Robert Manwill -- Found Deceased 8/3/09

This is another sad story about an 8 year old boy missing. Seems like from reading this childs family histroy he never had a chance, altho LE is saying the search for Robert is their main focus, not his familys background.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jul2909-missing_boy_family.8c056ada.html

Just in............. HLN News stating boy wearing same color shirts has been found in a canal near where Robert went missing...... found dead. Will post link in a few........ am listeing to an Idaho Reporter right now.

Nothing on HLN News site as of yet.......... what a terrible thing for thsi child !

Poor little guy, he never stood a chance in life.

According to what I heard on HLN, the timeline of when little Robert disappeared has been seriously questioned. Also, the body of the little boy found in the pond has been identified as that of Robert Manwill. A little girl said that she saw Robert during the time when he was supposed to have gone missing. She said that she saw him walking back towards his apartment. The Police are also saying that there is no evidence to indicate Robert was abducted by a stranger. I think the mother & her boyfriend know exactly what happened to Robert.

Body in Idaho canal is that of missing boy
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — A county coroner in Idaho has confirmed that a body found floating in a canal is that of missing eight-year-old Robert Manwill.

In a statement Wednesday, Ada County coroner Erwin Sonnenberg said dental records confirm the identity. The cause of death remains unknown and is pending investigation.

A passerby called emergency workers Monday afternoon to report the body in the canal.

The boy reportedly disappeared July 24th after leaving his mother's apartment in Boise, and was the subject of intense search.

Police have said evidence in the case indicates suspicious circumstances surrounding the disappearance.

His father, Charles Manwill, lives in New Plymouth and has had custody of the child since 2008.

http://www.webcenter11.com/news/national/story/Body-in-Idaho-canal-is-that-of-missing-boy/W_5vKUmF9U63SB5bu2FJJw.cspx


KIVI-TV Today's Channel 6 News
Emotions Flare After Robert's Death is Homicide
Posted: Aug 6, 2009 12:50 AM

There's been 2 types of reactions out here from Robert's memorial: sadness and anger after knowing that someone had the ability to murder an 8-year old little boy.

"I don't know what to say. It makes you want to hold on to the ones you have more," said a father Mike Robison.

Many were speechless, shocked, and even angry.

"So many things all at one time, it kills you," said a mother Heather Estrada.

Tears shed as many say they are in disbelief someone could kill a little boy, even for 6 year old Mariah Martinez.

"He didn't deserve to die he was just a kid. He just wanted to have fun," said 6-year old Mariah Martinez.

So many emotions are pouring out from the community once police announced that 8-year old Robert Manwill's death was ruled as homicide.

"They're so innocent to begin with and yet to have their lives taken from them. For what? There can't be any explanation is to why something like that would happen," said Robison.

"Just seeing them and then hearing the boy it's just hard," said a mother Rebecca Weiss.

"It's heart-wrenching. If there's one word that should be it," said Estrada.

Candles, dozens of teddy bears, flowers and even letters saying Robert's in a better place fill his memorial.

In the last 24 hours Robert's memorial has nearly tripled in size as families continue to stop by to drop off their condolences.

Many parents say this is far from over, until they find Robert's killer.

"It's wrong. Just will be done through, it will be served," said a mother Wendy Wilemon.

There's word that all of these teddy bears from Robert's memorial will be donated to the Ronald McDonald sight after the vigil on Friday night.




Kerns on Manwill homicide: "We will find out who did this"

BOISE - After days of repetitive information and little to go on, the tone from Boise Police Deputy Chief Jim Kerns changed Wednesday. The death of 8-year-old Robert Manwill is a homicide.

“We will find out who did this, and we will hold them accountable,” Kerns said.

Hours after the Ada County Coroner released a positive identification on the body of Robert Manwill, found in a Kuna canal Monday, Kerns stepped before the microphones and made a short statement.

“Preliminary results from the autopsy give us reason to believe that the death of Robert Manwill was not an accident,” he said.

Kerns seemed almost angry in his tone.

