AMBER Alert SUMMER WELLS: Missing from Rogersville, TN - 15 June 2021 - Age 5

AMBER Alert: Search continues for missing 5-year-old Summer Wells

Sheriff’s Office officials are asking for help in locating her.

www.wbrc.com

AMBER Alert issued for missing 5-year-old out of Hawkins Co.​

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a statewide AMBER Alert for a missing 5-year-old girl from Rogersville in Hawkins County Wednesday morning.

Officials with the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to WVLT News that Summer Moon-Utah Wells went missing Tuesday night. Sheriff’s Office officials are asking for the public’s help locating the child.

Summer Wells has blonde hair and was last seen wearing grey shorts and a pink shirt on Ben Hill road, officials said. She has been missing since 7 p.m. Tuesday.

TBI officials said Summer Wells may now have shorter hair than that pictured in earlier alerts.

SUMMER WELLS has been missing from Rogersville, #TENNESSEE since 15 June 2021 - Age 5

Summer was last seen walking away from her home on Ben Hill Road, off Beech Creek Road, at around 7 p.m.

www.crimewatchers.net

 

[GrandmaBear]

Hmm. It was the church that was behind it and took it in wasn't it? Or do I have that wrong...? And I recall the exp. date being questioned back when... They extended it if I recall after people inquired or wanted it to go longer... Not totally sure, but that's what I think I recall...

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Lawsuit filed asking court to determine who gets the $40K in Summer Wells reward fund

Agreeing to manage the reward contributions intended to help locate missing 5-year-old Summer Wells last year may have led the Church Hill Rescue Squad to conclude that “No good deed

www.therogersvillereview.com

Lawsuit filed asking court to determine who gets the $40K in Summer Wells reward fund​

Agreeing to manage the reward contributions intended to help locate missing 5-year-old Summer Wells last year may have led the Church Hill Rescue Squad to conclude that “No good deed goes unpunished”.

At least that’s what CHRS attorney Joe May stated in the opening sentence of a lawsuit he filed last week in Hawkins County Chancery Court on behalf of the rescue squad.

The lawsuit seeks for the CHRS to be “discharged of all liability” relating to more than $75,000 that was contributed to serve as a reward for anyone who provided information that led to the recovery of Summer Wells.

Of that amount $35,000 was returned to two donors in the form of uncashed checks for $25,000 and $10,000. Another $40,305 is currently held in the bank account created by the CHRS to accept donations.

This lawsuit comes on the heels of the CHRS receiving an email on June 9 from a person claiming to be an “independent investigator” alleging “inappropriate donation instructions may have been used in international solicitation” by a person identified as Qiana Carlock.

Those international donations resulted in $32,193 being wired into the reward fund account at the former CIVIS Bank (now Thread Bank). The remaining $8,000 was contributed via 28 donations made by people whose identities weren’t recorded by the bank.

The June 9 email send by O’Connor to the CHRS states that Carlock held an “unregulated, illegal fundraser on YouTube over the course of 10 days”.


The lawsuit further seeks to allow the CHRS to place all reward funds that are currently in the bank account into the custody of the Hawkins County Clerk and Master; and that any interested parties be required to settle between themselves any and all claims they might have on the funds — absolving the CHRS of any liability or claims of damages.

“As a result of such massive, widespread notoriety, the Rescue Squad has a real and reasonable fear of liability or vexatious, conflicting claims against the disputed funds, and is not in the position to safely determine which, if any claim or potential claim is meritorious without great hazard and possible multiple liability,” May states in the lawsuit. “The Rescue Squad claims no interest in the disputed funds, yet cannot safely distribute the money or any part of it without an order of the court establishing the rights of donors and potential claimants.”

Rescue squad requests to freeze donations, surrender Summer Wells Reward Fund to court

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – In a Thursday court filing, the Church Hill Rescue Squad (CHRS) formally requested to freeze donations into the Summer Wells Reward Fund and to surrender the curre…

www.wate.com

Rescue squad requests to freeze donations, surrender Summer Wells Reward Fund to court​

In a Thursday court filing, the Church Hill Rescue Squad (CHRS) formally requested to freeze donations into the Summer Wells Reward Fund and to surrender the current total to the court.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

'Someone might come forward': Summer Wells Reward donor wants fund kept alive

One contributor to the Summer Wells Reward Fund told the Review last week she will participate in a recently filed lawsuit and ask the Chancellor to keep the reward active.

www.therogersvillereview.com

'Someone might come forward': Summer Wells Reward donor wants fund kept alive​

One contributor to the Summer Wells Reward Fund told the Review last week she will participate in a recently filed lawsuit and ask the Chancellor to keep the reward active.

