Disappearance of Theresa Parker, 911 dispatcher in Walker County
By Staff report
Monday March 26, 2007 6:49:51am


POST YOUR COMMENTS (must be a registered user) or READ OTHERS' COMMENTS on the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Walker County 911 dispatcher Theresa Parker, who was last seen on March 21.


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TheNaturalist
Comments: 128
Joined: 05/23/2006
04/01/2007 09:38:48 AM
floydcounty,

We have a PROCESS for justice in this country. He hasn't even been charged. Let the investigators and courts sort it out. Why is it necessary to say these types of things? If the allegations are true, they will come out in due time.
 
floydcountyga
Comments: 1
Joined: 03/31/2007
03/31/2007 08:31:12 PM
For all the folks who think this is just a smear campaign...let your mother, sister, or daughter go missing and the person who she has shared her life with for the most part of last 20 years just continue on with his life.....then you can stand up and tell everybody in the world it is just a smear campaign and that his behavior has not been suspicious at all to you. It dosen't matter what line of work either one of them are in. There is a missing woman, and an estranged husband who says he just cant assist in the search because he is too upset? C'mon now lets be serious.
My thoughts and prayers are with Theresa Parker, her family, and Walker County 911.

 
cck36
Comments: 126
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 08:46:42 PM
Smear campaign I don't want to start that train rolling. If my wife was missing I would search day and night
to find her. I can promise any one else would be under the constant eye of the G.B.I. I would not be at
work trying to keep my mind busy. I would be out looking non-stop to find her. I would be in contact
with her family ever day to show them I was doing all I could. Theresa's family needs all the support we
can give so ever one please keep hope alive. I don't know if her husband hurt her or not no one does
so let's just hope she is found safe as soon as possible. cousin kenny
 
SpannerWrench
Comments: 8
Joined: 01/19/2007
03/29/2007 04:23:02 PM
It seems to me that alot of you folks are on a smear campaign. Fine, smear if you wish thats your choice, though you might want to consider helping instead of criticizing. Does everyone remember who found the lady that was missing from villanow? It was someone out looking for aluminum cans. Maybe you should lend a helping hand and stop relying on everyone that you criticize to find this lady. How much time have each of you spent looking for her? If everyone went out on their own property and looked and then spent 30 minutes looking in areas around your property, if she were left somewhere by someone, you would think if everyone were looking she could be found. Pretend this was your daughter and help out. Wouldn't you want everyone to help you look? Whether you live near corinth or the LaFayette Air Port, go out and look. There is no telling where she will turn up or if she will but everyone should be looking. As far as rocky marriages go, How many of you would want the things that have happened in your personal to be exposed? Not many I bet. And if you would convict someone without the evidence to support their wrong doing then you are no better than the ones you criticize, and are as corrupt as you say some of these folks are. I hope everyone is looking and if you cannot look, Pray for her safe return.
 
cck36
Comments: 126
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 03:48:41 PM
I don't think we should give up hope that Theresa Parker will be found alive. I don't know her husband so
I will not comment on his character. When a man's wife is missing he is always the first suspect. I think that
is textbook now, and sadly many husbands do kill their wives. Several years ago a woman disappeared on
Taylor's Ridge and everyone just knew her husband was to blame, even after he proved he was as work all
night in Dalton. The "Police" did ever thing they could to link him to it , but the truth was he loved her dearly
and would never do anything to hurt her. So I don't think we should get ahead of the investigation too soon.
I do agree the LaFayette Police Department is corrupt. Many many officers cheat on their wives and break
laws with out getting into trouble. The main thing I have a problem with is harassment by city officers.The
badge is not a giant ''S" and there are no capes, and not every one is a criminal.Sam is not the only officer in LaFayette to abuse his wife.
 
proudnanna
Comments: 49
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 03:35:23 PM
Just to clarify: I worked for Walker County for several years. The information that I have posted is not hearsay. I have never been arrested, I have never received a speeding ticket. I pay my bills on time and my children have all graduated from college. Romegasir, you are mistaken.

I have seen firsthand the corruption in many county departments. There was nothing I could do to change the wrong that I saw. That is the reason I no longer work for Walker County.

There are problems in every business, every county, every household. However, I find it totally unacceptable behavior from those who take an oath to protect us to be the most corrupt. I am not saying they all are. I am saying one is too many.

In my years the majority of things I saw Steve Wilson doing is hanging out at funeral homes to greet with the majority of his voters- the elderly. When neighbors call to request extral patrol of an area because cars are speeding out of control, the officers were never seen. You may see officers on the by-pass running radar, but not on the back roads where my grand children play. Friends who have called for an officer to make a standard police report will wait over an hour for someone to appear, yet when there has been a wreck with serious injuries, they come out of the woodwork to respond. Even the Lt. and Sgt. that shuffle paperwork, heck even some detectives seem to be able to break away from their busy schedules to respond.

