Autumn Pasquale Wasn't Eligible for Amber Alert

An Amber Alert wasn't issued for Autumn Pasquale when she went missing, and this has some people scratching their heads. Of course anytime a child goes missing and an alert of this nature isn't issued it has people asking why, but it must be stated that special criteria must be met before an Amber Alert can be issued in the case of a missing person. In the case of Autumn's disappearance and murder; she clearly didn't reach the required criteria.

This source is among some of the news sources asking why an Amber Alert wasn't issued for the slain 12-year-old New Jersey girl, and like any good news source it shares that Autumn's case simply didn't quality for usage of the system.

The state of New Jersey has a pretty lengthy process for determining whether or not a missing child is eligible for an Amber Alert, and the amount of time used to make a decision like this could also lend to negative outcomes. That is why another alert system should be put in place as a way to push awareness of missing kids to the public where they belong.

Would any type of alert have stopped the brutal murder of Autumn Pasquale? Probably not, because she was allegedly lured to the home of the two teen brothers who are accused of killing her. She wasn't snatched off the street, nor was she witnessed as a victim in a home invasion or any other obvious criminal act. By the time she was even known to be missing, she was dead and disposed of in a recycling bin. An alert would have proven useless in this case.

Comments: 7

Melissa C. Oct 25, 2012, 12:34am UTC

I'm still confused on why she wasn't eligible for the "Amber Alert" You said New Jersey has a lengthy process to determine whether or not it can be used but you gave no detail about what they require in order to announce it. It just doesn't make any sense to me. She was 12 years old and missing. Maybe I overlooked something but would really like it if you could explain it. Thanks

Chelsea Hoffman Oct 25, 2012, 12:42am UTC

I highlighted the "state of new jersey" in the story and linked their amber alert process. You can read it there.

Melissa C. Oct 25, 2012, 3:38am UTC

Thank you. I overlooked the highlights. I read them and I understand now. I first got the impression that nobody was doing anything, but at least the police were trying their best.

Chelsea Hoffman Oct 25, 2012, 3:39am UTC

It's understandable.

The sad likelihood is that it was too late before the parents realized she was "missing."

Melissa C. Oct 25, 2012, 4:15am UTC

You are probably right. What is so concerning to me is these horrible acts of violence and murder are the hands of teenagers, especially the one here in Colorado. I was shocked. What happened to her was beyond evil and he is 17.

Chelsea Hoffman Oct 25, 2012, 4:22am UTC

Yeah, because the boys had (allegedly) lured her to their place a little after 1 or 1:30 in the afternoon. Her parents didn't report her missing until around 9:30 p.m., and by then the two had already disposed of her body and were goofing off on FB. Or so that's what reports are saying anyway, I think.

And I totally understand. Been covering the Ridgeway case as well, very closely.

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marissa nathan Jan 20, 2013, 9:46pm UTC

There is too much red tape involved. It is so sad to see this happening. As a mother I am frustrated at what is happening.

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Autumn Pasquale Wasn't Eligible for Amber Alert

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