KYRON HORMAN MISSING AND ENDANGERED: SEARCH INTENSIFIES FOR MISSING 7 YEAR OLD PORTLAND BOY
Portland, OR– 7 year old Kyron Hormon is a Red Eyed Tree Frog Expert.
Kyron, his Step-Mom and former teacher Terri Moulton Horman worked diligently on Kyron’s submission to the second grade science fair on Friday June 4 at 8am. The bright-eyed, bespectacled, herpetologist in training also dressed for the occasion in his best CSI tshirt.
At 8:45 am, Terri said goodbye to her son who was a few feet from his classroom and left the Skyline School to return home to Kyron’s 18 month old sister.
Kyron has not been seen or heard from since.
What is particularly troubling is that Kyron seemingly vanished from the school that matriculates grades Kindergarden through 8th.,without anyone noticing his backpack and jacket were left on his desk in homeroom.
Although Kyron and his mom were seen together that morning as they dropped off his belongings in his classroom prior to viewing the science fair exhibits, he was marked absent. Kyron was also scheduled to be in the talent show at 1PM that same afternoon.
At approximately 3:45PM Terri Horman was waiting at the bus stop for Kyron, and when he did not get off the bus, she ran home and called the school, who told her he had been marked absent.
Multnomah County Sheriff received the 911 call from her at 4PM. Within minutes of Ms. Horman’s frantic alert, the state-wide hunt fo Kyron Horman, now in it’s seventh day, began.
Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton is leading 18 counties in Oregon in the search for young Kyron, and police have released no new details about the timeline surrounding his disappearance. Specifically, the last confirmed sighting of Kyron was at approximately 9am, but police will not say where that was within the school, or who he was with. Staton says they have no evidence Kyron was abducted, which would trigger an Amber alert.
The Horman family residence, in a deeply wooded area is 2.9 miles from the Skyline School, and his been the focus of explanded search efforts continuing through today.
When asked why the MCSO is releasing very little information as to what they think happened to Kyron, Capt. Monte Reiser:
If information gets out too early or before authorities have substantiated the tips, it “can affect the integrity of the investigation,” he said. “Misleading information can hamper both the search effort and the investigation.”
Incident commanders also said they would respect the Horman family’s wishes not to share their anguish with the public.
The Parents and family of Kyron Horman, through a statement read by MCSO Staton have publicly appealed for the community to continue support efforts to locate their son. The Hormon’s have refused all interview requests at presstime.
Please check back to blinkoncrime.com for updates in the search for Kyron Horman.
Kyron Horman FBI alert and poster download.
Image optimization by Klaasend, illustrations courtesy of the Skyline School.
Blinkoncrime.com Editor notes:
By 9am, the school day had already started and students were assembled into groups to tour the science fair. Student Parents would have vacated the building already.
The Science Fair does not appear on the school calendar, however, the talent show does, which means the bulk of the school would have been in attendance, at the same time, at 1PM. Possibility of someone leaving the school undetected and unsupervised?
Three days into the investigation, police state they have interviewed “most” of the faculty. For what reason, with a missing and endangered 7 year old child would they only have interviewed “most” of the faculty?
Search Teams are rechecking areas previously searched. In my mind, they have identified a suspect, and have possible ping data.
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Since Kyron had an appointment, could there have been some kind of ‘relationship’ that the family was trying to get sort out with Kyron and the person responsible was afraid of getting into trouble and took Kyron? That person could know Kyron’s schedule and be close enough to not alarm the child or staff members. I’m thinking scout leader, after school program personnel, sports coach etc.
Hi,
I am a parent at Skyline (the school Kyron is missing from) and have been devastated by the event and by the complete lack of information about the case from the authorities. Your site has really helped me cope in the last week–thank you.
On a side note, I agree (with great hope) that the police know who the responsible person is or may be–I am one of the 10% of the school parents who have not been interviewed by the FBI (although my child has been).
If they stopped short of talking to every single parent, they are either completely incompetent, or they know what they need to know and they know the info the need is NOT going to come from people like me.
