Updates and Information on Jennifer Wilkerson
Thank You For Helping To Find Jennifer.
June 5,
2010
Last year on July 13, family and
friends made special efforts to get Jennifer’s story back out there and on
people’s minds. We had several new leads come from those efforts.
A person of interest came forward
with information that resulted in an extensive search of an area near
Lubbock. Jack and I joined the Lubbock Sheriff’s Department along with the
Texas Rangers on a few days of that search. Nothing was found but it
reinforced my feelings toward all the individuals working diligently to find
Jennifer. These guys are the best in their field and are all so dedicated
to bringing Jen home.
I have to wonder why a person
would come forward with information that obviously is not true. Do these
people not have a heart? Have they never loved or been loved? Have
they never experienced the loss of a loved one? Death is hurtful but does
give you direction on how to grieve, heal, and redefine your life. When a
loved one just vanishes, you have no direction. That feeling of emptiness
that comes from wanting to hold someone so bad and not knowing when, if ever,
that day will come. Your world is torn apart. Even after almost six
years, it seems like just yesterday, that I was told Jen was missing. The
pain and worry never goes away, you just learn to cope and take one day at a
time. Then you get word that someone is offering answers! Words
cannot describe the emotion that washes over you. It is almost impossible
to control the ups and downs you experience and then as fast as they come, you
are left with the same emptiness of not knowing. This I can tell you, it
is in God’s hands, and I have Faith that He will carry me through. One
thing that no one can ever take away from us is all the wonderful memories we
have of Jennifer and the twenty six years we got to love her, The
laughter, tears, stories, adventures, and wonderful spirit we were lucky enough
to get to share with this wonderful young lady will stay in our hearts
forever.
Jack and I want to thank everyone
for their prayers and support. Someone out there knows exactly what has
happened to Jen. Please pray for those individuals that they will find it
in their hearts to help us bring her home.
July 13,
2009
Jennifer has been missing now for 5 long years, as of July
13, 2009. Jack and I cling tight to each other and our hope that we will
some day find our daughter. With each passing day, that hope becomes
harder and harder for me to hang on to. I would like to ask each of you to
continue to keep Jennifer in your prayers, and if you would, send her flyer and
her website information to everyone on your e-mail list asking them to do the
same. Together we could form a network of Jennifer’s Angels. What better
way to get her face and story out there? Also, every single day Jennifer
would go to the Sonic drive-in and order a “Super Sonic Dr. Pepper with extra
ice”. I can still hear her voice, as I have witnessed this ritual many
times. If she is still alive I guarantee she is getting her Dr.
Pepper. If each of you would print out a few flyers (Flyer Link)
and post them at your Sonic Drive-ins and possibly at any truck stops in
your area, we might just be able to bring her home!
There have been a few new leads, but as in the past, they have created
more questions than answers. We still have the support of the Lubbock
Sheriff’s Department. Doug Sutton is the lead Investigator and is good at
keeping us informed. When Doug got Jennifer’s case, a five-man team was
put together consisting of several departments to concentrate on Jen’s
case. We appreciate that they are all still searching for answers.
Although he is no longer
officially on Jen’s case, Greg Parrott will forever be involved in bringing
Jennifer home. Dana and Sheila with the United Search and Rescue also hold
a special place in our hearts, and are still very involved in Jen’s case.
They are a constant source of love and support.
Kelly Jolkowski knows first hand
about life in the world of the missing. Her son Jason has been missing
since June 13, 2001. She created Project Jason to bring hope and
assistance for families of the missing by providing resources and support.
She is truly amazing.
Jennifer’s information is now on
NamUs – National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. NamUs (http://www.namus.gov/) brings together two
online, searchable databases: unidentified decedents database and missing
persons database. Simultaneous searching of missing persons records
against cases in the unidentified decedents database to identify unidentified
human remains and solve missing persons cases.
Jack and I want to thank you all
for your love and support. With Hope and Faith, some day we will be able
to report that we have Jen home.
Love,
Jack and
Vikki
July 13,
2007
Today marks three years since Jennifer disappeared. Vikki
and I went toLubbock today to meet
with the Sheriffs Department, and also were interviewed by two Lubbock TV
stations. We have not updated Jen's website in some time, quite frankly, because
we know nothing more than we did the last time. Unfortunately, we still have
nothing new to add. We can assure you that the investigators are still actively
pursuing leads, and are still getting tips which they follow up on. They are also still getting help from
city officers, the Texas Rangers, investigators who are no longer even assigned
to the case, and United Response Search & Rescue. We are grateful to each of
them for their determination and dedication.
