ALERT TN Amber alert - Day 6 of search for missing 5yo girl from Hawkins County

[BereanGene]

Story from WATE.com

no sign of Summer Wells
TOP STORIES
by: Murry Lee, Slater Teague
Posted: Jun 21, 2021 / 01:53 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 21, 2021 / 06:46 PM EDT



HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Five-year-old Summer Wells remains missing and officials say they are “more concerned than ever to find her.”
Summer Wells, 5, was reported missing from her home on Beech Creek community in Hawkins County six days ago. Crews from 72 agencies have been searching the woods in difficult terrain surrounding the home. More than 2,400 acres have been covered so far. Wells’ father said in an interview that it is uncommon for Wells to wander off.
“While we’ve not ruled out an abduction, we simply do not have any evidence at this point to confirm that’s what occurred,” said Leslie Earhart, spokesperson for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. “For that reason, the ground search for Summer continues. It’s possible that she wandered off and is lost and afraid.”
Wells’ father said he believes someone might have ‘snuck up on her and grabbed her.’
Coup said aircraft are being used to keep an eye on the area overnight when the ground search effort is paused unless crews are following up on a lead.
“We will not quit until we find Summer Wells,” said Capt. Tim Coup, who is overseeing ground search efforts.
SEE ALSO: Timeline of the search for Summer Wells
“At the evening time, it is too treacherous and too dangerous, unless TBI or the sheriff’s department gets a lead that they need us to go help assist on,” Coup said. “Too dangerous for us to keep our guys up in these mountains in this treacherous terrain at nighttime. But I want you guys to know, and rest assured, along with the community, that search efforts due to not stop when it gets dark.”
Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson again encouraged residents in that area to check outbuildings and sheds.
“We desperately need you to do that for us. It’s easier for you to check your own property than it is to send officers there,” Lawson said.
For complete coverage of the search, visit the Search For Summer Wells
Earhart said drivers who were in the area around the time Wells was reported missing have been identified and interviewed. The circumstances leading to Wells’ disappearance “remain unclear” but investigators are following all leads, she said. Investigators have also reviewed residential surveillance video and photos from the area.
As of Monday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation had received 150 tips. Earhart said dealing with rumors and speculation is “always a battle.”
Anyone with information regarding Wells’ whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Summer Wells’ father describes evening of 5-year-old’s disappearance
The TBI AMBER Alert reports Summer’s appearance as follows:

• Age: 5
• Sex: Female
• Race: White
• Hair: Blonde Eyes: Blue
• Height: 3′
• Weight: 40 lbs.
• NCIC: M476287498
• Missing From: Rogersville, Tennessee
• Missing Since: June 15, 2021

Copyright 2021 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

(sorry about any format errors)
BereanGene

 

[Cardinal]

The circumstances leading to Wells’ disappearance “remain unclear”

Red Flag.

 

[thompson]

 

[SuElPo]

I pray they find her.

 

[AnniePutin]

Please, everyone, pray that little Summer will be found safe.

 

[SuElPo]

btt

 

[Dozdoats]

This kind of story makes my heart hurt. And it's stormy and raining in the area too.
===================

Timeline of Summer Wells case
Arial Starks 6 hrs ago
Timeline of Summer Wells case
https://twitter.com/share?url=http:...rer=http://a.msn.com/01/en-us/AALhFq5?ocid=st

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - The disappearance of Summer Wells, the 5-year-old Hawkins County girl at the center of a Tennessee AMBER Alert has captured the attention of thousands across the region. Below is a timeline of the case.

© Provided by WAVE Louisville Summer Wells has blonde hair and was last seen wearing grey shorts and a pink shirt on Ben Hill road, officials said.
Monday, June 21, 2021
The AMBER Alert for missing 5-year-old Summer Wells stretched into its sixth day Monday.

Officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced Summer Wells is still missing during a Monday afternoon press conference.

