Too Young to Die

By Annette Eadicicco

In April of 2003, the residents of Spring Valley, Nebraska were stunned and shocked when a young student from their local high school, reported as missing, was found brutally raped and murdered. Shortly after the residents, of the tight knit community, had come together to mourn the loss of the beautiful child, they were hit with more shocking and devastating news! Two more students, reported as missing, were also found brutally raped and murdered. For awhile, after the murders, the streets of Spring Valley remained desolate and quiet. However, people too soon forget...and it wasn't long before the young teenagers of, Spring Valley and the surrounding areas, were, once again, walking the streets alone after dark.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481729178

Annette Eadicicco

I was brought to Staten Island, New York, as a little girl, and still reside there with my husband of forty-three years, Charlie. I have two sons, Dominick and Charles. Dominick recently became engaged to his high school sweetheart, Tara. My son Charles and his wife Vivian are the proud parents of a beautiful little girl named Adriana Haley. Through all my sickness, my family has been my inspiration. Their love and support has gotten me through the most difficult times of my life. My first book, "The Last One Up", was published in July, 2010. Thank You to all my fans... your kind words and positive feedback have meant the world me. "Too Young to Die", the second of Annette's trilogy, is a murder/mystery/thriller with a lesson to be learned and an ending that will keep you guessing...

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

It was a steamy, starless night in Spring Valley. However, all the heat and humidity hadn’t stopped the local residents from attending the annual Fourth of July fair being held on the grounds of Spring Valley High School. This year, however, a majority of the people at the fair weren’t there to celebrate July Fourth; they were there to attend the special candle light ceremony being held in memory of the three high school students that were murdered the previous year. The parents of the victims, their siblings, family members and friends, each held a lit candle while the principal of the school, Matthew Bishop, sadly announced each girl’s name. Tears were shed loosely by most of the people in attendance. Those, too overcome with grief, held on to each other for comfort and support. Others knelt in silent prayer. After a moment of silence, a sibling, from each of the victim’s families, spoke lovingly and caringly about the loss of their beloved sister. At the end of the ceremony, everyone placed a flower on the makeshift altar the students had erected. On top of the altar, along with the girl’s school pictures encased in glass, stands a plaque made by the woodworking class. The plaque reads as follows: We the students and faculty of Spring Valley High School dedicate this plaque in memory of Blake Redding, Deborah Brim and Daisy Cooper: Three brilliant young ladies who will not only be remembered for their outstanding athletic abilities, but also for their beautiful smiles and tender young ways. Memories of the three of you will live in our hearts forever, Your loving friends and teachers.

After, Matthew Bishop, said a few final words, he thanked everyone for coming. Some family members remained behind to reminisce of their loved one with friends.

It was eleven o’clock. Many of the residents had already left the fairgrounds. The few patrons that remained were in the process of dissembling their booths and packing up their merchandise.

After Heather Price, bid her friends a good night, she began walking down Maple Street toward her home. Like any other carefree teenager, the fear of walking home alone never once crossed her mind. Heather skipped along Maple Street, her curly light brown hair bouncing up and down on her back, until she came to the wooded area behind her home. The wooded area has a path going through it; Heather’s short cut to her back yard. As Heather entered the woods, she heard a strange rustling sound coming from within. Startled by the sound, she abruptly stopped and began to back up.

Who’s there? Heather nervously asked. When she got no reply, Heather’s brown eyes opened wide. If this is your idea of a joke, well it isn’t a good one, she dramatically said. Now, will you please come out of there so I can see who it is that’s messing with me? Still, there came no reply from within the woods. In fact, it had become so silent you could hear a pin drop! It took only seconds for Heather to realize that tonight wasn’t the best night to be taking a short cut through the woods. So, without a seconds delay, she started to run. As the fastest member of her track team, Heather was capable of turning it on when she had to.

While running as fast as she could, Heather took her cell phone from her backpack. With trembling fingers she entered her home number into the phone. A second after, she cried out Help her phone slipped from her sweaty hands. Heather didn’t even flinch when her phone dropped to the ground. She just continued to run. Then, she began to pray.

Please help me, Lord! She prayed. Heather’s muscular legs swiftly hit the pavement with every stride she took. Her heart was pounding so hard, she could feel it pulsating in her head. To pick up some speed, Heather dropped her backpack to the ground. It seemed as though it was taking forever for her to reach her block. Finally, when she did reach the top of her block, she could hear the sound of feet running closely behind her. Heather never once broke her stride, nor did she turn to see who it was that was chasing her. She just continued to run. Heather had only a few more houses to go when she started to break down and cry.

