Teenager's speaking computer stolen; left with no way to communicate

An eighth grade Anderson County student and deputies want answers to why her only way of communication was stolen.

Layne Barlow, a 14-year-old, was born with a condition that has left her unable to speak. To communicate, she used a Tobii Dynavox Speech Generating computer valued at $17,000. The eye-scanning technology helped her communicate at school, home and with her friends.

On Wednesday night, investigators say her computer was stolen out of her families van while her family was attending church at Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene in Franklin County.

The theft has left Barlow's family heartbroken and desperate for its return.

“There are unintended consequences that are associated with when you take something from someone," says grandfather Marvin Barlow. "You might just see it as a computer, a laptop. But as you see now, you have taken away from her the ability to communicate with her peers and with us and her teachers.”

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department held a press conference Friday to ask the public for help and send a message to the thief. Sheriff Pat Melton announced that if whoever stole the computer brings it back, there will be no questions asked and they will let them go. If they don't return the computer, he says the department will find the thief and prosecute.

"Quite honestly it's despicable, what they did," Sheriff Melton said.

"If it [the laptop] doesn't walk in here, I will find you. I promise," Sheriff Melton said. "I keep my commitments, and we will get you. You're better off to do it now and turn it in, no questions asked, because shortly it's going to be too late when we come knocking on your door."

Anyone with any information on the stolen computer is asked to call the police.