We are also grateful for those in
the media who have helped keep this in the public awareness. We realize that it
isn't easy for them to report on a story that
has had so little new information
available. That leaves them little to work with other than how it affects the
family. We are uncomfortable with the focus being on us, but will
accept that if it will keep reminding people that Jen is still out there.
It is strange how hard it is to
answer some of the questions we are asked. What is Jen like? You can't really
describe a complex human being in a 20 second sound bite. How has it affected
you not knowing what happened, or where she might be? I don't know how to
express the frustration of not knowing what to do; the guilt of feeling you are
not doing enough, or the right thing; the resentment that it happened at all;
the shame in knowing that other
family, friends, and even employers are not getting the attention they deserve
because of your distraction; the surge of elation when you see a slender young
woman in a store or the car next to you that looks like...; the crash when it
isn't; the hope that one day it will be her; and especially, the fear that you
may never know. I don't think Shakespeare could put those feelings on paper.
Humans are strange creatures. We
can deal with floods and famines, illnesses and accidents, with events that are
beyond our control to prevent that stagger the imagination, yet we find strength
through faith, family, friends, and often total strangers to get through the
worst of times. One thing we don't seem to be good at is not knowing. Not
knowing leaves you off balance, unsure of which direction to look, with no true
reference point to reality.
We believe that someone does know
the answers to our particular questions. We can only hope that they will put
themselves in our situation, and imagine how they would feel if it were their
child, parent or loved one, and be compassionate enough to come forward with
what they know.
Link to KCBD Article:
"Wilkerson Family Speaks on Three Year Anniversary of Daughter's
Disappearance"
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=6787943
August 23, 2006
Someone out there has taken away two years of being able to enjoy the
presence of our daughter. You know who you are and you know why
Jennifer has vanished. Be very aware that we will some day have all the
answers. If you have harmed Jennifer in any way, we don’t have to
threaten you with justice. Someone bigger than all of us knows what
you have done and is watching you! The justice you will receive will
far out weigh any justice you might receive on this earth.
To all the wonderful people that have given their support, love, and
prayers, we have nothing new to share with you. We are left at
present to try and hold close to our hearts and minds memories we have of our
daughter. Her smile, her silly little laugh, her fiery spirit, her
ever lasting love for her family, and our love for her. I miss her
visits, her insights, her passion for life, her adventures, and the list could
go on and on!
Our prayers will be answered and some day we will be reunited with our
daughter, whether in this life or beyond. I want to thank everyone
for their continued love and support. You have helped me confirm in
my heart, that there is far more good, than bad in this world and that in our
darkest hours, we are never alone.
Love you all,
Vikki
6-12-2006
Hello All,
We regret to inform you
that there is new information regarding Joanna Rogers, who disappeared from
Lubbock ten weeks before Jen disappeared. Rosendo Rodriguez, who has been
charged in the murder of another woman, Summer Baldwin, has confessed to the
murder of Joanna.
http://bringjohome.info/
At this
point we don't know if any proof has been provided. All we do know is that our
hearts and prayers are with the Rogers family during this difficult time. Joe
Bill and Kathy were among the first to reach out to us when Jen disappeared.
They made sure we knew what steps to take, who to talk to, opened their home to
us, provided and distributed posters, but most important, have always been there
for moral support and understanding what we are going through. Please keep them,
and Joanna in your prayers.
There has been some speculation that the
accused could be responsible for other incidents, including Jen's disappearance.
Information is limited at this time, as there is a gag order in place on both
prosecution and defense. We have been told by investigators that the forensic
computer search of Jen's computer showed no links to the accused, and no other
connections have been found. It is, of course, still under investigation, as all
possibilities must be explored. At this time there is no reason to believe that
there was a connection.
Thanks again for all the love and support from
each of you.
Jack & Vikki
3/10/06 NOTE FROM JENNIFER'S PARENTS:
We were contacted by the Lubbock Sheriff's Dept. this morning to inform us of
a search taking place near Lubbock. Based on a tip, they searched a home and
property. We believe it to be a case of eliminating possibilities. It was not
sufficient to justify a warrant when it was given, and if there was reason to
believe it a credible tip they probably would have brought in the URSAR team, to
utilize their experience and resources. We were told this afternoon that nothing
of significance was found, though there are some items being further
investigated.
