Mother's Dependency Hearing Closed To The Public
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Updated: 7:44 AM Nov 18, 2009
Mother's Dependency Hearing Closed To The Public
The disappearance of 7-month-old Shannon Dedrick sent shock waves throughout the nation earlier this month . Pictures of the missing Chipley baby and the stories surrounding her family appeared all over the media outlets.
Posted: 7:44 AM Nov 18, 2009
Reporter: Vanessa Nguyen
Email Address: vanessa.nguyen@wjhg.com
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The disappearance of 7-month-old Shannon Dedrick sent shock waves throughout the nation earlier this month .
Pictures of the missing Chipley baby and the stories surrounding her family appeared all over the media outlets.
The widespread attention has caused a Circuit Judge to close the upcoming dependency hearing to the public.

It's hard not to recognize this little face.
7-month-old Shannon Dedrick became one of the biggest news stories in the country after she disappeared for five days in early November.
"Washington County 911."
"Yes, my little girl, I woke up this morning and my 6-month old daughter, uh..7-month-old daughter is missing. My front door looks like it's been jimmied open today."
The baby's mother, Crystina Mercer, made this 911 call to the Washington County Sheriff's Office on October 31st.
"When's the last time you saw the child?"
"Last night when I put her to bed."
"Is there anyone who could have her?"
"Not that I know of. But I'm fixing to call my sister-in-law and my other sister-in-law and see if either one of them stopped by."
Many people breathed a sigh of relief when they learned she was alive and safe after authorities found her inside a wooden box, under a bed in her babysitter, Susan Baker's, home.
"We are the proud papas of a little girl."
Authorities arrested Baker and Mercer for their involvement in her disappearance.
But the excessive media coverage has now become a concern as Mercer heads to court for a dependency hearing next month.
She appeared in court on Tuesday, barely making eye contact with Shannon's father, Rusty Dedrick, as the attorneys unanimously requested to close the hearing to the public.
Family Physician Dr. Lisa Bailey, who examined Shannon shortly after she was found on November 5, testified the excessive attention could cause her more damage if it continues.
"I think it could, I think she could easily be known as the child that was found in a box for many, many years."
"When her name was googled, there was over 7 million hits that came up and there were 35 videos that came up on YouTube."
A Guardian Ad Litem case coordinator also testified the media's presence could compromise the identity of Shannon's current foster care situation.
"It's been reported by the foster parent that she takes extra precaution when taking the child out in public, she covers her face with a blanket or sheet so people in the community can't see her."
Circuit Judge Allen Register ruled to close the court proceedings based on these reasons and the possibility of Shannon and her parents' medical issues being discussed.

Mercer's dependency hearing is still set for December 15th.

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