Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

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Thank you for the smooth flight and landing!  ::koaladancing::

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Court docs reveal disabled NC girl was dismembered

HICKORY, N.C. - A disabled North Carolina girl was dismembered and her remains were put at different sites, according to court papers filed Monday by lawyers representing her stepmother.

The court documents ask for a reduction in bail for Elisa Baker, saying she helped investigators by leading them to the remains of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

Elisa Baker has been jailed since last month, accused of trying to throw off investigators by writing a fake ransom note for another child.

The court papers were reported by Charlotte-area TV stations and posted on the website of WCNC-TV.

Elisa Baker told police on Oct. 24 that Zahra "was deceased, that her body had been dismembered and that it would be recovered at different sites," according to the documents. She was allowed to accompany police the following two days to sites around Hickory, in western North Carolina, showing them where Zahra's remains were.

On Friday, police said they found a bone that matches DNA from Zahra, and believed other remains were about five miles away. They have not said, and the court documents don't explain, how the girl died.

Zahra's father, Adam Baker, was arrested on a host of charges unrelated to the girl's disappearance, but is free on bail. Calls to his lawyer were not returned Monday.

As police continue their investigation, a mountain of remembrances accumulated at the Bakers' now-abandoned home, with pictures and angels hanging from a tree outside the home in Hickory, about 50 miles northwest of Charlotte. One man stopped to kneel in prayer.

A candlelight vigil for the freckle-faced Zahra, whose cancer forced her to use hearing aids and a prostetic leg, was scheduled for Tuesday.

"The vigil is really about her life and her story, since we don't have all the facts about what happened to her," said Adrienne Opdyke, one of the organizers of the event planned by the Children's Protection Council of Catawba County.

Zahra's parents told authorities she was last seen in her bed at their home in Hickory. Soon after she was reported missing, police had trouble finding anyone other than Zahra's parents who had seen her alive in the weeks before her disappearance. A suspicious early morning fire occurred at the family's home several hours before she was reported missing.

It was then that police discovered a ransom note addressed to Adam Baker's boss on the windshield of Baker's car. Police went to that man's house, and found him and his daughter to be fine. Elisa Baker admitted writing the note and faces an obstruction of justice charge, police said.

Adam Baker, 33, is facing one count each of assault with a deadly weapon and failure to return rental property, two counts of communicating threats and five counts of writing worthless checks, authorities said.

Cassie Deal, a retired daycare operator who lives two miles away from Zahra's old home, said both of her own grown children had died within the past three years, and she felt a connection with Zahra.

"I would have taken her home with me," Deal said.

"I'd have loved to have her," she said. "I know what it's like."

Calls about the vigil have come in from across the country, Opdyke said. Candles will be distributed, and a choir is expected to sing. Birthday gifts will be donated to needy children in the area.

"There are so many people who want to give back and recognize Zahra for who she was," Opdyke said. "They're thankful to have a place to come and be around others who have the same heart for children."

Some 100 miles northeast of Hickory, Kristie Pope was organizing a vigil in Greensboro. Mourners will gather at a local Ben & Jerry's, which is making a special birthday cake for Zahra.

"We all got attached to her," Pope, a mother of three, said. "You see this cute kid who looks like the kid next door and everyone falls in love."

Pope has also started an online group called The Zahra Project, which she hopes will be a way to prevent similar deaths. Pope was incensed by news coverage of Zahra's home life that quoted neighbors saying they knew the girl was being mistreated.

"Our goal is to see someone held accountable for this," she said. "We can't do anything to bring Zahra Baker back, but maybe we can stop it from happening to another little kid."

Zahra's biological mother had traveled from Australia to Hickory last week until returning Sunday night, WCNC-TV reported. Emily Dietrich, from Wagga Wagga in New South Wales province, told the Australia-based Seven Network Sunday she hopes to be able to return her daughter's remains to her native country.

Spending her lunch break to pay respects at the growing pile of toys and flowers left in Zahra's memory, retail grocery worker Cathie Price cried as she talked about how the community is dealing with the girl's death.

"Most little kids, they're afraid of having monsters under the bed or in the closet," Price said. "This poor little child, she was living with monsters right out there in the open."

http://www.ocala.com/article/20101115/APA/1011151989?p=3&tc=pg

Thanks Nut!!  (http://bestsmileys.com/cars/19.gif)

(http://resources3.news.com.au/images/2010/11/05/1225948/537547-emily-dietrich-and-zahra-baker.jpg)

Could a mod add the motion to the document thread?  Pretty please ::MonkeyKiss2::

on the last thread Muffy posted:....I'm ready for a thread change.  This one has been heart wrenching.     With the discovery of Zahra's remains, we also got a glimpse of the terrible things this young, sweet, brave girl endured.     I hope the next thread will be about justice for Zahra. 

I can't even imagine what could be justice for the atrocities this child endured. But whatever it may be.....whenever it may be.....I pray it is harsh and painful for those that harmed this child.  ::MonkeyMad::
.

Okay, what am I missing....how does EB think she is going to get her bond reduced by revealing these horrific details??  I'm just beside myself right now   ::MonkeyMad:: 

Brittany Bentley is on NG.  She is the one that filed charges against Adam and Elesa I believe

Nancy Grace - HLN - on right now!

I am off for the evening but would appreciate any updates gleaned from this show.

Thanks

Janet
5:10 PM PT

Reminder - Brittany Bentley


Punishment was her routine
November 01, 2010 - 8:34 PM
 
<snipped>

The incident with the teenaged girls came the day after Adam and Elisa Baker were arrested and charged with communicating threats against Elisa’s niece Brittany Bentley, her fiance Zackery Tyler and the couple’s 7-month-old daughter. The threats stemmed from an outstanding debt Bentley owed them, according to the arrest warrant.

“He (Adam Baker) chased me and my fiancee. He literally tried to run us off the road twice,” Tyler wrote in the complaint accompanying the warrant. “He got in the opposite lane, swerved at the driver’s side and we had to swerve to keep from getting hit, then he passed us and slammed his brakes. We had to slam our brakes and still almost hit him.”

The couple went home and gave Baker the money she was owed, but she demanded more, they said. She and Adam threatened the couple with Tasers, according to the arrest warrant.

“They said they would kill me and Brittany Bentley and that they knew where our daughter was and they would kill her if I didn’t pay her,” Tyler wrote.

Bentley said the couple claimed to have a gun in the car and drove to her mother’s home, where Bentley’s daughter was staying. Bentley’s complaint said she feared for her life and the life of her daughter and fiance.

The Bakers were charged with communicating threats in connection with the accusations. Adam Baker was also charged with assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the incident on the road.


http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/01/9/punishment-was-her-routine-ar-500792/

Just when I think I have heard and seen it all ... we get this case.

As I was reading the motion and listening to NG tonight I just kept thinking to myself ... THESE SOB's DID WHAT TO ZAHARA!!! This evil step monster thinks by implicating herself in the crime that her bail will be reduced? Scratching my head.

There is not a needle long enough.

No there isn't.  And I just dont understand how these defense attorneys sleep at night.  I know everyone deserves a fair trial and representation but come on!  This almost tops the defense attorneys of Channon and Chris   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

In bond reduction filing, Baker shows her help in case
(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/294/0/120768/baker-meeting/)
... Elisa Baker's defense attorney Lisa Dubs attempts to dodge the local media as she leaves the Catawba County Detention Center.  Dubs met with Elisa Baker for two and half hours Monday afternoon


NEWTON --
Elisa Baker's attorneys filed a motion for another bond reduction hearing. In the motion, attorneys Lisa Dubs and Scott Reilly cited how helpful she's been in recovering key evidence in Zahra Baker’s death.

Elisa is currently in jail for a felony obstruction of justice charge under a $65,000 bond, rather than the $1 to $10,000 that is the typical range.

The last time her attorney asked for it to be reduced, Judge Robert Mullinax Jr. increased it from $40,000 to its current amount.

However her attorneys contend that Elisa has cooperated with police. The motion, which was filed Monday afternoon, states the only reason police have found anything relating to Baker’s missing stepdaughter, Zhara Baker, is because Elisa provided information.

According to the motion, some of the information Elisa provided includes:

-Telling law enforcement of three search sites on Oct. 25; at each search site, Elisa said what should be found at each site;

-Shortly after Elisa mentioned the Christie Road site, investigators found part of the prosthetic leg Zahra wore. Elisa said it was the gel liner;

-One of the other sites Elisa directed them to was Dudley Shoals Road site;

-On Oct. 26, the mattress Elisa told law enforcement about was found at the landfill in Caldwell County. Elisa confirmed the description of the mattress, and directed law enforcement to the site of the specific dumpster where it was thrown out;

-Also on Oct. 26, Elisa told law enforcement where other items of evidence could be located at the house.

According to the motion “the only credible evidence released to the public by law enforcement related to this case is evidence that was collected after Elisa Baker told law enforcement where to look and what to look for. Law enforcement has been able to locate evidence at landfills, the Baker home and locations throughout Caldwell County and Catawba County only because of Elisa Baker’s cooperation and disclosures.”

The beginning part of the motion also states that on Oct. 22, Elisa talked to her attorneys and investigator, about the circumstances about the disappearance and/or death of Zahra.

During the late evening and early morning hours of Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, “the defense team verified that certain information provided by Ms. Baker was reliable. As part of that verification, the defense team located and collected a significant item of evidence.”

The following day, on Oct. 24, law enforcement was told that Zahra was dead, and “her body had been dismembered and that it would be recovered at different sites. The piece of evidence collected by the defense was turned over to law enforcement.”

On Oct. 25 Elisa helped investigators with the search, since the locations were remote. The media spotted her that day at the Dudley Shoals Road location, in an SUV.

The motion for the bond reduction hearing argues that Elisa’s bond should be reduced because she has assisted with the recovering of evidence in this case and has been available to help law enforcement with any questions they had.

It also states that she is a lifelong resident of Caldwell and Catawba counties, except for when she went to Australia to marry her husband, Adam Baker. Elisa’s passport has been surrendered, and “due to the overwhelming and international publicity this case has received, Ms. Baker is instantly recognizable and it would be difficult for her to avoid detection if she should attempt to leave the jurisdiction.”

Further, Elisa has no assets with which to leave the area, the motion contends.

Zahra, who would have turned 11 today, was reported missing by her father Adam Baker on Oct. 9. The bubbly child lost part of her left leg and some of her hearing to cancer, which she beat twice. On Oct. 12, the Amber Alert that was issued was cancelled and the case was changed to a homicide investigation. On Nov. 12, police said they had enough evidence to confirm that Zahra was dead.

Elisa’s obstruction of justice charge stems from writing a false ransom note in which she demanded $1 million. She has also been arrested on several other charges unrelated to Zahra’s disappearance. Adam was arrested as well, for several charges unrelated to the case. He has since bonded out of jail.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/15/bond-reduction-filing-baker-shows-her-help-case-ar-540284/

Red - Elisa is going to claim that Zahra died from being sick and that Adam chose to dismember her and get rid of the evidence.  What I'd like to know is how a child goes to looking fine and well cared for on Sept 25 then two weeks later die naturally.

I think Elisa and Adam beat Zahra and she died.  You're right, there is not a needle long enough.

...or a wood chipper dull enough.

I agree except I think Elisa beat her to death and Adam helped with the rest. 

Never before have I felt so strongly that this child is in such a better place.  She will not hurt anymore...not from cancer, not from her dad, not from her stop-monster....she is finally safe   ::MonkeyAngel:: 

If Adam wasn't also abusing Zahra and simply sat back and watched while Gothmurderer SM beat his daughter then he is a useless excuse for a human being.  That's why I think he had to have participated in the beatings himself. 

Red - o/t

Jaw bone washed ashore in Aruba  http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=8719.msg1262018#msg1262018

You know, it may not be a bad idea to let her out because she told LE where through 2 counties to find parts of Zahra and was so helpful and a good person in her own mind for telling them.  Heck why even bother with a bond, just open her jail door and let her out. She is married (maybe) , has a GED, and has worked in textiles.  Doesn't get better than that.

Make sure LE is busy and that the media has warning so they can let the good people of Hickory know and lets see what happens.  Just for giggles maybe it should be free baseball bat day in Hickory to boot in honour of her release.   I bet at this point it would save a lot of time and money to let citzens great her back into society as opposed to a trial and 3 hots and a cot.  It may even stimulate the economy for the run on power tools, chainsaws, etc.  that her release may just generate. 

April Fairchild Gothmonster's younger sister in on the phone with NG. 

She says blood relative have been dodging the media till now
Says Brittnay Bentley and her mother did not witness abuse
Says there are only there for the cameras
Says they are distraught that Adam is not in a jail cell next to Gothmonster
Says last thing they need is non-blood relatives on the air claiming things that are not true

NG is ripping her a new one right now

I thought this initially too but Emily changed my mind...she trusted him with her to a point.  And just recently she said she doesn't think he was involved (though I think she was just hoping he wasnt).  And the nurse who cared for Zahra said Adam was with her the whole time IIRC. 

My mind may just be going there so as to try and comprehend this whole thing.  Either way, Adam IS a useless excuse for a human being. 

I question my God at times like this.  As Darla said "why the children"?? 

I'll never understand.

::MonkeyGavel::  ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyGavel:: ::MonkeyDance:: ::MonkeyGavel::

Good idea NR

 ::MonkeyEek::  Thanks Klaas

IMO April is a whackadoodole.  She is now saying that they are not denying abuse happened but none of the BLOOD RELATIVES saw it and Brittany is full of snit as she is not a blood relative.  So I guess unless a blood relative sees it then there is no need to say or do anything in that family.  I would not be so proud to be part of that blood relative gene pool right now.

OMG   ::MonkeyEek::

Agreed...makes no sense! 

I'm not an NG fan but tonight I totally agree with everything she is saying!

Died Naturally, hardly. Cuz everyone when there child gets sick and dies, cuts them up into pieces. WTF!!! I am actually just appalled. If we find out that the DA rtook the death penalty off the table in lreturn for the locations of the body, I hope thos POS is shived day one in prison.

Prison slap chop!  ::MonkeyCool::

And because Elisa cooperated she should have her bond reduced, even though a child has been dismembered?  What universe is her lawyer living in?

EESH  ::MonkeyShocked:: Will check it out over there. Wouldn't that be something.

     

http://s390.photobucket.com/albums/oo344/railbugfreak/?start=0

AY
Nothing interesying mostly kids pix, but a pix from imvu room

I am glad her lawyer filed this..it won't fly..and Gothmom can't later say she didn't have adequate representation from her state appointed attorney.

It appears Gothmom's goose is cooked..can't wait to see Adam in jail ASAP. 

Me too  ::MonkeyNoNo::

The dismemberment and disposal of Zahra is equivalent to kc's 31 days. You cannot explain it away.

Exactly 4 Donks

I agree. How does anyone explain that? I have never ever ever ever ever seen a person with nothing to hide chop up a body and spread it over the county.

O/T LOVE the avi!

I have just gotten back to all of this in the last hour and read the document and watching NG as I try to gulp back sobs. 

Who does this?  What parent does this?  How can they ask for her bond to be reduced.  I say put her as far under the jail as you can get her and throw away the key..... AND GET ADAM BAKER IN THERE WITH HER! 

The death penalty needs to be given as quickly as possible and justice served.  I have no more patience for either of them.  Good thing I am not involved in the justice system at all cuz I am ready to just get a lynch mob and be done with them.
 ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::

OK, I think I have finally heard it all!  Is her lawyer a druggie too??  How could she even think this was going to fly.
I hope they televise the arrest of AB, and I hope it is soon.  They BOTH need to pay.

Elisa's lawyers are going to use the cooperating and telling where the evidence is to get the DP off the table. She was placed in such remote locations and in too many diffferent places for LE to have found her, so if that was the way, for future consideration, then that's the way it is.   
Does anyone know of they took Adam's shoes in any of the search warrants ? Guy like Adam would probably wipe / wash his shoes off and say " clean ".  If she was dismembered, there would be evidence on the person who did that deed. 
.....
Will Adam get the crayons out like John Evander Couey did at trial and claim
mental issues ? Did he think that he was playing a sick game on imvu ? 
...
Another AY tid bit, Adam would come and visit him a couple of times a week. Kids in AY's house and that freak is allowed there ? Why ? This entire bunch of peeps deserve to be run out of town on a rail.

Is there an address where the memorial is gonna be @ 2morrow? I am gonna need directions

How dare this monster ask for a reduction in bond?!  Unreal.

So, on the night of October 22, Elisa gave the defense team information about "a significant item of evidence"... which led to the defense team locating it?  And then at 11am the next day, the defense team notified the DA's office of Elisa's desire to cooperate?  Wow.

And Elisa advised them that time was of the essence, due to weather conditions?

She told LE of items that could be located at the home.  What items?

The mattress was disposed of in a dumpster.  Thank God they found it at the landfill.

She has applied for disability due to a(n alleged) medical condition... is not currently receiving disability.

She has no assets with which to flee?  What happened to the $10,000?

