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Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty!

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Post by Wrapitup Wed Jan 19, 2011 4:25 am

I agree, Rainbow. And, thanks for that report. WOW!! It really put's the light on how Hattaway was raised. I doubt he ever had a solid upbringing and I also think his rage against other women definitely goes back to his mother. Why was she living on the streets? What happened to that family to cause their son to become such a monster.

I genuinely feel for all the victim's and their families that have loved ones missing or have been in contact with Hattaway.

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Post by Guest Wed Jan 19, 2011 1:52 pm

I just found this video with Hattaway's mom being interviewed. She doesn't seem like a person who was into drugs (although she may have been), but it seems like her struggles were due to her hearing impairment. For some reason, I can't embed the video, but here is the link:

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Post by lisette Mon Feb 21, 2011 9:58 pm

Human Bone Found

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. -- Apopka Police say they found what they believe is a human bone in a wooded, swampy area off Ocoee-Apopka Road and Keene Road Monday. The bone was found near the same area where a missing man’s truck was found abandoned.
Chris George was last seen in February 2009. Investigators initially thought he may have just wandered away because he had a history of drug use. But when a woman named Tracy Ocasio disappeared in Ocoee a few months later, police started to suspect foul play.
Hataway was the last person known to have been with Ocasio after she left a club called The Florida Taproom. Hataway was also the last known person to see George.

Read more at:
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Post by lisette Mon Feb 21, 2011 10:02 pm

Bones found in retention pond
Updated: Monday, 21 Feb 2011, 10:25 PM EST
Published : Monday, 21 Feb 2011, 8:20 PM EST

APOPKA, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Detectives with the Apopka Police Department tell FOX 35 that bones, believed to be those of a human, have been discovered in a retention pond near the intersection of Ocoee Apopka Road and Keene Road.

The search of the pond was conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into the 2009 disappearance of an Orange County man. Not long after Christopher George was reported missing, the 29-year-old's truck was located in a wooded area roughly 70 yards from an area where detectives searched on Monday.

The disappearance of her son has left a void in the heart of Rachel George. She said she has met with police urging them to keep searching.

"I basically shared with them, 'I don't think this case has been investigated thoroughly.' It looks to me like they are taking proactive steps in looking further into it."

The pond had been searched previously, but the water has since receded, which afforded detectives the opportunity to do a more thorough survey. "Apparently the water level is down now which has revealed more than they had been able to find previously," Rachel told us.

Investigators believe the bones are part of a human spine, though the gender of the victim could not be determined. The bones have been sent to a lab for testing.

Police believe the last man to have seen George is also the man last see with missing Ocoee woman, Tracy Ocasio. Ocasio, age 26 at the time of her disappearance, is seen on video surveillance footage leaving a MetroWest bar, The Tap Room, with James Hataway. Hataway and George were acquaintances. Hataway, 30, is currently incarcerated in the Seminole County Jail awaiting trial for an alleged attack on Seminole County woman. That trial is expected to begin February 28. Hataway is charged with burglary with battery, robbery, and aggravated battery in Seminole County. He also faces charges of criminal mischief and possession of drug paraphernalia in Orange County. His bond is set at $250,000.

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and detectives with the Apoka Police Department are expected to resume their search of the retention pond on Tuesday. If you have information about the disappearance of Christopher George or Tracy Ocasio, contact CRIMELINE at 800-423-TIPS (8477).

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Post by raine1953 Fri May 27, 2011 3:10 am

Tracy Ocasio case: Parents mark 2nd anniversary of her disappearance


The parents of a missing Orange County woman are marking the second anniversary of their daughter's disappearance.

Tracy Ocasio, 27, disappeared May 27, 2009, after leaving a MetroWest bar with James Hataway.

"I can't believe that tonight it will be 2 years since Tracy was suddenly taken from our lives, it still feels surreal … " Joe Ocasio wrote overnight in a message to media outlets and others who have spread the word about her daughter's case. "It was the worst time of our lives and it still hurts as if it happened yesterday."

No one has been charged in the case, but Hataway is serving a life sentence after being convicted of attempted first-degree murder, robbery, false imprisonment and burglary with battery in a 2008 attack on Rachael Clarke.

"The only comfort I feel tonight is that the animal that took her from us will forever be in a dark place behind bars," Ocasio wrote, referring to Hataway.

In addition to the Ocasio case, Hataway has been linked to, but not charged in, the 2009 disappearance of Onda "Chris" George.

"I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart as the support not only from all of you but from this community has been overwhelming during these past two years," Ocasio wrote. "God Bless you all!"

