Scared Monkeys Discussion Forum

Missing, Exploited and True Crime => Zahra Clare Baker - 10yrs old Hickory, NC (Body Found) => Topic started by: Nut44x4 on January 05, 2011, 11:09:38 AM



Title: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Nut44x4 on January 05, 2011, 11:09:38 AM
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c100/crazybabyborgs/Case/Justice-for-zahra1.gif)
                                                                                                                               Artwork by CBB


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on September 17, 2011, 01:22:56 PM
I'm still hoping and praying there will be justice for Zahra.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Where is Zahra's skull?  Why won't that witch  Elisa tell where it is?  Did she use it some ritual, or perhaps she sold it?  It's enough Zahra's mother has had to bear the loss of her daughter and in such a horrible, horrible way.  I hope the rest of Zahra's remains can be recovered.   ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on September 17, 2011, 01:30:06 PM
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/tears-for-tormented-zahras-life-of-hell/story-fn7x8me2-1226139210934
Tears for tormented Zahra Baker's life of hell
September 17, 2011

(http://resources1.news.com.au/images/2011/02/23/1226010/922961-zahra-baker.jpg)
Zahra Baker was beaten and abused before being killed by her stepmother, Elisa Baker. Picture: AP Herald Sun

As she was led from North Carolina's Catawba County Court to spend up to 18 years in jail for the murder and torment she dealt out to a vulnerable Australian child, Baker's unrelenting sobbing could be heard from behind a closed door.

But her plea deal with North Carolina authorities, in which she avoided facing death in exchange for leading them to the 10-year-old's scattered remains, leaves many questions unanswered.

Baker, 42, who lived with Adam Baker and Zahra in a small home in Hickory, has never told authorities how she killed Zahra. Or why.

Police found blood all over Zahra's room, even the ceiling, suggesting how violent her death was.
 ::snipping2::
During the sentencing hearing, police told how Baker's biological daughter, Amber Fairchild, saw her mother punching Zahra's head.

School authorities became concerned when Zahra turned up to class with two black eyes, but authorities did not act - nor did Mr Baker.

Police are certain he played no role in killing or dismembering his child.

Mr Baker told the court in a statement that Zahra had loved Baker and looked up to her. Yet homicide investigator Capt Thurman Whisnant told the court how much Zahra feared her stepmother.

He said Hickory schoolteachers found Zahra distressed and crying because she had wet herself. Her main fear was going home to face recriminations from her stepmother.

It was recounted a witness had arrived at the Bakers' tiny house, in the weeks before Zahra was killed, to hear Baker swearing at Zahra for wetting herself again.

Shaking and crying, Zahra's biological mother, Emily Dietrich, from NSW, read a statement condemning Baker and apologising that her post-natal depression had seen her walk away from Zahra.

"What exactly am I supposed to speak about?" Ms Dietrich said.

"The constant pain, guilt and regret I have lived with for letting depression take over to the point of feeling it best for Zahra to live with her father, for I was in no fit state to keep her safe?"

She described Baker as "pure evil".
More...


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 18, 2011, 12:40:00 AM
http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/09/17/3375996/both-sides-say-they-reached-best.html

Published: Saturday, Sep. 17, 2011 / Updated: Saturday, Sep. 17, 2011 12:07 AM
Both sides say they reached best deal
By Franco Ordońez - fordonez@charlotteobserver.com

 ::snipping2::

"Given the facts and given the laws, this is the best result and the closest to justice you can get," District Attorney Jay Gaither said. "Would I want better facts and stronger laws? Absolutely."

While Gaither and Reilly worked the final agreement last weekend, the real wrangling began Oct. 23.

According to attorneys from both sides the deal was reached this way:

Zahra had been missing for two weeks and investigators had found no clues to her whereabouts. At some point, 18 pinpoint dots of blood were found in her bedroom, but not enough to confirm a death.

The search continued without any breakthrough. Then, a tip sent investigators to the Caldwell County landfill, where TV cameras on Oct. 22 showed a crane lifting a soiled mattress.

Although the mattress contained no evidence, Gaither said it appeared to the public, and perhaps Elisa Baker, that police were getting closer to the truth.