Has only ever lived in Caldwell and Catawba counties?  I don't think so.


In a daze here.  Just sick.  Zahra was too beautiful and sweet to be kept from her natural mother, to have cancer, to have her leg amputated, to be dragged to the other side of the world where she did not want to be, to be beaten and abused and neglected by an evil stepmother.  But this document, laying out what happened to her and ASKING FOR A BOND REDUCTION, is leaving me speechless.  Tomorrow is Zahra's birthday, for pity's sake.  Have they no sense of decency?  No heart?

I keep thinking of that Taser.

(P.S.  This document contains a timeline and would be useful in the Timeline thread.  Thanks.)

God Bless Beautiful Zahra.  We're so sorry, baby.

Those charges were laid before Zahra went missing, no cameras way back then.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/15/1841192/vigil-planned-tuesday-for-zahras.html

The vigil will begin at 6 p.m. at Union Square in downtown Hickory. All stuffed animals brought to the vigil will be donated to the "Cops for Tots" program.

http://www.downtownhickory.com/

The police searched Dudley Shoals Road, Christie Road, AB"s job site and the Baker home. Dudley Shoals, Christie Road, and the Baker home yielded evidence as far as we know. I guess this is par for the course and we should expect more of these type surprises from these attorneys.

Didn't they say they hoped to get the DNA results back from the remains found on Dudley Shoals near the creek on Tuesday (tomorrow)? 

I'm thinking that's when Adam will be arrested.

I agree.  ::rhino:: Wouldn't that be a great birthday gift to Zahra?

I bet this is what the attorneys for SM are trying to do. Died of sickness(natural causes) SM had no authority to get medical treatment..AB fault. AB dismembered the body and she was afraid so didn't talk till she was safe from him.(remember her letter) Attorneys hoping for obstruction and abetting abuse of a corpse. She'd be out in a few years.

I know everyones upset. The wheels of justice turn very slowly. We don't want to be like the villager's with pitchforks going after the monster. Something this horrific will be dealt with. They may take the DP off the table, but I don't see EB getting out anytime soon, have faith. God will not let this go unpunished. His punishment is worse than anything we could ever imagine. What did Jesus say? If anyone hurts one of these little ones who believes in me, it would have been better to tie a millstone around their neck and cast into the sea. Also, Angel's of the children always see the face of God. Justice will prevail!

 ::MonkeyAngel::

Hi.
I'm new here, I live in Hickory, I've been reading here for about 2 weeks now. Found you on google :)
I drive down 127 by the baker house everyday. It's beyond sad.

I dont know if anyone has posted about Lisa Dubs yet, but these are the kind of people she defends...

http://greenetrial.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2007-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2008-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=22

http://www.columbiamagazine.com/index.php?sid=20502


I dont know how the woman sleeps at night. I really dont.

I hope soon that adam is charged and put in jail.


I also dont understand why her attorneys are going to go find some evidence instead of immediately going to the HPD and telling them what elisa said. Seems like that could cause some issues w/ evidence trail in court?

This has been such an awful thing in the community. I am at a total loss over thinking something like this happened here. That there is such evil walking among us. A very scary thought.

Welcome. ::HelloKitty::

Welcome to the cage statru!  ::MonkeySlide::

EB's attorney, from what I have read, is a pit bull attorney. Most criminal attorneys are. I know I couldn't do it.  ::MonkeyNoNo::

In your opinion, what is the consensus around there regarding their opinion of both Adam and Elisa?

Let her out....we'll handle it... that seems to pretty much sum it up.
No one believes that she wasnt a major part of what happened to Zahra.
You dont dismember a body if you are innocent.
Most people want the bond raised again.

Pretty much the same for adam, I dont know anyone that has seen him out lately.
Most everyone wants a public lynching
 And the one person that I know that was at the house the day he went to get his stuff,
 she told me that she went right up to him, and he turned away
but she said that his eyes were empty, it was like looking into a void...

Luke 17:2

Welcome to Scared Monkeys, statru :smt006  ::bee::

 ::MonkeyShocked:: Sorry for the quality - took this pic of the tv moments ago while watching NG.

(http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/kcjackie/Monkey%20stuff/DSC01313.jpg)

Welcome to Scared Monkeys. We r the BEST forum in the USA ! ::monkeywine2::

Thnx for the links. It appears that this atty. has some experence and a good track  record with the guilty,  ::MonkeyMad::huh ?

I pray for the jury to have wisdom in this case when the time comes, and for the Judge to hand down the MOST appropriate sentence to these 2 clowns.

IF u go to the vigil/memorial for Zahra's birthday on Tues. pm, please take pics and download them for us here. It would be so wonderful ! I, personally am in Ohio and it is impssible to be there in person but I will be in spirit !  ::MonkeyBike::

i am just sick..
what kind of creature can dismember their own child??? just sick...I don't even know what to say about this awful thing happening to this beautiful child...who could do this to her???? how did 2 nutters like AB and EB find each other???  ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::  how do u find 2 people who could do this to a child? words fail me...

Just what would you use a wrench for.

I still cannot comprehend HOW or WHY... ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyNoNo::....how can these people sleep ?  ::MonkeyDevil:: Can u imagine the interior of their home after this dismemberment ?  ::MonkeyNoNo:: It would look like a bloody massacre ! Poor Zahra. God help our country. Our morals are decaying quickly. ::MonkeyNoNo::

This could have been an reenactment of that horrible movie, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ?  ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyNoNo::

oh, one more thing..it is lovely that the bio mom was sent the photos that CBB and Brandi have created for Zahra...am hoping the she also hears about the star that was named for Zahra

these are tools that one would try to keep out of the reach of a child, not use them on her ! I am so pizzed off right now you can't imagine!

A wrench ? I do NOT know, ::MonkeyMad:: and hope I never find out. Sickos...... ::MonkeyMad::

Emily will be touched by all of these kind gestures, I am sure. She seemed lke a beautiful, warm lady,
who had fallen across some back luck years ago. She may not have "means," but I feel Zahra was very wealthy to have someone luv her that much, if even from a distance.

Regardless of Zahra's handicap, Emily, ::MonkeyAngel:: IMO could have helped Zahra grow into a productive citizen, if she were with her, vs these clowns in NC ! ::MonkeyNoNo::

I call Bs on NG. She is in such a frenzy to get her Bombshell out that she had pictures of shiny tools posted and she has no more idea of what or how it was done than we do. It is a disgrace. ::MonkeyMad::

Perhaps Klass needs 2 consider a Wall of Shame and induct her, here as did WS ! I am serious !!

I'm with you there cookie, I am so angry, I just can't comprehend it.  It's not human, isn't there something inate in all of us that would stop a person from doing something like dismembering a child.   ::MonkeyMad::

I was under the impression those were the tools used in the search/destroy of the house.
I saw all that listed somewhere as tools the investigators used, and a few people weren't sure what lump hammers or halligan bars were...
but that may just be me...

Thanks for the clarification.

 ::MonkeyDance::  WELCOME statru   ::MonkeyDance::

I too am really hoping we get to see Adam do the perp walk tomorrow.  Do you know if Ma Baker and Youngen Dale are still in Hickory?  They sure got silent real fast after the media reported Ma started yelling at a local when they were getting the carp out of the house. 

Those were the tools used to rip the house apart by LE and Fire looking for evidence.  I had to google lump hammer to find out that it was a itty bitty sledge hammer.   ::MonkeyHaHa::

plumbing.  Used one this weekend in the kitchen after the pipe burst

Published: November 01, 2010

<snipped>

On Monday, investigators had the Hickory Fire Department aid their search, using tools that included a chainsaw, axe, wrenches and two types of Halligan bars. Other power tools were also used while SBI and Hickory police investigators searched the inside of Adam and Elisa Baker’s home on 21st Avenue, NW.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/01/investigators-return-baker-house-seize-evidence-ar-502595/

Actually I own everyone of these tools but I was under the misconception that NG was saying these were the tools used to dismember Zahra.....Sorry ::MonkeyNoNo::

Whew, I was wondering what halligan bars would be used for.  They just showed this photo for a split second half way in the show and I thought they were talking about items that she had told them they used.  Sorry for any confusion. ::MonkeyKiss:: 

She has been eating one too many of the twins' chicken nuggets from the floor I think. I will have to watch the full version of NG now to see if she is full of it. 

I can see where KCJackie got confused. Why would you have breaking news scrolling across the screen about tools used during the search of the house ?

I just read my post about twins, nuggets and full of it and want to make it clear that  it was NG I was referring to. 

 ::MonkeyHaHa::   I totally understood you!

Still playing catch up, so sorry if this has been mentioned. I believe these were the tools used by LE.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/16/vigil-be-held-zahra-tonight-ar-540262/

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/294/0/120755/hickory-prepares-zahra-baker-memorial/)

Vigil to be held for Zahra tonight

Published: November 16, 2010
By Sarah Newell williamson

Zahra Clare Baker would have turned 11 years old today. Instead of a birthday cake with pink frosted flowers and presents, she’ll have a candlelight vigil instead.

On Friday, Hickory police confirmed that the missing child was dead, based on physical evidence and DNA. Her homicide investigation has affected many in the community and around the nation.

“We were talking as a council and we recognized the community needed to come together,” said Adrienne Opdyke, vice-chair of the Children’s Protection Council. “She’s had an impact on our community.”

Opdyke said she’s received calls from people from Winston-Salem and Hendersonville, wanting directions to Union Square where the vigil for Zahra will be held today. She’s even received phone calls from as far away as South Dakota.

“That person called and wanted to send flowers,” she said. “It’s a lovely gesture, but if there’s something they want to give, they can donate a toy or stuffed animal to the Cops for Tots program, an outreach the police department does for kids during Christmas.”

Any toys or stuffed animals that are brought to the vigil tonight will go to that charity. Opdyke said it serves two purposes: a memorial for Zahra cannot be left on Union Square, and children in need can benefit from these toys.

The vigil will be held on Union Square at 6 p.m. regardless of weather, with the program on the stage. Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright will open it with a welcome, followed by the Newton-Conover High School choral ensemble. Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins will speak, as will Opdyke. Then the candles will be lighted, followed by a closing prayer.

Opdyke said she expects a lot of people to come to the vigil, and that it will help the community deal with the emotions they’ve felt through the course of Zahra’s disappearance and ultimate death.

“Being with other people that have a heart for kids will help,” she said. “I think this will help our community heal.”

She thinks area residents feel so connected to Zahra because she was a child in Hickory’s neighborhood.

Zahra was first reported missing on Oct. 9. It was changed to a homicide investigation on Oct. 12. Several agencies searched for Zahra, or evidence related to her case, in several areas of Caldwell County. These sites included Foothills Environmental landfill, woods along Christie Road where a bone and her prosthetic leg was found, and Dudley Shoals Road, where a child’s skeletal remains were found Nov. 10. Hickory police confirmed on Friday that the bone found on Christie Road belonged to Zahra.

Opdyke said Catawba County needed to celebrate Zahra’s milestone, even though she is no longer here to celebrate it in person.

“It’s her birthday, it’s a time to celebrate her light in the world,” she said. “She was a child among us. We need to celebrate her story.”

I' worked late so am late posting this, but my thoughts have been with Zahra today and with those who mourn her loss. The life that began 11 years ago has not ended and there is reason to celebrate. Zahra is free and Zahra is home. Happy Birthday, sweet Zahra! Your life has changed the world and the light you left us shines brighter than ever!

Hickory couple sending mementos to Zahra's mom

by BETH SHAYNE/NewsChannel 36 WCNC.com
Posted on November 15, 2010 at 11:39 PM
Updated today at 11:39 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- It was pure chance that Zahra Baker's biological mother Emily Dietrich met Lisa and David Ridgway on her short visit to Hickory.

Dietrich had just arrived from Australia, and just visited the tree outside the Bakers' home where so many people have left mementos for Zahra. The camera crew from Australia's Channel Seven News she'd traveled with had stopped while Dietrich composed herself.

"It was a typical Thursday morning and my husband and I were headed out to walk [our dog]," Lisa Ridgway said. "We walked outside. The car was parked on the curb."

David Ridgway introduced himself to the man, a reporter from Channel Seven, who was standing outside the car. The reporter, Robert Ovadia, offered to introduce the Ridgways to Emily. They struck up a conversation with her, and offered whatever help they could. In a follow-up email, David offered their home as a respite. Saturday morning, after reporters had tracked Dietrich to local hotel, they showed up on their doorstep.

"They just randomly picked us," Lisa said. "It was just meant to be that they stopped in front of our house."

The Ridgways said they spent much of the day with Emily and the journalists and then offered Emily a place to stay for the night. Both Lisa and David said they talked about Zahra, but they also talked about other things. "We felt like it was our job to get her to think about something else," David said.

Nonetheless, the conversation often circled back to the tree where Emily Dietrich had seen the mementos left for Zahra. Dietrich had taken some things from the makeshift memorial, but she kept thinking about the stuffed animals that so many children had left behind.

"She said I would love for the animals and the toys to go to Cops for Tots," Lisa Ridgway told NewsChannel 36. "It was her way of giving back to all the children that had poured their hearts out for her and for Zahra."

The Ridgways went to the tree Sunday night and collected more than 125 animals, plus letters and posters and bibles. They put some in a trunk to mail to Emily, and then--with the help of a friend--created a special label that they wrapped around all the others. Tuesday, on what would have been Zahra's 11th birthday, they'll donate them to the Hickory Police Department fundraiser "Cops for Tots."

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Hickory-couple-sending-mementos-to-Zahras-mom-108314864.html

---

What a lovely gesture by Emily.

It's so sad to know that she was abused and shown no love from step-monster and AB ~ It's comforting to know that she is now one of the most loved little girls in the world, and thousands will be honoring her birthday!  She will be celebrating in the most beautiful place that we only read about.  Happy Birthday Zahra Clare!! Thanks for the beautiful pic CBB.

Yes they are, But on NG that really wasn't the way she presented them. IMO  Just like she said gothmurder went before the judge today.  Her lawyer went before the judge not the gothmurder. She twist things to make a better story. IMO

Hi Jackie! I was just trying to catch NG. We must think alike because I thought like you did about the tools.   :smt102

GE, you're right about Nancy Grace. I think she's had one to many bombshells blow up near her.   ::MonkeyCool::

I'm going to try to find a stuffed monkey for all of us in the morning, to take to Hickory with me. It's nice to know that the stuffed animals left will get to children who will enjoy them. I'll take my camera and post pictures when I get back.

Yes it was. But it was a wonderful how the Ridgeways opened their hearts and home to Emily and picking things out of the memorial to send her.  ::MonkeyAngel::

Thank you CBB I will be there in spirit tomorrow.  ::MonkeyKiss::

 ::MonkeyConfused:: NG confuses me with all the cross talk and such - I think I will start watching with a little bit of this...... ::monkeywine2::

Some times with her we need more of ::monkeywine2::

Please be careful, I hope the weather cooperates through the Mountains.  We will be worrying until you get back here safe and sound. ::MonkeyBike:: 

True that ::MonkeyTongue::

I will second that. Prayers to all the monkeys who are going to go tomorrow.  ::MonkeyAngel::

Happy Birthday in heaven, ::MonkeyAngel:: sweet Zahra.
Say "hi" to my Mum if u
pass her. Tell her I miss her. ::MonkeyNoNo::
She has a great lap and kisses, Zahra !

Nite all and I will c u all 2 morrow.
This has been a very sad day with the news.....
but we know that Zahra is safe, and in the
arms of Jesus, comforted for all eternity ! ::MonkeyAngel::

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1011/15/ng.01.html

::monkeyscissors::


Doctor Perper, as always, an honor to have you on our air waves.

Dr. Perper, you know they make it look easy in movies. It`s not so easy to dismember a body. It is not easy. So this means they had hours and hours to think about what they were doing.

How difficult is it, Dr. Perper, even a child`s body, to dismember a child`s body?

DR. JOSHUA PERPER, MEDICAL EXAMINER, AUTHOR OF "WHEN DOCTORS KILL": Well, it`s difficult, especially for people who don`t have any kind of anatomic knowledge, so they don`t know how to cut an area of joints, and therefore, this horrible task is much more difficult and it can take a considerable amount of time.

You`re absolutely right

 ::monkeyscissors::

How can anyone do this and not get physically sick, I couldn't cut a whole chicken I bought at a grocery store years ago - it disgusted me and I never will be able to.  I felt bad doing that to the chicken. ::MonkeyCool::

Did they get physically sick, were they crying, laughing????  And how in the hell could they remain living/sleeping/eating there? ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::

This is the best design I have seen yet.
You are very talented.
It made me cry !
Thank you ! ::MonkeyAngel::

Goodnight, LEP! I'll add wishes for Zahra to get hugs from my Mom and Dad too. I think every Mom in heaven will take Zahra in as their own. Sleep Well and God Bless!

