Pleading Not Guilty
Wright pleads not guilty to murder, kidnappingBy JON WALKERjwalker@argusleader.comFebruary 28, 2006, 2:18 pmDaphne Wright pleaded not guilty Tuesday to kidnapping and murder charges in the disappearance and death of Darlene Kay VanderGiesen.Wright, 42, of Sioux Falls, indicated through sign language that she understood her rights in a jury trial, which her court-appointed lawyer said is tentatively set for May 1.Several members of the local deaf community attended the hearing before Circuit Judge Joseph Neiles, saying a keen interest in the case results from both the victim and the accused being deaf.Dave Nelson, Minnehaha County state’s attorney since 1989, said he could not remember prosecuting another such high-profile case in which the defendant is deaf. Nelson said he has not decided yet whether he will seek the death penalty.VanderGiesen, 42, was killed sometime in early February. Parts of her dismembered body were found in the Sioux Falls landfill.Wright faces a three-count indictment. She is accused of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and murder while committing a felony.If a jury finds her guilty, she would face either life in prison or the death penalty, Neiles said.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/28/2006
Wright Makes Court AppearanceThe woman accused of killing and dismembering a deaf Sioux Falls woman returned to court this morning. Forty-two-year old Daphne Wright is charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping in the death of Darlene VanderGiesen. The charges are all first degree felonies, with a maximum punishment of either life in prison or the death penalty. Wright has pleaded not guilty, and today her attorneys requested a jury trial. A trial date hasn't been set.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,46354
Indiciments in VanderGiesen Murder
02/24/2006
Wright Indicted For MurderForty-two-year old Daphne Wright has been indicted in connection with the disappearance and death of Darlene VanderGeisen. Wright has now been charged with first degree premeditated murder, first degree felony murder, and kidnapping. Police searched Wright's house at 1806 S. Phillips Avenue after they determined she was the last person to see 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen alive. She admitted to meeting VanderGiesen at the Pizza Hut parking lot on 26th and Sycamore, where VanderGiesen's abandoned pickup was later found.She is being held in the Minnehaha County Jail without bond and is scheduled to be arraigned next week.http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,46268~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Grand jury indicts Daphne Wright in slaying of VanderGiesen
BY DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 24, 2006, 2:24 pm
A grand jury today returned a three-count indictment against Daphne Antranette Wright of Sioux Falls in the disappearance and death of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42.
Wright, 42, now faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder; kidnapping; and first-degree felony murder for death occurring during the commission of a felony, according to Dave Nelson, state's attorney for Minnehaha County.
Investigators found saws and chain saw oil at Wright's home at 1806 S. Phillips Ave.
Authorities said the body was at least partially dismembered before it was dumped in a trash bin. Body parts have been found at the regional landfill west of Sioux Falls. Police are continuing their search at the landfil this afternoon.
Authorities have not said what the suspected murder weapon is.
Police asked for a search warrant for Wright's house after determining Wright was the last person known to see VanderGiesen. The two had a conversation in the parking lot of a Pizza Hut where police later found the victim's truck abandoned, according to court documents.
Wright is accused of killing VanderGiesen because she thought VanderGiesen had a romantic relationship with her girlfriend.
The investigation began as a missing person case reported Feb. 3. Most of the investigation has focused on the house. A roommate told police she saw Wright removing carpet and a large black trash bag the night VanderGiesen was last seen.
A search of VanderGiesen's computer revealed a "demeaning and profane" message sent by Wright to VanderGiesen.
A judge authorized officers to examine Wright's house for cell phones, computers, disks, a wallet, hair, blood and other evidence. Police entered the house Feb. 7 and confiscated a paint brush, a computer, paint scraps and a small amount of marijuana.
Officers also noticed a partially bloody shoe print in the basement, along with small pieces of matter on the walls that later were determined to be human fat, bone and muscle tissue.
The odor of fresh paint was present, and "random areas" of the basement had been painted blue, according to court documents.
The next day a judge approved searching the computer hard drive and expanding the search at the house to include "tools used to dismember a body" and "materials used to clean up a crime scene."
During the next several days, detectives documented and removed store receipts, painting supplies, a hack saw and a skill saw, as well as other items that had blood or paint on them. They found clothing, handwritten notes and mail addressed to VanderGiesen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Wright indicted in slaying
Authorities finish search for evidence at landfillDAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 25, 2006, 2:55 amA grand jury returned a three-count indictment Friday against Daphne Wright in the disappearance and death of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42.Wright, 42, faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder, kidnapping and first-degree felony murder for death occurring during the commission of a felony, according to Dave Nelson, state's attorney for Minnehaha County.Also Friday, authorities completed a search for evidence and victim remains at the city landfill. Dozens of officers spent two weeks raking through 800 tons of trash.Evidence and some remains were recovered, but none since Tuesday. At the request of the state's attorney's office, authorities have not disclosed what evidence or body parts were found at the landfill.Police Chief Doug Barthel said the final days of the search were not expected to yield important information about the case. It was, he said, a recovery effort to find as many remains as possible."It's really for the family," he said.Wright remains in custody at the Minnehaha County Jail without bond. She is scheduled to be arraigned at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday.
In Memory of Darlene
VanderGiesen is laid to restBy PETER HARRIMANpharrima@argusleader.comFebruary 25, 2006, 6:40 pmThey comprised only a small part of the congregation that filled First Christian Reformed Church Saturday, but about 35 people wearing lapel buttons with an image of Darlene VanderGiesen’s face represented a large part of the workforce at JDS Industries.Their presence at her funeral suggested how they felt about her, and it was reflective of the group that nearly overflowed the church.“She was very well liked by everyone at work. She made friends easily,” said Scott Sletten, JDS owner.“We’ve got people here from the warehouse where she worked, from accounting, from customer service, people from every department who knew Darlene.”VanderGiesen had worked for 13 years at the company, which employs about 50 in Sioux Falls.“The number of employees and their families who are here speaks volumes about her,” Sletten said.That sense of VanderGiesen was carried through in a eulogy delivered by Clyde Teel, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church.“Man, she was happy,” he said.As he was preparing for the memorial service, “every time I saw a photo of Darlene I saw a smile, and a big smile,” he said.“And now it’s gone.”The fact VanderGiesen, 42, was murdered sometime in early February and her dismembered body discovered at the Sioux Falls landfill made her death especially sad.“The circumstances around this have captivated everyone, haven’t they? And people want to know why. They want comfort and answers,” Teel said.As he spoke, his words were conveyed by an interpreter to 100 or more people at the service who are members of the area’s deaf community. VanderGiesen was a member too. She participated in the South Dakota Association for the Deaf for 14 years and played softball on a Sioux Falls Deaf Club team.She had moved from Kansas to Rock Valley, Iowa, at age 5 with her family, including her parents Eugene and Delores VanderGiesen. She graduated from the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs in 1983. She moved to Sioux Falls in 1992.“She grew up in a small town like a lot of us in this room,” Teel said.In the lobby of the church, photos of VanderGiesen, stuffed animals and a tray of what were her favorite cookies, according to the card that accompanied them, presented an image of VanderGiesen.“She loved her cats, friends, a good game of cards, it sounds like. She enjoyed being with the people she worked with. She just liked simple things. It didn’t take a lot,” Teel said.“You might say her life was not extraordinary. Just because someone’s life was not extraordinary doesn’t mean you won’t miss them. It doesn’t mean they haven’t made an impact on your life. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love them. Not extraordinary, but extraordinarily missed,” he said of VanderGiesen.The unique character of the service was evident as the congregation sang “Amazing Grace,” and from throughout the church raised hands called to mind grass stirred by the breeze as many in attendance signed the song. The Rev. James Sinke of Rock Valley, who officiated with Teel, talked about how trying VanderGiesen’s death has been.“It’s asked a lot of the VanderGiesen family, the community, the police, too, who worked very hard to help the family,” he said. More than 25 Sioux Falls police officers took part in a two-week landfill search for VanderGiesen’s remains, often in freezing weather.“This has been a wound inflicted upon our souls,” said Sinke.Both he and Teel predicted a happier conclusion to VanderGiesen’s story.“Are we just left with this, only the tragedy?” Teel asked. “There’s a hope that goes beyond any tragedy... Something greater and higher is available to us.”The second page of her funeral program is dominated by an oval photo of VanderGiesen, her hands folded against her cheek, her head tilted to the left and her smile beaming.Teel said that will endure, and now VanderGiesen is smiling “a smile that cannot be wiped away.”~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Co-workers, friends fill church for VanderGiesen funeral
Interpreter signed pastor’s words, songsPETER HARRIMANpharrima@argusleader.comFebruary 26, 2006, 3:26 amThey made up only a small part of the congregation that filled First Christian Reformed Church Saturday, but about 35 people wearing lapel buttons with an image of Darlene VanderGiesen’s face represented a large part of the workforce at JDS Industries.Their presence at her funeral suggested how they felt about her, and it was reflective of the group that almost overflowed the church.“She was very well liked by everyone at work. She made friends easily,” said Scott Sletten, JDS owner.“We’ve got people here from the warehouse where she worked, from accounting, from customer service, people from every department who knew Darlene.”VanderGiesen had worked for 13 years at the company, which employs about 50 in Sioux Falls.“The number of employees and their families who are here speaks volumes about her,” Sletten said.That sense of VanderGiesen was carried through in a eulogy delivered by Clyde Teel, pastor of First Christian Reformed Church.“Man, she was happy,” he said.As he was preparing for the memorial service, “every time I saw a photo of Darlene, I saw a smile, and a big smile,” he said.“And now it’s gone.”The fact VanderGiesen, 42, was killed sometime in early February and parts of her dismembered body were discovered at the Sioux Falls landfill made her death especially sad. Daphne Wright of Sioux Falls, an acquaintance of VanderGiesen’s, is accused of kidnapping and murder.“The circumstances around this have captivated everyone, haven’t they? And people want to know why. They want comfort and answers,” Teel said.As he spoke, his words were conveyed by an interpreter to 100 or more people at the service who are members of the area’s deaf community. VanderGiesen was a member, too. She participated in the South Dakota Association for the Deaf for 14 years and played softball on a Sioux Falls Deaf Club team. She had moved from Kansas to Rock Valley, Iowa, at age 5 with her family, including her parents, Eugene and Delores VanderGiesen. She graduated from the Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs in 1983. She moved to Sioux Falls in 1992.“She grew up in a small town like a lot of us in this room,” Teel said.In the lobby of the church, photos of VanderGiesen, stuffed animals and a tray of what were her favorite cookies, according to the card that accompanied them, presented an image of VanderGiesen.“She loved her cats, friends, a good game of cards, it sounds like. She enjoyed being with the people she worked with. She just liked simple things. It didn’t take a lot,” Teel said.“You might say her life was not extraordinary. Just because someone’s life was not extraordinary doesn’t mean you won’t miss them. It doesn’t mean they haven’t made an impact on your life. It doesn’t mean that God doesn’t love them. Not extraordinary, but extraordinarily missed,” he said of VanderGiesen.The unique character of the service was evident as the congregation sang “Amazing Grace,” and throughout the church raised hands called to mind grass stirred by the breeze as many in attendance signed the song.The Rev. James Sinke of Rock Valley, who officiated with Teel, talked about how trying VanderGiesen’s death has been.“It’s asked a lot of the VanderGiesen family, the community, the police, too, who worked very hard to help the family,” he said.More than 25 Sioux Falls police officers took part in a two-week landfill search for VanderGiesen’s remains, often in freezing weather.“This has been a wound inflicted upon our souls,” Sinke said.Both he and Teel predicted a happier conclusion to VanderGiesen’s story.“Are we just left with this, only the tragedy?” Teel asked. “There’s a hope that goes beyond any tragedy. … Something greater and higher is available to us.”The second page of her funeral program is dominated by an oval photo of VanderGiesen, her hands folded against her cheek, her head tilted to the left and her smile beaming.Teel said that will endure, and now VanderGiesen is smiling “a smile that cannot be wiped away.”~~~~~~~~~~`
02/25/2006
Hundreds Attend Darlene VanderGiesen's FuneralShe was killed nearly a month ago and Saturday, family, friends and members of the deaf community gathered to remember the life of 42 year old Darlene VanderGiesen. At the same church she attended, hundreds came together to share the memories she left behind. It was a chance to reflect on her passion for life, all while finding comfort in the tragedy that took it all away. A smile that was once shared in laughter now brings comfort to those who knew Darlene VanderGiesen.Pastor Clyde Teel says, "She just liked simple things. It didn't take much."Darlene is remembered as a woman who was passionate about life... But most of all, passionate about helping others appreciate their life.Teel says, "She was happy. She didn't like if other people were upset... Every time I saw a photo of her, I saw a big smile and now gone."But through songs, and prayers those gathered at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls Saturday hoped to find peace with a death that seems so wrong.Teel says, "The circumstances around this have captivated everyone. People want to know why. Are we left with this, with only the tragedy?"There was a constant reminder that there is a hope that goes beyond every tragedy. It was about remembering Darlene VanderGiesen and the impact she made on each and every person she knew.http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,46295
Relaxing at Work
It's my lunch break now - been in the middle of time reports and paperwork. Not much fun, but it does pay my bills.
