Friday, September 20, 2002

Aunt, uncle file for custody of girl as search continues

A court hearing today will discuss who would care for Jennifer Short should authorities find her. A court hearing today will discuss who would be Jennifer Short's guardians should authorities find her.

By MIKE ALLEN
THE ROANOKE TIMES

   COLLINSVILLE - An aunt and uncle of Jennifer Short's have requested that a judge make them the legal guardians of the missing girl if and when she's found.

    Jennifer, 9, has been missing since Aug. 15, when her parents, Michael and Mary Short, were found shot to death in their Oak Level home. Mary Short's sister and brother-in-law, Ruby and Chris Young, have filed a petition in Henry County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court to be appointed Jennifer's legal guardians.

    A hearing related to the petition will be held today , said Carol Whitehead, another of Mary Short's sisters. Mary Short's family had discussed Jennifer's care when the killings were first discovered, she said. The Youngs sent a letter to members of both sides of the family about their petition.

    It was unclear Thursday whether Michael Short's relatives agreed with the petition. Frank Arrington, Mike Short's uncle, said he was not familiar with it.

    "This is new to us," said Sarah Short, a sister-in-law of Mike Short's. "We're in the dark."

    Michael and Mary Short were private people, and many members of their respective families hadn't even met until after the killings. Communication between the two sides has sometimes been tense, Sarah Short said.

    "Maybe if we get to know each other, it would be different," she said.

    The Youngs could not be reached for comment Thursday.

    Relatives are united in their worries and hopes. Sarah Short said it saddens her that news coverage of Jennifer's disappearance has tapered off.

    As Whitehead and her husband watch for any news, "We have our good days and bad days," she said.

    Little has changed in the status of the case, though it's still very much on the minds of people in Henry County and beyond. Letters on church and store marquees spell out "Pray for Jennifer," and huge yellow ribbons decorate doors and windows.

    Meanwhile, the Henry County Sheriff's Office continues its search. While the number of investigators involved has shrunk as leads have dwindled, the probe still has many directions to take, said sheriff's Capt. Kimmy Nester.

    Detectives have interviewed Jennifer's classmates and teachers. Divers descended into Philpott Reservoir last week, but turned up nothing of interest.

    Most of the tips received now are from psychics or from concerned citizens with suggestions for investigators, but there's little in the way of hard information.

    The sheriff's office remains frustrated by its inability to identify a man who had a dispute with Mary Short 10 years ago when she worked at the Pluma textile plant in Martinsville.

    While it's unclear whether the man is connected to the case, "he's considered a witness until we can prove otherwise," Nester said. "It would simplify the case if that person is not involved."

    Nester is concerned by the dwindling number of tips. "What means very little to somebody could be very important to us," he said. "If you think you've seen Jennifer or you think you have information, do not hesitate to call."

    "We're just praying that somebody out there will give them a lead," Whitehead said. "We'll never give up hope until we find out one way or another."

    The total reward from various funds for tips that help solve the case is about $62,000, according to the sheriff's office.

    Jennifer Short is described as 4 feet 3 inches tall, 58 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call (276)638-8751 or (800)843-5678.

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