Posted by: thepinetree on 05/02/2013 07:19 PM
Updated by: John_Hamilton on 05/03/2013 12:17 PM
Expires: 01/01/2018 12:00 AM
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Leila Fowler Homicide Investigation Update
Valley Springs, CA... Tonight Sgt Chris Hewitt gave the update and much of what was covered is below but there were some additional details for those of you following the cast to make it worth a viewing. Calaveras County Sheriff’s Investigators have been in contact with the Fowler family and continue to make progress in the investigation into the murder of 8-year-old Leila Fowler. Evidence continues to be collected at the Fowler’s Valley Springs home...
On May 1, 2013 detectives and a composite sketch artist met with a witness in this case for the purposes of developing a composite sketch of the person seen running near the Fowler home. This witness had earlier provided a description of this person to investigators on two separate occasions. The witness had also stated that she saw the intruder running in the opposite direction from the direction that Leila’s 12 year brother had provided. During the composite sketch meeting the witness recanted her previous statements and her identification of the man she saw running. She also refused to provide a description to the sketch artist so that a composite could be completed. The witness’s description of the intruder was an important lead for investigators, but as of now it has become clear that this witness is no longer credible. Though this may seem like a setback in the investigation, it is actually a positive result in that it allows the investigators to narrow the scope of their investigation.
Investigators have received approximately 300 tips since the start of the investigation and continue to follow up on leads. Some of the leads that we have received have been investigated and excluded, which is allowing detectives to focus on other avenues.
Detectives continued to follow up on the City of Placerville Police Department’s arrest of a kidnapping suspect that occurred on April 30, 2013. On May 1, 2013 Calaveras Sheriff’s detectives went to Placerville to conduct interviews and find out whether or not the Placerville suspect had any connection to the Leila Fowler homicide. Though DNA samples taken from the suspect will still be sent to and analyzed by the DOJ crime lab as a matter of standard practice, detectives have determined it unlikely that there is a connection between the two crimes.
Calaveras Sheriff’s investigators have consulted with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The FBI is providing support to the investigation.
Previously Stated: Effective immediately and until further notice, the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office will hold daily informal press briefings/question and answer sessions at the Valley Springs Sheriff’s substation at 1:30 pm. Formal press conferences will be scheduled as needed.
