FL HALEIGH CUMMINGS: Missing from Satsuma, FL - 10 Feb 2009 - Age 5

Haleigh's photo is shown age-progressed to 15 years. She was last known to be sleeping in her home, in the area of Hermit's Cove in Satsuma, Florida, on the evening of February 9, 2009. Haleigh was discovered missing during the early morning hours of February 10, 2009. She may still be in the local area. Haleigh's ears are pierced.
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Haleigh was last known to be sleeping in her family's trailer in the 200 block of Green Lane in the area of Hermit's Cove in Satsuma, Florida, late in the evening on February 9, 2009. She went to bed at 8:00 p.m. Her father's live-in girlfriend of five months, Misty Janette Croslin (sometimes identified in the media by her later married name, Misty Cummings), went to sleep in the same room at 10:00 p.m. Haleigh's three-year-old brother was also sleeping in that room.

Haleigh's father, Ronald Lemyles Cummings, finished working second shift and arrived home sometime after 3:00 a.m. on February 10. Misty told him she'd just discovered Haleigh was missing from her bed. The rear door to the trailer was several inches ajar and the screen door had been propped open with a cinder block. Ronald and Misty called 911 at 3:37 a.m. to report Haleigh's disappearance.

The police found no sign of forced entry to the trailer, but they are uncertain whether the back door was locked. Ronald and Misty have insisted that it was, and Ronald maintains the trailer was broken into.

Haleigh's younger brother told investigators that a man dressed in black had come to their home that night and taken his sister. Authorities aren't sure how much credence to give to his story, given his age. An extensive search of the area turned up no sign of Haleigh. Her father stated she wouldn't have left home by herself at night, as she is afraid of the dark.


In October 2009, six months into the marriage, Ronald filed for divorce. He cited irreconcilable differences as the reason, mainly the stress caused by Haleigh's disappearance and the subsequent police investigation and media attention. The divorce became final within days; since Ronald and Misty had only been married a short time and they didn't share any property or have any children together, there was little to discuss.

Police repeatedly questioned Misty about Haleigh's disappearance and looked into the possibility that she wasn't in fact at home when the child disappeared. Misty describes herself as a devoted caregiver to Haleigh and her brother and said she had been home the entire night and hadn't left the children alone.

Investigators have been publicly skeptical of Misty's story, stating she failed four polygraphs and one voice stress test, and changed her story multiple times; they described her accounts as "consistently inconsistent."

NCMEC -

Have you seen this child? HALEIGH CUMMINGS

Missing From: SATSUMA, FL. Missing Date: 02/10/2009. Haleigh's photo is shown age-progressed to 15 years. She was last known to be sleeping in her home, in the area of Hermit's Cove in Satsuma, Florida, on the evening of February 9, 2009. Haleigh was discovered missing during the early morning...

api.missingkids.org

NamUs -

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

Charley Project -

Haleigh Ann-Marie Cummings – The Charley Project

HALEIGH CUMMINGS is still missing from Satsuma, FL since Feb 2009.

Haleigh was discovered missing during the early morning hours of February 10, 2009. She may still be in the local area.

www.crimewatchers.net

 

[GrandmaBear]

Oh, yes, it's my understanding that the cinderblock came from the house, and so can't you imagine how easily such a rough surface would/should collect skin cells?!
Excellent point, thanks for bringing it up!

About acquaintance vs neighbor, I think I was just trying to differentiate in my own mind between 'lives nearby vs lives outside the neighborhood'...
Anyway, my impression of the neighborhood is that it's a rather rural mobile community...

You would think so with the DNA on the rough surface. I would just hope of course they covered that and did that. So if it showed just his or just his and hers, then there would be non abductor.

So it's a mobile home park then. I couldn't recall for sure, I thought maybe they just had it on their own acres or something as you see sometimes. So then neighbors are more plentiful and close in a park, that's for sure... It also increases the chances of neighbors seeing someone though if someone actually took her...

 

[Regina]

You would think so with the DNA on the rough surface. I would just hope of course they covered that and did that. So if it showed just his or just his and hers, then there would be non abductor.