We would like to thank the Sheriff's Department, the Texas Rangers, and the
other units involved for their continued dedication to finding our daughter, and
for keeping us informed in a timely manner. We also would like to particularly
thank Dana, Sheila, and the rest of the United Response team. From Day One of
this ordeal, they have been a rock for us. They have provided more than horses,
dogs, divers, search volunteers and experience - they have also provided
shoulders to cry on, ears to listen to angry rants and crazy theories, calming
words when needed and sage advice always. We would be lost without them. Their
compassion, professionalism, and generosity have made a difficult time
easier.
If any more news is forthcoming, we will let you know.
Jack & Vikki
KCBD News Story 3/10/06
Authorities Collect Possible Evidence In
Jennifer Wilkerson Case
The search for Jennifer Wilkerson is now taking Lubbock authorities to west
Lubbock County. Cadaver dogs were used to assist Lubbock Sheriff's Office, Texas
Rangers and the DPS Crime lab in a search that started at 7 a.m. Friday. The
search focused on a 160 acre property northwest of Reese Technology Center on
Highway 114 and Farm to Market Road 2378.
Investigators spent nine hours on the scene. They did not find a body but
they did collect several pieces of possible evidence. Captain Kevin Overstreet
with the Lubbock County Sheriff's Department said, "I would say it's a
significant lead and hopefully we can develop something as a result of the
evidence we've taken from the scene." Authorities marked that possible evidence
with flags and markers.
NewsChannel 11 has also learned that a lot of drug activity took place at the
house on the property. No one is living there but we have learned the person who
was recently evicted is 36-year-old Richard Boozer. He was arrested January 2,
2006 on three counts of possession of a controlled substance. He is not
considered a suspect at this time.
Authorities did contact Wilkerson's family and let them know about the search
and what they found. Authorities also called the Rogers family to let them know
the search was in no way related to the disappearance of Joanna Rogers.
Janurary 9, 2006
Friday 13, 2006 will make one and a half years since Jen disappeared. At this
point, we know nothing more than we did then, though much has happened in the
mean time; many questions raised but few answers. Recent events in Lubbock have
sparked new directions in the investigation, and also some possible
misunderstandings which we would like to clear up.
The Lubbock Sheriff's Dept. made some changes late last year, reassigning
some people and bringing in some new ones to work on Jen and Joanna's cases. We
welcome fresh perspectives and insights - we are selfish enough to wish the
Texas Rangers, CIA, DPS, FBI, and all other acronyms could be brought in as
well. We were frankly concerned that in the process we would lose the assistance
of Sgt. Greg Parrott, who has devoted so much of his time, energy, expertise and
given so much of himself to finding answers for us. Sheriff Guiterrez personally
assured me that Sgt. Parrott will still be involved in the case. We are hoping
that things in the department will soon settle down and that we will find the
sheriff to be a man of his word. We mean no slight to anyone, but we believe
Sgt. Parrott to be one of the finest investigators in the state of Texas, a
credit to the Sheriff's Department, and an invaluable resource that should not
be wasted.
In December a possible link was discovered between Joanna Rogers and Rosendo
Rodriguez, who has been charged in the murder of Summer Baldwin in Lubbock. This
has raised questions as to whether there is a possibility of his involvement in
Jen's disappearance, as well as several other missing or murdered women in the
Lubbock area. All we can tell you at this time is that there is no known
connection, and while we do not believe one will be found, it is something that
must be investigated and eliminated.
Last week a skull was found at
Yellowhouse Canyon near Buffalo Lake outside of Lubbock. The media had reported
on it, but fortunately, Dana Ames and Kathy Rogers contacted us to let us know
before we found out through the news, and Sheriff Guiterrez called shortly after
that to inform us. He called again the next day to let us know that they had
found most of the rest of the remains. At that time he told us he was fairly
certain that the body was a male. We have since been advised that the pathology
reports show they are definitely from a male, which eliminates the possiblility
of it being Jen or Joanna.
On Friday, 1-6-06, Vikki and I were flown to Dallas to appear on the Nancy
Grace Show on CNN Headline News. The show covered both Jen and Joanna, as well
as the other missing girls from Lubbock. While they did ask many questions
regarding the possible connections between each of the cases, let me repeat that
at this time there is no known connection, other than a possible link between
Joanna and Rosendo Rodriguez' computers. We are very grateful to Nancy Grace for
the national exposure generated, and are very hopeful that the exposure will
lead answers.
Here is a link to the transcript of Nancy Grace and one to KCBD tv's response
to the story:
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0601/06/ng.01.html
http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=4331387
Again, we would like to thank all of you for the love and emotional support
you have given.
