Missing Children’s Day: Search Continues In North Escambia Case

September 13, 2016

A Tate High School student last seen 15  years ago in North Escambia was among those remembered Monday on the 2016 Florida Missing Children’s Day in Tallahassee.

“Our prayers are with the parents of missing children. These children and their legacy is the driving force behind our efforts to ensure Florida is the safest state in the country for our families and citizens,” Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Monday.

In 2015, more than 34,000 incidents of missing children were reported to Florida law enforcement agencies and six AMBER Alerts were issued statewide.  Since its inception, 203 AMBER Alerts have been issued, including seven so far this year.  AMBER Alerts have directly aided in the rescue of 64 children.

“We all play an important role in keeping our children safe. When a child goes missing, it is vital that law enforcement, the public and media work together to help in a safe recovery.  Please take time today to sign-up for AMBER and Missing Child Alert notifications or follow FDLE on Facebook and Twitter to receive the alerts,” FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen said.

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi said, “Today, and every day, we pray for the safe return of all children who were taken from their homes, and remain united in support with our great law enforcement in their tireless efforts to reunite missing children with their families.”

Danielle Arion Bell was last seen at age 14 at a party in September 2001 in the 500 block of Cedar Tree Lane, between Highway 29 and Highway 95A in Cantonment.

Witnesses told authorities that Bell left a party with a man that was in his mid-twenties at the time. Escambia County deputies later questioned that man and searched his home, but he was never charged in connection with the case.

During the summer of 2007, Alfredo Gomez Sanchez, Jr. was charged with providing law enforcement with false information about his whereabouts at the time Bell disappeared. He was not implicated in her disappearance.

In October 2010, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit served a search warrant at the home.

As part of that search warrant, a septic tank behind the residence was pumped out, and dogs from Escambia County Search and Rescue were also used to search the area.  Investigators said nothing was found, and they would not say what new information might have led to the search.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Danielle has a scar on her right forearm and blue eyes. She had brown hair at the time of her disappearance. Danielle, whose nickname was “Dani”, was a member of the Tate Aggies cheerleading squad. The popular teen enjoyed dancing and drawing.

Anyone with information about Bell is asked to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at (850) 436-9580 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.

FDLE invites the public to sign up to receive Missing Child Alerts and AMBER Alerts via email or text message by visiting www.missingchildrenalert.com. To view photos of missing children, visit www.fdle.state.fl.us.

Pictured top: Investigators pumped and searched a septic tank at this home on Cedar Tree Lane in Cantonment in October 2010 in the case of missing teen Danielle Arion Bell. Pictured below: A search and rescue K-9 team was also on site. Pictured bottom: A septic tank company employee prepares to pump a septic tank at the home. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Missing Children’s Day: Search Continues In North Escambia Case”

  1. FriendOfSusan on September 14th, 2016 1:13 pm

    I personally know Susan,Danielles Mother, and she has indeed along with the sisters kept her memory alive & followed every lead for answers & SOMEONE out there knows what happened to this beautiful girl…..After all this time why wouldn’t you let her rest & give her family the piece of mind they need to know that Danielle is finally at peace? Let this family breath a sigh of fresh air knowing someone has finally showed an ounce of compassion for them in just the smallest tip or memory refresher could open up so many doors & bring this nightmare to a halt. PLEASE…if this were your daughter,sister,niece,friend……you would want the same!!!!!!!!!!!

  2. Sonia Mason on September 14th, 2016 8:51 am

    I have the utmost admiration for Danielle Bell’s family. They carry on Danielle’s memory not only to prayerfully have the “case solved,’ but to honor her memory and help many people in the process. I do however pray one day they find their answers.

  3. Melodies4us on September 13th, 2016 8:34 pm

    I really wish someone will blow the cover, and come forward with the information. . . for the love of her family.

  4. Tywona on September 13th, 2016 4:39 pm

    I really wish they would check back off Mckenzie Rd. and around that pond. 4Wheelers are back there all the time and have been for years. My heart breaks for the loved ones!!