From Whispers to Roars

[Themis Eternal]

Vigil held for missing woman
Few clues in her disappearance
By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


Tracy Smith's tears glistened on her own face as she wrapped her left arm tightly around her baby sister.

Smith, 36, held Attallah McLawrence, 26, close to her body, hoping to ease the pain their whole family was feeling. But, McLawrence's legs began to buckle from grief.

"Ali, come home. I miss you," McLawrence moaned, as tears streamed down her face in the soft candlelight. "Ali, wherever you are, come home. We're waiting for you."

As McLawrence's words were heard in the chilled night air Friday, some friends and co-workers began to lose their composure. Others looked down at their slender candles that glowed in the clear, moonlit sky.

More than 150 people came to the candlelight vigil to share encouraging words and hope with the family of Ali Gilmore, 30, who hasn't been heard from since Feb. 3. To many that know Gilmore, it was no surprise to see the number of people that came to her house along Lorraine Court in the Wilson Green subdivision.

Gilmore is four months pregnant, and police say they have few clues in her disappearance. She was reported missing after not showing up for work at the Department of Health on Feb. 3 and Monday. She was estranged from her husband and lived alone. Her family is from West Palm Beach.

Although the case is being ruled as suspicious, Tallahassee police spokesman John Newland said there's nothing to suggest foul play. Newland said police don't have any suspects and are in need of tips.

"All we want is information," Newland said earlier Friday. "We're not hardly getting any information, and that's all we want."

While friends and family wait for answers, they're relying on prayer for comfort.

"Prayer can change a whole lot of things. Through God, all things are possible," said Kathy McGee, Gilmore's neighbor and president of the Wilson Green Home Owners Association. "We're praying for her speedy return."

Sonja Bradwell sang as if she were using her voice to reach Gilmore - wherever she was. As she belted "The Lord's Prayer" and "His Eye Is On the Sparrow," some people wiped tears and prayed silently.

Sheronika Denson knew Gilmore well since she worked with her at the Department of Health. At one point, she looked away from the group and fell to her knees, sobbing into her cupped hands. When her chance came to talk about Gilmore, she said her co-worker was more than someone who shared her job title.

"I couldn't afford to go home for Thanksgiving. Ali took me home with her family," said Denson, a statistical analyst. "They made me feel not like a stranger, but like one of the family."

Nine family members, including Gilmore's parents and brother, Amon McLawrence, traveled earlier this week from West Palm Beach, hoping to unearth some clues about Gilmore's disappearance. Smith said the family did not have plans to leave Tallahassee anytime soon.

Smith, the oldest of the sisters, gripped McLawrence's hand when the vigil ended. They both said their sister is a sincere, loving person. When they thought about some of the things they missed about Gilmore, they agreed on her cooking, especially her red-velvet cake and her potato salad, her love for gardening and her daily inspirational e-mails.

The family is leaning on each other and their faith in God.

"Faith is the only thing we have right now," Smith said.

Angelina Little was among the many co-workers that came to the vigil.

"I just want them to know that we're praying for them," Little said, in a somber whisper. "We're all praying for them daily."

HOW TO HELP
Ali Gilmore, 30, is a black woman, is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds. She is four months pregnant. If you have any information about her, call TPD's Crime Stoppers at 891-4357.


Contact TaMaryn Waters at (850) 599-2162 or tlwaters@tallahassee.com.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060211/NEWS01/602110335/1010
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

The Tallahassee Police Department's Special Victim's Unit is looking for a missing female. Ali Lisha Gilmore, of Tallahassee, has been missing since Friday February 6. Ms. Gilmore is also pregnant. Ms. Gilmore did not report to either of her jobs last week.

If anyone know of Ali Gilmore's whereabouts please contact the Tallahassee Police Department at 891-4200 or call Crimestoppers at 891-HELP (4357.