Point is being a police officer is not all about lights, sirens, blood and bullets. 95% is taking care of routine calls from routine people. Burglar reports, trespassing, threats, speeding vehicles etc. If you cannot do all aspects of your job, don't do it at all. If you can't enfores your officers to do their job, step down.

 
sunnygranna
Comments: 7
Joined: 03/28/2007
03/29/2007 03:24:37 PM
It is a true crime that some citizens have held court and convicted Sam without ever having evidence. That is directly out of the "ole wild west days". What do you want: hang him outside the courthouse at noon???? We do have JUSTICE in this country and in this county!! WE developed laws and a judical system that investigates issues/crimes/disappearances and follows through where EVIDENCE leads. To avoid the "ole wild west days" of prosecuting persons wrongly, we also developed and adopted "INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY". Let our judical system work. Not being perfect is not a crime. Are any of you perfect??? NO!! "He who is without sin, let him cast the first stone" I know a lot of people who should quieten down.
Being a police officer is not a crime. It is a career held by HUMAN BEINGS- a career in the service field - to help, protect and defend the public. Perfection is not a requirement for the job - (again the list of those with perfection is a very short list - one. name is Jesus). How many of you would have the job of protecting people like yourselves. Law enforcement officers are only human, but they do choose a career that you would not have - public service.
Having friends that share relaxing activities (fishing) with does not make him guilty. it makes him human and fortunate to have friends to share times with.
Having previous divorce(s) does not make him guilty. Again it only makes him human. Again, he who is without sin,.... IT means he was willing to take the chance, to try for happiness. With the divorce rate is this country - Ican not believe you people are even talking that one in this discussion. Also I am not defending him, but there are always two sides to every argument/divorce/etc. To hear from an ex-wife does not lend credibility to this situation. It is only one side of the truth. IF we are going there - what happened to her first marriage??
From all I have read, there are a lot of very nosey, pushy, arrogant, disrespectful people writing in. Bless those that are willing to let justice be served. I also pray for justice, for Theresa to be found alive and well, for the truth. I AM ALSO NOT PASSING JUDGEMENT ON ANY PERSON WITHOUT EVIDENCE.

 
nicole6630
Comments: 155
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 03:05:29 PM
I agree with romegasir. Why should Sam be suspended because Theresa is missing? Is there any concrete evidence of him committing a crime? I'm sure that if they thought, or had any hard evidence that he has harmed Theresa, don't you think that he would be behind bars by now? Did you ever think that maybe him going to work is a way of dealing with all of this. Ever person reacts to situations differently. Sure, I couldn't even began to imagine what Theresa's family is going through. Does anybody even care about what Sam and HIS family may be going through during this time? Instead of automatically putting the blame on Sam, reguardless of his past, we need to be supporting him. People go fishing with their friends all of the time. Just because he was fishing with a friend, does that mean that they are in this together? Let's keep everyone involved in this case in our prayers and until the truth comes out, let's not convict someone of a crime before any evidence is in.
 
romegasir
Comments: 1608
Joined: 03/14/2007
03/29/2007 02:02:34 PM
Hilarious. With citizens who call for the suspension of police officers because their estranged wives are missing, it's hard for me to believe you have ANY officers willing to work there. It sounds as if some, or most, of you have had negative contact with the police. Anytime I hear someone crying about "detention officers", I automatically assume that YOU had a bad time when you were in jail, or your loved one, wrongfully accused of course, had a bad time. Good...that's what jail is for.
 
armymom
Comments: 1
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 01:49:37 PM
In this small redneck town everyone knows that if you are a cop you can get away with anything. We have sheriff's deputies that do as they please when they please, the same goes for the city police. I pray Theresa is found alive and well but if not Sam Parker will never be indicted on anything because he is part of the good ole' boy system around here. They need to check where him and his lawyer the not so Honorable William Slack went fishing at on Thursday. As for him working, if it was spouse whether to be ex soon or not I would not be at WORK!! He is hiding something maybe our great sheriff's department needs to find out what it is. Better yet call in the FBI and let them talk to him. Our police departments are full of wife beaters, adulterers and child molesters but it is all covered up to save face. Around here the term "Boys will be Boys" protects the most sickening of all criminals our public saftey department.

I PRAY for Theresa and her family that she will come home safely. As for Sam Parker he needs to be behind bars for abusing not only Teresa but also his first wife.
 
hardasnails
Comments: 1
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 01:48:03 PM
I hate to be so gloomy, but it will result in them finding her body and her husband will be arrested for her murder. Same song, umpteenth verse.
 
resident
Comments: 2
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 01:15:28 PM
where they are searching seems like a large area for 2 4-wheelers. why don't we make use of the dogs. i'm sure there are things with her smell that a dog could use. does our county not have the resources for this. this is sounding like a search out of the 1800's.
lets get off our seats and find this woman. bring in the scent dogs.
 
