Wow! This is indeed shocking.

I am a true crime "addict," so to speak, and I have yet to hear these terrible statistics.

I've recently been watching A & E's crime show "The Eleven." I mention this because it's related to your article, except that this is about a case from the 70's in which 11 teenage girls were brutally murdered in and around Galveston County, Texas.

They believe a single person may be responsible. This may also be the case in Virginia. There may be one or more active serial killers/kidnappers operating in Virginia which could certainly account for the high numbers.

Another possibility is a human trafficking ring. Just one of those could account for dozens, even hundreds of missing children every year.

The really scary thing is the fact that in many cases, the statistics don't even reflect reality. In reality, the numbers may be even higher. Some cases may go unreported, especially if one or both parents is involved.

In today's day and age, children are much more alert when it comes to "stranger danger" than they were in years past, which is a very good thing. Yet, these numbers are still way too high.

I believe even ONE missing child is too many.

Maybe several law enforcement agencies from throughout Virginia can get together and form a task force. If the numbers you have presented are indeed correct, then it's certainly warranted.

Excellent post.