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Post by raine1953 Fri May 27, 2011 3:12 am

My heart and prayers go out to Tracy's parents, extended family and friends. I hope one day Hataway reveals where Tracy is so that the family can have some peace.
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Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Empty Tracy Ocasio missing for 3 years

Post by Wrapitup Sat May 26, 2012 3:11 pm

Tracy Ocasio was last seen May 26, 2009, leaving a Metrowest bar with James Hataway. (Photo: TracyOcasio.com)
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Last Updated: Saturday, May 26, 2012 @ 11:28AM

TIMELINE: KEY POINTS

August 2008: James Hataway attacks Rachel Clarke.
February 2009: Chris George disappears, last seen with Hataway.
May 2009: Tracy Ocasio disappears after leaving a bar with Hataway.
June 2009: Hataway arrested for attempted murder of Clarke.
February 2011: Bones found in Apopka, believed to be George's.
May 2011: Hataway receives life sentence for attempted murder.
July 2011: Bones found in Apopka identified as Chris George.
OCOEE --
It was three years ago Saturday that Tracy Ocasio left a Metrowest bar and was never seen again.

The Ocoee woman has been missing since May 26, 2009.

Now, three years later, Ocasio's father said thoughts of what could have happened to his daughter still haunt him every day.

Tracy Ocasio's 31st birthday is coming up in August.

But despite many clues and tips officials have received in the last three years, investigators are no closer to finding her now than they were when she first disappeared.

Detectives have even sent search and rescue teams back over the same sites in west Orange County numerous times, hoping to find even the smallest clue.

Police said Ocasio was caught on surveillance video with James Hataway leaving the Tap Room bar, in Orlando's Metrowest area.

Her car was found in Ocoee the following day, but there was no sign of Tracy Ocasio.

Hataway remains the only person of interest in the case.

He was sentenced to life in prison in May 2011 for the attempted murder of another woman in Seminole County months before Ocasio disappeared.

A reward for information in the Tracy Ocasio case is up to $20,000. If you know anything about what happened to her, call CrimeLine at (800) 423-TIPS. You are allowed to remain anonymous.

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Post by Wrapitup Sun Oct 28, 2012 10:46 am

Joe Liz Tracy Ocasio
Tracy Ocasio's Search

The search continues today. However yesterday brought a possible new development that we unfortunately can not talk about right now but if it turns out to be revelant it could help move her case along! We are trying not to get too high about it right now but it has been a while since we've seen "any light at the end of the tunnel" and we hope and pray this id a sign of good things to come. We appreciate and thank everyone for your kind words of support and prayers!!

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Post by Wrapitup Sun Oct 28, 2012 10:49 am

Search for Tracy Ocasio to continue Sunday

6:17 p.m. EST, October 27, 2012|
By Arelis R. Hernández and Desiree Stennett, Orlando Sentinel

After about eight hours Saturday, teams of volunteers and human-detection dogs ended the first half of a two-day weekend search in Ocoee for evidence of Tracy Ocasio, missing for more than three years.

The search was to resume Sunday. Ocasio disappeared in 2009 after leaving a MetroWest bar with felon James Hataway.

At the request of her parents, Search and Rescue of Central Florida initiated the weekend search on land along Ocoee-Apopka Road and State Road 429 that had previously been inaccessible, said Joseph St. Cyr, a spokesman for the non-profit organization.

The group canvassed about half of the 400-acre plot, which was submerged beneath flood waters when Ocasio disappeared, but they did not find any evidence that she may have been nearby.

This search is the latest in an investigation that has generated dozens of leads, which Ocoee police have tracked down in the time since Ocasio, then 27, vanished. She was last seen with Hataway at the bar, and her car was found near the house he shared with his disabled father. He told police he had dropped Ocasio off that night and left.

Hataway, now serving a life sentence in an unrelated attempted-murder case, is the only suspect in Ocasio's disappearance. He has also been linked to the death of another person, Chris George.

George's remains were found in an Apopka lake two years after he was reported missing. He, too, was last seen with Hataway, but the felon has not been charged in connection with either case.

Ocasio's father, Joe Ocasio, had long wanted to search the plot of land in west Orange County being searched this weekend, but weather conditions and rough topography had prevented searchers from entering the area, St. Cyr said.

Ocoee police are aware of the search but are not leading the effort. The search was to continue Sunday.

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Post by raine1953 Sun Oct 28, 2012 12:08 pm

I pray that this family has success in this search and can finally have a little peace. Those poor people!
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Post by Wrapitup Sun Oct 28, 2012 12:45 pm

They are the nicest family and my heart goes out to them!
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Post by Wrapitup Mon Oct 29, 2012 9:54 am

Posted: 10/29/2012 10:21 am EDT

A new search for a woman who's been missing since 2009 ended with disappointing results on Sunday.