The next day, Gaither received a call from one of Baker's previous attorneys, Lisa Dubs.

Dubs told Gaither her client had information that would solve the mystery of the disappearance of Zahra Baker.

It was a short call. Gaither then contacted police.

"We have a defendant who wants to talk," he said.


Read more: http://www.heraldonline.com/2011/09/17/3375996/both-sides-say-they-reached-best.html#ixzz1YH71oQRU


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: cw618 on September 18, 2011, 01:41:37 PM
I'm still hoping and praying there will be justice for Zahra.   ::MonkeyAngel::

Where is Zahra's skull?  Why won't that witch  Elisa tell where it is?  Did she use it some ritual, or perhaps she sold it?  It's enough Zahra's mother has had to bear the loss of her daughter and in such a horrible, horrible way.  I hope the rest of Zahra's remains can be recovered.   ::MonkeyAngel::

i dont think EB will ever say,the skull prob shows blunt force trama,and the real truth would be out
wonder if EB could be retried,if the skull was found and showed that Zahra had been murdered,would
blunt force trama be 1st degree murder


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 18, 2011, 09:37:21 PM
With video

http://www.wcnc.com/news/Zahra-Bakers-birth-mother-speaks-for-the-first-time-130088813.html

Zahra Baker's birth mother speaks for the first time
by DIANA RUGG / NewsChannel 36
Bio | Email| Follow: @DianaRuggwcnc
WCNC.com
Posted on September 18, 2011 at 7:16 PM
Updated today at 7:23 PM

 ::snipping2::

She told NewsChannel 36 reporter Diana Rugg, she has mixed emotions about leaving the last place her daughter Zahra called home. She spoke about relief over the plea deal last week because it means Elisa Baker, Zahra’s stepmother, will spend time in prison.

But also, Deitrich spoke about her anger towards Zahra’s father, Adam Baker.  Although the evidence shows he did not take part in the murder, she still holds him responsible.

"I still hold a lot of resentment towards him. There's a big difference between being not guilty and being innocent, and I don't think he is innocent of what happened. He had played all his own part," said Dietrich.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 19, 2011, 03:51:47 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/zahra-baker/Hickory-blood-drive-to-benefit-Zahra-Baker-playground-project-130133788.html

Hickory blood drive to benefit Zahra Baker playground project
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on September 19, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Updated today at 2:32 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- The Community Blood Center of the Carolinas is hosting a blood drive to benefit the Playground for Zahra Project.

It's taking place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.

 ::snipping2::

On Monday another $20,000 in ka-BOOM! grant money was awarded to the playground at Kiwanis Park.

The park already had $150,000 of funds before the new fundraising attempts Monday.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 21, 2011, 02:54:58 PM
http://news.sky.com/home/world-news/article/16074396

Mum: Why I Had To Face My Daughter's Killer
4:10pm UK, Wednesday September 21, 2011
Jonathan Samuels, Australia correspondent

The mother of murdered 10 year old Australian girl Zahra Baker has described why she wanted to look her daughter's killer in the face.

Emily Dietrich went to court to watch Zahra's stepmother being sentenced for killing and dismembering the child.

Speaking for the first time since the sentencing she said she could only glance at Elisa Baker for a moment.

"I mainly wanted her to see me, and for her to see the pain that she's caused on my face and my mother's face."

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 21, 2011, 07:34:37 PM
Justice is coming--hopefully for 140 years in prison for federal charges!   ::MonkeyGavel::  Her latest jail mugshot at the link.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/sep/20/zahras-killer-moved-mecklenburg-jail-ar-1412783/

Zahra's killer moved to Mecklenburg jail
By: Richard Gould
Published: September 20, 2011

 ::snipping2::

She’ll reside in the Mecklenburg County jail as she waits for her upcoming Nov. 7 federal court date.

Baker, 43, faces a maximum of $4.75 million in fines and 140 years in jail for the federal charges.

