Exclusive: Misty Croslin–“I Would Have Shot Joe!” Watch The Bald Truth On JVM and NG Tonight!
NYT best-selling author Nancy Grace with journalist Art Harris on HLN set
By Art Harris, The Bald Truth, (c) www.artharris.com, all rights reserved
The Bald Truth has learned Misty Croslin usually slept with a gun under her pillow for protection inside the trailer she shared with Ronald Cummings and his two children while he worked nights outside Satsuma, Florida.
But on Feb. 9, 2009, the day after she returned from a three day party binge, she claims it wasn’t there when Tennessee cousin Joe Overstreet barged in to steal her boyfriend’s prized machine gun, then snatched Haleigh instead.
“She said, ‘I would have shot Joe if I’d had the gun,'” Flora Hollars, her grandmother, tells The Bald Truth exlusively. Misty Cummings lawyer Robert Fields, also confirms she told him she slept with a gun Ronald Cummings gave her –just in case there were intruders.
But Cummings had taken his guns out of the house, she said, including a vintage World War II machine gun, a weapon he never registered with the ATF as required for automatic weapons, sources tell me.
He kept the machine gun in the bedroom closet, but that was gone, too, says Misty Croslin, when cousin Joe came calling Feb. 9, 2010 with stealing on his mind. “But Tommy wasn’t there to steal it, he just wanted to use it to go shoot some deer at night,” says James Werter, his attorney. That’s called “poaching,” among the favorite illegal sports in rural Putnam County.
In fact, deer blood was found in the van the boys were driving that night when it was taken in for forensic testing, sources close to the case tell me, but not Haleigh’s blood, even though Tommy Croslin claims Joe laid her out in the back seat, where he assumed she was dead because she wasn’t breathing, says Werter.
Then, Croslin says Overstreet drove them to the St. John’s River, as Croslin told police in April, when he also claimed no role in the body disposal, that he sat in the van, high on Xanax, and watched Joe Overstreet, take the five year old’s body down to the end of the dock. He didn’t see him toss it, or a splash, he says, but Overstreet came back empty-handed. Tommy Croslin also believes Haleigh was strangled in the house before they left.
Why didn’t Tommy or Misty do anything to stop him? That’s the big question. Fear, intimidation. That’s what they say Joe Overstreet inspired, threatening to kill them and their families if they breathed a word, that despite his pipsqueak size and demeanor, he’s a pint-sized piece of rage on wheels.
But Ronald had put him down a week earlier, humiliated him in front of family, accusing him of stealing a handgun, Hank Croslin, Sr. told me. “I had to keep them apart,” he said.
He said Overstreet vowed to get even, and that Cummings sloughed it off after Chelsea and Misty found the gun where he believed Overstreet hid it, in a culvert that runs in front of Tommy and Lindsay’s house on Tyler Street, or the drainage pipe that ran under the driveway. In March 2009, the family showed me the spot, before I sat down to interview Lisa and Lindsay.
Investigators have interviewed Overstreet, who remains free, and maintains his innocence in the missing child case. He says he’s the Croslin family scapegoat, blamed to cover up the guilt of others.
Like Ronald Cummings, he also had a thing for guns, and his My Space page featured a shot of a smirking Overstreet aiming a handgun. As for Cummings, we’ve learned he often shoved what looked like a Beretta in his wasteband, and kept an M 16 in a closet–the same gun the Texas Equusearch director reported Ronald put in his mouth and threatened to pull the trigger on one visit to his house. And three ex live-ins tell The Bald Truth when he was high and acting crazy, angry or depressed, often hurling curses and threats…he liked to make a point by putting a gun barrel in his mouth and playing Ronald Roulette.
But why would he take away the gun he gave Misty? That Sunday night before Haleigh vanished, they’d been up all night talking. Misty was back from her three day weekend adventure with a girlfriend and Greg Paige, aka White Boy Greg, a light-skinned African American (first interviewed on The Bald Truth) who sources tell us passed a police polygraph. Misty galpal Nay Nay Prevatt told us Misty was angry Cummings had roughed her up, rolled her into a little ball and booted her out four days earlier, but they’d made up.
Why would he take her back? “I just love her,” he told me over dinner at MeMa’s in Palatka at the time… But there was a Haleigh motive, too. If she left, he’d lose the only person who knew what happened. “You keep your friends close, and your enemies closer,” Cummings told me.
So, was hed rightfully paranoid Misty might misuse his gun, maybe steal it and sell it for drug money—or use it on him? When Overstreet was in town, he’d accused him of stealing a handgun a week before Haleigh vanished, but found it. Over beer at his trailer, he’d also showed Tommy and Joe his WWII machine gun.
Misty’s lawyer tells me that’s why he believes Joe needed a bag Misty claims she saw him use to put Haleigh in.
“If he came looking for a machine gun, wouldn’t he need something to carry it out in, concealed, like a black bag?” Robert Fields asked in an exclusive interview with The Bald Truth.
After Joe exploded when he couldn’t find the gun, Misty claims he groped her sexually, manhandled her, and threatened to kill her. With no handgun, and paralyzed with fear, she claims she dove under the covers with Jr, frightened after she says Joe threatened to kill her with a black handled knife, as her lawyer says she told police in January.
From where she says she was hiding, Misty has told investigators she heard Haleigh scream, then a house door slam, then a car door that sounded like the mini van her brother drove. Only Overstreet was driving that night, said Tommy, and headed for the St. John’s River, with a child’s body on the backseat, then took her to the edge of a dock.