A few things I wanted to offer: The talent show was not a big event, and is historically very poorly attended by parents (not much preparation goes into it, and it is mostly for the kdis). So I would not hold it against the step mother she did not come.
Also, I had read something about a single exit at the school. It is not true–the school has mutliple exits, and all doors are open.
I hope and pray for Kyron’s safe return.
Emma- my heart goes out to you, your family, and your community at this difficult time.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words, and welcome to BOC.
To clarify, my statement about their being only one way in or out the school, was misconstrued by an innocent poster, I worded it poorly.
I meant by vehicle, you enter and exit only one place.
What is the current thinking among parents?
B
I agree with Valhall, the persecution of this family started immediately on some of the sites I read. I DO think it was strange Terri and Kaine went to the gym the very next day, it’s not what I would have done, but whatever. Without fail, crime forums go after the parents first because they don’t have access to any other suspects. I also remember everyone going after somers mom, it was sad.
I meant to say “the doors are unlocked”, not open
I want to offer my thanks to Emma for coming forward and addressing some things. Thank you very much, Emma! Our prayers are going toward your little community on a continuous basis.
Blinked has asked what the current thinking among the parents is. The truth is–everybody is frustrated with the complete lack of information. And many are confused by why the search is centered around the school, again and again and again.
Some parents may know more than others but have been asked not to talk about it to other parents. I am definitely NOT in the know. I do know that the school had a new janitor in the last 2 weeks, and I heard nothing about who this person is, if he is around, etc… But it would be completely irresponsible for me to cast any doubt on this person. That is just the only question mark I have.
Otherwise, this school is an amazing community. The principal knows every child by name, every parent by name, and everyone seems to know everyone. If this could happen at Skyline, it could happen anywhere.
Thanks Emma.
Do you know if Zyron was ever a boy scout, or what the local troupe info is?
Thanks
B
Blink–I came across your blog by accident. What is your background? You seem very knowledgeable and responsible.
Lol, because your new I dug up my intro link, lol. I am the editor In Chief and author, with contributing editors that constantly teach me I do not know half of what I thought I did.
http://scaredmonkeys.com/2009/02/16/scared-monkeys-welcomes-blink34-true-crime-blog-blink-on-crime-to-family/
ALOT has happened since then, and honestly, as the readers will tell you, the best way to get to know my work is in my articles, and comments responses.
You will not find a more talented bunch of critical thinkers on the web, than here and scaredmonkeys.com. You will also find that we are the sum of our parts, and many who may not necessarily follow true crime, will chime in just to offer support to those of us that do.
B
Thank you Emma. Hugs and prayers. Mostly POSITIVE ENERGY sent out to everyone.
I love me some Val and I always enjoy seeing her here as well as her own site. I have to agree with Val to a point. If the person’s facebook, etc. has children, women, or anyone who may not be able to speak for him/herself, placed in any situation or posed in ways that make you feel uncomfortable, I think hinky meters should go off. Being uncomfortable about something may be our first clue that something is wrong. We have to expel this PUS in our society. When caught, there are often people who have had clues all along that this deviant is indeed a deviant. The perp usually is not living in a vacuum.
That said, perfectly lovely people live vicariously through their fb, and also post the oddest things on there. There are some teens I know well, I talk to because I know they do not want to put that face on themselves, they are just playing with their friends. There are, however, people who have sick ideas also closely watching these innocent kids.
That said, I am also having trouble understanding those who stand in judgment of others for picky snit. To each his own, unless it hurts you or someone else or if you are a minor (or my child, niece or nephew, etc of any age, lol).
Hi Blink! You asked about the presser. IMO, the family, which includes 4 parents, appointed the stepfather to be their spokesperson. He spoke with Kyron, as well as someone who may be holding him. I did think a lot of his statement was directed over the head of the boy himself, as the language would not be appropriate in conversation with a child of 8, who may be in distress. The bio-father wanted to add his thanks to everyone for helping. The hug was a thanks for a job well done from father to stepfather, and also one of pain from one to the other. Two different men, two different tasks, that’s why we cannot compare one to another.
