Melissa Harding-Jones finally arrested for disappearance of Pilar Rodriguez

**Valasca** · August 24th, 2010, 05:13 PM

The babysitter of a 3-year-old South Florida girl who went missing over 10 years ago has been charged in the girl's death.

Melissa Harding-Jones currently sits behind bars at the Snohomish County Jail for the death of Pilar Rodriguez. At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, officials with the Charlotte County Sheriff's announced they had arrested her early Monday night on charges of aggravated manslaughter of a child.

The sheriff's office would not release any further details about the case. Harding-Jones is being held without bond.

Rodriguez, from Hollywood, disappeared just days before her fourth birthday, nearly 12 years ago. The last time her father Marco Rodriguez saw her, she was 3 years old. In 1999, little Pilar Rodriguez vanished seemingly without a trace. Her father said he let Pilar's babysitter take her on vacation to Punta Gorda on Florida's West Coast.

Just after Pilar went missing, the girl's babysitter, then known as Melissa Cooper, told police her boyfriend, Keith Wilson, hit Pilar and killed her. Then, she said, he dumped her body in a lake. Police searched the murky water, and though some clues were discovered, investigators never found enough evidence to verify the babysitter's story.

Then, just last year, focus turned to an eight-acre property near Punta Gorda-- the estate owned by the babysitter's boyfriend's relatives. Sheriff's investigators at that time declared Pilar's disappearance a homicide. Some 50 police officers dug for Pilar's remains, but her body and the truth never surfaced. "You don't just start sticking shovels in the ground," said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Cameron, at the time. "You really have to have some reason to believe you have something there."

Her father was always desperate to find Pilar and bring her back home. "If you have or did something to my daughter, just give me back my daughter. I don't care about nothing else," he said.

http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21002036707485/

**Proud wife** · August 24th, 2010, 06:19 PM

This is so sad :(

**AngelFire** · August 24th, 2010, 06:28 PM

She takes the child on vacation with her only to kill her? Why the fuck did she not do as many of us do when we are fed up with "work". We go on vacation, and leave "work" behind. I just don't get why she even wanted the baby on the trip with tem. Did she plan on killing little Pilar all along?

**Obsolete** · August 24th, 2010, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mybabiesmomma

She takes the child on vacation with her only to kill her? Why the fuck did she not do as many of us do when we are fed up with "work". We go on vacation, and leave "work" behind. I just don't get why she even wanted the baby on the trip with tem. Did she plan on killing little Pilar all along?

My guess is she was brought along to be a playtoy for the boyfriend.

**AngelFire** · August 24th, 2010, 07:16 PM

Originally Posted by Obsolete

My guess is she was brought along to be a playtoy for the boyfriend.

Ugggh that made my stomach do an olympic flip.

**Valasca** · August 24th, 2010, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by Obsolete

My guess is she was brought along to be a playtoy for the boyfriend.

I have also wondered this since the story broke all those years ago.

**Mystica43229** · August 25th, 2010, 11:14 AM

LAKE STEVENS, Wash. -- A Lake Stevens woman has been charged with killing a child in Florida more than 10 years ago.

Melissa Jones, also known as Melissa Cooper, was arrested at her home Monday night.

Investigators say Jones was babysitting 4-year-old Pilar Rodriquez in 1999 when the girl disappeared.

At the time, police said Pilar's father agreed to let her baby sitter, Melissa Cooper, take Pilar to Punta Gorda, Florida to visit her boyfriend, Keith Wilson, according to WPLG-TV in Miami. Pilar has not been seen since.

Based on early leads and statements, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office detectives said they believed Pilar was most likely dead.

Jones, who now has two children of her own, will be sent back to Florida. If convicted, she faces up to 30 years in prison.

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/101451084.html

**Valasca** · August 25th, 2010, 12:03 PM

Thing is, I know where Pilar's body is at. I told officials where she is. She is in a hidden well. Now either LEA thinks I am a kook for talking to psychics, or they have not yet found the well.

**Jerri Blank** · October 5th, 2011, 03:31 PM

Lawyer requests funding in Harding-Jones case

PUNTA GORDA -
Melissa Harding-Jones' lawyer is staying on her case. But before the case moves forward, a judge will decide whether taxpayers will foot part of the bill for her defense.

Wednesday, Harding-Jones and her lawyer Robert Barrar told a judge they're moving forward together.

"She is relying on me to defend her," Barrar said.

