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Monday's night's discovery of the body of little Destiny Norton in the basement of a neighbor's home may have solved one mystery - her whereabouts. Though saddened by the result, the entire community can be grateful that part of the ordeal is over. Yet, the fact she was found only dozens of feet from her home raises all sorts of perplexing questions.
For some anger is directed at police because they didn't find her sooner.
Did authorities overlook important facts? Did they pursue all leads as vigorously as they should have? To what extent did rights of privacy and other constitutional protections hamper the search?
Certainly local authorities must be totally forthcoming with believable explanations about how Destiny could be virtually next door for so many days and no one knows it.
Meantime, let there be unbounded appreciation for the thousands of citizens who selflessly devoted time, energy and means to search for Destiny. In no way should they feel betrayed or that their efforts were in vain. Whether they handed out fliers to strangers, or traversed mountain paths, they responded admirably to a plea for help.
Still, those volunteers along with neighbors, family and so many more want answers, and they deserve to get them.