Bearly!!
I hearts me Vallhall-i-o as you know. I wrote a too-long post in support of her comments only to be eaten by the “you forgot to save” demon. I owe her a re-do, and will post in both places, but I agree with you, that if one lives their life openly it should be and is subject to scrutiny, but I also believe nobody in a million, imagines this will define them.
My heart is just broken for this little man. I have an overwhelming sensation it is going to be worse than I thought and it haunts me.
B
Thanks so much Emma for stopping in and sharing with us. Your school sounds like a very friendly place.
Do parents volunteer in the school? Would there be extra volunteers for events like the Science Fair and Talent Show?
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep the Hope.
Missouri Mom, if we throw all these unrepentant, untreatable deviant SOs on an island, we must not forget to have them “fixed” first. I would hate to see them grow victims of their own.
Emma, thank you for sharing what you know and feel. I am so sorry this is happening. You must be frightened for your own child and the other children in the school and the area. There are many people who are holding your community up in prayer, and care very much about Kyron. Please tell those who need to know that even though some of us are far in distance, you are close to our hearts.
Blink- I came across this reference to a janitor at Kyron’s school.
I haven’t seen anyone mention it…not sure if it has meaning.
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/06/searching_for_skyline_student_1.html
TR
I wonder if kyron had a mentor or a “big brother” through the school counseling office. I am doubting they screened people very well for some reason…
Thank you Emma for taking the time to post. I am very sorry that little Kyron is missing, and from your community. I can only imagine what you all must be feeling right now. Thank you for clarifying that there was more than one exit to the school.
I will be keeping Kyron, his family and community in my prayers.
It breaks my heart hearing about this situation. I have a child the same age as this little boy and I just pray they find him… Thank you Emma for coming forward and giving us some insight on the school and community. I can only imagine how scary this has to be for everyone there. Praying for this little child!
Interesting article about action taken after Kyron’s disappearance. Names both an old and new custodian…
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/news/3919.htm
Just to correct above, I believe it wasn’t until Mon night that the step-mom posted on her fb that she was heading to the gym the next day. Kyron was missing from Friday. So that was 4-5 days later. I think that that one comment generated suspicion from bloggers. I had a different reaction because from the same fb site you could view her photos which included pictures of the red-tree-frog project which she worked on with Kyron. As a step-mom myself I know that experience of loving and raising another mother’s son. In any case I felt her placement of the project pics on her site spoke volumes about her love for this child.
I don’t know if was ever a boy scout. If I find out I will let you know.
If there was new janitor recently hired,then his (her)name will be published in the School Board’s Minutes of their latest meeting. They have to approve all new hires, fires, and leaving employees.
Kyron is too young for Boy Scouts, however he could have been in Cub Scouts.
TY, and welcome to blinkoncrime.com.
Can cubscouts accompany boyscouts on chaperoned outings?
B
Hi Blink! thanks for answering my question. I think I have it stuck in my head the question of why did the teacher act so no shallant about his not being there. I wonder if it was just an oversight and bad judgement or was it a way to keep the control of the situation and stall a search for him. Sometimes women do crazy, stupid and unthinkable things for a man….
On a different note, I do not believe the step mom, dad, step dad, mom they have anything to do with this. Not all step parents kill their step children. Those poor people up there yesterday were uncomfortable is all. Who wouldn’t be for goodness sakes. They are just regular folks, not used to the spot light. They never asked for it and certainly do not know how to act given this situation. Maybe those who wish to continually cast stones at the parents need to sit down and write the instructional manual for them. That way they will know what to do, what to say, how to cry, how much to cry etc…It frustrates me. Sorry for the rant.
Interesting about the janitor. Anyone know anything about the grounds people or the people who were doing the new landscaping project outside?
Oh the boy scout question, I too was wondering that. That has come up a few times in the Lindsey case and in the Shantina Smiley/Azriel case.
One last question, anyone know anything about the one tip of a person driving back from WA state who claims to have seen a boy who looked liked Kyron in a red truck?