Jack and Vikki
September 13, 2005
Here is a link for an article written about Jennifer on the Project Jason
website Link
September 13, 2005
Letter From Jack & Vicki:
Hello All,
Today makes 14 months
since Jen disappeared. We received a call from Dana Ames this morning letting us
know that the body of a woman was found in the landfill in Lubbock, but they
were confident it was neither Jen nor Joanna Rogers. She called back within a
matter of hours to confirm that while the body was a white female in her late
20's, that it appeared to be a recent homicide, and they are pretty sure it is
not her. We knew, of course, that the likelihood was small, but there is that
moment where your heart seems to disappear while you process the information.
News
Story Link
Labor Day weekend URSAR team, along with members of TRUSAR and their cadaver
dogs from Dallas and Houston, went to Lubbock and searched several more sites of
interest. Nothing was found to further the investigation, but several
possibilities were eliminated.
Something that I have been thinking about for a while really struck home
recently. I was thinking about how much the search teams and sheriff's
department give up in their efforts to help people like us. Surely there are
things people would rather do on long weekends like Labor Day than tramp through
fields and gullys in the west Texas heat, yet they always show up when needed. I
am so in awe of that selflessness and generosity, particularly now when I feel
so selfish in my need for answers for my own life. I realized, though, that it
isn't just them that give of their time and lives, but also the wives, children,
families and friends who lose their loved one's company while they are gone. I
wish there was some way that I could let each of them know how much it means to
us. The best I know to do is tell each of you; family, friends, volunteers (and
your families as well), that Vikki and I will be forever greatful for all that
you have done for us, and the love and support you have given.
Thank you,
Jack & Vikki
July 13, 2005
A NOTE FROM JENNIFER'S DAD:
Today makes
one year since I received a call from Jen's roommate wanting to know if she were
in Hobbs, or if we had heard from her. This is an anniversary we had hoped and
prayed not to see, and are hopeful that there will be no more. While there are
still leads coming in and being investigated, there is nothing new or concrete
that we can report at this time. We spent yesterday going through and organizing
her things, and watching videos of her. Her Mother found a quote Jen kept next
to her computer I think says much about the type of person Jen is: "Don't
cry because it is over, smile because it happened." In that spirit, we ask
that all of you who know her, take some time to remember a special moment of
memory you had with her, and reflect on that. Once again, we want to let each of
you know how much the love and support we have received has meant to us.
The following is the newspaper article that appeared in the Lubbock
Avalanche-Journal: Investigators closer to solving year-long
disappearance
BY JASON WOMACK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
A year after
Jennifer Wilkerson disappeared from her south Lubbock County home, deputies say
they are inching closer to resolving the case that has thwarted investigators
and devastated her parents. Although the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office remains
tight-lipped about the details of the investigation, officials have identified
but would not name "persons of interest" in the case. "When Jennifer
disappeared, mistakes were made," Greg Parrott with the Sheriff's Office
said. "Crime cannot occur in a vacuum. We are very close to exploiting those
mistakes made by the individual or individuals responsible for her
disappearance."
Wilkerson, 27, vanished from her home a year ago
today, leaving behind her keys and her car. Her home remained undisturbed, as if
she walked away voluntarily. Since that day, the Sheriff's Office and volunteer
organizations have conducted four large-scale searches - three in Lubbock and a
fourth in New Mexico - to no avail. While Parrott acknowledges Wilkerson may
have left on her own accord, he does not believe it. "Based on our
information, we feel like Jennifer may have met with foul play," he said.
Jennifer's parents, Jack and Vikki Wilkerson of Hobbs, N.M., said they
will hope for Jennifer's safe return until they know the facts. "Until
somebody can give me some evidence," Jack Wilkerson said, "I have to
keep an open mind."
Since her daughter's disappearance, Vikki
Wilkerson hasn't slept well. When she does, Jennifer will occasionally visit her
in dreams. "Every time, I'm hugging her and everything is OK," she
said.
A year later, grief still flows over the Wilkersons in waves.
"One day you just feel great," Vikki Wilkerson said. "The next you
think 'what the hell happened.' "
Jack Wilkerson pauses for a
moment as his wife dabs the tears from her eyes. "There's no consistency in
life anymore," he said. "Sometimes you just feel like you put your life
in neutral."
The Wilkersons will not go to work this week. They
plan to spend their time at home. They never know what the next day will bring,
but they will try to remember happy things.
Vikki Wilkerson encouraged
those who know her daughter to do the same. "I'd like for everybody to take
some time to celebrate her," she said. "(Jennifer) will be here with us
that way."