I did go to Weight Watchers and for the last three weeks, I have been STUCK on the same weight. I know what I'm doing wrong, and I know what I need to do, but I haven't been feeling like doing it...just blah.
Time to go eat my lunch.
Keeping Tabs on Darlene
Deaf, hard of hearing bloggers keeping tabs on VanderGiesen case
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 22, 2006, 2:55 am
Darlene VanderGiesen's death has been the topic of a nationwide conversation among a small but growing group of deaf bloggers.
They've been using the Internet to keep track of developments in the case and dispel stereotypes about deaf people.
Among them: Ricky Taylor, who considers himself "arguably the most controversial deaf blogger in America."
A survey of recent posts at his online journal includes discussion about "Brokeback Mountain," the Islamic cartoon uproar and "Desperate Housewives" plot turns.
Scroll further, and the Washington, D.C., blogger tackles another topic - gossip about the recent murder of a deaf woman in Sioux Falls.
"I find it very intriguing," Taylor said in an e-mail interview. He learned about the case from a reader in Sioux Falls who e-mailed him when VanderGiesen was reported missing.
After police arrested an acquaintance, Daphne Wright, on a first-degree murder charge, Taylor posted an anecdote about an encounter he says he had with Wright several years ago out east.
"I guess what appealed to me the most is that I knew (Wright) myself," he said.
Others with less direct knowledge also have chimed in the discussion.
Jamie Berke is author of a blog on About.com that deals with deaf and hard-of-hearing issues. She first blogged about the murder late last week.
"I chose to blog about it because I realized it was a big story," Berke, who is deaf, said in an e-mail interview.
Berke blogged that it isn't the first time a deaf person has been accused of killing another deaf person.
She linked to articles about murders in 2000 and 2001 at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. A fellow deaf student admitted guilt.
Mike McConnell, a hydrologist for the U.S. Forest Service in New Mexico, writes a blog called My Kokonut Pundits. He also blogged about previous murders involving people who are deaf.
"People somehow have the notion that deaf people do not have the capability or even the wherewithal to kill another person," wrote McConnell, who is hard of hearing.
VanderGiesen's murder hasn't created as much blog chatter as other crimes involving people who are deaf, McConnell said in an e-mail interview.
A double homicide committed by a deaf man last year in Pennsylvania received more attention because of geography, he said.
"The ... murders created a bigger blogging sensation since it was closer to the major deaf community hubs," McConnell said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Search finds what police say might be more body parts
Funeral service in slaying to be held in Sioux Falls
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/22/06, 2:55 am
Police resumed their search Tuesday for the remains of a murdered Sioux Falls woman at the city landfill.
"We did find what we believe to be additional body parts," police spokesman Loren McManus said.
Cold weather and snow caused police to suspend the search for Darlene VanderGiesen during the holiday weekend, but they resumed Tuesday with about 25 officers.
Officers are scheduled to continue digging through the trash through the week.
At the request of the Minnehaha County state's attorney's office, McManus said authorities aren't releasing more information about what was found.
Daphne Wright, 42, of Sioux Falls is charged with first-degree murder in VanderGiesen's death.
A funeral service for VanderGiesen is being planned to accommodate a large audience.
Clyde Teel, pastor at First Christian Reformed Church where VanderGiesen attended, said the service will be held at his church in Sioux Falls because it is a larger facility.
Teel will be accompanied at the service by a pastor from VanderGiesen's parents church in Rock Valley, Iowa.
"I think together it should work out nicely," Teel said.
"I think we can have a good service and make as much sense of this as we can."
Now Back To Me...
Last weekend was a little busy - in some ways.
Friday night, I went to Lynne's home... for another SU! workshop...what else?
Then we sat around and chatted, chatted some more. Rob came along with me, as Chrys wasn't feeling good. She got teased quite a bit by me and Lynne...that she needed!!! Sheila came over late, and surprised Lynne greatly...heh heh. I'm awful.
Saturday - Reb's parents came over and worked in the basement. I cooked, cleaned and put away stuff while they were here - no problem at all. Then that night, we went to pick up Chrys, Rob and the boys and we all went to Kirkwood Community Center for the St. Louis Bell Club meeting and the Mardi Gras social - great time!!!
Sunday - urgh...Greater St. Louis Chapter of MoAD meeting. Just more paperwork for me to do...*smh* Then over to my parents' home to pick up some papers and on to the food store...of course we went to Applebee's for din-din...why not?
Now it's Tuesday...and I wanna go home.
Search Resumes
Search for remains continues at landfillBy DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 21, 2006, 12:13 pmSearchers returned to the Sioux Falls Landfill this morning and uncovered more remains of a murdered Sioux Falls woman.“We did find what we believe to be additional body parts,” police spokesman Loren McManus said.Cold and snow caused police to suspend the search over the weekend. They resumed at about 8 a.m. today and are scheduled to continue digging through the week.McManus said authorities aren’t releasing more information about what was found at the request of the Minnehaha County state’s attorney's office.A funeral service for Darlene VanderGiesen is scheduled for Saturday at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls.Daphne Wright, 42, of Sioux Falls is charged with first-degree murder in VanderGiesen's death.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/21/2006
Landfill Search ResumesAfter taking a break for several days due to bad weather, crews searching the Sioux Falls landfill found more body parts believed to be from murdered Sioux Falls woman, Darlene VanderGiesen.The discovery was made in the same area crews were searching last week. The landfill search is scheduled to last through this week, and could stretch into next week. Forty-two-year-old Daphne Wright has pleaded not-guilty to first degree murder. She is still in jail without bond.Funeral services for VanderGiesen will be held on Saturday morning in Sioux Falls.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,46174
Darlene Kay VanderGiesen Obituary
From the Argus Leader: 
Darlene K. VandergiesenLocation: Sioux Falls, SDFuneral Home: Boom
Sioux Falls - Darlene K. VanderGiesen, 42, died Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 in Sioux Falls. 'Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, Feb. 25 at First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, with burial at Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley, IA. Visitation begins at 6:00 PM Friday, Feb. 24 at First Christian Reformed Church, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Survivors include her parents, Gene and Dee VanderGiesen, Rock Valley; her sister, Sandra (Jeff) Sidford, Sioux Falls; her maternal grandparents, Doc and Joyce Wichers, Cozad, NE; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, George and Henriette VanderGiesen. Darlene´s family requests that memorials be directed to the Deaf Club and Hope Haven. A complete obituary and online registry is available at www.georgeboom.com.
Published on February 19, 2006.~~~~~~~~~~~~~`From the George Boom Funeral Home & Cremation Services 
Darlene Kay VanderGiesen (July 23, 1963 - February 1, 2006) DARLENE K. VANDERGIESEN~ 401 S. Sneve Ave., Sioux Falls, SD; Died: Wednesday, February 1, 2006, Sioux Falls, SD; Age: 42 years, 6 months, 8 days VISITATION~ Visitation begins at 6:00 PM Friday, February 24, 2006 at First Christian Reformed Church, 2901 East 26th Street, Sioux Falls, SD. The family will be present to greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
FUNERAL SERVICE~ 10:30 AM Saturday, February 25, 2006, First Christian Reformed Church, Sioux Falls, SD; Reverend James Sinke and Reverend Clyde Teel, Officiating; Winerva VerSteeg, Organist, Congregational Hymns- “It is Well With My Soul”, “Amazing Grace”
INTERMENT~ Valley View Cemetery, Rock Valley, IA
PALLBEARERS~ Gale VanderGiesen, Gary VanderGiesen, Glen VanderGiesen, Royce Wichers, Don Wichers, Doug Collicott, Dale Reicks, Steve DeKam, Mike Haas
Darlene Kay VanderGiesen, daughter of Eugene and Delores (Wichers) VanderGiesen, was born July 23, 1963 at Osborne, KS. She lived with her family on a farm near Dispatch, KS before moving with them to Rock Valley, IA in 1968. Darlene attended school at Hope Haven and Rock Valley Public School. She attended high school at Iowa School for the Deaf, Council Bluffs, IA and graduated in 1983. Darlene also received vocational training at a community college in Council Bluffs. She then lived and worked in Council Bluffs before moving to Sioux Falls, SD in 1992. Darlene worked at J.D.s House of Trophies for 13 years until her untimely death. She loved her work and was proud to be employed there. Darlene was a member of Community Reformed Church. She loved to collect Beanie Babies. She cherished her cats. She also enjoyed Deaf Club, softball, camping and playing cards. Grateful for having shared her life are her parents, Gene and Dee VanderGiesen, Rock Valley, IA; her sister, Sandra Sidford and her husband, Jeff, Sioux Falls, SD; her maternal grandparents, Doc and Joyce Wichers, Cozad, NE; many loving aunts, uncles and cousins; and a host of other relatives and friends. Darlene was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, George and Henriette VanderGiesen.