The Orlando Sentinel reports that last weekend, a non-profit group resumed the search for Tracy Ocasio, who was 27 when she disappeared in May, 2009. Witnesses said they saw Ocasio with convicted felon James Hataway at a MetroWest, Fla. bar on the night she went missing.

"There was nothing found of any import," said Joseph St. Cyr, a spokesman for the non-profit group Search and Rescue of Central Florida. "The search has been discontinued until further notice."

The Sentinel previously reported that the renewed search in Ocoee, Fla. came at the request of Ocasio's parents. The search took place on land along Ocoee-Apopka Road and State Road 429 that had previously been inaccessible because of weather conditions and rough topography, Joseph St. Cyr, a spokesman for the non-profit organization told the paper.

MyFox Orlando reports that Hataway, who is serving life for an unrelated attempted murder case, remains a suspect in Ocasio's disappearance but has never been charged.

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Post by Wrapitup Sun Mar 24, 2013 2:01 pm

Joe Liz Tracy Ocasio
Our daughter Tracy Ocasio's case is going to be featured on the show called "Disappeared" on ID Investigation Discovery channel. It is Season 5 final episode. The air dates are April 4th at 8:00 PM & 11:00 PM and repeats on April 6th at 10:00 AM.

Always hoping and praying one of these days God willing we can bring her home and give her a proper burial.

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Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Empty Four years since Tracy Ocasio disappeared

Post by Wrapitup Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:30 pm

Last Updated: Sunday, May 26, 2013

August 2008: James Hataway attacks Rachel Clarke.
February 2009: Chris George disappears, last seen with Hataway.
May 2009: Tracy Ocasio disappears after leaving a bar with Hataway.
June 2009: Hataway arrested for attempted murder of Clarke.
February 2011: Bones found in Apopka, believed to be George's.
May 2011: Hataway receives life sentence for attempted murder.
July 2011: Bones found in Apopka identified as Chris George.
OCOEE --
Four years ago, Ocoee resident Tracy Ocasio walked out of a Metrowest bar after watching an Orlando Magic playoff game, and was never seen or heard from again.

Tracy Ocasio's parents issued a statement on the fourth year of her disappearance Sunday, saying that "not knowing" what happened is a "deep hurtful feeling that that never goes away."

Tracy Ocasio was considering going to college to study radiology, cared for her pets (a cat, two lizards and two scorpions) and loved watching Orlando Magic games.

She was at the Florida Tap Room on Hiawassee Road, watching a Magic playoff game, when she left the bar with James Hataway around 2:30 in the morning. Her yellow Chevrolet car was found abandoned the next day on Franklin Street in Ocoee, not far from her parents' house.

Hataway has long been a person of interest in the case. He is currently serving a life sentence for trying to kill another woman.

The family assumes Tracy Ocasio is probably dead, but they admit the recent discovery of three Ohio girls, found 10 years after they disappeared, gives them hope.

"Even though the circumstances point out that she’s probably no longer with us the recent miracle of the three Ohio girls found after 10 years give us a glimmer of hope as it probably does to every family with a missing loved one," Tracy's father Joe Ocasio said.

The family also says they will finally be able to donate Tracy Ocasio's car to the Make a Wish Foundation, with the help of Ocoee Police.

There is still a reward of up to $20,000 for Ocasio's disappearance. If you know anything about her case, call CrimeLine at 1-800-423-TIPS.

Full statement from Joe Ocasio:

It is surreal that this Sunday May 26th marks the 4th year since our daughter Tracy Ocasio was abruptly taken from us and we still have no answers. That day was and is the worst day of our lives. On that day our living nightmare began and to this day “the not knowing” is still a hollow and deep hurtful feeling that never goes away. Even though the circumstances point out that she’s probably no longer with us the recent miracle of the three Ohio girls found after 10 years give us a glimmer of hope as it probably does to every family with a missing loved one.

I want to give thanks to the Ocoee Police as they continue to search for her and work with my family. Recently Ocoee PD played a big role for us after a couple of years of frustration navigating our legal system to take possession of Tracy’s car which is still in custody. We have been trying to donate it in her name to the Make a Wish foundation but kept hitting a “legal wall”. Thanks to Ocoee PD for personally meeting with a judge to help us make this happen. To mark the 4th year of her disappearance we will soon be able to donate her car in her name.