“Justice will not be denied for Robert Manwill,” he said.
UNCUT: "We will find who did this"

He also said there is no evidence that Manwill is the victim of any type of abduction, but he would not detail if the department has any suspects in the case.

“Our justice system demands criminal investigations be thorough and methodical," Kerns said.

Robert’s aunt and uncle spoke with NewsChannel 7 Wednesday and said they were holding out hope that the tentative ID was wrong – and they had held off making funeral arrangements.

Manwill was reported missing late in the evening of July 24th . A search began immediately, and for nearly a week – police held daily news conferences with Manwill’s family present – including his mother, Melissa Jenkins and Jenkins’ boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick.

The case started to rapidly change on Thursday 30th. That night, police began searching the Jenkins' Boise Bench apartment, removing materials from the home, including cabinets, computers and more. Police also towed a vehicle from the complex.

The next day, just as thousands of volunteers were scouring the city, police announced a change in tone to the public. Kerns told the media that police believed Robert "was the victim of a tragic event."

Searchers were told to look for a badly injured little boy, and also to be alert to "strange smells."

Then, late in the day, police responded to a home on Southdale Street in Ada County, and began probing dirt in the home's backyard in some sort of search.

The next day, that search was abruptly called off - and very few details came out until the discovery of Manwill's body near Kuna in the New York Canal Monday.

Though no suspects have been named in Manwill's death, and police would not detail who was responsible, his mother has a past criminal history that involves hurting children.


Ada County Jail
Melissa Jenkins, 29, of Boise, has been charged with felony injury to a child.

On October 19, 2008 police said a baby boy had been injured. Jenkins was arrested and charged with felony injury to a child. The child suffered serious head injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. The child was taken into the custody of the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Court documents say Jenkins hit her 9-month-old son's head on a surface. The infant suffered a fractured skull that caused not only physical pain, but mental suffering as well.

KTVB spoke with the family of Ehrlick, Jenkins' live-in boyfriend.

Since the boy’s disappearance, he's been in and out of the hospital for unspecified treatments, according to family.

A vigil is scheduled to be held on Shoshone St. at Cherry Ln. It will take place Friday at 8 p.m., and the community is invited to attend.

8 yr old boy's death ruled homicide by Boise Police Chief
Story Updated: Aug 5, 2009 at 8:47 PM CDT

Breaking news out of Boise: police say the death of 8 year-old Robert Manwill was not an accident. Boise Police Chief Deputy Jim Kerns says that the case is now being investigated as a homicide and there is no evidence that Robert was abducted by a stranger.

The Ada County Coroner said Wednesday evening, that forensic dental information helped to positively identify the body found in the New York Canal as Robert Manwill.

Kerns said, "We believe we will determine how and when Robert died and who is responsible."

Police have not named any suspects and no one is in custody. The 8 year old was last seen outside his mother's apartment on the night of July 24th.

The boy was visiting his mother, who was previously convicted of hurting another child, the night he vanished.

His body was pulled from the canal about 14 miles away on August 3rd.


http://www.kmvt.com/news/local/52557872.html

I find it extremely curious that we've heard no comments from Robert's mother since his disappearance, and now that his body has been found.

Little Robert never had a chance......he should have been removed from the home when "Momma" was charged in the infant's assualt........God only knows what this little boy suffered. I could beat her a** myself....I just don't get it.

Piper wrote:Little Robert never had a chance......he should have been removed from the home when "Momma" was charged in the infant's assualt........God only knows what this little boy suffered. I could beat her a** myself....I just don't get it.

Hi, Piper! I completely agree with you. What in the Hell is wrong with Child Protective Services? They are obviously NOT doing their jobs. What idiot allowed this mother to keep her children? Given this woman's past history, the person who dropped the ball on this one is also responsible for Robert's death. I wonder how they can live with that knowledge?

I heard on HLN yesterday that there is evidently alot of "guessing" going on concerning Ehrlik ( sp ), boyfriend of the Mother. Apparantly the Mother was at work when Robert came up missing and Robert was left with the boyfriend. I hate to quote all this, so am off to try to find that transcript ! lol Sorry folks. Hope to "brb" with the exact wording on this.

