amber alert leesburg - trenton duckett
tommyUpdate 2006 Sep 28: We had to close this post to comments. Please use the new post to continue your discussion of the Trenton Duckett story.
AMBER ALERT - ENDANGERED
TRENTON DUCKETT
Date Missing: 8/27/2006
Missing From: Leesburg
County: Lake
Birth Date: 8/10/2004
Age Disappeared: 2 yrs
Height: 3′ 00″
Race: Asian
Hair: Brown
Weight: 35 lbs
Sex: Male
Eyes: Brown
Trenton was last seen wearing a blue and green striped shirt or no shirt, denim shorts and diaper. The child was last seen in the 1400 block of Griffin Road 48 and is believed to be in danger.
If you have any information concerning the whereabouts of this child, please contact the Leesburg Police Department at 352-787-2121 or 911
September 1st, 2006 at 6:23 pm
this is my younger sisters godchild.my hopes and prayers go out to trenton wherever this little angel is.god has him in his hands..
September 2nd, 2006 at 1:06 pm
What kind of a mother announces her childs birdthday on a sleezy website such as My Space? I’ll tell you what kind, one that is so consumed with her singe social life more so that being a good mom! NO ONE in their right mind would have ever put such a private, family function on such a trashy website. GOD BLESS THAT LITTLE BOY!
September 2nd, 2006 at 1:08 pm
What kind of a mother announces her childs birthday on a sleezy website such as My Space? I’ll tell you what kind, one that is so consumed with her singe social life more so than being a good mom! NO ONE in their right mind would have ever put such a private, family function on such a trashy website. GOD BLESS THAT LITTLE BOY!
September 2nd, 2006 at 5:39 pm
Regardless of what his mother did and anyone’s opinion, A MOTHER is missing her SON….and let me tell you that sucks.
I cannot shake this little boys face, I am constantly thinking of him and hoping for a safe return.
My son died three years ago in a tragic accident and I have asked him in heaven to watch out for Trenton and be his angel. My heart goes out to this little boy and especially his mother.
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:41 pm
It was on every news station and even showed the webpage announcing his birthday party to anyone and everyone on that site to attend. If people follow the news, they KNOW that site is used by pedophiles and MANY other undesirables. I realize that finding that beautiful little boy should be the focus here, but when and if they find him alive, I think someone needs to be looking into what kind of a mother she is after that stunt. I am still just amazed everytime I think of her doing such a thing. I do not have access to that website, nor would I ever go on there again. I went on once a few years ago and was appalled at what I saw and read. It was VERY obvious in just one visit to that site what kind of trash hangs out there and she posted a page basically inviting ANYONE access to her 2 year old little boy and I dont want to hear it was a careless mistake…….when you are a mother, there are things you do and things you dont do and shouldnt even have to think twice as to what is acceptable and what is not. She obviously is on that site because she is more concerned with partying than being a good mom. That is my opinion, take it or leave.
September 4th, 2006 at 12:52 pm
I have myspace and use it to keep up with old friends and family.. When I post something only my friends that I post to can see it, not everyone in the myspace world. I don’t know anything about this, but I might pos that it was my sons birthday on my myspace. I don’t really see the problem there. I just pray they find this kid safe.
September 6th, 2006 at 11:48 pm
I believe that this was an inside job by the government. The Leesburg Police Dept. is under fire for letting a supicious man with a boy that looked like Trenton Duckett go.
Look into the boys eyes, theres something special about him.
TRUST NO ONE! NOT EVEN THE POLICE OR FBI!
September 7th, 2006 at 7:56 am
First of all, not that I would bother too much time with critisizing assholes, but myspace is a place for friends and family to stay in touch, if you didn’t know because your naive DJ, my profile is blocked from idiots. There’s your first answer to your dumb question. As I sit here waiting for my next update with police I have been reading a lot of ignorant comments from people and then on the same hand some supportive ones. Let me tell you, sitting in a damn station does not do anything but make it look like you gave up. I don’t want to be that weak and depressed so I am off my ass, doing all I can to find my son instead of sitting in one spot. Another thing: being emotional…I don’t even cry at funerals. I am an emotionally private person and it’s none of your business honestly how I cope. I am a single mother at 21, work two full time jobs, and go to school full time, you do the math. If someone was sick enough to take my son, he could have been picked from anywhere: church groups, school, crowds, etc. It has nothing to do with a damn celebration message on a private bulletin page!
September 7th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
I am a friend of Trenton’s grandfather. This is not the place or time to down Melinda. She is his mother for god sakes and he is missing!!!!
Maybe if some of you would get off your duffs rather than sitting her downing Trenton’s mother and made an effort to be active in the search or even to keep your eyes out for suspicious people, the communities might be safer for all! There are so many people who put things on My Space, this is ridiculous to ridicule her for this, but there are those in this world who are always looking to blame someone. No one should have to defend theirselves at a time like this! Melinda, you stay strong and hang on.
September 7th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
MY TAKE ON THIS IS: IF THE MOTHER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT WHY ON EARTH WOULD YOU NOT TAKE A POLYGRAPH TEST? WHY WOULD YOU NOT GO TO THE PRESS CONVERANCE? YOUR CHILD IS MISSING AND YOU DON’T TAKE STEPS TO COVER YOUR ASS… SORRY MOM YOU LOOK GUILTY. QUESTION IS DO YOU REALLY CARE? WAS HE IN THE WAY OF YOUR LIFE? IF SO WHY NOT GIVE HIM TO HIS FATHER? I HOPE HE IS FOUND SAFE AND IS GIVEN TO THE CUSTODY OF HIS FATHER!! YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF
September 7th, 2006 at 3:22 pm
Melinda, my prayers go out to you and your family. I pray that your son is found safely. I am proud of you for sticking up for yourself. Forget all negative people and block them out of your mind. After those foolish comments DJ made whose to say he is not the sexual predator that he is trying to warn people about. Keep your head up. God hears all prayers and he will give you strength through this time.
September 7th, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Melinda, I would like you to know that I’m praying for you along with everyone I know that is aware of what is going on. I am a friend of your mom’s & what I’ve been reading online is unbelievable to me. For what it’s worth, you & your son have been on my mind almost constantly since I first heard about this. I’m 28 & don’t have any kids yet but I can’t even imagine the pain & suffering you are going through right now. Act how you need to act..keep sticking up for yourself (not that you should have to) & think positive.
For those that are sending support that’s great. For others who are going on about myspace & giving custody to Trenton’s father all I can say is it’s ridiculous.
To Deanna & DJ- Your ignorant comments do not help this situation. I can’t believe that you think making these statements is what’s needed right now. Find out the facts BEFORE you go online expressing your uneducated opinions. Both of you should feel ashamed for yourselves. How would you feel if something bad happened to you or a loved one & your personal life was all over the press/tv? God forbid that people would treat you the way you are treating Melinda!
Melinda- you have all my support
September 8th, 2006 at 8:32 am
Well heather, i do have 3 children and if i was in the situation that Melinda is in , i would not have denied a polygraph, i would have been at the press conferance and i would be doing all i could to get my child back. Don’t you think that after you have a child it’s time to grow up and do what is best for the child before you think about yourself and My space. I have heard nothing good about that site and i think Melinda was wrong in alot of ways and if she doesn’t want the finger pointed at her she should clear herself. I hope she does find her child and i hope he is safe. But i think he needs to be with someone who cares more about his well being then thier own. There’s just comes a time to grow up and after you have a child that should be your main concern!!!!! Not My space!!!!!!
September 8th, 2006 at 6:07 pm
This is not a time to bicker, but to pray.
This is not a time to point fingers, but to bend your knees.
May the Lord be holding him dearly and watching over him wherever he may be.
May good news of his wellbeing be swift to come to all who love him.
May those who have no room in their heart for love and compassion at this painful time be wise enough to hold their tongue.
It is not about blame, nor a mother, nor websites. It is about a dear and precious life. Trenton is loved.
At this time every single thought, energy, and word should be positive and lifted up in prayer, focused on finding him safe. If one is really concerned about this boy, there is really no room in anyone’s vocabulary or heart for negativity. Urgency and Love cannot allow that.
I pray for this boy and his family.
I pray that anyone else who has words to extend to this family will have uplifting words.