Darlene Vandergiesen Updates
02/14/2006
VanderGiesens Share Memories
They learned their daughter was missing and just one week later, found out she was murdered. Gene and Dee VanderGiesen are still trying to understand the death of their daughter, 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen. Tuesday in their Rock Valley, Iowa home, they gathered pictures to display at her funeral and shared where they are in the grieving process.The mornings are a difficult time for Gene and Dee VanderGiesen, as they continue to struggle with their daughter's murder.“We had mornings and we still have mornings where we just hug each other for awhile, have prayer time together, and then we can get up and face the day,” says Dee VanderGiesen.They spent this morning sorting through their daughter's life in pictures.“Of course we've got to have one of her cats,” Dee VanderGiesen says. “She loved her cats.”They remember Darlene as a smiley, happy person. She loved helping around the house and hanging out with dad at his farm equipment dealership.And they are already missing her at the Sunday dinner table.“I had just sat down, I guess, then our son-in-law said to me, 'This is where Darlene always sat,'” Dee VanderGiesen says. “I said, 'Yeah. I know it.'”Gathering the photos for the funeral helps the VanderGiesens. “It's both difficult to do, yet comforting,” Dee VanderGiesen says.Much like the comfort they get from the stuffed praying bears, given to them by the Sioux Falls police department.“I won't let this out of my hands,” Gene VanderGiesen says.Comfort as the VanderGiesens continue to pray for their daughter.“We know where Darlene is,” Gene VanderGiesen says. “She didn't know she was cut up in pieces and thrown in a landfill or whatever. She's up there looking down and smiling. That's the comfort we have.”The VanderGiesens are waiting to hold a funeral until more of Darlene's body is recovered from the Sioux Falls landfill.Detectives told the VanderGiesens that Darlene likely died in the first couple hours of her disappearance, so she probably didn't suffer.http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,46022~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/19/2006
Remembering Darlene VanderGiesenThis weekend, family and friends will gather to celebrate the life of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen. Police believe she was murdered February first in Sioux Falls.George Boom Funeral home has an online guestbook available for those who want to share their thoughts and prayers with the family. Nearly two dozen messages filled with sympathy, prayers and fond memories of Darlene VanderGiesen have been posted on the funeral home's website since Wednesday. Many of the comforting words come from across the miles--from acquaintances in California, friends in Nebraska--even a message from a church in the Philippines, which questions "why do bad things happen to good people?" but goes on to say its members will continue to pray for God's comfort to fill the family's hearts and lives with grace and goodness.Religions themes are common in the brief condolences. A couple from Texas assures the family VanderGiesen is already in Paradise, and says even though family and friends are mourning her death on earth, she's already rejoicing in God's presence. There are also many memories shared, from stories of leaning sign language from VanderGiesen to warm recollections of meeting the cheerful 42-year-old. If you'd like to share a message with the VanderGiesen family, click here, then click on "sign guest book" near the top of the screen. Funeral services for Darlene VanderGiesen will be held Saturday at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday night. http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,46136~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Experts: Women as killers rare
Motives, means often differ by gender
DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 20, 2006, 2:55 amWhen the search for a missing Sioux Falls woman turned suspicious earlier this month, the first instinct by police was to look for a man."Normally when you have a missing woman that later turns into a homicide, the suspicion is that a man is involved," Police Chief Doug Barthel said.Detectives sought information about a Melvin, Iowa, man who was a friend of Darlene VanderGiesen but determined he wasn't with her around the time she disappeared.When the investigation resulted in the arrest of another woman for her death, it was an outcome police didn't initially expect, Barthel said.Daphne Wright is the first woman in recent memory to be charged with murder in Sioux Falls. It's been a topic of conversation at the department, Barthel said, and no one seems to recall another case like it."It's certainly a rarity," he said.Criminologists say women are far less likely than men to commit violent acts such as the one Wright is accused of carrying out. And when women do lash out, it's often with different motives and means than those used by men.A snapshot last week of Minnehaha County's female inmates shows just two of 69 women were being held for violent offenses. Most were accused of drug, alcohol or probation violations."Violent offenders, when it comes to women, make up a very small minority of our prisoners," Sheriff Mike Milstead said.Statewide, only six women are among the 103 inmates serving time for murder with the South Dakota Department of Corrections, spokesman Michael Winder said.Barthel said the disparity between male and female perpetrators is less glaring for minor crimes. The gap widens when it comes to murder and domestic violence, he said.The 'she-bear' theory"Women will generally not commit violent crimes unless someone is threatening her family or an intimate relationship she has with someone," said Ann Vidoloff, an assistant professor of criminal justice at Northern State University in Aberdeen.Vidoloff calls it the "she-bear" theory, and students in her gender and criminal justice class are learning about it this month in a chapter about women as offenders.Unlike men, who commit crimes for a variety of reasons, when women murder, it tends to be about relationships, she said.Women justify the violence with their desire to protect the relationship. A strange but fairly common phenomenon, Vidoloff said, is for women to call police after the crime and confess.John Lombardi, a former Illinois violent crimes investigator, said he's also noticed the behavior in female killers."They tend to say, 'Fine. I killed (her), send me to prison and call it a day,' " said Lombardi, who now leads a criminology consulting firm in Daphne, Ala.Another difference between male and female murderers, he said, is that men tend to use guns while women use knives and other weapons that are more "spontaneous.""They are going to go for weapons that are around the house," Lombardi said.Police haven't said how they think VanderGiesen was killed. During a search of Wright's home, detectives found bloody items along with a hack saw, a skill saw and chain saw oil.Body parts found in the city landfill indicate the victim was at least partially dismembered, which criminologists said is almost unheard of in murders committed by women."It's very rare. Certainly we don't see many instances of women dismembering other women," said Katherine Ramsland, a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University in Pennsylvania.Ramsland's most recent book, "The Human Predator," is a history of serial killers from ancient Rome to the present. She said even serial killers rarely dismember their first victims."It's a grotesque thing to do. You have to spend a lot of time doing this, especially with the joints," Ramsland said.So rare is it for women to dismember victims that it might even serve as a defense for Wright that she couldn't have committed the murder, Vidoloff said.Questions of genderWomen shouldn't be considered more gentle than men, though, Ramsland said. While they might be less apt to use physical violence, they can be instigators and just as vicious."They'll undercut each other. They will demean people verbally. They will get men to do their violence for them," she said.Whoever killed and dismembered VanderGiesen displayed an "extreme hatred" in their methods, Lombardi said.The use of saws typically indicates hate that has simmered for a long period of time, he said.According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Wright said she was jealous and suspicious of VanderGiesen for spending time with a woman Wright claimed to have a five-year relationship with.Wright thought her girlfriend was cheating on her with VanderGiesen, a relationship police said they can't confirm."The level of violence that erupts in killers tends to increase with the intensity of the relationship a woman is trying to protect," Lombardi said.If Wright is guilty of what police allege, the use of saws to dismember "shows how intense she thought the relationship was," Lombardi said. "The quality of violence is going to increase with the intensity of the relationship."Vidoloff said it's possible a lesbian would carry out a murder with more similarities to men than straight women.Little is known about how violent gay and lesbian offenders are affected by their gender, Vidoloff said.Most criminology research focuses on men and only speculates how results apply to women. However, she said, it seems recently criminologists are paying more attention to gender, which might soon lead to better data and knowledge.
Information on Darlene
Weather delays search for evidence
By Dan Haugendhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 17, 2006, 2:55 amA search at the city landfill for the body of a murdered Sioux Falls woman has been suspended because of the cold weather."The No. 1 concern is the safety of officers out there conducting this search," police spokesman Loren McManus said.As temperatures dropped below zero, officers did not return to the landfill Thursday for the first day since the search started Feb. 9.Investigators found parts of Darlene VanderGiesen's dismembered body and other pieces of evidence in the landfill last weekend. Police said the remaining focus is on recovering the body for the family.The excavation will resume Tuesday, McManus said.Meanwhile, funeral services for VanderGiesen were announced for Feb. 25 at First Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Falls.Police allege that VanderGiesen was killed by Daphne Wright, 42, because Wright thought VanderGiesen was interfering in a five-year relationship Wright had with a girlfriend.Authorities have charged Wright with first-degree murder.She has pleaded not guilty.
More Updates on Darlene
Saws, chain saw oil found
Search in suspect's home also leads to some of victim's mail, marijuana
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 16, 2006, 2:55 am
Investigators found saws and chain saw oil at the home of a Sioux Falls woman suspected of killing and dismembering another woman.
Search warrant affidavits filed Wednesday list an inventory of items removed from the house where Daphne Wright was living.
"There was a wide variety of items taken from the house," said Dave Nelson, state's attorney for Minnehaha County.
Authorities asked for a search warrant for the house after determining Wright was the last person known to see Darlene VanderGiesen. The two had a conversation in the parking lot of a Pizza Hut where police later found the victim's truck abandoned, according to court documents.
Wright is accused of killing VanderGiesen because she thought VanderGiesen had a romantic relationship with her girlfriend.
Authorities found pieces of VanderGiesen's body in the city landfill last weekend and said the body was at least partially dismembered before it was dumped in a trash bin.
The investigation began as a missing person case reported Feb. 3. Most of the investigation has focused on the house. A roommate told police she saw Wright removing carpet and a large black trash bag the night VanderGiesen was last seen.
A search of VanderGiesen's computer revealed a "demeaning and profane" message sent by Wright to VanderGiesen.
A judge authorized officers to examine Wright's house for cell phones, computers, disks, a wallet, hair, blood and other evidence. Police entered the house Feb. 7 and confiscated a paint brush, a computer, paint scraps and a small amount of marijuana.
Officers also noticed a partially bloody shoe print in the basement, along with small pieces of matter on the walls that later were determined to be human fat, bone and muscle tissue.
The odor of fresh paint was present, and "random areas" of the basement had been painted blue, according to court documents.
The next day a judge approved searching the computer hard drive and expanding the search at the house to include "tools used to dismember a body" and "materials used to clean up a crime scene."
During the next several days, detectives documented and removed store receipts, painting supplies, a hack saw and a skill saw, as well as other items that had blood or paint on them. They found clothing, handwritten notes and mail addressed to VanderGiesen.
Nelson said the search took several days because of efforts to carefully document and photograph the location of any items that could prove significant as evidence.
"It was a pretty methodical process," he said.
A significant number of items collected already have been shipped to the state forensic laboratory in Pierre and others soon will be sent. The searches included a detached garage on the property and an SUV driven by Wright.
Wright's publicly appointed defense lawyer, Traci Smith, said she had not seen the search warrant documents as of late Wednesday afternoon and was unable to comment.
Wright pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 28.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Search of landfill is suspended until Tuesday
By DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 16, 2006, 11:55 amPolice said this morning they have suspended a search for body parts at the city landfill due to weather conditions.Crews plan to resume searching at the landfill on Tuesday, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.Investigators have been combing through debris at the landfill looking for clues in the killing of Darlene VanderGiesen.The 42-year-old Sioux Falls woman first went missing more than a week ago. Authorities said they found parts of her body at the landfill over the weekend.Police allege that VanderGiesen was killed by Daphne Wright, 42, because Wright thought VanderGiesen was interfering in a five-year relationship Wright had with a girlfriend.Authorities have charged Wright with first-degree murder. She has pleaded not guilty.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`02/16/2006
Evidence From Accused Murderer's HomeSioux Falls police found cutting tools, blood, and evidence of crime scene cover-up in the home of accused murderer Daphne Wright, according to search warrants filed in court.That is the home where police believe Wright dismembered 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.Police searched Wright's house at 1806 S. Phillips Avenue after they determined she was the last person to see 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen alive. She admitted to meeting VanderGiesen at the Pizza Hut parking lot on 26th and Sycamore, where VanderGiesen's abandoned pickup was later found. Cutting Tools In Wright's house, police found a hacksaw, skill saw, and chainsaw oil. They did not find an actual chainsaw. Police believe Wright disposed of VanderGiesen's body parts after dismembering her in the basement of her house. They recovered body parts at the Sioux Falls landfill Feb. 11. In the basement, police found bone, muscle and fat that appeared to be splattered on a wall. A DNA test linked that tissue to VanderGiesen.Possible Crime Scene Cover-upIn that basement, police also found a bloody partial footprint, and a box with a blood stain.They took some clothing from Wright stained with blue paint, as well as paint brushes and other painting equipment. When police initially entered the basement, they could smell fresh paint, and it looked like the floor and random areas of the wall were painted blue. Wright's roommate 47-year-old Jacki Chesmore told police the basement used to be painted white.In Wright's vehicle, police recovered some reddish fiber and took a swab from stains. Wright told police she used the vehicle for transporting a basement carpet she threw in a Dumpster on Feb. 3. Chesmore told police Wright carried out, in addition to the carpet, cement blocks from the basement and a large black plastic garbage back. She told police Wright left in the vehicle to throw all of the items in an area Dumpster. Chesmore says Wright was gone for about two hours.Computers TakenPolice recovered computers from both Wright and her girlfriend of five years, 41-year-old Sallie Collins. Wright told police she had an online conversation with Collins on the evening of Feb. 1, the night police believe Wright murdered VanderGiesen. Police originally questioned Wright because in VanderGiesen's home there was a demeaning instant message on her computer. Police traced that message to Wright, and she admitted sending it. Because Wright and Collins are both deaf, they say their primary means of communicating with each other are their computers.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,46063In her first court appearance, Wright pleaded not-guilty to first-degree murder. She is in the Minnehaha County Jail, held without bond.
Updates on Darlene
Police comb hardware stores
Investigators want to know whether murder suspect asked about 'cutting instruments'DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 15, 2006, 2:55 amDetectives have interviewed employees at stores that sell tools and hardware near the residence of Daphne Wright, the 42-year-old woman accused of killing and dismembering Darlene VanderGiesen.Officers asked store employees about "cutting instruments" and whether Wright had recently been a customer."We don't know for sure what we're looking for," police spokesman Loren McManus said. "We don't know how she was killed or how she was dismembered."Parts of VanderGiesen's body were found over the weekend at the city landfill, where a search is continuing.The interviews of hardware store employees are part of an effort to learn more or locate the weapon used to kill VanderGiesen or any tool used to dispose of her body, McManus said.Wright pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree murder.Minnehaha County State's Attorney Dave Nelson said he could not discuss specifics of the case. In general, however, he said the significance of a weapon varies."Finding a murder weapon may be absolutely essential to bringing a charge in one case, and of little or much less significance in another case," Nelson said. "Same goes for a tool used for dismemberment."McManus said without a weapon, the evidence was strong enough to file a murder charge against Wright.Wright argued with VanderGiesen last month about a romantic relationship, according to court documents. Wright told police she believed her girlfriend was cheating on her with VanderGiesen, though police said they are unable to confirm whether such a relationship existed.Wright also met VanderGiesen, 42, in the parking lot of a Sioux Falls Pizza Hut where VanderGiesen's truck was later found abandoned. A roommate also said Wright removed carpet and a large black garbage bag from their home the evening VanderGiesen disappeared.Meanwhile, the focus of a massive search at the city landfill has shifted from evidence recovery to finding what remains of VanderGiesen's body."We just need to find Darlene and get her back to her family," McManus said.Searchers began combing through 800 tons of trash last week for clues about the disappearance and death. That effort will probably continue through the end of this week and possibly longer, McManus said.Funeral arrangements are pending the outcome of the landfill search, said Jon Salberg, funeral director at George Boom Funeral Home.After finding human remains at the landfill over the weekend, nothing of significance was found Monday or Tuesday, McManus said.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Storm could halt search for body partsBy DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 15, 2006, 12:04 pmThe winter storm heading toward Sioux Falls could delay the search for body parts at the city landfill, police said this morning.Crews today are continuing their search for the remains of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who was killed and dismembered.However, those efforts could be called off temporarily if weather conditions deteriorate, police said. The search would resume when weather improves.“The No. 1 concern is the safety of officers out there conducting this search,” Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said this morning.A winter storm warning has been issued for Lincoln County and points to the south. In parts of the state south of Sioux Falls, up to 10 inches of snow is possible by Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.Meanwhile, a snow and blowing snow advisory has been issued for Minnehaha County.Searchers began combing through 800 tons of trash last week for clues about the disappearance and death. Parts of VanderGiesen’s body were found over the weekend at the landfill.Daphne Wright, 42, has pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge in the slaying of VanderGiesen.
