Sarah H. Foxwell, Age 11, Murdered; Thomas J. Leggs, Jr, Known Sex Offender, Arrested
Sarah was asleep in her bedroom when she was kidnapped; she lived with her aunt and her younger sister.
She knew the suspect, as he used to date her aunt. This holiday season will be bleak for the residents of Salisbury, Maryland. The young life of a child has been stolen and the community will be in deep mourning for Sarah Foxwell.
Thomas J. Leggs, Jr. Arrested
Sarah is believed to have been kidnapped and killed by a known sex offender, Thomas J. Leggs, Jr. Thousands of volunteers have been search to find Sarah. Thus far there is not a trace of her whereabouts.
Thomas J. Leggs, Jr., of Salisbury, MD, has been arrested and charged with first-degree burglary and for Sarah's kidnapping according to the NY Daily News. He is a prior boyfriend of Sarah's aunt. He is currently listed on the Delaware and Maryland sex offender registries. He has already twice been convicted for sex crimes against young females.
Younger Sister Witnessed Abduction
Sarah's younger sister, age 6, was in the same room when Sarah was kidnapped. CBS3 reports that the sister saw Sarah leave with Thomas Leggs, Jr,. She was able to give the police a detailed description of the clothing worn by Thomas Leggs, Jr.
ABC reports that when Mr. Leggs, Jr. was captured in his home he was wearing the exact outfit the younger sister described him wearing at the time of the abduction. Sarah's toothbrush was also found in his car.
Alleged Kidnapper Won't Provide Information to Police
Mr. Leggs has not provided the police with any information. He has obtained a public defender. It is unknown whether Sarah's aunt knew of the criminal background of T. Leggs, Jr.
Contact the Police with Information
If you have any information about the abduction and murder of Sarah Foxwell, call the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office at 410- 548-4891. No matter how small the piece of information tell the police.
Raising Children Requires Security Precautions
In today's world there are many predators that look for an opportunity to kidnap a child. Thus it is very important for parents of young children to take extreme security measures.
It is best to get a criminal background check on anyone a parent may be considering dating. Check the person out before allowing them around the children.
Also, do not leave a key to the home anywhere outside on the premises. This is very unsafe. Professional criminals know how to quickly search a property to find keys hidden outside.
Always keep doors and windows locked, no matter how safe the area. Use outside lights that turn on when there is movement in the area.
Train children to notify an adult if they notice anyone lurking about the property or following them.
Keep a whistle or other noise making device in a night table near each child's bed. Train them to reach for the whistle at the first sound of anything unusual in the home. Let children know they should use the whistle to make noise to alert an adult if they are frightened or hear noises.
Sources:
http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=598&sid=1849630
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34591818/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
Published by Julia Bodeeb
Winner, Pulitzer Center Global Issues contest (Washington, DC), semi-finalist: The Nation's poetry contest. Published in newspapers, magazines and many online websites. Sold jokes to a major comic. Over a... View profile
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18 Comments
Post a CommentThis case is a perfect example of why the Sex Offender regestries don't work. IF this man is convicted, it will only prove that registering a person who has a serious mental defect is not going to stop them from committing this type of crime. The Sex Offender registries are feel good legislation that serve no purpose other then to give parents a false sense of security and detsroys the lives of many men and women who are just trying to go on with theirs.
RIP sarah foxwell we miss you
Just like this post show, people rather argue than to just SIMPLY look up registered offenders online in you area. The site will tell you where they live thus giving you a heads up. But NO people rather hoot and holler about this "aj" fella, neutering people or anything but the right thing which is taking personal responsibility. I can only imaging that in real life most of you poster here blow out hot air profusely all the while someone maybe eying up your young loved ones. Just Shut Up!!! Be careful and at the same time insightful, yeah yeah yeah, we all know you guys are "smart" and have an opinion. Try walking the walk cause I know you can definitely talk.
My fear: My daughter's abuser is on probation for another two years and is a registered sex offender. He too likes little girls. He has little girls and boys of his own at home. How long is he going to wait before he strikes again? Or has he already? My heart aches when I read or hear about horrific acts as these. May you rest in peace little Sarah.
First and foremost, this was a horrendous, terrible crime to be committed. And yes, our system is massively flawed for allowing such scum to continue walking around free. However, I can agree with AJ.. There needs to maybe be degrees of this. Because a man who rapes a little girl and a guy who is 21 having sex with his 17 year old girlfriend are put into the same category. RIP Sarah, this should have never happened to you.
Great justice system we have. Two previous convictions for sexual assault against young females then released.
Who knows maybe they will release him again. Plenty of precedent for that. Maybe he just needs another chance...
Feel safe America?
If you do you are foolish.
As long as this deviant remains alive there is a chance that he will be released again.
Be careful who you vote for at every level, social liberalism is fully responsible for this.
This individual should be killed. Immediatley
Julia, I wrote a similar piece about a missing child in our neighboring town. I think if we use our writing skills to spread the word on these heinous acts against our children, it can change the world into a safer place for our kids. Thank you for doing this, three cheers.
Sad eneding, but unfortunatly expected as in most of these cases.
This scumbag is listed on the sex offender registry. I blame the Aunt for dating him and not checking the registry list. It is every parents/guardians obligation to check out these listing if they have children. Shame on her!!
aj - it is pretty disgusting that you even bring up the idea that sex offender registries are 'unfair' and 'insanely flawed' in the wake of this 11 year old's death. What is wrong with you?