(AP) The grandmother of a 2-year-old central Florida girl missing since early June said Monday that the mother, who was jailed after police said she didn't report the disappearance for more than a month, knows who has the toddler. ...more

July 22, 2008

The grandmother of a 2-year-old Central Florida girl missing since early June said Monday that the mother, whom police say was jailed for not reporting the disappearance for more than a month, knows who has the toddler. ...more

July 21, 2008

Parts I, II, and III of this story were published April 20, 27 and May 4. They are also available on www.highlandstoday.com. Gemma knocked on my door at nine the next morning. I barely recognized her. Her hair was shiny clean and curled softly around her face. She wore only a little makeup and a modest black dress with a white lace collar. Lisa stood beside her in a pretty pink dress, white socks, and black patent leather Mary-Janes that looked brand new. Her hair was combed and pinned back with pink bows, revealing two small hearing aids. "We have to look our best," Gemma announced, "so the lawyer will know I'm a good mother. My ex wants to take Lisa and send her to live with his mother, the old cow, on some farm in Virginia." She squeezed Lisa's hand. "He's bloody well not gonna get her." All the way to the base, Gemma kept up a steady stream of chatter. "My ex will be there, ya know. We ain't seen him in three months." She winked at me. "That was the last time he came sniffin' around. O' course, like a fool, I let him in. Even slept with the bastard, and now I think I'm preggers again." ...more

May 11, 2008

ENGLEWOOD - One of Nathan Lee's biggest fears is that his sons will grow up with no real memories of their mother, so every evening he has 2-year-old Noah kiss her good night. ...more

February 7, 2008