More News on Darlene
Police say body was dismembered
Woman pleads not guilty to murderDAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 14, 2006, 2:55 amA missing Sioux Falls woman's body was at least partially dismembered before it was dumped in a garbage bin, police said.A police spokesman said they still can't say how Darlene VanderGiesen was murdered. After finding body parts Saturday in the city landfill, though, they have a better idea of how she was disposed."We know there was some level of dismemberment," Officer Loren McManus said.The woman authorities suspect is responsible pleaded not guilty Monday to a first-degree murder charge. Daphne Wright, 42, who is deaf, watched a sign language interpreter relay the judge's instructions.Public defense lawyer Traci Smith spoke for Wright, entering the plea and agreeing not to setting bond for Wright's release. A preliminary hearing was scheduled for Feb. 28.Wright, who moved to Sioux Falls several years ago from Maryland, appears to be unknown by many deaf residents."She was not an active member of the Sioux Falls deaf community to our knowledge," said Derric Miller, spokesman for Communications Services for the Deaf.He said the Sioux Falls deaf community is fairly small, probably fewer than 200 people.Others said they know so little about Wright, they could not comment.A neighbor said Wright always seemed friendly, and news of her arrest was surprising."I never saw her leave the house too much," said Craig Opland, who lives next door to the house at 1806 S. Phillips Ave., where much of the investigation was focused last week.According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Wright was jealous and suspicious of VanderGiesen and thought VanderGiesen was trying to ruin a five-year relationship between Wright and Wright's girlfriend.Wright argued with VanderGiesen at the apartment of a woman Wright said was her girlfriend, according to the affidavit.McManus said investigators cannot confirm whether such a relationship existed, and that information in the affidavit is based on statements by Wright.Wright told police she met VanderGiesen in a Pizza Hut parking lot the night she last was seen.Wright's roommate told police she observed her removing carpet, concrete blocks and a large black trash bag from the residence later that night.Searchers will continue to rake through 800 tons of trash at the city landfill, possibly until the end of the week, McManus said.Besides body parts, they have recovered other evidence in the garbage.Police will not describe what type of body parts were discovered at the landfill. McManus also declined to elaborate on the "items" of human origin police found at Wright's residence.McManus also said the investigation is ongoing and that they could not rule out additional people being charged in relation to the murder.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`02/14/2006
Suits Protect Landfill SearchersLaw enforcement teams spent their sixth day searching the Sioux Falls landfill for the remains of Darlene VanderGiesen Tuesday. The task is not only tedious, it's also dangerous.The officers are working in a risky environment. The next turn of the shovel could uncover anything."Chemicals that are unknown, medical waste, a lot of other hazards out there," said Lynn DeYoung, head of Minnehaha County’s Emergency Management Department.That's why everyone's wearing a protective suit."It encapsulates the person from head-to-toe," DeYoung said.They’re wearing what are called Level C Hazardous Materials suits, and they’re made of plastic, to repel any dangerous substance. The suit also comes with some extras, to provide full-body coverage."Also have booties that go on the bottom, for a second layer, and gloves and a mask," DeYoung said.Masking tape seals the open ends, and the workers are ready to go. Each person puts on a new suit every day, and all emergency departments have them."All counties were required to buy this type of a kit with Weapons of Mass Destruction money, for first responders to use," DeYoung said. “But it does have a dual function, an all-hazard function of going through this."DeYoung says they're going through about 30 to 40 suits every day, and more are on order… just in case."Could be over tomorrow, could be over next week," DeYoung said.Lincoln, Turner, McCook, and Lake counties have donated some of their Level C HazMat suits. DeYoung says the ones in use from Minnehaha county are part of an extra stock, and none were taken from departments that might need them.http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,46006~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Law officers resume search for body parts at landfillBy DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 14, 2006, 12:12 pmThe focus of a massive search at the city landfill has shifted from evidence recovery to finding what’s left of a murdered Sioux Falls woman’s body.“We just need to find Darlene and get her back to her family,” police spokesman Loren McManus said this morning.Searchers found pieces of Darlene VanderGiesen’s body in the landfill over the weekend and said her body was at least partially dismembered before being dumped.Investigators found nothing of significance Monday at the landfill, McManus said. The excavation will continue likely through the end of the week.Daphne Wright pleaded not guilty to murdering VanderGiesen. Police said Wright told them she was jealous about an alleged relationship between VanderGiesen and Wright’s girlfriend of five years.
Me, Me, Me.
Well - it was a fairly quiet/busy weekend for both Reb and I.
Friday night, I didn't get home late as I had an email from someone I wanted to discuss with friends and then check my mailbox for a swap that was a wee bit overdue.
I ordered pizza - why not? Ate half of it - why not? It has not been the week I wanted - I want something better than what I've been having.
Saturday, it was just me and Reb all day - well, her dad did come to work on the basement stairs and he found out he forgot the drill...so he left early. I set up my computer and did some work on it - then we got ready and headed out to the stores. First, we hit up the mailbox...yahoo! My swaps had arrived!!! I tore through the envelope and poured over the cards...wowza! Great looking cards, techniques.
Then on to Sears Hardware to get a socket set for Reb and some hardware we need for the house.
Onward to the post office, to drop off a swap.
Target next - we needed some clothing to replace some articles that are wearing out a bit...well, more than just a bit. We also got some things we wanted...I got the FULL SET of the Pink Panther movies, starring Peter Sellers!!!!
Then out to the ASL Dinner at Mai Lee's - all together, five people showed up - not bad. The food there is indeed as good as it was stated in the reviews!!! Left at about 7:30 pm - I wanted to stop at Spicer's 5 & 10 to see if they were indeed closing - yes, they are...I'm sad about that...as it was a nice store and got the Breyer model horses that I want...I'm going to see if they're open today.
We decided to go across the parking lot to Barnes & Noble - I wanted the latest Curves and Girlfriends magazines and Reb wanted the Advocate - and I found the book SELF-MADE MAN: One Woman's Journey Into Manhood And Back, and yes, I bought the book!
Then to Wild Oats to get some tabbouleh salad...yummy.
Our last stop that night was at Starbuck's... I had a grande Caffe Mocha and Reb had a grande White Chocolate Mocha.
Sunday...still a bit tired from Saturday, we went to Jenifer's home in Illinois for a 10-10-10 - we both made 10 cards each with 5 different designs and talked quite a bit...
Back home, to watch the Olympics, eat leftovers and finish the laundry and do all the ironing...
Now it's Monday...URGH... and back to work for us.
Smiles!
Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty
Murder suspect pleads not guilty to murder chargeBy DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 13, 2006, 2:07 pmSioux Falls police still can't say how Darlene VanderGiesen was killed, but after finding body parts in the city landfill, they now know more about the manner in which her body was disposed."We know there was some level of dismemberment," police spokesman Loren McManus said.McManus said the search for evidence at the landfill will continue, possibly through the end of this week.Meanwhile, Daphne Wright, the 42-year-old deaf woman accused of murdering VanderGisen, made her first court appearance this afternoon and pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.Lawyers for Wright did not object to her being held in jail with no bond.VanderGiesen, 42, first went missing almost two weeks ago. Wright was arrested last Friday at a Sioux Falls motel and charged with first-degree murder.Police allege that VanderGiesen, who also was deaf, was killed by Wright because Wright thought VanderGiesen was interfering in a five-year relationship Wright had with a girlfriend.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`02/13/2006
Daphne Wright Makes Court AppearanceMurder suspect Daphne Wright made her first court appearance this afternoon. The 42-year-old entered a plea of “not-guilty” for causing the death of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen. Wright’s court-appointed attorney chose not to argue for a bond amount. Wright will continue to be held at the Minnehaha County jail without bond.Police say they found body parts believed to be those of Darlene VanderGiesen on Saturday, but didn't find anything Sunday.Both women are 42 years old, from Sioux Falls and knew each other.VanderGiesen has been missing since February first.According to court papers, fragments of human tissue and bone that matched VanderGiesen's DNA were found in Wright's basement.http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,459~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~02/13/2006
VanderGiesen Landfill Search Update
Searchers first went out to the landfill last Thursday to look for any sign of Darlene VanderGiesen.
Over the weekend, they found some of her remains. Searchers went back out again Monday.
Searchers started with 700 tons of trash.
Five days later, they estimate they've gone through more than a third of it. And they say they'll stay at the landfill until they run out of places to look.
Their protective suits and masks can't cover up the cold as these searchers work to uncover the answer to a disturbing death.
SFPD Public Information Office Loren McManus says, "The question remains, where are all the body parts?"Over the weekend, searchers discovered evidence of Darlene VanderGiesen in the landfill. And as horrific as it sounds, the pieces have helped narrow the search
.McManus says, "Where the initial body parts were found, that area has been more highly concentrated on just because of what there was located."
Police aren't saying much more about the investigation.
McManus says, "We're not going to discuss specifically what was found because we need to wait until hopefully we can get it all recovered."
Searchers plan to stay at the landfill through the end of this week, possibly longer. It all depends on what they find.
McManus says, "There is going to come a point I'm sure where we will have to stop and reevaluate and say we've pretty much done all we can and maybe this is all we'll be able to recover, but at what point that is I couldn't tell you."
Police still aren't sure if VanderGiesen's entire body is in the landfill, which is why they continue to ask people to search their own land or other outdoor buildings.
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45982
More Sad News
02/10/2006
Murder Charge In Missing Woman Case
Sioux Falls Police have arrested a 42-year-old-deaf woman, Daphne Wright, for the murder of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.
According to court papers, Wright told police she believed VanderGiesen was having an affair with Wright's girlfriend.
Police initially suspected Wright because they found a profane instant message on VanderGiesen's computer they traced to Wright. While interviewing Wright, she admitted to sending the message and said she talked with VanderGiesen in the Pizza Hut parking lot the night she disappeared. That's where police found VanderGiesen's pickup truck.
Police were led the landfill because Wright told police she tossed a carpet from her basement into a dumpster in the parking lot of the old Kmart on South Minnesota Avenue.
Wright's roommate told police she saw Wright on Friday leaving the Phillips avenue home with carpet, some cement blocks, and a large black garbage bag, and she was gone for two hours.
Wright is in Minnehaha County jail, held on no bail. She'll be in court Monday.
