[PHOTO CREDITS: Marilyn M. Aciego]
(Have information regarding Trenton Duckett? Please call 352-787-2121.)
Despite the muggy weather, nearly two dozen people turned out to mark the thirteenth year since Leesburg, Florida, child Trenton Duckett went missing. Each year Trenton’s father, Josh, 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.
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 soon 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. It happened just one day after a fist-pounding interview by Nancy Grace. (Melinda’s adoptive parents sued Nancy Grace and agreed to a $250,000 settlement.)
Leesburg Police Lieutenant 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 at the vigil. “With the investigation being 13 years old…you go back through everything.”
Barrett has a unique perspective on the case. He was the responding detective on the case when the 911 call came in 13 years ago. “It’s good because I know what happened,’ he said.
Tips still come in and police are currently working two recent tips. Barrett refrained from telling LLN the nature of the tips, but said they are being actively investigated. Josh said he is excited about the new tips and hope they bring answers.
The vigil began with a short speech by Josh, followed by a prayer and a brief moment of silence. The family served cake made by Trenton’s paternal grandmother Carla Roberts-Fort. She has been by her son’s side for every vigil, and each year it brings tears to her eyes.
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]
