​In 1987, twelve-year-old Jennifer Schweiger, born with Down syndrome, was reported missing on July 9. Witnesses spotted Jennifer walking with Andre Rand. Her body was found underground after a 35-day search.
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“MURDER VICTIM.
Daughter of Kenneth L. & Karen (nee Gloge) Schweiger.
Sister to Kenneth L, Schweiger, Jr.
Jennifer was a student at Public School 22 and had recently graduated from a special-education program there. She enjoyed dancing. One hot afternoon, Jennifer was restless as her mother did house work. Mrs. Schweiger told the child to take a walk, assuming that Jennifer would stay within the three-block radius where she was allowed to wander unsupervised because she was well known to all the neighbors. When she did not return, she was reported missing. In the days following, child-sex offender Andre Rand was arrested and charged with Jennifer's abduction. Rand is also suspected in the disappearances of several other children on the Island prior to Jennifer's disappearance. In the meantime, many volunteers, friends, family and even strangers to the Schweiger family joined to search for their long lost handicapped daughter. She was discovered in a shallow grave behind an abandoned mental facility. Rand was found guilty of Jennifer's abduction and sentenced to 25 years in prison. He was not charged with murder as a grand jury could not reach a verdict on that charge. Jennifer is greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbors.”

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