JAMISHA GILBERT (deceased)- 18 yo - Lynchburg VA

Missing teen may have been seen walking in area Friday morning

Posted: Tuesday, December 3, 2013 11:55 pm
Updated: 8:04 am, Wed Dec 4, 2013
Steve Hardy and Alex Rohr


Lynchburg Police Department

A witness who may have seen missing teen Jamisha Gilbert is giving investigators a more complete timeline of her “suspicious” disappearance, police said Tuesday. The announcement came just hours after search efforts uncovered clothes near the area where her wrecked and abandoned car was discovered.

Friends last saw Gilbert between midnight and 1 a.m. Friday. She was driving a burgundy 2002 Honda Accord, and investigators have said she was alone. Police found it at about 8 a.m., damaged in a wreck with a guardrail near the intersection of Concord Turnpike and Winston Ridge Road in Lynchburg. Gilbert was nowhere to be found.

Tuesday afternoon, Lt. Dave Gearhart said someone has told investigators the 18-year-old was on foot in the area of the wreck in the hours between her last interaction with friends and the discovery of her car.

Officers still are reviewing that account, and Gearhart declined to identify the witness and whether he or she noted if Gilbert was injured, distressed or alone. The lieutenant also said it is unclear if she was spotted before or after the crash.

Between 80 and 100 law enforcement officers and firefighters scoured the area around Concord Turnpike on Tuesday, Gearhart said.

The search area included the stretch of road between Winston Ridge and U.S. 460, nearby wooded areas, the James River, and the landfill.

Tracking dogs, boats and a helicopter also joined in the search, which ended at about 4:30 p.m.

Searchers found clothes near Gilbert’s car, Det. John Bragg said. However, he referred to Gearhart for more details. Gearhart declined to comment on the clothes and whether they matched the description of the outfit Gilbert was last seen wearing.

Gearhart also declined to comment on any other evidence that may have been gathered in relation to the case.

He said investigators do not have reason to believe Gilbert’s disappearance is connected to any other investigations.

Officers still are calling the case a disappearance under “suspicious circumstances,” the lieutenant said. Investigators do not believe Gilbert is a runaway.

While authorities searched, Gilbert’s mother Norma Gilbert-Eldridge was working to print copies of flyers she intends to circulate through the city. The flyer shows a photo of Gilbert displaying a peace sign and implores anyone who may know where she is to call the police.

“Jamisha is a loved person. She is loved by the community. … I want her to come back home,” Gilbert-Eldridge said.

She has described her daughter, who she affectionately calls “Misha,” as a gifted student who excelled in every subject in high school and dreams of being a lawyer. When Gilbert-Eldridge took college classes, her daughter offered to help with her homework.

Now, she is praying for Gilbert’s safe return.

“It’s crazy. I feel numb,” her mother said.

“It’s like it’s not really happening.”

She expressed her gratitude for the outpouring of support from friends and family.

Principal Timothy Beatty of Heritage High School, where Gilbert graduated this year, was among those who visited Gilbert-Eldridge’s home Tuesday afternoon, though he declined to speak with media.

Gilbert’s mother said the family of Alexis Murphy has reached out to her as well. The 17-year-old from Shipman has been missing since August. Authorities have arrested Randy Taylor and charged him with abduction in relation to the case. He remains in jail awaiting trial. Investigators have not uncovered evidence linking the two disappearances, Gearhart has said.

Search teams are expected to return to the Concord Turnpike area this morning. Between 80 and 100 officers and firefighters are expected to participate, a similar force to the one assembled Tuesday.

Emergency vehicles lined the turnpike all day Tuesday. A pair of command vehicles, a crime scene unit van, a fire department Urban Search and Rescue Team truck, a fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, multiple police cruisers and two battalion chief vehicles were on scene. Buses from GLTC and city schools ferried scores of officers to various search locations.

Meanwhile, authorities have set up a hotline to take tips related to the case.

The phone number — (434) 455-4090 — will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Gearhart said.

Gilbert is described as a black woman of medium complexion standing 5 feet, 5 inches and weighing about 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a white shirt, black jacket and brown boots.

Anyone with information on her disappearance is urged to call the hotline.

http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_2d3b23d6-5c20-11e3-a414-0019bb30f31a.html

Officers search river for missing Lynchburg teen

Posted: Monday, December 2, 2013 11:00 pm
Updated: 9:10 am, Tue Dec 3, 2013
Steve Hardy

Dozens of officers combed the Concord Turnpike area Monday afternoon near the industrial area where officers found the wrecked and abandoned car of a missing Lynchburg teenager.

Jamisha Monique Gilbert, 18, last was seen by friends early Friday morning, but disappeared under what investigators are calling “suspicious circumstances.”

Her wrecked burgundy 2002 Honda Accord was found near the intersection of Concord Turnpike and Winston Ridge Road a few hours after she was last seen.

Officers used a state police helicopter, tracking canines and boats to search the James River for clues to find Gilbert on Monday evening. The search stretched from Garnet Street to U.S. 460, through industrial areas, woods, a train yard and the river.