Help me, she cried out. Someone please help me! I can’t go on! It was at that very moment Heather spotted the lights from her father’s car as it backed out of their driveway. Drenched from sweat, and too weak to go on, Heather began to scream at the top of her lungs!

Daddy, someone’s chasing me! Help me Daddy!

Hearing his daughter’s cries of distress, Barry Price jumped from his car.

I’m here, you’re safe! I’ve got you, honey! Barry cried out as he ran toward his daughter. Heather’s legs began to buckle as her father approached her. Barry Price is a strong man; his muscles flexed as he effortlessly scooped his hysterical daughter up into his arms. While Heather’s dad tried to comfort her, she looked up.

Look Daddy! Look! she screamed loudly, her body trembling from fear. When Barry Price turned to take a look, he saw someone running down his neighbor’s driveway. Clutching Heather tightly in his arms, he ran toward the driveway in hopes he might catch a glimpse of the person that had been chasing her. Unfortunately, by the time he reached the driveway, the perpetrator was already entering the woods. It took only seconds for the man to disappear into the heavy brush. With a disparaging look on his face, Barry Price started toward his house. As he approached the front porch, Heather’s mom, Vivian, came storming out the front door.

Heather! Are you alright? Did anyone harm you? she screamed out in despair.

She’s fine! Let’s just get her inside, Barry said in desperation as he hurried up the steps and into the house.

In a panic, Barry Price carried his daughter into the living room and laid her down on the couch. The minute Heather’s head hit the pillow, her face turned as white as a ghost. Then, she began to throw up. Vivian Price immediately got on the phone and called their family doctor. Barry Price went into his study and called the local Sheriff’s Department.

Hello, may I speak with Sheriff Jack Baker? Barry anxiously asked. "Yes, this is an emergency! My daughter was followed home from the fair tonight and had to run for her life to get away from some son of a bitch that was chasing her! Yes, I’ll hold on."

After a minute, the sheriff got on the phone.

Hello Sheriff Baker, my name is Barry Price. My daughter Heather attends Spring Valley High School. Barry’s voice began to crackle.

Please forgive me for hesitating, Sheriff, but I’m a little choked up right now.

Barry took a moment to clear his throat. Then he continued.

Tonight, while on her way home from the fair, my daughter was chased by someone! Had she not had the sense to alert us by cell phone, I don’t think she would have made it home alive! That’s right! Thank you. We live at 15 Maple Wood Place. See you then.

After Barry ended his conversation with the sheriff, he went into the living room where his wife was tending to Heather. It was amazing how much Heather resembled her mother. Vivian and Heather both had long brown curly hair and big light brown eyes.

How’s she doing, Vivian? Barry nervously asked.

I don’t know, Barry. I think she may be in shock. Dr. Albert is on his way over. He said, for the time being, we should keep her quiet and warm. Vivian looked troubled.

Barry grabbed a blanket out of the wicker chest that sat beside the couch and handed it to Vivian.

Sheriff Baker is also on his way over. I hope Heather will be able to tell him what happened to her. If she’s too upset to speak with him tonight, he’ll just have to come back tomorrow. Anyways, when he gets here, I’ll fill him in on what I saw!

Vivian gently placed the blanket over her trembling daughter.

Heather’s a smart girl, Barry. She had to have been scared to death, but that didn’t stop her from calling home!

Thank God she did! How else would we have known she was in trouble? Barry angrily said. What’s wrong with the people around here? Have they all gone deaf? I just can’t believe no one heard her cries for help!

Barry grabbed a tissue and blew his nose.

Sheriff Jack Baker and Dr. Albert arrived at the Prices at the same time. While the doctor examined Heather, Barry Price explained to the sheriff what took place from the time he spotted Heather running down the street up until the time he saw someone running down his neighbor’s driveway. After hearing Barry’s side of the story, the sheriff turned to his deputy, Howie Smith.

Howie, take a look around outside and see if you can come up with anything. After, I’m through here, we’ll both check out the woods.

Sheriff Jack Baker is a portly man with a strong and impressive tone to his voice.

I’m right on it, Jack, Deputy Smith replied with confidence.

Howie has a good eye, Mr. Price, continued the sheriff. If there are any clues or footprints to be found, you can be sure he’ll find them. I’ve also contacted Detective Joe Martin. Protocol so to speak. Detective Martin is the forensic scientist for the Nebraska State Police. He and his team should be here shortly. Detective Martin and I are in charge of the ongoing investigation regarding the murders of the three Spring Valley High School students, last year.

Barry Price looked at the sheriff with a concerned look on his face.

Do you think what happened to my daughter tonight may in some way be connected to the murders of those three little girls? he asked.