The charges against her include:

--Conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell and Catawba counties from 2006 until 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone (a Schedule II controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Hydrocodone (a Schedule III controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 10 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam (a Schedule IV controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 5 years in prison, a $200,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 6 Congress St. Apt. 1, Granite Falls from July 24, 2009 until Nov. 9, 2009. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 4010 Phillip Lane, Hudson from Nov. 13, 2009 until April 8, 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 21 21st Ave., NE, Hickory from July 2010 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: cookie on September 21, 2011, 10:37:18 PM
amazing isn't it that people get more time in jail for drugs than for murdering a child? will never understand that..


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Brandi on September 22, 2011, 11:32:01 PM
Justice is coming--hopefully for 140 years in prison for federal charges!   ::MonkeyGavel::  Her latest jail mugshot at the link.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/sep/20/zahras-killer-moved-mecklenburg-jail-ar-1412783/

Zahra's killer moved to Mecklenburg jail
By: Richard Gould
Published: September 20, 2011

 ::snipping2::

She’ll reside in the Mecklenburg County jail as she waits for her upcoming Nov. 7 federal court date.

Baker, 43, faces a maximum of $4.75 million in fines and 140 years in jail for the federal charges.

The charges against her include:

--Conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell and Catawba counties from 2006 until 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone (a Schedule II controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Hydrocodone (a Schedule III controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 10 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam (a Schedule IV controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 5 years in prison, a $200,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 6 Congress St. Apt. 1, Granite Falls from July 24, 2009 until Nov. 9, 2009. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 4010 Phillip Lane, Hudson from Nov. 13, 2009 until April 8, 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 21 21st Ave., NE, Hickory from July 2010 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.


Thanks for this, grace-land.

I was hoping (and still do, of course) that the other charges she is facing will keep her in prison for the rest of her life, since they accepted her plea deal on Zahra's murder.

Here's hoping all of this will end up with the best justice for Zahra as possible.

Evil, despicable woman, that Elisa.

 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 23, 2011, 12:03:55 AM
amazing isn't it that people get more time in jail for drugs than for murdering a child? will never understand that..

It is amazing, cookie.  I was surprised by the harsh penalty for drugs vs murder; however, in my opinion, she deserves all of the prison time that she has earned from her illegal activities!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 23, 2011, 12:20:27 AM
YW, Brandi.  It seems that she will be in prison for a long time.  From the explanation of the lawyers for Zahra, the second-degree murder charge was the best deal that they could accept--considering the limitted amount of evidence that they had against her.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Brandi on September 23, 2011, 01:45:22 AM
YW, Brandi.  It seems that she will be in prison for a long time.  From the explanation of the lawyers for Zahra, the second-degree murder charge was the best deal that they could accept--considering the limitted amount of evidence that they had against her.


Yes, that is how I understood it as well.

I am glad they got her on what they could.

And I am eagerly awaiting the other charges and penalties.



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 26, 2011, 09:16:42 PM
 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.wbtv.com/story/15548164/anniversay-of-zahras-death-was-saturday

Anniversary of Zahra's tragic death was Saturday
Posted: Sep 26, 2011 8:10 AM CDT
Updated: Sep 26, 2011 8:24 AM CDT

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) -   There was painful anniversary over the weekend -- that of a little girl who was robbed of the chance to grow up.

Police say Zahra Baker, just 10 years old, was murdered on Saturday one year ago.

 ::snipping2::

A park is being built in Hickory in Zahra's honor and donations are still being accepted for the next few days.

The fundraiser for the Zahra Baker All-Children's Playground ends on September 30, 2011.  For more information go to www.playgroundforzahra.org .


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Jazzy on September 27, 2011, 04:57:38 PM
Justice wont be served til Adam is behind bars even on the federal accounts and immagration,

As for Emily I wished she would throw a law suit for wrongful death on Adam and Elsie.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 05, 2011, 03:55:25 PM
Justice wont be served til Adam is behind bars even on the federal accounts and immagration,

As for Emily I wished she would throw a law suit for wrongful death on Adam and Elsie.

 ::rhino::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 05, 2011, 04:00:21 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/zahra-baker/Local-vendor-to-donate-proceeds-from--130791033.html

Entertainment company to donate proceeds to Zahra's playground
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on September 29, 2011 at 1:21 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- A local entertainment company for Hickory's Oktoberfest  is donating their proceeds to the Hickory Kiwanis Club for Zahra's Playground Project.

