Amber Harris 12 Missing 11/29/05 Nebraska
Missing Girl Girl last seen on school bus A 12-year-old girl has been missing since Tuesday morning and the Omaha police department is asking for the public's help. Amber Harris was last seen on the school bus at about 7:05 Tuesday morning. She is described as a black female, approximately 4'8" in height, weighing 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans, a black and white wind breaker and white K-Swiss shoes. Authorities don't believe Harris is any danger, but due to the weather conditions and her age assistance from the public is requested. Anyone who has seen her or has information about her disappearance should call the Omaha police department at 444-5600 or call 911. http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/2039182.html

Girl, 12, got off bus but is missing A 12-year-old north Omaha girl last seen Tuesday remains missing today. Amber Harris was supposed to go straight home after getting off a school bus about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday. But her family has not heard from her. Amber is about 4-foot-8, weighs 120 pounds and was last seen wearing light-blue jeans, a black-and-white windbreaker and K-Swiss shoes. For rest of the story you have to be a member. No link.

Child Still Missing No sign of Amber Twelve-year-old Amber Harris remains missing. The Omaha youngster has been gone since Tuesday and police have little to go by. Her mother, Melissa Harris says, "This is not a runaway. She's never done it." Amber was last seen getting off her school bus near 20th and Pinkney. Others on the bus say they saw her walking in the direction of her home, just a few blocks away. "She always comes home," Melissa says. "Problems at school or not, she always comes home." Amber's mother made flyers with her daughter's picture. She is handing them out to anyone she sees in the neighborhood but so far no one has seen anything. Omaha Police Officer Chris Legrow says, "At this point in the investigation there is really no evidence that any foul play is involved or anything like that. The investigation is still ongoing." That does little to comfort her mother who says, "You want to believe she is somewhere in a house where at least it's warm. But then you have the vision of her being in some alley, dead somewhere. If we knew even a little something it would help but we don't know anything." Amber Harris is 4' 8" tall and weighs 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing jeans and a black and white windbreaker jacket. She was carrying a new black and white Nike book bag. If you have any information on here whereabouts, call police at 444-5600 WOTV

Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2005 From: "FromWhispersToRoars Admin" <fromwhisperstoroars@yahoo.com> Subject: 6onyourside To: sixonline@wowt.com I am very troubled about Nevada's Amber Alert/Missing Child System. There is a 12 year old named Amber Harris who has been missing since November 29, 2005. I understand your State uses the Nation Center for Missing and Exploited Children to list children from your State. But Amber is still not listed and there is no flyer available on this little girl. In the article on-line it said "Authorities don't believe Harris is any danger, but due to the weather conditions and her age assistance from the public is requested." If they truly were concerned wouldn't she be listed with the most public site for children? I belong to a free public site that among many things lists Missing/Amber/Endangered children. Our members are very worried about this little girl out in these temperatures for 5 days now. Would you please see if you can find out why she isn't listed on NCMEC. And why there is no Missing Child Alert issued on her besides 2 stories in the media. Thank you, Removed www.fromwhisperstoroars.org

Family offers reward Police still have no signs of 12-year-old Amber Harris and now Amber's family is offering a reward for information leading to her safe return. Harris was last seen walking off her school bus Tuesday afternoon near 20th and Pinkney. Those on the bus say they saw her heading towards her house, but she never made it home. If you have any information on her whereabouts, you are encouraged to call police at 444-5600. WOWT

