Attorneys for HaLeigh Cummingsโ father seeking to dismiss 2 of 7 charges after his Chirstmas Day arrest
In a pretrial hearing for the father of HaLeigh Cummings, the 5-year-old Putnam County girl who disappeared in 2009, the defense asked for a motion to dismiss two of the seven charges he is facing after his 2022 Christmas Day arrest.
HaLeigh Cummingsโ father accused of trying to pull gun from deputyโs holster following single-car crash on Christmas Eve
Ronald Cummings โ the father of Putnam County 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings, who disappeared in 2009 โ appeared in court Monday morning following his arrest on Christmas Day, about two months after his release from prison.
Case that rocked community back in spotlight as HaLeigh Cummingsโ father walks out of prison
As the father of a 5-year-old Putnam County girl who disappeared in 2009 walked out of prison Wednesday, his daughterโs unsolved case, which has remained a raw wound in the community for more than a decade, has been thrust back into the spotlight.
![11 years later: Still no trace of HaLeigh Cummings](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Pz0m-xs5cnEiVtAEueDXRmhcmZU=/1600x900/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/PFHTNI73UFENDALZJ6Y4EEP6V4.jpg)
11 years later: Still no trace of HaLeigh Cummings
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. โ Itโs been more than a decade since HaLeigh Cummings vanished at age 5, but her family and the Putnam County community still cling to hope and wish for her return home. HaLeigh was last known to be sleeping in bed on Feb. 9, 2009, next to her little brother, Ronald Cummings Jr. or โJunior,โ with her fatherโs girlfriend, 17-year-old Misty Croslin, who was babysitting while HaLeighโs father, Ronald Cummings, was working an evening shift at his job. When Cummings returned to his mobile home in Satsuma, his daughter was gone. Croslin said she fell asleep and when she woke up the following morning, HaLeigh wasnโt there. SPECIAL COVERAGE: Haleigh Cummings sectionโThe rear door of the residence was found to be open,โ then-Putnam County Sheriff Jeff Hardy said hours after the search began.
![What qualifies for an Amber Alert? What happens next?](https://media.news4jax.com/photo/2017/07/15/amber-alert-graphic%20Cropped_1500166980297_10104884_ver1.0_1280_720.jpg)
What qualifies for an Amber Alert? What happens next?
Amber is actually an acronym for America's Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response, named after Amber Hagerman, a child kidnapped in Texas in 1996. The law enforcement agency's preliminary investigation must conclude that the child's life is in danger. Wednesday's Amber Alert for 5-year-old Taylor Rose Williams is the third in three months in the Jacksonville area. FDLE and other law enforcement agencies said they will keep an Amber Alert on file until a child is found, even if is no longer an active case. Among the actions triggered when an Amber alert is issued is the multi-agency Child Abduction Response Team joins the search.