The school does have a lot of parent volunteers. I have checked the newsletters and have not seen a request for parent volunteers for this event, though. It does not mean there weren’t any, but at least no explicit request. I do know that LE has looked into volunteers.
I may be naive, but I feel that right now Skyline is the safest place to be anywhere in the US. We are surrounded by news trucks 24/7, there is LE in the school at all times, and everyone is hyper-vigilant. So I don’t think most parents are afraid for their kids. We are just all really concerned about Kyron and about not undertanding how something like this could have happened.
Shannel posted a link above to:
http://www.pps.k12.or.us/news/3919.htm
The one thing that jumped out at me.. although unrelated to Kyron: Why they would post a childs last name online. Maybe it’s the norm and I’m just ultra-sensitive at the moment.
And Emma, thank you for posting and my heart goes out to the staff and especially those that crossed paths with Kyron or should have. Whether they dropped the ball or not, they have alot weighing on them I’m sure and to stay strong for the children must be very hard.
I posted to Val on hinky:
Val-
That particular heli is equipped with specialized equipment that is designed to see reverse polarization, infared, and ground disturbances, among other proprietary things.
What is noteworthy, is that they are only utilizing professional search teams, which we call “rated” if you will. This is a massively expensive undertaking in it’s 9th day, and they have refused public search help, or any civillian participation.
First, I wish to commend that approach when it is available.
Second, for me, confirms my belief they have a suspect, and leads generated to that individual are leading their efforts.
To Kyron: Your presentation of the Red Eyed Tree Frog was by far the coolest, and best in your class. Your picture beams with the pride you earned.
What type of individual do you all think they are addressing? Male/female. Caring/vindictive?
With these few look-alike boys, I started to wonder if he has that ‘look’ that many people can identify with. Maybe someone who sees themselves as a ‘caretaker’ of Kyron, perhaps feels they can care for him ‘better’. They misconstrued situations in his life to feel as though they needed to be his savior? I think that I might be trying to be too optimistic..
Blink, I have no idea if Cub scouts can accompany Boy scouts on outings. I know is Girl scouts, Brownies don’t attend outings.
When you plug in the zip 97231, the area where the school is, there is quite a few registered sex offenders. Scary.
http://sexoffenders.oregon.gov/SorPublic/Web.dll/main
Blink there may be a special event where cub scouts can join with boy scouts, but it’s not common. Webelos and cub scouts, yes…but older boys not something I’ve personally heard of. I have a 7 year old nephew (cub) and a 16 year old (boy-eagle) and they don’t commingle. I looked on the cub scouts official site and see not mention of such outings.
TR
In Illinois, cub scouts do mingle with boy scouts at pack meetings. Weekly meetings are age appropriate though. Pack meetings are more sporadic however the cubbies mingle with high school age scouts as well as numerous leaders.
Ohh, Ohh ! I actually know an answer to a Blink question.
I am a Scoutmaster (boy scouts not cubs)
If a scout, Kyron would be a Cub Scout not a Boy Scout. He would be in a Wolf den. Dens are small groups led by a parent called a den leader. Several dens make up a pack led by a Cubmaster.
Cub Scouts only “family camp.” That is they attend camping activities with a parent for each cub scout. they should not be camping in groups with chaperones.
In addition, the only cub scouts that would be doing a camping activity with Boy Scouts ( but with parental supervision) should be the oldest Cub scouts (fifth graders) called webelos who are getting ready to move up to Boy Scouts.
A cub may however have contact with a boy scout called a den chief. This would be a boy scout (an individual) who volunteers to work with a particular den or group of cub scouts. The den chief would not be working with them one on one or without adult supervision. Instead, the den chief would be available at regularly scheduled and supervised at activities to be a helper. And a role model.
I was a little surprised that Kyron’s brother was on a camping trip on a Friday. Normally a scout activity would not be scheduled if school was in session. Unless, they left immediately after school and there was not time to alert them that Kyron was missing.
The following article contains some information about volunteers at Skyline, involved with the Eco-School Network. Also has a photo/name of a custodian.
