Family members of a missing girl from Orangeburg will hold a news conference Monday morning as the search for the child is continuing.
www.live5news.com
By
Patrick Phillips
Published: Dec. 5, 2022 at 9:32 AM EST
ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WCSC) - The family of a missing girl from Orangeburg is hoping someone will recognize her and notify authorities so she can come home safe.
Aspen Jeter, 5, is missing from the home she shared with her mother, Crystal Jumper, 46, whose body was discovered in the home during a welfare check on Thanksgiving Day. While investigating Jumper’s death, authorities realized there was no sign of the child.
The child’s father, 46-year-old Antar Antonio Jeter, is also missing, deputies say.
The child’s uncle, Paulus Jumper, Crystal Jumper’s brother, stood with family attorney Justin Bamberg and Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell Monday morning at a news conference during which Bamberg, speaking for the family, pleaded for her safe return.
“Something happened before Thanksgiving, and it’s very, very tragic,” Bamberg said. But right now, the number one priority is the safety of both Aspen and Mr. Jeter.”
Bamberg said Aspen Jeter suffers from a condition known as Neurodevelopmental Disorder with or without Autistic Features and/or Structural Brain Abnormalities.
“What that means is Aspen is not able to talk, she’s not able to move on her own,” Bamberg said. “So if you were to spot her, oftentimes she’s either being carried by her parents or she’s being pushed in a stroller. She’s not going to be able to speak to you.”
Bamberg also sent a message to Aspen’s father.
“Mr. Jeter, we understand how much you love your daughter,” he said. “I think by all accounts, everybody knows and then the pictures that have circulated with a smile on your face, Mr. Jeter, and the smile on Aspen’s face. It’s very, very, very clear that your daughter loves you and you love her and we know that you would never do anything to hurt her. But it’s not safe to just be out here.”
He said Jeter does not need to feel afraid to come back to Orangeburg or call the authorities or Bamberg’s law firm.
“We just want what’s best for you and Aspen, and that is, right now, making sure that you both are safe,” Bamberg said. “You know, Crystal, isn’t here. And that’s, that’s very, very sad in and of itself, although it doesn’t mean that this situation has to get any sadder.”
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