Jarred Harrell (police photo)

Jarred Harrell, a person of interest in the Somer Thompson murder, is now an official suspect.  Investigators in Clay County have charged Harrell with murder, sexual battery and other counts in connection with Somer’s death.  Harrell was extradited earlier this month from Mississippi to Florida on 29 counts of child pornography.  Harrell formerly resided in the neighborhood where Somer was abducted last fall as she walked home from school.  He is set to appear in court on the new charges tomorrow morning.

Earlier today, Chief Bessler spoke out about the incident and charges saying, “158 days ago our community was rocked by the brutal murder of a seven year old child on her way home from school.  The randomness of such an act occurring in an otherwise safe neighborhood affected the sense of security for so many and sparked an intense interest in this case around the county and indeed around the world. In the face of such fear and tragic loss a sense of community solidarity emerged as we all wrapped our arms around the family of Somer Thompson and each other to grieve.  The outpouring of support and generosity and collective resolve to bring Somer’s killer to justice was the only light in the darkness caused by this tragedy. I stand before you today surrounded by this group of law enforcement professionals we call “Team Somer” to announce to you that Jarred Harrell has now been formally charged with the murder of Somer Thompson. In my 36 years in law enforcement, I have never seen this many agencies work together for this long with such harmony.  It is a testament to the professionalism and focus on the mission this team has. Our charges filed today against Jarred Harrell allege that he contacted Somer as she walked home from school on October 19, 2009, passing by the house Harrell lived in on Gano Avenue.  We have evidence that will show Harrell assaulted Somer, then killed her and dumped her body in a dumpster which ultimately ended up in the landfill in Folkston, GA, where it was recovered. Harrell’s name first surfaced not long after Somer’s death as one of over 4,000 leads given to Team Somer in the days and weeks after the crime.  As we began to scrutinize Harrell and his activities, he emerged as a person of interest.  After obtaining a sample of DNA from Harrell, the tedious process of comparison analysis began.  If it was apparent the public was impatient with how long the investigation was taking, just imagine the pressure on investigators.  But the pressure to work fast never overshadowed the need to do it right and investigators proceeded carefully with their work. While I know there is intense interest in knowing all of the details of the investigation and all of the evidence that has led us to this point, it is still necessary to protect the integrity of the future prosecution of this case. I can tell you that in order to get to this point investigators have relied on statements from witnesses, admissions from the defendant, DNA technology results and evidence that Harrell was at the location on Gano Avenue when Somer disappeared along with other evidence. I will also tell you that based on that evidence, along with our investigation, we are confident Jarred Harrell committed this crime; therefore we are bringing this murder charge today.  As a result of the Sheriff’s Office filing an arrest charge on Harrell today, we have now transitioned from a Sheriff’s Office investigation to a State Prosecution.  All future public statements specific to the facts of the case or release of documents about this case will come from the State Attorney’s Office, since they now have jurisdiction of this matter. I want to take this opportunity thank the members of Team Somer for their tireless investigation of this case.  The dedication to duty, their empathy for the family and their team spirit were all exemplary. Many people have complimented me on the handling of this case and in every case I am quick to remind them it is Team Somer who should be commended and I know you all join me in commending this team of professionals.”