Search begins today for body of man believed killed in 1990 By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, 609-463-6716 Published: Tuesday, August 19, 2008
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE - County Prosecutor Robert Taylor said Monday that his office has learned of possible locations in Cape May County where the remains of Craig White may be buried.
White, then 18, disappeared from Middle Township on Feb. 23, 1990, and witnesses have testified in preliminary court hearings that he was last seen with his cousin, Jesse Watkins.
Watkins, now 46, is charged with White's murder, and the case is scheduled to go to trial Jan. 19.
In a statement issued Monday, Taylor said, "Based upon information received recently from a credible witness, a number of locations have been identified as possible areas in which White's remains may have been disposed of following his murder."
Speaking from his office Monday afternoon, Taylor said that the primary locations to be searched are in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township, and the search will begin today.
The Prosecutor's Office, Middle Township Police Department and State Police will conduct the searches using sophisticated ground search techniques to establish possible burial sites, Taylor said.
Geophysical Survey Systems, a private New Hampshire-based company specializing in subsurface imaging, will assist in the investigation.
Jesse Watkins' attorney, Christopher Robertson, said he had not reviewed the new discovery in the case related to the possible burial sites, but he said his client's position remained the same.
"He maintains his innocence," Robertson said.
Vince Watkins is Craig White's uncle.
He said the discovery of his nephew's body would have a dual effect on White's family.
"It would tear some wounds open again, and then it would close them," Vince Watkins said.
"Craig's grandmother always wanted to know what took place," Vince Watkins said, adding, "My brother wanted closure before he died."
Vince Watkins said he and his nephew shared a very good relationship, and finding him would be a reminder of the years they lost with him.
"It would probably bring regret and then relief," he said.
The Prosecutor's Office has said jealousy may have been a motive in the case. Several months before White disappeared, Jesse Watkins learned that White and Watkins' girlfriend at the time had been involved in an affair, witnesses have said.
Jesse Watkins remained lodged in the Cape May County Jail on Monday in lieu of $500,000 bail.
E-mail Trudi Gilfillian:
TGilfillian@pressofac.com
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