TBI officials said they are more concerned than ever about finding the child.
According to TBI, the FBI has joined the search for the missing 5-year-old. Investigators said they have not ruled out an abduction but currently have no evidence to confirm that the child was abducted. They have deployed an Abduction Rapid Deployment Team, officials said.
Sheriff Lawson called for all residents of the Beech Creek Road area to go out as soon as possible and check their entire property, in any place a child could hide.
“We have not stopped,” Sheriff Lawson said. " We’ve been searching 24/7 for six days now.”
Search efforts will continue day and night for the missing child. At this time 77 agencies spanning across multiple states including Ohio, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina to assist in the search.
Search crews have searched 2,400 acres of land since Summer was reported missing.
Incoming severe weather is a concern for search crews, according to officials. Hawkins County officials said the storms will change their approach but not their aggressiveness in searching. Officials said search efforts do not stop when it gets dark, aviation search crews are used to continually map the area after the sun goes down. At night they are using FLIR, which is a thermal imaging technology that detects body heat at night.
Family members told authorities it is not common for the 5-year-old to wander off.

 

[fi103r]

Prayers Sent

 

[vestige]

Six days is a significant time for a trained adult to be out with no preparation.

 

[ginnie6]

so sad....prayers that they find her alive.

 

[bw]

I hate these situations.

 

[SuElPo]

It's like she just disappeared.

Susan

 

[coalcracker]

Joining with you all in prayer.

I’m not liking the interview with the Dad (link in OP). He is saying the right words, but… something is off. Too many self-justifying comments. Also disturbed by the repetition of “the authorities have already done everything.” Really? Sounds to me like someone wants to close shop and call it a day. That makes me wonder.

 

[Faroe]

It's like she just disappeared.

Susan

Blonde kids are targets.

 

[thompson]

Joining with you all in prayer.

I’m not liking the interview with the Dad (link in OP). He is saying the right words, but… something is off. Too many self-justifying comments. Also disturbed by the repetition of “the authorities have already done everything.” Really? Sounds to me like someone wants to close shop and call it a day. That makes me wonder.

I get the sense he is trying to control the narrative. Just my opinion.

 

[thompson]

I found this article whilst nosing around..

Watch now: Summer Wells' father believes she may have been taken by human traffickers

On Monday, Summer's father, Donald Wells, told the Times News he has thought his daughter was taken from the area from Day One.

www.johnsoncitypress.com

Summer Wells' father believes she may have been taken by human traffickers

• By JEFF BOBO jbobo@timesnews.net
• 19 hrs ago

ROGERSVILLE — Donald Wells’ last memory of his missing 5-year-old daughter, Summer, was dancing with her the night before she went missing.

Summer was last seen on Tuesday, June 15, at about 6:30 p.m. at her home on Ben Hill Road in the Beech Creek community in far south central Hawkins County.

“The night before she wanted to twirl,” Wells said. “She wanted me to hold her hand while she twirled. She considered herself a ballerina or a princess.”

On Monday, Wells told the Times News he has believed his daughter was taken from the area since day one of this ordeal.

Wells said he believes she may have been taken by human traffickers who became aware of her on social media.

During a conversation with the Times News on Monday, Wells, who is a drywaller, also said he went back to work on Monday.

He described his family’s experiences going back to church on Saturday, the first time since Summer went missing.

Wells also stated that his wife has been very upset by the way she has been portrayed in social media posts. Candus Wells has monitored social media looking for clues, and she has been very upset about the online negativity aimed at her.

Summer stands 3 feet tall, and she is 40 pounds with blond hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing gray pants and a pink shirt and might have been barefoot.

Anyone who has seen Summer or has information on her whereabouts is asked to call the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office at (423) 272-7121 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND (824-3466).

“I knew from the first day that she wasn’t in the area”

On Friday night after the search for the day had concluded, rescuers were called back to the command center at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church on Beech Creek Road after dark and continued searching well into the early morning hours Saturday.

 

[Faroe]

I get the sense he is trying to control the narrative. Just my opinion.