Tommy believes she was dead by then, telling his lawyer that he believes Overstreet strangled her at the trailer.
August 20th, 2010 at 8:47 pm
I believe Ron knows Joe Overstreet killed his little girl from the beginning. Obviously, he knew Joe wanted his guns and kept calling Misty that night – 90 times. I believe Ron and Joe had an underlying hatred for each other and Ron knew how dangerous this Overstreet is. He knew Joe might come over there which is why he took the gun Misty kept under her pillow. Ron Cummings knows that Joe Overstreet killed his little girl. He knew he put Misty in a dangerous position leaving her alone with his two kids that night and he knew Joe wanted that gun and that's why it wasn't in the house. Joe Overstreet is a psychopathic killer and evidently threatened the Croslin family and they were all terrified. Who knows what he has done in the past.
August 20th, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Reminder:
Joe hasn't been arrested or charged, maintains his innocence and says he's a scapegoat of Tommy and Misty…boils down to who do you believe and what can you prove…
in court…art
August 20th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
well I think they need to find something to charge Joe with, where he isn't going to bond out the same day/night. Hold him, and make him sweat. I think it's about time to make ittle joey boy take a polygraph test. Bet he doesn't pass. The whole bunch of them are little pill heads. They don't know if they are suppode to wind their butts, and scratch their watches, or visa versa.
August 21st, 2010 at 1:30 am
Sure seems like enough to go to a Grand Jury with, though. Get the indictment against Joe, then let a jury decide if they want to believe Tommy and Misty's testimony.
August 21st, 2010 at 2:12 am
I BELIEVE MISTY AND TOMMY AND JOE PLANNED TO ROB RON'S PLACE THAT NIGHT. MISTY DIDNT WANT TO WATCH THOSE BABIES THAT NIGHT, SHE EVEN TRIED TO GET RON'S MOM TO WATCH THEM AND OFFERED TO PAY HER….SO…THINGS DIDNT GO AS PLANNED…AND HALEIGH PAID THE PRICE WITH HER LIFE!!! I AM BETTING THAT MISTY DID HALEIGH IN AND TOMMY HELPED IN THE COVER UP AND THEY ARE BLAMING JOE! I NOW WONDER IF RON ISN'T GUILTY????
August 21st, 2010 at 10:51 am
Guilty? I wonder, too!!! Someone will tell the truth eventually, I believe. Rest in Peace, Haleigh Bug. You are loved by all.
August 21st, 2010 at 5:13 pm
I believe if Ron really thought that he would be putting out death threats or hits on the man…I dont think he believes tommy or misty or else hed already want that cousin dead, I do not think he fears overstreet so he would go after him MOO….
August 20th, 2010 at 8:49 pm
The cops need to charge Joe Overstreet, Ron Cummings, Misty Croslin and Tommy Croslin with murder and accessories after the fact – they are all involved. They were all more interested in doing and dealing drugs than taking care of those children. There are so many underlying issues to this case. It is like a puzzle. Once you put all the pieces together you will get the truth. I keep wondering why there was a cinder block holding the door open – was it part of the cover up by Misty and Tommy to make it seem like a stranger came in and tried to quietly take the baby out? From watching this case from the beginning and looking at both of these families, seems like that poor baby didn't have a chance . . . Joe Overstreet did kill that baby and everyone was terrified of him. Joe has some dirt on Ron Cummings (maybe to do with drugs) which is why Ron didn't reveal from the beginning.
August 20th, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Art, I do believe you are on the right track and it really bugs me that when you are on Nancy Grace and try to explain what you know that she keeps interrupting you with her self-serving comments and never lets you finish. I believe you know what happened after your investigation and think you are great. Keep up the good work and if I could get through to phone in on Nancy's show I would tell her to shut the hell up and let you finish your comment. I am a fan – keep up the good work!
August 20th, 2010 at 11:43 pm
I think Art is great too, and although I like JVM and watching NG, it irks me when NG interrupts people and at times doesn't really listen to what that person is saying because she formulates a thought that just has to be blurted out. She is becoming more and more an 'actress.'
August 21st, 2010 at 2:16 am
Yes Nancy and Jane could both use a little shut up and listen sometimes!!
August 21st, 2010 at 2:23 am
DITTO JACKIE B!!!!!
I THINK ART SHOULD HAVE HIS OWN SHOW!!!!!! HE HAS THE INFO WE ALL TUNE IN TO HEAR, AND KNOWS HOW TO DELIVER IT!!!! I TUNE IN TO JVM FOR THE LATEST, THEN CHECK TO SEE WHAT NANCY'S TOPIC IS….ALSO, I WOULD LOVE SOME 'FOLLOW UP' ON OLD CASES NOT JUST THE 'JUICE' OF THE DAY!!!
STICK AROUND ART WE NEED YOU!!!
August 21st, 2010 at 8:09 am
Thanks, Karen.
Was in Charleston, W Va covering the sniper a few years ago. what a beautiful place, the mountains, the river, the people. Art
August 20th, 2010 at 9:55 pm
Art I am sorry but I am not buying it! Misty's attorney said she heard Haleigh in the living room screaming while she was in the bedroom under the covers. Now, on issues 8/20 Werter said that Tommy told him he was in the living room and Joe did something to Haleigh in the bedroom. if Joe really did something that night why wouldn't Misty and Tommy's account be the same. They aren't getting their stories straight which tells me it is BS!