 ::snipping2::

The  Kiwanis Club have already raised over $150,000 for the new handicapped-accessible playground.

Hickory's Oktoberfest will start Friday, October 7 and run through Sunday, October 9.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 10, 2011, 03:49:21 PM
With video

http://www.wcnc.com/news/Sunday-marks-one-year-since-amber-alert-issued-for-Zahra-Baker-131435008.html

Sunday marked a year since Amber Alert issued for Zahra Baker .
by DIANA RUGG / NewsChannel 36 Staff
Bio | Email| Follow: @DianaRuggwcnc
WCNC.com
Posted on October 10, 2011 at 12:24 AM
Updated today at 12:51 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- It’s been a year since all of North Carolina first got the Amber Alert that a freckle-faced, ten-year-old girl had disappeared from her northwest Hickory home.

Even as the Hickory Police Department sent out the alerts for Zahra Baker late Saturday night, October 9th, 2010, they suspected the little girl’s father and step-mother weren’t quite telling the truth about her supposed abduction. 

Major Clyde Deal spoke to NewsChannel 36 shortly before the 11 p.m. news that night, saying investigators were getting conflicting statements from Adam and Elisa Baker.

 ::snipping2::

The house is now boarded up, and the tree has been cut down.  Elisa Baker has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and other charges, and is headed to prison.

Police said they can’t find evidence that Adam Baker was involved in Zahra’s death.  He still faces charges for identity theft and obtaining property under false pretenses.

Mayor Wright said he’s proud of the people of Hickory for their support, and for wanting to remember Zahra Baker in a positive way.  A playground for children of all abilities is in the works at Kiwanis Park. 

Organizers have received nearly double the amount of money they expected in donations – more than $170,000.  The park should be open by spring.

Wright said he expected nothing less of the people of Hickory.

“People said, ‘that little girl deserved better, and who's going do it but us?’”


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 11, 2011, 12:54:05 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/oct/10/ground-breaking-zahras-playground-nov-16-ar-1484973/

Ground-breaking for Zahra's playground on Nov. 16
By: John Miller
Published: October 10, 2011

HICKORY --
It’s been one year since the disappearance and murder of Zahra Baker, and those in Hickory and beyond still mourn her death.

The community’s compassion for Zahra is reflected in the generosity of people, businesses and other organizations who have dedicated funds to the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground that will be built at Kiwanis Park in Hickory. The playground will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The City of Hickory is planning to hold a ground-breaking ceremony on Nov. 16, which would have been Zahra’s 12th birthday, to unveil the playground. The plans call for completion of the park by early spring.

Steve Aaron, President of the Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club, said the official fund-raising deadline for the Kiwanis Playground Fund for Zahra was Sept. 20, but more donations are expected.

“We’re about $170,000. We still have promises and a few businesses who are still going to contribute,” said Aaron. “When we’re done, we’ll be closer to $200,000 number to start building the playground.”

Aaron said the city sent out bid specifications for the park about 10 days ago. Because it is a city-sanctioned project, there were certain requirements. He said they expect to have bids back by Oct. 24. They will make a decision on the contractors that week, and place an order shortly thereafter.

Though the ground-breaking is next month, the playground will likely be finished next spring. Part of the construction process will include help from local community groups, as is required as part of a KaBOOM playground grant. That will save on labor costs, said Aaron.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on October 12, 2011, 10:59:29 AM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/oct/10/ground-breaking-zahras-playground-nov-16-ar-1484973/

Ground-breaking for Zahra's playground on Nov. 16
By: John Miller
Published: October 10, 2011

HICKORY --
It’s been one year since the disappearance and murder of Zahra Baker, and those in Hickory and beyond still mourn her death.

The community’s compassion for Zahra is reflected in the generosity of people, businesses and other organizations who have dedicated funds to the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground that will be built at Kiwanis Park in Hickory. The playground will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The City of Hickory is planning to hold a ground-breaking ceremony on Nov. 16, which would have been Zahra’s 12th birthday, to unveil the playground. The plans call for completion of the park by early spring.

Steve Aaron, President of the Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club, said the official fund-raising deadline for the Kiwanis Playground Fund for Zahra was Sept. 20, but more donations are expected.