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45931~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/10/2006
Love Triangle May Have Led to Murder
Sioux Falls Police now believe 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen was murdered, that a deaf woman is responsible and a love triangle is at the center of it.Police arrested 42-year-old Daphne Wright this afternoon after DNA linked VanderGiesen's body to Wright's home on S. Phillips Ave. Wright admitted to police she thought her girlfriend of five years was having an affair with VanderGiesen.“Today at about 4:45 p.m., Daphne Wright was taken into custody at a local hotel,” says Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel. “She's been charged with one count of first degree murder.”Police believe Wright killed VanderGiesen in Wright’s basement late last week in a rage of jealousy.Court papers lay out what officials believe happened. VanderGiesen and Wright met in the Pizza Hut parking lot on 26th and Sycamore on Wednesday of last week. Wright suspected VanderGiesen was having an affair with Wright's girlfriend, Sallie Collins.Police found VanderGiesen's vehicle in the Pizza Hut parking lot two days later.When they searched VanderGiesen's home, they found bed sheets missing and an obscene instant message on her computer from Daphne Wright.On Tuesday police entered Wright's home at 1806 S. Phillips Ave. The stairs and a small room in the basement were freshly painted. In that room, police found what was later determined to be pieces of human bone, muscle, and fat.Wright's roommate says she saw Wright leave with carpet and cement blocks from the basement last Friday. Wright was also carrying a large black plastic garbage bag and was gone for about two hours.Wright later admitted to police that she tossed the carpet in a dumpster in Sioux Falls. She also told police she met with VanderGiesen on the last day VanderGiesen was seen.“We have not recovered her body,” Barthel says. “We have evidence, though, to make the charge of murder.”Today when DNA tests determined the human remains found in this basement belonged to Darlene VanderGiesen, police arrested Daphne Wright.The search for VanderGiesen's body continued today at the Sioux Falls landfill. Police are nearly halfway through the pile of trash in which they hope to find more evidence. Wright is in jail and will appear in court Monday.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45933~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/10/2006
Family And Friends Remember VanderGiesenMembers of the deaf community had a chance to ask officials their own questions tonight and participate in a prayer service. Hundreds of people gathered to support the VanderGiesen family.What was originally planned as a chance for friends and family to pray for Darlene VanderGiesen's safe return, turned into a service honoring her life and acknowledging her death.Emotions ranged from grief to frustration as representatives from the Sioux Falls Police Department shared the most recent developments in VanderGiesen's case. "Who would want to do such a terrible thing to her," said Shari Johnson, who worked closely with VanderGiesen.People were then able to ask questions and a pastor offered spiritual guidance. Despite the tragic news, most seemed to find refuge in the fact that at least part of the mystery has been solved."She would want us to be strong, and positive, she'd want that for us every day," said one of VanderGiesen's close friends.The group offered their own thoughts and prayers, and even personal memories. They shared them holding hands - a symbol of unity and strength."She came in every day at 9:30 a.m., she said 'good morning' to everyone and was always smiling. She was fun to work with, she was just a joyful, joyful lady," Johnson said.As the service ended, people took turns offering their condolences to VanderGiesen's parents, with hopes Darlene's body will soon be found. And even though her life was cut short, friends and supporters made it clear her memory will live on for years to come."We just have to be patient and have faith and I think everything will be okay," Johnson said. "I know she's in a better place, she's smiling and she can hear, and what better thing can you ask for."Police are still asking for the publics help to locate VanderGiesen's body by checking open land, ditches, brush and out buildings both in, and around Sioux Falls. Anyone with information is asked to call police immediately.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45934~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/11/2006
Neighbors React To Murder ChargeEven though authorities have charged Dafne Wright with murder, many feel there are a lot of questions unanswered in the disappearance of Darlene VanderGiesen. Neighbors on South Phillips say they're shocked the woman across the street could commit such a crime.It's a busy intersection...hundreds of cars pass by homes along South Phillips avenue every day.And the speculations surrounding one home...neighbors say they never saw coming.Neighbor Shanda Cutler says, "It makes you wonder if you could have helped if you'd be more aware if you were watching. Hypothetically when it happened I was probably in my house."Cutler lives right across the street from the woman charged. She says because of what's happened she'd feel safer if she knew who was living next door. She says, "I think mostly made me want to get to know my neighbors..probably go around and just introduce myself, say hi, and get to know them a little bit more."Other neighbors say they're glad there's at least some peace for the family, "I'm just glad for the family that they can at least find out what's happened."As police continue to search for Darlene VanderGiesen's body...neighbors on South Phillips say they now realize they don't know everything that happens behind closed doors.Neighbor Andrea Deelstra says, "It just can happen anywhere...you know ....you just never know."http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45942~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/11/2006
Police Find Evidence In VanderGiesen Case
Police are making progress in the search for Darlene VanderGiesen's body. Saturday while searching the Sioux Falls landfill investigators recovered body parts. They believe the parts belong to VanderGiesen.
The police department is not releasing exactly what they've found. But investigators will continue searching for more evidence at the landfill on Sunday.
VanderGiesen has been missing since February 1st. Police had a break in the case Friday when they arrested Daphne Wright who knew the missing woman.
DNA linked VanderGiesen's body to Wright's home in Sioux Falls. Wright admitted to police she thought her girlfriend of five years was having an affair with VanderGiesen.
http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45948~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/12/2006
Church Remembers VanderGiesenFor the fourth day in a row the Sioux Falls landfill is the site of a murder investigation.Searchers spent much of the day combing through trash for evidence in the death of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen. They didn't find anything Sunday and plan on going back out again tomorrow. Saturday police and other search crews uncovered what they say appear to be body parts belonging to VanderGiesen.Those around her are in shock over what has happened.Many members of Community Reformed Church are close friends of Darlene VanderGiesen. Darlene herself went to services here. And today church members are dealing with a death that seems so senseless.From the time Darlene VanderGiesen disappeared, those close to her tried to have faith she would be found. Pastor John Thornton says, "We prayed for a miracle but didn't get the answer we wanted."So Sunday, at Community Reformed Church, members are looking for other answers, why the 42-year-old woman had to be killed.Thornton says, "It's just hard to think of all that happened to her and know she's gone now."Now that police have made an arrest and found evidence of VanderGiesen in the landfill, her pastor says the grief seems overwhelming.Thornton says, "When we found out she was murdered it was a shock. I think we're all sort of numb and not sure how to progress because it's so horrific it's hard to even comprehend."At Sunday's service, church leaders spoke about the loss and tried to comfort the congregation.Thornton says, "We're trying to say God is still here in the midst of the sorrow and horror God is here with us."And the pastor says with a crime so hard to comprehend, sometimes the most you can do is show support just by being there.He says, "I think we have to think back on the positive aspects and not dwell on the horrible ones and just move on."Until police finish gathering evidence, family and friends are holding off on planning a memorial.42-year-old Dafne Wright of Sioux Falls is charged with VanderGiesen's murder. She's scheduled to be in court on Monday. Police will be searching the landfill again on Monday.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45960~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/13/2006
Landfill Search ContinuesSearchers will be back out at the Sioux Falls landfill today to look for evidence in the case of a missing deaf woman.Police say they found body parts believed to be those of Darlene VanderGiesen on Saturday, but didn't find anything Sunday.Daphne Wright has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge and will likely make her first court appearance today.Both women are 42 years old, from Sioux Falls and knew each other.VanderGiesen has been missing since February first.According to court papers, fragments of human tissue and bone that matched VanderGiesen's DNA were found in Wright's basement.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45967
Sad News...
Suspect is charged with first-degree murder in disappearance of Sioux Falls woman
Human remains were found inside a Sioux Falls home, police said
DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/10/06, 6:41 pmAn arrest has been made in the disappearance of a Sioux Falls woman, a case that has suddenly turned into a murder investigation, police said late today.Daphne Antranette Wright, 42, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. on a charge of first-degree murder, police said at a news conference. She was taken into custody at a local motel, police said.Darlene VanderGiesen, a 42-year-old deaf woman, has been missing since Feb. 1.In an interview with police, Wright said she believed that her girlfriend was cheating on her with VanderGiesen, according to court papers.Wright said she was upset with VanderGiesen because she suspected "that Darlene VanderGiesen was trying to destroy Daphne's relationship with her girlfriend of five years," according to the court documents.Wright lived in a home at 1806 S. Phillips Ave., which was the focus of an intense search by police in recent days.After searching a small room in the basement of Wright's home on South Phillips, technicians removed evidence that appeared to be human remains, according to court documents.An analysis showed that evidence gathered at the basement room included bone and muscle tissue, the court papers state.DNA tests later matched the human remains with VanderGiesen, according to an affidavit attached to the arrest warrant.Police said VanderGiesen's body has not been recovered.After eight days of waiting for his daughter’s return, Gene VanderGiesen said “you can't express the feeling of emptiness."“We know she’s not going to come back now, so we’ve got to start making the next step,” said Gene VanderGiesen, of Rock Valley, Iowa. “It’s only through the grace of God that we can get through this.""To think that your daughter could be in a pile of rubble," he said, “it’s just devastating to us.”Earlier today, investigators continued digging at the city landfill in hopes of finding clues to VanderGiesen's disappearance.Searchers are picking apart an area 40 feet wide, 15 feet tall and 70 feet long. They were about a fifth of the way through the mess by the end of Thursday.A team returned to the scene around 8 this morning that included police officers, sheriff’s deputies, emergency management crews, state investigators and FBI agents.Police spokesman Loren McManus said the process has been slowed by medical waste disposed in the same area crews are working.Officers wore protective body suits, as well as thick sole boots, rubber gloves and surgical masks as they raked through the garbage.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Thoughts, prayers go out
MELANIE BRANDERTmbrander@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/11/06, 2:55 amSioux Falls' deaf community struggled to come to grips Friday night with how one of their own could have been killed.Police announced just more than an hour before a forum and prayer vigil was to begin that Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, had died and a woman had been arrested in connection with her murder.Between 100 and 125 people came to Communication Service for the Deaf's recreation center at 3520 S. Gateway Lane to pray for VanderGiesen's safe return. Instead, they grieved for her, comforted her family and sought solace in each other.
"It's so hard to believe what has happened to her," said Shari Johnson, VanderGiesen's co-worker at JDS Industries. "She did not deserve it."The night began with Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus updating the crowd about the latest developments. Several asked questions about the investigation, suspect Daphne Wright and her connection to VanderGiesen."I can't see how a strong woman like Darlene can be murdered by someone that is not as strong. Why is that?" Cheryl Brimmer of Sioux Falls said.McManus replied that police have those same questions. "Sometimes what the motivation was or what somebody was thinking or why they couldn't fight back - sometimes we are never able to figure it out," he said.Sallie Collins, who knew the victim and suspect, and a friend, Angela Glann, sobbed and embraced as they heard details.Donald Browning, a former California police officer now in Sioux Falls, credited police for solving VanderGiesen's disappearance with few details.The Rev. Clyde Teel of Community Reformed Church spoke and led a prayer during which a few offered their own spiritual hopes for VanderGiesen.Some deaf individuals reached across the aisle to clasp hands in unity.Afterward, VanderGiesen's sister, Sandra Sidford, said she cried and was angry at the suspect after her mother told her about her sister's fate."It's hard for me to let go in my heart," she said through an interpreter. "If they find her, we'll be thinking she's in heaven. We hope they find the body."Sidford's husband, Jeffrey, noted that VanderGiesen lived with them for a while but wanted to be independent. He recalled how they joked together and camped.Both Sidfords said they were satisfied that someone was arrested within days of Darlene's disappearance.James Cartledge met Vander-Giesen at the rec center."She was such a sweet woman, fun and smiling," he said.Cassidy Simons became close friends with VanderGiesen and said they watched movies and played with Simons' cat."I miss her already," she said.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Police: Body parts have been found in landfill
By BRENDA WADE SCHMIDTbschmidt@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/11/06, 8:23 pmBody parts were found today during a search at the city landfill for evidence in the murder of a Sioux Falls woman, police said moments ago.The human remains are believed to be from the body of a missing Sioux Falls woman, according to a statement tonight from Lt. Bruce Bailey.Sioux Falls Police have been looking for evidence linked to the death of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who had been reported missing more than a week ago.Daphne Wright, an acquaintance of VanderGiesen’s, was arrested Friday and charged with first-degree murder.Authorities say Wright, 42, killed VanderGiesen because she thought VanderGiesen was trying to destroy her relationship with her girlfriend of five years. Both women are deaf.Police spokesman Loren McManus said Saturday that police don’t know for certain how VanderGiesen was killed.“We have not gotten any indication that a firearm was used,” McManus said.When investigators searched Wright’s home at 1806 S. Phillips Ave., they found items that appeared to be of human origin and were later determined to be fat, bone and muscle tissue that matched a DNA sample taken from VanderGiesen’s toothbrush, an affidavit said.Wright had told police that she removed carpet from her basement and tossed it in a dumpster near the old K-mart on South Minnesota Avenue.Wright’s roommate told police that Wright also took some cement blocks from the home and a large plastic garbage bag to a dumpster somewhere in the neighborhood.Wright was gone for about two hours, her roommate told police, according to the affidavit.The statement from police tonight did not provide specifics on what was found.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Woman arrested in killing
Landfill being searched for evidence
DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/11/06, 2:55 amPolice have made an arrest in the disappearance and death of a deaf Sioux Falls woman and say jealousy over an alleged relationship appears to be the motive.A week after Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, was reported missing, police arrested Daphne Wright, an acquaintance they say argued with VanderGiesen in the days before her disappearance.Wright, 42 and also deaf, was arrested Friday afternoon at a Sioux Falls hotel and charged with first-degree murder. She is being held without bond at the Minnehaha County Jail.
