Story Published:
Feb 8, 2012 at 7:50 AM MDT
Story Updated:
Feb 8, 2012 at 7:50 AM MDT
BILLINGS - Tuesday marks one month since Montana teacher, Sherry Arnold went missing. There is still no resolution for her family and friends, but the case against two men accused of aggravated kidnapping is moving ahead.
On Monday, Governor Brian Schweitzer requested that 47-year-old Lester Van Waters Junior and 22-year-old Michael Keith Spell be returned to Montana where they face aggravated kidnapping charges for the disappearance Arnold.
In a letter to the governor of North Dakota, Schweitzer says, "I have carefully examined the case and believe that the facts are true and that the fugitive is guilty of the crime charged."
The governor's request is part of the extradition process; his office says they handle up to 100 such requests a year. However, they made this one public because it's a high-profile case.
As the state fights to bring the pair to Montana, Arnold’s loved one's fight for closure.
“That's our ultimate hope, is that we have Sherry returned to us, so that we can bring closure to a very special life,” said Sidney Superintendent, Daniel Farr.
The superintendent of the schools where Arnold taught in Sidney, says the students and staff are coping the best they can since she disappeared while on a morning jog, January seventh.
“Were still trying to rebound from the loss of Sherry and that's being made possible through continued emails from communities far and wide. I mean the outpouring of assistance and just acknowledgement has probably been the greatest gift we've received out of this loss,” said Farr.
Waters and Spell remain in a Williston, North Dakota jail each being held on two-and a half million dollars bail. The Colorado men were booked January 13th after the FBI received a tip from the public. The FBI says based on investigative evidence, they have reason to believe Arnold is dead, although a body has never been found.
Landowners along the Montana-North Dakota border were asked to check their properties for any sign of her. Since then, law enforcement nor the FBI has released any other information on the case; just that they continue to search for sherry.
“We understand the process and I think that's where law enforcement, the FBI has done their part to help us clearly understand that there is a process that takes time and that you know, to just be patient,” said Farr.
Farr says he wants to thank the people of Montana for helping their small town through this time. The two suspects are due back in court next Tuesday before a Williams County judge.
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