The Wicomico County, Md. Sheriff’s office have arrested a 30 year old Salisbury man and charged him with the disappearance of an 11 year old girl, Sarah Haley Foxwell although the girl is still missing.
Sheriff Mike Lewis said last night they have in custody, Thomas James Leggs, a family acquaintance who happens to be a registered sex offender. He has been charged with kidnapping and burglary. Apparently Leggs has not helped police in locating Sarah at all.
Sarah was last seen around 9:30 pm Tuesday night inside the family home. She lives with her aunt and several brothers and sisters in Maryland. According to Maryland State Trooper Sabrina Metzer, Sarah had gone to bed Tuesday night and was discovered missing Wednesday morning.
Sarah is white, 4 ft.8 in. tall and she weighs about 78 lbs. She has brown hair and blues eyes When Sarah was last seen she was wearing fuzzy red pajama bottoms with Christmas trees on them and a pink John Deere T-shirt.
Searchers covered several miles of fields and dense woods. They also searched local ponds and frozen tundra along with residential areas. Once the Wicomico sheriff’s officials learned that the child had apparently been abducted they launched a full scale investigation.
There wasn’t many details about Thomas James Leggs other than he is a registered sex offender in Maryland that has a prior conviction for a third degree sex offense and he is listed as a child sexual offender. He also is registered in Delaware as a high risk offender who had a 2001 conviction for the rape of a teenager.
Wicimico County sheriff’s officials ask that anyone with any information about Sarah and where she may be or about her disappearance to please call their office at 410-548-4891.
This really bothers me. How can a man that has been charged with rape (especially since it was of a teenager) be out on the streets living as a free man? Not only in one state but two! This makes me furious with our system here in the United States. I just don’t understand how this could happen. Now this little girl’s life could be in danger. If he was an acquaintance of the family how could they let him around their children? It is clear that our laws need to be changed if we are ever going to stop this.
I know all missing children and their death are not from the hands of a sex offender but we have to start somewhere to start cleaning up. All sex offenders should be put somewhere that they can in no way possible harm another child again. Something has to be done. It tears my heart out to write this article today. It just isn’t fair to our innocent children.
I pray to God that Sarah is OK somewhere. Please join me in our prayers for her and all the other children missing and abused and even for those that have been killed. Pray for their families too. This has to be so hard on them. Losing a child is never easy but not knowing if your child is alive or dead somewhere has to be tearing their hearts out. It would be like that anytime of the year but at Christmas time it seems even harder.
Sarah will be another name added to my list of children to pray for. Please join me as I pray for them. My list includes Caylee Anthony (found dead), Adji Desir (remains missing), Haleigh Cummings (remains missing), Somer Thompson (found dead), Elizabeth Olten (found dead) , Masaraha Ross (remains missing along with her mother Ronkeya Holmes), Alex Mercado (drowned) Rebecca Marie Allen (found alive), Sandra Cantu (found dead), Anthony Holland (found alive), Shaniya Davis (found dead), Hassani Campbell (remains missing), Giovanni Gonzalez (reported dead), Nevaeh Buchanan ( found dead) and Shannon Dedrick (found alive), Angel Miguel Perez (found safe) Luis Martinez (found dead) Luke Finch (found alive), Kayvon Lewis (fighting for his life), Andrue Jankwitz and Nathaneal Hale (found safe), Robert Manwill (killed), Conner Conley (killed), Marc Anthony Bookal (missing), and Sarah Haley Foxwell (missing).
Jan Barrett
As a favor to our readers I am posting these web sites. Please consider signing these petitions. Something has got to be done to protect the future of the world which is our children:
Stop the abuse and murder of the children in the U.S.
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/16/stop-the-abuse-and-murder-of-the-children-in-the-us
44 users commented in " Sarah Haley Foxwell 11 Years Old, Missing – Salisbury Man Charged "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackGuys this has really hit close to home,i live 2 blocks from this little girl a 5 minute walk.OMG this has really gotta stop.This baby went to school w/ my 10yo.God I pray she’s found alive soon,and not being abused and tortured!!!!!!