Meanwhile, a massive search for evidence at the city's landfill will continue, as will the investigation, police said.After eight days of waiting for his daughter's return, Gene VanderGiesen said it was difficult to stay hopeful, but Friday's murder charge still comes as a shock."You can't express the feeling of emptiness. To think that your daughter could be in a pile of rubble, it's just devastating to us," he said.Wright lived at 1806 S. Phillips Ave., where much of the investigation has centered since early in the week. Wright has been the focus of the investigation, Dave Nelson, state's attorney for Minnehaha County, said Friday.An arrest warrant affidavit said that when officers entered the house, they noticed the smell of fresh paint and found that a small basement room and stairway were recently painted blue.Crime scene technicians analyzing the small room collected items that appeared to be of human origin, the affidavit said. The county coroner determined that the items were fat, bone and muscle tissue.Another woman living in the same house told police that Wright removed carpet and cement blocks from the house on the evening VanderGiesen was last seen. The roommate also told police that Wright left with a large black plastic garbage bag and intended to take the items to a neighborhood Dumpster, the affidavit said.Wright initially denied to police having seen Vander-Giesen on the day she disappeared. However, she later changed her story and, according to the affidavit, said she had a conversation with VanderGiesen in the parking lot of a Pizza Hut, where police later found the missing woman's truck.Wright told police she was upset with VanderGiesen because she thought Vander-Giesen was trying to destroy her relationship with Sallie Collins, whom she called her girlfriend for the past five years. Wright said she thought Collins was cheating on her with Vander-Giesen, the affidavit said.On Jan. 27, an argument broke out when Wright arrived at Collins' apartment and found VanderGiesen there.At a news conference Friday evening, Nelson and police chief Doug Barthel sought to calm concerns among the deaf community that VanderGiesen was targeted because she was deaf."This was not a random act," Nelson said.Later in the evening, at a forum and prayer vigil at Communication Service for the Deaf's recreation center, friends and relatives of VanderGiesen reacted to the arrest.VanderGiesen's younger sister, Sandra Sidford, and her husband, Jeffrey, said they first met Wright when she and Collins stopped at VanderGiesen's apartment last Saturday to offer their condolences."The two were praying for Darlene," Jeffrey Sidford said through an interpreter. "She didn't say much, kept it real short."James Cartledge said through an interpreter that he met Wright when he and his wife, Cherie, stopped at the house on South Phillips Avenue to visit his co-worker, Jacki Chesmore. Cartledge said Wright shied away from the couple when he tried to introduce his wife to her.Cartledge said Wright moved from Maryland to Sioux Falls seven years ago and could not find a job."She was kind of odd, a little withdrawn," Cartledge said of Wright. "She socialized a lot with the deaf community in Maryland, but not here."Barthel said excavation at the landfill would continue over the weekend in search of evidence.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Landfill search yields body parts
BRENDA WADE SCHMIDT
bschmidt@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/12/06, 2:55 am
Body parts were found Saturday in the city landfill, police said, as investigators continued their search for evidence in the slaying of a Sioux Falls woman.
The human remains are thought to be from the body of Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, Sioux Falls police Lt. Bruce Bailey said in a statement Saturday night. No other details were released.
Police are looking for evidence linked to the death of VanderGiesen, who had been reported missing more than a week ago. Daphne Wright, an acquaintance of Vander-Giesen's, was
Authorities say Wright, also 42, killed VanderGiesen because she thought VanderGiesen was trying to destroy her relationship with her girlfriend of five years. Both women are deaf.
Police spokesman Loren McManus said Saturday that police don't know for certain how VanderGiesen was killed.
"We have not gotten any indication that a firearm was used," McManus said.When investigators searched Wright's home at 1806 S. Phillips Ave., they found items that appeared to be of human origin and were later determined to be fat, bone and muscle tissue that matched a DNA sample taken from VanderGiesen's toothbrush, an affidavit said.
Wright had told police that she removed carpet from her basement and tossed it in a Dumpster near the old K-mart on South Minnesota Avenue.
Wright's roommate told police that Wright also took some cement blocks from the home and a large plastic garbage bag to a Dumpster somewhere in the neighborhood. Wright was gone for about two hours, her roommate told police, according to the affidavit.
Minnehaha County State's Attorney Dave Nelson said Saturday that authorities hope to answer all of the questions in the case. "The investigation is continuing onward," he said.
Meanwhile, those who knew VanderGiesen remembered her fondly.
Angela Glann, a friend of Collins, said through an interpreter she met VanderGiesen through her sister, Sandra. She said the two hung out in groups and had fun.
"Darlene has always been there for my kids," Glann said, adding that her children were 11 and 7 years old. "My kids always played with Darlene."
Shari Johnson, who worked with VanderGiesen at JDS Industries in Sioux Falls, recalled one time when the radio was on and a country western tune called "Darlene" came over the airwaves.
"I wrote a note and I said, 'Hey they got a song on the radio called 'Darlene!' Darlene always went, 'All right!'"
"She was in beautiful, beautiful spirits when we saw her."
After VanderGiesen was gone for three to four days, Johnson said, "You kind of think the worst. I'm sad they did not find her, sad for her family. She will be missed."
Cheryl Brimmer of Sioux Falls met VanderGiesen at the CSD rec center and said through an interpreter she cried when she learned she was murdered.
"She has no enemies. Why anyone would want to kill her is beyond me," Brimmer said. "I never saw her mad or upset or anything negative about her."
Sioux Falls resident Marcia Van Ginkel's two daughters, Sherri and Shelli, babysat Darlene when she was 5 years old and they all lived in Rock Valley, Iowa.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
http://www.argusleader.com/assets/pdf/DF18986210.PDF"She was always a happy-go-lucky child," Van Ginkel said of Darlene.
Now for me...
Today is Friday - Im wondering what the weekend will hold for Reb and me...I do know that tonight Ill be in the basement after cooking dinner working on more swaps...heh heh...why not?Let's see... Stamp Out Naked Envelopes, Spring/Easter 6x6s, and lets see... dang I left the list at home...no, no, I have it on the compy!!!Ah I see I have the Mini Compostion Books to do then.Urgh. *burp* I sure do make good chili!Tonight I may make teriyaki steak and rice...doesn't it sound yummy??Then tomorrow is... that's where I have the problem!!! I thought I had something going on tomorrow afternoon, but I cannot find it. I do know that tomorrow night will be the ASL Dinner at Mai Lee's. A Vietnamese and vegetarian restaurant in the middle of the University City Loop...maybe Reb and I can do some shopping before the dinner. I'll ask her tonight about that.I'd like to go back to Meli-Melo Gifts, beautiful and unique stuff there, and Zuma Beach Bead Company! I do know they have a new store, Sunshine Daydream. I wanna case it out!Oh that's right...Reb's father will be over tomorrow to work on the basement stairs for a while. Maybe I can squeeze in Zuma before dinner.Sunday, Reb and I will go to Jenifer's home for a Stamp Night - more like a 10-10-10. I will bring her a Stamp Out Naked Envelope sample after I'm done with them. Hopefully, one of my orders will be ready to take home. Heh heh..more stamps for me. Reb just wants to relax before the work week starts next Monday.Aww...just checked maps and addresses... we may not be able to go to the UC Loop. *sob*Anyhoo, there's always another day.I dont want to go back to work. I have more time reports to do. UGH.Anyone wanna volunteer to do them for me?
Employees' Reactions
02/09/2006
VanderGiesen's Workplace Reacts To Continuing InvestigationThe investigation into the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has shifted from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill. VanderGiesen hasn't been seen since Wednesday of last week. And Thursday, 60 officers began combing through the trash at 8:30 a.m. in search of any clues that might help locate her. Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Department, the Division of Criminal Investigation, and even the FBI is helping in this search. The Federal Agents are from Minneapolis. Flood lights can be turned on, and the search could continue for a while.VanderGiesen was last seen leaving the company where she worked, JDS Industries. The management of JDS Industries says they can't remember a time when VanderGiesen has missed a day of work, without calling first. And that's why her disappearance has come as such a shock.Her coworkers say even though she can only talk with her hands, Darlene VanderGiesen still manages to make working at JDS Industries more enjoyable.“She's the person who walks in and always has a smile on her face, and always had a lot of energy,” Mike May said, who was one of VanderGiesen’s supervisors.For over a decade, VanderGiesen has worked at one of these checking and packing stations, where she prepares the company's products for shipping.“Darlene is very dependable, we could always expect her to be here on time,” he said.That's why, when VanderGiesen didn't show up for work two days in a row, management tried to find out where she was.“A second day is unusual and that's why we tried to reach her,” he said.There was no answer at her apartment, so they got in touch with her parents in Iowa. Soon, the police started an investigation. And days later, employees say it's frustrating not knowing what has happened to a person they've grown to love.“She's fun to play jokes with and to laugh with and have a lot of fun with at work,” he said.But for now, that fun is replaced with worry as they wait for any word on VanderGiesen.“Our thoughts and prayers are definitely with the family and I think that's the true of all the workers here at JDS Industries,” he said.Employees who worked with VanderGiesen say the fact that she is deaf actually encouraged many employees to learn some sign language. They also say there was no indication last Wednesday that VanderGiesen had any plans not to be at work.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45902
Vigils For Darlene
Prayer vigil to be held for missing woman; Nothing found during landfill search
By DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.com
Article Published: 02/9/06, 12:04 pm
With a piercing wind whipping snow against their backs, dozens of searchers raked through trash this morning at the city landfill searching for clues in the case of a missing Sioux Falls woman.
But investigators did not find any leads at the city landfill today, police spokesman Loren McManus said late this afternoon.
Meanwhile, a prayer vigil will be held this evening for Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who has been missing since Feb. 1.
Friends of the family organized a gathering for 7 p.m. in Drake Springs Park, on the corner of 12th Street and Fairfax Avenue.
Earlier today, as many as 60 officers are assisting with the hunt at the landfill, McManus said. They include police, sheriff’s deputies, emergency management workers, state criminal investigators and a special FBI team from the Twin Cities.
The FBI’s Minneapolis field office includes several members who have experience searching for evidence in landfills.
Several employees from the Minneapolis office were sent to New York after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks to sift through material from the World Trade Center.
They were assigned to a landfill in Staten Island, where they sorted through debris from Building 7 of the complex for items such as guns, money, classified information and body parts, according to a memo from the Department of Justice.
In Sioux Falls late this morning, the sound of generators and a digger rumbled as some warmed up in a bus, trailer and tent set up at the scene.
VanderGiesen, who is deaf, was last seen leaving her work on Feb. 1. Her car was left parked outside a Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue on the city's east side.
“At this point we still do not know what happened to her,” McManus said this morning.
He also repeated a request to farmers and landowners to search outbuildings, shelterbelts or other areas a person or evidence could be hidden.
He said two residents of a house near 26th Street and Phillips Avenue, where much of the investigation has focused, are cooperating with police.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Landfill searched in disappearance
Family, friends pray during vigil
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 10, 2006, 3:00 am
A community turned to prayer late Thursday after a seventh day of searching failed to unearth new clues about a Sioux Falls woman’s disappearance.
More than 50 people gathered in Drake Springs Park at a candlelight vigil for Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen on Feb. 1.
“All we can do now is to ask God to help us and help her,” the Rev. John Thornton said. “We need to pray for a miracle.”
The pastor repeated her parents’ plea for anybody with information possibly related to their daughter’s disappearance to come forward to police.
“At this point, we still do not know what has happened to her,” police spokesman Loren McManus said.
About 60 officers from local, state and federal agencies spent hours Thursday raking through trash at the city’s landfill in search of anything that could lead to answers. However, police would not say why they were looking in the landfill.
A piercing wind whipped snow against the backs of their gray protective bodysuits. The stench of rotten produce filled the air as birds pecked at food wrappers on an adjacent mound.
The excavation focused on garbage that arrived in the landfill since VanderGiesen disappeared. The area is about 40 feet wide, 70 feet deep and 15 feet high. Police cleared about a fifth of the material by the end of the afternoon.
Searchers worked in shifts, with about 20 officers combing through the pile at a time. Others warmed up in a bus, trailer and tent set up for the operation.
At the request of Sioux Falls police, the FBI dispatched a special unit out of Minneapolis to assist with the search. They worked alongside police officers, sheriff’s deputies and emergency management crews.
“It’s a group of highly trained and well-equipped FBI personnel who specialize in organizing and conducting major evidence recovery operations,” special agent Paul McCabe said.
The team has assisted at several high-profile crime and accident scenes, including last year’s Red Lake school shooting, the fatal South Dakota plane crash that killed golfer Payne Stewart and the recovery effort following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Several employees from the Minneapolis office were assigned to a landfill in Staten Island, where they sorted through debris from one of the World Trade Center buildings for items such as guns, money, classified information and body parts, according to a memo from the Department of Justice.
McCabe said he could not comment about how many agents make up the teams or what types of technology the teams use in the field.
After more than a week of searching for VanderGiesen, rumors and concern about the case are spreading in the deaf community, said Rick Norris, a spokesman for Communication Services for the Deaf.
“I think people are fearing that it may be worse than what we were originally hoping for,” Norris said, “but of course everyone is hoping for a positive outcome.”
Cherie Cartledge is one of several in the deaf community who attended Thursday night’s vigil. She lives on the eastside not far from VanderGiesen’s apartment and said through an interpreter she’s shocked about the disappearance.
“It’s hard to believe,” William Christiansen, who also is deaf, said through an interpreter. He knows VanderGiesen through various activities for the deaf in Sioux Falls. He said he’s scared she’s been killed by somebody.
Norris said a program for the deaf community will be held tonight to address concerns and correct any false rumors circulating. He said people who are hard of hearing can empathize with unique concerns VanderGiesen could have because she is deaf.