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2010/01/with_help_from_portland_eco-sc.html
Grants. Inahara wrote grant proposals that brought in not only an AmeriCorps volunteer who focuses on reducing solid waste at the school but also money from Metro, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board and the West Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District for the landscape work.
Community help. Inahara got volunteers for the landscaping project from a nearby church, Hands On Greater Portland and two Boy Scout troops.
School custodians. “They’ve been saving garbage for us so we can do waste audits,” Inahara says. The school also has competitions to see which classroom can generate the least trash; custodians help track the trash.
A couple of thoughts. The article from TR=
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/06/searching_for_skyline_student_1.
This makes it sound like janitors were available, and could be questioned. I kind of had the impression we were talking about someone who suddenly was out of reach.
The other thought was what about a teacher who floats to multiple schools in the district like for speech or some other specialized learning? Do we know of any other interests Kyron had? Had Kyron had this appointment that has been mentioned before or was it yet to occur?
How long do you think they will go on knowing who this is and not act? This would be terrifying, I dont think I could get through it as a parent.
That word “trash” worries me…I keep thinking of that poor little girl named Sommer in Florida.
emma69 With all of the available resources it is curious that they are satisfied with interviewing only ninety percent of the parents. Do you know if they at least talked to all of the parents who were there that day?
It does seem as though they have a suspect in mind and it could not be current staff because they would not be reckless enough to allow them to continue working there. They must know enough if no further interviews are needed which might explain the island searches as well as the interest in the route to the island.
They must have a good idea of who but are working on the where diligently.
Interesting article: http://www.katu.com/news/local/96220474.html
that answers questions form the media about Kyron.
I also found this closing quote very interesting…
“Meanwhile, Sergeant Olsen said she feels progress is being made: “We know where he’s not,” she said, “and we feel we’re getting closer to where he is.”
A sheriff’s spokesman denied this has turned into a criminal investigation.
Translation: we don’t want to be in a position to tell our suspect he is an actual suspect so that he invokes-
B
Tracygirl, good idea about the manual. Which group of people are you going to ask to write it? You know the story about opinions–everybody has one, some even have two. There will never be a grieving parent who will fulfill the role in a way that will please everyone. Parents and steps will always be looked at first, then it ripples out from there.
People who cannot let go of the parent as a suspect or at least check out the ripples, may unknowingly aid the perp, keeping the focus on the wrong person, while the right person slinks away in the shadows.
Investigations should be objective and not subjective.
While I see that you can infer the idea that they know who the perp may be by not asking the public to join in the search, we must also remember the case of Nadia Bloom where LE had the same idea. I shudder to think what could have happened if someone did not follow their heart right to her.
The janitor at the school, how old do you think he is? Would you all say about 48 or so? Anyone know his middle initial?
http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/06/kyron_horman_search_attracts_1_3.html
Blink can you email me I have something interesting for you to look at.
Are you able to post it here, and I will keep it private, only you and I can see it- I am remote today for most of the day, and my bb is synced here.
B
I wish LE could have gotten a BloodHound to the school first thing.. I’m a believer in those dogs. It might help even now.. God-I hope they find this child safe and well..
Another heartbreaking story. I fear the worst as well and yet another child of God has befallen to the evil in this world.
Prayers to Kyron Harmon & his family.
Hope they find you, Little Man.
Hi B! I’m back! I’m trying to stay in touch with you and the Blinksters on this one…I just left a comment on my own thread concerning this article that reviews the brief statements made by LE yesterday:
http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4207262
First, I am glad they took the time to address the online speculation, etc. about the family. They have cleared up two major points. But I would also like your thoughts on the continuing “odd” (because I can’t think of another way to describe it) language being used by LE about the search for Kyron. From the beginning of this case the language has been of a nature that I quite frankly can’t put my finger on! It is as if they know WHO or WHAT they are looking for…they just don’t know WHERE. Which makes me curious about whether there was a note/message/or SOMETHING that has led them to know something specific?
