Boys' mother: Justice system failed me

3/30/2009 12:25:00 PM
By: Beth Whisman and Eric Stock    

The mother of two missing LeRoy boys found dead yesterday in Putnam County says the justice system failed her. Amy Leichtenberg released this statement today, and she plans to have a friend read it during a news conference this afternoon at 4 p.m.

"My heart is broken and there are no words that express my pain. No parent should have to bury their babies. Duncan and Jack, Mommy loves you to the heavens and back. I feel that the judicial system failed me. I pray that the courts listen to the warnings from other parents like me. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. The family respectfully requests that we have privacy as we cope with this horrible tragedy. Please keep our family and friends in your hearts and prayers."

9-year-old Duncan Connolly and 7-year-old Jack Connolly were first reported missing on March 8. Their father, Michael Connolly, had not returned them after a weekend visitation. A nationwide Amber Alert was issued for the boys on March 9. The case was reported on "America's Most Wanted,"   and The National Vigil for Hope had been assisting in the search

The McLean County Sheriff's Department says the Putnam County Sheriff's office responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in a secluded area Sunday afternoon. When they arrived, police determined the vehicle belonged to Connolly. Sheriff Mike Emery says two young boys matching the description of Jack and Duncan were found dead in the back seat and a man matching the description of their father was found dead about 60 feet from the vehicle. Emery says the bodies have been transported to the McLean County Coroner's Office and autopsies are scheduled for this afternoon.

WJBC will air a live news conference at the McLean County Sheriff's Office at 4 p.m.

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