There’s a possibility, Mr. Price, the sheriff respectfully said. But it’s way too soon to draw any conclusions. Now, is there anything else I should know about what you saw take place tonight, Mr. Price?

No, that’s all I can recollect right now, Sheriff. Barry shook his head back and forth. Everything happened so fast! I’m surprised I was able to remember all that I did. To be perfectly honest with you, Sheriff, my main concern at the time was to get my daughter safely into my arms.

What about your neighbors, Mr. Price? Did anyone see or hear what was going on?

Nope, Barry said with disgust. I guess they’re all heavy sleepers, Sheriff.

As the men ended their conversation Dr. Albert came walking over.

I gave Heather a mild sedative to calm her down a bit, the doctor said to the two men.

If there are any questions you would like to ask her, Sheriff, I suggest you do it now before the sedative takes full affect.

Thanks, Doctor, replied the sheriff.

As the sheriff walked toward the living room, Dr. Albert pulled Barry Price over to the side.

When I examined Heather, I saw nothing to indicate she was touched or harmed in any way. However, this has been a very emotional experience for her. Expect her to do a lot of crying as she recalls what took place tonight. Also, expect her to have many a sleepless night. My suggestion to both you and your wife would be, as soon as Heather is able to talk about what happened to her, more openly, you make an appointment for her to see a child psychologist. When you feel she’s ready to do this, call my office and I’ll give you the name of the best one I know.

Thanks Doctor and thank you for coming, Barry Price graciously said.

That’s quite all right, Mr. Price. I only wish there were something more I could do. Call me tomorrow. I’d like to know how she’s doing. Please say good night to Mrs. Price for me. And don’t you two worry. Heather is going to be just fine.

After he walked Dr. Albert to the front door, Barry Price returned to the living room where Sheriff Baker was getting ready to hear Heather’s side of the story.

Hi, Heather, my name is Sheriff Jack Baker, the sheriff politely said.

I know who you are, Sheriff Baker, Heather sadly replied. You came to my school after my friend Daisy was murdered. Heather began to cry. Vivian Price handed her daughter a tissue. Heather proceeded to wipe her tears and blow her nose.

While Heather composed herself, the sheriff set up a tape recorder on the coffee table in front of her. Before turning on the recorder, the sheriff asked Heather if she felt up to going on.

Yes, I’m alright. You can start your questioning, Sheriff, Heather replied.

I know it may be very hard for you to remember all that took place tonight, Heather, the sheriff began. But whatever you can remember I’m sure will be of help to me.

I’ll try to remember as best I can, Sheriff, Heather sadly said.

After he turned on the recorder, the sheriff asked Heather to state her name for the record. The sheriff began his questioning by asking Heather if she remembered seeing anyone that looked suspicious at the fair.

What do you mean by suspicious? Heather asked with a confused look on her face.

The sheriff reworded his question.

Did you see anyone acting a little strange? Or, perhaps you saw someone looking at you and your friends in a weird way?

No, not that I recall, Heather innocently said. "There were so many people there. Me, and my two girlfriends, Judy Mills and Mary Kent, were hanging out at the pie tossing booth most of the night. I don’t remember seeing anyone watching us, nor do I remember seeing anyone following us when we left the booth to go on a couple of rides. Like I said before, there were so many people there."

You’re doing just fine, Heather, said the sheriff. Now, I want you to think carefully before you answer this next question. When you left the fair did you notice anyone walking in your direction?

Heather told the sheriff she didn’t see anyone from the time she left the fairgrounds and all the time she was walking along Maple Street.

When I reached the woods behind my house is when everything started, Heather recalled.

Heather had to stop several times to wipe her eyes and blow her nose as she explained to the sheriff and her parents what had taken place. Each time Heather paused to cry, her parents would comfort her. Barry Price sat on the left of his daughter holding her hand, while Vivian Price sat on the right of her daughter holding her other hand. After her statement, Heather began to sob!

I thought he was going to kill me just like he killed Daisy! Poor Daisy, how very scared she must have been!

Now, now, sweetie, the sheriff said in a comforting way, I want you to erase those thoughts from your mind. Right now, there’s no way in telling if the person who chased you tonight is the same person that harmed your friend, Daisy.

Heather just continued to sob. The sheriff waited for her to stop crying before he went on.

You’re a very brave girl, Heather, the sheriff gently said. "Not only are you brave. You’re also very smart. To have the mind to call home, with all that was happening to you, only proves to me how smart you really are, young lady. It’s my pleasure to have met you. And I can assure you I’m going to do my best to find the person who was chasing you and see to it that he’s punished for what he has done. There’s just one last thing I’d like to talk to you about before leaving here tonight.