It was just this Monday that Barrar asked off the case. But Wednesday, he wouldn't go into detail on what type of "threats" almost derailed them.

"I'm not going to make any further comment on that," he said.

Instead, he painted a picture of what a trial for Harding-Jones may look like.

She was arrested in connection to the 1999 disappearance of young Pilar Rodriguez.

Barrar says he believes the state will argue that Harding-Jones didn't prevent her then boyfriend, Keith Wilson, from beating the child to death.

For her defense, Barrar will have to hire experts. And Wednesday, they asked the court to pay for them.

In open court, Harding-Jones testified that she's broke. And her husband, Neil Harding-Jones, argued the properties he owns are worthless.

But the state argues the husband's annual salary of $70,000 should be considered.

"What is his is hers. What's hers is his," said prosecutor Daniel Feinberg.

Barrar argued that the experts will determine whether Harding-Jones' diabetes affected her thinking and address whether Wilson affected Harding-Jones' decision.

"The battered woman syndrome is not applicable in this case," said Barrar.

And it's still uncertain when this case may go to trail

"We've entered a plea of not guilty. Until the case is resolved, that is our plea," Barrar said.

http://www.abc-7.com/story/15572029/...ing-jones-case

More articles from same site on this case:
Attorney in missing girl case wants out

Witness: 'I saw a body of a young child'

Documents related to search for missing girl released

$75,000 bond set for suspect in Pilar Rodriguez case

Former babysitter charged in death of Pilar Rodriguez

**princessgrandma** · October 5th, 2011, 06:24 PM

I read about this story years ago. I'm wondering why it took so long for her to be arrested, if there were people who saw the body of a child in the trunk of a car, and people who had kids who were molested by the woman's boyfriend, there was enough to get them both on. I'm thinking that @Obsolete is right, and she was taken along as a toy for the boyfriend all along.

It's a shame that her father has had to go all this time and not know for sure what happened to his baby. Well, I'm sure he's known for a while, all things considered, but I mean, officially knowing what happened to her. I would imagine your life is on hold for a long time.

**mhj** · February 9th, 2012, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by princessgrandma

I read about this story years ago. I'm wondering why it took so long for her to be arrested, if there were people who saw the body of a child in the trunk of a car, and people who had kids who were molested by the woman's boyfriend, there was enough to get them both on. I'm thinking that @Obsolete is right, and she was taken along as a toy for the boyfriend all along.

It's a shame that her father has had to go all this time and not know for sure what happened to his baby. Well, I'm sure he's known for a while, all things considered, but I mean, officially knowing what happened to her. I would imagine your life is on hold for a long time.

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

**Valasca** · February 9th, 2012, 09:12 PM

Why is this about you?

**DamagedGoods** · February 9th, 2012, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by mhj

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

Are you not still going to trial for this? Talking about it here might be about one of the very LAST things you should be doing. Do yourself a favour, and concentrate on the shit that actually matters, rather than defending yourself pointlessly to strangers on the internet, which I can guarantee will do NOTHING to help you. (And probably would have your lawyer face-palming his or herself into oblivion.)

**Elfearsandvampireteeth** · February 9th, 2012, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by mhj

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

Ok I will play along...if this is really the hambeast you are full of fucking shit.you lied to LE after finding "safety" from your pedo bf and went on your merry fucking way having your own children (shudder) so put a sock in it and do the world a favor and off yourself.

**carolinablue** · February 9th, 2012, 09:34 PM

she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother

Who the hell are you? Are you the incubator? Do you have any idea where you are? May Jeebus have mercy on you; the Demonites won't.

**Valasca** · February 9th, 2012, 09:36 PM

Oh. I misunderstood. I thought this was the sister of the alleged killer.
If this IS her, tell law enforcement where she is. In a well, right?

**Mommyof2** · February 9th, 2012, 09:38 PM

I'm sorry but innocent victims do not hide bodies and keep quiet for 10 years. Stupid cunt!

**Rockin Ma** · February 9th, 2012, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by mhj

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

But since we should get our facts straight, can we get some from you?

**Rockin Ma** · February 9th, 2012, 10:22 PM

November 2011

The woman accused of having a hand in the disappearance of Pilar Rodriguez will be going to trial. Melissa Harding Jones accepted a plea deal in the case of the missing Punta Gorda toddler, but WINK News is learning that deal is off the table.

The last time Melissa Harding Jones was at the Charlotte County courthouse, she accepted a plea deal but the judge said no. This time, no plea deal and her lawyers are set to go to trial.