So it's a mobile home park then. I couldn't recall for sure, I thought maybe they just had it on their own acres or something as you see sometimes. So then neighbors are more plentiful and close in a park, that's for sure... It also increases the chances of neighbors seeing someone though if someone actually took her...

And if there wasn't any DNA collected from the cinder block, then we could speculate that the perp might have worn gloves...
I've tried to find info as to where the block had been prior, but no luck. Seriously, why is that info so hard to find? Seems odd to me since it's a major element of the crime...
I've seen a photo where there's some sort of clothing and/or bedding on the ramp... do you know anything about that?

Re the community, I've found that each of the lots are privately owned and vary in size.
Their particular street isn't on street-view, but I urge you to scope out the area to get a feel for the surroundings. The add is 202 Green Ln., Satsuma, Fl

 

[GrandmaBear]

And if there wasn't any DNA collected from the cinder block, then we could speculate that the perp might have worn gloves...
I've tried to find info as to where the block had been prior, but no luck. Seriously, why is that info so hard to find? Seems odd to me since it's a major element of the crime...
I've seen a photo where there's some sort of clothing and/or bedding on the ramp... do you know anything about that?

Re the community, I've found that each of the lots are privately owned and vary in size.
Their particular street isn't on street-view, but I urge you to scope out the area to get a feel for the surroundings. The add is 202 Green Ln., Satsuma, Fl

I can only guess they haven't released many details on the case and maybe there is nothing about the block because they determined it was all staged? Or maybe it doesn't tell anything? One would think they would at least determine if it was something that had been on the property by asking the dad and Misty.

I did take a quick look or two and at different zoom levels. For me, this makes it even less likely to be an "intruder... If the immediate neighbors are ruled out and this would have been years ago so hard to say if there even were any, this is not exactly what looks like any real popular walkable area or street. It isn't a trailer court. And it was the back door correct?

 

[Kimster]

And if there wasn't any DNA collected from the cinder block, then we could speculate that the perp might have worn gloves...
I've tried to find info as to where the block had been prior, but no luck. Seriously, why is that info so hard to find? Seems odd to me since it's a major element of the crime...
I've seen a photo where there's some sort of clothing and/or bedding on the ramp... do you know anything about that?

Re the community, I've found that each of the lots are privately owned and vary in size.
Their particular street isn't on street-view, but I urge you to scope out the area to get a feel for the surroundings. The add is 202 Green Ln., Satsuma, Fl

Oh boy. I used to know all about that cinder block. I can’t remember anymore. It’s been so many years ago and I’ve read about so many cases since then.

 

[Guess Who]

And if there wasn't any DNA collected from the cinder block, then we could speculate that the perp might have worn gloves...
I've tried to find info as to where the block had been prior, but no luck. Seriously, why is that info so hard to find? Seems odd to me since it's a major element of the crime...
I've seen a photo where there's some sort of clothing and/or bedding on the ramp... do you know anything about that?

Re the community, I've found that each of the lots are privately owned and vary in size.
Their particular street isn't on street-view, but I urge you to scope out the area to get a feel for the surroundings. The add is 202 Green Ln., Satsuma, Fl

or they found dna, but only for people that would have been known to move it prior and no unknown dna.

 

[Kimster]

This is a good summary of this complicated case.

cinder block – Lighting Their Way Home

Posts about cinder block written by LTWH

lightingtheirwayhome.wordpress.com

 

[Kimster]

Oh boy. I used to know all about that cinder block. I can’t remember anymore. It’s been so many years ago and I’ve read about so many cases since then.

Don’t quote me on this but my hazy recollection is saying that at first they were saying they didn’t know where the cinder block came from, but people were able to find cinderblocks in the area, if not on that property. But don’t quote me on that. I do remember that it was a question in the beginning, and then it wasn’t a question anymore.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Don’t quote me on this but my hazy recollection is saying that at first they were saying they didn’t know where the cinder block came from, but people were able to find cinderblocks in the area, if not on that property. But don’t quote me on that. I do remember that it was a question in the beginning, and then it wasn’t a question anymore.