Finally, I pray if anyone has the energy to say more, may it be prayers to heaven.
September 8th, 2006 at 8:02 pm
I am so sadden by the negative comments. The true issue is that Trenton is missing. Who is to blame is yet to be determined. As of this afternoon, Trenton’s mother has been found dead. May God be with this child and family. Please bring Trenton home safe!
September 8th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
The mother commited suicide and they are going to make her look like she killed her son. But it was not her! She loved him more than anything in this world!
The “FBI” are the one’s that did not take this case more NATIONAL! You don’t see it on CNN!
Why is that? What are they hiding? That jessica lunsford girl was all over CNN really quick!
But this case is different. Don’t be blaming the mother! Blame the “PRESSURE” that was put on her from the beginning.
Tons of mothers post pictures of there kids all over myspace and the internet. Not all kids vanish because of it.
I would not let my kid out of my site! I don’t trust no one! Not around LAKE AND SUMTER county Florida!
There needs to be a investigation into the FBI and CIA! BLAME THEM! THEY SCREWED W/ ME AS WELL!
September 8th, 2006 at 8:26 pm
I am watching Nancy Grace and they just had a headline that stated “since the taping, Melinda Duckett body was found at the grandparents home”
September 8th, 2006 at 8:44 pm
Are they sure the mother committed suicide? She didn’t strike me as the type. Also it was featured on CNN with Nancy Grace.
September 8th, 2006 at 9:20 pm
also watched cnn. just checked another website - Melinda was found dead in her grandparents driveway in her car - appeared to be of not natural causes - according to police - no other details now.
September 8th, 2006 at 9:25 pm
I think the mother had something to do with it..and now she is dead kind of makes you wonder. Especially after reading about how her life was very unstable leading up to the disapearence of Trenton. Very very sad I hope I am wrong.
September 9th, 2006 at 8:30 am
I also watched Nancy Grace. Melindan Duckett was very evasive to say the least. She would not disclose her events the day before Trenton went missing. I can only assume that little Trenton went missing on that day… could it have been at the hands of her! This is truly very sad.
September 9th, 2006 at 8:47 am
Its so easy for some to point fingers. Remember the same mistake has been made in the Ramsey case, so many fingers pointing to the parents.
There are over 50 pedophiles who live in this boy’s area.
The mother was found in the driveway ofher grandparents house of not natural causes. Supposably the father had sent an email saying he would kill her and his son. The father denies it came from him, he passed the polgraph according to the police. Could it be she was being stalked by someone? This whole case is not only bizarre, but kind of creepy.
September 9th, 2006 at 8:59 am
It has been reported that she died of apparent suicide. Why would a mother kill herself why her son might be out there alive? Mothers normally would go to the end of the earth and do everything in their power to find their baby. Selfish.
September 9th, 2006 at 9:32 am
This just makes me sick the way M was treated throughout this entire ordeal. If you are not a family member or a true friend and you have thrown stones you should all be ashamed of yourselves. How could any of you possibly come to judge WITH OUT having all of the facts? All you hear is what is in the news. Which basicaly means that what you really know is absolutely nothing about the family or the facts. It’s all heresay and speculation. Here are people crying out for help and here’s the response: “You did it.” Your horrible parents.” What’s wrong with you people. Just because someone tries to be brave and strong, just hold together what’s left of themselves.. that means that they automatically did it? Haven’t you watched enough talk shows to know that this sort of behavior is EXACTLY what people do when they are falling apart?????? Well guess what. Just because someone isn’t crying on the NEWS doesn’t mean that they aren’t crying at all.
If you want to do something. Don’t criticize the parents. JUST HELP FIND TRENTON!!!!
September 9th, 2006 at 9:42 am
The mother could have helped to try to find Trenton. Her baby.
September 9th, 2006 at 9:52 am
Looks like a repeat Susan Smith case. Mama was very evasive on Nancy Grace show. Then she commits suicide. The boy will be dead if he is found.
September 9th, 2006 at 10:16 am
I am also tired of hearing that the pressure from the media was too much for her. It has been two weeks. How do you think the Ramsey’s felt after 10 years! Give me a break!
September 9th, 2006 at 10:30 am
If any of you are wrong about the mother, will you apologize for the remarks? I think t he whole thing is bizzare and creep personally. I hope they find the little boy alive.
September 9th, 2006 at 10:32 am
I will the first one to apologize. I won’t be holding my breath though.
September 9th, 2006 at 10:58 am
Why bother making negative remarks at all? They aren’t helping the family find Trenton.
Right now Trenton and his family need our ~positive~ thoughts and/or prayers.
Please let little Trenton return home safe and sound..
September 9th, 2006 at 11:21 am
Its sad all the way around. The boy is missing, and some of you just sitting in your righteous chairs and glass houses throwing stones. Shouldn’t you be praying for the boy’s safe return? The Last I had read, they have not concluded the mother had comitted sucide. They are still investigating it. The most important
September 9th, 2006 at 11:37 am
I pray for all involved this beautiful little boy will be found…alive and well. My thoughts are with the family….
I am a Mom and I watched CNN last night (nany grace) and was a little upset that the MOM would not give out info…she also sounded like she may have a substance abuse issue..which is fine, as long as she is able to care for her child. I truly hope we find this boy….what is going on in this world? why should we have to worry about our kids..Please let him be found.
I am real disturbed about the Mom’s death now…did she do it out of guilt?
Please come forward with any info…I am sick over this
September 9th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
I watched Nancy Grace last night and felt that Melinda was very evasive and acted suspect. I was filled with disbelief when the ticker ran across the screen that she was found dead. My prayers are with Trenton and his poor father. His son is missing and now the one person with any info has killed herself. I don’t think any mother would willingly go to her death not knowing where her child was. I am afraid she killed the poor little guy.
September 9th, 2006 at 12:08 pm
I am a mother of three, and have to admit that I dont’ know how I would react in this kind of situation, as I have never been threw it. All I know is that so many are quick to jump on the media bandwagon circus free for all. I am waiting for the legal people to make their inquiries known. All I pray if the little boy is alive, and if someone is holding him, then they need to come forward and hand the child over.
The case is very bizarre from what we seen thus far.
I saw where even someone said the mother had a substance abuse problem, and I haven’t heard that at all. See that is heresay.
Lets all pull together and pray for this child to be found alive and well.
September 9th, 2006 at 12:23 pm
Why would you shoot yourself in the head if you were innocent it makes no sense to me she is uncooperative unlike josh he is helping in everyway he knows how. Further more Josh would never hurt that little boy he loves him more than anything unlike melinda who practically con-ed josh into marrying her by being mean to trenton to begin with. there is more here than manny of you know. melinda is not as innocent as people are thinking. her suicide had nothing to do with pressure it was guilt!
September 9th, 2006 at 12:40 pm
Dear friend of family,
You have no idea what went on the inside walls of their marriage. Noone tricks another into marrying them, kids or no kids. That is just a line of tripe that most men say. I agree he has been cooperating from what I have seen, but the fact remains that there is that email that is still a mystery and the authorities are looking into that as well, that has been said said too. I have never said the mother is innocent, as I was just stating none of us know all the facts, only what the media has said, and what both parents have said to the media. I don’t know if she comitted suicide, as the authorities said it looks that way, but they are not saying for sure as even this morning, as they are still investigationg that. If you were truly a family friend, shouldn’t you be out helping, instead of sitting there throwing more accusations?
September 9th, 2006 at 12:54 pm
I watched Nancy Grace last night and that is how i learned of Trenton’s disappearance. It is true there wasn’t extensive media coverage such as CNN—the Nancy Grace show brought it to light in this part of the world. However,I was shocked and disappointed by the mom’s responses and lack of responses to Nancy.Yes,the media can be very cruel,but Nancy has proven time and time again she is there to help the victims and the innocent.Even in my livingroom in the dark as I watched Nancy’s show i felt that she solely had Trenton’s interest at heart….why in God’s name couldn’t this MOTHER see it too? I am a mom and im sure I speak for all moms when I say that there is nothing you wouldn’t do,no’mountain you wouldn’t climb’ to keep your children safe from harm.
If i had to endure redicule,pain, suffering,discomfort to help bring my child home to me,it WOULD be done….no second thoughts.Where was that instinct in Melinda?