Gilbert was reported missing on Sunday by her mother Norma Gilbert-Eldridge.

Monday, the Lynchburg Police Department issued a missing person alert as they searched the area.

“We are concerned for her welfare and her safety,” Lynchburg Police Lt. Dave Gearhart said. However, he said he did not think there was a threat to the public.

Gilbert-Eldridge is holding out hope that her daughter will return home soon.

“It’s stressful. It’s hard. It’s unbelievable. … It just doesn’t seem real,” she said from her College Hill home Monday evening.

“I’m just gonna keep hope alive.”

She spoke of her daughter with pride, saying Gilbert was an honor roll student every semester at Heritage High, where she graduated last May.

Gilbert enjoys poetry and has been playing piano since she was five years old, her mother said.

The teenager has been living near Lynchburg College where she was caring for an ill relative. She planned to go to Central Virginia Community College in the spring, before continuing on to the University of Maryland to earn her bachelor’s degree on her way to becoming an attorney, her mother said.

In a video posted to YouTube in February, Gilbert expressed her happiness at being accepted into the University of Maryland and proudly displayed her acceptance letter.

In other videos, she discusses topics ranging from music to hair care.

One video, titled “This is Me,” was created for her Advanced English class. In it, she discusses her family, her favorite books, movies and food, as well as her dreams, such as visiting Spain and working as a corporate lawyer.

It also gives a glimpse into her philosophy.

“Without struggle, there is no progress,” she says.

“No matter what life throws at you, as long as you get back up, the only thing that matters is how you take it.”

Investigators have released little information about the search for Gilbert. Gearhart declined to answer questions about evidence gathered during Monday’s search, the condition of her car, where she may have been heading or whether investigators believe any crimes have been committed.

When asked if whether they suspect foul play, the lieutenant said only that officers with the department’s Criminal Investigations Division have classified her disappearance as “suspicious,” and do not believe Gilbert is a runaway.

Investigators have found no evidence linking Gilbert’s disappearance to that of Alexis Murphy, the 17-year-old reported missing from Nelson County in August. Alexis has not yet been found. Randy Taylor, of Lovingston, has been arrested and charged with abduction in connection with Alexis’ disappearance. He remains in jail awaiting trial.

In a news conference late Monday, Gearhart said officials still were deciding how the search for Gilbert would continue in the coming days.

Until then, he asks anyone who may have information about her disappearance to come forward.

She is described as a black woman of medium complexion, standing 5 feet, 5 inches and weighing about 140 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair and was last seen wearing a white shirt, black jacket and brown boots.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lynchburg Police Department at (434) 455-6054.

http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/article_67f4d718-5b7d-11e3-9121-001a4bcf6878.html

Jamisha Gilbert found dead in Lynchburg

December 5, 2013 - 12:28 pm

(WJLA) - The body of a missing woman found in Lynchburg on Wednesday has been identified as Jamisha Gilbert, according to multiple reports.

WCAV reports that the body of Gilbert, 18, was found near Concord Turnpike on Wednesday morning.

Gilbert had been missing since last Friday, and her wrecked car was found near where her body was located, according to the Lynchburg News & Advance.

Authorities are considering Gilbert's death suspicious.

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/12/jamisha-gilbert-found-dead-in-lynchburg-97727.html#ixzz2md4qYtXu

Why in the world is this under found children?

It appears she was MURDERED and that is where her thread should be.  IMO.

FOUND? 

Finding a dead body isn't the same as finding a missing child.

Temporarily "Found" until a determination of cause of death ... she was involved in an accident before she went missing.
At the time the story was originally posted her age was stated as 17. Did you read any of it?

UPDATED: What Happened to Jamisha Gilbert?
Posted: Dec 04, 2013 9:53 PM EST

Lynchburg, VA - Lynchburg Police say the Medical Examiner has positively identified the body found yesterday as 18 year old Jamisha Gilbert.

The autopsy on the body was completed Thursday morning.

Police say the body was found at Megginson Lane Cemetery in a wooded area, where crime tape was put up Wednesday.

For more details on the story, click here.

--------------

Lynchburg, VA - Following the discovery of a body Wednesday, Lynchburg police are waiting for an autopsy before announcing an identity.

An autopsy is scheduled for Thursday morning, but police do not know how long it will take for identification.

So many questions still remain surrounding missing 18 year old Jamisha Gilbert. About her maroon car found Friday, her mom says she wrecked; about that boyfriend she was last seen with; and the latest discovery of a woman's body.

"During their search team members located a deceased black female" said Lt. Dave Gearhart of the Lynchburg Police Department.

Search squads scoured the dense woods between Concord Turnpike and Route 460 on Wednesday. What they found was perhaps what they've spent days now searching for.

"We are continuing our search efforts as part of the crime scene investigation at this time" said Gearhart.

"It was a lot of hope, until today" said Endya Johnson, a friend of Jamisha's.

Friends and family of Jamisha are devastated with the discovery. Fearing the worst now for the missing 18 year old.

