31 . "What's Going On?"<BR> Posted by Lilac on Oct-31-00 at 01:01 AM (EST)<BR> I have this page bookmarked because I honestly care about this boy's safety. Why are people<BR> removing flyers, etc? What's going on? What's the word on the puppy? Is he still with the mother or<BR> did he disappear with the boy? Thx. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 32 . "Leads Are Dry 38 Days Gone In The Night ..."<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Oct-31-00 at 11:43 PM (EST)<BR> My feelings are mutual, Lilac. For Zachary and every missing child... same feelings. Notice<BR> the yellow ribbons and photos have been removed. 38 days and just as EKG told us they were<BR> removed. Very little compassion shown by our society in general...Zachary is forgotten by<BR> the majority and shame on them, they could be helping...<P> Zachary's case is not unique, there are 1,000's quite similar, all states included, but no one<BR> has chosen to post them and let them be seen. They too are forgotten, hidden away in a files,<BR> databases and archives...what a shame! <BR> *********<BR> Leads keep running dry<BR> in search for boy, 8<P> Police are continuing traditional investigative work to find Zachary Bernhardt, who was reported<BR> missing 38 days ago. <BR> By LEON M. TUCKER<P> © St. Petersburg Times, published October 19, 2000 <P><BR> CLEARWATER -- The yellow ribbons that once hung from an oak tree at the Savannah Trace<BR> apartment complex, urging searchers not to give up hope, are gone. <P> Also gone is the white plastic bag with "Bring Zack Home" scrawled on it in black ink and the<BR> "MISSING" posters bearing the 8-year-old's picture. <P> Thirty-eight days have passed since Leah Hackett told Clearwater police investigators that she<BR> returned to apartment No. 634 after a 15-minute walk at 4 a.m. and found that her son, Zachary<BR> Bernhardt, had disappeared without a trace. <P> Police launched a massive search for the boy that covered hundreds of acres of land and water.<BR> Although the search has turned up little in the way of clues, it continues on a smaller scale with what<BR> Clearwater police spokesman Wayne Shelor called "traditional police work." <P> "Running down leads, analyzing information and comparing notes," he said. "It's not particularly sexy,<BR> but historically it has proven effective." <P> Shelor said the dozens of officers and investigators initially assigned to the search have been<BR> returned to their regular duties because the hundreds of tips on where to look have dried up. <P> At the height of the search, Shelor said, about 50 investigators from the Clearwater Police<BR> Department were working around the clock looking for clues that would help find the boy, who<BR> disappeared Sept. 11. <P> Police have found no evidence that suggests the third-grader at Eisenhower Elementary School ran<BR> away. None of his belongings are missing. <P> "There were no significant leads as far as leading to closure of this case," Shelor said. "We had over<BR> 500 calls into our tip line early on, which has dwindled to a trickle at best." <P> The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office, Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Tampa Police<BR> Department, Clearwater Fire Department, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the FBI also<BR> helped cover hundreds of acres of woods, knocking on doors and searching the waterways looking for<BR> the child. <P> Shelor said detectives have no evidence that a crime was committed, and they do not view Hackett<BR> as a suspect. However, police said last month that they think she knows more than what she had<BR> said about what happened to Zachary. <P> "It's not beyond comprehension," Shelor said of the child's disappearance. "But it is certainly<BR> confounding to deal with a situation of having an 8-year-old child disappear with no indication of<BR> where he is or what happened to him." <P> Hackett, who faced eviction for not paying two months' back rent, moved from her apartment at<BR> 2690 Drew St. On Wednesday, through the unit's window shades, a stained carpet, a half-empty<BR> 20-ounce bottle of Pepsi and a couple of end tables were visible. <P> Shelor said investigators know where Hackett lives now but would not release that information. <P> Zachary has blond hair and blue eyes. He is 4 feet 6, weighs 60 pounds and was wearing a T-shirt<BR> and boxer shorts at the time he was reported missing. <P> Anyone with information is asked to call the Clearwater Police Department at 562-4242. <P> <a href="http://www.sptimes.com/News/101900/NorthPinellas/Leads_keep_running_dr.shtml";>http://www.sptimes.com/News/101900/NorthPinellas/Leads_keep_running_dr.shtml<;/a> <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 33 . "This is heartbreaking..."