September 9th, 2006 at 12:57 pm
If it was not a suicide they would be reporting it as a murder and that would be another investigation in itself. But they are not looking for a murderer are they? The murderer is now dead. They are looking for clues to the where abouts of little Trenton Duckett. Everyone knows this to be the truth! Accept it.
September 9th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
if my kid was missing…and I had a chance to go on NATIONAL TV and ask for help..I would not be rambling about nothing-I would be giving specific info to all that were listening..the reason for my substance abuse remark…listen to her..she was def. on something..and it was not a valium. I am a substance abuse councilor and know what a person on some type of speed (in FLA METH is all over the place) when I hear it…the mom was accused of neglect…hmm..wonder why. if you are driving around aimlessly with your 2 yr old on a HOT day with nowhere to go, what do you think she was looking for. It is sad for the family to deny this, but in time, we will all see…she had something to do with it..I just wish she would have given him to someone who would have protected and loved him. I am not trying to speak ill of the dead..but if you are a MOM and your child is missing…LOOK for him, do not pretend you are doing all you can if you cannot even stay sober enough to answer ?…then kill yourself..COWARD. WHERE is HE?????
September 9th, 2006 at 1:43 pm
I saw Nancy Grace last night and this case is all I can think about because I have a two year old and I would go to the moon and back for her. I hope that he is found and my heart aches for his family that is looking for him. He is such a beautiful boy.
September 9th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
Whomever said that she (the mother) is a murder , how do you know this? Do you have an idea where the child is?
September 9th, 2006 at 2:12 pm
I didn’t get to watch Nancy Grace last nite (I don’t have cable). I read the transcript online this morning. I’ve said before I’m a friend of the family’s. To all of you posting opinions & comments online- Please know that family & friends of Melinda are online as well. They are grieving for Melinda & praying that Trenton is found safe. Know that they are hurting & negative, personal, direct comments are only making them feel worse. Comments like the ones left by “a mom” are terrible. Melinda has a mother too- remember that. I can’t say it enough- get your facts straight before you post your opinions. Melinda was attacked by the press. Trenton’s father is not the person the press is making him out to be. She got custody of Trenton for a reason–because the courts saw her to be more suitable then him.
To “friend of fam” - maybe you should state “friend of DUCKETT fam”. Of course you would only see the best in Josh & the worse in Melinda. That’s how divorces always go. And, I don’t believe any man can be “tricked” into marriage.
As far as accusations of substance abuse, partying & drinking, where is this coming from? Have you been in the same room as Melinda when this was going on? Don’t believe everything you read in the paper–or online.
September 9th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Deanna-
What is your fixation with Myspace all about? Melinda already stated that she has a non-public profile. I have seen no indication that she was glued to her comp. online 24 hours a day as you seem to imply. She was a single mother, going to school & working 2 jobs—when would she have time to be doing that not to mention all the partying people are talking about???
I’ve discussed Myspace w/many of my friends & coworkers in the past few days & no one has said anything like what you’ve been talking about.
September 9th, 2006 at 2:32 pm
In regards to Heather’s post: you aren correct Melinda does have a mother. So did Trenton. HE IS THE VICTIM. Lets not forget that. I believe the sooner the family and friends realize the troubles that Melinda had the better. My prayers are with them. As far as the excuse that you are putting out there about the press, didn’t the authorities put the pressure on both parents.? Only the guilty one would not be able to handle that. Everyone needs to face the truth at some point.
September 9th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
Lori what if you are wrong and she had nothing to do with the disappearance of her child? I could say some terrible things about the father I have picked up from the press and the same about the mom. The fact is a little boy is missing, a mother is dead, and no answers for anyone including the father. My goodness Trenton’s own grandather is a child killer and rapist. Let’s face both families have issues, and frankly I don’t give a shit about them, but I do care about this child being found.
September 9th, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Wendy, I hope for the sake of the family that precious little baby IS found. It does not erase the fact that a mother either was not strong enough to wait it out until he was found (strange) or that she was involved. Life is so precious and once you have a child and are emotionally mature to handle life’s adversities people need to stop and think about ALL the consequences of their actions. That has not happended at all with these two parents.
September 9th, 2006 at 3:06 pm
My daughter went to school with both Josh and Melinda. When Trenton went missing and Melinda was saying that Josh had sent the email and had been threatening her, my daughter immediately came to his defense. She stated that Josh never showed any type of violent behavior in the many years that she had known him. She also said that when Josh and Melinda would argue in school that Josh would be the quiet one while Melinda went crazy. She stated that one day they had an argument and Melinda jumped on top of Josh’s vehicle and started kicking it and hitting it right there in the school parking lot. It sounds like maybe she was the violent one. I usually don’t come to these kind of websites because I’m not much for sitting in front of a computer, but I’ve thought all along that Melinda had something to do with Trenton’s disappearance. 1) She never took polygraph 2) She was evasive to questions from reporters 3) She kills herself. It’s just too bad that she wasn’t woman enough to leave a note so that police can know where little Trenton is. In my opinion, she was a negligent mother (if not a murderer) and a coward. The Duckett family has been through enough already, please let them be.
September 9th, 2006 at 3:26 pm
Lori, you touched on a key subject: Maturity.
I believe that neither parent had the maturity to maintain a marriage, or be a parent. Unfortunately, they don’t realize it–no one can tell them anything, they are caught up in their own feelings and wants. The children are always the ones that suffer. The children and the grandparents. God bless them all, they are going to need strength for what lies ahead.
September 9th, 2006 at 3:34 pm
All I have to say to that is : it takes a village - Everyone involved needs to see where it all went wrong.
September 9th, 2006 at 3:50 pm
Lori,
You are right about that. It looks like Melinda’s grandparents tried to be there for her, as her parents lived out of the area.
From her dialog on the N. Grace show, Melinda struck me as a very headstrong, outspoken type of gal. The way she smoothly evaded Nancy’s questions! I would have crumbled and answered the question about the polygraph. Melinda, to me, looked like that type that did things her way, and the heck with others.
Poor kid! So strong, and yet so weak…
September 9th, 2006 at 3:57 pm
I agree with concerned about trenton. My brother-in-law is friends with them both attened the same school and said the same things about melinda. i as a mother would not kill myself b/c my child was missing.(but maybe that is just me) I would be trying to do everything in my power to find my child. When my husband and I lived in Florida we knew about all the problems that the two were having but to say Melinda is a murderer at this point is just harsh. I am not taking sides on this matter but something tells me that someone close to that little boy knows where he is and perhaps his mother did too but she is gone now ( God rest her soul) and this is not for us to decide. God is the ultimate judge so perhaps we ought to allow him to be judgemental and just get on our knees and pray for this little boy’s safe return!
September 9th, 2006 at 4:07 pm
[...] I try to post all the Florida Amber Alerts here, and the latest one has garnered a bunch of attention. There are about 40 comments about the Leesburg Amber Alert posted a couple weeks ago, including one by someone puporting to be Trenton’s mother, Melinda. After the story appeared on Nancy Grace, people across the nation are letting their feelings known. It’s a crazy story. Melinda had a tumultuous relationship with the dad, Joshua. She also refused to take a polygraph. The mother has been pilloried for her writings on her private myspace page and there have been suggestions of a drug addiction. Plus Trenton’s grandfather is on death row. [...]
September 9th, 2006 at 4:08 pm
The first thing I wondered was a GUNSHOT? Normally women don’t shoot themselves in a suicide………. women usually take the less violent way out…….pills, etc…. and to do it in her car? Doesn’t make sense? Why drive all the way to her grandparent’s house to shoot herself in their driveway? As for Trenton…. I just pray they find him alive… I don’t know the families, but I had a dream last week…… Trenton was strapped in a car seat- the car seat was outide in the open……. maybe like a parking lot……. and I saw a heavy set woman with blonde hair….. I looked at Trenton and once I recognized that it was him- this blonde woman looked at me with a look of concern on her face- like she knew I knew that was Trenton…….. and then I woke up. Kinda startled too I must say. But like I said, I do not know the families… I do know that from the first time I saw Trenton’s face- I kinda got the feeling he was going to be found alive…….. I still feel that way. Pray for Trenton, and his family! I cannot imagine what they must be going through……. regardless of right or wrong………. its very very tragic.
