It was mid-afternoon when crime scene investigators left the location of the attack on Anne Pressly with several bags of evidence. Bloodied bed sheets, pillows and cushions from furniture inside the home were a few of the items taken.
Also removed by investigators, Pressly's personal computer. An examination of recent communications and emails will likely take place.
"I heard them a little bit before five, " says Peggy Mitchell. She lives less than a block from Pressly and heard first responders arrive. She hopes Anne will be okay, but also worries about her own safety.
Mitchell says, "Double check that those doors are locked and our great watch dog is ever-resent and she alerts us to anybody suspicious around. You know, we will be concerned and I hope the police are able to catch whoever this was very quickly to help us rest better."
"I just wanted them to understand how close to home these things can happen, " explains Stephanie Vanderford as she and her four daughters walk down the street to see the scene for themselves. She's not sure if she's more scared or angry about what happened. "Anytime somebody's been violated in their own home and trespassing has taken place, definitely it makes us more fearful. And it makes our guard stronger, so hopefully it won't happen again. But we'll just have to say our prayers."
Pressly lives in a well-populated neighborhood surrounded by neighbors on all sides. The home directly behind hers though is vacant. It was recently purchased, but according to the new owner, has been empty for several months.
KTHV