"Together We Can Bring Hasanni Home" Volunteer Search-News Release
September 5, 2009
Jackie Wright
Wright Enterprises
P.O. Box 884714
San Francisco, CA 94188
415 824 3990 415 525 0410
P.O. Box 884714
San Francisco, CA 94188
415 824 3990 415 525 0410
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 5, 2009 CONTACT:
Sherri-Lyn Miller, 510 690-3730
Courtney Tascoe-Burris,
510 517-0785
"TOGETHER WE CAN BRING HASANNI HOME"
SEARCH SCHEDULED TO FIND 5 YEAR OLD DISABLED BOY
MISSING SINCE AUGUST 10
Volunteers gather at Lake Elizabeth to search for Hasanni Campbell.
SEARCH SCHEDULED TO FIND 5 YEAR OLD DISABLED BOY
MISSING SINCE AUGUST 10
Volunteers gather at Lake Elizabeth to search for Hasanni Campbell.
FREMONT, CA- Although the Oakland Police Department has changed the Hasanni Campbell case from a missing person investigation to a homicide, in the spirit of the adage "it takes a village to raise a child," a village of volunteers is searching for little five-year old Hasanni Campbell. A grassroots volunteer call began this week to kick off the Labor Day Weekend to search for a valued member of our society, the disabled child who has been missing since August 10th after being allegedly left outside a store in Oakland by his foster parent.
According to volunteer organizers, Sherri-lyn Miller and Courtney Tascoe Burris, the goal of today's search is to eliminate Lake Elizabeth as a site where young Campbell could be. In a written email to volunteers, Miller and Tascoe Burris indicated that doing a thorough search and eliminating the area would fuel hope to search for a living Hasanni Campbell. The organizers pointed to the case of Jaycee Lee Dugard as a reminder to volunteers that their efforts are not vain.
"We can not assume, as the police have done, that this boy's life is no longer salvageable. If anything, the disturbing words from the investigators should serve as motivation to make us even more relentless in our search efforts. They may have given up hope, but we will not. Together, we can bring Hasanni home," said Courtney Tascoe-Burris, Search Volunteer Organizer.
The organizers are quick to point out that today's and future searches are not to reflect on the work of the Oakland Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. The search is volunteer and a grassroots efforts to let Hasanni, his family, the Bay Area and all of society know that we love and care for our children," said Sherri-Lyn Miller, Search Volunteer Organizer.
"We want to thank everyone from all walks of life for giving of their time today including the San Jose Search and Rescue Team. Concern has no borders, added Miller."
A great deal of media and investigative focus has been placed on the foster parents of Hasanni Campbell, his aunt Jennifer Campbell and her fiancé Louis Ross. Ross was the last person to see the child alive. The Oakland Police arrested the foster parents in the case, yet to date no charges have been filed due to insufficient evidence.
Volunteers say their focus will be on bringing the child home. They are concerned there was no Amber Alert. California's criteria for activating an Amber Alert include:
* The investigating law enforcement agency confirms abduction has occurred.
* The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or has a proven mental or physical disability.
* The victim is in imminent danger of serious injury or death.
* There is information available that, if provided to the public, could assist in the child's safe recovery.
"Hasanni's case met all these requirements, and yet, NO AMBER ALERT! What happened," asked Tascoe-Burris? "It's important that we keep Hasanni's story alive in the media as well. Since there was no 'Amber Alert,' a kidnaper could have taken the child across the country." Tascoe-Burris corrected the media report that Hasanni Campbell, who suffers from cerebral palsy, wears braces on his legs. She stated he wears corrective shoes that are not noticeable to observers.
Organizers also voiced concerned that mainstream media keep reports of missing White children alive for months and within days, a child of color is dropped from the airwaves and newspapers. "With media as a significant part of our village, it is our hope that Hasanni's story will be in the news for weeks and months to come until we bring him home," added Tascoe-Burris.
Those interested in volunteering should call 510 690-3730 or 510 517-0785. Additionally, volunteers with website development and media experience are being asked to assist in the on-going efforts. An email address to contact organizers is findhasanni@gmail.com.
Organizers are also encouraging people to donate to the Oakland Police Department's Crime Stoppers reward fund that was boosted from $10,000 with $50,000 from the efforts of Oakland City Councilwoman Gail Steele that included a $25,000 donation from San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.
Anyone with information about this case may call the Oakland Police Department at 510-777-3211 or 510-238-7934 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572.
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