September 9th, 2006 at 4:47 pm
Lori and Brenda kudos to you both, as you both are so right, that neither parent seemed fit. As to woman who said what her daughter said about him not being violent, all I know is that the authorities have said such a letter was written, and they can easily trace that through isp servers. Also I did see the report a few minutes ago, that the mother indeed did comitt suicide. I do think its the coward’s way out, and neither one of these people seem very mature. Yes I thought the mother could have something to do with his disappearance, but still I am not sure. Its a very bizarre case. Cheryl women are more violent now, then they have been in the past. We live in a wicked, cruel world, and the bible talks about people’s hearts growing more cold in the end of times. Some people might not believe, but there is nothing I can do to change that fact. However my prayers are I pray they find him, if its not good news, as both families need closure. I still phathom the idea of anyone wanting to kill or hurt another human being, especially a child.
September 9th, 2006 at 4:52 pm
I wonder if this was an admission of her guilt. If she was violent enough to kill her son, she was violent enough to kill herself with a gun.
September 9th, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Anyonymous perhaps she couldn’t handle what was going on, perhaps it was guilt. Who knows what was going through her mind or soul. I am just going to say may God have mercy and let this child be found. We can’t sit and judge as noone knows for sure what has happened to him.
September 9th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
After hearing from the mother yesterday on Nancy Grace, JUST ASK HER WHAT HAPPENED!
September 9th, 2006 at 5:58 pm
I watched Nancy Grace with a room full of people at The Villages last evening, a few blocks from the house where Melinda apparently killed herself. It seemed so obvious she was lying about everything. Her two male guests said they did not see the child the whole evening. How can someone take a child through a 10 inch hole in a screen? How could 3 adults hear nothing? No mother would kill herself with a 2 year old child missing. Any mother would die trying to find her baby. Why would she refuse a polygraph? Why would she go on nancy Grace only to evade all Nancy’s questions? I believe she was exposed by nancy as a murderer, went to her family’s home and killed herself. The father sure looks innocent to me, and Melinda sure looks like a murderer.
September 9th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
well at least now the mother has saved the taxpayers in the state of florida a lot of $$$. no wasted money on the prosecution and/or iminent electric chair. if you have half a brain, her guilt resonated in her CNN interview. i was flabbergasted that she claimed (on cnn) that the FBI instructed her not to talk about whether she took a polygraph or not - but she can rail on about how they allegedly told HER that HIS test was ‘on the borderline’ or whatever jibberish she was rattling off?? that is just so preposterous that the FBI would instruct her not to divulge her info yet disclose his to her. and WHY in the WORLD would she NOT work with local law enforcement (as she stated on cnn)? those guys know the Leesburg streets and the creeps who inhabit them better than ANY FBI agent. but at least now in their favor, they have one less creep on their streets. who lets these people breed? that poor little child — i am not encouraged that he is alive. and the poor granmdother - that selfish little unfit mother offs herself in grandma’s driveway? wow. what trash. there should be birth control in the freaking water supply.
September 9th, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Right on, Glandrea. You said it better than I did.
September 9th, 2006 at 6:18 pm
wendy — why can’t we sit and judge? this woman wasted has wasted tens of thousands of fla taxpayers’ dollars AND stymied the police investigation by killing their prime suspect (herself). i can certainly judge her — she was evasive and hauty and condescending to a interviewer who gave this supposedly grieving mother the luxury of the reach of millions of people on prime time tv — and rudely waived an opportunity ANY mom with a missing kid would sieze.
and wendy, no disprespect to you or you values, but humans have been violent since they crawled out of the ocean and walked on land for the first time a kajillion mileenia ago. certainly they were VERY violent in biblical times! after jesus, before jesus, whatever — it’s no different now, you just hear more about it b/c we are in an information age and very voyeuristic (myslef included).
anyway, back to the point, this chick is totally judgable. and i am going to continue to sit here and do it.
September 9th, 2006 at 6:36 pm
Glandera,
I don’t who the hell you think you are that you know what happened! People’s hearts are growing colder, and your a prime example sitting judging a situation you know nothing more then the rest of us know. Her lawyer instructed her not to talk, did you know this? I doubt it based on your post. None of us know why she killed herself, it could be guilt it could not be. Its apparent this little boy comes from a dsyfunctional family. They all need our prayers not our condemnation. I pray this boy is found alive, and it will still cost the taxpayers money to find him. Any dimwit can figure that out. Also dimwit you might to educate yourself on the laws and what the fbi might have told her not to say. That is possible. I am angry because like the rest of the bandwagon fingering pointing people here, are so quick to judge and know nothing like the rest of us. Assumptions is on thing, sitting on your ass and saying she killed her child, and that you can judge her is another. Both sides of this family have serious issues, and more importantly I pray this child is not returned to either of these families, but then again Florida’s foster care isn’t the greatest either, since they apparently have been known to lose children in the system.
September 9th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
i never said i know what happened. where do you get that. my remarks are based on Melinda’s own statements. and who are YOU to say that I have a cold heart? my heart BREAKS for this poor little boy and that poor grandma who most likely found that little unfit mother (whom i am sure she loved very much) dead! and how is it that i cannot make an inteelignet judgment yet YOU can insinuate from reading 2 paragraphs that i have written, without have EVER met me, that i have a cold heart? i never said she killed her child. (although it’s not really rocket science to conclude it) YOU are the one who is judging. and i never condemned the child but by god i can condemn a selfish unfit mother — more people should — these types are a burden to society and it is unfair to the children they breed –and THAT, my dear, comes from a very warm heart - if you can’t see that, then just skip by my posts. and by the way, my tax money to find a child is well spent, but my tax money to try, convict, jail then execute is nto cool, so florida taxpayers at least have that in their pocket. i guess you voted for jeb, too?
September 9th, 2006 at 7:00 pm
GLANDEREA FOR GOVERNOR
September 9th, 2006 at 7:05 pm
Ive come back to this site to read about Trenton since CNN has decided not to help this child.(Pity on them–tsk tsk tsk)Marc,I agree with you.I’d like to make a comment about the Florida foster care system,the judicial system of Florida and the child protection laws—-these are your children folks—-your treaures:more valuable than anything else you could ever dream of having in this word—-YOUR CHILDREN. WHY oh why do you allow these lawmakers to threaten these precious babies lives like they do.YOU live there YOU make a difference YOU can change this.I guarantee you if it was some big shots child this child would be found now!!!I’m fuming here in Canada wanting to help this child who no matter who or what his parents were/are–is crying out for his mommy.
I’ve read of Adam Walsh,and countless other children too many to mention ..and now Trenton.This has to stop–find Trenton and get angry…make it stop.Babies need love not pain!
September 9th, 2006 at 7:09 pm
No you are wrong Wendy Glandrea did not say the mother killed the baby. Read the words, because it says “i am not encouraged that he is alive” Frankly, neither am I. If judgement is a bad word Wendy why did you do it yourself and then lie about what people say when it is written right in front of you?
September 9th, 2006 at 7:17 pm
Why do you call a person who makes valid points a dimwit? Wendy what you wrote is the dimwitted post. Yours and the psychic police one. Is this how you want the rest of the country to think of us here in Florida?
September 9th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
Glandera I have read so much, and I am sorry as I had thought it was who said she killed her child. That is my mistake, as it was another.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:23 pm
Gator I did not intentionally lie, as I had her confused with another who did say the woman murdered her child. I am not judging noone except some of the post that I have seen thinking they know someone from television. Also I watched Nancy Grace, and I did not hear Melinda say anything about her estranged husband’s polgraph. I know that she was told not to speak by her own lawyer. She has committed sucide so I don’t think anyone, will know for sure why, unless they find Trenton.
Umm Tracey hun my post was not dimwitted, but I am not going to judge a woman or the situation that I know nothing of, except from what I have heard in the media and seen on Nancy Grace. I really don’t care what people think of the people in Florida. Infact I have not said where I am from.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:32 pm
Wendy if the woman’s lawyer told her not to talk then what in the HELL was she doing on Nancy Grace? She never ONCE said on Nancy Grace “please whoever you are please bring my child back to me” in stead all she did was retrace her phonie stories and talk all about her. And yes, she DID state that the FBI told her that her husband’s polygraph was out of the normal bounds, whatever that is supposed to mean. And you ARE judging people when you call them dimwitted, I’d say that is a judgment. A harsh one.
