Two Days After Girl's Death, Constantine Residents Searching for Answers

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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Jodi Parrack Constantine cemetery

The body of 11-year-old Jodi Parrack was found in a Constantine cemetery Thursday night, Nov. 8, 2007. Police believe someone abducted the girl as she rode her bike home from a friend's house, then killed her. (Photo provided)

By WSBT News1

(WSBT) Investigators are working around the clock trying to find answers in the death of 11-year-old Jodi Parrack. She disappeared Thursday afternoon and her body was found a few hours later in the Constantine Township Cemetery.

As some would say, it's a perfect example of small town, middle America.

"It just seems like everyone knows everyone," said Tommy Sicard.

News of Parrack's death sent shockwaves through Constantine. People can't stop talking or reading about it, especially at popular spots like Harvey's House diner.

"Oh everyone bought the newspaper this morning when I came into work. A lot of rumors going around," said Sicard, who owns Harvey's House. "A lot of people … it’s just on their minds constantly."

And at the busiest salon in town, it's no different.

"Obviously there's always a lot of talk when something like this happens," said Lasting Impressions owner Denise Miller.

Police continued their investigation Saturday by canvassing the area for answers. Two days after the little girl's death, police have little new information and continue to offer few details.

"The manner of which it happened I can't divulge and I don't even know if he's made that determination," St. Joseph County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Holly Curtis said at a news conference on Saturday.

"Someone did say that they had seen a dark pickup in the cemetery or near the cemetery sometime close to where the body was located," said Constantine Police Chief Mark Honeysett.

As the murder continues to go unsolved, this tight-knit town is left on edge and searching for answers themselves.

"We want to what happened and why it happened,” said Sicard.

"Everybody's nervous. Everybody's uptight, not really knowing how to feel about the town," said Miller. "Nothing like this has ever happened in small, little Constantine."

Police haven't named any suspects.

They're asking for people to look out for a dark-colored pick-up truck -- possibly like a Ford Ranger. They say they've received reports it was seen in or near the cemetery close to when the girl's body was found.

Police are also warning people about reports of suspicious activity in Mattawan and Cassopolis, but are not saying whether those reports are connected to Jodi Parrack's death.

So far, police have received 150 tips and are following up on all of them. They say they're looking for any information the public can provide. Police have set up a call center so they can better retrieve and organize the information coming in. The numbers are: (269) 435-4355 or (269) 467-4195.

Thursday, Oct 30 at 3:26 PM mariah { jodi best friend} wrote ...

we all love and miss you for ever and will find him soon i hope so he dont do it again to some else kid we are still crying but we stop after a while and all your friends love you

Friday, Feb 8 at 8:01 PM friend wrote ...

i wish she was still here because im completely lost without her

Saturday, Jan 12 at 12:33 PM from tx wrote ...

I WOULD TELL PEOPLE THAT TO LEARN NOT TO JUDGE ONLY GOD KNOWS THE TRUTH IF YOURE NOT TO GIVE SUPPORT DO NOT WASTE YOU'RE TIME!STATING COMMENTS YOU'RE NOT SURE ABOUT.MY PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY.

Wednesday, Dec 19 at 8:46 PM Someone wrote ...

I live in Mendon and my brother used to know her. She was in his 3rd grade class for a fraction of the year. We know she did, because he had an autograph book at the end of the year, and there was her name. I think her mom did it.

Thursday, Dec 13 at 4:40 PM Furious Angel wrote ...

What if she lived in fear with a demon (under the same roof) that was molesting her and she finally got the courage to expose the beast? As a result the monster attacked? That could be possible. My heart goes out to the boys still in that house.

Saturday, Dec 1 at 9:48 AM friends of Jodi wrote ...

WE THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE FAMILY. BUT WE STILL FEEL SORRY FOR THE FAMILY, WE HOPE THEY FIND THE MONSTER!!!!!WE ARE ALL SCARED TO GO OUTSIDE!!

Monday, Nov 26 at 9:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

She was not found the first 5 mins after the search started, so Im not sure where u got that information. I live in Constantine and my son goes to Riverside Elem. where she went to school.

Sunday, Nov 18 at 12:31 PM Anonymous wrote ...

i think it was the mom becase she found her first 5 minutes after the search started

Wednesday, Nov 14 at 5:21 PM Larry wrote ...

She will surely be missed by us all - prayers to the family. I will never understand violence to children.

Wednesday, Nov 14 at 4:43 PM Samantha wrote ...

I feel so sorry for this family I was friends with Jodis older bro. Brian and I only live 3 miles from the cemetary that is scary and then not even 1 week later I hear about a little boy being snatched from the b-ball game!! My best goes out 2 Family

Wednesday, Nov 14 at 9:35 AM Sarah wrote ...

I agree with Lisa's comment. I Don't live far from the town. I have 2 of my own. I believe that children can and should be taught to defend themselves at a young age. Maybe that would make it harder for a child to be taken by some sick monster.

Monday, Nov 12 at 12:47 PM Joel wrote ...

I fell so terrible for jodi's parents it must be hard to lose a loved one, but i hope the best for them. I hope who ever done this will be punished.

Monday, Nov 12 at 11:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

My heart goes out to the family. I can't imagine losing a child. Especially this way. Thanks WSBT for adding a comment section.

Monday, Nov 12 at 11:05 AM Anonymous wrote ...

sad, my heart and prayors goes out to the family...

Monday, Nov 12 at 10:23 AM Diedre wrote ...

It breaks my heart that some monster would kill a sweet angel like that. even worse her mother finding the body, I hope the find the monster and fry him. My prayers go out to the family and poor little jody!

Monday, Nov 12 at 9:08 AM Joan wrote ...

is there a possible connection between this abduction and the attempted one in plymouth, in several weeks ago???it seem like a van & pick up were involved???

Monday, Nov 12 at 5:23 AM karen wrote ...

I feel sorry for the parents of the little girl. Our world is turning into an awful place. Why would someone want to hurt an insinate child like that. Her life was just beginning.

Sunday, Nov 11 at 8:19 PM Donna wrote ...

I've read the story about the little girl. Our family is sorry for your lost. We will pray for you. We will also pray that Gods guild the police to whoever did this and that justic is serviced right in the eyes of God

Sunday, Nov 11 at 4:33 PM debra wrote ...

i grew up in constantine and so did my children. I was almost abducted when I was walking to school. My prayers go out to the family. sleep with the angles little one.

Sunday, Nov 11 at 3:05 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Prayers for the family

Sunday, Nov 11 at 12:12 PM Lisa wrote ...

I can never understand what kind of sick animal would harm a child! Every one is God's precious gift. Rest in peace you beautiful angel.

Sunday, Nov 11 at 5:34 AM lydia 99 wrote ...

This world is getting sicker by the moment and filled with even sicker people! My god rest that beautiful little girl's soul!

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