I have listened to the recent podcast and have some thoughts. First, I think it was helpful for families of missing persons on how to contact media and how to get the attention for their missing loved ones. I believe there is great frustration as to what police do and what media does or doesn't do. One thing I have noticed which I'm sure others listening took note of is that the race of the missing person can't be ignored. This is something that needs to be focused on because if it  isn't, it is not going to change. Persons of color are not immediately reported on because of many reasons, one being the police feeling they are runaways.  The exception is small children, who are immediately reported if they qualify for an Amber Alert. We know the earlier these reports are made, the greater the chance of a good outcome.

Recently I read of a case of a young girl. Minerliz Soriano, who disappeared  22 years ago in the Bronx, NY.  She walked home alone to her apartment that day because the young woman she walked with daily had to stay late at school. The police had interviewed a man in her apartment building but found no reason to suspect him. Her young friend mentioned that she had made an entry in her diary about being interested in astronomy. This man used his telescope to teach children about the stars. Her young friend felt this is how he lured Minerliz. She was curious and always ready to learn something new. He was eventually connected to the crime through familial DNA. 

Perpetrators are often close to the victim and have access. That's why DNA is so important. There is a problem with families feeling untrusting about providing DNA. Families of color are frequently warned about this because of racism and inequality within the justice system. They were also reluctant to provide fingerprints of their children to be used in the event of their going missing for the same reason. This is real. It may not be politically correct or comfortable to talk about, but it's a factor. 

In relation to Jodi's case, I think it is time to revisit her diary. Were there pages missing? Is there a clue in the diary that may lead to the perpetrator? Have all the people in her apartment building been interviewed again. Is the perpetrator someone who was there that night and wanted her to join them, and she said she had to get up early for work. Is it someone she wasn't aware was watching her, and she had just spoken to in passing? 

Will the police acknowledge if they do have DNA in Jodi's case? Will it eventually solve the case.

And finally,  there were three hours from the time Amy called Jodi until the police were notified. An Amber Alert may have helped in her case. So definitely they need to be employed immediately and are a great tool for law enforcement and families of missing loved ones

Recently, a car was stolen with a year-old baby in it. An Amber Alert was issued immediately. My fear was with below zero weather, the car would be dumped, and the child would die of hypothermia. Fortunately, the child was taken to a safe place.