September 9th, 2006 at 7:55 pm
Tracey Lee the woman’s lawyer did instruct her not to speak. I have not seen nor read the fbi told her the results of her husband’s polygraph. What I did see was him talking about his polygraph and that he passed. I called her dimwitted, that is not judging, but calling her a name, which I shouln’t have done, but like some of my emotions got the best of me. Do you realize you should get a new keyboard, since you seem to scream with it in all caps, in different places?
September 9th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
I am really concerned about ALL of you!!! Instead of all the bickering back and forth, let’s make this a positive site for the sake of the child. God Bless everyone involved in that family. Something was terribly wrong in this family from what it sounds like, and the only thing we can do is pray and hope for the best for this child. Let’s not bash ANY of these people for we did not walk in their shoes and did not know the circumstances. WE are not here to judge, BUT to be judged by GOD himself. I hope and pray as a mother myself of 2 beautiful sons, that she did not do anything to harm her own child. This has happened and no amount of arguing about it is going to change anything. Let’s just pray as a nation that something good will come of this and in time will bring peace to the ones left to greive the loss of this mother and with all my heart I pray for them not to have to bury 2 in the same family at the same time. That is all I have to say and may you all find peace in your hearts to let this rest!!!!
September 9th, 2006 at 8:07 pm
I agree Concerned and well said.
September 9th, 2006 at 8:23 pm
I thought that Nancy Grace was going to do a full story on Trenton tonight, trying to find him. What happened to that?
September 9th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
Aside from my prayers for Trenton being found, but my prayers is that this Hurrican will miss you all in Florida.
Goodnight all,
Wendy
September 9th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
well now what do you think now that she killed herself still think she is innocent not me she is another susan smith remember her…. i think now the world has one less sicko in the world she is as bad as all the pedifiles running around maybe worst her own innocent baby wasn’t safe with her. couldn’t her family see she was off her rocker. prayers for baby trenton…MELINDA BURN IN HELL!!!!!!!!
September 9th, 2006 at 10:05 pm
She must have done it. If she thought there was any chance that beautiful boy was coming home she would be there waiting for him with open arms ready to hug and love him. She obviously did not want the father to have custody. She knew Trenton would never need her again because she knew exactly what happened to him. Also convenient that she would have put him to bed at 6:30 (I watched Nancy Grace too, awfully early don’t you think?) so that she had a reason why her company did not see the little boy. She wouldn’t even say what stores she went to that day. She said they drove around a lot. She must have done it during the day or maybe even the night before. So sad!!! What did that little boy do to deserve the life he got. So many people who would be good parents and can’t have kids. He counted o her to care for him. That was a privilege.
September 9th, 2006 at 10:08 pm
As far as Melinda’s family is concerned–it is my guess that no one could control Melinda. She was 21 and probably thought that she ran the show. Sometimes we forget that when you have a baby, the baby actually runs the show.
I’m thinking that she cracked and possibly did something to Trenton, then cracked again when she took her life. My only hope is that she left him with someone that is unaware of what is going on–possibly someone that does not watch tv. Wouldn’t that be wonderful, if this little guy shows up unharmed! That is my prayer. As for Melinda, well…she made her bed….
September 9th, 2006 at 10:37 pm
Now is not the time to point fingers, to many people are concerned about the past mistakes. People are human I am not siding either way, there isn’t enough information to make a true decision. Maybe everyone should get off their behinds and go out and help with the search for this little boy. At this point it isn’t important what Melinda did, the little boy is still missing. If all of you were truly concerned you would volunteer to help. I know I do. I have raised 6 kids it isn’t always easy, I am not defending her I am saying that the myspace issue isn’t important right now. Remember Trenton
September 9th, 2006 at 10:45 pm
I think it is so strange that CNN.com seems to report on every singnificant and insignificant news story, yet nothing on this case at all.
It does seem likely that Trenton is dead, let’s continue to pray for him. But someone mentioned something about Melissa riding around in the car with him on a hot day and someone else said that she might have been on drugs. Just a thought, but it could be possible that she traded him for drugs. If so, someone has him.
September 9th, 2006 at 11:03 pm
So you all just assummmmmeeeeeee she took her own life? No questions asked? Noone has really heard what they found other than her body……. I am in no way taking Melinda’s side….. I always felt there was something missing……… that even law enforcement could’nt put a finger on…literally. But who’s to say that some freaking dumba** vigilante didn’t take matters into their own hands and end her life? Noone seems to think outside of the box? Maybe Melinda planned his abduction- and planned to meet up with him later…….. and it backfired because of the pressure to do a lie detector test……. that she never took…. there are so many WHAT IF’s it makes a persons head spin! Trenton, if found alive, will never be able to tell anything- after all- he had just learned his first words- car and ball! I still think someone has him- someone thats knows Melinda- and I think that an aggrivated vigilante could have taken Melinda’s life……. her “suicide” makes no sense! Not even a suicide letter!
Get with the program people- it’s not always what it “seems” to be!
My prayers continue to be with Trenton and that precious little boy is found alive!
September 9th, 2006 at 11:28 pm
Report from my mother-in-law they found her in her car with a gun she shot herself in the head. poor little trenton if he is alive he now has to live without his mother.
September 9th, 2006 at 11:54 pm
After watching Nancy Grace and hearing Trentons Mother be so damn beligerant with Nancy told me deep in my heart that this woman either had something to do with her son being missing. Have the two people who were with her investigated to the fullest?
As a mother myself, If it were my baby, not even God himself could stop me from doing all I could to find my precious baby.. My God I am amazed Nancy Grace held together as well as she did without loosing her temper. I pray for that child it would be a devine miracle if he were still alive after all of this but my intuition tells me he isn’t. May he rest in peace, God bless Trenton and his family.
September 10th, 2006 at 12:00 am
Correction on my comment::
After watching Nancy Grace and hearing Trentons Mother be so damn beligerant with Nancy told me deep in my heart that this woman either had something to do with her son being missing or out of some sense of vengance from her bitter divorse, not wanting father to have that child..did what she thought was going to be the ultimate punishment..Take the child in a way that she could have so he would NEVER see that child again..
*** sorry for the unclear statement before.
Jenny.
September 10th, 2006 at 12:12 am
This is exactly why melinda duckett killed herself. Everyone in Lake and Sumter counties and now the whole world is talking bad about her. Are you all psychic?Is your brains picking up the same neural frequenices of negativity towards the mother?
As for what i heard, one of the friends that was in the house the night trenton vanished was in the military.
Them bastards where after me and my kid a few years ago as well.
They got some high tech weapons! read up on mind control and this is just not 1 case its happening all over the usa.
I think the military is kidnapping kids and unwanted people in the usa.
Everyone that is on the fathers side thinks she is a murder. well maybe if you really knew her than she is not!
How would you feel if your kid gets kidnapped by the feds and they got everyone brainwashed?
September 10th, 2006 at 12:17 am
That nancy grace woman is a total bitch!
September 10th, 2006 at 12:20 am
Anonymous post #85:
Serious comments only, please. A child is missing. This is not time to advertise your insanity.
September 10th, 2006 at 12:21 am
Jessica: Watch your mouth and back up your comments.
September 10th, 2006 at 12:21 am
The mother was a little bit mentally ill. Then when she lost her child she couldn’t help it!
She should have been brought to Leesburg’s Life stream for help! No one was on her side.
I can imagine how hurt she was when she put that gun up to her head and pulled the trigger!
September 10th, 2006 at 12:23 am
Teacher must be a bitch supporter! you prob. killed trenton and blamed it on the mother too
September 10th, 2006 at 12:26 am
As I said, Jessica, watch your mouth and give support for your comments. Advertising your immaturity doesn’t illumintate this case.