![Listen to the fourth episode of 'Into Thin Air'](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/sXhBU1fmHRJaDzdBv9dx8M5wlBg=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/BOFUBSTVIZHIXNNNHGQLPUYQIM.jpg)
Listen to the fourth episode of 'Into Thin Air'
For months we've investigated the decade-long disappearance of 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings, a child from Putnam County whose case remains unsolved. CATCH UP: Listen to the third episode of our 'Into Thin Air' podcastSUBSCRIBE: Podcast delves into HaLeigh Cummings' disappearanceI-TEAM SERIES: What happened to 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings? You can listen to the latest episode of "Into Thin Air" above. It's also available to subscribers on select podcast platforms, including Apple, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher. To learn more, visit the podcast's website or subscribe by clicking one of the following links: Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher
![Listen to the third episode of 'Into Thin Air'](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/VxzEnQR-fcTBKpzVmm9g4V2yWx0=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MHSZYPMVQVEHNFS2FXD62USJAE.jpg)
Listen to the third episode of 'Into Thin Air'
For weeks, weโve been revisiting the mysterious disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings, a 5-year-old girl reported missing from her Putnam County home more than 10 years ago, through Jennifer Waughโs podcast series, โInto Thin Air.โCATCH UP: Listen to the second episode of 'Into Thin Air' podcastSUBSCRIBE: Podcast delves into HaLeigh Cummings' disappearanceI-TEAM SERIES: What happened to 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings? In the third installment of the series, the lead investigator who worked the case in 2009 reveals not only what he believes may have happened to HaLeigh, but also what has him convinced that the young girl died hours before she was reported missing. You can listen to the latest episode of "Into Thin Air" below. It's also available to subscribers on select podcast platforms, including Apple, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher. To learn more, visit the podcast's website or subscribe by clicking on one of the following links:Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher
![Listen to the second installment of 'Into Thin Air' podcast](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/aKsgOBVDoivR1Okk7dVW8mFpGUo=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/B5XVSUNQJZEWFINNLCSL5P7VRI.jpg)
Listen to the second installment of 'Into Thin Air' podcast
Last week, we brought you the first installment of "Into Thin Air," Jennifer Waugh's new podcast series that revisits the mysterious disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings, a 5-year-old girl reported missing from her Putnam County home 10 years ago. The second episode, released on Thursday, features extended interviews with investigators, who discuss the leads they pursued in the days immediately after the young girl's disappearance. INTO THIN AIR: New podcast chronicles HaLeigh Cummings' disappearanceJENNIFER WAUGH'S I-TEAM SERIES: Into Thin Air special sectionYou can listen to the latest episode of "Into Thin Air" below. It's also available to subscribers on select podcast platforms, including Apple, Google Play, Spotify and Stitcher. To learn more, visit the podcast's website or subscribe by clicking on one of the following links:Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher
![New podcast chronicles disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/aw7yFL-TT09gO1g4b9IGAxxLW-o=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/OAL73EFKY5CLJMFEV52BWXIC7E.jpg)
New podcast chronicles disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings
Ten years after the disappearance of 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings, News4Jax is launching a new podcast Monday that chronicles the decade-long cold case. TRAILER: Into Thin Air: What happened to HaLeigh Cummings? JENNIFER WAUGH'S I-TEAM REPORTS: Into Thin Air special section"Ten years ago, this story captivated North Florida as details emerged after HaLeigh's disappearance," said WJXT VP and General Manager Bob Ellis. News4Jax is hoping that renewed attention on HaLeigh's disappearance will breathe new life into this case. To learn more, visit the podcast's website or subscribe by clicking on one of the following links:Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher
![A community's wish: For HaLeigh Cummings to come home](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/ruS_so7qRjRWVAetwdb9WfFF5f0=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/BIFRWWFS2FFIVN6E2OGBD3QLPI.jpg)
A community's wish: For HaLeigh Cummings to come home
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. โ HaLeigh Cummings vanished exactly 10 years ago Sunday. Though time has passed, southern Putnam County has not forgotten the 5-year-old girl who disappeared into thin air and has never been found. SPECIAL COVERAGEMonday: HaLeigh is goneTuesday: Reliving the nightmareWednesday: Misty's inconsistenciesThursday: Investigators' theoriesFriday: Who was HaLeigh Cummings? Her family and the Putnam County community still cling to hope and wish for HaLeighโs return home. Beginning Monday, you can listen to the first episode of โInto Thin Air,โ our podcast series on the disappearance on HaLeigh Cummings, a case that haunts investigators to this day.
![Who was 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings?](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Zg_LfO0B_Praw5exiMfdnDjx3WQ=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/DQSGZV2TNNHNVAWTSBL4KMHPKE.jpg)
Who was 5-year-old HaLeigh Cummings?