Pinkie:
I am so worried for this litle girl. Since you are our “man on the scene”, please forward all info you have. We can start building her a database right away too. I hope that all is well with her, but fear the worst.
Merry Christmas
Lesa
This is horrible! I agree that something needs to be done to keep these offenders away from our kids! I think, alot of people don’t realize how frequently this is happening and because it is not blasted all over the news every time people don’t know. My husband is one of those people unaware of how unsafe our times have become. Ever since I have been following Haleigh Cummings case and then found out about Caylee, then Shaniya among others I have come to realize it happens ALOT! Believe me, since I read about this now, my doors stay locked, my children are never out of my sight at the grocery stores.I walk my son down to the neighbrs house to play and pick him up or have the parents bring him home and it’s not even 5 minutes away, but you never know! I may come off as a freak and overprotective, but what else do I do? They walk right in your home and take your child from her bed!(Give me a shotgun please!) Every morning when my husband leaves for work he used to leave the door to the garage unlocked, and has done it for a while, but now, I beg him not to forget to lock the deadbolt. He argued with me for some time about it, but I have to remind him that these creeps/criminals come in often through a forgotten locked door/window. He locks it now, I won’t sacrifice my children’s safety for negligence, laziness, forgetfulness, or being in hurry. These are my precious, precious, gifts from God we are talking about,they need and depend on us to protect them!
SARAH FOXWELL WAS JUST FOUND 5MILES OR SO FROM HER HOME.SHE WAS FOUND DEAD.THIS IS A HORRIBLE ENDING.GOD BLESS TTE FAMILY
The old testiment applies today an eye for an eye. For this monster that took the life of 11 year old Sarah Foxwell needs no less than to lose his life. I don’t understand why so many are against the death penaty, you may think twice if your life was affected by a monster like this one. I am totally for the death penaty after being raped and stabbed myself at the age of seventeen. By the time I was 25 he had been released on good behavior,and within months he had comitted murder and rape again. What are we letting this world come to? We always lay the blame on politics and never get involved in them so how are things ever going to change people? We need to wake up right now and make a stand on child sex offenders and murders,and abusers.
Pinkey,
I am not only praying for Sarah and her family, I am praying for you and yours. Hold your 10yr old tight… in the days to come all the children are gonna need to be held. Take Care, Cynthia
Hey, it was breaking news, Sarah’s body was found near Delmar. I wish that MD had the death penalty, because that’s what he deserves. He’s a worthless excuse 4 a person n doesn’t deserve 2 live.
UPDATE:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581157,00.html FoxNews.com 12-25-09
“Body of Missing Maryland Girl Found Near State Border”
UPDATE:
http://www.wmdt.com/Delmarvas-Top-News-Stories.aspx?item=3536
WMDT Salisbury, MD 12-25-09
“Breaking News: Sarah’s Body Found”
Please tell me how in the world do they go so easy on these sex offenders and put harsh penalties for drugs??? This is unreal!!!!! They let these freaks go back out there and hurt our kids! I’m outraged! This keeps happening. Something needs to change!
I hate to hear that she’s “gone” but am relieved to know anyway. I’m so sorry for those who truely loved her.
We need to band together and help enforce positive changes in out judicial system towards putting these types of crimminals to death.
Pinkie, I am sure this is painful being so close and realizing in one way or another it could have been much closer. Today I am thankful with you that your kids are safe with you.
Michelle, I understand your new concern and appreciate your extra cautiousness, please be careful not to let fear consume you too. It is a hard balance. I pray God’s peace and safety be on you and yours.
UPDATE:
http://www.wboc.com/global/story.asp?s=11731370
WBOC Salisbury, Maryland
12-26-09 8:25 a.m. EST
“Focus on Sex Offender in Salisbury Girl’s Death”
UPDATE:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/26/AR2009122601674.html The Washington Post Washington, D. C.
12-27-09
“Md. girl’s death sharpens criticism of sex offender laws”
i cant believe this happen~ i met tommy in OC MD last summer and i hate him because he broke into my house while i was sleeping though two of my windows, i woke up with him above me,,,, as a young women i am scared to death to live by myself now and for him as a 2nd offence sex affender( which i did not now) should of been put away after this happen in august!!1 not awaiting trial witch is in jan. maybe this would not of happen!!!! i wish i could of did something more!
