Missing Handyman Takes Stage in Lisa Irwin Investigation

Police in Kansas City, Mo., investigating the disappearance of 11-month-old Lisa Irwin have been looking for a homeless handyman with a criminal background known by the nickname “Jersey.” Jersey has not been seen in the neighborhood since two days before baby Lisa’s disappearance. New and potentially troubling details have come to light about Jersey, including a report by neighbor Barbara Hoy that she recently drove Jersey to the home across the street from the Irwins’ to see someone he referred to as his buddy. The buddy turned out not to be home on that occasion.

Of the three classifications of kidnappers – relatives, acquaintances, and strangers – a neighborhood handyman would fall into the acquaintance category which statistically accounts for 27 percent of the total. Relative kidnappings constitute 47 percent and stranger kidnappings 24 percent. Acquaintance kidnapping is predominantly a teen issue. Teens constitute the bulk of the perpetrators and 72 percent of the victims. That lessens the likelihood that an adult handyman like Jersey is responsible for Lisa’s disappearance. But statistics aside, police need to chase down this lead to find out whether Jersey can be cleared or is a potential suspect.

Jersey was kicked out of One Eyed Jack’s Tavern two days before Lisa Irwin disappeared for spitting on customers, according to Fox4KC. In media reports, he was described as exhibiting drunk and rude behavior on that occasion.

Neighborhood resident Mike Hancock used to rent to Jersey’s girlfriend and was interviewed by police. He told Fox4KC that police told him Jersey had stopped visiting his parole officer and was reported to have been stealing and breaking into homes. The search of the abandoned house and well Tuesday may have been related to the Jersey investigation angle as it is two doors away from the home Jersey’s girlfriend rented, where Jersey himself sometimes stayed. According to CNN’s Nancy Grace blog, Jersey had also been seen at times around the abandoned house.

Deborah Bradley and Jeremy Irwin have taken their family from their Lister St. home to stay with relatives and vowed never to live there again, KCTV 5 reported.


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