[Cedwards38]

Originally Posted by naneiben

Thanks for your post. You sound far more knowledgeable about criminal investigations than just about all of us who have posted. Would you be willing to call the Sheriff and ask a few questions? Perhaps they'd be willing to shed some light on their findings.

They likely don't enjoy looking like they dropped the ball and might be eager to share some information that might finally put this to bed. We all pay their salaries and, IMHO, they should be accountable, right?

You, clearly, would know what questions to ask in a respectful manner.

Right, and this is a good suggestion.

First, I really am not an expert on criminal investigations. My knowledge is no greater than the average person about how they are conducted. I do know that some who are following and contributing to this thread do have experience in criminal investigation and I appreciate their comments when they make them.

I did call the Sumter County Sheriff's office on Thursday morning, July 23, to inquire about the status of this investigation. The person who answered the phone was extremely nice and respectful and conveys a very positive public image for the office. I began by telling her in a very pleasant way how much I respect the Sumter County Sheriff's office and complimenting her on what a good job they typically do.

I then asked about the status of the tree cutting investigation. She had no idea what I was talking about. I described what I knew from newspaper accounts and she was still baffled. She first thought that the incident did not occur in Sumter County. I assured her that it did and gave her the name of the village where it occurred. She then agreed that it was Sumter. She then told me that it did not sound like something the Sheriff's Office would investigate and suggested that some other agency might be investigating the crime. I replied that I was pretty sure it was within their purview and that newspaper reports indicated that it was being done by their office. She then asked if I would give my name and phone number so that she could inquire about this issue and call me back with information. I gave her both, and got her name. She did not call back.

Today, July 24, I called the Sheriff's office again. The same person answered the phone. Again we exchanged pleasant greetings. I told her my name and reminded her of my call yesterday. She seemed puzzled and asked, "didn't they call you?" I replied that they did not, so she proceeded to tell me that this was a current and continuing investigation and that was all she could share with me. I suggested that I would continue to monitor any progress of the investigation by reading The Daily Sun and she agreed that I should do that. I thanked her for her time and trouble, and I report this now.

Bottom line is that I don't know any more now than I did before I called, other than the case does not appear closed. I'll give it some time and call them again. Might not be a bad idea for others with concerns to inquire as well.

[downeaster]

Thank you Cedwards38 for the proceeding Post. In fact, thank you for all of your posts.

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

Right, and this is a good suggestion.

First, I really am not an expert on criminal investigations. My knowledge is no greater than the average person about how they are conducted. I do know that some who are following and contributing to this thread do have experience in criminal investigation and I appreciate their comments when they make them.

I did call the Sumter County Sheriff's office on Thursday morning, July 23, to inquire about the status of this investigation. The person who answered the phone was extremely nice and respectful and conveys a very positive public image for the office. I began by telling her in a very pleasant way how much I respect the Sumter County Sheriff's office and complimenting her on what a good job they typically do.

I then asked about the status of the tree cutting investigation. She had no idea what I was talking about. I described what I knew from newspaper accounts and she was still baffled. She first thought that the incident did not occur in Sumter County. I assured her that it did and gave her the name of the village where it occurred. She then agreed that it was Sumter. She then told me that it did not sound like something the Sheriff's Office would investigate and suggested that some other agency might be investigating the crime. I replied that I was pretty sure it was within their purview and that newspaper reports indicated that it was being done by their office. She then asked if I would give my name and phone number so that she could inquire about this issue and call me back with information. I gave her both, and got her name. She did not call back.

Today, July 24, I called the Sheriff's office again. The same person answered the phone. Again we exchanged pleasant greetings. I told her my name and reminded her of my call yesterday. She seemed puzzled and asked, "didn't they call you?" I replied that they did not, so she proceeded to tell me that this was a current and continuing investigation and that was all she could share with me. I suggested that I would continue to monitor any progress of the investigation by reading The Daily Sun and she agreed that I should do that. I thanked her for her time and trouble, and I report this now.

Bottom line is that I don't know any more now than I did before I called, other than the case does not appear closed. I'll give it some time and call them again. Might not be a bad idea for others with concerns to inquire as well.

Sounds like it's been moved to the cold case file....

[NavyNJ]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

Right, and this is a good suggestion.

First, I really am not an expert on criminal investigations. My knowledge is no greater than the average person about how they are conducted. I do know that some who are following and contributing to this thread do have experience in criminal investigation and I appreciate their comments when they make them.

I did call the Sumter County Sheriff's office on Thursday morning, July 23, to inquire about the status of this investigation. The person who answered the phone was extremely nice and respectful and conveys a very positive public image for the office. I began by telling her in a very pleasant way how much I respect the Sumter County Sheriff's office and complimenting her on what a good job they typically do.

I then asked about the status of the tree cutting investigation. She had no idea what I was talking about. I described what I knew from newspaper accounts and she was still baffled. She first thought that the incident did not occur in Sumter County. I assured her that it did and gave her the name of the village where it occurred. She then agreed that it was Sumter. She then told me that it did not sound like something the Sheriff's Office would investigate and suggested that some other agency might be investigating the crime. I replied that I was pretty sure it was within their purview and that newspaper reports indicated that it was being done by their office. She then asked if I would give my name and phone number so that she could inquire about this issue and call me back with information. I gave her both, and got her name. She did not call back.

Today, July 24, I called the Sheriff's office again. The same person answered the phone. Again we exchanged pleasant greetings. I told her my name and reminded her of my call yesterday. She seemed puzzled and asked, "didn't they call you?" I replied that they did not, so she proceeded to tell me that this was a current and continuing investigation and that was all she could share with me. I suggested that I would continue to monitor any progress of the investigation by reading The Daily Sun and she agreed that I should do that. I thanked her for her time and trouble, and I report this now.