Could be. Tried reading the text at the link, but with pop-up ads, and the piece jumping around, I'm not sure I read everything. Editing can make anyone look guilty, and all we have now is from the journalist.

Poor kid. I really hope they find her safe, but this doesn't look good.

 

[thompson]

Found this also

VIDEO at the link

“Afraid for my children,” Summer Wells’ mother states in dismissed order of protection against child’s father

Officials with the Hawkins County Sherriff’s Office said the father of missing 5-year-old Summer Wells was arrested in 2020 on domestic assault charges.

www.wvlt.tv

“Afraid for my children,” Summer Wells’ mother states in dismissed order of protection against child’s father

On April 21, 2021, investigators said the charges of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a weapon were dismissed.

By Alivia Harris
Published: Jun. 21, 2021 at 4:37 PM UTC|Updated: 11 hours ago

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials with the Hawkins County Sherriff’s Office said the father of missing 5-year-old Summer Wells was arrested in 2020 on domestic assault charges.

According to police reports, Donald Wells was arrested on October 14, 2020, and charged with domestic assault, possession of a handgun while under the influence and unlawful possession of a weapon following an domestic incident with Summer Wells’ mother Candus Bly.

Deputies were dispatched to Ben Hill Road in Oct. 2020 after receiving reports of a domestic assault. When deputies arrived on the scene they located Donald Wells behind the wheel of a vehicle.

A stop was conducted in the driveway and Wells was detained. Deputies said Wells was stumbling and had a strong odor of alcohol. Wells told deputies he had a black powder pistol in the vehicle and revealed he was convicted of a felony in Utah.

Deputies spoke with Candus Bly who said Donald Wells came home drunk and saw a man in the house. According to the police report, Wells started to argue with the man and had a “struggle” with Bly. According to reports, Bly was pushed down during the incident causing damage to her knee.

Bly said Wells then began punching himself in the face and left the home.

Deputies took Wells into custody and booked him into the Hawkins County Jail.

One day after the incident, Candus Bly filed for an Order of Protection against Donald Wells.

In the order of protection, Bly stated that Wells, “drinks and throws things.” She went on to state she was, “afraid of being hurt” and claimed Wells was abusive mentally and physically.

“I am afraid for my children and myself,” Bly wrote in the order of protection. “My mother fears he is going to hurt her.”

Four days later, on the date of Donald Wells’ hearing, Bly asked for a dismissal of the order of protection.

On April 21, 2021, the charges of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a weapon were dismissed. Wells did however plead guilty to possession of a handgun while under the influence.

portion of the protective order

 

[thompson]

VIDEO at the link

Amber Alert: Search for Summer Wells continues one week after disappearance

It's been one week since Summer Wells disappeared. The TBI reports no new leads in the case and has not ruled out foul play.

www.newschannel5.com

Amber Alert: Search for Summer Wells continues one week after disappearance

By: Nick Beres

Posted at 8:21 AM, Jun 22, 2021 and last updated 8:30 AM, Jun 22, 2021

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The search continues in far Northeast Tennessee for a missing five-year-old girl. It's been a week since Summer Wells disappeared, leading to an Amber Alert, and now there is a shift in the investigation.

With still no sign that the child wandered away, there is a growing emphasis on the theory Summer is a victim of foul play.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation reports no new leads in the case and has not ruled out foul play. So, there is growing scrutiny on everyone close to the child.

Summer's parents and relatives are said to be cooperating with investigators, and now we are learning more about the Wells' family history.

CBS affiliate WVLT reports that last year, Summer’s mother, Candus, filed for an Order of Protection against her husband, Donald. Just a few days later, Candus changed her mind, asking the court to have the Order of Protection dismissed.

It's important to note that authorities have not named the father nor anyone else a suspect at this point. But investigators continue to conduct interviews, looking for inconsistencies and consider everyone a person-of-interest.

If you have any information about Summer Wells you should call 911 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

 

[coalcracker]

I get the sense he is trying to control the narrative. Just my opinion.

