Adkins Among "Persons of Interest" in Dunn Disappearance
By: Austin Kellerman
Updated: January 13, 2011
Affidavits in the case show Billie Dunn and Shawn Adkins failed polygraph exams concerning Hailey's disappearance, held a party after reporting her missing, purchased illegal drugs, and continue to change the stories they're giving to investigators.
Authorities have not said whether Billie Dunn is also a person of interest.
During Wednesday's news conference, Texas DPS Senior Trooper Sparky Dean and Colorado City's City Manager Pete Kampfer made it clear they have several people they're keeping a close eye on. No one has been detained and no arrests have been made.
"At this point we have interviewed hundreds of witnesses who have come forward and have followed 250 viable leads," Dean said.
On Wednesday, KTAB's Priscilla Luong attempted to speak with Adkins to get his reaction to the developments revealed in the affidavits. A person who answered the door told crews Adkins would not be speaking at the request of his attorney.
Billie Dunn, who has continued to be very open with reporters throughout this entire process, admitted many of the items found the affidavits were true. However, she had an issue with three aspects of the documents: the New Year's Even party, purchasing illegal narcotics, and all the focus on watching and reading "slasher" material. (click the video in the upper left to watch Dunn's reaction)
A portion of the affidavits revealed what happened behind closed doors when Billie Dunn and Shawn Adkins took polygraph exams. The documents showed Adkins made "made a positive indication" that the girl could be found in Scurry County.
On Wednesday, Trooper Dean said authorities had done a second canvassing on the town of Dunn Tuesday. Dunn is approximately 12 miles north of Colorado City in southern Scurry County. Adkins is staying in Dunn at the home of a relative.
"The important thing people need to remember is not slandering me," said Dunn. "The important thing is there is a 13-year-old who it seems just disappeared into thin air."
Volunteers plan to head out searching again on Thursday. Last week, hundreds of people were involved in the grassroots searches. Now, that number has dwindled as more time has passed and the temperatures have grown colder.
Officials now say the information that leads to Hailey's safe return is $15,000. They previously estimated much higher at $25,000.