Ali Lisha Gilmore, B/F, age 30, 5’6” weighs 180 pounds; 231 Loraine Ct., Tallahassee, FL

Contact
John T. Newland, Public Information, 891-4255

http://talgov.com/communications/newsdetail.cfm?id=366
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

State employee goes missing
No answers yet in disappearance of pregnant woman
By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER


It wasn't like Ali Gilmore to not show up to work - let alone not call.

When Gilmore didn't show up Friday or Monday, her supervisor called the police department around 8 p.m. Monday. After talking to neighbors, co-workers and family members in her hometown of West Palm Beach, police are calling it a missing-person case, according to Tallahassee police Lt. Edward Smith, head of the criminal investigations unit.

"At this point, we don't know if there's foul play," Smith said. "But, we're ruling it as suspicious."

Smith said all the people interviewed, including her estranged husband, James Gilmore, agreed it was unusual for 30-year-old Ali Gilmore to disappear without anyone knowing her whereabouts.

Police are also concerned because Gilmore is four months pregnant.

Doc Kokol, spokesman for the health department, said he wasn't able to say much about Gilmore, who is a statistical analyst for the Department of Health. Gilmore's supervisor, Karen Freeman, called her home several times before contacting authorities.

TPD officers went out to the home, located in the Wilson Green Subdivision off Crawfordville Road, in search of any leads. When the house was searched Tuesday afternoon, Smith said forensic tests were needed to detect evidence that could be missed by the naked eye. A forensic unit was called out to the home Tuesday evening.

Smith said they've collected some possible clues toward Gilmore's disappearance, including her habits and restaurants she liked. However, police are hoping for more information.

"Our best leads are going to come from folks in the community," Smith said. Anyone with information on Gilmore's whereabouts may call police at 891-4200 or Crimestoppers, 891-HELP (4357).

Gilmore, who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds, doesn't have any immediate relatives in the area, but her family in West Palm Beach was notified and plans on coming to Tallahassee.

Gilmore also works for Publix Super Markets' Apalachee Parkway store. Management there did not comment.

Contact Tamaryn Waters at (850) 599-2162.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060208/NEWS01/602080326/1010
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Gaia]

Still No Sign of Missing Tallahassee Woman

Laura Kadechka

It's been two weeks since a pregnant Tallahassee woman went missing and there is still no sign of her. That's why police are turning to the media once again. They're hoping by keeping her picture in the community, it will spark a memory with someone who may have seen her. A picture of 30-year-old Ali Gilmore has been at the side of Tallahassee police investigators since she went missing two weeks ago. Everyday it stands as a reminder of the desperate search to find her. “We can't narrow this down as far as a focus or a scope of this investigation so we have to consider all scenarios and possibilities that might be involved,” explains Capt. Kelly Burke of TPD. With no major clues and few leads, police canvassed Gilmore’s Wilson Green neighborhood again. They were looking for any possibility that a memory is sparked, that someone may have seen Gilmore maybe on her way to work at a southside Publix, or on her way to another job with the department of health. Police say the key to solving this case lies in the hands of someone in the community. Police say Gilmore had recently separated from her husband. He was been questioned and is cooperating with investigators. He has not been named a suspect. Investigators are asking that anyone who thinks they may have seen her to call Crime Stoppers at 850-891-HELP.


http://www.wctv6.com/PDAsite?id=5
_________________
Mahatma Ghandi
"This is our moment, this is our time, this is our chance to stand up for whats right" Bono
"If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand up for much." Marian Wright Edelman

"Until They Come Home"

[Themis Eternal]

Still No Leads in Missing Woman Case


There's still no sign of a missing Tallahassee woman. She's four months pregnant and has not been seen since she didn't show for work ten days ago. Police say the few tips they have received on the whereabouts of Ali Gilmore have gone no where.

Gilmore, who is thirty years old, worked for the Florida Department of Health and the Publix Bakery. Investigators say she lived alone in the Wilson Green neighborhood. There were no clues found there.