You are right. He does not appear to be looking for help or looking for answers, does he? He already has the narrative.

The fact that he is going back to work bothers me, too. Really? I think I’ll go hang some drywall rather than search for my missing daughter?

If I’m investigating, I’d have a warrant and luminol ASAP.

 

[Cardinal]

Yup. Daddy is guilty of something.

 

[Freeholder]

Found this also

VIDEO at the link

“Afraid for my children,” Summer Wells’ mother states in dismissed order of protection against child’s father

Officials with the Hawkins County Sherriff’s Office said the father of missing 5-year-old Summer Wells was arrested in 2020 on domestic assault charges.

www.wvlt.tv

“Afraid for my children,” Summer Wells’ mother states in dismissed order of protection against child’s father

On April 21, 2021, investigators said the charges of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a weapon were dismissed.

By Alivia Harris
Published: Jun. 21, 2021 at 4:37 PM UTC|Updated: 11 hours ago

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Officials with the Hawkins County Sherriff’s Office said the father of missing 5-year-old Summer Wells was arrested in 2020 on domestic assault charges.

According to police reports, Donald Wells was arrested on October 14, 2020, and charged with domestic assault, possession of a handgun while under the influence and unlawful possession of a weapon following an domestic incident with Summer Wells’ mother Candus Bly.

Deputies were dispatched to Ben Hill Road in Oct. 2020 after receiving reports of a domestic assault. When deputies arrived on the scene they located Donald Wells behind the wheel of a vehicle.

A stop was conducted in the driveway and Wells was detained. Deputies said Wells was stumbling and had a strong odor of alcohol. Wells told deputies he had a black powder pistol in the vehicle and revealed he was convicted of a felony in Utah.

Deputies spoke with Candus Bly who said Donald Wells came home drunk and saw a man in the house. According to the police report, Wells started to argue with the man and had a “struggle” with Bly. According to reports, Bly was pushed down during the incident causing damage to her knee.

Bly said Wells then began punching himself in the face and left the home.

Deputies took Wells into custody and booked him into the Hawkins County Jail.

One day after the incident, Candus Bly filed for an Order of Protection against Donald Wells.

In the order of protection, Bly stated that Wells, “drinks and throws things.” She went on to state she was, “afraid of being hurt” and claimed Wells was abusive mentally and physically.

“I am afraid for my children and myself,” Bly wrote in the order of protection. “My mother fears he is going to hurt her.”

Four days later, on the date of Donald Wells’ hearing, Bly asked for a dismissal of the order of protection.

On April 21, 2021, the charges of domestic assault and unlawful possession of a weapon were dismissed. Wells did however plead guilty to possession of a handgun while under the influence.

portion of the protective order

I'm no handwriting expert, but the way this person's handwriting slants one direction and then the other direction is rather odd. Most of us slant primarily one direction or the other. After doing a little research, one site says someone who writes like this may have a dual personality, or emotional instability. No idea what this could mean as far as the disappearance of the little girl, but if the dad has problems, I don't think he's the only one in this family.

Kathleen

ETA: Here's the site where I found the information: 5 Hell Traits Revealed in Handwriting - Handwriting Analysis

 

[Firebird]

This doesn't pass the smell test

 

[summerthyme]

Wells said he believes she may have been taken by human traffickers who became aware of her on social media.

Hmmmm... so, was the 5 year old posting on social media , or was her mother posting tons of pics online? Either way, the fact that he is clearly aware of the potential "trafficking" danger, *but allowed her pics to be online* is a huge red flag. And I don't know many parents who immediately start talking about human trafficking *the first day* a child is missing. You WANT to believe they just fell asleep under a bush or wandered a little too far to find their way home. Unless there was a strange vehicle noticed, or an actual witnessed kidnapping, this is NOT the way a normal parent thinks...