Please help us keep her case “alive” as we continue to search for answers. We continue to hope this awareness will someday bring her home...good or bad.

God Bless,
Joe Ocasio, Tracy’s father

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Post by NiteSpinR Sun Jul 28, 2013 1:59 am

Have You Seen Missing Tracy Ocasio?
CONTACT 1800-423-8477

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 A48

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Aa17

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Aaa14

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Aaaa11

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Aaaaa10

Tracy Ocasio missing in Orlando/ Only suspect in the case, James Hataway, to face trial for the false imprisonment, robbery and battery of another woman, Rachel Clarke. Found Guilty! - Page 2 Aaaaaa10
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Post by Wrapitup Sun Jul 28, 2013 8:08 am

Yes, she is...and she has awseome, caring, very concerned parents.
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Post by Wrapitup Sun Aug 10, 2014 6:27 pm

Joe Liz Tracy Ocasio
4 hours ago
Today's your birthday...We Love You and Miss You Terribly!

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Post by Wrapitup Thu Feb 12, 2015 12:15 pm

SANFORD — Working from state prison without a lawyer, James Hataway, a suspect in one of Central Florida's most prominent missing person's cases, has won a key legal victory.

He has been returned to the Seminole County Jail to be near the courtroom where a judge will hear his appeal.

Hataway, 34, was convicted four years ago of choking and trying to break the neck of a 21-year-old Seminole County woman after she drove him home from a party in 2008 then rejected his advances.

Circuit Judge Donna McIntosh sentenced him to life in prison, but in the coming weeks she will hold a hearing at which he will argue he's entitled to a new trial.

Hataway is best known as a suspect in another case, the disappearance of Tracy Ocasio, a 27-year-old woman who was last seen leaving a MetroWest bar with Hataway in 2009 after an Orlando Magic playoff game.

Ocoee police found her abandoned car a few blocks from where Hataway lived.

In the other case, Hataway was convicted by a Seminole County jury in 2011 of attempted murder, false imprisonment, burglary and robbery.

A young woman testified that as she was dropping Hataway off after a night of partying, they hugged in her car, but he refused to let go. He grabbed her neck and began squeezing, she said.

She managed to escape, but he chased her down, she said, banged her head into the sidewalk and tried to jerk her head and snap her neck.

In 2012, the Fifth District Court of Appeal rejected his appeal, which was handled by an assistant public defender.

But working from the law library at the state's Blackwater River Correctional Institution in Milton and with the help of other inmates, Hataway has filed several appeals since then.

He contends that his lawyer and the judge made several mistakes.

In May, Circuit Judge John Galluzzo in Sanford gave him a partial victory, ordering prosecutors to file a written response to his allegations. Last month, McIntosh ordered an evidentiary hearing.

That hearing has not been set, but today McIntosh will hold a short status hearing.

Hataway also has asked her to appoint him a lawyer.

He was returned to the Seminole County Jail last week in preparation.

He alleges the assistant public defenders who handled his case before and during his trial made a number of mistakes.

One was failing to call a lab analyst to testify about the blood-alcohol level of the victim.

She lied when she said she had only two beers, Hataway alleges in court paperwork.

The woman's "position on this matter is inconsistent with her evaluation at the hospital which showed that her alcohol content was high," he wrote. "The report does not indicate how high it was but nevertheless the defendant submits that an individual does not have a high alcohol content in their system when they drink two beers over the course of a couple of hours."

Hataway also alleges that his lawyers waived his right to a speedy trial without his permission, something that happened shortly before prosecutors upgraded the charges against him to attempted murder.

The attack that sent him to prison happened a year before Ocasio's disappearance, but prosecutors did not file charges until after Ocasio went missing, something that generated a great deal of local news coverage.

In court pleadings, Hataway alleges that the victim in the Seminole County attack "saw this as a window of opportunity for personal media attention and made an appearance on television."

Hataway also alleges his lawyers erred when they failed to try to suppress the testimony of Thomas Mallory, a jailhouse informant who said that Hataway confirmed the account of the Seminole County victim.

Mallory was placed in the Seminole County Jail by Ocoee police to try to get information about Ocasio's disappearance, according to Hataway's pleadings, and as such, should have been treated as a state agent.

Prosecutors contend some of Hataway's allegations, including that his lawyers improperly waived his right to a speedy trial and failed to call a lab analyst, were strategic decisions — not errors.

None of the issues he's raised, prosecutors contend, kept him from receiving a fair trial.

"This motion is part of the appeal process," Assistant State Attorney Anna Valentini said in a statement.

Ocasio's mother, Liz Ocasio, plans to attend the hearing.

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