Door-To-Door Search More than five days since 12-year-old Amber Harris was last seen, police and volunteers were searching her neighborhood door-to-door. They were trying to figure out what happened after her friends saw her get off the school bus a few blocks from her home. Officers showed a picture of the 12-year-old girl to everyone they saw -- asking if they had seen her. Their answers were all the same "No," said Omaha Police Officer Andrew Passo. "At this point, there is no further information." "Someone around here knows something," said Melissa Harris, Amber's mother. Harris says its' hard not to think of the worst. "At first, of course, you think terrible things," she said. "That somebody has taken her and tortured her and killed her. Sometimes that comes to mind." But Sunday, with more than a dozen officers walking their neighborhood and a mobile command center set up at Amber's bus stop, the family tried to stay positive -- waiting for Amber to call. "In a way, I want to hear it ring," Amber's grandmother Ruth Nickens said. "In another way, it always just makes me just almost have a heart attack because I think I'll hear Melissa just sobbing. And I know if I hear that, it will not be a good thing. All we want is this child to be back." Amber Harris: Last seen near 20th and Pinkney She is about 4'8" and 120 pounds Last seen wearing jeans and a black and white wind-breaker jacket She was carrying a new black and white Nike book bag If you have any information, you are asked to call police at 444-5600. The family is offering an award for information leading to the girl's safe return. WOWT

New Leads Mother says time is running out December 7, 2005 The mother of a missing 12-year-old says new leads in the girl's whereabouts are giving her hope that her daughter may be found. The search for Amber Harris, who disappeared after getting off a school bus just blocks from her home, Tuesday, November 29. "This is just not our Amber," said her mother Melissa Harris. "She was taken against her will. I hope in the next couple days, something happens." Harris feels the pain of more than a week of sleepless nights and endless worry. "It gets harder by the day," she said. "I honestly feel Amber's sucking strength out of me to stay alive." Harris says police have new information that could help them find her daughter. "There have been positive leads," she said. "Police had followed up last night and today." Harris says she can't elaborate about the specifics of the case because it could hurt the outcome of the investigation. The police department concentrated the investigation in the area where Amber was last scene, while her father Michael also searched the neighborhood for his missing daughter. Melissa Harris says she believes someone does have her daughter and she wants them to listen to her message. "Just bring her home alive," she said. "We don't have to see your face. Just put her on our porch. I want her in my house." Harris also commented on a police report filed by a teenager who says Amber's father pushed him. Harris says he didn't do anything wrong and it is unfortunate the boy's family would do this in their time of grief. WOWT

Missing Girl's Father Had Rape Conviction Michael, Amber Harris Were Close, Mother Says POSTED: 4:29 pm CST December 8, 2005 UPDATED: 5:13 pm CST December 8, 2005 OMAHA, Neb. -- The search continues for 12-year-old Amber Harris, who disappeared after she got off her school bus on Nov. 29, but questions have arisen about her father's troubled past. Amber Harris Court records indicate Michael Harris spent five years in prison for sexual assault. His wife, Melissa, said he's paid for his crime, and the attention should be on finding their daughter. Court documents show Michael Harris and two others raped a woman 22 years ago. According to his wife, he also has at least three arrests for driving under the influence. Also, Melissa Harris took out a protection order on her husband last year after, she said, one of her six children manipulated her. "I took out a protection order on him. I was influenced by another source. But that was my mistake. I apologize publicly to Michael. It was a dumb thing," Melissa Harris said. Melissa Harris also said Amber and her husband have a very close relationship, and Amber has no reason to be scared of her father. Melissa said she and Michael have taken parenting classes to be better parents. None of the Harris' six kids knew about his sexual assault conviction. Melissa Harris said that has been the toughest part of media scrutiny in light of Amber's disappearance. She plans to sit her children down Thursday night and explain everything. http://www.ketv.com/news/5495627/detail.html?rss=oma&psp=news

Personal Note: Before anyone jumps to conclusions about the above story, DON'T! Search your memory back to March and remember Mark and Archie Lunsford. These same types of red flags were brought up and neither had anything to do with Jessie's disappearence. And neither did their pasts. I am not saying this man is innocent or guilty but we all deserve the benefit of a doubt. Thank you, Themis Eternal

