Leta Cordes

PHILIPSBURG–Searchers gathered enough information while diving in French St. Martin waters in search of American Leta Cordes corpse this week that they plan to do it again in the vicinity of Etang de Poisson, prosecutors said Thursday.
But that is all authorities were willing to say, for fear of hurting the investigation into Cordes 18-month-old disappearance. Dutch, French and U.S. teams have swum the French Quarter pond since Monday looking for the 49-year-old woman remains. She is presumed dead.
Dutch-side prosecutors offered a terse press statement about the search, assuring that they would be more informative when possible. Prosecutor Rienk Mud said, My hands are tied in revealing information about the case. It is all I can say at the moment, Mud said about his statement to media houses. In the interest of the investigation, this is all we can do now.
The press release confirmed that 15 divers had made extensive searches in the area this week, including within mangroves that shade the pond. The whole area was divided into sectors and thoroughly searched, the statement read. In some cases, waters were very shallow and could be searched on foot.
Findings there were promising enough to warrant more searches, according to the statement. Based on information gathered during these searches it was decided to execute another search attempt in the vicinity of Etang de Poisson, the statement said.
Authorities on both sides of the island have searched for Cordes since she went missing on January 11, 2008. Her husband, Frank Cordes was arrested and released, and international media houses have flocked to St. Maarten/St. Martin to cover the story.
Mud could not say when teams would resume searching. Not even that, because it could well be that it [will be] something different than diving, Mud said. Rest assured, the minute I can tell you what the situation is, I will do so.
Earlier searches near Cordes Dawn Beach home in Oyster Pond and in Le Galion and Coconut Grove had revealed nothing.

St. Maarten Herald, July 03, 2009

DUTCH LAW ENFORCEMENT / US LAW ENFORCEMENT / FRENCH LAW ENFORCEMENT JOIN FORCES TO TAKE SEARCH FOR LETA CORDES REMAINS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Search teams led by the Kingdom Detective Cooperation Team RST “will make use of advanced Sonar equipment” as they try to find Mrs. Cordes remains, said Dutch Prosecutor Rienk Mud in a Press Statement this week on the Island of Sint Maarten.

The multiple nation, technologically advanced search team is following new leads concerning the possible whereabouts of Mrs. Cordes.

Dutch, American and French Law Enforcement joined forces to formulate a brilliant team of specialists including 16 advanced divers, sonar equipment and geologists in their on-going search for Leta.

“The search team will make use of advanced sonar equipment that can be applied in deep as well as shallow water” said Prosecutor Mud.

This incredible news brings renewed hope to Leta’s family and friends for a resolution to this heartbreaking situation.

Prosecutor Mud said the search will start “shortly”.

Frank Cordes, Leta’s husband of twenty years remains the only suspect in his wife’s apparent murder.

We want to once again, thank the officials, all volunteers for all your help in the search for our dear friend Leta Cordes.

Friends of Leta Cordes

Cloud of suspicion hangs over island after man’s wife goes missing

“The Cordes couple was solid on the outside, but with a deep crack running beneath the surface. Maybe that was easier to ignore, after they bought a house on an island in the sun. Easier to ignore, until the night Leta Cordes disappeared. Join NBC’s Dennis Murphy for “The Party’s Over” this Friday at 8 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. CT.”

Please help us find our friend Leta Cordes.

Your donation will go toward the on-going efforts to locate the remains of Mrs. Cordes to enable her family and friends to lay her down peacefully near those that love her. If evidence is found with Mrs. Cordes remains the full weight of the Law will come down on the suspect(s) and justice will prevail.

Watch CBS Videos Online

Friends of Leta Cordes would like to send their continued thanks and gratitude to the Officials of St. Maarten for their on going support and diligence in the search for Leta Cordes.

We could not have come this far without you.

Thank you St. Maarten from the bottom of our hearts.

We have just received word from officials that Frank Cordes is returning to the United States. It is believed he is returning to his home in Mission Viejo (Orange County), California.