August 20th, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Kim–Way I understand it, if Tommy is sitting, out of it on the couch, or even in the doorway, looking stunned as misty reported…it's possible he didn't see around corners into the bedroom where Misty says Joe was standing and roughed her up, went to the closet to find the gun and grabbed Haleigh…was in a position where Tommy could see him the whole time? doesn't appear to be possible…but i may report what else tommy says he saw in a day or so…after I confirm. Art
August 20th, 2010 at 10:01 pm
What a great photo of you and Nancy.. It's a framer.. I enjoyed watching you on JVM and NG tonight, Art.. Two of the best back to back shows I've seen on Haleigh…Awesome panel too..
Misty says she would have shot Joe had she had the gun.. She would have shot Joe, but she didn't call 911 or run screaming to a neighbor immediately after Joe and Tommy left, after dumping Haleigh in the river ??? . Another story that doesn't fly..IMO..
August 20th, 2010 at 10:13 pm
Marti–exactly. tx for kind words. art
August 20th, 2010 at 10:24 pm
Good Evening Art & Everyone……Well the drug induced fog must be clearing up for Misty,Tommy and Ron. There just may be some validity coming to light as to what happened to Haleigh. After viewing snippets of jail house tapes of Misty and Tommy with their Dad,I feel that Dad might know what happened as well. Art,Ron making 98 calls to the house makes sense to me,because He had of the bad blood with Joe and I can understand why all guns were removed,Joe was there to rip him off and way back when,I read somewhere that Joe Overstreet was a registered sex offender,is there any truth too that?….PS You are a Gentleman and a Scholar when you deal with Nancy LOL I love her to death though.
August 20th, 2010 at 11:04 pm
Kid–you did not read the RSO on my site, because he's not. lots of bad info out there. though misty claims he messed with her years ago. art
August 20th, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Thank You for clarifying that ,do you feel that Joe is involved in someway?
August 20th, 2010 at 10:48 pm
I guess the door wouldn't slam if it had a 'brick' holding it open. So she did stage the back door after all.
Art, which brother's house did Nay Nay take Misty to that Sunday? Thinking more and more it was Tim and Chelsea's house. I don't think you've ever said which house she went to. TY.
August 20th, 2010 at 11:20 pm
Nice to see you on both show's tonight, Art. I appreciate that you are careful to tell us what your sources tell you.
Why wouldn't Misty call 911, wasn't she worried about Haleigh and Tommy?
Why prop the door open? Why all the lies?
Why not call Ron right away? Wouldn't Ron go after them?
The story has alot of holes.
August 20th, 2010 at 11:28 pm
There is something that does not make any sense about this story. Why did Misty not tell this story to the police on Day One? Why would she want to protect her Cousin Joe? She was afraid of him? That makes no sense. If she had told this story on Day One while she still had a shred of credibility the police would have arrested Cousin Joe and thrown him to jail. He would not have been a threat to Misty. What was her movite for lying and flunking all the lie detector tests?
And why didn't she call 911 after Cousin Joe took Haleigh that night and left? She could have called the cops right away.
I cannot think of any valid reason why she lied. Except one. She was involved in the murder herself. She was protecting herself. What other explanation can there be for her covering up for Cousin Joe all those months?
August 20th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Cousin Joe has got to GO!
August 20th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Art you looked great on cnn tonight, Now wait a minute everyone im so confused, from the start it was stated that Misty was on a three day party binge and came home that day and Ronald and Misty Fought and he went to work, Now there reporting that she came home the Day before that is wrong from all the statements.Misty was worn out and did not want to watch the kids but Ronald forced her and went to work, Now if Misty came home the day before she would have been rested and had the gun under her pillow, Yes that made up gun story under the pillow, a minor with a gun i dont believe any of this. Why has That machine gun not been found and where are all the weapons and why wasnt Ronald charged with possesion of a machine gun without registration.
And that darn Grandma Flo that repeats what she hears someone else say but never comes up with a news breaking story on her own, Please stop putting her on tv she and Misty are the same when it comes to the truth.
Art thank you for allowing us to post our thoughts and please respond to my post after you research from the day Haleigh went missing and when Misty came home,Thanks Art.
August 21st, 2010 at 12:20 am
Art i just recently posted the comment about the day Misty arrived home under Ronald99 now i just registered with this site. Everyone is ready to convict Joe because Misty and Tommy say he did the crime, But Joe was around the next day and Misty and Tommy never acted like they were scared of him back then but lately they blame him for Haleigh.
People i dont believe anything Misty or Tommy claim happened, And the yellow Rope and block they recovered in the river, And they recovered the same type of yellow rope from Tommys house now if Joe had picked up Tommy and went to Ronalds house how does the yellow rope play in this story, I figure that the Block and tied rope was a plant in the river that Tommy and Misty came up with and that tommy kept the yellow rope at his place.Misty was put under a lot of pressure by Law Enforcement and she would have told them Joe did that crime, Misty and Tommy came up with a plan that is falling apart and it includes Ronald and all those cell calls that have been talked about Ronald made trying to contact Misty that night.