Endangered Runaway AMBER HARRIS DOB: Aug 8, 1993 Missing: Nov 29, 2005 Height: 4'8" (142 cm) Eyes: Brown Race: Black Age Now: 12 Sex: Female Weight: 120 lbs (54 kg) Hair: Brown Missing From: OMAHA NE United States Amber may still be in the Omaha, Nebraska area. She has pierced ears and a birthmark on her hip. ANYONE HAVING INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 (1-800-THE-LOST) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Omaha Police Department (Nebraska) 1-402-444-5600 Flyer Available at: http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PubCaseSearchServlet?act=viewPoster&caseNum=1032854&orgPrefix=NCMC&searchLang=en_US

Missing Girl's Family Looking For Tips OMAHA, Neb. - The search for a missing 12-year-old took to the streets Friday as the girl's family began posting fliers around town. Michael and Michelle Harris have not heard from their daughter, Amber, since Tuesday. The girl got off the school bus Tuesday afternoon, but hasn't been seen since. Michael Harris said he is always around when his children come home from school. "She called on a friend's cell phone around 4:30 and said, 'Daddy, I'm on my way home,'" said Michael Harris. "I have six kids, I want to keep six kids," said Michelle Harris. Surveillance video recorded Amber Harris as she got off the school bus at 20th and Pinkney streets at about 5:50 p.m. Her parents both looked at the video. "She wore a little eye makeup and lipstick," said Michelle Harris. "She knows Dad doesn't approve of that. We saw her on the bus wiping it off. We knew she was coming home." But she didn't make it home. "This is not our daughter that does this -- that just disappears," said Michelle Harris. At this point, police said, they don't have any indication that foul play is involved. Amber's mother isn't so sure. "I just think that somebody has done something with her," Michelle Harris said. The family has a message for their daughter. "Amber, Mommy and Daddy need you home. If you're with somebody trying to hurt you, get away, because you're strong. You can do it. Call Jenny, Grandma, or anybody. Run to the nearest home, you know, because we need you home. We love you," Michelle Harris said. Police said an Amber Alert hasn't been issued because the details of the situation don't meet the criteria for a national Amber Alert. Anyone with information on where Amber Harris is should call (402) 444-5600. MSNBC

Mother Fears Daughter Has Been Hurt OMAHA, Neb. - An Omaha 12-year-old disappeared a week ago and police and her family are hoping for a breakthrough in their search. Now, her mother says she feels her child is alive, but hurt. Amber Harris has been missing since Tuesday evening, and was last seen getting off her school bus. Family and friends of the girl have put up a $1,000 reward for tips that would lead them to the girl. Harris was last heard from on a cell phone when she called her father to say she was headed home from school. "I feel like she's alive, but I feel like she's been harmed," said mother Melissa Harris. Harris said her family is baffled. She said her daughter did not have a boyfriend, would not have gone to a friend's house and would not have run away. "Our kids come home every day, whether they've had a good day or a bad day, and this one, especially -- Amber," Harris said. Harris said it's been frustrating to wait for police to turn up clues. "I could see it in their faces -- the stress, the exhaustion, and that they've been working hard. I admit, I was put out at first," Harris said of police efforts. While police said there have been few developments, they said they have not ruled out foul play. "Every day that passes and every day that has passed, we have become more concerned about Amber Harris' disappearance," said Sgt. Teresa Negron. Harris said she just wants her daughter home, and for people to know about how special she is. "Very soft-hearted when it comes to people who are down or animals that are hurt. Very sensitive girl," Harris said. Omaha police have joined forces with citizen patrols to look for Harris. Officials said Sunday that they want to get as many people looking for Amber as possible. The groups have taken to the streets, searching in alleys, empty garages and abandoned cars. Any information regarding the missing Amber Harris should be directed to the Omaha police, (402) 444-5600. MSNBC