Harding Jones was not in court Wednesday as her lawyer argued on her behalf. She's accused of standing by while her boyfriend at the time allegedly killed Pilar Rodriguez.

Her attorney asked the state to pay for expert witnesses for Harding Jones because she says she couldn't afford it. The judge said no.

Her attorney told WINK News the plea deal is now off the table and that it was the state's choice.

A trial date has not yet been set. Her next court date is set for February.

http://www.winknews.com/Local-Florid...-Harding-Jones

**Jerri Blank** · February 10th, 2012, 04:21 AM

Originally Posted by mhj

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

I think if Casey Anthony made a confession it would sound something like this. Me, me, me, I was abused and incapable of taking care of a child and blaugh blaugh blaugh!

Cry me a river you selfish witch, you really don't expect us to feel sorry for you when a child is gone do you?
I hope they throw the book at you.

**Elfearsandvampireteeth** · February 10th, 2012, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by DamagedGoods

Are you not still going to trial for this? Talking about it here might be about one of the very LAST things you should be doing. Do yourself a favour, and concentrate on the shit that actually matters, rather than defending yourself pointlessly to strangers on the internet, which I can guarantee will do NOTHING to help you. (And probably would have your lawyer face-palming his or herself into oblivion.)

It's ok.I am faxing the DA in Charlotte(I'm in Lee which is the next county down).
If this is the child killer they DA will put a stop to her reindeer games.If this is an idiot family member trying to defend her-that's ok too,the DA can handle that also.
These people who register on here to spew their shit really are ignorant as they didn't take the five minutes to read anything on here and see we do not tolerate victim bashing or demands to not judge or put up with their self serving pussy ass excuses .
For a moment I thought my suggestion of this person killing herself was a but harsh until I stopped and thought about Pilar being raped and murdered and buried like trash and I realized mere suicide would be too kind for her killers....

**princessgrandma** · February 11th, 2012, 12:03 PM

No plea deal and no free ride on the expert witness train. I love it when a judge gets it.

Oh, and asking the demonites here not to be judgemental is sorta like playing with fire. You're most likely always gonna get burned.

I don't have to defend my post. It's pretty damned obvious what happened to Pilar. When it comes down to it, a child is dead and adults are not. Isn't that how it usually goes?

**justice4all** · May 1st, 2012, 04:59 PM

did you even read any of the articles?

**justice4all** · May 1st, 2012, 05:05 PM

based on what facts?

**justice4all** · May 1st, 2012, 05:06 PM

where was it said that she was raped? please post.

**Dakota Valkyrie** · May 1st, 2012, 05:09 PM

Originally Posted by justice4all

where was it said that she was raped? please post.

Nowhere. Where did you read that? Please post.

One post did say "My guess is..." but most people with a measurable IQ knows that means a speculation. Others joined in the speculation.

Do you even know where you are?

**Valasca** · May 1st, 2012, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by justice4all

where was it said that she was raped? please post.

Nowhere. Did YOU read? MY GUESS is that she was raped. MY GUESS is that she's in a well.
Dumbass.

**LadyCygnet** · May 1st, 2012, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by mhj

I dont usually reply to this crap, but you really have no idea what you are talking about!! She was taken for a play thing?? Your sick!! and oh so wrong, so please dont start creating stories that do not exist! Her father at the time cared more about partying and doing drugs which is why he didnt take care of her, he put her off on anyone that would have her, she called MY mom, mommy and she called me her sister, I took her at the request of her dad and my mother because I was obviously delusional in thinking that I could help and take care of her and like most battered women, I thought that Keith Wilson had changed based on his word, well, clearly that wasnt the case, being knocked down, threatened, raped, strangled, kept in isolation, having had my blood sugar moniter taken away from me, I am a type one diabetic, I was uncapable at the time of thinking rationally and caring for myself, let alone someone else. Get your facts before you start shooting your mouth off! Thank You!!

Why did you say nothing about what happened to Pilar all of this time? Why didn't you go to police when you left your abuser? If it's all his fault, why did you keep quiet, and why are you taking the heat for it?

New name, huh? "justice4all" What about justice for Pilar?

**Rockin Ma** · May 1st, 2012, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by LadyCygnet

Why did you say nothing about what happened to Pilar all of this time? Why didn't you go to police when you left your abuser? If it's all his fault, why did you keep quiet, and why are you taking the heat for it?

New name, huh? "justice4all" What about justice for Pilar?

Justice for Pilar!