Authorities searching along Whitewater river for clues in missing boy Adam Herrman case

BY BRENT D. WISTROM
The Wichita Eagle

Gallery: The Adam Herrman Case

Butler County investigators plan to search the banks of the Whitewater River west of Towanda this morning for clues that might help them find out what happened to Adam Herrman, who disappeared 10 years ago when he was 11 years old.

Detectives have said the area is a popular spot for fishermen and kids and that Herrman may have wandered there if, as his foster parents say, he ran away from home.

The search crew will use dogs to help them look for clues. They plan to start at 10 a.m.

Investigators have already searched the Herrman's current home in Derby and a manufactured home between Bentley and Sedgwick that the Herrman's lived in with Adam. That home was moved from Towanda to rural Sedgwick County years ago.

The searching comes after Herrman's non-biological sister told authorities that her younger, adopted brother was abused by her parents, Valerie and Doug Herrman.

Valerie Herrman denied the allegation in an interview with The Eagle.

She said they never reported Adam missing because they feared the spanking they gave him before he ran away would lead authorities to take Adam and his two younger siblings away.

The couple said they regret not reporting it and lying to people about what happened.
Authorities are treating the case as if Adam is dead, but they have not ruled out that he may still be alive.