“As a donor, I honestly hope that they just leave the reward in place in hopes that someone will eventually come forward,” J said. “I wish we could get the YouTube chaos and all the people who think they’re investigators to stop. I feel like they’re putting a lot of fear into anyone who may possibly come forward with their shenanigans.”

J added, “Personally I would like the reward to stay in place in hopes that someone might come forward, because it looks to me that authorities are saying they think that Summer is still alive. They just don’t know where to begin to look for her. My ultimate hope is that she is alive, and she is OK, and she’s not being harmed. I’d donate whatever I have to bring that baby back home.”

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Father of missing girl, Summer Wells, releases letter to kidnapper

Just over a year after the disappearance of 5-year-old Summer Wells, the father of missing girl, Don Wells released a letter addressed to the kidnapper.

fox17.com

Father of missing girl, Summer Wells, releases letter to kidnapper
Just over a year after the disappearance of 5-year-old Summer Wells, the father of missing girl, Don Wells released a letter addressed to the kidnapper.

Summer's father, Don Wells, is currently serving a jail sentence for a DUI and released the statement via youtube. He included a photo montage of Summer with music and the following letter:

"To the person (or persons) responsible for kidnapping Summer,

Not only have you broken Summer’s heart and taken her away from her mother and father who love her very much but you’ve ruined her chances to become educated, ruining her life! You have also broke the hearts of her father, and mother and brother, and in the midst of all the commotions, ruined our lives.

You see, the public blames us. I don’t know if we will ever find employment again. Nobody will hire my wife and I’ve been fired from a job I had for 13 years. We may end up losing everything! When you took our little girl you took our very lives!

Why don’t you give our little girl back before God’s wrath descends on you. You’ve broken many hearts, especially an innocent 5 year old girls heart. One day God will hold yo accountable for this crime unless you do something to make it right! Please do the right thing and turn our daughter over to the authorities. We’re begging you with all our hearts, please do the right thing."

-Summer's Father

 

[Kimster]

'Someone might come forward': Summer Wells Reward donor wants fund kept alive

One contributor to the Summer Wells Reward Fund told the Review last week she will participate in a recently filed lawsuit and ask the Chancellor to keep the reward active.

www.therogersvillereview.com

'Someone might come forward': Summer Wells Reward donor wants fund kept alive​

One contributor to the Summer Wells Reward Fund told the Review last week she will participate in a recently filed lawsuit and ask the Chancellor to keep the reward active.

“As a donor, I honestly hope that they just leave the reward in place in hopes that someone will eventually come forward,” J said. “I wish we could get the YouTube chaos and all the people who think they’re investigators to stop. I feel like they’re putting a lot of fear into anyone who may possibly come forward with their shenanigans.”

J added, “Personally I would like the reward to stay in place in hopes that someone might come forward, because it looks to me that authorities are saying they think that Summer is still alive. They just don’t know where to begin to look for her. My ultimate hope is that she is alive, and she is OK, and she’s not being harmed. I’d donate whatever I have to bring that baby back home.”

I have heard of reward funds that are more like pledges.

Misunderstandings like this are why we don’t promote any rewards or funds or anything of that manner.

 

[Mel70]

I have heard of reward funds that are more like pledges.

Misunderstandings like this are why we don’t promote any rewards or funds or anything of that manner.

And money shouldn't fuel someone to come forward with information or especially the truth.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Linda on Summer at about 9 minutes in. Talks of Don's recent letter and another that supposedly hasn't been released yet Don wrote to kidnapper.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Father of Summer Wells thanks reward fund donors in jailhouse letter

HAWKINS COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, released another letter while he serves a jail sentence related to a DUI arrest. According t…

www.wjhl.com

Father of Summer Wells thanks reward fund donors in jailhouse letter​

Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, released another letter while he serves a jail sentence related to a DUI arrest.

