[PHOTO CREDIT: Missingkids.org / NCMEC]
[Original Publish Date: 12/13/19]
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LEESBURG, Florida — A new age-progressed photo of Leesburg missing child Trenton Duckett has been released by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC.)
The photo, age progressed to 15 years old, shows what Trenton may look like today. His father, Josh Duckett said NCMEC releases a new photo about every two years. “I’m glad they [keep releasing new photos] because it keeps Trenton’s name out there and keeps it fresh,” he said.
When asked if he believes the photo is close to what Trenton may look like today, Duckett said, “It’s hard to say. [NCMEC] takes photos of me and Melinda to create the photo of Trenton. Not knowing whose features are dominant…it’s hard to say.”
In August, nearly two dozen people turned out for a candlelight vigil to mark the 13th year since Trenton went missing. Each year Trenton’s father gathers family and friends in front of Leesburg City Hall to mark the boy’s disappearance. “I won’t stop until he comes home,” he told Lake Legal News.
At the vigil, Leesburg Police Lt. Gary Barrett said that although the case is 13 years old, it is an open and active investigation.“We’re still working with FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) on this,” Barrett stated to LLN. “With the investigation being 13 years old… you go back through everything.” Barrett was the responding detective on the case when the 911 call came in 13 years ago.
In 2006, two-year-old Trenton was reported missing by his mother, Melinda Duckett. She told authorities she put him down for bed around 6 p.m. and after watching “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,” with two male friends, she checked on him and he was gone, the screen in his bedroom widow sliced open. She quickly became a suspect – police didn’t buy her story about the cut screen and soon began tracking her movements in the days before the boy went missing.
The case garnered national attention and has been covered by Nancy Grace, Greta Van Susteren and Dr. Phil among others. Less than two weeks later, Melinda took her own life and all the answers with her, just one day after a fist-pounding interview by Nancy Grace. (Melinda’s adoptive parents sued Grace and agreed to a $250,000 settlement.)
If you have information on the boy’s disappearance, call Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. In addition, she has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