I found numerous stories so I will post the titles & links to most.

Funeral services for Robert Manwill open to public
http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10870610

Neighbors walk 11 laps for Robert

BOISE - The search for Robert Manwill is over, but the community is still reaching out in full force.

Neighbors Monica Dalton and Heather Fieseler weren't able to join any of the searches for Robert. But they still wanted to do something for the little boy and his family.

"Anybody can stand up in the community and show their support to anything," Fieseler said. "It doesn't have to be someone who knows the family."

Despite early morning puddles, Dalton, Fieseler and a few friends circled the same loop around Robert's apartment up to the top of Vista Ave. in Boise, 11 times.

"We picked this canal," Dalton said. "We live right down the street and we're just going to Targee, the Park Apartments, his memorial and back up."

The laps represented the 11 days Robert Manwill was missing and was away from his family.

"This is something serious that some people just brush off like it happens every day - but us, it really hurt us," she said.

One stop along the route was the boy's memorial, where volunteers were still cleaning and getting ready to donate Robert's toys to the Ronald McDonald House.

While heading back to Jackons, getting ready to start the fourth lap for Robert, Fieseler says although remembering the little boy is their number one priority, they also want to remind all parents to keep a close on eye on their little ones.

http://www.2news.tv/news/52798047.html

The family of Robert Manwill speak out
http://www.kidk.com/news/52735367.html

BOISE - A vigil was held for Robert Manwill Friday night in Boise. Earlier in the day, Robert's family addressed the public. Despite the latest news that police are calling his death a homicide, his family is sticking together.

The family says, in a way, Robert Manwill is finally home and for the first time since his body was found, they addressed the community.

"We also know that Robert is in your hearts and that you need closure just as we do," says Trish Burrill, Robert's aunt.

With Robert's mom and dad in the background, the family spokesperson offered words of thanks to the police department, investigators, and everyone whose let this little boy into their hearts.

"We as a family have given it much thought and would like you to meet Robert," she adds.

The family has set up a website through myspace. They say it's a way for everybody to get to know Robert, saying quote:

"Robert loved to meet new people and make new friends. He was so outgoing that we had to make new rules just for him. One of his rules was that he had to ask before he hugged someone. He loved life and people so much that he would run up to strangers and give them hugs."

While the family continues to ask for privacy right now, they also say it's important the community whose been there from day one, searching tirelessly, worrying and wondering, what's happened to Robert also be there until the end.

"To lay our sweet loving boy, Robert to rest with God," says Burrill.

Robert Manwill's life honored in Boise
http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/idaho/stories/NW_080809IDN-manwill-vigil-KS.bf354ed1.html

Community Continues to Honor Robert Manwill
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10872528

Hundreds remember Robert Manwill at his funeral

BOISE - Robert Manwill's family has stood behind police for weeks as they searched for the little boy. Again today, they walked together, this time slowly, carrying Robert's remains.

Pastor George Sova spoke for the family during Sunday's services.

"What began as a community's search for a missing child and ended in the discovery of a tragic, tragic death of this sweet innocent boy," Sova said.

Hundreds of community members, some now friends of the Manwill family because of Robert, gathered with a shared grief and tears.

The eight-year-old's teacher, Christie Morales was among those who traveled to Boise for the funeral, from his hometown in New Plymouth.

"When you spend seven hours a day, five days a week with someone, you get attached," Morales said. "Robert was one of my kids and it's not fair to lose someone so young."

Morales's words were echoed by Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins and father, Charles Manwill, in letters, their last words to their son.

"You were a gift," Sova said. "Though it was extremely short, you will always be in our hearts."

But before Robert was finally laid in peace, his family stood together one last time.

Releasing white doves for the little boy, who won't soon be forgotten by the Boise community or his loving family.

Robert Manwill's funeral draws nearly 500 mourners

Robert Manwill's funeral service was held at the Cloverdale Funeral Home August 9.

BOISE -- With so many questions still unanswered, the family of Robert Manwill, and the community at large, sought closure Sunday afternoon at the funeral of the slain child.