She lights a candle for her daughter every night - a
ritual she will continue until Jennifer is found. "I have to build my world
where she is OK," she said. She pulls one of several pictures of her
daughter from her purse. Jennifer is wearing a string of beads around her neck.
At the center of the necklace is a small mustard seed. It is one of her favorite
things, her mother says as she struggles to recall the Bible verse: "If you
have faith as a mustard seed ... nothing will be impossible for you."
The Wilkersons will keep their faith that Jennifer will be found. "I
know the people responsible for Jen's disappearance think they got away with
something," Vikki Wilkerson said. "But they haven't. They're being
watched."
Parrott also issued a warning. "We know of several
individuals that know what happened to Jennifer," he said. "These
people need to come forward before they themselves are implicated."
April 12, 2005
Jen has been missing now for 9 months the 13th of this month
and so far there has been no news as to what has happened. The Sheriff's
department continues to follow every little lead that comes their way. Dana and
Sheila with the United Response and Rescue team are also continuing to follow
leads. These two groups of people have been wonderful and diligent in their
efforts to bring Jen home. It has made the most difficult time in our lives
bearable, knowing that such good people are on our side and doing everything in
their power to bring our daughter home to us. I wish with all my heart that we
could give you some real concrete news but as of today we are all still looking,
praying, and hoping that we will find her safe and bring her home.
Thanks to everyone for the continued support and prayers.
Sincerely,
Vikki, Jack, and family
It's been almost six months since the disappearance of 27 year-old Jennifer Lynn
Wilkerson. Since then the Lubbock County Sheriff's Department has followed
several leads that have all come to a dead end.
Saturday, one lead brought them to a piece of property in Northwest Lubbock.
The search began early this morning, members of the Sheriff's department found
no evidence that could be linked to the disappearance of Wilkerson, but still
Sergeant Greg Parrott says they are getting closer each day. "Every day we
receive something, something new something different that leads us in hopefully
a positive direction and we feel that we are going to have resolution in this
case very soon," says Sgt. Parrott.
It was through witness interviews the Sheriff's Department decided to search
this field in Northwest Lubbock on Saturday. It was a search that like the
previous ones came to a dead end. Still Sgt. Parrott remains positive. "We've
come out to several of those locations and have been conducting searches of
those areas. If nothing else we've been able to rule out some properties,"
says Sgt. Parrott.
In the meantime friends and family wait for Wilkerson's return or for at
least a sense of closure. "It's just weird nothing nothing fits together.
Once things start fitting together then something else comes up that just makes
it all, it's just crazy," says Jessica Bullock, Wilkerson's
roommate."If
I was having a problem, she would make me laugh and if she was having a problem
I'd make her laugh and hearing her laugh would make me laugh. I wish she'd come
back," says Bullock. Bullock says the circumstances surrounding Wilkerson's
disappearance is what is most peculiar. Wilkerson left her purse, wallet, cell
phone and house keys. In fact not a single one of her things vanished along with
her. "She was getting paid the next day she never picked up her paycheck.
Just everything that she would have done she didn't do," says Bullock.
Bullock believes that somehow, somewhere Wilkerson left a clue. "Her favorite
show was CSI so if anything happened to her she'll do something for us to find
her. I mean it's Jennifer something will come up she's smart enough," says
Bullock.
For now all friends and family can do is pray and wait, while the sheriff's
department works to discover the clue that many believe Wilkerson could have
left behind. If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jennifer
Lynn Wilkerson, you're encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 775-1601 . All
callers will remain anonymous.
12/11/04 KCBD News Lubbock
-
Friday, December 24, 2004 at 14:22:34
The Sheriff's Department is still receiving tips in the investigation of
Jennifer Wilkerson, who's been missing since July. Based on information from a
call on Dec. 7, they'll do another search at a few locations in Lubbock. The
sheriff's department wants you to call them at (806) 775-1601 if you have any
information on this case.
Thursday, December 9th was Jennifer's 27th birthday.
Dec 10,
2004
- Friday, December 10, 2004 at 23:41:20
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Amid the agony, parents cling to hope
BY JASON
WOMACK
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Jack Wilkerson's favorite picture of his daughter Jennifer now adorns
the hundreds of white paper fliers that dot the windows of truck stops, gas
stations and restaurants in Lubbock and along highways that feed into the city.
Emblazoned above the image is one word: missing.
The photograph shows his daughter, now 26, peering out from under a hood in the
dim twilight hours of a Colorado evening. She balls her fists and holds them
close to her face to fight off the cold. Although she is shrouded in white, her
smile is the brightest thing in the picture.