August 21st, 2010 at 12:40 am
I agree with Moe. I think Overstreet is involved somehow and he has been free all this time with very little pressure on him. Of course he's going to deny everything, unless something backs him into a corner he's "sticking to that story", You know, i assumed we were getting a "flurry" of info from Fla because of the court dates but now i wonder if it's also because word got around PCJ that Overstreet got arrested on a felony charge. Just maybe M & T might be concerned about Joe telling "his side of the story" which might make more sense than theirs. I too wish they would get something on JO to keep him in jail for a length of time, get him to take a poly if he hasn't already. I just don't think this would have happened if Joe hadn't been there.
August 21st, 2010 at 1:03 am
There is just so much info out there now that it is maddening. I do think though, if Ron thought Joe Overstreet killed Haleigh that he wouldn't of just sat around. Regardless of what Joe might have to hang over his head. Drug dealing, pill popping, prone to violence – I don't believe Ronald wouldve wasted one second wasting Joe. Remember. according to Hank Croslin, Ronald went after Joe. No fear there. if he went after him over guns, he sure would nail him for murdering his daughter. If we believe Hank that is.
I think little bits of truth are starting to surface, but we have a long way to go. I think that Joe could be involved, but believe this falls mostly on the three jailbirds. Ringleader Ron is manipulating this whole situation.
August 21st, 2010 at 10:37 am
I agree Steph. I get so angry at Cummings when he smirks in the camera–It is as though he says, "Ha ha, I got you all fooled." The sad part is he is the Ringleader and others are falling one at a time. Where is Haleigh? Did a deer get thrown in the river by Joe and Tommy? That is one of my thoughts. Deer bones were found in the river. Deer blood was found in the van! Someone will break soon, I believe.
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:12 pm
The other point that i feel says a lot is all the pictures you see of Haleigh and Ron, they are doing something together: i.e. brushing teeth, being silly, fishing, enjoying christmas. Of all the pictures I have seen Haleigh seems happy and Ron seems happy to be with her. I think pictures say a thousand words. HOWEVER, because of his dealings with drugs and weapons, I believe he entered into dangerous territory somewhere and it cost him his child. Whether it was her taking pills, caught in the middle of a bad situation, whatever the case may be, his choices cost him and he can't deal with it. He is an addict. I believe he truly loved his daughter as much as any addict can – and I believe in one way or another he is responsible for what happened that night, and all are a part of his plan. The Rat in Tommy's mailbox says A LOT. They are definitely covering up.
August 21st, 2010 at 1:04 am
One more post before signing off……great pic of you and NG Art. It's a keeper! Good shows too, both JVM and NG, i am just about to watch NG again. With all of you and LE sticking to this case like glue the bad guys will not win. There's no way, something is going to break (or someone) it's just a matter of time. You are getting closer every day. Crystal so desperately needs answers. How dare Ronald for putting them in this situation, taking the guns (if true) means he knew someone was coming there that night (since Joe was leaving the next day?). Yet he goes to work, doesn't even arrange for them to stay elsewhere. He makes me sick!
August 21st, 2010 at 6:20 pm
That is a good point Happy, about Ron.
August 21st, 2010 at 1:06 am
I DON'T BELIEVE WE WILL EVER KNOW THE WHOLE TRUTH.WE ARE JUST GETTING SOME OF IT. I THINK MISTY, TOMMY, AND JOE NEED TO ALL GO TO JAIL FOR LIFE THEY ARE ALL GUILTY, THEY ALL COVERED A MURDER UP AND THEY ALL WERE THERE.ALSO, MISTY SAYS JOE PUT HAILEY IN A BLACK BAY AND TOMMY SAYS HE KNEW SHE WAS DIED HE COULD SEE SHE WASN'T BREATHING WHEN SHE WAS LAYING IN THE VAN. ALSO I DON'T BELIEVE RONALD KNEW ANYTHING ABOUT IT, YOU COULD SEE HE LOVED THAT LITTLE GIRL. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH HIM AND HIS FAMILY. ALSO WITH HAILEY'S MOM AND HER FAMILY.
August 21st, 2010 at 7:58 am
FROM SPIKED LEMONADE
(IF ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE POSTING, PLS SHOOT ME AN E MAIL WITH DETAILS OF WHAT TROUBLE IS…TX)
Hey Art
Just wanted to let you know, that I tried to leave a comment, on the
story "Watch for me on JVM and NG.
I was able to put my name and email on it. But, the comment
didn't register.
It's interesting, the people that are commenting, only a few, I
remember from before the new system! The others are newbies, at
least to me!??
You're the man on the top of the pile! No one will catch you, now,
on any exclusive!
Stay Cool, Take Care, and Catch me on the Flipper.
Luv ya
Spiked
August 21st, 2010 at 8:04 am
Posting Spike's e mail:
Hey Art,
Saw you on JVM and NG today! I really noticed that Nancy tried
to ignore your facts, and spent more time with her lawyers, and
other commenters on her panel, opinions, not facts like you gave!
I can totally believe that TC and MC are very afraid of Joe. Size had
nothing to do with strength and craziness. There was just a story
on CNN about a 100 lb. woman, kicking the s**t out of a 200 lb.
plus, would be rapist. A person does not have to be large, to be very
strong! Plus, Joe IMO is pure crazy, which makes him even more
threatening, because no one knows when he'll freak out.
(more–split comment because too long–)
August 21st, 2010 at 8:04 am
from spiked, part 2
Oh yeah, who cares if Misty is gaining weight. Druggies are skin and bones
because they don't eat. She's just eating now, because she's not on
drugs. I don't understand why people even make comments about this
kind of thing. Who Cares!!!