I can't wrap my mind around it, Jackie. I would imagine that anyone who could physically and emotionally abuse a handicapped child and write such self absorbed casual letters after the fact, or make a nonchalant 9-1-1 call after committing such a heinous act, is capable of anything.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

Thank you, LEP.   ::MonkeyKiss::

Good Night Lake Erie Princess What a beautiful picture you painted for sweet Zahra.  ::MonkeyAngel::

There is no way possible, in that size of house that AB didn't hear something going on in that bedroom or see the matress going out or not seeing her for a few days because he was working late - where's the BS Meter when you need one?! ::MonkeyMad::

I still hope some of the locals get to him before he is arrested. :smt075 :smt021

 ::MonkeyJnBox::  And pretty soon I'm going to need the valium kitty too!

OK, I'm trying to figure this out in terms of evidence that implicates AB. The mattress went out BEFORE the 9-1-1 call that Adam made. I figure she was dead when the mattress went out. If that mattress has evidence of death, AB's goose is cooked. Right?

http://www.dubslawfirm.embarqspace.com/#

Just wanted to share this link I found for the "devil" in sheep's clothing, representing Gothmonster.
Incredible !

Nite 4 real !

You rang?   (http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/express/valium-kitty3.gif)

Personally, I think Valium kitty should be a permanent fixture on this thread. This case is horrific.

I don't think any body with a soul could do such a hideous thing.  I keep asking myself why and how could they do it. Like so many here it's incomprehensible to me.

Lovely picture CBB. when I look at it I see her heaven whole, happy and no pain filled and surrounded with love.  ::MonkeyAngel::

Good night all  God Bless all who have shown that their are loving caring people in the world.

Good Night, GE! Sleep Well and God Bless!  ::MonkeyKiss::

How can this guy be a pediatrician and turn around and try to save Gothmonster??? ::MonkeyNoNo::

Info on her Associate - Jeremy Adam Millsaps was sworn in by the Honorable Amy R. Sigmon as a practicing attorney  at the Catawba County Courthouse on Monday, February 15, 2010.  Mr. Millsaps will be practicing general law in the Catawba County Valley area.  He will be immediately joining the Law Firm of Lisa Andrew Dubs as an associate.  He attended Hickory High School and received his Bachelor of Science degree from East Carolina University in 2005.  He is a 2008 graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law and was admitted to practice law by the North Carolina Board of Law Examiners that same year. 

Attorney Millsaps is a native of Hickory, North Carolina and is the son of David M. Millsaps, M.D. and Rebecca Lindsey Millsaps. Dr. Millsaps is long time resident of Catawba County practicing as a pediatrician for local families. 

Thank You!!!!  Can Klaas make it a monkey emoticon - she isn't busy with anything else is she????? ::MonkeyCool::

Good Night GE
Sweet Dreams
xoxoxo

If some of the what is being posted on line is true I don't see him being safe for long. I know it's not right to wish someone to die a horrible death but I do. I am with you I would love to see both of get a cap in the azz like tomorrow. They don't deserve to be breathing or taking up space here on earth. May they rot in He77.

Good Night

GE, I think the circumstances of this case have made even the angels of the forum (like you) emotionally go places they've never been.

I'm not one of the Saints, and I can tell you, I've had fantasies of what I would do to AB and EB. Let's just say they start with burying them standing upright to their shoulders, so that their heads are all that is above ground, and ends with the tool used to castrate bulls.

(http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/rr319/kcjackie/Monkey%20stuff/17642a8a.gif)

Who, Klaas? Busy? Nooooooooo..........
 ::MonkeyCool::

You know, EB really spilled her guts apparently. I'm so glad she's stupid. If she should be able to make bond, AB would probably be first in line to kill her.

And the rest of us would be right behind both of them!  ::CowboySmiley:: ::MonkeyGavel:: ::MonkeyShovel::

I believe you are correct- and then dismember her and dump her remains randomly around town.  Yeah, sounds like his name should be changed from Baker to Butcher.

I've got to get some sleep. I won't be able to leave for Hickory until tomorrow afternoon, so I'll see you guys in the morning. Sleep well, all.

God Bless and keep Zahra.

Good Night - Be safe!

CBB thank you from Australia for travelling to join in the vigil to remember our little angel Zahra.  Looking forward to your pictures.

Hugs and have a safe journey.

Thank you also for all the monkeys that are going to Hickory.

It will be starting at 10 am tomorrow my time so I will join in with you all.

I'm right behind you, CBB.  I need to get some sleep too.  Having a lot of wind here, one skinny tree already down. 

Goodnight all!!

http://www.smh.com.au/national/tragic-zahra-had-so-few-birthdays-a-town-remembers-the-one-after-her-young-life-was-cut-short-20101116-17vdq.html
Tragic Zahra had so few birthdays: a town remembers the one after her young life was cut short
November 16, 2010

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1330052/Zahra-Bakers-stepmother-claims-innocence-biological-mother-says-hopes-dad-wasnt-involved-death.html
(Videos and a lot of pics at the link)
'I ain't a monster': Zahra Baker's stepmother claims innocence as biological mother says she hopes father wasn't involved in death
November 16, 2010

The stepmother of 10-year-old Zahra Baker has indicated in a jailhouse letter written a fortnight before the girl's remains were found that Zahra was dead, but wrote no feelings of sadness at the child's plight.

'I was trying to save us both, but why should I? He is letting everyone destroy me', Elisa Baker penned, referring to Zahra's father Adam Baker, 33.

Zahra's remains were discovered in two separate locations last week. Her prosthetic leg which she wore after losing her limb to bone cancer, was found elsewhere earlier in the search.
Elisa is currently in jail charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly writing a fake $1million ransom note after Zahra was reported missing in Hickory, North Carolina back in October.

In an earlier letter, Baker, 42, wrote: 'We really didn't kill her, but what he [Adam Baker] did after the fact is kinda horrifying.'

Baker more recently penned that she 'ain't the monster people are saying'.

She also said she was frustrated by her lawyer refusing to let her do TV interviews.

'I want a chance to be heard damn it. This is my life and everyone is playing with and I have no control over what is said or done', Baker wrote.

She then commented on the media attention she has received saying: 'Maybe I should just change my name to Evil, what do you think? LOL'.

In the third letter written to crime memorabilia dealer Eric Gein, Baker never mentioned Zahra or concern for her whereabouts in the three rambling pages but said she will be living alone when she gets out of prison.

Baker said that she is working with police to get her husband locked up 'for [her] safety'.

'My family will never believe Adam has done what he has', the letter said. 'I am helping the cops try and get my soon-to-be ex-husband in here. The cops promised if I would help them with what I know, they would keep him locked up for my safety'.

Adam Baker is currently free on bail after he was arrested for assault and passing bad cheques last month.
is attorney Mark Killian said news of the letters are painful for the father who learned of his daughter's death on Friday.

'These accusations are... I don't know what to say. Mr Baker obviously categorically denies any of this... We just see these writings as desperate attempts of someone incarcerated to divert attention away.'

Mr Killian said Mr Baker handled the news of his daughter's demise with 'shock... just the worst nightmare'.

Zahra's biological mother Emily Dietrich said yesterday that she is trying to believe that the child's father was not involved in her death.

Ms Dietrich who is from Australia had not seen her daughter since she was 8 months old. She had given Zahra to her father after suffering from post-natal depression.
he handed over custody to her daughter but later decided she wanted to be in the girl's life and spent years trying to track the pair.

(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2010/11/16/article-1330052-0C1651C3000005DC-11_634x364.jpg)
Newborn: Ms Deitrich (pictured with baby Zahra) said she tried to track down her daughter and Adam over the years to no avail and only knew they were living in America a few days before her child was reported missing

'I can't explain the anger, the hurt,' she said. 'He had no right to do any of it, to keep her from me.'

She said she discovered Zahra was living in the U.S. just three days before she was reported missing on October 9.

'I never got to say goodbye,' she said. 'I never even got to say hello.'

'I have to take a step back and think of the possibility that maybe Adam wasn't involved and maybe he is hurting as well', she told Seven Network.

Ms Deitrich who lives in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales said she didn't know Baker had taken her daughter to the U.S. until days before she was reported missing on October 9.

She said she was 'still hurt, still crushed' after learning of her daughter's death.

Ms Dietrich said yesterday: 'It didn't make a difference trying to prepare myself. It didn't make a difference to anybody.

'As hard as it was to hear the news they were telling me, it was just as hard to watch them cry while they told me and apologised to me.

'All they wanted was to find her and bring her back alive.
Hickory police said on Friday they found a bone that matches DNA from Zahra, whose cancer had forced her to use a prosthetic leg and hearing aids.

It was found in an area near where the family lived until mid-September.

Police say Elisa Baker led investigators to the bone and another area where authorities found remains they believe are Zahra's. No one has been charged in the girl's death.

The discovery of Zahra's remains prompted emotional scenes at Friday's police press conference.

Fighting back tears, police chief Tom Adkins said investigators were ‘devastated’ they could not bring Zahra safely home.

Chief Adkins said: ‘I’ve been dreading this moment from early on in this investigation. We have found enough physical evidence to believe we have found Zahra.’

Police had been searching for the disabled girl ever since her father first reported that she had vanished more than a month ago.

Last week's discovery of a bone matching Zahra’s DNA was followed on Wednesday when searchers found human remains on the edge of Gunpowder Creek, a pond close to where the little girl’s prosthetic leg had also been uncovered.

Relatives and neighbours have said Mrs Baker was cruel and abusive towards her stepdaughter, who often appeared bruised.
Stricken with bone cancer, Zahra had her lower left leg amputated when she was five-years-old and she also lost much of her hearing.

Her body was found in the same rural area of Caldwall County where the Baker family used to live.

‘Please understand, I can’t get into many specifics about the investigation, but the DNA evidence from the bone found on Christie Road matches the DNA sample taken from the Baker’s house,’ said Chief Adkins.

Detectives questioned the girl's father again yesterday.

‘This case isn’t over and we won’t rest until we have all the information we need to bring the people to justice who hurt Zahra,’ said Chief Adkins.
nvestigators, agents, officers and staff who worked on this case are devastated that we were not able to find Zahra alive and bring her home safely.

‘We appreciate the support we receive from the public. Today our community mourns. Our state mourns. Our nation mourns and the world mourns,’ he added.

Although Zahra was reported missing on October 9, it later emerged that she hadn’t been seen for weeks before that date.

Police said the letters probably were written by Baker. She also reportedly claimed: ‘They arrested Adam, but he got right back out. How fair is that? See I told you I have no support?

'I have never been so angry over stuff as I am right now. He knows what happened to Zahra, and yet I'm the one in here at least for now'.

She allegedly added: 'It makes me scared of him. So I probably am gonna go ahead and file [for divorce]. I have lost my whole life anyway.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1841750/filing-has-gruesome-details-of.html
Zahra's stepmom gave explicit details in death
Elisa Baker's bid for lower bond claims she told police where to find child's scattered remains, but doesn't tell how she died.
November 16, 2010

Zahra Baker's body was dismembered and the remains hidden across several rural locations, a court document said for the first time Monday, days after police said that the 10-year-old cancer survivor is dead.

The court filing is a motion by Zahra's stepmother, Elisa Baker, asking the court to reduce her $65,000 bond for obstruction of justice. The motion, filed Monday afternoon in Superior Court, provides specific and at times grisly details of what Elisa Baker says happened to the young girl's body.

The document doesn't indicate how Zahra died or who may be responsible, but the motion argues that Baker's bond should be reduced because of her extensive and continuing cooperation.

"The only credible evidence released to the public by law enforcement related to this case is evidence that was collected after Elisa Baker told law enforcement where to look and what to look for," the motion says.

Elisa Baker's attorneys met with her for two hours Monday, but declined to speak with reporters. They couldn't be reached for comment Monday night.

It wasn't clear Monday why Elisa Baker, in admitted some knowledge of Zahra's death, could be asking for a lower bond. Police haven't given a motive in the case.

Speculation has centered around Elisa and Adam Baker, Zahra's father, since shortly after the girl was reported missing on Oct. 9.

A family member interviewed by CNN's Nancy Grace described talking with Elisa Baker in jail.

"As we talked with her, she cried over missing Zahra and how her husband has left her to take all the blame for what has happened when he played a big part in this terrible situation," the cousin said in the interview. The cousin spoke on condition of anonymity because of death threats the family has received.

The owner of a crime memorabilia website is selling two letters he claims he received from Elisa Baker saying her stepdaughter, Zahra, is dead, and that her husband did something "horrifying" to the girl after her death.

"We didn't really kill her but what he did after the fact is kinda horrifying," says one of the letters Eric Gein claims he got from Elisa Baker, who is in jail. "Makes me scared of him."

In Monday's motion, they say she has been instrumental in the investigation into the death of the girl who moved to the United States from Australia in 2009, after her father Adam married Elisa Baker.

Zahra Baker, who was hearing-impaired and walked with the help of a prosthesis after losing her left leg to cancer, was reported missing by her father in a call to police.

On Friday, after more than a month of investigating, police said they had credible evidence that Zahra was dead, and had unearthed remains of a child they believe was Zahra.

Both Adam and Elisa Baker have denied any wrongdoing in the case. Elisa Baker was arrested on Oct. 10 on unrelated charges, then charged with obstruction of justice on Oct. 12 after investigators say she admitted writing a bogus ransom note.

According to Monday's motion to reduce bond, Elisa Baker told her attorneys on Oct. 22 that she had information about the disappearance and death of Zahra Baker.

Elisa Baker's defense attorneys notified police the next morning, indicating that Baker was willing to cooperate with investigators. But, they said, investigators had to move fast because weather could destroy evidence, according to the document.

Investigators were told that Zahra Baker was deceased, that her body had been dismembered and that body parts would be discovered at different sites. The defense team suggested that Baker needed to be present because of the remote locations of the sites.

Baker went out with law enforcement agents to three sites on Oct. 25, according to the court document. At each site, she described what would be found there and told officers where to look.

At one point, she was photographed by television news cameras inside a red SUV being driven by law enforcement agents.

The document says officers recovered the gel liner of the prosthetic leg near Christie Road in Hudson because of Baker. The site is near where Elisa Baker used to live.

Investigators also found evidence at two other sites because of Baker, the document says: a bone later identified as Zahra Baker's at the Christie Road site and remains believed to be those of Zahra Baker at another Caldwell County location along Dudley Shoals Road.

The document says Baker also directed investigators to other sites where possible evidence was located, including the dumpster where Zahra's mattress was discarded and undisclosed items found at the family's home.

Baker has continued to cooperate with authorities, the motion says. She was still in Catawba County jail Monday night. It was unclear Monday evening when a judge is expected to rule on the motion.

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/nc-girls-birthday-comes-742145.html
NC girl's birthday comes amid grim revelations
November 16, 2010

HICKORY, N.C. — Zahra Baker, the little girl from Australia with the resilience to smile through painful treatment for bone cancer, would have been 11 years old Tuesday.

nstead, the day will be marked with candlelight vigils in North Carolina as court documents revealed she was dismembered and police needed her stepmother's help to find the remains because they were in such remote locations.

Attorneys for the stepmother, Elisa Baker, argued the woman's bond should be lessened because she helped police. Elisa Baker has been in custody since the day after Zahra was reported missing, and she is accused of trying to throw off investigators by writing a fake ransom note for another child.

Zahra's father was also arrested on a host of charges unrelated to the girl's disappearance, but is free on bail. Calls to his lawyer were not returned.

No one has been charged in Zahra's death, but police have cast doubt on her parents' claims they last saw her alive Oct. 9.

Zahra's remains and the prosthetic leg she needed after an amputation because of her cancer were found at remote sites around Hickory, a town of about 41,000 about 50 miles northwest of Charlotte, the documents said.

As police continued their investigation, a mountain of remembrances accumulated at the Bakers' now-abandoned home, with pictures, birthday cards and angels hanging from a tree outside the home in Hickory.

Spending her lunch break to pay respects at the growing pile of toys and flowers left in Zahra's memory, retail grocery worker Cathie Price cried as she talked about how the community is dealing with the girl's death.

"Most little kids, they're afraid of having monsters under the bed or in the closet," Price said. "This poor little child, she was living with monsters right out there in the open."

Elisa Baker told police on Oct. 24 that Zahra "was deceased, that her body had been dismembered and that it would be recovered at different sites," according to the documents. She was allowed to accompany police the following two days to sites within about 15 miles of Hickory.

The court papers were reported by Charlotte-area TV stations and posted on the website of WCNC-TV.

Zahra's parents told authorities she was last seen in her bed at their home in Hickory. Soon after she was reported missing, police had trouble finding anyone other than Zahra's parents who had seen her alive in the weeks before her disappearance. A suspicious early morning fire occurred at the family's home several hours before she was reported missing.

It was then that police discovered a ransom note addressed to Adam Baker's boss on the windshield of Baker's car. Police went to that man's house, and found him and his daughter to be fine. Elisa Baker admitted writing the note and faces an obstruction of justice charge, police said.

Adam Baker, 33, is facing one count each of assault with a deadly weapon and failure to return rental property, two counts of communicating threats and five counts of writing worthless checks, authorities said.