<BR> Posted by Ashley on Nov-01-00 at 00:24 AM (EST)<BR> Sitting here tonite after trick-or treating with my kids and all the happy kids running from house to<BR> house... I met a kid named Josh...he made me smile and I thought of another little boy named Josh<BR> who should also be happy tonite filling his bag with treats.<P> Instead, NO ONE knows if he's alive or dead. The last time he was seen he was only in a t-shirt and<BR> boxer shorts. It's cold out now... I hope wherever he is he's warm!<P> God bless you Josh...I'm praying for you to come home safely.<BR> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 34 . "I read yesterday"<BR> Posted by LovelyPigeon on Nov-01-00 at 03:00 PM (EST)<BR> at the St. Pete forum on the Zachary thread there. The thread can't stay on track there anymore<BR> because a couple of religious nutz have invaded it.<P> One of many things I don't understand about this case is the suggestion that no *crime* has been<BR> committed. How can a child disappear from the only legal custody he has and no crime have occured<BR> in the disappearance?? <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 35 . "Yes, LP"<BR> Posted by mousey on Nov-01-00 at 04:34 PM (EST)<BR> LAST EDITED ON Nov-01-00 AT 04:35 PM (EST)<P><BR> He's gone. They say they are not sure that any crime has been committed. They say that the<BR> mother, Leah, is not a suspect. They say they don't think he ran away.<P> I mean, what IS their theory? Alian abduction???<P> I think they are playing the waiting game with the mother, waiting for her to crack. Don't mean to be<BR> accusatory, it's just that this thing reminds me of a novel I read in the recent past entitled<BR> "Freedomland" (don't know why they titled it that). It's about a mother who reports her child missing<BR> and the detective that finally unravels the mess. <P> Of course, being a character in a novel, he was able to accomplish this in one very long day and<BR> night. (I highly recommend it BTW) Somehow, this case gives me the same ominous feeling that this<BR> book had about it...<P> BTW, who is this Josh that Ashley (above) is referring to?<BR> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 36 . "Following all leads..."<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-01-00 at 08:17 PM (EST)<BR> LAST EDITED ON Nov-01-00 AT 08:36 PM (EST)<P> Ashley, who is Josh? Would you mind posting a thread? If you are referring to the two year old UTAH,<BR> (Gage ?) he has been found, now on the news dead-cold hypothermia (sp?)in the snow. Please<BR> post..it would be helpful if everyone posted at least one missing child, this web site is being viewed, I<BR> guarantee it and we can possibly make a difference by helping the missing kids by posting their<BR> information and photos and phone numbers. Someone may recognize a child!<P> LP You do remember the female mayor Boulder making a statement in Dec 96 there was no killer out<BR> there? I will not attempt to quote exact but she certainly lied and we all know it!<P> Mousey Zachary could have gone with a 'friend', or someone he thought was a 'friend'. No aliens<BR> involved. I haven't visited St. Pete's forum for several days because some would rather rumor and<BR> nasty remarks than to help Zachary. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 37 . "Yes Ladybug, I've considered"<BR> Posted by mousey on Nov-02-00 at 08:35 AM (EST)<BR> that possibility. If he woke to find Leah gone and became frightened at being alone, yes, he may<BR> have phoned a friend and been taken away--I realize that. But if that is the case, if in Leah's mind he<BR> is truly missing, why wouldn't she give approval for his picture & story to be run on America's Most<BR> Wanted??? I suppose she may be embarrassed for the whole TV viewing audience to hear that she<BR> left her 8-year old alone in an unlocked apartment at 4 am, even for the claimed 15 minutes, but how<BR> selfish is that? She requested that people keep looking, but she and her family members did not<BR> appear to being doing so (at least this was never mentioned in any of the news stories I read).<P> Actually that scenario is the one I'm hoping for--that Zach was taken by someone who was<BR> concerned for him and is now afraid to speak out for fear of prosecution. I don't usually point fingers,<BR> but something is not right here. I agree with the police--there's something she's not telling. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 38 . "I still don't get it"<BR> Posted by LovelyPigeon on Nov-02-00 at 10:03 AM (EST)<BR> Going off with a *friend* wouldn't be breaking a law (I guess) on Zachary's part, but it would be on<BR> the adult's part. Interfering with parental rights, kidnapping, etc come to mind. Children not enrolled<BR> in school is a crime. Registering a child with false information is a crime. <P> Unless the police really think Zachary wandered off alone and met with an accident that left him dead<BR> but unfound...HOW can there be no crime here? I guess if police believe him dead because of his own<BR> immature choices, they won't be interested in continuing to attempt finding him. Clearwater is a BIG,<BR> busy place, and full of doughnut shops. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 39 . "Maybe the police are"<BR> Posted by mousey on Nov-02-00 at 12:33 PM (EST)<BR> hoping, as I do, that he is with a friend that's trying to help him and is now afraid to come forward.<BR> As you said LP there are multiple charges this person might face. Perhaps by putting out the word<BR> that they "don't think any crime has been committed" the police hope to get this person to come<BR> forward. <P> Maybe Leah thinks this too--at least it would give some logic to her refusal to approve the AMW<BR> appearance.<P> Earlier, when it had just happened, I had given some thought to the possibility that Zach had actually<BR> gone to a friend his own age and was hiding out there unbeknowst to the parent(s). If the parent(s)<BR> worked he might have been able to pull it off for a few days--but it's been so long now..... <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 40 . "I hope you are right, mousey"<BR> Posted by LovelyPigeon on Nov-02-00 at 03:22 PM (EST)<BR> because I desperately hope that Zach is alive and ok somewhere. <P> Don't you think it would be more effective for the cops to spell out that anyone who has attempted<BR> to help Zachary is not committing crime, and they should contact police for help? I do!<P> As it is, it says to me(and maybe that's why the general shrug of shoulders by those in the<BR> Clearwater area)that the police don't see this as such a big deal...no crime=no skin off their<BR> nose=why bother? <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 41 . "Remembering Boulder JBR And All Children ..."<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-02-00 at 05:15 PM (EST)<BR> 1) " Hold your babies close..." and then ...<BR> 2)" There is no killer out there...", that last statement is/was a lie. We know for a fact there was/is<BR> killers 'out there' and they are everywhere, Florida included.<P> Heather Thomas, B.C. and Sarah Payne, Surrey England, two ongoing investigations at this time. Both<BR> little girls met up with the snake-monster-sickpuppy :( Where is the monster?<P> I feel positive the police are continueing their investigation in the background searching for Zachary,<BR> the fact that his Mother's ( Leah )life seemed to be the major story at the time, the authorities took<BR> note and stopped releasing any further press releases which, IMHO was the right thing to do. There<BR> was no reason to drag Leah down further and remember we don't know what was included in the text<BR> of the AMW TV airing. She may have sought legal advise and had been advised to say 'no'. She had<BR> custody and those same rights as other parents.<P> The little black puppy and Zachary's personal property left behind is baffling, this is why IMO he left<BR> willingly with a 'friend'. Remember Asha Degree,little girl NC ? ( in this forum )left her bed early a.m<BR> February 14th, seen on the hwy in the dark by truckers and never to be seen again ???<P> When kids, calmly or upset walk out those first couple of hours are crucial. It's all so different and a<BR> dark huge world of horror might be next. <P> Who's helping Asha ? Who's helping Zachary?<P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 42 . "I meant Zach, sorry ladybug."<BR> Posted by Ashley on Nov-03-00 at 01:42 AM (EST)<BR> I was looking at his picture and thinking how much he looked like a Josh that i know... have to had<BR> that on my mind while typing. There are so many Zachs and Josh's.<P> I have a good feeling about Zach after reading some of your posts. maybe someone does have him<BR> and is just afraid to come forward. <P> It seems to me if Leah was involved she would have cracked by now.<P> Let's just pray for the best and that he comes home soon.<BR> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 43 . "New Idea"<BR> Posted by Lilac on Nov-05-00 at 09:11 PM (EST)<BR> In reading your posts above, you all gave me a new idea. I couldn't figure out why they were<BR> removing posters, etc. Well, how about this.<P> What if she's a crappy mother, the cops kinda sorta have an idea of where he is (like a good home)<BR> and they're looking the other way so Zach can have a better life than a semi-hooker mom who<BR> parties rather than stay home to love her child. Far fetched? Ya, but I've heard of stranger things.