“She may not have the ability to communicate as easily and freely as someone else in a crisis,” Norris said.
Without access to a newspaper, he said, she might not know people are looking for her.
VanderGiesen’s parents, Gene and Dee, said they were overwhelmed by the turnout for Thursday night’s vigil, which was planned on short notice.
VanderGiesen was last seen leaving her job on Feb. 1. Her car was found parked outside a Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue on the city’s east side.
McManus said two residents of a house near 26th Street and Phillips Avenue, where much of the investigation has focused, are cooperating with police.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
Reach Dan Haugen at (605) 331-2335.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Crews return to landfill in search for woman
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.comArticle Published: 02/10/06, 11:02 am
Searchers returned to the city landfill this morning in an effort to find evidence in the case of a missing Sioux Falls woman.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said digging resumed at around 8 a.m.
Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, has been missing since Feb. 1.
Police spokesman Loren McManus said no leads resulted from Thursday’s search, which involved about 60 officers.
Milstead said there is talk today about activating police reserve officers to assist at the landfill so other officers can tend to regular duties.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
Vigils Held for Missing Siox Falls Woman
02/09/2006
Search Continues For Missing Deaf Woman
The search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman has extended to the city landfill.
Snow and cold is hampering the search effort at the landfill. Officers are sifting through bags of garbage.
Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing since Wednesday of last week. Today police have started searching the landfill for any clues to her disappearance.
Authorities still aren't sure if a crime has been committed, but because there is so little evidence in the case, they have to treat it like a possible homicide.
Police continue to watch a home on South Phillips Avenue, where Wednesday they used police dogs to search the house and yard. It's a house VanderGiesen is known to spend time, and she is friends with the two women who live there. They have been questioned and are cooperating in this investigation.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45895~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/09/2006
Vigil Honors Missing Sioux Falls WomanThey haven't seen her for more than a week. But Thursday night, friends and family of Darlene VanderGiesen gathered to pray for the deaf woman's safe return. As the investigation into VanderGiesen's disappearance continues, authorities have had very little new information to release. So those close to the 42-year-old are coping with the situation by following their faith.“We don't know where she is, we don't know what happened, so all we can do now is ask for God to help us,” said Pastor John Thornton of the Community Reform Church, which VanderGiesen often attended.A group of more than 100 people gathered in a dark and cold parking lot to collectively pray for her safe return.“She's somewhere and we just don't know where, so being outside under the starts gives us a greater touch with God himself,” said one of VanderGiesen’s friends, Pat Reiter.VanderGiesen's parents were at the ceremony, and with tears in their eyes, they shared their gratitude for the community's continued support.“It just takes away some of the burden and lets you know that God is surrounding you with his love,” said Darlene’s mom, Dee VanderGiesen.Many of those who attended say VanderGiesen brought joy to their lives, and wish there was more they could do to help with the search.“We're willing, snow, whatever, if there's something we could do just ask us,” Reiter said.The unknown still outweighs the clues in this case, but there was an abundance of love and support among these friends and family. VanderGiesen's parents say they're holding on to hope that someone with information will come forward.“Even if you think its not important, it might be the link that leads them to Darlene,” VanderGiesen said.And for those who loved her, each candle light at Thursday’s vigil represented a flicker of hope in the middle of a very dark journey.“Darlene is well liked in our community, she's a gem. I just pray she's still with us,” Reiter said.The group is planning another vigil tomorrow night where they hope to have a member of law enforcement present to clarify the facts, and put an end to any rumors about the investigation.Early on Thursday, police shifted the focus of their search for VanderGiesen from a Sioux Falls home to the Sioux Falls landfill. But they still haven't found any leads.Sixty officers from several different departments spent the day searching through eight days worth of trash looking for clues in the disappearance of Vandergiesen. It was a slow process. The pile is 15 feet high, 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. And police aren't saying exactly what led them there."Through the interviews and through all the information we gathered, it has led us to take a look out at the landfill. What we're looking for, it could be anything," said Loren McManus with the Sioux Falls Police Department.Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is encouraged to call Sioux Falls police right away.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45911~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/10/2006
Landfill Searched For Missing WomanThe search for the missing deaf Sioux Falls woman is now centered at the Sioux Falls landfill. 60 officers from several different departments are sifting through the last 8 days-worth of garbage in hopes of finding any clues in the disappearance of 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.This is the challenge officers face: a 15 foot high pile of garbage that runs 40 feet wide and 70 feet deep. They began early this morning and will likely continue into tomorrow, as there are still no clues in the disappearance of VanderGiesen.Police can't share exactly what information led them to the Sioux Falls landfill.“I don't have specific reasons why we focused on that area, but it's like everything we've done in this case,” says police information officer Loren McManus. “Every time information comes up that leads us in whatever direction we have to go, that's the direction we're going to go.”But it is all in the search for Darlene VanderGiesen. Officers line up and sift through a bucket-load of garbage with picks and rakes.“Once they go through that line, then a bulldozer comes and cleans that all up into a different pile, and they start the process all over again,” says McManus.Officers include Sioux Falls police, Minnehaha County Deputies, Division of Criminal Investigation and even the FBI. So, what they're looking for?“It could be anything,” McManus says.Police still aren't calling this a murder case, although they have to treat missing-persons cases as if they are.“You start with the assumption the person is deceased,” McManus says. “And you work backward from there.”And they could be out here for days.“But don't forget we still haven't ruled out... She could be anywhere,” McManus says.If they wish, officers can use flood light to work through the night. Federal agents were brought in from Minneapolis because of their experience searching through rubble. They helped at ground-zero following the 9-11 attacks.http://www.keloland.com/NewsDetail2817.cfm?Id=0,45921
Darlene Still Missing
Police focus on home in search for woman
Laser lines, cameras set up around house where acquaintances of VanderGiesen live
NESTOR RAMOS & DAN HAUGEN
Argus Leader
February 9, 2006, 3:20 am
Investigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman focused on a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue on Wednesday, searching for clues that might lead them to Darlene VanderGiesen.
The two women who live at the house are acquaintances of VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.
Police say the women are cooperating, but a neighbor said she saw the police force open the door and enter with their guns drawn.
At least a half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene Wednesday, lining two neighborhood streets. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements in the front and back yards, setting up laser lines and cameras on tripods as traffic slowed to a crawl in the street, watching the police work.
A real estate agent showed a nearby home to a young couple, as police measured the width of the house with a tape measure.
VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.
He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.
Though police have not provided any more details about what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, one neighbor said officers had been in and around the home all night – at least since 11 a.m. Monday.
Kim West, whose back yard connects to the house police searched, said police used a screwdriver to pry open the back door, and police brought a dog in Wednesday morning.
“This is my back yard, and I’m going to find out what’s going on,” she said. West runs a child care service out of her home, and said she had wondered briefly whether she should move the children temporarily.
McManus, in an e-mail to media, said the search for VanderGiesen was ongoing, with no further updates.
“At this hour, we are still conducting interviews, following up on any new information and still asking for the public’s help with anything they may be able to provide,” he said.
The search for VanderGiesen began Feb. 1, when VanderGiesen, who is deaf, did not show up for work at JDS Industries in Sioux Falls. When she didn’t show up the next day, JDS notified her parents, who called police. Her car was found in a Pizza Hut parking lot at the corner of 26th St. and Sycamore Ave.
When Gene and Dee VanderGiesen arrived at their daughter’s home, they found her cats hungry and her cell phone left behind, leading them to believe that she hadn’t simply run off without telling anyone. Her cellphone, her father said, was her lifeline, used frequently for sending text messages.
McManus said police have received a “fairly minimal” amount of calls regarding VanderGiesen since turning to the public for help. A possible lead that led police to Melvin, Iowa, turned into a dead end.
The investigation has been complicated by the fact that many of VanderGiesen’s friends and acquaintances are deaf and need help communicating with police, McManus said. According to neighbors, at least one of the residents at the house police searched Wednesday is deaf.
Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.
http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060209/NEWS/60209001/1001~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
02/08/2006 Missing Woman Investigation Sioux Falls police are keeping a watchful eye on one Sioux Falls home because it's part of the investigation into a deaf woman's disappearance.Forty-two-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen has been missing for a week now. She was last seen leaving work last Wednesday night. Officials are still asking for the public's help in finding her but Wednesday, investigators did some searching of their own.
Police began looking at a house on Phillips Avenue Tuesday night. They say it is a place Darlene VanderGiesen would spend time. She is friends with the two women who live here.
Police cars lined the streets surrounding 1806 South Phillips Avenue for two days now.
Al Deelstra lives across the street and said, "All day yesterday, all night, all day today, there's been many police vehicles here and detectives. We're just kind of curious of what's going on."
Police interviewed neighbors Tuesday night. "And asked us a few questions as to if we've seen any strange activities. And we haven't."
Wednesday police dogs searched the yard. Officers took measurements and removed cats from the home. Police entered with a search warrant Tuesday night.
Deelstra said, "They said they were going to go into the house late last (Tuesday) night and they did. And we saw photo flashes going off during the night."
There's no crime tape around the home. And police aren't sure whether a crime has even been committed. It's all part of the investigation in finding Darlene VanderGiesen. But for two days, a large part of the investigation has gone on inside this home.
Deelstra said, "It seems like a lot. I certainly hope they find her."
Police say the two women who live at the home have been interviewed and are cooperating. As of Wednesday evening, police were still doing other interviews as the investigation continues.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?ID=0,45877
More on Darlene
Police focus on house in search for missing woman
By DAN HAUGENdhaugen@argusleader.comFebruary 8, 2006, 12:54 pmInvestigators looking for a missing Sioux Falls woman are searching a house near 26th Street and South Phillips Avenue.A half-dozen patrol cars and two vans were at the scene early this afternoon. Officers were using surveying equipment to take measurements on the property.Two women live at the house who are acquaintances of Darlene VanderGiesen, Sioux Falls police spokesman Loren McManus said.VanderGiesen, 42, who was last seen Feb. 1, spent time at the house, McManus said.He said activity at the house is part of an ongoing effort to question friends and others who might know anything about her disappearance.“These things take time,” McManus said.Police have not provided details on what they are doing at the home on South Phillips, but police vehicles have been coming and going throughout the day.Anyone with information about VanderGiesen is asked to call the Sioux Falls police detective division at (605) 367-7256.For more on this story, see Thursday's Argus Leader.
Updates on Darlene Vandergiesen
02/06/2006
Still Looking For Missing Woman
No one's seen her since Wednesday. And Monday morning, Darlene VanderGiesen didn't show up for work for the third day now.
It's been five days since the 42-year-old deaf Sioux Falls woman was last seen leaving work at JDS Industries on W. 3rd St. at 6:00 p.m.
"Missing posters" featuring Darlene VanderGiesen hang on gas station bulletin boards. No one's seen her in almost a week, and that has police concerned.
"At this point, we're asking for some help from the public if anyone has seen her or knows anything about her," says Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel.
Particularly, the police could use help from anyone who ate at Pizza Hut on 26th and Sycamore last Wednesday evening. Her car was found in that parking lot.
"It was actually noticed by the employees there on that night, but we didn't receive information she was gone until Friday," Barthel says.
The fact that VanderGiesen is deaf might help identify her, especially if she did eat at Pizza Hut that night.
"They might have noticed somebody communicating with sign language or something of that sort on that evening," Barthel says.
Police found her car locked and nothing looked suspicious. As for how they found her apartment, "Everything was in order, but she left pets behind that were unattended, didn't make any contact with friends or relatives, which is very unlike her," Barthel says.
And police are hopeful they will find her well.
"We don't have anything to indicate there's foul play at this point," Barthel says. "On the other hand, we haven't ruled that out either."
VanderGiesen is 5'5", between 200 and 250 pounds and has short brown hair and hazel eyes. She was last seen wearing a black and gray flannel shirt, blue jeans and tennis shoes.
If you have any information, call the Sioux Falls police at (605) 367-7000.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45803~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
02/07/2006
Missing Investigation Led Police To Sioux Falls Residence
Not knowing where Darlene VanderGiesen is, is tough on her family and those in the deaf community, but police may have a break in the case. Undercover officers have been staking out a home on South Phillips Avenue.
They tell KELOLAND News their investigation into VanderGiesen's disappearance has led them to a residence. Police aren't saying much more than that, but they do want neighbors to know no one is in any kind of danger.
Searching for a woman who can't hear, presents some unique challenges for police.
You can't hear the cries for help, but the deaf community, which is a tight knit group, is desperately asking for the public's help in finding Darlene VanderGiesen.
"This one of our siblings who is missing and we want to know what's happening and we all come together to act," said Tom Kober, President of the South Dakota Association of the Deaf.