According to the Wells’ family website, FindSummerWells.com, Don wrote the “spell-checked” letter on July 27, thanking those who have donated to the reward fund set up for information leading to the location of Summer.

“We wanted to thank everyone who donated to the reward fund in the hopes of bringing our precious daughter back home, and we can assure you she is worth everything to us and more as she loves everyone, is blameless, and deserves to be in school with her peers becoming a young lady,” the letter reads.

The letter went on to state that the Wells family is struggling to consider what Summer may be going through.

“We know those who have donated and so many others feel the same so thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” the letter reads.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Don Wells writes letter to missing daughter Summer Wells

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, has released a letter to his missing daughter, according to a post on the Find Summer Wells website. …

www.wjhl.com

Don Wells writes letter to missing daughter Summer Wells​

Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, has released a letter to his missing daughter, according to a post on the Find Summer Wells website.

According to his media manager, Wells had his six-month hearing Wednesday with a judge, who decided that Wells will be released on Oct. 30 without having to complete any rehabilitation.


“Dear Summer,

I don’t know if there’s even the remotest chance of you ever seeing this letter but I’m going to write it hoping you will. First of all I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. I’ve never missed someone as much as I miss you. My heart aches constantly and then the thought of someone mistreating you puts so much anguish and fear for you that I can barely breath at times. I beg God for your life and break out in tears constantly. I’m very glad I got to spend 5 years with you but now my life always feels like snow, rain, and drizzle never ending. You are the highlight of my entire miserable existence on this earth. I love you Summer with every fiber of my being sweetheart! I love you and I will never give up on you and one day I will see you again.

Always & Forever Your earthly Dad. Father.”

 

[Looking4you]

I wonder why they thought within 24 hours of an Amber Alert they'd have good news. That struck me odd.

We are likely to never know but I wonder what Summer's brothers said and I would hope they have been talked with professionally. I wonder if what they had to say matches what the parents have said.

Allegedly five people were home when Summer went missing. It just makes no sense to me at all that no one saw anything nor knows anything.

I think they said they “hoped” to have good news in the first 24 hours, and I assume they hope that with all cases.

 

[GrandmaBear]

I think they said they “hoped” to have good news in the first 24 hours, and I assume they hope that with all cases.

That makes sense. I was probably thinking why would they think if abducted by who knows who and in who knows what why they'd necessarily hear anything that was good news but they probably meant in any possible scenario, not just abduction, just getting her face out and the alert out might do that.

 

[Looking4you]

And money shouldn't fuel someone to come forward with information or especially the truth.

it shouldn't, although I guess it’s enough to push some to share info. One would hope that maybe a reward would encourage people to share tips - in the hopes they might win the lottery, basically- , no matter how small, because maybe that would be just the tip they need. I wonder how often someone actually collects reward money.

 

[Mel70]

it shouldn't, although I guess it’s enough to push some to share info. One would hope that maybe a reward would encourage people to share tips - in the hopes they might win the lottery, basically- , no matter how small, because maybe that would be just the tip they need. I wonder how often someone actually collects reward money.

I think sometimes regardless of the reward people are not going to talk out of fear. But then sometimes "Money talks". I've wondered that myself about how often a reward is collected.

 

[Looking4you]

Don Wells writes letter to missing daughter Summer Wells

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, has released a letter to his missing daughter, according to a post on the Find Summer Wells website. …

www.wjhl.com

Don Wells writes letter to missing daughter Summer Wells​

Don Wells, the father of missing Hawkins County child Summer Wells, has released a letter to his missing daughter, according to a post on the Find Summer Wells website.

According to his media manager, Wells had his six-month hearing Wednesday with a judge, who decided that Wells will be released on Oct. 30 without having to complete any rehabilitation.


“Dear Summer,

I don’t know if there’s even the remotest chance of you ever seeing this letter but I’m going to write it hoping you will. First of all I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. I’ve never missed someone as much as I miss you. My heart aches constantly and then the thought of someone mistreating you puts so much anguish and fear for you that I can barely breath at times. I beg God for your life and break out in tears constantly. I’m very glad I got to spend 5 years with you but now my life always feels like snow, rain, and drizzle never ending. You are the highlight of my entire miserable existence on this earth. I love you Summer with every fiber of my being sweetheart! I love you and I will never give up on you and one day I will see you again.