I hope I’m making sense. But the language used by LE in this case is not the same as any other I’ve been privy to. I look forward to your thoughts on this!
I just posted yesterday’s update so I may take your question to that thread as well Valhall, but that is exactly what I believe. They know who, and they know why.
Lastly, they refuse to call this case an abduction for a reason.
B
Blink,
I have been a loyal follower ever since the abduction of Sandra Cantu, I have prayed for families of these missing children and spent sleepless nights thinking of those missing such as Morgan Harrington.
But when it happens in your own backyard it definitely adds a different element to a persons physcie. And because of this site I
was ready to jump out there and start scouring the woods for this poor boy. Unfortunately, law enforcement immediately put out an announcement asking people to stay away. Stating that it would only hinder their search efforts. I did however take several bags of groceries for the many many search crews that came in from different law enforcement agencies across the state.
Also, my husband and I attended the Rose Festival parade yesterday and
I was amazed to see huge banners with Kyron’s Photo strung across the overpasses on the freeways. The efforts to find this child by the community is truly heart warming.
That help is invaluable, although I know how you feel. If anyone has any pics of any of the banners, etc, I would love to publish them for all to see how engaged this community is.
B
hey your update has disappeared….
It’s back, tech difficulties, I had to hot link the pressconf, embed issues.
Thanks
B
Blink – Sweet Kyron’s story has led me to your site. Thank you for your calm, reasoned analysis, coupled with lots of heart.
Is there any hope the suspect has an accomplice? I can only think of four possibilities at this point (if this is too blunt or painful or irresponsible, of course delete it. I’m sorry if it’s insensitive):
1. The suspect ended Kyron’s life almost immediately;
2. The suspect has hidden Kyron somewhere with no food or water;
3. The suspect has hidden Kyron somewhere with access to food and water;
4. The suspect handed Kyron over to an accomplice.
I pray it’s 3 or 4. I can’t see any other possibilities.
I’ve always been so distraught when I read about abductions, but ever since my son was born, these awful stories weigh very heavy on me.
Statistically speaking, if this was a sexually motivated crime, Kyron was deceased within 3 hours of his disappearance, if transferred to a different location for a crime, within 24. If deceased at the primary crime scene, his remains will be within 200 yards of it, and within 10 yards of the largest tree if buried. If aquatic equipment was used, a launch site would fall under that 200 yards range.
The only way I can think of someone would not think that the panic button would have been hit at 9:15am, or within minutes, would be if someone were watching for that occurrance.
That said, the date of this bothers me, in that, it is the last scheduled activity for the talent show, where everyone would be at 1PM, and this individual was facing 3 months away from kids, almost as if this was his last chance. If that is the case, than he could have just left with him undetected with the full preperation he would be a suspect. Again, if that is the case, he is a highly organized, repeat offender, imo.
B
Would be interesting to know the avenue of reporting for absences for the day and who has real time access to that info.
It is also my opinion that is why the time that Kyron was marked absent has not been released, it shows us the window benchmark.
An accomplice is a possibility, but very doubtful to me, in general, this pofile is a loaner
Hi Blink. I’ve been following everyone’s comments here for the last few days. I live in Portland and this awful story has consumed me. I just wanted to point out a couple observations I have on links that people have posted above. Here’s one link that mentions one of the Skyline’s janitors and has a photo of him…on Oregonlive’s website on June 7th. http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/06/searching_for_skyline_student_1.html
Here’s another link that also mentions the same janitor…added to Oregonlive’s website June 11th. I’m pretty sure it’s the same photo, but the janitor has been cropped out. http://photos.oregonlive.com/oregonian/2010/06/kyron_horman_search_attracts_1_3.html
Interesting…
..oops. I posted those links backwards, but you get the idea. Why was the janitor cropped out of the one Oregonlive photo?
Wouldn’t it be immediately obvious to LE what had essentially happened if the janitor had been absent from his job on the same day? It seems a manhunt for said janitor would have commenced asap, no?
The above links are certainly odd.
Yes, it would have, or, it is one brazen perp.
B