Tom Kober says he first learned about VanderGiesen's disappearnce by watching television. Kober says everyone in the deaf community is hurting right now.
"If anything that happens within the community, immediately the deaf community knows and are very supportive of each other."
But finding VanderGiesen isn't like finding just another missing person. There's a communication barrier that sometime slows the process, especially if there's no interpretor available when interviewing those who can't hear."
There always has to be a facilitator present, it's required."
The South Dakota Association of the Deaf is helping police as much as possible, but because this case is a first of its kind in Sioux Falls, Kober says a break down in communication can mean a break down in the investigation.
"Critical delays prolong finding a person and that's our biggest challenge."
Police have few leads at this point, but her family says they know Darlene didn't leave on her own free will, because she left her pager behind and her two cats at home without food. If you have any information call 911. http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45846~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~02/08/2006
Missing Woman Update
Sioux Falls police may have a lead in the case of missing 42-year-old Darlene VanderGiesen.
Tuesday, Sioux Falls police staked out a home on South Phillips Avenue. Their investigation into VanderGiesen's disappearance led them to the residence.
Police aren't saying much more than that, but they do want neighbors to know no one is in any kind of danger.
Authorities are asking farmers and landowners to check their fields, and areas of water for any signs of VanderGiesen.
http://www.keloland.com/News/NewsDetail5440.cfm?Id=0,45860
Darlene Vandergiesen
Worried about Darlene - hope she returns home safe and sound.
Sioux Falls police search for missing woman
Her vehicle was found near Pizza Hut at 26th and Sycamore
Staff reports
February 4, 2006, 8:38 pm
Sioux Falls police are seeking information about a Sioux Falls woman who was reported missing after she did not report for work for two days.
Darlene Kay Vandergeisen, who is 5 foot, 5 inches tall, weighs between 200 and 250 pounds, and has short brown hair and hazel eyes.
She also is hearing impaired.
According to the police, Vandergeisen has not been seen since leaving work about 6 p.m. Wednesday. Her vehicle was found late Friday evening near the Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue.
Police said Vandergeisen also is connected to a 1989 Chevrolet Beretta, silver with two doors, with Iowa license plate 143-MYF.
Anyone with information should contact law enforcement. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Police seek information about missing woman
By Jill Callison
jcalliso@argusleader.com
February 5, 2006, 2:55 am
Sioux Falls police seek information about a Sioux Falls woman who was reported missing after not reporting to work for two days.
Darlene Kay Vandergeisen is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs 200 to 250 pounds, has short brown hair and hazel eyes. She also is hearing impaired.
According to police, Vandergeisen has not been seen since leaving work at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Her vehicle was found late Friday near Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue.
She also is connected to a 1989 Chevrolet Beretta, silver with two doors, displaying Iowa license plate 143-MYF.
Anyone with information should contact law enforcement.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Police still looking for missing woman
From staff reports
February 6, 2006, 12:56 pm
Police are still searching for a missing Sioux Falls woman who was last seen Wednesday.
“It’s a case that has us concerned,” Police Chief Doug Barthel said Monday.
Darlene Kay VanderGiesen is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs 200 to 250 pounds, has short brown hair and hazel eyes. She also is hearing impaired.
Investigators have not found anything to suggest foul play, but they also cannot rule it out, Barthel said. Today is the third day she has not showed up for work.
According to police, VanderGiesen’s vehicle was found late Friday near the Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue.
Police are asking anyone who might have information to call the police detective division at (605) 367-7256. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`Police ask farmers to check their land for missing woman
By DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 7, 2006, 3:56 pm
Sioux Falls Police Chief Doug Barthel today asked farmers to check barns, outbuildings and other areas where a missing Sioux Falls woman or evidence might be hidden.
Authorities searching for Darlene Vander Giesen still hope for a safe return.
But the community also needs to prepare for the worst, Barthel said at a news conference this afternoon.
Vander Giesen, 42, was last seen Feb. 1. Her parents reported her missing on Friday.
Police are also asking anybody who was at Pizza Hut on 26th Street and Sycamore between 6 and 9 p.m. Feb. 1 to call.
Anyone with information is asked to call Sioux Falls Police at (605) 367-7256.
For more on this story, see Wednesday's Argus Leader.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Few clues to aid search
Police ask farmers to look in barns, shelterbelts
DAN HAUGEN
dhaugen@argusleader.com
February 8, 2006, 2:55 am
After five days of fruitless searching for a missing Sioux Falls woman, police issued grim advice Tuesday for farmers to begin searching barns and shelterbelts.
"Anywhere somebody might be able to hide a person or any other kind of evidence," Police Chief Doug Barthel said at an afternoon press conference.
Darlene VanderGiesen, 42, who is deaf, was last seen leaving work a week ago today. Police found her truck in the parking lot of a Pizza Hut at 26th Street and Sycamore Avenue.
Barthel said he is optimistic investigators will find her alive and well, but he also warned about preparing for the worst-case scenario.
"It just seems like she dropped off the face of the earth, and nobody knows why," said Gene VanderGiesen, Darlene's father.
Co-workers and friends also expressed concern about the woman's uncharacteristic disappearance.
"There is a lot of talk. A lot of people are worried about her well-being right now," said Derric Miller, spokesman for Communication Services for the Deaf in Sioux Falls, where VanderGiesen regularly socializes.
VanderGiesen's employer, JDS Industries, called her parents Friday morning when she did not show up for work for the second day in a row.
Gene VanderGiesen, of Rock Valley, Iowa, said he and his wife, Dee, arrived in Sioux Falls on Friday afternoon and found their daughter's two cats begging for food and attention.
Along with the cats, they found her cell phone and duffel bag, leading them to think she didn't simply leave town without telling others. He said it also didn't appear she packed clothing.
The VanderGiesens notified police, who began searching and found the woman's car Friday evening. Police think VanderGiesen was at the Pizza Hut between 6 and 9 p.m. on Feb. 1.
The department issued a missing person alert Saturday morning and asked anybody who was at the restaurant that evening to call with information. Police spokesman Loren McManus said the volume of calls has "been fairly minimal."
Investigators briefly sought information about a man from Melvin, Iowa, but an alibi showed he was not with VanderGiesen around the time of her disappearance, her father said.
Detectives are interviewing VanderGiesen's friends, co-workers and neighbors and looking for clues in her apartment and truck. They asked her parents Tuesday to return the vehicle to Sioux Falls police for further inspection.
McManus said the investigation has been complicated because many of VanderGiesen's friends are also hearing-impaired. The department has used sign language translators for some of its interviews.
Barthel said a "tremendous" amount of resources have been placed into finding VanderGiesen. More than 20 officers attended a meeting Tuesday to discuss the latest leads.
"We haven't by any means reached a dead end," Barthel said.
The investigation isn't focused on any certain geographic area, which is why a canine or volunteer search isn't possible now.
Many missing person cases involve children who turn up within a day at friends' houses. Others come with circumstances that suggest the chance for foul play is remote. It's been several years since the city has had a suspicious disappearance like this one, Barthel said.
"It's not your ordinary missing person case," Barthel said. "Just because of the way she disappeared, it certainly has caused us concern."
VanderGiesen was raised in Rock Valley, Iowa, and moved to Sioux Falls in the early 1990s. She works in the warehouse at JDS Industries, packaging orders of trophy parts the company sells.
"She is well-thought-of and well-liked," Sletten said. "She was very outgoing, very friendly to everybody and always had a smile."
VanderGiesen has been a member of the South Dakota Association of the Deaf for 14 years. She also plays on a softball team for a Sioux Falls deaf association.
Gene and Dee VanderGiesen pleaded at a news conference Tuesday for anybody with information to call Sioux Falls police. The detectives division can be reached at (605) 367-7256.
"Now it's starting to look like it's pretty grim," Gene VanderGiesen said. "Every hour goes by and you think, well, tonight or tomorrow, something's going to happen. The waiting weighs so terribly heavy on you."
Reach Dan Haugen at (605) 331-2335.
Gone Around the Bend...
I feel like I'm going around the bend today...just heading nowhere at this time.
I have not tried to regulate my eating habits at all the past two weeks, and I know that I am just slacking off...I really need to get myself back together and work on it again...bbllpptthh.
Monday, Gift became a month old - still less than 1,000 miles on that day. Now it is just a bit over 1,000 miles...took two days to get there...heh heh.
Let's backtrack a bit - go over the weekend we had.
Last Friday night, I had a Stampin' UP workshop at my home in the basement - I had ten women and a kid come over and stamp two cards, and see a demonstration of Pearl EX being applied to a third card...I gotta get me some Pearl EX!!! Heh heh...why not? Showed off my workspace and the cards Ive worked on or swapped for...and talked for hours with several girls that stayed behind.
Saturday, Reb and I went shopping - we went to...Michael's, JoAnn Crafts, Lowe's and finally Dierberg's. I needed some supplies for my cards and Reb needed some supplies for the house and we both needed ... FOOD!!! Then we watched an old home movie belonging to Reb's parents of past Thanksgivings.
Sunday, we went on to my parents' home to pick up the footstools and the wallhanging, "Nine Lives" for the living room - then on to PetSmart for cat food and on to Wing Stop for some wings for dinner ...then SuperBowl night for us....GO STEELERS!!! Yahoo, Steelers win!!!
Monday, I had a pretty bad day because of cramps...yes, it was the time of the month for me...I hate those and the messes I have to deal with!!! Didn't feel like doing anything that night...just felt sorry for myself and finally got into the bath to clean up a bit and soak for a while.
Yesterday was a bit better - still feeling sorry for myself - but did get going and folded laundry and cooked dinner...although I did watch NCIS, SUPERNATURAL and LAW & ORDER: SVU.
I really need to go knuckle down on the cards - I have a lot of swaps coming up due and I have to get two ready before the deadline next week. Then others will be due the week after and on the last day of February...some are due in March, thank goodness. Also, I really, really need to knuckle down on my eating habits again...I am just TOO CLOSE to my current goal and I want to get started on my next weight goal.
Thank goodness for Reb!!
Stuck in the same place again!
I don't know why I keep doing this...every time it happens, I promise myself it won't...all to no avail.I am soooo close to a milestone - just 2 lbs to go...yet I sabotage it by overeating. I fixed some spaghetti Monday night...and last night, just pigged out. I had to do some heavy thinking, til I gave myself a headache... and I think I figured out what's wrong. Whenever I know I'm close to attaining a goal, I become a little afraid and then I do something completely wrong and I have to restart from there again. Today is weight day at Weight Watchers, and I am just hoping I stayed the same...no gains in pounds, although it would be nice to lose one more pound and be closer to my goal.I think it's because I have been so heavy almost all my adult life, that actually losing so much weight has made me a bit nervous about the final result and how it would affect my life and relationships with Reb, my family and friends. I know why I started losing weight, and the purpose has remained the same all throughout this...FOR MY HEALTH. *sigh* I just have to think positive and be glad that I've come this far, from an OBESE 437 pounds to where I am now, in two years. That is something to be proud of, because it was hard all the way, especially when I was going through some problems at an unnamed organization, and trying to re-establish my repuation, making new friends because of what happened, and working at my job despite the roller-coaster ride I was on with my emotions.I still keep a picture of me at my heaviest on my fridge - I will need to take it out of the old frame, scan it and then re-frame it in a new frame. Maybe something magnetic to adhere it to the door, not the top.I have been so busy all weekend - I went to a workshop for Stamin' UP at Nora's home, made ten cards and enjoyed talking with my friends that I haven't seen in a while. That night, Reb and I stayed at home - we did go out to dinner at Chili's - such yummy food. I overate that night, too.Sunday - we stayed home all day and night. I worked in the basement cleaning, sorting and labeling all my stamping/scrapbooking stuff and Reb sorted her papers for packing and putting away things that she will need later on. Cooked a nice dinner - forgot to spice up the green beans, though. Watched TV, folded laundry and talked, talked and talked.It's so nice when we are able to do that.Monday, finally finished the stamping/scrapbooking stuff and started cleaning up the paper piles I had laying around in the basement last night. Tonight, that will be done, also. Then...I gotta get two more bookcases for the stamps. I need to sort out my stamps - put down retired, mini catalog, or main catalog on the boxes of stamps from Stampin' UP! so I know where I am at all times, and also I need to go through my paper scraps and sort out the bad/good in that...bbllpptthh. It's been so long, it's a big mess.As for my eating, I will have to buckle down again - go back to the Weight Watchers web and count points, control my portion sizes, and all that AD NAUSEUM!!! Still stuck in physical therapy - I hate it when they start massaging the knots out of my shoulder...it HURTS like HELL. I sometimes wish I could just punch the therapist off his rocker and let him know exactly how much it hurts.Oh well. I'm still alive, and that counts for something.