Summerthyme

 

[thompson]

Hmmmm... so, was the 5 year old posting on social media , or was her mother posting tons of pics online? Either way, the fact that he is clearly aware of the potential "trafficking" danger, *but allowed her pics to be online* is a huge red flag. And I don't know many parents who immediately start talking about human trafficking *the first day* a child is missing. You WANT to believe they just fell asleep under a bush or wandered a little too far to find their way home. Unless there was a strange vehicle noticed, or an actual witnessed kidnapping, this is NOT the way a normal parent thinks...

Summerthyme

I've followed true crime and many missing children cases over the years and... you are absolutely right.

I don't follow many these days. I just can't.

 

[Mprepared]

Joining with you all in prayer.

I’m not liking the interview with the Dad (link in OP). He is saying the right words, but… something is off. Too many self-justifying comments. Also disturbed by the repetition of “the authorities have already done everything.” Really? Sounds to me like someone wants to close shop and call it a day. That makes me wonder.

I think odd how the son looks and how he has his hand on him the whole time. Like trying to look like a good dad or something.

 

[Mprepared]

If my child was missing there is no way I could go back to work. I would be searching, but really I think I might have to be sedated and in the hospital. No way life would return to normal.

 

[bw]

I think odd how the son looks and how he has his hand on him the whole time. Like trying to look like a good dad or something.

Or reminding the son to keep his mouth shut. Nothing like a hand on your shoulder, particularly if you've had the bad side of that hand. Dang I hate this stuff.

 

[Dozdoats]

Dang I hate this stuff.

Ditto.

 

[night driver]

This and abandoned animals.

Special corner of Hell for the perps.

And I am getting to the point of arranging the Celestial (or sub-celestial) check in at earliest convenience. Or at least volunteering to handle the travel arrangements.

 

[SuElPo]

Now it has taken a change of what may have happened.

 

[Tristan]

Now it has taken a change of what may have happened.

In what way?


I keep checking in hopes of good news.

 

[Walrus Whisperer]

Daddy inserting himself into the investigation is all we need to know what happened.
That poor little kid, savaged by daddy. And maybe the son, too.

 

[Dozdoats]

Or at least volunteering to handle the travel arrangements.

LOTS of springs about ready to come unwound these days, unless I miss my guess. When it starts it will be amazing.

 

[Buick Electra]

I found this article whilst nosing around..

Watch now: Summer Wells' father believes she may have been taken by human traffickers

On Monday, Summer's father, Donald Wells, told the Times News he has thought his daughter was taken from the area from Day One.

www.johnsoncitypress.com

Summer Wells' father believes she may have been taken by human traffickers

I believe Summer Well's dad SOLD HER TO HUMAN TRAFFICKERS!

 

[thompson]

Found a few more things wandering around..

There has been a tremendous response from the community for volunteer searchers. The number of leads being called in has increased.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1407368201122586626

View: https://twitter.com/TBInvestigation/status/1407368201122586626?s=20

 

[thompson]

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1407408092149653513

View: https://twitter.com/TBInvestigation/status/1407408092149653513?s=20

 

[thompson]

TBI gives update as search continues for 5-year-old Summer Wells in Hawkins County

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59bbCIpVFiY

Streamed live on Jun 21, 2021
15:23 run time


Bringing over comments from another forum:

A few comments regarding the presser:

1) TBI has reviewed trail cams/driver cams/driveway cams of houses in the area and cars seen at the time of disappearance have been identified and their drivers interviewed. Although the number of cams have not been stated, they have apparently identified vehicle traffic and spoken to the drivers. This would tend to discount the father's speculation that Summer was grabbed, thrown into a car by sex trafficker's, and taken from the area.

2) At 13:37 a question is asked about how is the family of Summer doing? The TBI spokesperson approaches the microphone with some interesting body language and sideways eye movement and gives a very careful answer about how the family is being cooperative. To me, this indicates that the primary area of investigation in Summers disappearance is Summer's family.

3) At 14:56 a question is asked about has Summer's family been eliminated as suspects in Summer's disappearance. The TBI spokesperson says "The circumstances leading to Summer's disappearance are very much under investigation and at this time we continue to explore all possibilities." meaning, no, Summer's family have not been eliminated as suspects.