Always & Forever Your earthly Dad. Father.”

sorry, I don’t know how to use just one line. I tried! I wanted to comment on his sentence “you are the highlight of my entire miserable existence on this earth”. What the heck?! Those poor boys, if that’s the case. They read this stuff…talk about making them feel worthless. Yikes poor kiddos. I don’t know if he just felt that way in the moment, has always felt that way, or what…but, if he really feels that way - that she is/was his only reason for existence basically - it gets my mind wandering towards potential sexual abuse.

 

[Kimster]

sorry, I don’t know how to use just one line. I tried! I wanted to comment on his sentence “you are the highlight of my entire miserable existence on this earth”. What the heck?! Those poor boys, if that’s the case. They read this stuff…talk about making them feel worthless. Yikes poor kiddos. I don’t know if he just felt that way in the moment, has always felt that way, or what…but, if he really feels that way - that she is/was his only reason for existence basically - it gets my mind wandering towards potential sexual abuse.

Hopefully he’s just wanting sympathy. Sounds like a selfish comment to me.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Hawkins Co. Jail: Don Wells released early Sunday morning

The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

www.wjhl.com

by: Mackenzie Moore
Posted: Oct 31, 2022 / 09:26 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 31, 2022 / 05:07 PM EDT

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

Don Wells had been sentenced after pleading guilty to an October 2021 DUI arrest. While the mandatory minimum sentence for that charge is 48 hours in jail, the arrest was in violation of his probation related to a previous charge. This dragged out the sentence to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

Wells’ time in jail was not related to Summer’s disappearance from her rural Hawkins County home in June 2021. To date, no one has been charged in relation to her disappearance.

While in jail, Wells released several letters, including one on July 18 that addresses those he believes kidnapped his daughter.

 

[Looking4you]

Hawkins Co. Jail: Don Wells released early Sunday morning

The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

www.wjhl.com

by: Mackenzie Moore
Posted: Oct 31, 2022 / 09:26 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 31, 2022 / 05:07 PM EDT

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

Don Wells had been sentenced after pleading guilty to an October 2021 DUI arrest. While the mandatory minimum sentence for that charge is 48 hours in jail, the arrest was in violation of his probation related to a previous charge. This dragged out the sentence to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

Wells’ time in jail was not related to Summer’s disappearance from her rural Hawkins County home in June 2021. To date, no one has been charged in relation to her disappearance.

While in jail, Wells released several letters, including one on July 18 that addresses those he believes kidnapped his daughter.

Hawkins Co. Jail: Don Wells released early Sunday morning

The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

www.wjhl.com

by: Mackenzie Moore
Posted: Oct 31, 2022 / 09:26 AM EDT
Updated: Oct 31, 2022 / 05:07 PM EDT

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) — The father of missing Summer Wells was released from Hawkins County Jail early Sunday morning, according to workers at the facility.

Don Wells had been sentenced after pleading guilty to an October 2021 DUI arrest. While the mandatory minimum sentence for that charge is 48 hours in jail, the arrest was in violation of his probation related to a previous charge. This dragged out the sentence to 11 months and 29 days in jail.

Wells’ time in jail was not related to Summer’s disappearance from her rural Hawkins County home in June 2021. To date, no one has been charged in relation to her disappearance.

While in jail, Wells released several letters, including one on July 18 that addresses those he believes kidnapped his daughter.

So they send him to jail for a year, but release him without him being required to go to rehab…and this is a repeat offense…? I don’t really understand the logic on that one.
Does anyone know where Summer’s siblings are now?

 

[GrandmaBear]

So they send him to jail for a year, but release him without him being required to go to rehab…and this is a repeat offense…? I don’t really understand the logic on that one.
Does anyone know where Summer’s siblings are now?

Has he gotten any rehab, etc. in jail? It has been some time ago but I recall him wanting to do things and I think asking the court if he could or some such to work on getting the kids back while in jail or paying support, etc....

Last I knew the siblings were in foster care or somewhere other than with the parents. Since I doubt they had much for support or any relatives that would be okayed for their care, I suspect they are in foster care or with a foster family, all or separated, no idea. If the Wells did have a relative who would qualify as unquestionable, then they would likely nix that arrangement, I just doubt there is/was such an option. I also seriously doubt that while dad has been in jail, mom managed to get it all together and get them back. So my guess is they are in foster care, hopefully together and with a good family.