Thanx for all you do, Art! You're the man! I trust you!
Stay Cool, Take Care, and Catch me on the Flipper
Luv ya,
Spiked
August 21st, 2010 at 8:06 am
From Spiked:
Hey Art,
Wow! Can hardly keep up, with all the breaking news. This comment is
for the past 2 articles, not the current ones. You sure have been doing
some hard work, these past days, thanx for that! You are definitely the
main man on the story.
I noticed that Nancy Grace finally had the story on a few days after you
wrote about it Yes, it was 'exclusive interview' from Misty's lawyer.
People sure like to jump on Misty, calling her names, and elaborating on
how she should die! I believe Misty, by and large. I wish all the useless
comments about her, would just stop, after the first few! Poor Misty, is
just a young girl, caught in this terrible situation, and a very easy target.
I still think that Ronald has a lot to do with what happened.
(more next box)
August 21st, 2010 at 2:53 pm
I so agree with you and have from the very beginning felt that Misty did not harm Haleigh….oh yeah…she knows….or pretty much can figure it out….but no, she didn't do her harm. I would like to see Misty really get a chance at life, get education, good employment, good friends and really make something of herself. She is a very pretty girl and with the proper guidance good turn out well.
August 21st, 2010 at 8:06 am
FROM SPIKED, PART 2
Also,
Joe's name was brought up, by both Misty and Tommy, a long time ago.
They both told LE that Joe was involved. Misty had a conversation with
her father, that she had told LE everything, in the first few days she was in
jail. Before she was arrested, because of the drug sting and after, she had
said many things, like "they (LE) are only looking at me", "they need to
look at the others, also" etc. That is very true. Only the Croslin family has
been under the microscopic eyes of LE. They should be looking at all of
the people involved, in depth!
I'm thinking that Tommy may have not even gone into the trailer, but sat
out in the van, stoned.
Have a lot of thoughts, of the breaking news of today, etc.
Stay Cool, Take Care, and Catch me on the Flipper!
Luv ya,
SpikedLemon
August 21st, 2010 at 8:19 am
ART MISSPOKE ON NANCY GRACE FRIDAY NIGHT:
OOPS…When I said Misty told Grandma Flo she would have shot TOMMY, I MEANT TO SAY JOE…HOPE YOU ALL REALIZED IT WAS A BRAIN LAPSE…
What was disconcerting when we taped that show Thurs for Friday night, the monitors were set up differently and threw me off a bit. Usually, they have the show playing on the top monitor with a seven second lag, and your camera (showing your face) underneath. But that night, the return shot–my face–WAS ON TOP. There's nothing more unnervingt than staring into a camera–at yourself. I got over it, but kept wondering when my mouth would catch up with my brain.
Maybe never.
Tx Art
August 21st, 2010 at 5:15 pm
Anyone with half a brain could see that, so you dont need to explain yourself 😉 We love you no matter what….
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:34 am
Poly– Thank you@!!
August 21st, 2010 at 11:10 pm
Hi Art, No problem! It happens to the best of us and those of us following the story understood you completely. (Brain Lapse and all! LOL)
Can't wait for a couple of days for you to spill the beans on what else Tommy "says he saw", for what it's gonna be worth!
Also can't wait for the end to this circus!
Thanks again for being there, Art.
August 22nd, 2010 at 12:33 am
NP Art, barely noticeable. I thought maybe you just knew you had to speak fast before you got cut off by the host, which did happen. I know you and NG are dear friends and it's great she devotes so much time to this case and others but viewers want to hear what you have to say. At least you didn't use the term "borderline personality disorder"..lol. I had to agree with Nancy though, that part was a bit comical, even they were laughing about it.
August 21st, 2010 at 9:22 am
Misty's "coulda, shoulda, woulda" defense is not going to wash. And it has already been established that Ron was at work during those hours that the child disappeared so to continue to suggest that he had something to do with Haleigh's disappearance is ridiculous. She was seen close to 8pm that night by Ron's own grandmother who was dropping off the wash and he was documented as being at work at that hour so Ron's direct involvement is incorrect.
The repeated calls may have come on the tail end of their argument when Misty balked at caring for the kids that night. She may have threatened to leave the kids alone and his frantic calls home may have been nothing more than his attempt to be sure she was there. LE has firmly established Ron's whereabouts so that leaves Misty once again as the solo player.
Something happened. Either Haleigh was overdosed to keep her quiet when Misty wanted to sleep it off, Misty lost her temper with the child and hurt her, or Haleigh witnessed something she was not supposed to have seen. But all roads, and finger pointing, lead right back to Misty. And Tommy was called to assist with the disposal.
In reviewing Misty's latest "story", one has to go back to the details. She claims to be cowering under the covers, hears Haleigh cry out followed by abrupt silence, then views a black bag from her perch, and hears the truck drive off. How then to explain the time it took to set up the kidnapping scene by propping open the door with the cinder blocks?
When did this happen? And was Joe intent on making it appear like a kidnapping? Come on!
And for the suggestion that they were all "zonked" out on drugs and have fuzzy recollections, just listen to Misty on that 911 call. She does not sound like someone drugged out of her mind but just frazzled that this is taking place and trying to cope with Ron.
It is Misty with Tommy acting as back up and the convenience of Cousin Joe as the scapegoat. Why would either Misty or Tommy involve themselves when they face longer sentences for murder than they would for drug dealing? They may be dumb but not stupid.