September 10th, 2006 at 2:04 am
strange i havent heard any comments about the neighbors hearing a gunshot when they found melinda dead in the car. you would think that if she committed suicide they would have heard it. im guessing someone killed her and staged it
September 10th, 2006 at 2:24 am
ummmmmmmmmmmmmmm WORKED WITH FAMILIES OF MISSING CHILDREN FOR 18 YEARS. Not in the history of anything has a parent killed themselves WHEN THEIR CHILD is still missing.
there have been parents commiting suicide after their child is found raped and murdered but NOT WHEN THE CHILD IS MISSING. Unless Melinda had a history of severe mental issues, she KILLED HER CHILD. Don’t give a crap whether by accident or on purpose for revenge…. Trenton is dead and she did it.
September 10th, 2006 at 5:15 am
Wow - I am amazed with the hate and negativity here. Shame on the lot of you. My prayers go to the family. So there may be a possibility that Melinda had something to do with it. But I saw the interview with Nancy Grace and I was appalled! This young girl’s tone was meek and Nancy Grace hung her out to dry. - Pretending as though she was playing God in an on-air court of her own. Perhaps this young girl was told by the FBI to keep her information private for the sake of the investigation - right or wrong - there would have been nothing the matter with her responses. There could have been, in fact, someone in the background advising her how to respond. Nancy Grace should be ashamed of herself and heaven help her to sleep at night if it comes out that this Mother had nothing to do with this youngsters disappearance! Someone commented - why would she drive to the grandparents to kill herself in the driveway - that seems like a valid consideration. Another would be - if the childs bed was under the window and someone he knew was at that window - or if the child was very trusting - there would be no need for an adult to climb into the house - hold your arms out and the child might just go right to you. If the media has come out with strong statements that the child is believed to be in serious danger and the parents have no attorneys - have not been arrested - somebody needs to dig pretty deep to find this Mother guilty. She did not state whether she had taken a lie detector test or not. If you are 21, having already had a very difficult time with life - the message is out there that your son is expected to be in danger -it’s been way too long and national media and the FBI are - perhaps trying to help - but pounding you down at the same time - well - think about what your state of mind could be. How many of you could stand in an auditorium to speak let alone in front of the nation. How many of you can stop and think - feel what that kind of despair and pressure would be like. I’m not saying who is guilty or innocent. Comments above were that someone had seen her actions to be vastly exaggerated - disturbed - at the school. I am saying it is an atrosity to see such hate. What have we come to? - The more I see the more disgusted I get all the way around.
September 10th, 2006 at 6:33 am
Where have We Gone - you took the words right out of my mouth. Teacher - well said. This is a very sad & tragic situation. I can only hope that the boy will be found and & returned safely to his family. I also hope that when he is old enough to read that he will be spared ever having to read some of what has been said here about his mother whom he surely loves & believes is his world. We need to remember how powerful words can be and that once they are out there, you can’t take them back. None of us know what has happened here. There is so much speculation out there, do we believe all we hear from the media these days? Why have we heard so little, when with some missing children we hear nothing but? From what I have seen on the news so far, there are few facts, no leads.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:45 am
Correct there are few facts:
1. Trenton is missing
2. Dad admits he took a polygraph
3. Melinda wo’t confirm or deny WHY will he?
4. Melinda in her OWN words was evasive.
5. Melinda is found dead with a self inflicted gun shot wound to her head.
6. Bitter dvorce and custody problems
Typical case of Murder and late reaction suicide.
September 10th, 2006 at 10:09 am
I am not a fn Of Nancy Grace, I see why she is on TV and not practicing law anymore. I disagree with her methods and what we see on her show.
However, within her interview with Melinda Duckett and Joshua Duckett, I found some interesting observations.
I thought that Melinda was very rehearsed in her answers. I thought this because of her rapid and ‘perfect’ responses. Melinda also stated that she was working ONLY with the F.B.I. because they told her not to work with the local police department……it does not work that way. the Feebies only work through the local police department. Melinda stated that she was complying with everything that she was asked to do…..this was a lie…..she refused to give a lie detector test. Melinda has a history of violent behavior…. that is a tell.
Here is my idea… it is not a factual accounting….
With the pressures on Melinda, she just wanted to escape them for a small time….. she drove for awhile with her young son, for some reason something happened…… she needed an alibi so 2 guys came to her place to watch a movie and then her son is missing. She goes on Nancy Grace and is barraged with questions that lead her to her place of safety…..her grandparents home. I know that if an automatic pistol was used and the gun barrel was placed into the mouth, then there would be a muffled sound.
My professional opinion is that she accidentally killed the child when she was enraged.
September 10th, 2006 at 10:19 am
I truly do not think Nancy Grace expected Melinda not to participate in the interview. Nancy Grace was trying to give this story national attentionand hel find Trenton. She wants only to protect the victims! Once Melinda was not answering questions that any innocent parent would, she had no choice but to put the pressure on! If the pressure was too much for Melinda, it was the pressure coming from her own guilt.
September 10th, 2006 at 11:36 am
And chances are likely we may NEVER know what REALLY happened! Regardless of the general public’s opinion, mine included, this is a country where a person is INNOCENT until proven GUILTY! No body, No weapon, No motive, NO CASE folks! Even Nancy Grace knows that! Sure would be interesting to see all the forensics from when they found Melinda’s body? And IF she did kill herself-where’d she get the gun? You’d THINK the cops would ask questions like “do you own any weapons” the night Trenton disappeared…. and if she purchased it recently- DUH…….. didn’t anyone recognize her face? Noone has mentioned if Melinda had ever owned a gun? Melinda was a VERY young woman……..who without any proof from ANYONE YET…….. was BASHED by the MEDIA and PUBLIC….sadly they already TRIED and CONVICTED her in their own minds!
I still don’t believe at this point she killed herself! If Trenton’s body was discovered…….and law enforcement was coming after her then yeah it would be different…. that would seem more of a real scenario. I still say it is possible an idiot vigilante took matters into his/her own hands!
September 10th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
Cheryl,
Why would the motive be for the vigilante? I have heard pleople talking about this but never giving any reasons of to why? And you are correct, there is no body, so what would fume someone to murder the mother?
September 10th, 2006 at 12:06 pm
The same reason people have been CONVICTING her on this blog and in the media and prior to her death! Someone who just ASSUMED she was guilty!!!! Her appearance on Nancy Grace ENRAGED many people! Yeah……..definate possibility a vigilante could have killed her! At this point- I don’t think they can rule out anything!
September 10th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
Oh Please! Cheryl. Assuming she is guilty is only due to the facts. The facts are she DID kill herself. He baby boy IS missing and she kills herself. Family is saying the media was too much for her… what about her missing son? That wasn’t too much for her because she knows where he is. Face it.
September 10th, 2006 at 1:28 pm
The gun she used belonged to her grandfather. His gun case was found open in the house. This is according to the local news here in Florida. Last week, one of the local news channels called her on her cell phone because no one had seen or heard from her for about a week. When she answered the call, and was asked how she was doing, her answer was “Pretty good”. For those of you insisting she is innocent, the actual facts prove otherwise.
September 10th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
I’m pretty positive the local police department has the forensic capabilities to be able to distinquish between a self inflicted gunshot wound, and a scene set up to look like one. And the gun was owned by her grandfather. Also, FYI for everyone, if you are looking up articles and researching, she didn’t kill herself in the car. She did it in the grandparents house, using the grandfathers weapon, and I’m sure they tested her hands for GSR and tested the gun for prints as well. This is 2006 and we have all the forensics capabilities in the world at our disposal. As far as “convicting” her in this blog, her actions & behaviors speak for themselves. And as far as saying there is no body or factual evidence to point towards Melinda being responsible for Trenton’s disapearance, or saying how wrong all of us are for “judging”, there are people sitting on death row based off less circumstantial evidence than this. I’ll judge when the situation warrants it. And I say kudos to Nancy Grace for calling her out on her very apparent lack of cooperation in her son’s disapearance. Everyone knows in a child abduction case the parents are ALWAYS looked at first, because there is such a high rate of parental involvement. If you really wanted to find your missing son, you would cooperate fully with authorities in order to expedite the process of clearing your name so the authorities could move on and focus in other directions. JMO of course.