Nearly 500 people attended the funeral of Manwill, the little boy who bonded a community, at the Cloverdale Funeral Home.

There is nothing more tragic nor more difficult to understand than the death of a child, especially one complicated by homicide. Sunday was a tearful coming together of those who feel this loss the most.

"I believe Robert Manwill should be remembered as Boise's peace child. What began as a community search for a missing child and ended in the discovery of the tragic death of sweet innocent boy has brought an entire community together," said Pastor George Sova.

The ceremony took place at 2 p.m. and featured speakers such as Manwill’s teacher who talked about a little boy who loved life.

"Today we have gathered here with a shared grief. I imagine there's a lot of shock, dismay. We're stunned, how could this happen." Sova said. “It wasn't anyone's fault that he wasn't found. It wasn't Robert's fault, it wasn't anyone's fault. And family, I want you to hear this well, it was someone made a choice...someone made a dark dreadful choice....to take his life." Sova said.

Sova also read letters from Manwill’s parents, detailing some of their memories of Robert and their desire to have his killer found. Manwill’s family and loved ones then released doves, which Sova said was a symbolic tribute to Manwill’s spirit.

“As Robert's dove soars over the horizon and out sight we can softly whisper, there. He is gone, but we can be sure that over that horizon, other's will look to the sky and joyfully exclaim, ‘look, here he comes’,” Sova said.

Following the dove release there was a procession to the nearby cemetery where Manwill's ashes were laid to rest.

While this is an end to a chapter this story is far from over as the criminal investigation into his death continues.

So far, police have not named any suspects or persons of interest.

Sova talked at the service about the need to serve justice in this case.

“The search continues not for Robert but for his perpetrator and as we speak law enforcement agencies across the board are working diligently seeking to solve this horrendous crime against an innocent child... so that it will not end on a shelf of unsolved mysteries somewhere,” Sova said.

Police have not released any details about its investigation so far.

Police say the family is cooperating with the investigation.

Hundreds Gather To Say Farewell To Robert Manwill
http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10874363

Missing Boy Found in Canal Laid to Rest
Posted: Aug 10, 2009 05:51 PM


BOISE, Idaho (AP) - An 8-year-old boy who was missing for more than a week before his body was found floating in an Ada County canal has been laid to rest at a Boise cemetery.

Nearly 500 members of the community attended a public memorial service for Robert Manwill on Sunday at the Cloverdale Funeral Home and Memorial Park.

Police say the death is an active homicide investigation and there is no evidence the boy was abducted by a stranger.

The child reportedly disappeared July 24 after leaving his mother's apartment in Boise. The boy lived with his father, Charles Manwill, in New Plymouth and was visiting his mother the night he vanished.

A passerby called emergency workers Aug. 3 to report a body in the canal near Kuna.http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=10879851

Citizen volunteers train for emergencies in Pocatello
http://www.kidk.com/news/52995082.html
POCATELLO - In the last few weeks thousands of people helped search for Robert Manwill, the missing 8-year-old Boise boy.

As part of an on-going training program, citizen volunteers in Pocatello were taught what they could do to help if a similar tragedy struck the Gate City. Brent Dustin, a new CERT Team Member said, "It can happen anyplace, anytime."

The mock emergency happening Tuesday is that a plastic baby is hidden somewhere in this field.

Members of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are learning how to search a large area for clues. Judy Harris, a third-year CERT Team Member said, "You can learn so much out of a book, but you really need to do it to get the feel of it and the practice."

And the exercise was a success. The CERT team found all nine hidden items; including a handgun, knife, baby clothes, and victim. Dustin said, "The more training you have the better job you can do. You learn your teammates, your squad, what you're doing, and you have some idea of what to start on."

While Tuesday's search was obviously staged, the Police Department has used volunteers in the past to help them find evidence.

And having a group of people go through the CERT training makes them even more effective in the future if they're needed. Kim Ellis, Pocatello Police Department Community Services Division said, "We're training them. They're familiar with us, and we're familiar with them. In an emergency we could instantly augment ourselves by 25 or 30 people."