August 21st, 2010 at 10:23 am
Hi Art, Great show's last night. I also wish NG would quit being rude to you. I give you credit in sitting there taking it from her. Your there to get justice for Haleigh. Thank you for all you do.
My gut feeling is Ron had so much control over Misty. Misty being so young she obeyed him in all means. Ron popping that pill on the video tells me he couldn't wait to get something in his system. So many twists in what happen to Haleigh. Where are you Haleigh? Show us, give us a sign…..
August 22nd, 2010 at 11:14 am
Cathy, Didn't Ronald lie how many pills they had "after" he put one in his mouth?
August 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am
I have been following this case on your site from the beginning Art. Thank you so much for keeping us all up to date. I am trying to figure out how Jr. didn’t see or hear anything that night. Surely there must have been a ruckus and a fair bit of noise if cousin Joe was upset about not finding the gun. He couldn’t have slept through that. So now my question is why has the little guy said anything? Don’t you think that if Misty grabbed him and hid under the covers with him , he would have at least heard something? If she had her hands over his ears , wouldn’t he have wondered why? I would think at some point he would have said something to someone. I don’t understand how he didn’t hear a thing. Could Misty have drugged both of the children so they would sleep and she wouldn’t have to worry about them interupting her own much needed sleep? As for all of the Croslins and their kin, I don’t believe any of them could tell the truth if it was sitting on their tongues.
August 21st, 2010 at 12:28 pm
In reply to the above post.
Ronald didn't go after Joe (as he did about the gun) because he KNEW Joe didn't kill Haileigh. He knows:
Either MIsty gave her pills to quiet her down…or Haileigh got into some pills and OD'd. Misty then called Ron at work and told him she was dead. Instead of calling anyone, Ron knew they would all go to jail for the illegal drugas laying around the house, so he told her "There's nothing we can do now, she's dead…just make it look like a kidnapping, get your brother and JOe over there to help you" She did, and they did. That's why Ron called her over 90 times that night because he wanted to know what was going on every step of the way, but Misty's phone was not working, with the last call being right when he was driving up to the trailer (right after he went to the store for a 6 pack and peanuts,, so he would be seen on video). He then had MISTY call 911.
August 21st, 2010 at 12:29 pm
Continued…
Ron knew exactly what happened that night…the baby died of an overdose and they all tried to cover it up.. Misty needs more time tacked on her sentence for child endangerment/neglect, murder 3, or manslaughter. Tommy and Joe for tampering with a dead body, and Ronald for Child endangerment, obstruction of justice and tampering with a dead body.
That's what I believe 100% IMO
August 21st, 2010 at 1:10 pm
The lies just get bigger and bigger…and not a one of them has yet to pass a polygraph.Let them all rot in jail on drug charges,they are all quilty of something……..R
August 21st, 2010 at 1:22 pm
I don't think Joe wanted guns. I think if you substitute the word "DRUGS" for guns, this story would make a lot more sense. Misty and Tommy can't admit that Joe was looking for drugs as they are in enough trouble. A gun had nothing to do with it. It's all about these druggies.
August 21st, 2010 at 2:42 pm
Art, I have a couple questions and thoughts about this hopeless looking case. One, during the 911 call, Ron states that he will kill whoever took his daughter, and further stated to Misty how could she allow his daughter to be stolen. OK, how did Ron know from the get go Haleigh was taken, and had not simply wondered off, as many young children will often do? Why did Ron instantly go to the worse scenario, did he know Haleigh had been taken?? Two, why did Ron state to Tim Miller if he had $35,000 dollars he could get Haleigh back?? Does this prove Ron was involved in distributing drugs prior to Haleigh’s disappearance, did Ron owe drug money?? Tim Miller stated Ron showed him the rifle in question. Was the weapon to be used as a pay off, or was it traded for drugs?? Where there are drugs and money, there are often weapons, know fact. I would like LE to give Ron another polygraph. Not to make inquiries about Ron’s direct involvement in Haleigh’s disappearance (it is a known fact Ron was at work, maybe not working yet talking on his cell phone), yet to question Ron’s indirect involvement. Did Ron owe anyone money for drugs?? If yes, who?? Was the rifle used as a drug trade or payment for drugs?? If yes, when and with who?? Had Joe and he fought over drugs, money and/or weapons??? If the cousin Joe, and Tommy story is true, all while Misty cowardly hid and permitted a child to be raped, assaulted, and murdered, perhaps the only person left that could credibly corroborate this story is Ron!!!
August 21st, 2010 at 3:43 pm
Art – Great picture of you and Miss Nancy Grace. With so many versions of Misty's stories out there would you know if the police are planning to give Misty ANOTHER poly graph and see if this story flies true or not? I'm sorry but I am having some difficulty believing it. Misty could have easily dialed 9- 1- 1 after Joe supposedly left with the body and he could have been easily apprehended right down the road and locked up, hence no further threat to her or the rest of the clan.
August 21st, 2010 at 4:08 pm
I have a comment and a question. The comment first…If a person is looking at decades behind bars they usually do NOT wish to look their best, they instead wish to be as unattractive as possible to the other same sex inmates, if you get my drift.
Question: Have law enforcement ever given Joe a lie detector test? I'm not accusing him, but his name has come up a lot in this case, and it seems that would be the logical step, esp after Misty 'failed miserably' with her tests. I also wonder how accurate lie detector tests are when the subject is stoned?