“We’re about $170,000. We still have promises and a few businesses who are still going to contribute,” said Aaron. “When we’re done, we’ll be closer to $200,000 number to start building the playground.”

Aaron said the city sent out bid specifications for the park about 10 days ago. Because it is a city-sanctioned project, there were certain requirements. He said they expect to have bids back by Oct. 24. They will make a decision on the contractors that week, and place an order shortly thereafter.

Though the ground-breaking is next month, the playground will likely be finished next spring. Part of the construction process will include help from local community groups, as is required as part of a KaBOOM playground grant. That will save on labor costs, said Aaron.

 ::snipping2::

Thank you for all the updates, grace-land.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 13, 2011, 09:54:26 PM
YW, Sister.  The playground is a wonderful way to honor this saintly child--Zahra Baker.  ::MonkeyAngel::
The playground will bring joy, laughter, and fond memories to many children in the community for many years!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 17, 2011, 05:21:45 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/oct/17/4/elisa-bakers-federal-drug-trial-delayed-ar-1506379/

Elisa Baker's federal drug trial delayed
By: Sarah Newell williamson
Published: October 17, 2011
Updated: October 17, 2011 - 4:20 PM

STATESVILLE --
Elisa Baker’s federal drug trial is being postponed until January.

Baker, 43, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 18 on seven drug charges. According to the indictment, Baker’s illegal drug activity dated from May 2006 to October 2010, and involves Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Alprazolam. Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are prescription medications used to treat moderate pain. Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, is primarily used for anxiety.

According to the federal court judge, Baker is facing a maximum penalty of 115 years in prison and a $4.2 million fine if convicted on all charges.

Baker’s trial has been continued to Jan. 9, 2012, at 10 a.m., said Carolyn Bouchard, docket clerk for the US Clerk of Court, Statesville district.

The motion said the attorneys needed more time to prepare for trial because there are a lot of witnesses involved, Bouchard said.

“Justice will be served if more time is given,” Bouchard said of the motion. “It’s not unusual for this to happen.”

The order was filed on Oct. 13 and approved by federal judge Richard Voorhees, who will preside over Baker’s case when it comes to trial.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 18, 2011, 11:42:41 PM
With video

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29519215/detail.html

Zahra Baker remembered during vigil honoring children
Posted: 1:26 pm EDT October 18, 2011
Updated: 5:38 pm EDT October 18, 2011

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. -- Investigators involved in the Zahra Baker case shared an emotional moment on Tuesday.

They were part of a vigil to remember the 10-year-old, who was killed last fall, and other children police say were killed by a parent or caregiver in North Carolina last year.

A bell tolled after each child's name was read outside the Catawba County Justice Center.

The Children's Advocacy and Protection Center hosted the vigil, which included hanging T-shirts bearing the child’s name and age.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 22, 2011, 09:24:23 PM
http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/10/22/2458744/from-jail-elisa-baker-says-she.html

Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011
Modified Sat, Oct 22, 2011 07:51 PM
From jail, Elisa Baker says she didn’t do it

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Elisa Baker, in her first public interview, insisted from jail Friday that she was innocent despite pleading guilty last month to murdering her stepdaughter Zahra.

 ::snipping2::

At times, during a 30-minute interview ended abruptly by a sheriff’s deputy, she cried and rubbed her eyes; other times she poked fun at investigators and berated her husband, Adam, again accusing him of the worst offenses – including dismembering and hiding Zahra’s body.

 ::snipping2::


“I wouldn’t get a fair trial here, or anywhere,” she said. “I’m going to be an old woman when I get out.”

Reilly said Saturday that he advised Baker to take the plea deal because the evidence against her was strong.


