Hailey's Mom Won't Comment About Alleged Contact with Suspect

Billie Jean was busy Wednesday afternoon at her home in Colorado City sorting posters to be handed out to volunteers Saturday. In turn, these volunteers will be spanning out in West Texas attaching the posters to “anything they can attach them to.”

“The posters will be given out early Saturday at McDonald’s in Snyder, Sweetwater, Big Spring, Midland and Odessa,” the mother said.

But these events are not held every day, and she has to find some way to cope, to make the time pass as her hope continues that Hailey will be found safe – and soon.

“I’ve been spending a lot more time with my family, especially my son. He’s been staying at my brother’s house in Snyder, but staying over here a little bit more.

“I’ve also been receiving a lot of continued support from a few good friends that have been here from the beginning. They’ve been really good to me and helping me come up with ideas to keep Hailey’s face out there.”

And while she has support from her friends and family, she and her attorney, John Young of Sweetwater questioned the actions of some law enforcement personnel, but had high praise for others.

“Law enforcement hasn’t contacted me at all recently, and when we were communicating, it was me going to them asking questions. And I haven’t talked to them in over a month.”

Young was in Midland, but participated in the interview via telephone. Her attorney questioned the motive behind Billie Jean’s arrest last month.

“Unfortunately, the acts of some in law enforcement to have an opportunity to interrogate Billie Jean have made it difficult for her to trust some of the law enforcement folks. By and large, the vast majority, the Texas Rangers, the professionals are doing a good job and have done a good job. We appreciate their continuing intensity in trying to find her daughter,” said Young.

“There are a few that have made us a little untrusting or a little leary, frankly, such as coming late in the evening to arrest her on misdemeanor so there was no way we could have made a bond and then they come in and try to interrogate us until 12:30 or 1 o’clock in the morning. That caused us to be a little bit leery. But I think by and large, don’t you agree, Billie, that they’re working hard and doing everything they can do to find your daughter and we’ve had a good relationship with law enforcement,” said Young.

“Right,” said Billie.

In an earlier interview, Billie Jean said she felt a complete stranger had abducted her daughter not far from their home.“I still feel that way the strongest, even though there are many other possibilities.”

However, Young stated that is just a mother’s speculation. “There’s no way we can know, or anyone of us can know, if she wandered off voluntarily with friends, or was taken or abducted by a complete stranger. But we are so grateful for the hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers continuing to be enthusiastic about trying to help bring our little girl home.”

Billie Jean was working at Cogdell l Hospital when Hailey disappeared, but hasn’t worked since and said finances are getting tight.

“I kept up for awhile (with bills), but I’m starting to get a little behind right now. At first, I was able to make my money last that I had, but now it is time for me to get out and get back to work,” she said.

Young added that she also has received some financial help from family members. “My uncle has helped me a lot,” Billie said.

When asked if she was still in touch with her ex-husband, Clint Dunn, and her former boyfriend, Shawn Adkins., she replied that she would rather not comment on Adkins.

“Clint and I have contact usually weekly as long as we both go to search team meetings on Friday,” she said.

Young referenced the no comment on Adkins by stating that he is a person of interest and law enforcement personnel have inferred any contact with him would make her look bad.

“That’s what law enforcement told you, isn’t it,” Young asked Billie Jean.

“That’s exactly what they told me,” she replied.

“It’s hard to believe that someone you once loved would do anything to your family. We have chosen not to have contract with him due to the appearance of impropriety,” said Young.

Billie Jean, when questioned what would change if Hailey walked through their front door, replied her outlook on everything would change.

“My outlook has already been changed on lots of things. I’ve found out that I am very naive and trusting in people. This has changed my outlook on everything. If she walked through the door, it would absolutely be the best moment in my life and nothing else would matter.”

“She’s come to relish every moment she’s spent with her children,” said Young.

“I even miss the arguments between my kids,” she added. Both Young and Billie Jean continue to have praise for all those involved in the search. “It is an amazing effort of all the volunteers to get out and search for Hailey. We’ve seen the kindness in humanity in how much compassion people have in a tragedy like this,” said Young.

“It’s really overwhelming the amazing effort of these volunteers.”

“Those involved in the Hailey search center downtown have been amazing,” said Billie Jean. “They’ve been wonderful.”