Vigil For Missing Girl Search For Amber Family maintains hope The only thing one Omaha couple wants for the holidays is their daughter Amber. The 12-year-old girl is still missing after almost two weeks of searching. Last week, friends and family pooled together resources to offer a $1,000 reward for information leading to Amber Harris' return. The reward has since doubled thanks to public donations. The flyers are still up, the reward fund is growing and Omaha police spent another day, Sunday, searching by ground and by air, but with no sign of the missing girl. "I haven't been here since," said Amber's mother, Melissa Harris. Harris visited 20th and Pinkney, the area her daughter was last seen on security tape getting off a school bus. The spot is just seven blocks from the Harris household and it is also the site of a vigil to take place Tuesday evening. But when asked if the vigil means the family fears the worst has happened, Harris said it did not. "We're hopeful," she said. "I know my daughter is alive. I believe she's scared, but alive." The family is trying to remember any routines Amber Harris has that may provide a clue. "I think it's only natural to check the family's background," said Harris. "I was never paranoid. I know none of my family had anything to do with it. They love Amber too much." Christmas planning has taken a backseat for the mother of the missing girl. If nothing changes in the next two weeks, she plans to wrap the gifts like she always does for her daughter and other five children. "And when she does come back, we'll walk down the street together," she said. The vigil is set for a parking lot at 20th and Pinkney. It begins at 5:30 Tuesday night. http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/2068596.html

Family tries to keep awareness alive A Tuesday evening candle-light vigil of remembrance for Amber Harris sparks hope for the family of the 12-year-old girl last seen two weeks ago at 20th and Pinkney. "This vigil is not for death, but for hope," said Michael Harris, Amber's father. One mother at the vigil understands what the Harris family is going through. Kelly Jolkowski's son disappeared four and a half years ago. "There are a lot of emotions," she said. "Guilt, anger…very normal things and that's what we help families deal with." Jolkowski's son Jason was 19 when he vanished on June 13, 2001. He was on his way to meet a friend in Benson for a ride to work. His photo is just below that of Amber Harris' on the Nebraska page of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. He's listed as missing with a composite picture of what he might look like today. Harris is labeled as an endangered runaway. "These people are going through an awful time now," Jolkowski said. Her family didn't have many places to turn for help, so they founded projectjason.org to do for others what wasn't done for them. Jolkowski says the goal is to help people remember the person is still missing and keep their story alive. The vigil was one way the family can keep up the awareness. Jolkowski says the next step is to broaden the wings of the story and use the resources to get the national media involved. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, November 29, is the last night anyone saw Amber. She was getting off the school bus. Late on Wednesday, November 30, Omaha police issued their first call for the public's help but insist they suspect no foul play. On Sunday, December 4, police were going door-to-door searching the neighborhood for clues. The family announced a reward fund on December 6, but no new leads emerged. Police searched with a helicopter December 11 with no luck. The reward fund doubled to $2,000 the next day thanks to efforts of friends. "When there's a tragedy, it takes a community to provide extra strength," said Dennis Johnson. "And as you can tell, the strength is here." "We are not giving up," said Michael Harris. "She's alive. We just have to find her." Police continue to ask for help from anyone who may know anything about Amber's whereabouts. Anyone with information should call 444-5656. WOWT

State Patrol Lists Missing Girl POSTED: 10:16 am CST December 15, 2005 UPDATED: 10:34 am CST December 15, 2005 OMAHA, Neb. -- The Nebraska State Patrol said Thursday that it has entered the name of a missing Omaha 12-year-old on the state's Missing Persons Information Clearinghouse. Amber Harris was last seen getting off her school bus on Nov. 29. She is described as a black female, 4 feet 11 inches tall and 110 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Any information concerning Harris should be provided to the Omaha Police Department at (402) 444-5838. The Nebraska State Patrol serves as a central repository for information on missing persons, including children. Information gathered is collected and disseminated to assist law enforcement agencies, public and private organizations and the citizens of Nebraska in locating missing persons. Harris is also listed on the National Missing and Exploited Children's Web site. KETV