September 10th, 2006 at 1:59 pm
Please stop blaming Melinda’s suicide on Nancy Grace! Nancy has ALWAYS been the victim’s advocate…especially children’s. She is a crime victim herself after watching her fiancee gunned down in a robbery attempt. She understands. I am in law enforcement and everyone is forgetting one thing…polygraphs are non-admissable in court, and cannot be used as grounds for arrest. The purpose of taking a polygraph is to prove innocence, not prove guilt. If she had nothing to hide she should have taken the test as Joshua did. The grandfather made a comment on the news last night that she told him the FBI told her that if she had even one wrong answer on the polygraph she could be arrested and charged with murder. That’s simply not true under the law, and was most likely her attempt to come up with a reasonable lie for not taking the test.
September 10th, 2006 at 2:01 pm
Facts are facts
September 10th, 2006 at 2:09 pm
Also, what do you think distinquishes a suspect from a non suspect? Suspects are based off of a reasonable conclusion, and eventually hopefully confirmed with evidence. People become suspects all the time based off circumstantial evidence, and reasonable conclusions. We all judge. Including those of you so “outraged” at the assumptions about Melinda Duckett.
September 10th, 2006 at 3:53 pm
Let’s remember Melinda’s family and Josh’s family in our prayers and thoughts. Let’s pray that Trenton is brought home safe from harms way… I feel so sorry for Melinda’s grandparents…. Let’s prY for Trenton’s safe return> Quite the bickering it’s doing no one any good…. let’s all look for Trenton!!! God bless you all… remember both families in your prayers.
September 10th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
I agree Mama D. As I said before, for whatever the reason, this terrible tradgedy has happened, and this going back and forth arguing does noone any good. No ONE person is right in their effort to play the scenerio out on this site. Melinda has met her maker and she will answer to him for her deeds, whatever they were. Unfortunately, we are left wondering WHERE is Trenton?? I am still hopeful that he is safe, BUT must agree, everything that played out with Melinda did not look good for her. I usually go with my gut, and it tells me that she knew exactly what happened to him and it is unfortunate she did not leave a note telling the authorities where to find him. That leaves the rest of both families with no closure as to his whereabouts. I understand exactly what a family goes thru, no matter how old the child is, when they come up missing and never find closure. Dear friends of mine lost their 18 year old son over 30 years ago without a trace. They STILL to this day are looking for him. Let’s all keep him in our prayers that if he is not alive, then at least he will turn up for a proper closure for everyone including ourselves who are broken hearted that this precious little angel had to suffer this horrible experience. PRAY and have faith that he will turn up soon, whatever the outcome. God Bless you all!!!!!
September 10th, 2006 at 5:25 pm
I live in The Villages and have been following Trenton’s disappearance from the time it was first announced in the media. Like many of you I formed judgments, right or wrong, on both sides of the question of whether either of his parents was involved in his disappearance. I even watched the whole Nancy Grace show, knowing that Melinda had already been found dead of unnatural causes. I too was amazed at Melinda’s behavior and answers to the questions put to her. I wondered with amazement why she would not want to tell Nancy Grace and millions of viewers any information that might help find her son. Then I went to sleep to ponder all that I had been thinking, and to imagine what it might have been like to be in Melinda’s shoes, remembering that the only way to really honestly judge someone is to walk a mile in their shoes. I also know that we can never believe all that we read in the news media, and even less of what we hear. The one fact that I have truly come to realize over the last 60 years of my life is that the news media no longer just reports the news; they now seem to be responsible for making the news. The case of John Mark Karr is just such a case in point.
When I awoke on Saturday morning, I thought about what it would have been like to walk in Melinda’s shoes. She was adopted from Korea when she was a baby, 18 when she became pregnant with Trenton, 19 when he was born, 20 when she married Trenton’s father, 21 when she was involved in a bitter divorce and custody case, and 21 when her son was discovered to be missing. She worked 2 jobs, went to school, and was raising her son on her own. To the most mature among us those events would be hard for any parent much older in years than Melinda. Just take the case of Jon Bonet Ramsey, the police and media circus was beyond comprehension and they were older, had each other to help deal with law enforcement and the media, and still they were attacked and vilified by the police, media and the public.
Here we had a 21 year old girl, mother, and wife who probably would have had emotional issues just dealing with a normal life of being a 21 year old without children or a marriage, and yet she had a child, a bitter divorce and now her child was missing. She did not have a lawyer or family member dealing with the media or helping her deal with the media. Maybe she was guilty or had some part in the disappearance of Trenton, and maybe she did not. I certainly do not know, nor can I judge with any certainty what the eventual facts will turn out in the case. I will be waiting and interested to know what really happened.
I live in The Villages and have been following Trenton’s disappearance from the time it was first announced in the media. Like many of you I formed judgments, right or wrong, on both sides of the question of whether either of his parents was involved in his disappearance. I even watched the whole Nancy Grace show, knowing that Melinda had already been found dead of unnatural causes. I too was amazed at Melinda’s behavior and answers to the questions put to her. I wondered with amazement why she would not want to tell Nancy Grace and millions of viewers any information that might help find her son. Then I went to sleep to ponder all that I had been thinking, and to imagine what it might have been like to be in Melinda’s shoes, remembering that the only way to really honestly judge someone is to walk a mile in their shoes. I also know that we can never believe all that we read in the news media, and even less of what we hear. The one fact that I have truly come to realize over the last 60 years of my life is that the news media no longer just reports the news; they now seem to be responsible for making the news. The case of John Mark Karr is just such a case in point.
When I awoke on Saturday morning, I thought about what it would have been like to walk in Melinda’s shoes. She was adopted from Korea when she was a baby, 18 when she became pregnant with Trenton, 19 when he was born, 20 when she married Trenton’s father, 21 when she was involved in a bitter divorce and custody case, and 21 when her son was discovered to be missing. She worked 2 jobs, went to school, and was raising her son on her own. To the most mature among us those events would be hard for any parent much older in years than Melinda. Just take the case of Jon Bonet Ramsey, the police and media circus was beyond comprehension and they were older, had each other to help deal with law enforcement and the media, and still they were attacked and vilified by the police, media and the public.
Here we had a 21 year old girl, mother, and wife who probably would have had emotional issues just dealing with a normal life of being a 21 year old without children or a marriage, and yet she had a child, a bitter divorce and now her child was missing. She did not have a lawyer or family member dealing with the media or helping her deal with the media. Maybe she was guilty or had some part in the disappearance of Trenton, and maybe she did not. I certainly do not know, nor can I judge with any certainty what the eventual facts will turn out in the case. I will be waiting and interested to know what really happened.
For all of us, finding Trenton should be the number one priority. Judging Melinda should wait for two things; first, Trenton to be found, and second, the facts to be discovered and to come out in the case, not the media slant, spin, and fervor of an exciting media story. In the mean time we should consider what walking in her shoes would have been like; to be young, just twenty one, to be at the center of a law enforcement investigation and the object of a media circus. When there was nothing else to report, Melinda and speculation on her involvement became the story. Not being very mature, having someone to tell her how to handle her celebrity status when her son was missing would have been tough for the most mature among us, but to be 21 and alone.
Few among us can accurately have known what we would have done to be in her shoes. So until the facts are truly known in the case, would it not be better to make the story about finding Trenton not about condemning someone. If in the end she turns out to have been involved, then there will be plenty of time to lay blame. In the meantime Melinda should be afforded her right to be innocent until proven guilty, and even the Leesburg police have reported that she was not a suspect. It is a tragedy no matter what, and people in this blog are more focused of having someone to blame. Who knows, if she is found to eventually be innocent of all involvement, maybe people will be more willing to believe what her grandfather said … “that she felt like she was trapped and cornered†persecuted by the media, and not supported in her grief at the disappearance of her son. Could any of us have done better ourselves at 21?
September 10th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
sorry for the extra paragraphs in the first post …
I live in The Villages and have been following Trenton’s disappearance from the time it was first announced in the media. Like many of you I formed judgments, right or wrong, on both sides of the question of whether either of his parents was involved in his disappearance. I even watched the whole Nancy Grace show, knowing that Melinda had already been found dead of unnatural causes. I too was amazed at Melinda’s behavior and answers to the questions put to her. I wondered with amazement why she would not want to tell Nancy Grace and millions of viewers any information that might help find her son. Then I went to sleep to ponder all that I had been thinking, and to imagine what it might have been like to be in Melinda’s shoes, remembering that the only way to really honestly judge someone is to walk a mile in their shoes. I also know that we can never believe all that we read in the news media, and even less of what we hear. The one fact that I have truly come to realize over the last 60 years of my life is that the news media no longer just reports the news; they now seem to be responsible for making the news. The case of John Mark Karr is just such a case in point.