"I know you consider yourself all grown up and that you are. But after what’s happened around here, in the past year, I don’t think any young girls or young boys, for that matter, should be walking the streets alone after dark! Will you tell your friends what I’ve just said? And will you give them the following message for me?

Will you please tell your friends that Sheriff Baker said it’s impossible for the men in his department to patrol all the streets in Spring Valley all of the time. Tell them that I said the only way my department will be able to protect all you beautiful young people around here is if you cooperate with us. Do not walk the streets alone at night! Should you have to be out past your curfew, make sure your parents know where you’re going and the name of the person you’ re going to be with. Don’t allow anyone to make any decisions for you. And last, but certainly not least, don’t talk to or take rides from any strangers. Can I count on you to do that for me, young lady?

Yes you can, Sheriff. I don’t want to lose any more of my friends, cried Heather.

You’ve been a tremendous help to me, Heather. But right now you look very tired to me. I’m going to leave so you can get some rest. The sheriff got up from his seat, walked over to where Heather sat and shook her hand. Then, he turned to the Prices. Good night, folks. It’s about time I get going. I still have to check out the woods behind your house before I call it a night. I’m surprised Detective Martin and his team never showed up. They must have gone directly to Maple Street to check for clues in the woods over there. I’m hoping, whatever clues they’ve found over there, combined with the ones we’ve found here, are all we’ll need to track down the person who tried to abduct your daughter tonight. I’ll call you if we need any additional information from you.

Thanks again, Sheriff, Barry Price graciously said.

You’re quite welcome, Mr. Price, replied the Sheriff.

The men shook hands at the front door.

As soon as the sheriff exited the house, he dialed Detective Joe Martin’s cell number.

Hi, Joe I just wanted to let you know I’m leaving the Prices. What happened? I thought you were going to meet me here? Oh, okay. Just as long as I know you went over to Maple Street. Find anything in the woods over there? Good, good. Yeah my deputy found some footprints and cigarette butts in the woods over here too. I’m going to take a quick look around, for myself, before we leave. The kid did real well. Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks, Joe.

After the sheriff hung up he went into the woods behind the Price’s house and took a quick look around. The sheriff found no additional clues. His deputy had done a good job. The sheriff didn’t realize how late it was until he got into his patrol car.

It’s late Howie, the sheriff said while glancing at his watch. How bout we call it a night? I told Joe Martin I’d meet with him tomorrow and give him the clues you found in the woods over here.

Good idea, Jack. I’m kind of tired myself. Can you drop me off at home?

I sure can, Howie.

When the sheriff got home he went into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of orange juice. After he finished his juice, he washed up and went straight to bed.

It was six-thirty in the morning when the sheriff’s home phone began to ring.

Hello, the sheriff mumbled as he put the phone to his ear. Morning, Joe. What’s up? Oh, no! Where? I’m on my way!

After the sheriff got dressed, he made a quick call to his deputy.

Howie, it’s me! Get dressed right now! There’s been another murder! They’ve found a body in Spring Valley Park. Joe Martin is on his way over there as we speak. I’ll be at your house in about twenty minutes.

When the sheriff and his deputy reached the crime scene Detective Martin was already there. Detective Martin is a tall, distinguished looking man, with black hair and a mustache. When on the job, the detective wears a black suit and tie.

The detective was talking to the two agents that were first on the scene.

We got here ten minutes after the call came in, Joe, said Agent Scottman.

Greg and I, Agent Scottman continued, were patrolling the streets around the school when we got the call. We shot right over here.

Is it another girl? asked the sheriff as he and his deputy approached the three men.

Yeah, it’s another young girl, Sheriff, replied Agent Fresco.

Who found her?

The guy sitting on the bench over there found her, Sheriff. Agent Scottman pointed to a man sitting on a bench across the way. He found her while he was walking his dog. He’s pretty shaken up!

Thanks guys, said the detective. I’ll call Lou and tell him to get his team over here ASAP!

"Boy oh boy, Joe, when is this maniac going to stop his killing?" asked the sheriff.

Not until we catch him, Jack, the detective angrily said.

While he slowly walked over to where the girl’s body lay, the detective kept his eyes closely affixed to the ground.

Looks like the same MO as the other three, except for one thing, Jack. It looks as though this girl desperately tried to get away from her attacker. Her belongings are spread out from here to over there.

When the detective reached the child’s body, the hair on his arms stood up and chills ran down his spine.

There are a lot of dirt and grass stains on her clothes, Jack. Yet another indication of how hard she tried to get away.

