Friday, November 13, 2009

A Plea from Cliff & Anita, after 5 years, 8 months, and 1 day











The Marshall have asked that previously posted idiotic, juvenile, false, pathetic, and immature comments please cease. This site is related to the March 12th, 2004 disappearance of their daughter, Mary Denise Lands, and how we can work together to bring her home. These inane ramblings do not help in our objectives. Yes, we can moderate the site and delete these infectious remarks, but the Marshall's wish people to see just how low, dirty and despicable some can be in their comments. For every one of you who contributes these vile remarks we have one hundred close supporters who have been faithfully with us since this tragedy unfolded.

I am cognizant that many people do not like me, and that is their opinion. However, these same people should stop and think what it would be like in their life if they woke up this morning and found a loved one missing or murdered? No one, including myself, can know what it is to walk in the footsteps of Cliff & Anita Marshall. No one can understand and feel the pain they have endured for the last 5 years, 8 months, and 1 day. Think about that pain before you write the hate-speak you seem to enjoy so much. We will not be deleting it, as we want the world to see what some twisted minds are capable of writing. We hope our other friends will continue to contribute in a positive manner with the goal to bring Mary home to her final resting place. As I have previously mentioned, you know my address and telephone numbers, if you ever wish to speak with me, please give me a call. Perhaps I can learn more on why you have so much hatred bottled up inside?

On a more positive note, Chief Jim Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department has been at the helm of his agency now for over two months. He appears to be an outstanding law enforcement professional who is dedicated to solving Mary's case. For the first time, Cliff, Anita, and I plan to meet with him this morning for a discussion about Mary's investigation. You may recall, over 3 years ago we met with the new city manager, Chris Olson. He immediately launched into a bizarre tirade and informed Anita Marshall that "we were part of the problem, not part of the solution." She abruptly left the meeting never to return again to talk with city officials. Today, Anita's tough Portuguese temperament has mellowed and she looks forward to meeting the new chief. That callous and obstructionist city manager is long gone, and we now know there is a positive professional attitude within the Marshall Police Department. Chief Schwartz, his team of diligent investigators, and the Prosecutor's Office are committed to bringing to justice the person/s responsible for the disappearance and murder of Mary Denise Lands. Cliff & Anita know that this will occur, and we also know that through the efforts of law enforcement and information from the public we will soon bring our Mary home.


Update- November 14, 2009- Cliff, Anita, and I were extremely impressed with the honest, sincere, and genuine remarks of Chief Schwartz from our meeting on Friday. He indeed, is an outstanding police professional who will not only resolve the Mary Lands investigation, but also will restore respect and honor to his agency. Anita Marshall does not smile often enough, but she truly was pleased and beaming by the comments of Marshall's new "Top Cop". Cliff stated that he could look into this man's eyes and tell he was truly committed to what he had to say to the family. This is the hope that we have been waiting for after 5 years, 8 months, and 2 days since this tragedy unfolded.
As the Chief mentioned, his discussion focused on how we are going to address the situation at hand currently, and the Marshall Police Department’s ambitions for the future. He assured the Marshall's that his door will always be open to anyone who wishes to bring something to his attention. He also stated that he is looking forward to further discussions related to Mary's case in the near future.
The citizens of Marshall should be on notice. Although this "Top Cop" is not a sheriff, the analogy is still quite fitting and accurate. "There's a new sheriff in Marshall," and he will not stand for incompetence and laziness. He will be demanding the ultimate in professionalism from the members of his agency as they serve the citizens of Marshall. This man is no phony or token head of the Marshall Police Department. He is Chief Jim Schwartz, and he will get the job done.