Wearing a jacket that looked like it belonged to a cocky fighter pilot, Bill Stanton told reporters last night that he'll be conducting an independent investigation. He said he had not been hired by the parents of the missing 11-month-old. But as he spoke, eight members of the child's extended family stood behind him.
According to a 10-year-old New York Magazine story that's getting a lot of hits this morning, Stanton is a former New York City police officer. He left the department after injuring his hand while chasing a suspect — the injury prevented him from being able to use a .38, the NYPD's weapon of choice. He became a private investigator who hung out at Elaine's and got tips on how to dress from Jackie Onassis. He once staged an abduction on the Today show.
As for his Irwin investigation, Stanton said he had come to seek the truth. "And wherever the truth leads, that's where I'm going to go," he said.
Earlier in the day, police searched a vacant home near the Irwin residence. Firefighters were lowered into a 40-foot well on the property. Nothing was recovered. Later, a crew tore down the house.
Also, Lisa's aunt backtracked on her earlier comment that the family expected Deborah Bradley, Lisa's mother, to be arrested.
Lisa's father reported her missing on October 4.
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Wow the police are getting tough - 'You were warned if you didn't tell us where the girl is we'd tear down your house. Next.'
You mention this PI is celebrated but you don't mention any success rate or record of accomplishment. How many cases has he actually been on and how many have been solved?
If he can help then great but something tells me he could be more of a hindrance in this case. We just want her found - it really doesn't matter who finds her. What we don't want is someone seeking media attention that is just getting in the way of those who are actually working to find her.