Zahra's biological mother had traveled from Australia to Hickory last week. Emily Dietrich, from Wagga Wagga in New South Wales province, told the Australia-based Seven Network Sunday she hopes to be able to return her daughter's remains to her native country.

Some 100 miles northeast of Hickory, Kristie Pope was organizing a vigil in Greensboro. Mourners will gather at a local Ben & Jerry's, which is making a special birthday cake for Zahra.

"She could be my kid, with the freckles and the hair," said Pope, a mother of three. "She reminds me a little of what my daughter looked like at that age."

___

 ::MonkeyTears::

I believe rejected is the furthest thing from the truth I have seen. More like stolen from! I am changing my avi for Zahra today.

I am reading to catch up here so if someone has answered/guessed this already forgive me.  My guess is that they used it to break bones - I often see people mis use a wrench as a hammer. But who knows with these animals.

Well, I guess I should always read to the end. It makes sense that these were the tools used in the home search.  Guess I need to start taping NG so I can watch it in the morning. Too tired to stay up and watch it last night.

i think the DR is wrong, AB and EB were trying to cover up a murder, not perform
a surgical operation, and this is prob the tool they used, a reciprocating saw
some vids here show how well they work on metal and wood, i took out a 9ft section
of wall with one in less than an hr1/2

vids
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyJYnQTtkRM&feature=channel

HOLY MOLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Well, it will be someone who committed suicide for certain ::MonkeyRoll:: ::MonkeyRoll::

sorry not sure how i got this quote in my post above, it was a mistake
http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?topic=8939.msg1262390#msg1262390

thank you monkeys that are going to the vigil for zahra,
 ::MonkeyCool::

yep.....and it frightening to think they might get away with this.

I hope so.....what a wonderful birthday gift for Zahra!!

Hi and welcome.....scoochie over,  cause the limb you are on is gonna get real crowded.

Thanks for a first hand account of what the people of Hickory are thinking and feeling.

I agree.....this is BULLCHIT!  She has no idea what was used....more sensationalism......she will never get off that wall of shame.... ::MonkeyTongue::

thanks again.....as usual NG is full of crap and spews it all over!

I am so glad you are able to do this....there couldn't be a better representative of SM.  Be careful and stay safe.

Who else will be going to Hickory besides CBB and luvmyboys??

http://www.thehinkymeter.com/2010/11/15/zahra/ (http://www.thehinkymeter.com/2010/11/15/zahra/)


Zahra

Posted on November 15th, 2010 by Valhall

I wish for you that things had gone differently; that the twisting road that led to the end of your life had straightened at some point and led to a safe place, a loving place.
I wish that today you were really celebrating your birthday with loving family members who would have sang to you, given you presents, and cheered when you blew out your candles.
I wish that your mother had found you sooner.
I wish that your grandmother had not lost you.
I wish that your father had been there when he needed to be, and placed you in the position you were supposed to be in his life…first.
I wish that your father had never met Elisa.
I wish that you were with your friends at school laughing and learning and being a child.
I wish that the agencies who were mandated to protect you had done their jobs.
I wish that your mother could hug and kiss your beautiful smiling face today.
I wish that today you were really 11.
I wish that today you were alive.

(http://clayfire.com/Portals/10/animated_candle.gif)

                          Zahra Clare Baker

                          Born 11/16/1999…

              touched the world’s heart in 2010.


To Emily,

My thoughts, prayers and love are with you today.  May God grant you the peace that only His mercy and grace can bring.  Remember…she hurts no more.

Valhall.

 ::MonkeyTears::  Thoughts and prayers for Zahra.   ::MonkeyAngel::

For all that are going to the vigil today, drive safe and will look forward to the pictures  ::MonkeyAngel::

same from me!

wish that Emily could have stayed for the vigil and for Zahra's birthday today...

Happy birthday Zahra...thinking of you among the angels...

 ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel::

Good morning monkeys. I was wondering if I take pictures can I send them to someone through email. I don't think I know how to upload them her on scaredmonkeys I have never done that before. I am so so sad as I know all of you guys are :(   

ZAHRA BAKER overcame plenty of hardship during her 10 years of life.

The freckle-faced girl with the beaming smile was rejected at birth by her mother, battled bone cancer as a toddler, had a leg amputated aged five, lost her hearing during chemotherapy and, at eight, was uprooted from her home in Queensland and moved to Hickory, a small town in North Carolina, so her father could be with a woman he met on the internet. [snip]

http://www.smh.com.au/world/at-last-zahra-can-be-laid-to-rest-20101113-17ruq.html

You can send to me at smklaas@hotmail.com

Be sure if you take photos of any Scared Monkeys members you get their approval before emailing to me to post.  TIA!

Community Angered By Revelations In Court Motion  (with video)


HICKORY, N.C. -- Elisa Baker told Hickory police that her stepdaughter, Zahra, was dead and that her body had been dismembered, according to a motion filed late Monday afternoon by Baker's attorneys.

The court document also states that Baker told detectives the remains of Zahra, 10, would be recovered at different sites.

• PDF: Elisa Baker Bond Reduction Motion
http://www.wsoctv.com/download/2010/1116/25803730.pdf

The revelations were detailed in a request to lower Baker's bond and left some people in Hickory angry.

"Whoever did this to her needs to suffer," said Melissa Agnew, a Hickory resident.

The document does not mention how Zahra died.

"it just breaks my heart," said Lynne Myer, another Hickory resident. "Whoever was involved in this -- it just breaks my heart."

According to the court document, Elisa Baker told her attorneys on Oct. 22 that she knew the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of the 10-year-old. That night her defense team located a significant piece of evidence in the case that was later turned over the law enforcement officials, the paperwork says.

Within 48 hours, police were told that Zahra was dead and that her body was dismembered and would be recovered at different locations, according to the document. Elisa Baker’s attorneys suggested that she could show police the exact locations.

Elisa Baker was taken out of jail at one point during the investigation and led police to three different sites, including the Dudley Shoals area and the Christie Road area, both of which are in Caldwell County. Remains that police believe are Zahra’s were found in the Dudley Shoals area and Zahra’s prosthetic leg was found off Christie Road.

Elisa Baker also confirmed to police that a mattress found at a landfill was consistent with one that had been placed in a dumpster, the document said. In addition, she told them additional evidence could be found in the family’s Hickory home, according to the document.

The motion asks a judge to reduce Baker's $65,000 bond on a charge of obstruction of justice. Police said Baker admitted writing a phony ransom note to her husband's boss which was discovered the day Baker and her husband, Adam, reported Zahra missing.

Tony Scheer, a legal expert, said he doubted a judge would lower the bond after reading the details revealed in the court filing. Scheer said the document could lead to more warrants and an increased bond.

District Attorney Jay Gaither told Channel 9 Eyewitness News that it could be a few weeks before Elisa Baker gets another bond hearing.

The filing came the day before what would have been Zahra's 11th birthday.

Memorials were planned throughout the community on Tuesday.

Caitlynn Myer, a freshman at Hickory High School, said students planned to wear white on Tuesday to remember Zahra.

"A lot of people in this community are coming closer together," said Myer. "It's such a sad, touching story."

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/25801554/detail.html

Grisly details revealed as vigil planned on Zahra's birthday (with video)

(http://wbtv.images.worldnow.com/images/13507517_SS.jpg)

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13507517

CBB that is so thoughtful of you to take a monkey with you. To everyone going to the vigil please be safe.   ::MonkeyAngel::

BBM
Let's hope this happens.

Thinking of You with Love
We thought of you with love today,
but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday,
and days before that too.
We think of you in silence,
we often speak your name.
All we have are memories,
and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake,
with which we will never part.
God has you in His keeping,
we have you in our hearts.
A million times we`ve wanted you.
A million times we cried.
If love could only have saved you,
you never would have died.
It broke our hearts to lose you.
But you didn`t go alone.
For a part of us went with you...
the day God called you Home.
~Author Unknown


(http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/PAULINE716/i222564379_70591_2.gif)

Happy Birthday Zahra.  You have so many new Aunties and Uncles whose love you can feel rising to heaven.  I am sure you have made many new friends and they are celebrating this day with you, Natalie, Amber, Caylee, Haleigh, Shaniya, Chelsea and Sandra just to name a few.  Nothing can hurt you now sweet angel.  You will forever be with your Mum now looking over her.

Well, in the end, at least she talked even if it was for vengeance.  Zahra is found and that is better than the ones that are not.  This woman is clearly a psychopath and unfortunately all her letters will work in her defense.  Clearly one can see that she has no remorse, is completely insane, and has no comprehension of what she did...it doesn't even bother her that they dismembered a child...she is only concerned about her own misery.  Any guesses on what the defense is going to claim?

May Heaven be a Birthday everyday for you, Zahra.  Happy Birthday angel child.

Morning everyone:
     At work and checking in to see if AB's been arrested yet. Guess not.

Nope, nothing yet. 

Zahra Baker's stepmom gave explicit details in death
Elisa Baker's bid for lower bond claims she told police where to find child's scattered remains, but doesn't tell how she died.


Zahra Baker's body was dismembered and the remains hidden across several rural locations, a court document said for the first time Monday, days after police said that the 10-year-old cancer survivor is dead.

The court filing is a motion by Zahra's stepmother, Elisa Baker, asking the court to reduce her $65,000 bond for obstruction of justice. The motion, filed Monday afternoon in Superior Court, provides specific and at times grisly details of what Elisa Baker says happened to the young girl's body.

The document doesn't indicate how Zahra died or who may be responsible, but the motion argues that Baker's bond should be reduced because of her extensive and continuing cooperation.

"The only credible evidence released to the public by law enforcement related to this case is evidence that was collected after Elisa Baker told law enforcement where to look and what to look for," the motion says.

Elisa Baker's attorneys met with her for two hours Monday, but declined to speak with reporters. They couldn't be reached for comment Monday night.

It wasn't clear Monday why Elisa Baker, in admitted some knowledge of Zahra's death, could be asking for a lower bond. Police haven't given a motive in the case.

Speculation has centered around Elisa and Adam Baker, Zahra's father, since shortly after the girl was reported missing on Oct. 9.

A family member interviewed by CNN's Nancy Grace described talking with Elisa Baker in jail.

"As we talked with her, she cried over missing Zahra and how her husband has left her to take all the blame for what has happened when he played a big part in this terrible situation," the cousin said in the interview. The cousin spoke on condition of anonymity because of death threats the family has received.

The owner of a crime memorabilia website is selling two letters he claims he received from Elisa Baker saying her stepdaughter, Zahra, is dead, and that her husband did something "horrifying" to the girl after her death.

"We didn't really kill her but what he did after the fact is kinda horrifying," says one of the letters Eric Gein claims he got from Elisa Baker, who is in jail. "Makes me scared of him."

In Monday's motion, they say she has been instrumental in the investigation into the death of the girl who moved to the United States from Australia in 2009, after her father Adam married Elisa Baker.

Zahra Baker, who was hearing-impaired and walked with the help of a prosthesis after losing her left leg to cancer, was reported missing by her father in a call to police.

On Friday, after more than a month of investigating, police said they had credible evidence that Zahra was dead, and had unearthed remains of a child they believe was Zahra.

Both Adam and Elisa Baker have denied any wrongdoing in the case. Elisa Baker was arrested on Oct. 10 on unrelated charges, then charged with obstruction of justice on Oct. 12 after investigators say she admitted writing a bogus ransom note.

According to Monday's motion to reduce bond, Elisa Baker told her attorneys on Oct. 22 that she had information about the disappearance and death of Zahra Baker.

Elisa Baker's defense attorneys notified police the next morning, indicating that Baker was willing to cooperate with investigators. But, they said, investigators had to move fast because weather could destroy evidence, according to the document.

Investigators were told that Zahra Baker was deceased, that her body had been dismembered and that body parts would be discovered at different sites. The defense team suggested that Baker needed to be present because of the remote locations of the sites.

Baker went out with law enforcement agents to three sites on Oct. 25, according to the court document. At each site, she described what would be found there and told officers where to look.

At one point, she was photographed by television news cameras inside a red SUV being driven by law enforcement agents.

The document says officers recovered the gel liner of the prosthetic leg near Christie Road in Hudson because of Baker. The site is near where Elisa Baker used to live.

Investigators also found evidence at two other sites because of Baker, the document says: a bone later identified as Zahra Baker's at the Christie Road site and remains believed to be those of Zahra Baker at another Caldwell County location along Dudley Shoals Road.

The document says Baker also directed investigators to other sites where possible evidence was located, including the dumpster where Zahra's mattress was discarded and undisclosed items found at the family's home.

Baker has continued to cooperate with authorities, the motion says. She was still in Catawba County jail Monday night. It was unclear Monday evening when a judge is expected to rule on the motion.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1841750/filing-has-gruesome-details-of.html

Family members and HLN's Nancy Grace debate the allegations of abuse against Adam and Elisa Baker. (video)

http://www.cnn.com/video/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_freevideo+%28RSS%3A+Video%29#/video/crime/2010/11/15/ng.zahra.family.debates.hln

 Signs hang from the stair railing of the Baker house on 21st Avenue,NW, calling for justice for Zahra Baker on November 15,2010.

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/0/354/120765/signs-zahra-1/)http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/15/10/bond-reduction-filing-baker-shows-her-help-case-ar-540284/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAHRA!

I wish I could hug you today and tell you happy birthday but you are in Heaven and have more loving arms to hug you than you could have ever had here on earth.

 ::MonkeyAngel::

thanks NR...this needs to be seen...I am so glad no one has decided it needs to be taken down.....so many failed this little girl..... ::MonkeyTears::

Happy Birthday to precious Zahra.  Would love to hug you.  If they would let EB out of jail, I would travel the distance to beat her for the pain she caused you.  I hate her.  I don't care if she is cooperating now; she should have stopped the murder from the get go.  I won't to tell AB that his days are numbered.  Justice will prevail.  Many tears have been shed for you.  Everytime I think of how the evil SM made you walk up that hill on your leg and cause you to cry with pain, I get so angry.  But, the final promise my child is Jesus will love you for eternity and you my now sleep well and run and play as often as you like with no pain.  Justice for Zahra.  Peace be unto you. ::MonkeyAngel::

One more time~

(http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/monkeyking0956/Happy%20Birthday/happybirthday_23.gif)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZAHRA.

xoxoxoxoxo

**Oh, MODERATOR~

Would you delete my post #167.

Photobucket was up to their shenanigans trying to get me to upgrade.

Thank you,
MK

YW.  MB   ::bee::

Brandi-  Please check your gmail, I've sent you a message.  MuffyBee

LEAVING NOW! Can somebody please post the house address........... I have 2 stuffed monkeys to leave on SM's behalf!   ::MonkeyDance::

Hey you guys. I was wondering if someone can give me the address of the house where the monsters killed zahra. Not a link cause I can't get my laptop 2 work right now. I am on my blackberry right now. I am planning on going by that house while I am in hickory for the memorial my sister and I am gonna take a little cake out there and light some candles and when the wind blows them out. I will take it as zahra blew them out.

Brand, that is beautiful!  You used my favorite photo of Zahra! 

21 21st avenue

A beautiful tribute to a sweet, lovely girl.    ::MonkeyAngel::  Thank you CBB. 

 ::MonkeyKiss:: ::MonkeyKiss::  See You all later!!

CBB and Brandi: Beautiful! You ladies always make such heartfelt pics!  ::MonkeyAngel::

Oops! got in the box!  ::MonkeyJnBox::

Thank you CBB, I wanted to go, but presently have all my children here at one time [this a rare treat.]

Be careful and stay safe.  ::MonkeyAngel::

Sorry CBB, didn't see your post of you going.  ::MonkeyTongue:: Please drive safe.

Did someone say it was snowing in hickory?

Done. And done.

Thank you so much, muffy!

 ::MonkeyAngel::

luvmyboys I was mentioning about CBB driving through the mountains to get there. No snow in Hickory.  ::MonkeyWink::

She was such a cutie, I can't decide which is my favorite.

Can you see the kangaroos? ;-)

 ::MonkeyJnBox:: Truly enjoying all the beautiful pic's and birthday wishes.  Thank You!!

City: Temp.: Conditions: Updated:
  Hickory 14 °C  Rain 1:53 PM EST

This Afternoon
Showers likely with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Highs in the lower 60s. South winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.

Tonight
Mostly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the evening...then partly cloudy after midnight. Lows in the mid 40s. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.

http://www.wunderground.com/US/NC/Hickory.html

Candlelight Vigil Marks Zahra’s 11th Birthday

HICKORY, N.C. -- A candlelight vigil to honor Zahra Baker, who would turn 11 years old today, begins at 6 p.m. at Union Square in downtown Hickory.

• RAW VIDEO: Zahra At Speedway Children's Charities Event In May
http://www.wsoctv.com/video/25454162/index.html


The Children’s Protection Council of Catawba County is hosting the vigil and said stuffed animals and other gifts brought in honor of Zahra will be donated to “Cops For Tots.”