UPDATE:
http://www.wboc.com/global/story.asp?s=11732862
WBOC Salisbury, MD
12-27-09 9:36 a.m. EST
“Local Donors Pay For Foxwell’s Funeral”
UPDATE:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091227/NEWS01/912270302/0/newsfront2
delmarvanow.com Md. 12-27-09
“DNA, autopsy results awaited; girl’s body was severely burned”
Article – Can click on related articles!
Re: Sarah Haley Foxwell
http://www.hollowayfh.com/
Holloway Funeral Home Salisbury, Md
__________
No obit yet. Don’t know if a “Guest Book” will be available to sign.
Justice:
Thnak you so much for the updates & links. This is such a sad, sad story. When are we ever going to be able to stop these monsters?
what happened to sarah is just intolerable. i agree with jan, michelle and everyone, are legal system really needs to be fixed and now! at a minimum, we have to find a way to keep these monsters locked up.
I just checked in today. May God Bless her family. This is truely sad. The Lord now holds her in his care and at least her family does not have to wonder where she is.
I hope this man fries for what he has done. If they do not have capital punishment now they need to change it immediately.
Hi, HollysGmom (9:21 p.m.)
You welcome! This is very tragic. According to one article, Sarah’s body was burned. I hope the pervert that did this….. fries!
UPDATE:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091228/OBITUARIES/912280319 delmarvanow.com MD
12-28-09 Obit – Sarah Haley Foxwell
UPDATE:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/912280303/Community-faces–disbelief—services-Saturday-for-Sarah-Foxwell
delmarvanow.com (The Daily Times) – Md
12-28-09
“Community faces ‘disbelief’; services Saturday for Sarah Foxwell”
_______________
Article and Related Articles you can click on
UPDATE:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/91228012 delmarvanow.com Md
12-28-09
“COURT: Leggs makes appearance”
UPDATE:
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/22070610/detail.html
WBAL Baltimore, Md
12-28-09 Updated: 11:04 a.m. EST
“Advocate: Md. Needs Tougher Child Protection Laws”
– Article, Audio Interview with Sen. Nancy Jacobs, Video and Previous Articles
i want to know where is this young childs parents. i have not heard anything about them
If anyone is interested in signing Sarah Haley Foxwell’s Guest Book, I am providing the Link to her obit page with Holloway Funeral Home, Salisbury, Md.
There are no required fields. You do not have to type in your address, e-mail, phone, etc.
Go to the bottom of the page below Sarah’s obit, click on the icon, ‘Sign Guestbook’. After you submit, you can click on the icon, ‘View Tributes’ to see your tribute.
http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/hollowayfh/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=181&deceased_id=214893
Holloway Funeral Home Salisbury, Md.
Obit Page of Sarah Haley Foxwell
The Link in my 3:23 p.m. won’t work. I’ll try it again.
http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/hollowayfh/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=181&deceased_id=214893
Holloway Funeral Home Salisbury, Md.
Obit page of Sarah Haley Foxwell
I don’t know why the Link won’t work.
Here is the Link to Holloway Funeral Home – Obituaries. Click on ‘View Obituary’ by Sarah’s name and it will take you to her obit page.
http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/hollowayfh/service.jsp?domain_id=181
Holloway Funeral Home Salisbury, Md.
I’m so sick of hearing stories like this. I think we should storm the prison this piece of shit is in and set him on fire. The penalty for rape should be death… and this asshole should have been killed the first time around.
Justice;
thnks for more updates. I signed the Guestbook. I hope that many others do as well. I would like to think that it would give her family solice to know that so many “strangers” care. I know it would touch my heart were it my child.
PS Anyone hear from Pinkie32/Humbled lately? I am very concerned for her. I hope that all is well with her & her family.
HolllysGmom,
You welcome regarding the updates.
I hope others will sign the Guest Book also. I know it will mean a lot to Sarah’s family.
