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GIRL'S MURDER HITS FAMILY, TOWN HARD Published on Monday, September 12, 1994 By Arthur L. Srb Associated Press "Pray for Cora," the sign outside Trinity Lutheran Church said. Inside, tears flowed freely as people of all ages spoke out in sorrow, frustration and anger at the murder of Cora Jones - the 12-year-old girl who disappeared while bicycling on Labor Day and was found dead over the weekend, dumped along a roadside 75 miles to the north. Cora's family confirmed Sunday that her body had been found, ending a search by hundreds of volunteers in this east central Wisconsin community of 4,500 people. Authorities did not immediately release details on how the girl was slain, but Langlade County Sheriff Dave Steger said whoever was responsible for the death must be found and needs help desperately. "We are looking for a serious, serious offender out there," Steger said. The murder left many with heightened concerns about safety. "My dad's going to get me a siren. You pull something out and it makes a big noise," said 12-year-old Abbey Leder of Waupaca, a friend of Cora's, at a reception after Sunday night's gathering that filled the church to overflowing. "I don't want to go out at night," said 14-year-old Tawny Piotter of Waupaca. "If you're in a big city, you expect it. But not in Waupaca." A table in the reception area displayed Cora's white tennis shoes, rag doll and other favorite things, including a handwritten prayer from summer camp with the message, "The things we have learned will keep us believing..." Next to the table stood a large color photo of a smiling Cora - a blown up version of the same picture circulated throughout the Midwest and on nationwide television during last week's search. Pink balloons, Cora's favorite color, decorated the sign outside the church, and most people in the capacity crowd of about 500 wore little pink ribbons. Jarrod Leder, 17, a Waupaca High School student and Abbey's brother, told the gathering of the Cora he knew from 4-H club activities. "Every time I saw her that kid was always smiling," he said, breaking into tears. "She was always happy... I know she's impacted on more than just this community. She's brought all of these people together... and God knows how many more." Leder said later that he had taken part in last week's searches of fields, woods and roadways after Cora's disappearance. Cora's family learned Saturday night that a girl's body had been found in Langlade County by men scouting out possible deer hunting locations. Relatives said Sunday afternoon that they were informed the body was that of Cora. Vicki Jones, Cora's mother, choked back tears while thanking the volunteers for their help. She added a warning to other parents. "Don't ever think it can't happen to you; we never, ever thought it could happen to us," she said. "This type of thing has to be stopped," said Cora's father, Rick Jones. Sheriff Steger appealed to the public for information that would lead to a suspect. "He poses a risk to our community as well as to other communities," Steger said. "We've got to solve this, people. It's not a pretty sight." |
