Mother of 7-Year-Old Somer Thompson Pleads for Her Return

October 21, 2009 by Cathy Ribble
Filed under: News

Diene Thompson spoke to media today for the first time since her daughter Somer disappeared on Monday afternoon on her mile-long walk home from Grove Park Elementary School in Orange Park, Florida.

Somer’s mother told authorities that Somer was squabbling with another child, and her sister told her to stop. The little girl got upset and ran ahead of the group. She has not been seen again.

Somer is described as 3 feet 5 inches tall and 65 pounds with brown hair in a ponytail with a red bow. She was last seen wearing a cranberry-colored sweatsuit with pink stripes on the sleeve and pants. She also had a black, pink and white backpack with a skull and hearts. She may be wearing a white hat and scart.

Her mother described a large, irregular shaped birthmark on Somer’s left shin as an additional distinguishing feature.

Clay County Tip Line: 877-227-6911 or cart@claysheriff.com

Printable Flyer: Somer Thompson

“Just drop her off somewhere,” Diena Thompson said through her tears. “I don’t care if you ever get in trouble — I want my baby back.”

While investigators said they have no evidence someone took Somer, they are very concerned for her welfare because of her age and the length of time she has been missing.

“She is definitely endangered and we do suspect foul play,” Clay County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Dan Mahla said Tuesday afternoon.

Hundreds of law enforcement officials, U.S. Navy personnel, and mounted search-and-rescue volunteers have searched every square inch of the area looking for clues. Somer Thompson disappeared without a trace. Hundreds of leads have been reported, but no clues have been identified.

Officers have extended the search area and interviewed about 75 known sex offenders in a five-square-mile radius. Teams of volunteers are walking arm-to-arm through the woods, and deputies are using helicopters and search dogs.

“We’re still at a situation where Somer has disappeared off the face of the earth,” Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler said.

Please say a prayer for the safe return of this little girl, and for a break in the case!