The vigil comes the day after court documents revealed Zahra’s body was dismembered and the remains hidden in several remote locations.

Attorneys for Zahra’s stepmother, Elisa Baker, argued the woman's bond should be lessened because she helped police locate the remains and cooperated in the investigation into Zahra’s disappearance.

Elisa Baker has been in custody since the day after Zahra was reported missing, and she is accused of trying to throw off investigators by writing a fake ransom note for another child.

District Attorney James Gaither Jr. said his office will oppose efforts to reduce Elisa Baker’s bond. She faces obstructing justice and 15 lesser charges unrelated to Zahra's disappearance. Gaither said if necessary, he'd present evidence to prevent a lower bond.

Zahra's father was also arrested on a host of charges unrelated to the girl's disappearance, but is free on bail.

No one has been charged in Zahra's death, but police have cast doubt on her parents' claims that they last saw her alive Oct. 9.

MORE...

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/25811918/detail.html

Welcome to the cage  ::MonkeyBike::

LEP - O/T,  I am in Ohio too (Columbus), so I am assuming you are familiar with the Mount Vernon in Knox county case, where they just found the 13 yr bound and gagged in the house of a former sicko, after she went missing with her mother, brother and family friend, who are still yet to be found?  Not a good feeling about those three, though glad the girl was found safely and the pedo sicko has been caught!  I went to Mount Vernon Nazarene Univiserity, in the same town and my hubby hunts there.  I'm not sure if there is a thread here for them or not?

I am also thank-you  ::MonkeyAngel::

Chief hopes Zahra Baker vigil will bring peace (with video)

HICKORY, N.C. – Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins isn’t one to hide his emotions when it comes to the Zahra Baker case.

He has shed tears during press conferences and said the young girl’s death has been tough to deal with.

Now, in his first one-on-one interview since the Zahra Baker case broke, Chief Adkins explains how important Tuesday’s vigil is for the Hickory community.

"I think [the vigil] is an opportunity for folks to come and grieve and show their support of Zahra. It’s an opportunity for them to learn more about Zahra and celebrate her life here with us,” said Adkins.

Last Friday, Adkins announced that evidence found in Catawba County matched Zahra’s DNA. He concluded that Zahra is considered dead.

Late Monday afternoon, attorneys for Elisa Baker, Zahra’s stepmother, asked for a reduction in her bond. According to court documents, Elisa has been the only source of information as to Zahra’s remains.

Court papers say Elisa Baker started cooperating with investigators on Oct. 24. It’s then that she told law enforcement officials Zahra was dead and her body was dismembered.

Adkins says this type of crime is especially hard since it involves a young child, and many officers in his department have children of their own.

“All cases involving a child are very difficult because of that aspect of being family; having family of our own,” said Adkins. “I think throughout this whole case our officers have remained strong. Our community has supported us very well, and that helps give us strength to continue on in this case.”

Adkins says he hopes tonight’s vigil brings peace to Zahra and those that have been affected by her death.

"This community has embraced Zahra over the time that we've been involved in this case,” he explained. “[The vigil] is just a good opportunity on her birthday today to allow people to come together and grieve together and show how much they love Zahra.

The vigil starts at 6 p.m. It will be held at Union Square in downtown Hickory. Hickory Police estimate more than 1,000 people could attend.

 
http://www.wcnc.com/news/zahra-baker/Chief-hopes-Zahra-Baker-vigil-will-bring-peace-108454609.html

Good, the DA will not allow bond to be lowered

Happy Birthday, Zahra! ::MonkeyAngel::  May you rest in peace little one.

Thank you to all the talented Monkeys who make these beautiful pics for us to enjoy.

I wish they would arrest adam 2day that would be great.

Tears for Zahra Baker as Queensland town gather to mark her birthday

MORE than 100 people gathered in a small Queensland town for what should have been Zahra Baker's 11th birthday.
The party had all the trappings of an ordinary birthday party - a Freddo Frog cake, a sausage sizzle and pink and purple balloons.

But there was no birthday girl.

The young cancer survivor, who grew up in Giru, southwest of Townsville, should have been celebrating her 11th birthday yesterday.

Instead, investigators in the US state of North Carolina are slowly piecing together the awful circumstances of the Australian girl's death.

Kim Wright, who lives in the town, said she expected hundreds of people to turn out for a candlelight vigil and birthday party in Zahra's honour.

Court papers filed in the US, by lawyers representing Zahra's American stepmother Elisa Baker, say her body was dismembered and her remains scattered at different sites around Hickory, in western North Carolina.

Baker remains in custody, accused of trying to throw off investigators with a bogus ransom note. Her father Adam Baker, 33, is facing charges unrelated to the girl's disappearance.

The pair, who reported Zahra missing on October 9, are suspects.

As US investigators continue the hunt for Zahra's remains, residents in Giru will mark her birthday with a memorial.

Family friend Kim Wright, who lives in the town, said she expected hundreds of people to turn out for a candlelight vigil and birthday party in Zahra's honour.

"The community support is phenomenal for this little girl," Ms Wright told AAP. "There's a lot of disbelief at what has happened.

"We'll be having a birthday cake... a cake iced with Freddo Frogs... and Zahra's favourite was a sausage sizzle, and her favourite colours were pink and purple."

Giru residents have been asked to wear pink and purple clothes to the vigil at the Giru park from 7.30pm (AEST).
Ms Wright said she forged a friendship with the little girl when she battled cancer and lost a leg five years ago.

"As strange as it sounds, I was one of her best friends. She was five and I was 40," she said.

"She was a very special little girl, I'll never meet another one like her.

"We were pretty good mates, she used to have sleepovers at my house and we used to go shopping together. I miss her terribly."

She said the town had decided to mark Zahra's birthday before news broke that one of her bones had been found.

"I was always of the belief that until they actually found Zahra I wouldn't believe she was gone," Ms Wright said.

"All they had found at that stage was a prosthetic leg and some hearing aids. She never needed them to live, I saw that kid tear around; she could hop faster than I could run. She wasn't deaf, she had limited hearing but could still hear."

Ms Wright said she last saw her young friend December two years ago and that none of Zahra's family members lived in Giru anymore.

Zahra's story has gained headlines world-wide.

Rejected at birth by her mother, she battled bone cancer as a toddler, had a leg amputated aged five, lost her hearing during chemotherapy and at eight was uprooted from her home in Queensland to North Carolina so her father could be with a woman he met on the internet.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/tears-for-zahra-baker-as-queensland-town-gather-to-mark-her-birthday/story-e6frf7jx-1225954648339

Chief hopes Zahra Baker vigil will bring peace
by GREG ARGOS / NewsChannel 36
HICKORY, N.C. – Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins isn’t one to hide his emotions when it comes to the Zahra Baker case.

He has shed tears during press conferences and said the young girl’s death has been tough to deal with.

Now, in his first one-on-one interview since the Zahra Baker case broke, Chief Adkins explains how important Tuesday’s vigil is for the Hickory community.

"I think [the vigil] is an opportunity for folks to come and grieve and show their support of Zahra. It’s an opportunity for them to learn more about Zahra and celebrate her life here with us,” said Adkins.

Last Friday, Adkins announced that evidence found in Catawba County matched Zahra’s DNA. He concluded that Zahra is considered dead.

Late Monday afternoon, attorneys for Elisa Baker, Zahra’s stepmother, asked for a reduction in her bond. According to court documents, Elisa has been the only source of information as to Zahra’s remains.

Court papers say Elisa Baker started cooperating with investigators on Oct. 24. It’s then that she told law enforcement officials Zahra was dead and her body was dismembered.

Adkins says this type of crime is especially hard since it involves a young child, and many officers in his department have children of their own.

“All cases involving a child are very difficult because of that aspect of being family; having family of our own,” said Adkins. “I think throughout this whole case our officers have remained strong. Our community has supported us very well, and that helps give us strength to continue on in this case.”

Adkins says he hopes tonight’s vigil brings peace to Zahra and those that have been affected by her death.

"This community has embraced Zahra over the time that we've been involved in this case,” he explained. “[The vigil] is just a good opportunity on her birthday today to allow people to come together and grieve together and show how much they love Zahra.

The vigil starts at 6 p.m. It will be held at Union Square in downtown Hickory. Hickory Police estimate more than 1,000 people could attend.
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Chief-hopes-Zahra-Baker-vigil-will-bring-peace-108454609.html

 :smt049 Thank you, Brandi and CBB for the beautiful remembrances for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you, Klaas and mods for SM and this thread for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you, Monkeys who always post news about Zahra's case.

 :smt049 Thank you to those who post your hearts and prayers for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to those who are attending the memorial for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to those who are organizing the memorial for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to investigators who worked so hard for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to the DA's office for seeking justice for Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to those who will hold accountable the system that failed Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you to those who vow to speak up for abused children, in honor of Zahra.

 :smt049 Thank you, Monkeys, for caring about Zahra and all children who are hurt or missing.

 :smt049 Happy Birthday to Beautiful, Brave, Smiling Zahra.

This is beautiful, Brandi.
The others are as well.

Tell me lord, for I’m a God fearing man, I’m not the smartest, by no means, I just need some sort of answer, I’ve pondered for hours, days, weeks, I don’t understand. I try to live right, following your word, Love thy neighbor, share the word, lend a helping hand, not for money, or thanks, Just to be a blessing to be a profit of the lord helping less fortunate – don’t ask for nothing. The breath in my lungs, the heartbeat in my chest, is about all I need, sometimes a cup of coffee, pack of crackers, money has no purpose, can’t by love, or life
All the murders caused by greed Happiness can’t be bought, to a Gipsy what’s a home, I ask for nothing in life except to help less fortunate- then to be left alone, for all my family has come & gone, it’s easy for me to see. God- you’ve not left me without food, nor shelter, The breath in my lungs, the heartbeat in my chest, I’ll never claim to be perfect, some things in life I can cover up, forget, or leave behind. But I feel your presence, never really alone, There’s nothing I could hide from you – before I do something my question is this right or wrong, Here for a month now I can’t understand a precious child’s life was taken-remains scattered across the land, I know I’m wrong God. But why? Help me understand, There’s those who don’t deserve their next breath, killers, rapist, child molesters, Those who miss treat the elderly. But a precious child’s life cut short, after enduring so much pain. Struggled from the start, fought so hard, to be alive, found in pieces. But how you’re here by my side, why couldn’t you step in, she went missing for so long, slowly she was found, she was killed in your presence, Remember Lord I’m a god fearing man, I fear no other man. I just need a answer-God help me understand-it’s too late now Lord. Before the next child is harmed. Remember, I’m a sinful person, ask for forgiveness each and every day, I’m an old man leave me, shelter our children with your loving hands. She was there with her killers all alone – with a strike of lighting – massive heart attack, to her killers, Her mother could have took her home, Remember Lord I’m a God fearing man, I just need an answer. God help me understand. As my faith was tested, tried and true, I’m still a god fearing man, This is a small crack in our foundation still strong, But God I pray although she’s gone, make an example of her killers. Please I beg of you. This can never happen again. Remember Lord, I’m a god fearing man. Remember lord, you’ve took my whole family, in this world all alone very few would miss me. Please Lord this can’t go on….What happened to Zahra Baker? please help me lift my head and wipe the tears from my eyes, Lord I'm listening WHY?
Written by: Tim Andrews
On Christy Rd.


http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/thezahraproject

Most days, most of us walk around numb, head to toe. We're distracted and busy and on automatic pilot.

Then a horrific thing happens to an innocent child like you - you with your sweet scatter of freckles. And, suddenly, we are filled to the brim with feelings - for you and for other innocents.

That's why so many people return and return again to your yard. That's why they'll pack Union Square tonight. You've allowed us to feel alive again, even if it's through our sorrow.


Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1841643/in-death-zahra-you-roused-life.html#ixzz15Tt5b5XX

Thank you, Curly. I always say it's the children that make images so beautiful. And it is.

(I had some typos in it, but I think I have them sorted out now!)

May Zahra's light shine on.

What a beautiful article!

Thank You Northern Rose ::MonkeyTears:: I think many of us here are asking the same question.  ::MonkeyTears::

ITA!

Hey, Sassifrass!   ::HelloKitty::

I hope this man has some friends that will check in on him. 

Birthday memorial for Zahra Baker (video)   ::MonkeyTears::

http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/world/world-news/birthday-memorial-for-zahra-baker-2048066.html

Zahra memorial to be moved as property deemed unsafe (with video)

HICKORY, N.C. – A vigil will be held Tuesday night in Hickory to mark what would have been Zahra Baker's 11th birthday.

Police confirmed her death Friday but they have not said how she died.

The vigil will run from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Union Square in the downtown area.

The Baker property on 21st Street Northwest in Hickory will have to be roped off to the public because it's now unsafe. Search crews spent days digging in the backyard and removing pieces of evidence from inside the home.

The search left the property unsafe for visitors.

People are being asked to take any memorial items for Zahra to the vigil. All toys and stuffed animals will be donated to the Christmas Bureau on her behalf.

There are also plans in the works for a permanent memorial for Zahra in Hickory.

http://charlotte.news14.com/content/top_stories/632826/zahra-memorial-to-be-moved-as-property-deemed-unsafe

Oh no we can't go 2 the house on 21 st. Oh I really wanted to light a bday cake for zahra there. Do u think it is ok if we go just 2 take pics?

Complete details about vigil for Zahra on her 11th birthday.

Also this website will have live video of the vigil.

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13487710

Every child that passes as result of such evilness takes a little part of us all with him/her.  But every once and a while a child comes along that happens to hit us harder than the others for whatever reason.  This gentleman has obviously been hit very hard by Zahra's ordeal.  I feel for him.  I've been there.  In fact, I'm still there.

We don't have to worry about an insanity defense here folks.  I can't think of a single case where the insanity defense was successfully used where the "defendant" went to such extremes to hide evidence of the crime.  The lynch pin of the insanity defense is the inability to know right from wrong as a result of some mental defect.  If a "defendant" dismembers a body to hide it, prepares a fake ransom note, and then drives all around the creation scattering the remains, he/she/they know right from wrong. And when the person instructs her lawyers to divulge information in the hopes that doing so with garner some leniency from the court, that's not insanity in the legal sense.

Peace to you, Zahra.  You now rest with the other beautiful angels we Honor on this site each and every day.

When it rained in Hickory today I like to think it is tears of JOY from the angels  ::MonkeyAngel::

that have the honor of Zahra being among them. ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyDance:: I just rcv'd an email from CBB, she and the monkey have both arrived safely at the Baker residence. ::MonkeyDance::

Thank-you

COOL!

 ::MonkeyDance::    ::MonkeyDance::

Thank You  ::MonkeyAngel::

So they are @ the baker home? Glad they r safe. But I thought I read that no one can go there at that house. My sister and I are have 10 b 4 we r there.

Live coverage of the Zahra Baker vigil at 6 p.m.

HICKORY --
Beginning at 6 pm, there will be live coverage on this web site of the vigil planned for Zahra Baker from Union Square in Hickory. The Children's Protection Council of Catawba County is hosting it.

Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright will open the vigil with a welcome, followed by the Newton-Conover High School choral ensemble. Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins will speak, as will Adrienne Opdyke, vice-chair of the council. Then the candles will be lighted, followed by a closing prayer.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/16/live-coverage-zahra-baker-vigil-6-pm-ar-542806/

Just checked my email.  I'm getting photos not sure if CBB is sending or Luvmyboys or MonkeyKing. Anyway they are on their way.  More photos soon I think (since we know they are there now):

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/1116001611.jpg)

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/1116001556.jpg)

The pictures are from CBB  ::MonkeyAngel::

CBB said it is not roped off and you are even able to go around to the back of the house.  Hope this helps. ::MonkeyWink::

Program for Remembering Zahra Baker

 

Speaker                              Mayor Rudy Wright
                                            City of Hickory

Music                                  NCHS Choral Ensemble
                                           Directed by Frances Whitener

Speaker                           Chief Tom Adkins
                                         Hickory Police Department

Speaker                            Adrienne Opdyke, Vice-Chair
                                         Children's Protection Council

Lighting of the Candles

Prayer                            Rev. Pat Jones,
                                       Episcopal Church of the Ascension

 Please extinguish your candle before leaving Union Square

 Vigil sponsored by Children's Protection Council

 Special Thanks To:

Jessica King, Deluxe Printing Group, Hobby Lobby, Kohl's, and Ms. Whitener and the Newton-Conover High School Choral Ensemble

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13487710

Thanks.....so glad she made it safely.....and thanks for sharing the news with us!!

 Live Video

http://www.kpho.com/live/index.html

There seems to be a lot of people at the memorial

Screen caps

At the house - from CBB

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/1116001729.jpg)

There are so many people here I can't find the other monkeys

Let's see if embedding the live video will work:

thanks Klaas and whoever is sending the photos...cute monkey!!

