WASHINGTON — The father of two young children who are missing in the D.C.- region is asking Maryland’s governor for help.
Troy Turner, of Germantown, wants Gov. Martin O’Malley to ask Maryland State Police to issue an Amber Alert for his two children, 2-year-old Jacob Hoggle and 3-year-old year-old Sarah Hoggle, who have been missing since Sept. 8.
“I can’t see any reason why it wouldn’t help to have that kind of awareness out there,” Turner said at a news conference Monday afternoon.
State police responded, explaining that at the time the children were reported missing, the case did not meet their criteria for an Amber Alert.
“In the Montgomery Co. case, the criteria for an Amber Alert were not met because there was no confirmed abduction. The children were with their mother and went missing. There was no immediate threat known to police for her to harm her children,” wrote state police spokesman Greg Shipley in a statement.
“The key to the Amber Alert program being so successful is that it is only implemented when the criteria are met and it is issued as soon after the confirmed abduction occurs as possible,” Shipley added.
On Friday afternoon, O’Malley’s officer released the following statement in response to Turner’s pleas:
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the missing children and all those involved in this tragic situation. We commend law enforcement for their ceaseless efforts to locate Sarah and Jacob, and will continue to provide support and resources necessary to the search until this case is solved.”
Troy Turner tells WTOP that while he appreciates Governor O’Malley’s support, the only thing that will completely satisfy him is an Amber Alert or something similar that will help spread the word about his missing children.
The children disappeared with their mother, Catherine Hoggle, on Sept. 8.
Catherine, who has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, was found four days later but has so far refused to tell police where the children are, other than to say they are “safe.”
Her family remains convinced she has hidden the children somewhere, possibly with someone who is helping her.
A court appearance for Catherine Hoggle scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed.
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