Haleigh's Great Grandmother Reacts to Somer Case

Haleigh's Great Grandmother Reacts to Somer Case


October 22, 2009 22:08 PM

PUTNAM COUNTY, FL -- The recovery of the body of 7-year-old Somer Thompson evoked memories of the disappearance of Haleigh Cummings in Putnam County earlier this year.

The 5-year-old vanished in February and has not been found.

Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said during the first few days of the investigation that deputies also searched landfills, which is how Somer was found Wednesday.

Trash that was collected from southern Putnam County was taken to the landfill, but deposited in a roped-off area. Forty
sheriff's deputies went through the trash seeking clues, but found no evidence or clues.

Hardy confirmed that a garbage search is protocol in a missing persons case.

Annette Sykes, Haleigh's paternal great grandmother, said today that she sympathizes with Somer's family, and she still holds out hope that Haleigh can be found alive.

She is pleased that police initially looked in the landfill for Haleigh, eliminating that as a possibility.

Also Thursday, Sheriff Hardy announced a new way to send in tips regarding Haleigh. Anyone with information can send an email to haleigh@putnamsheriff.org.

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