TheNaturalist
Comments: 128
Joined: 05/23/2006
03/29/2007 11:00:35 AM
All these things are circumstantial. What's wrong with just waiting to see what the investigation turns up?
 
proudnanna
Comments: 49
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 09:34:59 AM
Just one more thing...Are you aware who was with Sam on this fishing trip? His lawyer - William Slack. How bizzare.

I would like everyone to also hear from Sam's ex wife. She has some stories to tell you of the abuse she endured when she was unfortunate enough to have been married to him.

You just do not understand what this man is capable of. Yes, innocent until proven guilty, but I also believe your past can shed a lot of light on your character and what you are capable of doing.
 
maggie
Comments: 1554
Joined: 01/08/2006
03/29/2007 09:18:27 AM
Many good points have been made here, but until there is proof that he did something to her, he is to be considered innocent. I would say though that going on a fishing trip does seem a little strange. As for the good ole boy system, the GBI is a part of it. The only way to ever get complete impartiality would be for the FBI to be called in.

If they suspect it was some kind of predator, then the people who live in that area have a right to know.
 
proudnanna
Comments: 49
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 09:11:37 AM
Perfect, 1stariel. I am right with you. We need a Sheriff that has the strength and commitment that when he sees his own officers are lacking or even committing a crime that he will actually do something about it. As far as Sam, I also agree with you. Just taking into consideration the past history of violence within his own family, suspend him until the truth comes out. Why should he be able to walk the streets carrying a weapon when there is proff that he has used these weapons for violence in the past. I guess the new Chief in Lafayette will just sit back and continue to do nothing to protect the citizens of Lafayette. If I lived in Lafayette, I would be in the process of moving right now. If one thing good comes from all this mess, (aside from Theresa's safe return), I hope it will be a restructuring of the entire Sheriff's Department all the way down to the disgraceful workers that continually are hired in Detention. The ones in charge are the first that need to be evaluated. Just because you earn the right to carry a gun or to gain the powers to arrest someone does not mean that you are CAPABLE of performing your duties. Walker County needs a major change.
 
1stariel
Comments: 3
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 08:50:45 AM
First of all, my prayers are with the family and friends of Theresa. As a resident of the Corinth Community, I am concerned that a neighbor has come up missing...does this mean there is a predator in our community abducting women??? If so, why isn't our wonderful Sheriff's Department as concerned about this? Also with the history of this Sam Parker's domestic violence, why has he always gotten away with it? Part of the "good ole boy club" as posted here before I guess !!!

I cannot believe this Sam Parker has not been suspended from the police force while this investigation is ongoing. I think the people of Walker County should DEMAND that he be suspended.

It is stated that Sam Parker went on a fishing trip thursday....the officials need to check the place he went fishing....sounds almost like the Scott Peterson case...???

I still don't understand how Sam Parker has been able to continue to work as a police officer after the incidences of domestic violence...SHAME SHAME on the Walker County Sheriff's Dept. I think that now all the other agencies are here...i.e. GBI, etc. maybe they will do an indept investigation on our sheriff's department and find out about the "good ole boy club" that exists and I hope they bust it wide open!!! The sheriff's dept has messed up many times, example...Marsh case...sent deputies out long before to the Marsh residence and didn't find ANYTHING among all those bodies that raised their suspicions....HELLO???? People of Walker County, maybe this will teach you to get out and vote next time and get this Sheriff and all his goonies out of office!

If there IS a predator stalking this community, we need to know in order to protect ourselves and most of all...OUR CHILDREN!!!!!
 
nicole6630
Comments: 155
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 08:15:34 AM
Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Sounds like people are already convicting him before he's even been found guilty of commiting a crime. What about Sam's family? Don't you think that they are grieving also. Why would Sam do anything to Theresa when she was right by his side just 3 weeks ago at his dad's funeral. He is not a lying, deceitful devil. We are all praying for Theresa's safe return. Let's not convict someone or judge someone for past mistakes.

 
proudnanna
Comments: 49
Joined: 03/29/2007
03/29/2007 07:36:01 AM
Does anyone really know anything concrete about Sam Parker? Do you know that the Sheriff's Department responed more times to their residence than is on record. To my knowledge Sam was never arrested. Looks like Sam was a part of the "Good-Ole Boy Club". Do some research and find out why Sam has just now finished his probation through Post. Appears our fine Sgt. of 20 yrs went a bit crazy down in Florida with a gun when he got into a fight with Theresa.. What about his mental evaluations that were mandatory. I sure would like to know the results of that one. This "man" gunned down another man several years ago. He was on duty and it was justified, but that is not something to brag about years later, to laugh about and call him names after you took his life. I don't care how much you think you know Sam, you don't. This is a sick, twisted, abusive, lying, deceitful devil. If he has you fooled too, I feel sorry for you. For Theresa and her REAL family and friends, you will never know how much Theresa means to so many people. We are praying for her safe return and we are praying for strenght to help everyone through this very difficult time. March 29, 2007 at 7pm. we will be having a gathering at the Walker County Civic Center to pray for Theresa and to discuss ways that the community can help her family and her close friends at 911. We will also be praying for the searchers and volunteers that have made these last few days searching for Theresa their mission. We thank you.
 