Police have called her disappearance suspicious. If you think you've seen her, call the Tallahassee Police Department at 850-891-4200 or Crimestoppers at 891-HELP.

http://www.wctv6.com/home/headlines/2305531.html
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

From Feb. 8, 2006

Few Leads in Woman's Disappearance


There is still no sign of a pregnant woman who Tallahassee police say has disappeared without a trace. Ali Gilmore has not been seen or heard from in six days and investigators say even after extensive interviews and a search of her home they have no leads.

The porch light is still on at Ali Gilmore's southside home, but the young woman now four months pregnant hasn't been seen or heard from since last Thursday.

Cecilee Poppell, a neighbor, says, "We're just sorry she's missing and we hope and pray she'll be returned to her house safely."

Scot Poppell, another neighbor, adds, "We're just praying for the best and hoping everything can go well. She was so excited about her new pregnancy."

Gilmore's family met with investigators at Tallahassee police headquarters Wednesday morning. A Tallahassee police spokesman says an extensive search of Gilmore's home yielded no signs of struggle or foul play and the few calls they received after we aired her picture on the evening news didn't help much either.

OFC John Newland, Tallahassee police spokesman, says, "Just no major leads that we have right now, so we're still looking for those big leads that we can get from any citizen who may have had contact with her maybe Thursday or even over the weekend."

Gilmore failed to show up at work Friday or Monday and was actually reported missing by her boss at the Florida Department of Health.

Fernando Senra, spokesman for the Florida Department of Health, says, "She's very responsible, so it was very unlike her not to show up on Friday and Monday without notifying her supervisor."

Neighbors say she lived alone after separating from her husband recently and missed a marriage counseling session the day she disappeared. Gilmore originally hails from Riviera Beach. Tallahassee police are calling the disappearance suspicious, but right now have no clues as to what happened to her.

http://www.wctv6.com/home/headlines/2280246.html
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

Search continues for missing woman

February 18, 2006
By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

It's been two weeks, and Ali Gilmore is still missing.

With each passing day, family and friends are hoping to hear any new developments regarding the whereabouts of the 30-year-old, who is four months pregnant and hasn't been heard from since Feb. 3.

"The way we do an investigation like this is we exhaust every avenue possible and interview every person we can find," said Tallahassee Police Officer David McCranie. "We've got nothing. We're waiting for that next bit of information."

McCranie said 30 officers were sent out to Gilmore's home in the Wilson Green subdivision on Tallahassee's south-side within the first 48 hours of her being reported missing on Feb. 6. Since the subdivision is relatively new, he said officers searched construction areas and vacant houses and canvased the neighborhood several times.

Police have said that nothing abnormal was found at her house. Her car was impounded but everything seemed to be intact. Nothing was found inside the house to indicate foul play and nothing appeared to be missing.

Officers searched Gilmore's home again Thursday, hoping to stumble upon something that might lead to information.

In the meantime, Gilmore's friends are not giving up.

A group of friends and co-workers are heading out this morning handing out fliers and canvassing neighborhoods in an effort to get the word out to anyone who can offer details to police.

Angelina Little, who worked at the state Department of Health with Gilmore, is spearheading the volunteer effort. She said she couldn't "sit at home" knowing Gilmore was still missing. She's hoping their efforts will help piece this puzzle together.

"A lot of people still don't know, so we want to make sure they're aware," said Melanie Pararham, who said Gilmore is one of her best friends.

Gilmore came to Tallahassee from West Palm Beach to attend Florida A&M University where she studied allied health.

She worked as a a statistical analyst with Florida's Department of Health. She also worked in the bakery at Publix on Apalachee Parkway.

She was living alone and was separated from her husband, James Gilmore, when she was reported missing. He's been interviewed by police and has been cooperative.

Her parents and sisters have traveled from West Palm Beach to Tallahassee pleading for information that may lead to Gilmore's whereabouts. A neighborhood vigil drew nearly 150 people.

Pararham recalled Friday how she, Gilmore and one of Gilmore's neighbors, stood side by side when they joined Christian Heritage Church in June 2005. The trio often ate together and shared funny stories, but she had no idea they would all join a church together.