Jennifer Wilkerson Her parents have not seen that smile or heard her voice
since she vanished from her south Lubbock County home more than three months
ago.
Jennifer Wilkerson's July 13 disappearance sparked the second missing person
investigation by the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office in a year. Joanna Rogers,
17, also vanished from her family's home May 4.
"This is Lubbock. This isn't Dallas, Houston or Austin. We've had two
girls disappear in 10 weeks," Joanna's father, Joe Bill Rogers said.
"That shakes the community."
The disappearances of Jennifer and Joanna have sparked fruitless foot
searches of the areas surrounding the homes of both women. The Sheriff's Office,
working with a team of forensic divers, even searched Buffalo Springs Lake to no
avail.
Despite significant rewards being offered for information leading to the
return of the women, the investigations have yet to turn up any solid
information leading to their locations, said Sgt. Greg Parrott with the
Sheriff's Office.
Parrott, who supervises both investigations, spends every hour of his workday
in a concentrated effort to find the women.
"We've taken extraordinary measures to follow up on every lead and even
the slightest hunch," he said. "We do feel these cases will be solved,
and they will be solved soon."
The Sheriff's Office does not believe the disappearances are related.
The parents of both women said the Sheriff's Office is doing everything it
can to locate their daughters. As the search for the women continues, the
families are growing desperate for information and struggling to answer the
questions that haunt their thoughts.
The Wilkersons live moment to moment. They continue to go to work and live
their lives. However, every reminder of their daughter can summon a flood of
emotion.
"I can't drive by a softball game without seeing her slide into third
base," Jack Wilkerson said.
He and his daughter shared a love of books and music. During her visits to
the Wilkersons' home in Hobbs, N.M., they would retreat to his library to play
songs for one another.
During lightning storms, they would head to the country to listen to music
and watch the flashes of light streak across the New Mexico sky.
"She is also my best friend," he said of his daughter, who he
described as fiercely independent.
Jennifer is always in her parents' thoughts. She enters their minds in the
morning and she's with them when they fall asleep.
"It's like a nightmare you can't wake up from" said Vikki Wilkerson,
Jennifer's mother.
Vikki Wilkerson's most difficult days are Tuesdays, the day her daughter
disappeared. She struggles through the others.
"I think I'm walking insanity," she said.
At times she feels fine, but a conversation or memory can destroy her. She
remembers a talk with a co-worker where she inadvertently began imitating her
daughter's "little heh heh heh" laugh. She fell apart, moving from laughter to
tears.
Common rituals try both families. Trips to the grocery store are now
complicated endeavors.
Vikki Wilkerson said she tells people she is "fine."
"But we won't be fine until Jennifer comes home," she said.
Joanna's mother, Kathryn Rogers, says people now withdraw from her family.
"We're a constant reminder that life is not always good or fair," she
said.
She said they rarely go to restaurants or even watch television.
Both families pray for their daughters to return safely.
"All I have to hold on to is my faith, and until somebody gives me
something else, I'm going to hold onto that," Jack Wilkerson said.
jason.womack@lubbockonline.com
Family Releases More Photos
Update and Personal Note from The Family:
Jennifer Lynn has been missing 12 weeks today. Each day we wake hoping that
this will be the day that we will be able to put our arms around her and have
her back home. We want to thank everyone for keeping Jen in their thoughts and
for the prayers and support everyone has given our family. I also want to share
a little about our precious daughter with you.
Jennifer loves children and has two nieces and a nephew that love her dearly.
Jessica is her 15 year old niece and Mariah is her 11 year old niece. Jessica
has always been Jen’s little “Minnie Me”, they are so much alike in so many
ways. Jessica misses Jennifer terribly and needs her in her life for support and
love through these teen age years. Mariah and Jen are so close and have a lot of
common interest. They would be perfectly content just lying around reading a
book or coloring together. Mariah is quite like Jen and it worries me that she
can’t express the sadness she feels in her heart. Little Joe is Jen’s 7 year old
nephew that can’t even come close to understanding why his Aunt Jennifer won’t
come to see him.
Jennifer has a passion for softball. She grew up playing in the league’s
until they were no longer offered for her age group. As an adult she tried
playing slow pitch but her first love is fast pitch. We were always amazed that
she survived the games without broken bones because she would dive, jump, slide,
or whatever it took to catch a ball and get it where it needed to go.
Jennifer decided at the age of 24 to put herself through college. She was
attending South Plains College and completed 3 semesters successfully. She was a
member of the National Honor’s Society. Her goals are to eventually receive her
masters.
