Body Found in Georgia Landfill Identified as Missing Somer Thompson
Florida police have confirmed that the child’s body found in a Georgia landfill is that of missing 7-year-old Somer Thompson.
Sheriff Rick Beseler said that the identification was based on clothing on the body and a birthmark that matched an “odd-shaped” mark on Somer Thompson’s left shin.
Investigators followed garbage trucks from the neighborhood where Somer disappeared on Monday to a landfill in Georgia where they discovered the body after searching through 100 tons of garbage.
“We were able to make a positive identification,” Beseler said. “Based on a birthmark on the lower extremity and clothing the child was wearing. I gave the mother the sad news that we had made an identification of the body.”
Beseler told reporters it was the hardest call he has ever had to make.
Somer’s father, Samuel Thompson, said on Wednesday he believed it was likely his daughter.
“I’m angry. I’m so angry. I’m so hurt,” Thompson told Florida Times-Union as he wept. “My baby daughter laying in trash. Discarded like a piece of trash. God help the sons of bitches who hurt my daughter. They better find them.”
No further details have been released. An autopsy will be performed by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
“We hope to learn the cause and manner of the death that will assist us in the criminal investigation we are actively undertaking at this time,” Beseler said. “The early discovery will be tremendously helpful in this investigation to help find the person or people responsible for the death of this beautiful child.”
Beseler expressed concern for the community until a suspect is apprehended. He did not release any details about evidence that has been collected or whether investigators believe one or more people is responsible for Somer’s death.
People are encouraged to call the tip line at (877) 227-6911 with any additional tips and information that may help the murder investigation.