I thought so.....thanks CBB ::MonkeyKiss:: ::MonkeyKiss::

thanks KCJ

You are very welcome ::MonkeyAngel::

more caps - Adrienne Opdyke and lighting of the candles

Thank-you, so wonderful so many people  ::MonkeyAngel::

Thank You all.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Rev. Pat Jones giving prayer and then singing of happy birthday and the balloon release.  Then people started chanting "we want justice"

Thank You all from me too. 
 ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel::

I am so glad some of our monkeys could attend.

Thanks also for the pictures sent back to us!

 ::MonkeyAngel::

people leaving

Appreciate all the pictures. The place looks jammed.

Now they need to arrest AB.
JUSTICE for Zahra.

The crowd shouting "we want justice" and some people had signs with them speaks volumes.  I hope we find out what the signs said.

Very beautiful ceremony for Zahra. Thanks to those who went to represent SM. And thanks for the pics CBB. Such a beautiful place to have such evil living among it. ::MonkeyTears::

Grisly details revealed as thousands attend vigil for Zahra (with video)

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Disturbing details have emerged from a bond reduction request filed Monday for Elisa Baker that describes how she helped detectives in the case of Zahra Baker.

Meanwhile, thousands showed up in Union Square for a vigil Tuesday night for the young girl who may have been killed and then dismembered. (Click here for vigil details). The vigil began at 6 pm and WBTV's Steve Crump reported that at least 2000 people were at the event.

MORE...

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13507517

Thanks, Northern. I couldn't make out what they were saying. Good on them.

Maybe while the vigil was going on they slipped quietly in and arrested Adam...I can dream!

Hope so, too.

DA won't rush for an arrest in Zahra Baker Case (with video)


HICKORY, N.C. -- On what would have been her 11th birthday there are cards, toys and flowers outside the home in Hickory where Zahra Baker lived.  But there also some new banners and signs hung on the house, signs with an angry tone.

One calls for justice for her father Adam Baker and her stepmother, Elisa Baker.

Another sign demands to know why the girl was "thrown out like the trash."

District Attorney James Gaither, who is handling the investigation, said in a lengthy interview Tuesday that he will not pressure police investigators to make an arrest.

"It is not my responsibility to push them or make something happen when the investigation is ongoing," Gaither said.

Gaither says he understands the growing frustration over what happened to the 10-year old girl who so many feel they have come to know and wish they could have helped.

Certainly the recovery of the remains of Zahra Baker was a critical part of the investigation but it doesn't mean that investigation is complete or that we are ready at this point to go forward with charges.

Gaither also raised questions about Lisa Dubbs, the lawyer who has been appointed to represent Elisa Baker if she is charged with murder.  Gaither questioned why Dubbs and a private investigator working for her went out and picked up important physical evidence in the case.

Dubbs told NewsChannel 36 that Gaither should know that the defense always has the right to look for evidence. She says that in this case the unspecified item was brought to Gaither himself to prove that Elisa Baker would cooperate truthfully.

Gaither says that is a matter he will continue to look into.

"I believe there are some reasonable minds that differ on whether that is an appropriate function of defense council," said Gaither.

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/DA-Says-There-Will-Be-No-Rush-to-Make-Arrest-in-Zahra-Baker-Case-108503144.html

Tks for pics CBB - Zahra touched the hearts of so many, she will have a special place in mine 4ever  ::MonkeyAngel::

New signs on the house

CBB says:

Lots of ppl  the back door at house is gone replaced w plywood smells burnt in back yard

Beautiful Brandi!

I really hate that I can't find cbb

Glad he has the same questions that were raised here.

The freckled faced imp captured the hearts of so many, as did the horror of this crime bring so many to question their own faith::MonkeyTears::

thanks NR....are these more pics from Monks???

From CBB - I lightened it up a bit it was dark because it's night time.  This would be the back of the house.

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/1116001728.jpg)

I hope someone who was there will post the whole event on youtube for those of us who couldn't attend. ::koala:: ::koala::

Sunny there are 2 videos here you can watch.

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13507517

thanks Klaas ::MonkeyKiss::

Big thanks to those Monkeys who represented us at the vigil!   ::MonkeyAngel::

Thank you to all the Monkeys for their contributions on this day celebrating Zahra's birthday and her life here on earth.  She has made an impression on so many people in many places in the world.

The artwork, pictures, screen caps and links are all very much appreciated.  For CBB and others who travelled to the vigil my wish is that your journey home is a safe one.  Please take care.  CBB - love those monkey toys, but had hoped you would wave to us!

Now let us turn our thoughts and energies towards justice for those who harmed this sweet little girl.  Although it is taking what we consider a long time to arrest AB I want to know the LE have everything in order so that there is no question of his being able to slither out of any charges.  Also EB has surely incriminated herself more deeply than ever with her latest effort to gain a reduction in bond amount.  I hope the officials double her bond amount rather than decrease it.

 ::koala::

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/Pretzer111610.jpg)

Tibro - wonderful post!  And thank you for all the info you have provided...I've certainly learned alot from you and understand now why some things happened the way did in this heart-breaking case   ::koala::

What a beautiful vigil for such a wonderful and beautiful little angel. It is still so hard to accept that she will never walk this earth again. She is with our Lord now. Happy, playing enjoying herself like never before. If ever anyone deserved to wear a halo. It is our Zahra.

I hope the POS's that did this receive the DP as they truly deserve it. How do we stop this from happening to our most precious gifts again.

She should have been at her Birthday Party today and met her loving Mum. This is so hard for everyone to wrap their heads around.

Ok I got a lot of pics and I got pics of the signs also. I am gonna send them to klass. After the vigil we went to where zahra was leaveing and my sister and I lite a bday and sang happy bday to her. I went around back and took some pics. It started pouring down rain on us. It was strong heavy rain. Idk how good the pics will be.  But I do think I got some pretty good pics

Thank you so much   ::MonkeyAngel::

Sorry I messed up a lot in that post. I have so many emotions going through me right now. Klass can I get ur email again. I am so sorry I did not write it down

thanks.....I am sure it was an emotional trip for you and your sis. :smt056

Thank-you

Thank you Luvmyboys for going and for getting pics. I wish I could have gone but can't see at night.


A friend of mine posted this on FB:

In Memory of Zarah Baker
Jesus has a rocking chair,

And He holds that precious baby with oh such tender care.

...He takes the place of Mom and Dad.

He's the greatest parent a child could have.

Don't worry about the children there.

Jesus has a rocking chair.

No doubt~Thanks to everyone who went to her vigil, and took pic's for us.....after reading the letter that Tim wrote I found myself wiping tears away, that letter was so raw with emotion and I can feel his pain and confusion over why so many are taken so young and by such violent means. Everyday I feel so blessed, and sometimes almost guilty when I see the injustices to these little angels who steal our hearts and make us look for justice ::MonkeyAngel:: I can't watch the vigil just yet, but later....I am sure it was beautiful though

Darla - I am so moved by this   ::MonkeyAngel:: 

Thank you for sharing.

Great!  I'll watch for the pics

smklaas@hotmail.com

Just gorgeous!

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299
Tonight at 11 pm: Adam Baker Speaks with WBTV

Posted: Nov 16, 2010 7:17 PM EST
Updated: Nov 16, 2010 7:37 PM EST

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Tuesday night, WBTV's Steve Ohnesorge talked exclusively with Zahra Baker's father, a man under intense scrutiny from police, and the Hickory community after the death of his 10 year-old daughter, Zahra.

Our reporter spent the past 90 minutes with Adam Baker and his attorney. They watched the vigil for the girl together ... then Adam Baker answered the questions everyone has been asking.

Full Coverage: The Zahra Baker case

Like was he involved in Zahra's death? And Did he help hide his own daughter's body? He did not hold anything back.

You'll hear Adam Baker's answers to those questions and more...coming up tonight exclusively on WBTV NEWS AT 11.

for real
thanks for the updates and pics monkeys

 ::MonkeyShocked::   ::MonkeyShocked::   ::MonkeyShocked::   ::MonkeyShocked:: 

Thank you

I have a question u guys. I am sitting and waiting 4 the rain 2 stop. I am thinking about recording the yard I am gonna go get a flash light. Would u guys like 4 me 2 try 2 do that? I don't know how good it will work but it was just a thought

Do not catch a cold and do not do anything you don't feel comfortable doing.

If you could actually sneak in the house...well that would be good too.

Kidding - but yes I think it would be worth seeing.

use your car headlites
 and thank you

wow.  This should be interesting. I am guess it will be  sh1t throwing at Gothmonster. 

Candlelight Vigil Marks Zahra Baker's 11th Birthday
A sad and angry crowd of hundreds gathered in a western North Carolina town to remember a disabled girl whose remains were found more than a month after she was reported missing.

 sad and angry crowd of hundreds gathered in a western North Carolina town to remember a disabled girl whose remains were found more than a month after she was reported missing.

A candlelight vigil in Hickory on Tuesday marked what would have been Zahra Baker's 11th birthday. A vigil also was held in the township of Giru, Australia, where the girl lived before moving to the U.S.

Court documents say her jailed stepmother, Elisa Baker, told authorities the girl was dismembered after she died.

Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins spoke at the vigil, but not about the investigation. He talked about Zahra's brave struggle with cancer that left her with hearing aids and a prosthetic leg, which authorities also have found.

Elisa Baker has been charged with obstructing justice in the case.

http://www.witn.com/home/headlines/Candlelight_Vigil_Marks_Zahra_Bakers_11th_Birthday_108542644.html

we could only hope.....
hi im zahras father, and im turning my self in

Wagga relatives mourn Zahra Baker who would of celebrated her 11th birthday today

The family of Zahra Baker is mourning the loss of a child they never got the chance to know, says her aunty, Nicole Dawson.

Ms Dawson is the sister of Zahra’s mother, Emily Dietrich, and said the family could only piece together fragments of the girl’s life from media reports after police identified her remains in the US.

She said lines of communication between Ms Dietrich and Zahra’s father, Adam Baker, had been closed for years and the family was now mourning “what could have been”.

What should have been a celebration of Zahra’s 11th birthday yesterday was now a reminder of missed opportunities.

Ms Dawson said they knew Zahra was ill with cancer but prayed she would pull through and were waiting for the right time to begin a relationship.

“We thought: wait until she’s a bit older, she’s willing to ask the questions and find out for herself, and then have a more adult relationship,” Ms Dawson said.

“There was the hope that when she was a bit older we could all come together and meet – but that’s just not going to happen now.”

Ms Dietrich suffered post-partem depression after Zahra’s birth and Mr Baker had taken custody. She had not seen her child since she was eight months old.

Ms Dawson said the ordeal had “torn her family apart” with many relatives not knowing how to grieve for a child they felt a connection to but did not know.

Zahra has grandparents, aunties, uncles and cousins in the Wagga area who are dealing with the loss in different ways.

Ms Dietrich arrived back in Wagga yesterday after travelling to the US, and was being supported by friends who had prepared a birthday cake to mark Zahra’s birthday.

Ms Dawson said family members were now choosing to remember media reports of a strong-willed girl who brought people together.

“It’s a matter of bringing to light the life of a gorgeous little girl who has been treated abominably,” she said.

“Someone whose strength does inspire others ... and brings together communities.

“There’s just a feeling, I think, a bit of pride in knowing this girl is related to us.”

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/wagga-relatives-mourn-zahra-baker-who-would-of-celebrated-her-11th-birthday-today/1999750.aspx

Zahra Case Presents Delicate Situation For Local Parents

HICKORY, N.C. -- The life and death of Zahra Baker has many parents wondering what to say to their children about the case that has attracted international attention.

“We tell kids that bad things happen, but they're very infrequent and most of the time good things happen to kids," said Dr. Dan Biber, a psychologist who has worked with families in Charlotte for decades.

Biber said parents can discuss the story that has dominated local news for the last month, but they need to have limits.

“Parents ought not to go into great detail about dismemberment and other things," he said. “You don't want to add unnecessarily to the descriptions; the sadness is that a child died.”

Many parents in the Hickory area have taken their children to the memorial for Zahra outside of the Bakers’ home. Biber said that memory is far more likely to stay with those parents than their children.

“Because, remember, they have a world in which they feel competent, and they have a sense that when they fall down, they'll pick themselves up and go on," Biber said.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/25816617/detail.html

What an arrogant, worthless fool, and what is he going to say, I know nothing about nothing?

Children Mourn At Zahra Baker Memorial  (video)

http://www.wsoctv.com/video/25785414/

It is Zahra's birthday.  I hope he gives her a present by telling the truth then walking to jail.

Zahra Case Presents Delicate Situation For Local Parents  (video)

http://www.wsoctv.com/video/25817431/

I say he will never do that  ::MonkeyNoNo::  IMO

chit that statement messed me up
 ::MonkeyNoNo::

SLIDESHOW: Memorial Grows Outside Zahra's Home


http://www.wsoctv.com/slideshow/news/25797217/detail.html

Nope, he's gonna blame it all on her.  My fear for justice in this case is just that...and I hope I'm wrong!

Hundreds attend vigil for Zahra as details released in documents (with video)

(http://wbtv.images.worldnow.com/images/13507517_SS.jpg)

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Hundreds of sad and angry people attended a vigil for a dead Hickory girl Tuesday night just a day after disturbing details have emerged that suggest the girl could have been dismembered after dying.

A document in a bond reduction request filed Monday for Elisa Baker describes how she helped detectives in the case of Zahra Baker -- by taking them to places where parts of Zahra's body might be.

Hundreds showed up in Union Square for a vigil Tuesday night for the young girl who was reported missing on Oct. 9, but was confirmed dead by police on Friday. The candle-light vigil began at 6 pm and WBTV's Steve Crump reported that at least 1500 people were at the event.

Some at the vigil drove from other cities to share their prayers for the girl, who had survived cancer -- twice and lost part of a leg in the struggle.

"To have a child that endured so much. To go through so much and to die this way is just horrendous, and it didn't need to happen," said Susan Tancora of Cornelius.

But, some people were angry about the lack of charges directly related to the girl's death. Near the end of the vigil many shouted "We want justice."

Zahra's stepmother,Elisa Baker has only been charged with obstruction of justice after allegedly admitted she faked a ransom note.

MORE..

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13507517

If Zahra was dismembered in that Hickory home, and I'm sure that is where it happened, there is no way Adam didn't know about that. I believe he is the one who did the dismemberment, I could certainly be wrong. What I would really like to know is whose idea was this? This is certainly an idea that most of the population would never come up with  ::MonkeyNoNo::

I forgot to tell you guys. I was not able to get any pics of the people who spoke. I could not get through the crowd so sorry :)

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299
Tonight at 11 pm: Adam Baker Speaks with WBTV

remember this
AB; you know more than i do

do we have a chit head icon
 

He will blame it on her but I bet his tools will prove that it was him that dismembered Zahra and then they both covered up the crime.

Don't worry about it Luvmyboys.  I'm just glad that a few from SM were able to attend.  By the way I have not received any email with photos from you yet.

"We love Zahra"
Hundreds mourn during birthday vigil

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/294/0/120911/zahra-birthday-vigil-2/)
Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins lights a candle for a member of the crowd at the Children's Protection Council vigil for Zahra Baker Tuesday night on Union Square in Hickory.

Hickory --
As they finished singing “Happy Birthday” on what would have been Zahra Baker’s 11th birthday, a short-lived chant erupted and the crowd shook their fists and repeated, “We want justice.”

The crowd, estimated at 1,500 or more people, gathered on Hickory’s Union Square in the damp chill to honor Zahra’s memory and celebrate her birthday. More than a dozen news crews were on hand to record the proceedings hosted by the Children’s Protection Council.

Chief Tom Adkins of the Hickory Police Department has been at the center of the Baker investigation since she was first reported missing Oct. 9, and the crowd was silent as he spoke and people listened hoping to glean any new information they could about Zahra.

“Thirty-nine days ago, most of us did not know Zahra Baker, but over a month we have all fallen in love with her and become better people because of her,” he said.

Adkins spoke about her fight against two bouts of cancer. The first took her left leg. Chemotherapy during her second bout with cancer took much of her sense of hearing.

“She did not want pity from anyone, a family member told me. She wanted to be like any other child,” he said. “Nothing would slow her down.”

When Zahra was hospitalized for her cancer treatments, she took it on herself to cheer up the other children in the ward, Adkins said.

“She would visit the other children hopping on one leg and provide encouragement to the other children,” he said. “Her great aunt told me that Zahra had more guts and more determination than anyone she’d ever met. … I have spoken to many people who said they fell in love with her as soon as they met her.”

“We are here to celebrate her today – her life, her guts and her smile.”

The rain that had been predicted held off as Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright struggled to make himself heard with a microphone and sound equipment that was not up to the task. Some in the crowd grew impatient and shouted that they couldn’t hear him as others shouted, telling fellow audience members to be quiet.

“We wish we could hold her and give her love and serenity, but Zahra is in a better place tonight,” Wright said. Then he led the crowd in the 18th century children’s prayer, “Now I lay me down to sleep.”

When the speakers were done, the Newton-Conover High School choral ensemble sang as the crowd lit its candles.