Jen is a fun loving young women and does a perfect impression of “Tweety
Bird”. When our entire family gets together the girls will wait until one of
them is nice and comfy on the couch then someone will holler “dog pile” and
everyone there will jump on top of the one relaxing. It is quite a sight, and
usually Jen being the skinny mini that she is will be the one on bottom. I could
go on forever with all the memories we hold onto.
There are no words that can truly express the emptiness we feel in our hearts
not knowing what has happened to Jen. I would like to appeal, no beg, anyone
that knows where Jen is to please come forward. She is loved very much and we
need your help. Maybe you need us just as bad so please do the right thing. You
can contact the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department at 806-775-1601 or United
Response Search and Rescue Team at 817-501-9296.
Vikki, Jack, Shelley, Jacki, Joe, Jessica, Mariah, and Little Joe
*
- Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 07:50:04
Open Letter from the Family Click Here To
View
*
- Friday, September 17, 2004 at 10:31:15
A new campaign to help find Jennifer gets under way today, September 1, 2004.
Following is the press release:
"You would move Heaven and Earth to find her: A beautiful young woman
whose beaming smile and sparkling eyes, so full of life demand your attention.
The caption above her photo simply states: MISSING. She is Jennifer Wilkerson,
26, of Lubbock, TX, missing since July 14th. It is not such a simple matter for
her family and friends, who are doing everything they can to find her, as their
hearts are breaking as they fear for the well-being and safety of Jennifer.
Strangers across the country are helping the family in many ways, and now some
of the country's best natural networkers, truck drivers, are going to help move
Heaven and Earth to find the young woman by their participation in the 18 Wheel
Angels program."
18 Wheel Angels is a national missing person's locator program spearheaded by
the nonprofit organization Project Jason. The program enlists the aid of truck
drivers and business travelers to place posters of missing persons along their
routes as they travel across the country. A different missing person is featured
every 2 weeks. Participants are asked to go to the 18 Wheel Angels link on the
Project Jason website at www.projectjason.org and to then download and print as
many posters as they can place. Anyone can participate.
Project Jason was founded by Kelly Jolkowski, mother of missing Omaha, NE
youth Jason Jolkowski. The all volunteer group's mission is to create and
increase public awareness of missing people through a variety of outreach and
educational activities. Project Jason seeks to bring hope and assistance to
families of the missing by providing resources and support.
For additional information about the 18 Wheel Angels program, and Project
Jason, please see the website at www.projectjason.org, or contact President and
Founder, Kelly Jolkowski, at 402-932-0095. You may also email 18WheelAngels@projectjason.org.
*
- Thursday, September 2, 2004 at 04:34:04
The Jennifer Lynn Wilkerson Search Fund has been set up to help with the
expenses of the ongoing search for Jennifer, missing now for more than a month.
Contributions to the fund can be made at any Bank of America location. The
family is grateful to all who have helped during this terrible time. They would
especially like to extend thanks to Sonic Drive-Ins for their assistance, and to
Kent Allen for providing webspace for this site.
*
- Tuesday, August
17, 2004 at 23:02:14
Jennifer has been missing now for 4 weeks. The Lubbock Sheriff's Office is
still following up on tips that are coming in, and are still trying to locate a
black lowrider pickup truck with decals on the back window (possibly with
out-of-state plates) that was seen in the area of Jennifer Wilkerson's home the
day before she disappeared. Anyone with any information is asked to contact them
at (806) 775-1601.
8-10-04
- Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 11:50:17
Investigation Update of Missing Woman Jennifer Wilkerson - July 26 2004
Sunday's wet weather dampened the efforts of the Lubbock County Sheriff's
Department. A special crew was scheduled to continue the search for missing
woman Jennifer Wilkerson, but it was cancelled due to the rainy conditions.
However, the crews will continue Monday. It's the second weekend of the
search for the 26 year-old.
More than 200 people participated in Saturday's organized search, but
investigators have not released any new information that was discovered. Right
now, they are asking for your help in locating a suspicious vehicle seen in
Wilkerson's neighborhood a day before her disappearance.
The vehicle is described as a small black pick-up truck. The pick-up is low
rider style, which means it sits very low on the ground. It could also be
equipped with hydraulics. The truck also has wheels with a smooth center cap.
The vehicle is also believed to have decals on the rear window and may have
license plates from out of state. If you spot a vehicle with this description,
you are urged to contact the Sheriff's Office immediately at (806)
775-1480.