IrishRed
Comments: 618
Joined: 01/19/2007
03/29/2007 06:33:25 AM
I have had dealings with Sam Parker as an officer and I would have no problem if he showed up if I placed a call. He's a decent guy. I don't know his wife and I hope for everyone's sake that they find her. It probably is not a good idea for him to be involved in the search. If he found something people could say he planted it or something else. Let's not convict the man in the court of public opinion when we don't have all the facts.
 
maggie
Comments: 1554
Joined: 01/08/2006
03/28/2007 11:31:16 PM
I hadn't really thought about it making him look suspect if he was helping in the search. I guess if my spouse was missing, I would want to be involved in trying to find him. I completely agree with innocent until proven guilty. I just can't imagine that she would just disapear and not let someone in her family know where she is.

 
sunnygranna
Comments: 7
Joined: 03/28/2007
03/28/2007 11:05:49 PM
Innocent until proven guilty. I don't think her spouse should be helping with the search. I think everything he says or does is very suspect right now and if he joined in the search, people would spend all of their time second guessing every step he made if he aided in the search.
People should just keep an open mind to this until all the facts are out in the open. My heart and prayers are with all the family members in this case, and I share the prayer of many that she be found alive and well.

 
Twinkie
Comments: 418
Joined: 01/18/2006
03/28/2007 10:14:50 PM
What are the chances that someone picked her up at her home and that could be why her car was left behind? What are the chances that her husband was told or decided that it would be best for him to continue working and not join the search? Benefit of the doubt? Innocent until proven guilty? Could she be pulling a runaway bride stunt? I hope she just got fed up enough to walk away for a while to clear her thoughts and will be found well and alive. My prayers are also with her family.
 
catoosa
Comments: 7
Joined: 07/23/2006
03/28/2007 09:54:52 PM
This does not sound good.
 
TheNaturalist
Comments: 128
Joined: 05/23/2006
03/28/2007 08:52:25 PM
I'm withholding my judgement on this until the phyiscal evidence on the case gets published. Although not being media savvy isn't a crime he sure isn't helping himself in court of public opinion.
 
vivianagan
Comments: 1
Joined: 01/11/2005
03/28/2007 08:43:44 PM
Coming from years in an abusive relationship certainly makes me very skeptical of the "soon to be X husband", who has been on the police force for years. Believe me! there are some of the "NICEST" people ,as everyone else knows them, that are very abusive. I am not swayed or impressed that he has been on the force for 20 years, if anything it would make me more skeptical because they are usually the ones who think they can get by with anything, even murder. I am not saying he is guilty, but why not look for a woman whom you have called wife for years. I hope the "good ole buddy system" is not in place when it comes to investigating him. I hope he did not do it.....but how in the world did her car get back home, do you think a complete stranger would have known where she lived, or took her car back home?.........come on.....something is wrong here!! Did she leave forever, and leave her family and her job?......maybe to get away from him. I just pray for the sake of the family she will be found soon. I hope she will be found and that she will be safe.....but it sounds really strange to me. I am sure that the investigators will get to the bottom of this. The good ones overide the bad ones and they do know what they are doing. The family is certainly in our prayers. May God give you strength.

 
maggie
Comments: 1554
Joined: 01/08/2006
03/28/2007 07:15:47 PM
I try hard not to jump to conclusions, but it does seem strange that he is not searching for her and the fact that her car was at home. The GBI is investigating, but I am not sure that is a comfort. I hope and pray that they find her.
 
momof2kids
Comments: 1
Joined: 03/28/2007
03/28/2007 05:35:17 PM
I thing it is very odd that Sam Parker is not out looking for his wife. The fact that her car was in the garage should tell them something. Do we have outside investagators on this case? The fact that he is still being able to work and carry a gun kinda scares me if something was wrong and I called 911 I sure wouldn't want him to show up. My prays and thoughts go out to her family.
 
RovsMom
Comments: 1
Joined: 03/28/2007
03/28/2007 04:09:31 PM
As are mine !
 
smarty99
Comments: 5
Joined: 02/09/2007
03/27/2007 10:41:39 PM
my thoughts and prayers are with Theresa and her family.

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