The soft sounds of quiet crying could be heard as lit candles were held aloft.

Neither Adkins, Wright or any of the law enforcement officers at the vigil spoke about the ongoing investigation into Zahra’s death. No one mentioned her father, Adam Baker, who is out on bond after being arrested on charges unrelated to the case. No one mentioned Zahra’s stepmother, Elisa Baker, still in jail under a $97,000 bond on charges of obstruction of justice related to Zahra’s presumed murder and her own string of additional charges unrelated to the case.

The night’s focus was on Zahra, her spirit and her life – not its tragic end.

Volunteers manned cardboard bins where mourners lined up to leave stuffed animals and toys in Zahra’s honor. The toys were donated to the Hickory Police Department’s Cops for Tots program and will be donated to underprivileged children for Christmas.

Vicky Harris of Hudson came to the vigil and spoke for many when she said, “We didn’t know her a month ago, but we know her now. I think the community feels like she’s our child,” she said, adding, “People need to stop being afraid of what their neighbors might think of them if they report abuse.”

Keith McCloud of Hickory said learning that a child in his community had been abused and killed is devastating, and he wanted to join with a group to honor Zahra’s memory.

“Everybody’s coming together and saying this in not supposed to happen here as a community,” he said. “The fact that it’s her birthday. I think that’s what’s hitting people the hardest.”

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/16/we-love-zahra-ar-543304/

Zahra Baker memorial Happy Birthday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFFVjvRRx_0

luvmyboys are you staying the nite and do you know about this

any way to get to that interview, or find it, its prob happening now
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299
Tonight at 11 pm: Adam Baker Speaks with WBTV

TUNE IN NOW TO THE DANA PRETZER SHOW.  IT WILL START IN A FEW MINUTES:

http://scaredmonkeysradio.com/radio.m3u

(http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/klaasen3/Sub9%20June%202010/Pretzer111610.jpg)

TY

Klaas.  I am still in hickory it will be later on b 4 I can send them. I am on my way back and see what I can get of the back yard. I went 2 wal-mart and bout a flash light

OK I won't look for them until later  ::MonkeyCool::

Wendy Murphy on, will be talking about Zahara is a bit, but first ... hardly think the Founding Fathers were thinking of protecting pedophile how to books when the envisioned Free Speech.

I like Amazon, actually I love shopping through Amazon but I was extremely disappointed in their handling of this pedophile book. 

I don't believe Zahra was killed out of sympathy either,  Why spread her parts across two counties if there was one iota of sympathy involved?

I honestly can't believe that those two would come up with such a horrific thing to do too Zahra. Nobody would believe them if that is what they are going to say.

I have shopped Amazon, but my favorite is, THE O !
I have never been disappointed, and they have live customer chats for additional info. IMO, u cannot beat the $1 shppng. Phenmenal saving IMO !

I don't know about u all, but I cannot wait to hear Adam's press conference at 11 pm tonight.
Do u suppose he took drama classes for this,  ::MonkeyJnBox:: and then practiced crying in front of the mirror ?

I do not look for anything of value. ::MonkeyNoNo::

Omg I am at the house now and there is a man here that said adam has confessed. And is in jail. And the tv people r up at the jail. He thinks he might have been arrested sunday. Idk that is what he said. And he also said helped n the search. I headed 2 the police department now.

The crowd, estimated at 1,500 or more people, gathered on Hickory’s Union Square in the damp chill to honor Zahra’s memory and celebrate her birthday.

He also said the torso was found

GRIM REAPER on the mantel. I also noticed Adam's ridiculous T Shirt, worn on camera for a brief interview.
Drug paraphenalia found in both vehicles.

How deep into Goth and Satanism are these 2 goofs anyway ?

Zahra's death gives me a headache, and in many ways,  I wonder, could it have been a Satanic sacrifice or ritual ?

There is something very evil here. Something very wrong.

There are tornado watches for Catawba county.  Be careful!  I hope CBB is safe on her drive home.  Not sure which way she is going but there are all kinds of storms moving in.

agreed, since pedophilia is against the law, how could you write a how to legally
would be like writing a book on how to serial kill, i think the free speech amendment
back in the day was put up in the constitution, for the purpose of expressing your
personel opinion, and to raise your voice against your legislators, ideas of government
rulings ect.and the right to do so

I shine my light inside the house and there is border that goes around the living room that reads. Live laugh love all the way around. There was no love in that house and a felt weird is was creepy being there this late and no one else around.

Did u get to check out the Hickory PD and c if Adam is talking ?????

Luvmyboys - thanks for all the info.  I sure hope he's confessed and has been arrested. 

wow be careful, weather looks bad, and stranger danger

My "day shift FB / AY stalker  " gets tweets from the newspaper in Hickory and she had not received any tweets about an arrest or a confession up to 45 mins ago.

If Adam has been arrested it's not showing up yet.

What do they say?  Can't make them out.

I keep checking mine & no new ones here either from NC.

its so hard to believe such evil lives in a place that has this
in 3yr ill be retired and NC is where i want to live

LEP - I moved the Lisa Croslin arrest to the Haleigh thread.  ::MonkeyCool::

We will be able to see this after 11 pm est tonight on that link? 

Thanks.  I have been out with friends so am now catching up with the vigil.  Thanks to those who attended the vigil and took monkeys to represent us.  My heart is aching for Zahra and I want to see justice for her now.

Thnx ! That's why u 'da boss. Only board in cyberspace run like an orderly home. I appreciate us being safe here and your dilligence ! ::MonkeyGavel::

OMG... please be careful.  I don't think I could stand to be there in that yard at night.  Too much evil went on in that house.  Shivers up my spine..... shuddering.

OH MY, I am sitting here crying as I have had some personal trials of my own recently, feeling depressed on top of this tragedy.  What a precious and heartfelt prayer!  And what perfect timing for me, thought I know it's not about me, as it shouldn't be, but proves over and over God's knowledge of all he touches.  I would love to meet the man that wrote this,  as they are obviously a very well-lived, knowlegable and sweet man.  God Please Bless this man and let him remember, someday, when he is with you, he will know and understand.  And thank you Lord for bringing this prayer to me, as only you would know all.  As much as I hate what this little girl went through, I am thankful and comforted to know she is with you, feeling NO PAIN!

I hope this is true!!  God, please bring justice for Zahra.....

 ::MonkeyAngel::

luvmyboys  Thank you!  I hope you are right.  If so, you broke the news!!!!!
BOMBSHELL

I have some good pics of the signs that in front of the house I am on my way home. My sister just said that the man we ran into at that house said adam was @ a vigil somewhere earlier and that he was going 2 have an interview and may be turning his self in. Idk I heard him say he thought he was already. I will email my pics to klaas later on 2nite

Sorry for the O/T  KCJackie you have nanners

<snipped>
Other vigils were held around the state and by Zahra's friends and relatives in Giru, Australia.

Adam Baker's brother, David Baker, was visibly emotional as he told the crowd in Giru that his niece was "a special little person."

"She let nothing in life beat her or stop her," he said.
http://azstarnet.com/news/us/article_a0ca470e-151b-59c9-9c26-7bbea9de2054.html  ::MonkeyCool::

Looks like Adam no longer has Youngen Baker to try to block cameras for him.  Thinking Ma Baker also may be back in Aussie.

He has another bro, Dale I believe. Don't know which one was in NC.

I didnt make it to the vigil, I didnt have anyone to watch my boy, and he's only 12, so I didnt feel like it was the right thing to take him
My older son and his G/F went though. She said it was very emotional.
While I agree w/ what the chanters were saying, I dont feel it was an appropriate time or place for that...tonite was about Zahra.
I will try to see if the sons G/F has heard the rumor about arrest/turning himself in. She is pretty tight w/ several of those reporters...

grimm reaper

Zahra Baker Memorial.MP4 Video..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6CiJewNz0&feature=player_embedded

I agree. Wrong time/place for that. (But I can't blame them.)

Tonight was about celebrating Zahra's life and how she has affected so many in a positive way.

Thanks Statru!

hoping AB interview shows

here
http://www.streamingthe.net/WBTV-3-CBS-Charlotte-News-VOD/p/9999
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299

or here
http://www.wbtv.com/global/category.asp?c=151146

Zahra Baker memorial Happy Birthday .. Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFFVjvRRx_0&feature=player_embedded

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299
Tonight at 11 pm: Adam Baker Speaks with WBTV
Posted: Nov 16, 2010 6:17 PM CST
Updated: Nov 16, 2010 6:37 PM CST

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Tuesday night, WBTV's Steve Ohnesorge talked exclusively with Zahra Baker's father, a man under intense scrutiny from police, and the Hickory community after the death of his 10 year-old daughter, Zahra.

Our reporter spent the past 90 minutes with Adam Baker and his attorney. They watched the vigil for the girl together ... then Adam Baker answered the questions everyone has been asking.

Like was he involved in Zahra's death? And Did he help hide his own daughter's body? He did not hold anything back.

You'll hear Adam Baker's answers to those questions and more...coming up tonight exclusively on WBTV NEWS AT 11.

Mourners for Zahra: ‘We want justice’

HICKORY - With lifted candles glowing, more than 1,000 people sang “Happy Birthday” to Zahra Baker at a vigil in her honor Tuesday night in downtown Hickory.

Balloons flew and people cheered as the song ended, but the celebration for the girl – who would have turned 11 on Tuesday – was quickly followed by a chant from the crowd: “We want justice!”

In a community saddened by Zahra’s disappearance and then shocked this week by gruesome details that revealed the young cancer survivor’s body was dismembered and the remains hidden across several rural areas, people are becoming increasingly anxious for answers. Many are angry.

“I don’t know what kind of person could do this,” said Kayla Daughtrey of Hickory as she waited for the vigil to begin Tuesday.

Although speculation has centered around Zahra’s stepmother and father, Elisa and Adam Baker, since her father first reported her missing Oct. 9, both have denied any wrongdoing in the case.

Elisa Baker was arrested on Oct. 10 on unrelated charges, then charged with obstruction of justice two days later, after investigators say she admitted writing a bogus ransom note intended to throw off investigators.

A motion filed Monday seeking to reduce Elisa Baker’s bond revealed that Zahra’s remains had been scattered and that Elisa Baker had helped investigators locate key evidence, including a bone later identified as Zahra’s and the gel liner of her prosthetic leg, near Christie Road in Hudson.

Planning for the vigil, which was hosted by the Children’s Protection Council of Catawba County, began before Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins announced Friday that investigators had found what they believe are Zahra’s remains.

“It’s really impacted our community,” said Adrienne Opdyke, vice chairwoman of the children’s advocacy group.

Richard Hoke arrived in Union Square nearly two hours before the vigil began and watched as camera crews set up their equipment.

“Lived here all my life,” said the 85-year-old. “Never seen anything like this.”

‘In a better place tonight’

During the vigil, Adkins described the freckle-faced girl who moved to the United States from Australia in 2009. She wore a bright smile despite losing part of her hearing and a leg to bone cancer, he said.

“She didn’t want pity from anyone, as a family member told me,” he said. “She wanted to be like any other child.”

He told stories about her passed on to him by her family, including one about how she once hopped from one hospital room to another to cheer up other young patients.

Investigators who have been working the case stood in front of the stage during the vigil.

“Zahra is in a better place tonight,” Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright told the crowd, stirring a murmur of “amen.”

Outside the Hickory home where Zahra lived with Elisa and Adam Baker, a makeshift memorial for Zahra continues to grow as visitors stop to add to the mound of stuffed animals, balloons and angel figurines.

Signs placed outside the home are pointing blame at both Elisa and Adam Baker. Neither has been charged in connection with Zahra’s death.

“Stepmom and daddy both need to be in jail,” reads one sign placed on the home’s front porch.

“Elisa and Adam Baker the world wants to know why you throw her out like trash,” says another.

Judy Whittcop of Hickory said she met Zahra’s biological mother, Emily Dietrich, who recently traveled to North Carolina from her native Australia, at the memorial.

“I know how she feels,” she said, explaining that her son died six years ago. “It’s not something easy to get over.”

Alice Tuttle of Taylorsville attended the vigil for Zahra. Allegations that Zahra might have been abused touched her, Tuttle said. “No child in this world should have to feel that way.”

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1843798/mourners-for-zahra-we-want-justice.html

Emotional Tribute to Murdered Girl .. Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_TgmVmL5fQ&feature=player_embedded

going upstairs to watch the news...see what he says...
havent heard back from the G/F yet.

I am kind of intersted in what he has to say, although it will be a PR thing as he had his attorney with him.
I was at work
I didn't know
I loved Zahra
I am devastated
I need a joint
I want my Mommy
....
I want to see how many of the six above I get right. Oh and he will thank LE.

he jsut denied any involvemtn..said he couldnt do that to his baby...
i think hes lieing

Hundreds pack town square for Zahra's birthday

HICKORY, N.C. -- Hundreds of people packed Hickory's Union Square Tuesday evening to remember Zahra Baker on what would have been her 11th birthday.

Though police now say Zahra is dead, the birth date of the once-missing child was an opportunity for the strangers who've been touched by the story of her disapperance to celebrate her life. Many people traveled from miles--even states--away to light candles in Zahra's memory at a vigil in central downtown Hickory.

"My wife and I just felt we had to be here," said Tom Trinchera, who came from Johnson City, Tennessee.

Hickory's mayor Rudy White spoke, as well as Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins.

"39 days ago, most of us did not know Zahra Baker, but in this past month, we have fallen in love with her and we are better people because of it," Chief Adkins said. He relayed stories he's heard from Zahra's friends and family during the investigation into her death. "Nothing would slow her down. She wanted no pity. She wanted to be like every other child."

"As you pass that flame on to your neighbor," explained Adrienne Opdyke, of the Catawba County Children's Protection Council, as participants lit candles, "Promise not to forget Zahra's story and promise to make a difference in the lives of the children that you know."

Zahra's stepmother's sister, April Fairchild, was at the vigil. She says her rocky relationship with her sister kept her from knowing Zahra well, but she describes this time as "painful" for her family.

"All we have ever wanted is just closure," she said. She said her sister Elisa, suspected but not charged in Zahra's disappearance, deserves punishment if its due, but "Adam Baker deserves to be sitting right beside of her...I just pray that just like everything else, Hickory Police Department, all of the law enforcement, all of the people who have helped--shed tears--about this case, does not let this fall through the cracks like she fell through the cracks with DSS."

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Hundreds-pack-town-square-for-Zahras-birthday-108573394.html

The interviewed him for 90 minutes.  That was a waste of camera time.

what a wonderful tribute to a beautiful little child..
thanks to all monkeys who went to the vigil for Zahra's birthday..for the pictures and the info.

I still can not wrap my brain around what happened to this little girl and what a sad short life she had, at least for the last 2 years anyways...RIP Zahra...

I missed all the views of the memorial due to my speakers not working.  But will be watchig YouTubes, etc at work tomorrow.

Thank you to the Monkeys who were able to attend.

Thanks to CBB, Brandy and anybody else for the BEAUTIFUL pictures you created.  You truly have a great talent!

I'm going go bed now, praying for true and real info from AB tonight, when I catch up tomorrow.

God Bless you all, sweet dreams and a safe trip for those who went.  ::MonkeyAngel::

90 minutes turned into about 3 minutes.

they only showed a few minutes..that was a waste of time.
 He has that shifty pig eyed look my dog gets when he's done something wrong and gets caught.

Hello ForOurChildren!

Welcome!

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/Welcome/Image220.png)

I take it you are in NC near Hickory.

Nice to have you join us.

 ::MonkeyDance::  WELCOME ForOurChildren   ::MonkeyDance::

Can someone email me and explain 2 me how 2 upload my pics myself instead of emailing them. I have to many to email hope121971@yahoo.com

Welcome ForOurChildren to SM ::HelloKitty::

Is this interview with Adam Baker online anywhere?

Video just up.
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299

Working link for AB's tv debut, denying involvement.

I believe that when a person shuts their eyes, glances side 2 side.....
they are being deceptive.
Watch and share what u think ?

I think he is guilty, and may have not murdered her,
but knew EB, and disposed of Z, along with Gothmommymonster ! ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299

Welcome to the cage !
I am trying to save space.

Thank you Desdemona..... so hardly anything said.  His mom is with him still.  He could never do that to his baby and he wants to go back to Australia and live a normal life.

 :gaah: Like he's going to admit anything with his mum right by his side...


Oh, and why do his word choices end up sounding so chilling?  Remember on GMA early on, when he said LE was only giving him "bits and pieces?"

Tonight he says he misses Zahra, and nothing can ever "fill the hole" she has left.

Yikes.

