POLICE DECIDE NOT TO SEARCH 2ND<BR> LANDFILL FOR JAHI TURNER<P><BR> Printer-friendly version <P><BR> (07-17-2002) - San Diego Police have decided<BR> not to search a second landfill for clues into the<BR> disappearance of 2-year-old Jahi Turner. <P> The idea to sift through the Otay Mesa landfill in<BR> Chula Vista was ruled out because of the<BR> concern for health problems and the low probability for success. <P> San Diego Police Chief David Bejarano made the decision following<BR> intensive consultations with detectives investigating the presumed<BR> abduction of little Jahi. <P> "There is no specific information that indicates any evidence would<BR> be found at the Otay (dump)," he said. "The chief also was<BR> presented with research indicating there may be significant health<BR> risks to those involved." <P> But, Bejarano says police still have not given up hope in their<BR> search. <P> "I do want to emphasize that this case-- the Jahi Turner case--<BR> remains a priority. We have continued to work full-time on this<BR> case, since April 25. And I am confident that at some point this<BR> investigation will be presented to the District Attorney's office,"<BR> said Bejarano. <P> The South Park toddler has been missing now for three months. <P> Within days of the South Park toddler's disappearance, teams of<BR> police and volunteers were searching the city's Miramar-area<BR> landfill. That site, along with the Otay dump, is the destination for<BR> refuse from the area where Jahi went missing. <P> The protective suit-clad crews turned up nothing of value from the<BR> tons of garbage they sifted for a full week. <P> Unlike the Miramar dump, the South Bay-area landfill collects<BR> sewage- treatment sludge. <P> Studies indicate that those who handle such "Class B"<BR> organic-waste byproducts face heath risks from various pathogens,<BR> including bacteria and viruses, Cohen explained. <P> "Chief Bejarano is concerned that searchers would have to clean<BR> sludge from every item in the landfill to determine whether it was<BR> related to Jahi's disappearance," he added. "The exposure to Class<BR> B sludge would be considerable." <P> Despite the decision, SDPD investigators continue to work full-time<BR> to determine what has become of the tyke, and who spirited him<BR> away, according to department officials. <P><a href="http://www.kfmb.com/topstory.php?storyID=9884";>http://www.kfmb.com/topstory.php?storyID=9884<;/a>