To this day, I think the likelihood in this case was death by the hands of someone close or due to accident and negligence and then cover up. More than one or just one but the coverup probably involved more than one. I doubt the time frame and a lot of other things surrounding it.

IF and that is a big IF it was someone outside the family, it is someone close. No one took this child just in happenstance driving by and she was not sold or anything outlandish like that. Just my opinion.

I think the answer is at home and in her famly. If not, it is someone close by or close to them.

The ONLY more out there theory I consider was IF CPS was involved in any way re Summer more than the boys, whether due to her younger age or false allegations or true ones, is that rather than have her taken away, grandma or someone has her and this story was put together with NO idea the ramifications that would come. And I don't believe that either. I wouldn't normally entertain this and think it farfetched but there is one reason I do leave it as a possibilty.

The problem is we never know the facts when minors are involved. We don't know the CPS thing, investigations, where the boys are, whether the family was under issues whether false allegations or true, etc. The scuttlebutt out there is difficult to determine what is true or not but it did sound as if they were under issues with CPS maybe or allegations and that the youngest child would be the one hardest to keep and that was Summer. IF a SINGLE BIT of it is true.

 

[Summer_Breeze]

Don & Candus Wells named, Children’s Advocacy Center files answer in Reward Fund suit

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – New motions have been filed in the Summer Wells Reward Fund lawsuit. The Church Hill Rescue Squad filed the lawsuit on June 30, 2022 asking for a judge to determin…

www.wjhl.com

by: Anslee Daniel
Posted: Nov 28, 2022 / 06:05 PM EST
Updated: Nov 28, 2022 / 06:17 PM EST

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – New motions have been filed in the Summer Wells Reward Fund lawsuit.

The Church Hill Rescue Squad filed the lawsuit on June 30, 2022 asking for a judge to determine who gets the $40,305.47 of the Summer Wells Reward Fund.

Summer’s parents, Don and Candus Wells, have been added as defendants in the suit, and the Children’s Advocacy Center has filed an answer asking the judge to make them the beneficiary of the fund.

“If it wasn’t used for that specific purpose that they’ll get a refund or did they understand if it’s not used for that specific purpose it’s going to go to [Children’s Advocacy Center]? I think that’s the issue to determine,” said Joseph McMurray, an attorney with R. Wayne Culbertson, P.P.C. in Kingsport.

McMurry isn’t affiliated with the case but says that for the judge to have a valid ruling, all parties who could have a claim on the money in the fund must be notified.

 

[Mel70]

Don & Candus Wells named, Children’s Advocacy Center files answer in Reward Fund suit

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – New motions have been filed in the Summer Wells Reward Fund lawsuit. The Church Hill Rescue Squad filed the lawsuit on June 30, 2022 asking for a judge to determin…

www.wjhl.com

by: Anslee Daniel
Posted: Nov 28, 2022 / 06:05 PM EST
Updated: Nov 28, 2022 / 06:17 PM EST

ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – New motions have been filed in the Summer Wells Reward Fund lawsuit.

The Church Hill Rescue Squad filed the lawsuit on June 30, 2022 asking for a judge to determine who gets the $40,305.47 of the Summer Wells Reward Fund.

Summer’s parents, Don and Candus Wells, have been added as defendants in the suit, and the Children’s Advocacy Center has filed an answer asking the judge to make them the beneficiary of the fund.

“If it wasn’t used for that specific purpose that they’ll get a refund or did they understand if it’s not used for that specific purpose it’s going to go to [Children’s Advocacy Center]? I think that’s the issue to determine,” said Joseph McMurray, an attorney with R. Wayne Culbertson, P.P.C. in Kingsport.

McMurry isn’t affiliated with the case but says that for the judge to have a valid ruling, all parties who could have a claim on the money in the fund must be notified.

FFS. What a mess. I would normally say they should get it back to aid in other rescues. But since the main contributor has been accused of collecting without their consent. Ugh. It's ridiculous. I agree it has to be legally worked out. But is nothing pure anymore?. This is about money. Not Summer.