 

[thompson]

Another video



Summer Wells' father talks about his criminal past, convicted sex offender son

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLC09GOCBeE

From today 6/22
15:44 run time

Wells also acknowledged Tuesday that his 34-year-old son [DWW] is a convicted sex offender, having pleaded guilty in Arkansas in 2007 to sexual indecency with a child.

That oldest son was in Utah at the time of Summer's disappearance, Wells said. [...]

[...]

[DW] told the Times News that prior to the October arrest he was working in Park City, Utah, and his plan at the time was to sell his home in Hawkins County and move there where he could make more money.

[...]

When asked if he would be willing to discuss his criminal past in Utah Wells declined.

“I really don't want to talk about all that stuff,” he said. “Utah is a whole different ballgame than Tennessee. That's the Mormon state. I call it the moron state. That's just how I feel.”

The Times News has reached out to the Utah Department of Corrections but hadn't received a reply as of Tuesday evening.

KTN: What were your convictions for?

[DW]: “I've had several charges over the years. I used to have... I don't know if I should elaborate on any of that. It's nothing really good. I wasn't really a Christian when I was younger. I found God in prison. I started studying the Bible Intently because I wanted to change. That's when I got to know God and tried hard to be a Christian. Of course I've backslid multiple times, but I'll never let it happen again.”


My comment: He thinks she's been abducted but didn't plead for her return.

 

[thompson]

VIDEO at the link

‘One of the hardest things I’ve probably ever done’: Knox County Rescue on search for Summer Wells

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — It’s now been one week since a 5-year-old Hawkins County girl was reported missing. Crews are continuing the search for Summer Wells. She was reported missing from h…

www.wate.com

‘One of the hardest things I’ve probably ever done’: Knox County Rescue on search for Summer Wells

by: Elizabeth Kuebel
Posted: Jun 22, 2021 / 07:06 PM EDT / Updated: Jun 22, 2021 / 07:06 PM EDT

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — It’s now been one week since a 5-year-old Hawkins County girl was reported missing. Crews are continuing the search for Summer Wells.

She was reported missing from her home on Ben Hill Road in the Beech Creek community last Tuesday evening. The TBI issued an Amber Alert a day later, and since then, dozens of agencies have come together to try to find Wells.

A group of rescue squad members from Knox County was among those lending a hand. They hiked for hours through dense woods as part of the massive search effort.

On Tuesday, the TBI said teams had covered 4.6 miles trying to find Wells. Knox County Rescue sent a crew of three to help out in the search.

“Basically our role was to find anything that we could that either led to finding Summer or something that could be evidence to assist that effort in the investigative process,” said Rescue Technician at Knox County Rescue, Mohamed Abbas.

The Knox County team left Friday morning and stayed all day, canvassing miles in rugged terrain.

“It was one of the hardest things I’ve probably ever done,” Abbas said.

“It’s very treacherous and it’s very, the grade in the hills we were in is very steep. There’s no trails, it’s all thick brush. You don’t know what you’re going to come across, you could be walking and fall in a cavern for all you know,” Justin Faulkner, Assistant Chief at Knox County Rescue, said.

And while this is part of the job, the search strikes a personal chord for some involved.

“I have a young daughter. She’s about one year old. And for me, when we heard about the incident and the fact they needed people, that was my instict, if that was my daughter I want every person out there possibly doing it,” Abbas said.

Both men are asking people to show support however they can.

“If there’s any information that anyone has, or if they receive any information to give it to law enforcement or investigators,” Faulkner said.

“I would try and just ask everybody to just keep their prayers and hopes in the direction of a positive outcome,” said Abbas.

Knox County Rescue says they hope to send crew members back to Hawkins County throughout the end of this week. They say they want to continue to support search efforts as much as they can.

If you have any information that can help investigators find Summer Wells, call 1-800-TBI-FIND.