InvestigationUpdate of Missing Woman Jennifer Wilkerson: July 23 2004
Authorities will expand the search for a missing Lubbock woman with the help
of community volunteers.
Jennifer Wilkerson has been missing for nine days now. And as more time
passes, the chance that Jennifer is somewhere against her will increases. So now
the Sheriff's Department wants to broaden their search, with your help.
More than 500 people showed up to assist in a foot search for Joanna Rogers
just a few months ago and now, the Sheriff's Department is turning to the
community again and hoping for the same response.
"This weekend we are coordinating a search with an organization, United
Response Search and Rescue. They are assisting in a massive ground search, we
have some areas of interest that we need help searching. Not only for Jennifer
but also for Joanna Rogers. We want to combine the efforts and utilize the
resources that have been so generously provided by our community and that is
people," said Sgt. Greg Parrott.
Sgt. Parrott, says at this time there are no links between the two cases,
other than the fact that it's two girls from south Lubbock County. Sgt. Parrott
and Lt. Cody Scott are both working around the clock interviewing anyone that
was a part of Jennifer's life, and while all are cooperating, they say all the
clues aren't coming in.
"At this point we're still exploring a number of leads that have come in
from the community. However we still haven't received the call from that right
person who knows where she is or what has happened to her," said Sgt.
Parrott.
The Sheriff's Department has already searched by foot and air the area around
Jennifer's house, but now they need your help.
InvestigationUpdate
New information on Tuesday night about a Lubbock woman who has been missing
for one week - July 22 2004
One week ago Tuesday, 26 year-old Jennifer Lynn Wilkerson disappeared. On
Tuesday, the Lubbock County Sheriff's Department released new information on
their search, as well as a plea to the public for help.
In a press conference, the Sheriff's Department explained the chain of events
following Jennifer's disappearance and what steps their search has taken so far.
"When you have prostitutes found dead in the county, and then you have a
missing girl like Joanna Rogers, and then this other missing person. We
certainly want to look at all possibilities. In this particular case, we find no
ties to any of the previous deaths we've had in the county," said Sheriff
David Gutierrez.
According to the Sheriff's Department, Jennifer Wilkerson left her
boyfriend's house to come home and change for work, but when she didn't show up,
the search began. To this day, her black car sits in the driveway, the house was
locked, and her keys were inside, but Jennifer and her purse were gone.
"She did live with two other roommates, hence the concern. Her normal
mode, if she was going to leave, was to tell someone if she was leaving and that
was not the case. Therefore, the roommates contacted the family and the family
contacted us," said Sheriff Gutierrez.
The Sheriff's Department says there were no signs of a struggle at the
residence. They say her family and friends have been cooperative, but they need
more from the public.
"Our concern at this time is that we would like for the public to assist
us with information regarding Jennifer Wilkerson," said Gutierrez.
The Sheriff's Department has already searched the area by foot and with
aerials, but they have few other leads to follow.
NewsChannel 11 interviewed Jennifer about three months ago on another story.
Jennifer is described as about 5' 5", 110 pounds, brownish red hair, blue eyes,
and multiple tattoos.
If you have any information that could assist in this search, please call the
Sheriff's Department at (806) 775-1601.
Again, at this time, there is no tie between Wilkerson and missing Lubbock
teen Joanna Rogers. Rogers has been missing since May 4th.
New
information - July 22 2004
Missing Woman's Parents Ask for Help - July 20 2004
"I'm really at a loss for what to say. I never imagined being in this
position," said Jack Wilkerson, a father in distress. His 26-year-old
daughter has been missing for a week. "We don't know what's happened to
Jennifer," he said.
Missing under suspicious circumstances, believed to be in danger, authorities
are investigating Jennifer Wilkerson's case as an abduction, but have yet to
disclose if there's any physical evidence surrounding her disappearance. "I
can't say at this time," said Lubbock County Sheriff's officer Greg Parrott.
They've been fielding calls and following leads. "We do have a number of
individuals that we are talking to at this time," Parrott said.
Three months ago NewsChannel 11 interviewed Jennifer for a story about the
sin tax proposal. She was helpful, outgoing, engaging. The very characteristics
that have made her absence so alarming. "So out of character not to be in
contact with us. She had already made tentative plans to visit with us last
weekend," said Jack Wilkerson.
Authorities are expected to hold a press conference Tuesday, July 20th, to
provide further details about the investigation.
If you have any information, call the Sheriff's Department at (806)
775-1601
Missing Woman's Parents Ask for Help - July 20 2004
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