When I awoke on Saturday morning, I thought about what it would have been like to walk in Melinda’s shoes. She was adopted from Korea when she was a baby, 18 when she became pregnant with Trenton, 19 when he was born, 20 when she married Trenton’s father, 21 when she was involved in a bitter divorce and custody case, and 21 when her son was discovered to be missing. She worked 2 jobs, went to school, and was raising her son on her own. To the most mature among us those events would be hard for any parent much older in years than Melinda. Just take the case of Jon Bonet Ramsey, the police and media circus was beyond comprehension and they were older, had each other to help deal with law enforcement and the media, and still they were attacked and vilified by the police, media and the public.
Here we had a 21 year old girl, mother, and wife who probably would have had emotional issues just dealing with a normal life of being a 21 year old without children or a marriage, and yet she had a child, a bitter divorce and now her child was missing. She did not have a lawyer or family member dealing with the media or helping her deal with the media. Maybe she was guilty or had some part in the disappearance of Trenton, and maybe she did not. I certainly do not know, nor can I judge with any certainty what the eventual facts will turn out in the case. I will be waiting and interested to know what really happened.
For all of us, finding Trenton should be the number one priority. Judging Melinda should wait for two things; first, Trenton to be found, and second, the facts to be discovered and to come out in the case, not the media slant, spin, and fervor of an exciting media story. In the mean time we should consider what walking in her shoes would have been like; to be young, just twenty one, to be at the center of a law enforcement investigation and the object of a media circus. When there was nothing else to report, Melinda and speculation on her involvement became the story. Not being very mature, having someone to tell her how to handle her celebrity status when her son was missing would have been tough for the most mature among us, but to be 21 and alone.
Few among us can accurately have known what we would have done to be in her shoes. So until the facts are truly known in the case, would it not be better to make the story about finding Trenton not about condemning someone. If in the end she turns out to have been involved, then there will be plenty of time to lay blame. In the meantime Melinda should be afforded her right to be innocent until proven guilty, and even the Leesburg police have reported that she was not a suspect. It is a tragedy no matter what, and people in this blog are more focused of having someone to blame. Who knows, if she is found to eventually be innocent of all involvement, maybe people will be more willing to believe what her grandfather said … “that she felt like she was trapped and cornered†persecuted by the media, and not supported in her grief at the disappearance of her son. Could any of us have done better ourselves at 21?
September 10th, 2006 at 7:18 pm
To the voice of reason. I was married at 19, had my first son at 20 my second son at 22. All the time being abused by my drunk husband. I kept this all a secret until I was afraid for my life at 23. I then went on to raise my 2 sons all by myself. I would have never not answered questioned that may have helped find my missing son! It IS as simple as that.
And by the way.. when ever there is a crime don’t we and I mean everyone always find someone to blame. That is.. who did it. just like who abducted/hurt/hid/killed trenton? Isn’t that what we are supposed to do? Find out who, what, where and WHY!!
After all doesn’t Trenton deserve justice. Please don’t tell me just because his mother had a rough childhood we should ignore finding out more about what could have happened.
September 10th, 2006 at 8:36 pm
I just got home from work and read comments made After I left mine, I did not talk bad about Trentons Mother but was amazed that a Mother with a missing baby could be so evasive! It astounds me that this even happened much less a Mother who wont even help the media help her find her child..! This is saying nothing bad about that Mother..I just dont understand the attitude. Right now thats beside the point.
She is gone and now where is that baby?
The bottom line here is that Trenton does deserve justice no matter which way it goes.
The innocent always suffer.
No one really knows what goes on in the lifes of the people who leave comments or blogs..and I to, have not only sufferd a 15 year nightmare of a marriage I almost didnt survive from, but in 1978, lost two children, ages 2 and 4 to a drunk driver.
I made the choice to stay on this earth and stand up for my children who were torn from my soul. I know its not anything compared to what Trentons mother went through, guilty or innocent. Nothing in this world can ever heal the pain of loosing one child..a family member or someone else we love, but two children at once.. It was and still is the most devistating, long lasting, horrid thing I could have ever gone through and even years later, I still do. EVERY SINGLE DAY. This is one of many reasons I cannot even begin to understand why Trentons Mother would not cooperate.. My God. If thats what it took to get my babies back nothing would stop me. the last thing I would be is hateful to anyone here or anyone anywhere..I am just trying to understand WHY. and already know there will never be an answer.
**** Lighting a candle for Trenton & Family***
********** Remember 9-11-2001 **********
September 10th, 2006 at 8:38 pm
I agree we should want to find out who, what, where and why, but all I am saying is we should wait for the facts to come out. I do not think using the media spin to a story comes close to necessarily being the true facts. Time and the result of law enforcement’s investigation will eventually let the true facts be known.
As a women who was in a abusive relationship, you certainly should understand how one could misconstrue Melinda’s actions during this time of extreme stress when she herself might have been in a relationship that is not what it seemed on the outside. At the time you were in your abusive situation, your actions and statements to your friends did not tell the whole story of what you were going through or how you really felt. You even said you kept it all a secret.
Twice in my life I was also in abusive relationships, and I am a very strong person. I would never have predicted my behavior, actions, or words would have been what they were and I was a lot older than Melinda. So what my post was trying to say was we do not know what was going through her mind or causing her actions or words. Add to that she was only 21 and you possibly have a case of a very young, emotional and not mature mother in a very stressful situation with her son missing and she became the focus with the police and the media. Her actions and words may not have seemed logical to us, but that is exactly what happens at times of stress and high emotion, we are not logical and our behavior is not necessarily in character of what others may do or say.
I was not implying there were excuses for Melinda’s behavior on Nancy Grace in evading the questions. I just meant that until we have all the facts from law enforcement’s investigation, we can not judge her guilty. I am just alarmed that by focusing on what might be a 21 year old woman who was overwhelmed we are taking the focus off finding Trenton.
I hope Melinda was innocent of all wrong doing, and if she was not that I will be the first to accuse her. Until then I would rather we give a young woman the benefit of the doubt and for the moment remembering if she was innocent in Trenton’s abduction we realize that she was very young, and very immature and most probably very overwhelmed.
If it turns out that she was innocent, can you imagine the nightmare she was going through. That was why I tried to play devil’s advocate to all the arm chair judges who were condeming her, and then I tried to picture what it could be like to be Melinda going through the nightmare of her life.
September 10th, 2006 at 9:53 pm
IM pretty much sick of discussing and reading about melinda—she wasnt the focus in the beginning–trenton was and still should be.Melinda killed herself—-why? guilt? stress? the investigation will reveal the why?In the meantime it is Trenton that is and still should be the primary focus of everyone.This baby needs to come home to family –bottom line!
September 10th, 2006 at 10:17 pm
Dear Peggy,
Amen to that!!! You certainly said what I was feeling in a lot less words. Here is hoping we can get back to discussing Trenton and where and when we can bring him home to the people who love him.
September 10th, 2006 at 10:20 pm
Just a little fact for tose of you who think Melinda was abused she in fact was not there is a lot surrounding this situation that I am not going to post b/c honestly it is none of ya’ll’s buisness but she made several false accusations against Josh and he has never been charged with anything. I am not saying he is innocent of everything b/c I know he isn’t but he never abused her or trenton or else he would be in jail. Melinda was a very troubled girl and had undergone several mental evaluations. i am not suprised that she killed herself,but I don’t know whether she is innocent or not. It isn’t for me to say. The two had problems and yes they were both immature, perhaps too immature to have a child. I hope that you will all just pray for little Trenton’s safe return and stop all these rumors that you are hearing else where.
September 10th, 2006 at 10:40 pm
I watched Nancy Grace that night, as well. This is a text book case, clearly. No big mystery…Melinda was totally PSYCO and could not handle the pressure once she was exposed by Nancy Grace. She blew her shallow cover as soon as Nancy asked her the basics– where she shopped, what she and Trenton did that day etc… Melinda could not co