Joe gazed down at the small body. No matter how many times the detective saw sights, such as this, each time was like a first for him. Joe’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the sheriff’s voice.

Isn’t this an inhaler, Joe? You know the device you use to get air into your lungs. I bet this little girl had asthma.

The sheriff put on a pair of surgical gloves and bent down to take a closer look at the object on the ground.

Yeah, that’s an inhaler alright, said the detective when he reached the spot where the sheriff knelt. I should know what they look like. My son uses one.

I wonder how it got way over here, Joe? the sheriff curiously asked as he put the inhaler in a plastic bag.

I’d have to say the person who was chasing her found it and threw it out of reach. When she lost her breath she had no inhaler to bail her out.

The detective took the plastic bag from the sheriff and wrote the number one on it.

"Boy, this guy is a real evil, heartless, animal! Isn’t he, Joe?"

He sure as hell is, Jack! Let’s see if we can find out who this little girl was.

The detective slipped on a new pair of surgical gloves and walked over to where the girl’s pocketbook lay. He picked her pocketbook up from the ground and opened it up. Inside the pocketbook was a medical-alert card with the victim’s picture on it.

This little girl’s name is Mary Kent. Says so right here on her medical-alert card.

God, Joe! the sheriff said with a sick look on his face. This little girl was with Heather Price last night. Heather told me she was hanging out at the fair with her friends, Mary Kent and Judy Mills. Could it be our murderer went after Mary after his attempt on Heather failed?

Maybe, Jack! Heather got him all worked up, but he wasn’t able to grab her. I guess you could say he did what an animal does when stalking prey. If their first attempt fails, they’ll continue to hunt until their appetite is satisfied. What I don’t understand, about Heather’s attempted abduction, is why the murderer chose here in the first place.

You’ve lost me, Joe, said the sheriff in a bewildered way.

Heather has brown hair and brown eyes, Jack, replied the detective. Mary Kent and the other murdered girls had blond hair and blue eyes.

I never thought of that, Joe. You’re right! All the others did have blond hair and blue eyes. Why do you suppose he changed his preference, Joe? Why would he go after someone with brown hair and brown eyes if he’s into blonds with blue eyes?

I haven’t a clue, Jack. But I’m sure we’ll eventually find out the reason why. Well, I think we’re finished here. The medical examiners will have to do the rest.

After the detective made his call to the medical examiner’s office, he took his tape recorder out of his pocket.

This report is being dictated by Detective Joe Martin. On July 5, 2004, at approximately seven-thirty in the morning, in Spring Valley Park, I examined the body of a young female. The young lady has blond hair and blue eyes and is approximately five feet three inches tall. A medical-alert card, found in the victim’s belongings, states her name as Mary Kent, fifteen years old. She has asthma and uses an inhaler to keep her condition under control. The young ladies clothes have been torn off and there is, what appears to be, semen all over them. It appears the young lady was either raped or sodomized or both. She was severely beaten and has sustained severe trauma to the head. Due to the savage attack on the body, the cause of death is undetermined. I recommend a thorough examination and autopsy be performed by the medical examiners to determine the exact cause of death.

After the detective turned off his recorder, he walked over to the park bench where the man who discovered Mary’s body sat.

Hi, my name is Detective Joe Martin, and your name is? the detective politely asked the slender, frail looking man.

Frank Adams, the man quietly said with a tremble in his voice. I’m still in shock, Detective, he sadly added.

The detective couldn’t help but notice Mr. Adam’s trembling movements.

I can understand that, Mr. Adams, said the detective, it’s not often a person comes across a sight such as this. But right now I need you to pull yourself together. There are a couple of important questions I’d like to ask you.

Go ahead and ask your questions, Detective, replied Mr. Adams, I’ll try to answer them as best I can.

When you first entered the area, asked the detective, did you see anyone leaving the park? Perhaps you saw someone riding a bike, on a skateboard, or maybe you saw an empty car in the area?

Please Detective, if you don’t mind, could you ask me one question at a time?

I’m sorry, Mr. Adams, did you see anyone in the area when you got here, or did you see anyone leaving the park as you entered?

"Not that I recall, Detective. But I do remember my dog acting very weird when we first got here."

"What do you mean by weird?" asked the detective.

Well, he was sniffing around by the trash can over there. Mr. Adams pointed to a trash can across the way.

The detective yelled out to his agent. Greg, the trash can by the entrance. Get it!

After the detective finished questioning Frank Adams, he told him he was free to go. However, later on in the day, he would be receiving a call from Sheriff Jack Baker. At that time, he would be asked to go down to the station house to make an