement.
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