I agree ! That is not quite how I described his deception, but.....
I feel I saw it too. ::MonkeyGavel::

If you had nothing to do with your childs death and your spouse killed them and dismembered them... wouldn't you be PIZZED OFF!!!!??  I can't believe him... all he is worried about is having a normal life now and going home with mommy to AU!  gahhhhhhhhhh  :gaah: :gaah: :gaah:

Thank you!  Well we know now that Ma Baker is still with her sonny boy. Can someone please grab a screen cap of her.  I am on my laptop and can not do it.  TYIA

Sleep well.  ::MonkeyDance::

Sitting there so calm with his fake tears. What an a&^

Hi guys! I'm back and will post pictures. We went to the house first and got lost on the way to the vigil, so the pics there aren't the best. We missed a lot of the vigil. Here's what I got:

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House12.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House1.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House3.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House4.jpg)  Back Yard

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House5.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House6.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House7.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House8.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House9.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House11.jpg) Back of House

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/House10.jpg)
 Monkeys on the way to being left on behalf of us Monkeys!

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/vigil1.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/vigil3.jpg)

(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/vigil2.jpg)

Anyone have a link for the memorial on Youtube or some place ? In advance, thnx ! ::MonkeyCool::

tears?  I didn't see any.  And I know I am very easy to cry but I couldn't have talked to anyone about Zahra on tv without shedding tears.  I get emotional every time I try to tell someone about her.

CBB thnx ! The pics r the best !

The memorial grew by leaps and bounds!  Thanks for the pics and being there for the vigil.  I wish I could have been there.

I just watched it again and at the beginning where he is supposed to be crying there are no tears.  He is Casey crying.  Guess his lawyer has not taught him how to poke himself in the eye first.

BTW: Where r the skeletons running down the front porch
railing ?

I bet AB came to get them ! He left Z's clothing and toys,
but these would be important to him. LOL

Attaching pic.

I hope this works ???

Thank you, Desi!

I don't think anyone can watch that and NOT think he is lying.

 ::MonkeyWaa:: Adam would like to have a normal life again & SM misses her warm waterbed. :gaah: :gaah: :gaah:

I wish Zahra could have lived a normal life.

 ::MonkeyNoNo::

Thank you Desi   ::MonkeyAngel::

CBB thank you for the pictures and really happy to hear you got home safe. That was very nice of you to leave the monkeys on behalf of the monkeys  ::MonkeyAngel::

Thank you espresso.  Ma Baker looks like she is clenching her teeth.

 :smt071 :smt070 :smt068 :smt067 :smt066 :gaah: :gaah:

(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo242/Brandi-Monkey/ZahraClareBaker/Image187.png)

Go to photobucket.com and open a free account and upload your photos there.  Then you can post in the forum using the URL link in photobucket.

Yes, great pictures. Thank you.

Have they not found anything to arrest him on?  This can't happen..... it just can't.  There is no way he could live in that small house while all this is happening and know nothing.... WTH?  WAS HE COMATOSE?  I have never been more sickened or disgusted with anyone in my life.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6CiJewNz0&feature=player_embedded

Thank You CBB for the pictures and for taking the monkeys for us. Am glad you made it back safe and sound.   ::MonkeyWink::

Thanks to all the Monkeys who went. Wish I could have gone.

This is a video of Chief Adkins' speech.
http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13487710

Highlight Reel.
http://www2.wspa.com/news/2010/nov/16/grief-anger-mix-vigil-dead-nc-girl-ar-1098268/

A good slideshow here
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1843523/candlelight-vigil-for-zahra.html

And the accompanying story, from the Charlotte Obsrver.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2010/11/16/1843798/mourners-for-zahra-we-want-justice.html
Mourners for Zahra: ‘We want justice’
By Meghan Cooke
Posted: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010
   
HICKORY - With lifted candles glowing, more than 1,000 people sang “Happy Birthday” to Zahra Baker at a vigil in her honor Tuesday night in downtown Hickory.

Balloons flew and people cheered as the song ended, but the celebration for the girl – who would have turned 11 on Tuesday – was quickly followed by a chant from the crowd: “We want justice!”

<snip>

CBB~  thanks from me too for going to the memorial. and sending the pics   Also you and  BRANDI have made the most beautiful pictures that honor Zahra,  Emily will treasure them always.

LUVMYBOYS~ thanks to you also for going and the almost bombshell...I was so excited, but guess not yet.

All of you are terrific.  ::MonkeyAngel::

mizjay, it not now, he is never going to give it up...... they will have to get evidence against him before he will ever talk and I highly doubt he will then either.  It is obvious he is going to go out lying.  Just looking at him makes me ill.

javascript:void(0);

Thanks to CBB and LUVMYBOYS, and any other monkeys who went to the vigil. Also for the photos.

(LMB, I hope you are able to post your pix too.)

Such a sad case.

Bananas,
Excellent point!  As if any of us have any reason to question if he need to be in jail.

 Zahra is destined to become a saint in some form!  If only the Saint of Scared Monkeys.  If this precious child does not represent what we all strive to represent in the missing or abused child thread, I don't know who does.

  I shared Zahra's story with my husband and father and they both almost broke down.  They don't follow the news and had not heard of her.  With my special insight from all of you caring monkeys I was able to convey the special and true miracle Zahra was.  Then the tragedy and evil that was her fate. 
It is unusual to share news with someone else in a few moments and be able to get this type of reaction.  It does this to everyone, because, Zahra was special...

I am jumping out on a limb here, but, Zahra, in her death, has brought so much attention to the issue of child abuse.  Who can definitively say how many abused children's lives she may potentially save because someone will now report abuse!  I am at this moment watching a report from my city regarding a helpless 3 year old( Larandon Nichols-OKC, OKLA) who was abused his entire short life.  The 370 pound mother "fell on him" the week before his death.  Then she called 911 after waking up to him dead in his bed.  Oh, and he weighed 18 pounds.  Yes he was 3!  Covered in cuts, scratches and marks on the day of his death.  The mother said she whooped him with belts, bats, shoes, etc.  I feel Zahra should be made the "Patron Saint" of these abused children.  Especially after reading how she would travel to the other children's rooms in the cancer unit, to chher the other pediatric patients up, hopping on one leg.

Zahra, (Sounds like a monkey to me and hope she wouldn't mind we claimed her!) Our girl was always looking to heal a hurting heart or right a wrong.   

Yes faith.... I think Zahra was a child I would love to have as my own.  What a beautiful strong and brave child she was and you can see in her smile how special she is.  She just lights up the world.  My husband is apalled at all of this as well.  He puts up with me watching NG as he can't stand the woman but he is just apalled at how anyone could do this evil to beautiful little Zahra or any other child for that matter.

I don't see how Adam Baker can hold his head up and even give an interview.  And how can his mother sit beside him and choose to believe the bunk!?

This would be good if someone can shrink it~

(http://i741.photobucket.com/albums/xx56/monkeyking0956/chet-2.jpg)

What a wonderful post faith1109 ::MonkeyAngel::

Hey you guys I am gonna post my pics 2morrow there are so many to do. And I am very very emotionly tired. I really got creeped out 2nite @ that house when I got back from getting the flash light everyone was got. So I got up on the porch and looked in and saw that border. Live laugh love.  That is what is said. Ughhhhh was no love at all in that house. Its was wierd seeing all kinds of stuff around that house. Idk it was a bit scarey. Anyway I am gonna put them on photobucket I forgot I could do it that way. I hope I don't have nightmares tonight. Rip baby girl zahra happy bday have fun playing with all the angels. Give caylee a hug for me.

luvmyboys... you are very brave.  I would have been creeped out too.  Hope you have pleasant dreams.... dream about Zahra flying in Heaven and swimming like she liked to do and skipping next to Jesus....... nite nite

http://www.youtube.com/user/TheTerryNC#p/a/u/1/vFFVjvRRx_0

I hope this works.
This is the video of when they sang Happy B'day. 2 Z.
I never met her, but this touched my heart, and made me weep.

I immediately thought of Adam Baker in the "tell all exclusive" tonight on Ch 3.
Not a tear, not even 1 !

luvmyboys  I am sure you are emotional wreck tonight. Thanks for going and taking pictures. Prayers for a peaceful sleep. Looking forward to your pictures.  ::MonkeyAngel::

Did u see that creepy Grim Reeper on the mantle ? Geez !

Great pictures, CBB.  How wonderful that you were there.  Waiting to see luv's pics, too.

Still reeling over the "exclusive" with Adam+Mommy.  Where is his raw grief?  Where is his outrage over the loss of his child?  Where is the utter horror and reclusiveness that would naturally be there if he only learned yesterday that his child was not only deceased, but had been dismembered?

Ugh.

To All: You're most welcome!! I was so honored to place the monkeys at the makeshift memorial at the house. They were collecting stuffed animals at the vigil but it seemed appropriate that SM monkeys should take their place with those that just came to the house out of an overflow from the heart. That's where you guys belong, because the most compassionate hearts I know are right here.

I'm so glad that the pile of love under that tree stands in the face and in front of the evil and cruelty that took place just yards away. Someone has hung a large lighted Christmas Star from the tree and it illuminates the balloons, gifts, and cards below. When I saw it, I knew that's where I wanted you guys to be represented; as a tangible answer to the darkness that lay beyond. I think Zahra would be pleased.

Bless your heart!  I cannot imagine what it would be like to peer into the windows where Zahra spent her last days.  It must have been emotionally wrenching.  I feel sure that you not only went for yourself, but to represent the Monkeys today.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I pray you get rest tonight and know what you are doing makes a difference.

Ty for all concern for it means a lot. And cbb I saw that star I took a pic of it. And I took a pic of a monkey. I wonder if it is the one you put out?

I hope you rest well tonight. I know it had to be emotionally draining.

I also look forward to seeing your pictures.

CBB - what was all the junk laying around in the backyard?  I saw a mop laying against the back stairs in one of your pics - I just keep thinking of Scott Peterson - didn't he leave a mop at the back door?  Hey, maybe SM can write to him, they would make perfect penpals. ::piggy::

TY for all the pics!

My heartfelt thanks to CBB for representing all of us with the Monkeys....They were adorable. Thanks also for the pictures.
Luvmyboys...I look forward to seeing your pics tomorrow. I hope you sleep well tonight. Thanks for going to the vigil.
Goodnight Monkeys!

luvmyboys............ the house was creepy wasn't it? The back yard just felt bad, to me as well. I tried to look in the big window but the curtains were dark and closed. There wasn't a white liner on them; they looked almost black. There was a smell that I couldn't pinpoint, particularly in the backyard. After I left, I figured out it was a burnt odor. There are so many stumps of large trees in the backyard. It seemed fitting, somehow that living things had been hewn down recklessly. The back door is completely gone and plywood has been placed over the opening. I've never seen a place that looked more empty and hollow. The signs placed in front hang in witness to the exposure of secrets. I have no idea how luvmyboys took it in at night. I was there with the last light of a rainy day and it was sureal. After the vigil it POURED rain. I had gone to a tavern at Union square to eat, and the skys just opened up! I thought it seemed appropriate that Heaven shed tears for the cruelty children endure.

Looking forward to your pictures, luvmyboys!

You guys don't have to thank me I was honored to represent all of us. And it was something I had to do. Gnite everyone. I will start on the pictures in the morning. Gnite everyone

I don't know what all the junk was, but there was junk! Scott Peterson would have fit right in, Jackie!!

Was it this one?

CBB,

I posted quite a lengthy thank you and then my laptop died.  My apologies for this post.  I guess it did not pick up my reply before the power failed.  I loved watching the journey of your monkey to go to Zahra's Memorial.  For those of us who had obligations, restrictions, or even handicaps that kept us away.  Your pictorial was the next best thing to getting a chance to go.  No doubt all of our hearts were there with you today, no matter where our physical bodies may have been tied. 

The fearless monkey on an adventure for all of us to see Zahra's Memorial on her birthday!  She would have loved it! 

EXACTLY!  I am outraged that he even showed his face to act like this.

Really? Was it this one??

Cbb I can't see pictures right now cause I am on my phone. But yes there was as very weird feeling being there. Very scarey my sister and I wete there by our selves. It was erry. But we got soaked it rain on us the 1st time went. But oh my yes I was stuff everywhere in the back yard. I think I took pics of everything back there. So everyone will be able to see what we saw

Oh my goodness I really messes up that post lol

Here is Chief Adkins' speech from the memorial:

---
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg6CiJewNz0


Thirty-nine days ago, many of us did not know Zahra Baker.  But after more than a month, we have all fallen love with her and become better people because of her.  I've had the opportunity to talk to many people that knew Zahra and would like to share some of Those conversations with you tonight.

Born in Wagga Wagga in Australia, Zahra seemed like every other little girl.  Over time, She would move to Giru, where she would live and play around the sugar mill town like any other little girl.  But that's where cancer first struck her at age five.  As part of her treatment, her left leg above the knee was amputated.  Most of us would want to feel sorry for her, but she did not want pity; she wanted to be like every other child.

As part of her therapy, Zahra would do water exercises.  As another family member told me, eventually she started swimming, and she became a very good swimmer.  She could swim as fast as any other, with just the top part of her left leg.  Also, she would climb a rock wall as a part of her recovery.  Nothing could slow her down.  She wanted no pity; she wanted to be like every other child.

While in the hospital, she would make her rounds to the other children, hopping on just one leg.  She would provide them with encouragement for their upcoming treatment.  She would laugh and play games, taking their minds off what was to come.  As one family member said, she would not let anyone be sad.  She wanted no pity; she wanted to be like every other child.

Her cancer was spread to her lung and she had to have surgery to remove part of it.  She had a scar under her right arm, in the shape of an "x", and she would tell her family, "X marks the spot -- to my heart."  Also the chemo made her lose her hearing.  Most of us would think this would slow her down.  No, not Zahra.  Her great-aunt emailed me and said, and I quote, "Zahra had more guts and more determination" than anyone she's ever met.  I can believe this.  She wanted no pity, and she wanted to be like every other child.

She attended Camp Quality in Australia, a charity and a partnership with the military to provide a camp for children with cancer.  Again, Zahra was the life of the party.   She captured the hearts of everyone involved in the camp, taking advantage of all the events offered to her, such as riding on an armored personnel carrier.  She wanted no pity; she wanted to be like every other child.

Here in the Unites States, and in our community, it was the same thing with Zahra.  I've spoken to many people who say they fell in love with her right after meeting her.  Her constant smile, her bubbling personality, won us all over.  She loved to be around people, and would bring out the best in everyone.  When she received her hearing aids this past Spring, a person told us she was immediately drawn to her, and amazed by her spirit.  She loved to be around children and wanted to just fit in.  If she was at school with her classmates, or playing with neighborhood children, she wanted no pity; she wanted to be like every other child.

All the freckles on Zahra's face have been described as kisses from angels to her, and others have said that Zahra was an angel herself.  Whatever you want to believe, one thing is true:  Zahra touched all of our lives in this past month, and I encourage you to use her strength, and her determination, and her smile, to celebrate her life today.

Her great-aunt wrote me last night, saying, "Today over here in Australia is Zahra's eleventh birthday.  We want to celebrate her today -- her life, her guts, her smile, and most of all, we want to celebrate Zahra."

I say today, that "Z" for Zahra marks the way in our hearts.  God bless you, Zahra.

Thank you Leroy.  It must be difficult for others to understand how things "run" here.  I know I get surprised by what information is out there on the internet for some countries.

Only a mop left?  Maybe the step mother took the broom with her for a fast getaway.

Maybe they ran out of onions to slice up also.

Thank you for the link Desi.

What a waste of bandwidth that was.  I thought I read they filmed for 90 minutes and all we got is 3 minutes and most of that was everything but AB.  Surely it is a teaser for a much longer programe to be aired at a later date.

CBB I love these little guys.  Glad you arrived home safely and thank you for representing our monkey clan.

Thank you to all the others who went also.

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Yes I am in Hickory.  Thank you for the Welcome.  This is an awesome website. 
I work about 3 blocks from the house where Zahra lived.  This case is so unbelievable. It tears my heart out to think this could happen around here and right under everyones noses.  To think of the pain and suffering this beautiful, brave child had to endure is beyond belief. Every picture of her brings tears to my eyes.  I will never understand why this happened. ::MonkeyMad::
No one will ever convince me that the 2 monsters didn't have something to do with this.
I'm so glad to have found Scared Monkeys, you guys are the greatest. 

Is this small enough.

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13515299

AB just seemed so cocky, i could see the smirk, all the way through
the interview, it was like, you will never prove i had anything to do
with zahra death. wonder what kind of evidence,there could be,to prove
AB was part of it, i just cant see EB, knowing how to use, what ever
power tool to dismember, i can see her picking the spots, to bury the
remains, the baker duo,could not of destroyed all the evidence that
would prove he was part of this horrid murder, they are not that smart

evidence:
AB dna at sites
work record, days worked - days off
prints on shovel
AB hand print on Z clothing
maybe EB snuck a pic on her cphone (wishful thinking)

another smirk
http://scaredmonkeys.net/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=8939.0;attach=15139

AB was being asked if he had anything to do with zahra death

CBB - Thank you for representing SM @ the vigil.  Your great pic's helped tell the story.  Loved the monkey under the tree with the shining star.  The shining star so representative of sweet Zahra.  ::MonkeyAngel::
Glad you returned home safe and sound.  ::MonkeyKiss::