An immense benefit considering all of the team members are volunteering their time. Harris said, "There aren't a lot of people that are trained to do this, and hopefully we'll be able to help."

But most are hoping it never actually comes to that.

So far the CERT team has not been called out during an emergency, but the Police Department is confident team members are prepared if the need arises.

To become a member of the CERT team you need to pass a criminal background check.

http://www.2news.tv/news/local/53619927.html

BOISE - Court documents are alleging that Robert Manwill's mother and her boyfriend tortured the 8-year-old boy under sadistic circumstances before murdering him in July.

"Daniel Ehrlick...did unlawfully and with the intentional application of torture, kill and murder Robert G. Manwill, a human being, by intentionally inflicting upon...extreme or prolonged pain with the intent to cause suffering, to execute vengeance, or to satisfy some sadistic inclination and or by inflicting upon extreme or prolonged acts of brutality...," court documents say.

The documents go on to allege that Robert's mother, Melissa Jenkins, 30, did aid and abet Ehrlick in "(inflicting) repeated acts of blunt force trauma to the abdomen and or head of Robert Manwill with his hands, knees, fists and or feet and by other means of physical force, physical and or emotional abuse which caused bruising, pain, abdominal bleeding and injuries..."

Continue on link above.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hUXzIn-qwIqEY9RjeTeHqMRo83PgD9A5ODVO1


Mother, boyfriend indicted in death of Idaho boy

By JOHN MILLER (AP) – 16 hours ago

BOISE, Idaho — The mother of an 8-year-old boy found dead in an Idaho canal and her live-in boyfriend have been indicted on first-degree murder charges by an Ada County grand jury.

Thirty-year-old Melissa Jenkins and her boyfriend, 36-year-old Daniel Ehrlick Jr., were arrested Tuesday in the death of Jenkins' son, Robert Manwill. The two also face charges on accusations that they failed to report the boy's death.

Robert was missing for more than a week before his body was found floating in the canal Aug. 3. No cause of death has been released, but police said evidence showed the death was not accidental.

More at link above.

Thanks for the links Tracey. It's another case of sick, twisted people murdering an innocent child. Why does this keep happening? Are the laws in this country not stiff enough? From everything I have read about this case, it sounds like those two criminals should have already been in jail before having a chance to murder Robert.

Yes, I am just sickened by this. I do NOT understand! I just don't! For one, how the hail, was this boy back in his mothers home after cracking her first child's skull at 9 months old? Secondly, why do these MOTHERS (used loosely here) bring these violent men into the lives of their children. They want to be with losers who beat on them, fine, what the hail ever. But for God's sake, don't bring them in your kids lives.
Seems to me like this mother never gave a rat's azz about her kids and has a temper herself. I wish they would get the death penalty. I really do. I was not a supporter of the death penalty for a long time. And the reason was, only because of their families and how I hated to have any more suffering. However, I don't give a damn anymore. I am tired of opening the paper, reading the news, turning on the tv and we have lost another innocent child. We, as a society have to do something. I only wish I had an answer. I truly am just sick about this sweet little boy having his life just snuffed out as if he didn't matter. He did matter and he Does matter. Enough is Enough!
Damn, I am angry!

May you rest in peace and fly with angels, Robert!

And may your murderers ROT IN HELL!

Every one of these cases of children being murdered make me angry. I think many people who didn't support the death penalty are changing their stance as they continue to hear about these horrible cases of children being murdered, tortured, sexually abused, buried alive, dumped in rivers, dumped in the woods, etc. I don't think any punishment is too harsh for these child killers.

So they tortured and beat him to death. God rest his little soul



Another innocent child, at the hands of the mother... and boyfriend
I don't know what the answer is as far as punishment for torturing and killing a child. I think torture and slow death, that isn't even enough.

I sat there tonight and just cried when I saw that. HOW? WHY ? Where do these poor children slip thru the cracks ? So MANY questions. SO sad !

Fysty these aren't Mothers......... they just have the "basket" !