In one of the interviews that Somer Thompson’s mom did after the funeral, she said thousands from all over signed Somer’s guest book and every expression of sympathy meant so much to her.
Did you listen to the interview with Sen. Nancy Jacobs? Maybe the state of Maryland will lead the effort to change our laws nationwide.
HollysGmom,
If you know what thread (article) others are posting on, do you think it would be a good idea to do an off-topic and post the Link to Sarah’s Guest Book there?
If you think it is a good idea, please feel free to post the Link wherever.
Thanks!
UPDATE:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,581306,00.html?test=latestnews
FoxNews.com 12-28-09
“Suspect in Maryland Girl’s Death Held Without Bond”
UPDATE:
http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/91228019/-1/newsfront2
delmarvanow.com Md 12-28-09
“Perdue Stadium is temporary memorial for murder victim Sarah Foxwell”
Justice, THANK YOU so much for these links!
For those who may not have seen them, I posted a link to this article on a more recent BNN article (# 123377 – Remembering The Children That Are Still Missing).
IMO, you should never worry about being “Off Topic” and I’d welcome your posting this info anywhere! 🙂 To me this is very very much ON TOPIC!
Some of the links you provided get at the root of the problem which is that these SOs get light sentences and then only serve a fraction of the time. It’s horrible!
The link below has some names of folks in Maryland who are going to renew their efforts to strengthen the laws and penalties. A MD State Senator said: “We need to have a public outcry. (We) need people to fill Annapolis with their calls and e-mails,” Jacobs said.
Well that’s something WE can DO!
I’m going to try to find out how to contact them and give my support and also refer my own state’s politicians to this story and hope to get them to do the same.
Again, thanks SO MUCH, Justice!
http://www.wbaltv.com/news/22070610/detail.html
Justice;
I am wondering what those of us who do not live in that State can do to help their efforts. We need this type of legislation on a National level, across the board, no matter what State.
I also appreciate the link about her Memorial site. I think it is extremely important that the family’s wishes be honored as to that location. It would truely be so much better to have it at the stadium then where she was actually found. I plan to re-post this link and info, everywhere. I may also write an article to help spread the word.
Changes are needed in EVERY state. So I’m writing my own state’s politicians and forwarding links to what Sen Jacobs is doing and to the Sarah Foxwell tragedy.
I’m also going to support Sen Jacobs’ efforts
even though I don’t live there. I’m sure every letter, call and email will count somehow.
I posted this on the other article (Remembering) so I apologize to those of you who are seeing it again. But thought I would post it here, too, in case some people have not seen it. I’m sure sending our support will help even if we don’t live in Maryland:
If you want to send messages of support for stronger laws and penalties for SOs (especially offences against children)
contact MD State Senator Nancy Jacobs:
State Senator Nancy C. Jacobs
420 Senate Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
Phone: (410) 841-3158
Toll-free: 1-800-492-7122, ext. 3158
Fax: (410) 841-3400
Jacobs’ website: http://www.nancyjacobs.com/site/index.htm
To contact her via email go to “contact” on the above website or go directly to that page at:
http://www.nancyjacobs.com/Site/Contact/contactform.htm
Something needs to happen with all these sex offenders. As you can see, this issue is not getting any better, only worse. Our country spends endless money on helping all the other countries in time of need but what about our own country? WE are in need, someone has to step up and figure out what we are going to do with these sex offenders so that we can keep our children safe. WE ARE IN A TIME OF CRISIS also! Seems as though you can’t turn on the television without hearing of yet another child missing and in most cases it is a past sex offender/predetor that in the end is charged with the offense. Something needs to be done and soon. I pray for the parents of this child and I do wonder how they did not know this man was a sex offender? Not blaming but just wondering. I see it all the where parents just “Assume” someone one is alright. We parents are the key to keeping our children safe.
This was my cousin and justice was served. I miss her dearly and I want her back but Thomas Leggs took her away I hope he rots in a jail cell. But what he did and to find her on Christmas Day made me bust out in tears. I love her. I really wanted her to come home.
Every time I hear something about Leggs i want him to be dead. He should have not done what he did to Sarah she is dearly missed
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