HaLeigh Cummings was sassy and adorable at 5 years old, with a button nose and a bright smile that her family said would light up the room. SPECIAL COVERAGEMonday: HaLeigh is goneTuesday: Reliving the nightmareWednesday: Misty's inconsistenciesThursday: Investigators' theoriesFriday: Who was HaLeigh Cummings? When Ronald Cummings got home, HaLeigh was gone. Everywhere Ronald went, HaLeigh went,โ Sykes said. Anyone who knows anything about the disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS.
![10 years later: What happened to HaLeigh Cummings?](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/U-5jG82Iv7yVbX6GFMDmQJ4_G08=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/MP5OR2MGJBCIXICDODX4AKWZSM.jpg)
10 years later: What happened to HaLeigh Cummings?
What happened to HaLeigh Cummings? SPECIAL COVERAGEMonday: HaLeigh is goneTuesday: Reliving the nightmareWednesday: Misty's inconsistenciesThursday: Investigators' theoriesFriday: Who was HaLeigh Cummings? It was difficult for Merchant to imagine how an intruder might have broken in unnoticed and abducted HaLeigh without disturbing anyone inside. Croslin, now 27, never gave investigators any more information about HaLeigh Cummings. Anyone with information about the disappearance of HaLeigh Cummings is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS.
![Former lead detective opens up about HaLeigh Cummings' disappearance](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/Ili9i_uk2AO5qNoWrk6w1SuLt9I=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/25NSVZB7NJEVBED6S5AIIDEJJU.jpg)
Former lead detective opens up about HaLeigh Cummings' disappearance
Two days after HaLeigh was reported missing, Croslin told News4Jax what had happened inside the home. And thatโs all I know.โSPECIAL COVERAGEMonday: HaLeigh is goneTuesday: Reliving the nightmareWednesday: Misty's inconsistenciesThursday: Investigators' theoriesFriday: Who was HaLeigh Cummings? However, Merchant said Croslin told them later that HaLeigh was in her own bed, when Croslin discovered she was gone. Also, as Croslin told News4Jax, she had gotten up to use the bathroom, but never made it there. We can't hold anybody out (as a suspect), but I do feel comfortable saying that Ronald Cummings is probably not involved, " explained the former investigator.
![Into Thin Air: HaLeigh Cummings vanishes 10 years ago](https://www.news4jax.com/resizer/5FlVQ6vbBjC-HJSAsa-Iyx_dUuM=/640x360/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/HRJE5VONZFDMRIUYCBZZ7OMBOU.jpg)
Into Thin Air: HaLeigh Cummings vanishes 10 years ago
PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. โ HaLeigh Cummings rode the bus home from kindergarten on Monday, Feb. 9, 2009, and, like many days, she was met by her dad, Ronald. When Ronald arrived home from work sometime after 3 a.m., Misty told him that she'd just discovered HaLeigh missing from bed. SPECIAL COVERAGEMonday: HaLeigh is goneTuesday: Reliving the nightmareWednesday: Misty's inconsistenciesThursday: Investigators' theoriesFriday: Who was HaLeigh Cummings? They searched on the ground, on area waterways and in the air, but there was no sign of sign of HaLeigh. "Right now, our leads are very minimal," now-retired Putnam County Sheriff's Office Detective John Merchant said in a news conference hours after Haleigh disappeared.
![Prayer Vigil Held For Haleigh Cummings](https://media.news4jax.com/theme/images/placeholder-16x9-wjxt.png)
Prayer Vigil Held For Haleigh Cummings
GLEN ST. MARY, Fla. โ The maternal family of Haleigh Cummings -- the Satsuma girl who went missing nearly a year ago -- held a 'Hope For Haleigh' Prayer Vigil on Saturday night. More than 100 people gathered at Celebration Park in Glen St. Mary to pray for Haleigh's return. Tuesday marks the one year anniversary of the day Haleigh was last seen. Marie Griffis, Haleigh's grandmother, spoke to Channel 4 about how her family is coping. Another remembrance for Haleigh will be held in Satsuma on Wednesday -- the one-year anniversary of the girl's disappearance.