"It's very emotional, that someone would do something to her. She never bothered anybody" said Johnson.

"They did let me see the car, and I saw how tore up the car is" said Norma Gilbert-Eldridge, Jamisha's mother.

Although police have not commented on the extent of the damage, Eldridge in an interview on Tuesday, said her daughter's wrecked Honda Accord, found Friday, was completely destroyed, "And that's a little scary because the car is really bad" she said.

Eldridge also claims that boyfriend, who friends say Jamisha was last seen with, was driving at the time of the wreck.

"He was in fact driving she was on the passenger side, he was driving. I believe he was in the car the whole time" she said.

"For young girls to keep going missing, it's very scary" said Johnson.

According to Lynchburg Police, Jamisha's boyfriend was questioned in connection to her disappearance.

Also Lynchburg investigators say the crime scene is still being secured and they will be back on the scene Thursday to continue looking for evidence.

http://www.wset.com/story/24139406/what-happened-to-jamisha-gilbert

This is a very sad story and my heart goes out to her mother  

When the autopsy results are disclosed this probably will have to be moved. As the police are referring to the area as a "crime scene" it must be apparent that her death was not caused by the accident.

Funeral set for Jamisha Gilbert, Investigation Continues

Posted: Dec 09, 2013 6:49 AM CST
Updated: Dec 09, 2013 7:16 AM CST

LYNCHBURG, Va. (AP) - A funeral service is scheduled Wednesday for a Lynchburg teenager whose body was found several days after she disappeared.

The News & Advance says the service for 18-year-old Jamisha Gilbert will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Court Street Baptist Church in Lynchburg. Interment will be in Maryland at a later date.

Friends will hold a candlelight vigil at 5 p.m. Monday at the Megginson School.

Police are continuing to investigate Gilbert's death. She was reported missing on Dec. 1 by her mother. Searchers found her body on Dec. 4 in a wooded area.

http://www.nbc29.com/story/24169562/funeral-set-for-jamisha-gilbert-investigation-continues

Interesting thread at websleuths: http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227765

Funeral Held for Jamisha Gilbert in Lynchburg

Posted: Dec 11, 2013 5:26 PM CST

Lynchburg, VA - Friends and family gathered in Lynchburg Wednesday afternoon to remember Jamisha Gilbert, 18.

Gilbert's funeral service was at Court Street Baptist Church. She will be buried in Maryland at a later date.

Jamisha was reported missing by her mother on December 1. Her body was found a few days later.

Police have not yet released a cause of death.

http://www.wset.com/story/24197859/funeral-held-for-jamisha-gilbert-in-lynchburg

What is taking so long? Where's the cause of death? The autopsy was supposed to have been completed ...

Toxicologist explains why evidence takes so long to process in criminal cases
A Roanoke toxicologist is giving WDBJ7 an exclusive look inside the lab

WDBJ7 Reporter Nadine Maeser, nmaeser@wdbj7.com
POSTED: 05:41 PM EST Jan 02, 2014

ROANOKE, Va. - As we enter into a new year, there are still a number of questions left unanswered regarding some of 2013's biggest criminal cases.

The death of Jamisha Gilbert is a prime example. The 18-year-old was reported missing in early December. Days later, investigators found her body in an field near Concord Turnpike in Lynchburg and so far, no one has been arrested and charged in connection to her death.

Investigators tell WDBJ 7 they're still waiting on toxicology reports, among other things, before they can move forward in the case.

Crucial pieces of evidence can take weeks or even months to get back in some cases.

"The workload in toxicology from when I got here 13 years ago was fairly small," said toxicologst James Kuhlman.

Kuhlman is the forensic toxicologist supervisor at the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Western Lab.

Kuhlman said there's never been a slow or easy day in the forensic lab, but these days, it's busier than ever.

New legal requirements, new drugs and an increase in drug abuse has Roanoke analysts working overtime looking at blood samples and other biological fluids.

"That can take a significant amount of time and of course, we don't know what we will run into when they ask for that."

Once any piece of evidence is dropped off at the Roanoke lab, a very long and meticulous process soon begins.

"The blood has to be removed from the blood through a chemical process, it has to be purified, concentrated and then put into an instrument that will identify the drug," he said.

But that's only the beginning.

The samples are then reviewed by another forensic team and examined for a second time before given a final stamp of approval.

According to Kuhlman, there are fewer than ten people in the Roanoke toxicology lab. His teams processes an average of 200 cases a month and that doesn't include other tasks they have to do with the job.

"We spend a significant amount of time talking to attorneys, police officers, the medical examiners, answering questions," he said.

The toxicologists also spend much of their time traveling every month to testify in court so the work they do inside the lab holds up inside a courtroom.

The Western lab is responsible for processing requests from more than 20 counties in southwest and western Virginia.

http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/toxicologist-explains-why-evidence-takes-so-long-to-process-in-criminal-cases/-/20128466/23743784/-/4cmamkz/-/index.html

I still don't understand why this is not in the Unresolved thread. Dead children should not be included with found children. IMO.