August 21st, 2010 at 5:10 pm
I wonder if tommy did go dear hunting and accidently hit haleigh instead…just a thought but I wonder if anyone else thought of that…i wonder if joe helped cover for tommy that would explain all the failed polys etc. I still am having trouble believing that he came in and threatened them and took Haleigh, that 911 call sounds very planned and not like they were that afraid of joe. More like an accient that they are trying to cover….My oppinion only…
August 21st, 2010 at 7:45 pm
I caught the slip, Art..You are allowed one mistake…:-) In all of your reporting, I think it's the first..I have watched you forever, it seems.. I have never blamed Misty, Tommy, or Joe for Haleigh's disappearance.
We have nothing to verify that they were…I have my theories of what happened, and it doesn't include any of them…I think Tommy did go to Ron's trailer, but only after Ron called him from work to check on Misty..I don't think he stayed around..He got no answer, remember? Hope you are enjoying your weekend, and staying cool…It's 102 today in my part of Texas.. 🙁
August 21st, 2010 at 8:50 pm
Art, you do a fantastic job, keep up the good job. I have two comments. The first one is how could cousin Joe lift up a cinder block with a child tied to it and throw it very far? If the body is in the river it would have to be very close to the dock because a block like that is hard to throw. My second comment is that Maybe white boy Greg and Misty were having sex on the sofa and Haleigh came out and saw them because they said she couldn't sleep that night. She may have threatened Misty that she was going to tell her dad and Misty got worried and did something. Just a few thoughts………Wondered if anyone else thought about those two things.
August 21st, 2010 at 8:56 pm
I think the law is letting cousin Joe free for now and they are giving him time to do something. He'll slip up and they are watching every move he makes, give him enough rope and he might just hang himself
August 21st, 2010 at 8:57 pm
I have stopped watching NG all she seems to do is re-hash all the same stuff that was just on JVM. Like watching a repeat evey single night. You stuff was new and refreshing for a change.
August 21st, 2010 at 9:00 pm
With this new information from Tommy & Misty, will LE apply another polygraph to see if they are telling the truth. Or is this just another smoke and mirrors attempt. I strongly feel that the lawyers both Misty and Tommy's request the additonal polygraph since they feel so strongly that their clients are telling the truth.
August 21st, 2010 at 9:38 pm
Art, the reason you had the brain lapse is because you were talking extra fast in order to beat Nancy's interruption..lol Ya gotta be fast with that girl…'-) Actually, I noticed she interrupted you less than some of the others, and it's evident she enjoys your expertise in the Haleigh case…
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:28 am
Definitely keeps you on your toes…gotta smile to keep from crying…
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:24 pm
Art, you are hilarious and so exact in your words, never faltering or waivering. . . . glad you have a sense of humor when dealing with so many different types of individuals!!! I love listening to your words and reading this site!
July 13th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Thank you! art
August 21st, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Just a comment on Teresa Neves recent statement on T.V. "If Misty did this she should be hung in Town Square" or something to that affect…Bring two ropes if it's true she refused to babysit Haleigh the night she disappeared, especially if she knew Misty had been on a three day binge, and didn't want to babysit…I have always thought Teresa knows what happened, but is protecting Ron..Didn't she warn Ron, in one jail conversation to watch what he says? If you are innocent it doesn't matter what you say. The truth never changes…Lies snowball, and change, to protect the guilty…IMO
August 21st, 2010 at 10:22 pm
what is your take on the fact that Ron and Misty put a dead rat in Tommy's mail box??? To me it was a warning to keep his mouth shut, which tells me Ron and Misty have involment and were hiding something…………
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:27 am
Ray–
You got that right…tx
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 pm
I do wonder what Ronald knows and why he isn't saying more, in light of Tommy and Misty talking. He knows something!!!
August 22nd, 2010 at 1:45 am
I don't believe anything MC says. I have believed from day one that MC was responsible for whatever happened to Haley that night. I think her fear of Ron or of losing Ron is why she did not call 911, along with the fact that she seems to be a pathological lier. I do think she may possibley have called TC to help her cover up whatever it was that happened to Haley. MC & TC have had months to come up with all these other lies & scenerios & blaming cousin Joe gets them off the hook. That's why she failed all the lie detector tests. I think RC also is partially responsible because he never should have left his children with someone as imature & irresponsible as MC. If they cared as much about the children as they do about their drugs this precious little girl would probably still be here. My thoughts & prayers go out to Haley's mother & other family members who truly cared about her.
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:05 am
Re: Misty would of shot Joe
IMO, Misty, Tommy, and Ronald, didn't tell the LE the truth the night Haleigh disappeared, was because they would of been in a lot of trouble! Thus, the first story about someone breaking in and taking Haleigh was born.
I think that they went with this story, because they hoped that Joe would just bring Haleigh back home! Sure, Joe hung a few posters the next day, before he left town, he had to appear uninvolved. I don't understand why people think she should of been screaming, calling 911 etc.Within minutes, of the van leaving, Ronald was home from work! I believe Misty told him, everything, and that he made the decision on how to handle the situation.Thus the saga started, of tears, no one knowing anything, failed polygraphs etc.I find it very interesting that the only news coming from the jail, to date, is from Misty and Tommy.Ronald hasn't said a word!!!
But, his guns were more important than Haleigh!
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Where did you hear Ron was home within minutes of the van leaving? I've followed this case closely, and this is the first time hearing that… TIA
August 22nd, 2010 at 2:22 am
Con't.