"I feel that she's safe somewhere, but can't find her way," Pararham said.

Lorraine Plageman, who taught Gilmore in the ninth grade at Jupiter (Fla.) High School, was home preparing dinner when she happened to look up and see her former student's face on the news. She said she was "stunned" by the disappearance.

Plageman grew fond of Gilmore; she often gave her student rides home from school and talked to her about some of her dreams.

"She was a very good student. Very responsible, mature and just a good-hearted person," said Plageman, who hadn't spoken to Gilmore in about five years.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060218/NEWS01/602180320/1010
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

ANONYMOUS REWARDS UP TO $1,000.00



Call 891-HELP (4357)
1-866-979-0922 Toll Free


MISSING PERSON


ALI LISHA GILMORE





MISSING Under Suspicious Circumstances:

Ali Lisha Gilmore, B/F, age 30, 5’6” weighs 180 pounds
231 Loraine Ct. Tallahassee, Fl

Ali Lisha Gilmore, of Tallahassee, has been missing since Friday February 6. Ms. Gilmore is also pregnant. Ms. Gilmore did not report to either of her jobs last week.

If you have any information on the location of Ali Gilmore please contact the Big Bend Crime Stoppers at 891-HELP or 1-866-979-0922, you could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00


Poster Available, ask Themis


Link to additional Photo's http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Site=CD&Date=20060217&Category=PHOTOS01&ArtNo=217004&Ref=PH&Profile=1010&Params=Itemnr=1
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Magic407]

That is a good point. Anything is possible I suppose. She definitely doesn't seem to be the type to just vanish into thin air on her own. I hope that this group searching for Jennifer Kesse and Lottie Wise in Florida will also step up and look for Ali as well.
_________________

[Themis Eternal]

I have done 2 posts on the blog now about Ali hoping to draw attention to her. Seems that independant sites like ours and blogs are the only one's really looking out for Ali. How a young pregnant woman can get so little attention is beyond me.
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[DeniseG]

[Themis Eternal]

Meeting With Florida Legislators About Missing Woman

Posted: Feb 21, 2006

Thirty-year-old Ali Gilmore disappeared more for than two weeks ago.

Family representatives met with state lawmakers at the capital Tuesday afternoon about the case. Police say they've received a few leads, but still have no suspects and no idea as to her whereabouts.

This past weekend, family and friends spent Sunday handing out flyers near Gilmore's church.

They're asking anyone who has any information on her whereabouts to please come forward.

http://www.wctv6.com/home/headlines/2348731.html
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

TPD sets press conference about Gilmore case

Tallahassee Democrat

Originally published February 22, 2006


Tallahassee Police are having a press conference at noon today regarding the disappearance of Ali Gilmore, who last seen Feb. 3.

Police are expected to announce they now believe "foul play" was involved. An additional $10,000 reward is being offered in addition to the $1,000 Crimestoppers reward.

Police spokesman John Newland said this is the first time TPD has offered its own money to help find a missing person.

Watch tallahassee.com for further updates.


http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060222/BREAKINGNEWS/602220352
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

Gilmore case reward now $11,000

By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

Originally published February 22, 2006

Police said today they believe "foul play" might have been involved in the disappearance of Ali Gilmore, a pregnant Tallahassee woman who hasn't been heard from since February 3.

At a noon news conference today, Tallahassee police also said a $10,000 reward is being offered in addition to the $1,000 Crimestoppers reward. It's the first time TPD has offered its own money to help find a missing person, spokesman John Newland said.

Gilmore, who worked at the Florida Department of Health and part-time at Publix, was reported missing by her supervisor when she didn't report to work two days in a row. Police have been calling the case suspicious and today said they suspect "foul play" because of the length of time that has passed.

Local supporters - along with friends, family and advocates from Gilmore's hometown of West Palm Beach - are continuing their efforts to find her. Florida A&M University's Student Government Association is also involved; Gilmore attended FAMU and graduated in 1998.

