Aliahna Lemmon story spreads throughout country

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) The news of the murder of Aliahna Lemmon has become a story of great national interest.  Allen County Sheriff Ken Fries said Tuesday he has spoken with media outlets from every corner of the country.

"It's the past 24 hours," said Fries.  "I think once the gravity of the crime got out, it's what sickens everyone."

On Tuesday night, NewsChannel 15's Drew Blair and Fries were interviewed live on CNN's Nancy Grace show.  In addition, Blair was interviewed live during CNN's Erin Burnett: OutFront program.  The interviews were conducted just feet away from the crime scene at the Northway Mobile Home Park, north of Fort Wayne.

Drew Blair has been following this story since the news of Aliahna Lemmon's disappearance broke Saturday morning during NewsChannel 15's First News Weekend.

During the Nancy Grace segment, people stopped by the site to add to the makeshift memorial created earlier in the day.  Most of the visitors participated in a candlelight vigil.

"I think any child that comes up missing, needs to have national attention at all times," said Latisha Shifflett.

Sheriff Fries said he understood the community's and nation's interest in this investigation.

"This is a horrific crime that happens to a child, and everybody is concerned about that.  Those are the people we are supposed to protect in our society and it's just been non-stop since probably 7:30 [Tuesday] morning to 7:30 or eight o'clock [Tuesday]," Fries said.