Jennifer Odom case rekindled

Tuesday, February 21, 2006

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Jennifer Odom was found murdered in a Hernando County orange grove 13 years ago.

Before there was Jessica Lunsford, Sarah Lunde or Carlie Brucia, there was Jennifer Odom.

Odom was a 12-year old girl who disappeared from Pasco County in February of 1993 and was later found murdered in a Hernando County orange grove.

Despite the passing of more than 13 years, Hernando County Sheriff's Office investigators kept the unsolved case open.

During a press conference Tuesday, Odom's mother, Renee Converse, explained her zombie-like existence since her daughter was taken from her.

"You just get up, put your feet on the floor and try to make it through the day," Converse said.

Odom disappeared after getting off a school bus near her home. About a week later her body was found in an orange grove in Hernando County.

"There are a lot of things that bring it up front, like following a school bus down the road," Converse said. "She used to sit in the back seat and wave as I followed out to work and things like that."

Hernando County Sheriff's recently teamed up with the FBI's Center for the Analysis of Violent Crime. With its help and the aid of other agencies, a smaller list of suspects has been formed.

Investigators said finding various items that belonged to Odom could provide links to the killer.

"We were able to really streamline this investigation and focus on a smaller group of individuals that we feel are of interest for us," Captain Michael Maurer of the Hernando County Sheriff's Office said.

Maurer said investigators also feel there are a number of people with crucial information that haven't come forward, and there are a number of items that belonged to Odom that investigators want to find -- items that Maurer said could lead investigators to the killer.

Sheriff's officials said they have also resubmitted some physical evidence found at the crime scene that will be re-analyzed using more advanced equipment than the equipment that existed 13 years ago.

If you or anyone you know has information about this case, please call investigators at (888) 785-8308.