Perhaps to comfort Leta’s family after the loss of Leta’s Mother.

There is yet another sad chapter to the tragedy of Leta Cordes disappearance.

Modena McLendon, Leta Cordes Mother passed away this past Friday March 6th, 2009 due to complications of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Leta was one of her mothers primary caretakers when she disappeared. Shortly after Leta Cordes disappearance Mrs. McLendon was placed in a California run hospital.

The only peace this news gives us is that Modena Mclendon is now in heaven with three of her children that left this world much too early.

God Bless all of you.

I will miss each and every one of you.

My heart goes out to Rory Bryant, Leta’s only child.

Rory has not only lost his mother and two uncles, but now his beloved Grandmother.

Lots of love to Leta’s family and friends during this sad time in our lives.

We send our condolences to Leta’s family and friends upon hearing the news of the passing of of Leta’s Mother Modena Mclendon.

–Elaine Karas

From left to right top row: Frank Cordes, Rory Bryant (Leta’s son), Curtis Mclendon (Leta’s younger brother passed away 2003), Jim McLendon.
Bottom Row: Rick McLendon (Leta’s older brother passed away 1998), Leta’s mother Modena McLendon (passed away 2009), Leta Cordes (disappeared - presumed dead 1/11/08), Lisa McLendon, Curtis McLendon’s wife.

The friends of Leta Cordes would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Law Enforcement, Private Businesses and Citizens of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin that continue to reach out and help us in our on-going search for our dear friend Leta Cordes.

Checkmate Security - You have stood by us for over a year now. We could not have come this far without your invaluable guidance, advice and generosity. Thank you so much for your continued help, support and assistance. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a talented, dedicated team by our side.

Sheriff Security - Thank you so much for your kindness, concern and professionalism. Your time, effort and generosity is very much appreciated. It gives us great comfort to have such a wonderful team available to us. Special thanks to Josiah and his K-9 Basco, truly an amazing team.

UTS - Thank you so much for all of your help with complimentary cell phones and minutes for our US Search and Rescue teams. Your generosity gives our searchers peace of mind and the ability to communicate properly during logistics planning and crucial times in the field. Your on-going kindness, generosity and assistance is very much appreciated.

Caribbean Liquors - Thank you for the generous donation of numerous cases of bottled water for our Search and Rescue teams. Your donation assisted us in keeping our team comfortable and properly hydrated in the heat. Your kindness and generosity is very much appreciated.

VKS - Thank you for your help and assistance in the field. Your professionalism and dedication is invaluable. Thank you for being there for us in our time of need.

St. Maarten Veterinary Clinic - Thank you so much for consistently being available to our K-9 team. Knowing you are there for the US Search and Rescue K-9s gives our US handlers peace of mind. Your care and consideration for the well being of our K-9 team is very much appreciated.

Random Wind - Thank you for the generous donation of the wet suits during our recent searches. Your kindness, donation and concern is very much appreciated.

David McGregor - Thank you for your fearless pursuit of the truth. Your guidance and advice has consistently proven to be flawless. We appreciate all your help, kind words and comfort throughout this tragedy.

The Friends of Leta Cordes would also like to thank the RST, the French Gendarme, the Dutch Fire Dept. and all of the Law Enforcement Officials that continue to embrace us and be there for us during this tragic time in our lives.

We would also like to thank R.B., Michael Sheldon, and Michael Huttenlocker.

Although we still have not located the remains of Mrs. Cordes, the amazing unity of the US, Holland, France and the citizens of Sint Maarten give us hope that a resolution to this tragedy is near. Keep the faith.

With Warmest Regards,

The Friends of Leta Cordes
Elaine Karas
Cary Honstein

The search and investigation concerning the well being of Leta Cordes is in full force on the island of St. Maarten / Saint Martin. We have great faith in the expertise of the authorities on the island. We are aligned with a brilliant team.

Meanwhile, the local AVS press had a few words with the number one suspect.

Please stay tuned.

My best to all of you.
Elaine Karas