<P> LP, I especially love your donut shop humor. <P> Thanks for keeping up with all of this, LadyBug! <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 44 . "Idea ... However..."<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-05-00 at 10:56 PM (EST)<BR> FBI isn't going to allow such goings on. The PD stopped the press releases because the story<BR> smashed Zachary's Mother ( Leah ), and they wanted no part of that. Finding Zachary was more<BR> important than the gossip that story promoted. <P> Lilac it would be nice IF your idea was a workable 'fact', there's too much at stake and Zachary has<BR> been gone far too long, it's scary. <BR> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 45 . "LadyBug"<BR> Posted by Lilac on Nov-08-00 at 01:17 AM (EST)<BR> I hate to ask, but have they taken cadaver dogs out on searches of the woods nearby?<P> I can't believe that his mother would or could kill him. Seems like, besides being crazy, that it would<BR> be physically unlikely. He looks like a strong boy.<P> No one has EVER said whether or not the dog is still there. If the dog is gone, maybe Zach just ran<BR> away.<P> Satin? Why don't you ask the managers office? Really, how many apts allow dogs, anyway? <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 46 . "Good Point Lilac "<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-08-00 at 07:14 AM (EST)<BR> I have no recollection that K-9 units were used. I would have thought the units would have been<BR> available in Clearwater,FLA and usually brought in. I will try to find the answer. They weren't used in<BR> Boulder, CO. Christmas '96, or JonBenet would have been found immediately. We all know how<BR> important K-9 units are.<P> No, I don't know about the 'little black puppy' and Leah has moved. They may have allowed animals<BR> at Savanna Apts with a deposit, dunno. I'm hoping Satin wont go near that apartment building. It has<BR> been suggested that danger lurks close by, which may or may not have any connection to Zachary's<BR> disappearance, but he had to have been seen before or after leaveing and no one is talking. That's<BR> what's so darn scary... <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 47 . "golfclub??"<BR> Posted by birgitta on Nov-08-00 at 08:40 AM (EST)<BR> do you know ladybug if there is a golfclub near where zach used to live?i´we asked spirit about this<BR> case but the only thing i get is a golfclub,and someone´s golfing,do you know if he played golf or had<BR> anything to do with golf? <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 48 . "yes, dogs were used"<BR> Posted by LovelyPigeon on Nov-08-00 at 11:01 AM (EST)<BR> The links at St. Pete Times aren't working for me today, or I'd cut and paste, but dogs were used to<BR> search for Zachary. One sniffed a trail straight to a portion of wall at the apartment complex, as I<BR> remember, deadended.<P> The complex does allow pets under 25 pounds, with a non-refundable $300 deposit. The puppy was<BR> mentioned only once, by a neighbor in the complex, who said Zachary was playing with his "new<BR> puppy" the day before he disappeared. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 49 . "LP, Thanks. I feel better."<BR> Posted by Lilac on Nov-08-00 at 11:38 PM (EST)<BR> Those dogs traced Zach to the wall? That makes me feel more secure that he ran away. I mean,<BR> unless someone dragged him out of his apt, down the stairs, across the parking lot, etc...not likely. I<BR> feel as though he's safe hiding somewhere.<P> Question. If you had a child disappear, would you move? weird. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 50 . "K-9 In Action "<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-09-00 at 01:26 AM (EST)<BR> Thanks LP, needed that :)<BR> Lilac I suppose if I couldn't pay the rent, there would be no other way, EXCEPT to move IF I had<BR> been evicted and refused? Heck the sheriff would come, my body out and all belongings on the curb.<BR> Haven't you ever seen personal property, furniture next to the sidewalks...scavengers everyone<BR> picking through that stuff...dogs, rain, mud and snow makes no difference. <P> I have seen it! It's a terrible shame and suppose we will be seeing more of it in the next year as<BR> things tighten up, prices go sky high, including rent because the taxes go up and people just can't<BR> make $ stretch far enough for food, let alone the monthly rent. <P> <BR> <BR> <P> <BR> 51 . "Close Thread Please "<BR> Posted by LadyBug on Nov-09-00 at 06:04 PM (EST)<BR> Please go to Part 2, this thread is loading to slow for some. Copy/paste what you wish from here to<BR> there. Thanks all...<P> End post <P>