 Indictment Does Not End This Case by Linda Richard Two years after 19 year old Rachel Timmerman was found dead in Newaygo County lake, federal prosecutors have charged Marvin Gabrion Jr. with her murder. Timmerman's baby daughter, Shannon VerHage, is still missing. Despite frightening remarks made to press reporters by Newaygo County Prosecutor, Crystal Roach, that Gabrion could be linked to the death of the baby, VerHage's family is convinced she is alive and feel it is important that the public know there is still a $5,000 reward available for information leading to her return. "No matter what Crystal Roach says about Shannon being dumped in that lake, investigators I have talked to as recently as last week tell me there is nothing to indicate that Shannon is dead and there is even some evidence that she is actually alive," states Kim VerHage of Rockford, Shannon's grandmother. "I am offended that some reporters think that I should just give up and go away because Crystal Roach says so. What parent would give up on a child when there is no evidence (of her death)." Although Gabrion is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.Xl Attorney Timothy VerHey, Roach will act as a special federal prosecutor in the case. She will no longer be able to comment to reporters on the case, however. In a hearing last week, U.S. Magistrate Joseph Scoville severely scolded the prosecutor for remarks made to the press, saying he was shocked, that Roach "went beyond the pale" of legal ethics, that her statements would be objectionable even in a closing argument. "It was extraordinary," Scoville said. He imposed a partial gag order, barring attorneys form making public statements concerning the murder case. Timmerman's family was in agreement with the judge. "This case should be tried in the courtroom," stated Rachel's father, Tim Timmerman of Cedar Springs, "not in the newspapers." Kim VerHage was concerned about the public perception of Roach's remarks. "Nothing is more important right now than finding Shannon. It is important that people realize we are still fighting to find her, not giving up. We need their help. Anything jeopardizing our efforts is tragic," said VerHage. Gabrion could face the federal death penalty because Timmerman was murdered on federal land. When Gabrion heard the charge against him in federal court he stated, "God knows I did not kill anyone....I am innocent." Timmerman's mother and father would both like to see the death penalty realized with no deals. "He needs to be put to death. There needs to be a statement made to rapists and murderers," stated Velda Timmerman. VerHage, however, is not as adamant about the death penalty if a deal could be made to return Shannon. "My prayer is now and has always been that Shannon be returned to her family. I know that if Rachel could make a choice between someone else dying and her daughter being returned to the family who loves her, she would want Shannon home," states VerHage. She will continue her efforts to raise money for the reward fund and to get Shannon's description and information to as many people as possible. She currently has a display of books in her downtown Rockford bookstore, Reading Books, that she sells with all the money going to Shannon's reward fund. She also continues her efforts to keep Shannon's plight visible on the internet.
The Rockford Squire, July 10, 1999 Reprinted with permission PHOTO NEXT HOME If you have any information, Contact: Michigan State Police at: (231)652-1662 The FBI at: (616)456-5489 The Silent Observer at: (616)774-2345 Thank You |