Sarah Foxwell update: Thomas Leggs Jr. denies child’s murder, more victims, and rape of teenager

12-31-2009 Maryland:

Sarah Foxwell was kidnapped from her Salisbury, Maryland bedroom on Tuesday, December 22, 2009. Her body was found on Christmas day, an autopsy revealed that she had suffered multiple injuries. Now, the man accused of kidnapping her, Thomas Leggs Jr., denies that he murdered the child.

The two-state registered sex offender is sparking discussion of lapse sex offender laws statewide as information surfaces regarding his previous crimes. Thomas Leggs Jr., was convicted of raping a 16 year old girl in Delaware. He met the young victim while she walked along the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and raped her there. How could a man who had raped a girl in 2000 be free to kidnap Sarah Foxwell only 9 years later?

Public Defender for Thomas Leggs Jr., Arch McFadden insists that his client is innocent of all wrong doing and is not connected to Sarah Foxwell’s kidnapping and murder. Thomas Leggs Jr. was arrested after a juvenile witnessed him in the bedroom with Sarah.

Though a registered sex-offender in Maryland and Delaware, he had dated Sarah Foxwell’s aunt, Amy Fothergill. Fothergill had legal custody of Sarah and her younger sister. Authorities state that Leggs knew where a spare key was kept and believe that he used that key to enter the residence and abduct Sarah. He was charged with kidnapping and burglary on December 23, 2009 and has been described by authorities as uncooperative with their investigation.

The Wicomico County State Attorney, Davis Ruark addressed the possibility of more victims as well. "I have reason to believe there are other victims out there who have not come forward before.” He said that authorities have received information about adult victims as well.

Davis Ruark also stated that additional charges will be filed against Thomas Leggs Jr. within a month. They are waiting for the autopsy report to be finalized so that they may charge Leggs accordingly.

A funeral service will be held for Sarah Haley Foxwell on January 2, 2010 at the Emmanuel Wesleyan Church at 142 Shamrock Drive Salisbury, Maryland 21804-4619. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Many have given anonymous donations to the Holloway Funeral Home in memory of Sarah. ..Source.. Charisse Van Horn