So, Ronald just left Misty and his children 'swinging in the wind'. And, being at work, is his alibi(NOT). I believe there is more to this, that we know. There is no proof he was at work, straight through. Anyone could of stamped his time card, and it seems to be the type of job, easily to get away from, for a while.
Back at the trailer, imagine what's happening, crazy Joe, flipping out, grabbing Haleigh. Misty, diving under the covers with Jr. so he wouldn't see, and possibly covering his ears.
Misty is just a young girl, in a terrible situation! She couldn't help Haleigh, but she did help Jr. After she heard the doors slam, she didn't know what to do. Then, Ronald appeared at the door!
Who are we to judge Misty? Blame her? Trash her? Notice the only news coming from the jail is from Misty & Tommy! Not a word from Ronald!!!??
August 23rd, 2010 at 10:52 am
Could Haleigh, have been accidentally, killed with one of the handguns kept around the house? A lot of disturbing facts are becoming apparent lately,especially, finding out that Misty may have left those children unsupervised and Ronald brought the children, on his job and had them sleeping in his car. There are so many things that could have happened to that little child with that extreme neglect going on. I still have not ruled out a stranger abduction. I have read that a psychic, has said that a man, dressed in a security guard or police uniform has taken, this little girl, for ominous purposes. This case just sends chills down my spine! Those drug addicts, could be covering over what really happened, to that child because of their sheer, irresponsibility!
August 23rd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
Judy-
No human blood found in the trailer, or the van, so gunshot unlikely…tx Art
August 26th, 2010 at 1:26 am
WHERE THEY FOUND THE GUN REVISITED:
When Lindsay and Tommy Croslin, Hank Sr. and Lisa Croslin showed me where they said Joe hid the gun–and Chelsea and Misty found it–we were standing in the yard at Tommy and Lindsay's house on Tyler St, where a culvert runs along the front and a drainage pipe runs under the driveway….
Hank and Lisa had moved to Tommy's from their Maganolia house, after Hank's car wreck; he was on crutches with pins in his leg.
The day Haleigh went missing, a family member drove back up to the Gainesville hospital to bring him home in the blue van. And there it was that day, covered in dusty white fingerprint powder in the driveway. More from those interviews later.
August 26th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Thank You Art for this clarification and for all you do to keep Haleigh's name out there in the media. You are appreciated by many for your steadfast efforts to help us all understand what happened to this beautiful little girl.
August 27th, 2010 at 1:12 am
Papa-
Thank YOU for your efforts and questions that help us all rethink and refocus. Best, Art
August 26th, 2010 at 4:05 pm
It takes Will for drugs to Kill…… These freaks as an excuse for humans are lower than the worst animals. Ronald cummings was court ordered to work,, shame that a judge had to make him keep a job due to his issues with the kids Mother Crystal Sheffield.. , Is it possible to Reenact this case b4 it goes any farther? Doesnt LE do that to help them solve this type of story?
Art, plz read from ur readers on NG that complain about her ignorant crudeness towards you and others as you are trying ur da#@est to explain her questions..Shes as bad as some of these freaky cultures that do as the croslin/cummings. thx for sharing.
September 1st, 2010 at 12:15 am
I believe Ronald Cummings is the guilty party here I wonder Art if you could put up a poll? I am interested in who everyone believes the murderer is?? I thing Ronald was messing Misty up that day before he left for work, somehow Haleigh got in the way and was killed. Ron went to work as usual, with Misty responsible for the rest of the horrible task of getting rid of Haleigh, getting help from her bro and cousin, then Ronald calling a million times to make sure the deed was done. Then the BS 911 call and so on. That is my theory. What do you all think??
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:04 am
Tommy said…he could tell haleigh wasnt breathing in the back seat of the van.
It is much to dark to see that ,he would need to touch her.
yet his lawyer said that Tommy was sitting on the couch and looked around the corner and notice Haleighs limp body in joes arms….which is it?
Misty said she was in the covers with JR and heard Haleigh scream…..
yet all we heard from JR was about the couch bouncing and a man in black..(sounds like he was told to say that)..but a blood curling scream from a child is so loud the neighbors would wake up and hear it…
Ron removed the gun under misty's pillow that night of all nights why? either it was something he thought he needed t do then(because he was afraid joe would come steal them)
or Haleigh found it and shot herself earlier that day(when Ron was still home)
continued….
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:04 am
No blood was because they all had time t o clean it up…would explain what was thrown into the river..(not haleigh) would explain why Haleigh wasnt in pjs and the shirt was found.
Ron's grandmother said she was there at 8 pm and the kids were eating…with clean laundry in tow. Yet Misty claim she wasnt there and she was washing the blanket. for Haleigh to sleep with.
Joe stole Rons gun a week before and found it in the culvert at Timmy's. where JOe was staying at the time visiting(which I think he came there for drugs to transport back)
whos to say that the bag of bloody rags etc went into st.johns with the rope and the cinder blocks(which wouldnt weigh as much as haleigh)
and the took Haleigh and stuffed her way far back in the same spot the gun was found in the culvert in the drain pipe. and the bag of bloody stuff was what the dog hit on that was in the dumpster . Art your the greatest..love listening to you!
September 3rd, 2010 at 11:19 am
oh yeah one more thing….what day and what hour was all the guns removed?
who is to say that they are all accounted for..only Ron knows for sure..maybe he left one out
of the equation…?