Bottom line is that I don't know any more now than I did before I called, other than the case does not appear closed. I'll give it some time and call them again. Might not be a bad idea for others with concerns to inquire as well.

By any chance, did she happen to mention who "they" might or should have been, who were supposed to call you back?? Someone (an Investigator or Detective) in the Sumter Sheriff's Office? Some other County or State agency?

[Cedwards38]

Originally Posted by NavyNJ

By any chance, did she happen to mention who "they" might or should have been, who were supposed to call you back?? Someone (an Investigator or Detective) in the Sumter Sheriff's Office? Some other County or State agency?

She did not, and I did not inquire. I assumed that it was an investigator in the Sheriff's office but I'm not sure.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Cedwards38

She did not, and I did not inquire. I assumed that it was an investigator in the Sheriff's office but I'm not sure.

I can't think what else a law enforcement agency could do at this point. They could sit outside the peoples home so they won't do it again. They could bring in landscapers and tree cutters one at a time and interrogate them, that would take months, maybe years, and I am guessing if they had done it they would lie. They could call members of the suspects families and talk to them, but I am thinking you can't do stuff like that without some solid evidence. I am sure that there have been leads, but someone pointing a finger anonymously at a person can only take you so far.


I feel bad for you, because this is really, really upsetting to you, but I can't think what else can be done at this point.


It may never be "solved" and the perps brought to justice. You could go and talk the people who live in those homes, but I think that isn't a good idea. There are probably laws against that.


Sometimes the puzzle pieces can't be found to put unjust things at rest.

Maybe if you called and talked to the Environmental Authority that fined the District, you might find something to make it more clear. I can't remember it's name, but it isn't the St. John's River Authority. Someone will remember. It is on this thread somewhere. They might me able to tell you who reported it, or how it was discovered by them.

[Happydaz]

Just raise the reward to $10,000 and one of the tree workers will talk. Raise it to $20,000 and the tree cutter in charge will turn himself in. Offer immunity to the person claiming the reward, except for the homeowner who contracted to have the trees cut down. Maybe the tree cutters are minors, and not professionals?

[TheVillageChicken]

Originally Posted by Happydaz

Just raise the reward to $10,000 and one of the tree workers will talk. Raise it to $20,000 and the tree cutter in charge will turn himself in. Offer immunity to the person claiming the reward, except for the homeowner who contracted to have the trees cut down. Maybe the tree cutters are minors, and not professionals?

If they do, it will probably be in Spanish.

[manaboutown]

What I find so disturbing is that this "unsolvable" blatant crime was a totally public and "in your face" act logically attributable to only a handful of suspects.

Now, what additionally troubles me is that the person on the phone at the sheriff's office claimed to know nothing of the caper or its investigation (if any) - and no one returned cedwards' call. No information regarding an investigation of any kind has been obtainable from the sheriff's office or any other police authority. This act was not some hallucination or fantasy. It happened and to all appearances none of the powers that be has done or is doing a darned thing about it! I really wonder why...

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by manaboutown

What I find so disturbing is that this "unsolvable" blatant crime was a totally public and "in your face" act logically attributable to only a handful of suspects.

Now, what additionally troubles me is that the person on the phone at the sheriff's office claimed to knowing nothing of the caper or its investigation - and no one returned your call. No information regarding an investigation of any kind has been obtainable from the sheriff's office or any other police authority. This act was not some hallucination or fantasy. It happened and none of the powers that be is doing a darned thing about it! I really wonder why...

I really think that a "bloodless" crime is not a top priority around the old jail house. It is important to us, but they are dragging around wife beaters and child molesters and bloodied up drunks in car accidents. I don't think it is a cover up, just not a priority. If you brought it up to your kids, they would probably say, "uh huh" and change the subject.

[DonH57]

I would think an investigation of tree cutting would be turned over from a police to a Florida environmental authority.

[TheVillageChicken]

The investigation is de facto over. The Villages has agreed to pay and replant. The only people still interested are the ones who feel like they are footing someone else's bill.

[Laurie2]

Never mind

[NavyNJ]

Well, I think it's been mentioned at least a couple times in the 8+ pages of posts, but one avenue of public inquiry that doesn't seem to have been pursued up to this point is a Public Records request of all the public agencies involved in this incident, which would include any CDD or CCDD.

I can't recall the poster's online name, but I recall someone in other threads talking about starting some sort of massive govt documents research project via letter writing back in like 1967 or something. Can't remember the point of it, but the person wrote to everyone from Richard Nixon to Pete Rose. Maybe if he sees this thread, he could take up the cause of those asking for "more" to be done, and "all info" to be shared? Who knows?? Remember how Watergate started to become unraveled when someone inadvertently mentioned that there was a recording system put into the Oval Office?? lol

At any rate, more info about Florida's Sunshine (Open Records) Law can be found at the link below, including how to go about starting a request, for anyone interested in continuing to carry the torch on this.

Florida Sunshine Law

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I really think that a "bloodless" crime is not a top priority around the old jail house. It is important to us, but they are dragging around wife beaters and child molesters and bloodied up drunks in car accidents. I don't think it is a cover up, just not a priority. If you brought it up to your kids, they would probably say, "uh huh" and change the subject.

There aren't that many crimes around the old jailhouse, bloodless or otherwise, that they can't thoroughly investigate them all. This isn't NYC. Somebody is shoving this one under the rug for some reason, in my opinion. The poster whose opinion it is that TV does not want the publicity has the answer, methinks.