If correct, it could mean the couple or one finally admitted it was theirs and yet they don't have enough to charge. Or it could mean they have DNA that came back to someone but don't have enough on top of that to charge if a stranger, but this seems the most unlikely because if it came back to someone with a record say of child SA or something, one would think we would see them focused on someone and calling it an abduction. If it has both their DNA on it, the couple's, and they denied it was theirs, then they have them lying. If it has one or the other, then they have a good idea of at least who staged it... And I guess it could have stranger's but that came back to no one in the data base...

The thing is, the more I think about it, even if they have some DNA, it doesn't mean someone else didn't handle it with gloves... So it's not exactly iron clad evidence but could point in a direction...

 

[Regina]

I can only guess they haven't released many details on the case and maybe there is nothing about the block because they determined it was all staged? Or maybe it doesn't tell anything? One would think they would at least determine if it was something that had been on the property by asking the dad and Misty.

I did take a quick look or two and at different zoom levels. For me, this makes it even less likely to be an "intruder... If the immediate neighbors are ruled out and this would have been years ago so hard to say if there even were any, this is not exactly what looks like any real popular walkable area or street. It isn't a trailer court. And it was the back door correct?

Indeed, where the block came from is vital info, but I guess my expectations are just a little too high that I thought such info after all these years would be common knowledge...

Re intruder, unless I'm mistaken, the stats show that the person would have had a certain amount of knowledge of the family.

The "back" door is actually on the west side of the house, near the back corner.

 

[Regina]

Don’t quote me on this but my hazy recollection is saying that at first they were saying they didn’t know where the cinder block came from, but people were able to find cinderblocks in the area, if not on that property. But don’t quote me on that. I do remember that it was a question in the beginning, and then it wasn’t a question anymore.

I know they're sometimes used underneath a mobile home for the foundation.
Anyway, I'd doubt it was hard to determine where it came from.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Indeed, where the block came from is vital info, but I guess my expectations are just a little too high that I thought such info after all these years would be common knowledge...

Re intruder, unless I'm mistaken, the stats show that the person would have had a certain amount of knowledge of the family.

The "back" door is actually on the west side of the house, near the back corner.

Yes, I think if it is someone other than the couple, it is someone who knew them or had a fair knowledge of the family. I still don't think though it is likely another party did this, came there, counted on where the child was, what the gf was doing, who was sleeping, who wasn't, etc. especially after looking up the address you gave me and the area. I just think it's a long shot, not saying it couldn't happen or has never happened.

In response to your next post kind of too, they are common with mobile homes and we have even used them under a deck for support to get it placed near a mobile home door or camper trailer even. It seems to me it probably was on their property. It isn't unusual either to keep a few around after moving and leveling a mobile home, etc. To do things like prop doors.... We have used them to keep a barn door from swinging shut in the wind if one wants it open while working in there, etc.

I just don't see anyone carrying one or bringing one with... And IF, let's just say IF no other DNA than theirs or one of theirs was found on the block, and put together with a lot of other things they may have, that is why they aren't looking for an abductor and suspect the couple or one of them... It would seem to me they probably excluded an intruder on investigation of many things, leading them back to the couple but they just don't have enough to charge... Or feel they don't.

 

[Regina]

In response to your next post kind of too, they are common with mobile homes and we have even used them under a deck for support to get it placed near a mobile home door or camper trailer even. It seems to me it probably was on their property. It isn't unusual either to keep a few around after moving and leveling a mobile home, etc. To do things like prop doors.... We have used them to keep a barn door from swinging shut in the wind if one wants it open while working in there, etc.

I just don't see anyone carrying one or bringing one with...

Yeah, I'd imagined that the block must have come from somewhere nearby, I just didn't know precisely where, and I think to know that might offer some sort of insight.
From photos and videos of the property, I didn't see any other such blocks, and so I think it must have come from either under the house or the back yard.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Yeah, I'd imagined that the block must have come from somewhere nearby, I just didn't know precisely where, and I think to know that might offer some sort of insight.
From photos and videos of the property, I didn't see any other such blocks, and so I think it must have come from either under the house or the back yard.