Tallahassee Police Chief Walt McNeil said investigators are still looking for any clues related to Gilmore's disappearance

Newland said no one has been ruled out as a suspect.

http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060222/BREAKINGNEWS/602220352
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"

[Themis Eternal]

Search for Gilmore continues
TPD offers $10,000 for information on missing woman

February 23, 2006
By TaMaryn Waters
DEMOCRAT STAFF WRITER

After three weeks of receiving few clues into the disappearance of a pregnant Tallahassee woman, the Tallahassee Police Department is offering $10,000 for information leading to her whereabouts.

Police are hoping that someone will come forward with solid information on 30-year-old Ali Gilmore, who worked for the Florida Department of Health and Publix.

This is the first time TPD has offered a reward in a missing-person investigation. Crime Stoppers also will pay $1,000 for information.

"We're going to give a 100-percent effort," TPD Chief Walt McNeil said. He said police have been working "around the clock" and looking into any leads.

Police are calling the case suspicious and now think there may be foul play involved because of how long Gilmore's been missing.

"You never have enough (tips), because you always want more," TPD spokesman John Newland said. "Until we find her, we're not going to let it go."

Her disappearance has triggered a strong, emotional reaction from friends and co-workers. More than 150 people attended a vigil in her Wilson Green neighborhood days after she was reported missing. Last Saturday, friends headed out to south-side neighborhoods and handed out fliers, hoping that their effort would generate information.

Gilmore and her husband, James Gilmore, were separated at the time of her disappearance. Newland said he's been cooperative during the investigation, but no one has been ruled out as a suspect.

At Wednesday's news conference where McNeil announced the reward, Bishop Thomas Masters of Riviera Beach said his church also was assisting Gilmore's family and networking to get information on her disappearance out to the public.

Efforts also are being coordinated by Florida A&M University's student government and alumni associations. Gilmore graduated from FAMU in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in health-information management.

FAMU spokeswoman LaNedra Carroll said students plan to pass out fliers through "dorm storming," and sending e-mails to students and alumni members.

"We have the technology to send e-mails to several thousands of students and alert alumni to this situation," Carroll said. "We're all concerned about our FAMU graduate." She said the university will explore as many methods possible without impeding the progress of the ongoing investigation.

"We're going to step up to the plate," said FAMU SGA President Ramon Alexander, who labeled the disappearance "a serious issue." He also said the SGA is raising money to go toward the reward.

Masters knew Gilmore as a young church member of New Macedonia Baptist Church in Riviera Beach, and he performed her marriage ceremony about five years ago in Tallahassee. Masters, who is nationally known for his involvement in juvenile-justice issues and the Under Our Wings program, said he's pleased with the amount of work the police have invested in Gilmore's case.

However, he said the family, friends and supporters are putting their heads together more and more each day.

"Every hour, it seems like we get another idea . . . We're continuously asking ourselves, 'What more can we do?' ” he said. Masters got involved after receiving a phone call from Gilmore's parents. He, along with members of Mothers Against Murders, were in Tallahassee talking to the police and FAMU representatives in an effort to generate more local response.

Masters said he's contacted pastors at Christian Heritage Church in Tallahassee, where Gilmore was a member. Christian Heritage is also assisting by sending nearly 4,000 e-mail alerts to church members.


SEARCH CONTINUES
A group of friends and volunteers plans to canvass another neighborhood with fliers this weekend. They will meet at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Save-A-Lot parking lot, 2525 S. Monroe St.


HAVE INFORMATION?
TPD and Crime Stoppers are offering an $11,000 reward for info on Ali Gilmore's disappearance. Call TPD at 891-4200 or Crime Stoppers at 891-4357.




http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060223/NEWS01/602230322/1010
_________________
"I hear them saying you'll never change things.
And no matter what you do it's still the same thing.
But it's not the world that I am changing.
I do this so this world we know
Never changes me"