Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Teen, missing since Saturday, is found

Detectives were talking to the teen and her boyfriend Wednesday night.

By EMILY VASQUEZ and STEVE THOMPSON
Published July 7, 2005

Authorities late Wednesday confirmed they had found the 17-year-old New Port Richey girl who disappeared Saturday from a Georgia amusement park.

"We've got her," said New Port Richey police Capt. Darryl Garman.

While a candlelight vigil was being held for Leah Deltedesco on Wednesday evening at Sims Park in New Port Richey, detectives questioned her boyfriend, 21-year-old Kaill Reinschmidt.

He had changed the story he previously gave to authorities, Garman said. "He's admitted he was the one who brought her back from Georgia."

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Reinschmidt denied to the Times he knew of Leah's whereabouts or that he had traveled to Georgia. He said he hadn't even heard from her.

"Right now, we're not sure if we've got any criminal charges or not," Garman said.

Earlier Wednesday, officials at Wild Adventures Theme Park said a thorough review of surveillance footage revealed Leah leaving the Valdosta, Ga., park Saturday about an hour after her arrival.

Leah, who went to the park with her grandmother and siblings for a concert, disappeared after her grandmother dropped her off ahead of the family at the park's entrance while she parked her car.

Officials conducted a search of the park, and Lowndes County sheriff's deputies began an investigation of the disappearance.

Park security officials continued their review of surveillance footage taken Saturday night from more than 60 cameras. On Tuesday they spotted Leah leaving, wearing a black baseball cap she hadn't had on as she entered, a park spokeswoman said.

Emily Vasquez can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6232 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6232. Her e-mail address is evasquez@sptimes.com

[Last modified July 7, 2005, 01:26:31]