It seems a lot for a stranger or acquaintance to do or know, at least to me. Just say someone plans to abduct her. So they come to the yard, see it looks like a good time and go to enter the door and then realize they need something to hold it open, why? I guess to be quiet and get out when hands full with child? So then they go look for such a thing and find it, it seems a bit unlikely to me... To me this is key on why or if the couple denies it was theirs and did they? And did they later say it was...? I don't think anyone would go that far or carry such a thing that far, they'd probably give up the plan...

And to plan it, why use a cinder block at all? It would be though a good way of making sure cops noticed the open door (no doubts about it with a big old cinder block sitting there) that it was no accidental door open but that someONE placed it there). It leaves no doubts if the door was open or shut... It points in a certain direcition. To abduction only. And away from the couple.

 

[Regina]

It seems a lot for a stranger or acquaintance to do or know, at least to me. Just say someone plans to abduct her. So they come to the yard, see it looks like a good time and go to enter the door and then realize they need something to hold it open, why? I guess to be quiet and get out when hands full with child? So then they go look for such a thing and find it, it seems a bit unlikely to me... To me this is key on why or if the couple denies it was theirs and did they? And did they later say it was...? I don't think anyone would go that far or carry such a thing that far, they'd probably give up the plan...

And to plan it, why use a cinder block at all? It would be though a good way of making sure cops noticed the open door (no doubts about it with a big old cinder block sitting there) that it was no accidental door open but that someONE placed it there). It leaves no doubts if the door was open or shut... It points in a certain direcition. To abduction only. And away from the couple

Well, why use anything? I mean, unless one isn't familiar enough with a storm door, I'd expect they'd know that there's a little gadget that slides back and forth that'll keep the door from closing, in other words, open the door and slide that little gadget all the way over and the door will stay wide open.

 

[Guess Who]

Well, why use anything? I mean, unless one isn't familiar enough with a storm door, I'd expect they'd know that there's a little gadget that slides back and forth that'll keep the door from closing, in other words, open the door and slide that little gadget all the way over and the door will stay wide open.

every storm door I have seen in most older trailers, the slide thingy doesn't work or is hanging loose, so maybe that one was like that, too.

To me it says that only one person was involved and needed the door to stay open to move her because if they had others there, wouldn't they be able to hold the door open for them? That sure seems easier than finding and lugging a heavy concrete block there.

 

[GrandmaBear]

every storm door I have seen in most older trailers, the slide thingy doesn't work or is hanging loose, so maybe that one was like that, too.

To me it says that only one person was involved and needed the door to stay open to move her because if they had others there, wouldn't they be able to hold the door open for them? That sure seems easier than finding and lugging a heavy concrete block there.

This is a key reason I think it was staged. I think they wanted LE to see that the door was propped open so someone "must have" come in as the child wouldn't have done it.

I do not see an abductor using nor hauling a concrete block much less even probably knowing they would need one.

 

[GrandmaBear]

every storm door I have seen in most older trailers, the slide thingy doesn't work or is hanging loose, so maybe that one was like that, too.

To me it says that only one person was involved and needed the door to stay open to move her because if they had others there, wouldn't they be able to hold the door open for them? That sure seems easier than finding and lugging a heavy concrete block there.

I agree, so why would anyone not use that unless to "stage"?

If it didn't work, then big deal if it stays open or not, unless one needed to carry a child or haul groceries in or something?

 

[Guess Who]

I agree, so why would anyone not use that unless to "stage"?

If it didn't work, then big deal if it stays open or not, unless one needed to carry a child or haul groceries in or something?

and if there were more than one person, as many theories imply, why wouldn't one of them just hold the door open for the person carrying a small child (or anything for that matter)?

 

[GrandmaBear]

and if there were more than one person, as many theories imply, why wouldn't one of them just hold the door open for the person carrying a small child (or anything for that matter)?

The only thing I can think of that way is if one handed the child to the other... A few reasons I can think of for that... And that would involve at least one of them if not both...

 

[Guess Who]

The only thing I can think of that way is if one handed the child to the other... A few reasons I can think of for that... And that would involve at least one of them if not both...

most people would be able to handle that and keep the door opened. I'm standing with that if the cinder block actually means something, it was only one person or the cinder block means absolutely nothing. I'm not sure I even believe it only appeared that night.