Read more: http://www.thesunnews.com/2011/10/22/2458744/from-jail-elisa-baker-says-she.html#ixzz1bYzq0kdf


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: sassifrass on October 22, 2011, 09:47:37 PM
grace-land: Thank you so much for updating the Monkeys on this highly emotional case. Zahra is in a safe place right now, where she belongs.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.   ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 23, 2011, 02:57:01 PM
grace-land: Thank you so much for updating the Monkeys on this highly emotional case. Zahra is in a safe place right now, where she belongs.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.   ::MonkeyAngel::

YW, sassifrass!  And your contribution at SM is greatly appreciated--especially your work in finding Kyron and bringing justice in that case!  ::MonkeyKiss::

Justice is coming for our dear Zahra.  Adam is scheduled to appear in court on November 6 or 7, 2011, and Elisa is scheduled to appear in court on January 9, 2012 for federal drug charges. 
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 23, 2011, 03:07:14 PM
The interview on Friday, October 21, with Elisa Baker.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/23/2715365/from-jail-elisa-baker-insists.html

Elisa Baker insists she didn't do it
She speaks publicly for first time since pleading guilty to killing stepdaughter Zahra.

Franco Ordońez and Elizabeth Leland
fordonez@charlotteobserver.com, eleland@charlotteobserver.com
Franco Ordońez and Elizabeth Leland The Charlotte *******
Posted: Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011

 ::snipping2::

Unanswered questions

Elisa and Adam Baker reported their daughter missing on Oct. 9, 2010, saying that she had been kidnapped. Police searched for weeks without finding any trace of Zahra. As part of a plea deal not to charge her with first-degree murder, Elisa Baker eventually agreed to help police find Zahra's remains.

Parts of her body - including her head, right arm, right leg and upper left leg - were never recovered. Asked where those remains are, Baker said Friday:

"I'm assuming the head is up (NC highway) 268 going toward Blowing Rock," she said.

Baker said she took Hickory police to that site. Police declined to discuss the specifics of the case Friday because of the pending federal charges.

Throughout the interview, Elisa Baker deflected blame for the crime, saying she had no choice but to follow her husband's orders.

"I took blame for everything and I shouldn't have," she said. "I'm very angry he's not here."

In fact, Baker said, she helped investigators. Police stated in court that they would not have found any of Zahra's body without Baker's assistance.

"Quite honestly, I'm going to be blunt," she said. "If it hadn't been for me, the Hickory police would still be going around chasing tail and eating doughnuts."

"I wanted her found," Baker told the *******. She talked for a few more minutes about her case and revealed that her three biological children have not visited her. She mentioned writing a book when a sheriff's deputy opened the door and cut off the interview.

Leaving many questions unanswered, Elisa Baker grabbed her crutches and waved goodbye as she was escorted away.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/10/23/2715365/from-jail-elisa-baker-insists.html#ixzz1bdI8sd5s


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: KittyMom on October 23, 2011, 03:38:26 PM
It really makes me angry that the Charlotte ******* gave Elisa Baker the time of day.  That's what she craves...the spotlight.  I'm not one bit surprised at her responses.  She's never going to admit to what she did.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Lake Erie Princess on October 24, 2011, 04:35:34 PM
Elisa Baker must be a blood  relation to the Anthony's. I have never realized such cock and bull stories. Give me a break.

Elisa lied then, now, and always will. She is a supreme nut case. Zahra is dead, but safe from her harm ! ::ghost::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 27, 2011, 11:04:05 PM
Elisa Baker must be a blood  relation to the Anthony's. I have never realized such cock and bull stories. Give me a break.

Elisa lied then, now, and always will. She is a supreme nut case. Zahra is dead, but safe from her harm ! ::ghost::

 ::rhino::   ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 31, 2011, 04:08:18 PM
With pictures

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/oct/30/4/zahra-others-honored-police-memorial-ar-1555527/

Zahra, others honored at police memorial
By: Richard Gould
Published: October 30, 2011
Updated: October 31, 2011 - 9:46 AM

HICKORY --
Area law enforcement officers and members of the community paid tribute to several individuals including 10-year-old Zahra Baker during a Fraternal Order of Police ceremony Sunday.

Four engraved memorial bricks were placed beside the base of the FOP’s law enforcement memorial located in Catawba Memorial Park.

Three of the four bricks were placed in honor of law enforcement officers including the first responders who were killed in the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.

The fourth brick was to honor the memory of Zahra Baker and the men and women of law enforcement that found her remains, solved her murder and convicted her stepmother for the crime. The brick was purchased by the local FOP lodge.

“We didn’t know her personally, but throughout the days and weeks of the investigation, we started to feel like we knew this little girl,” said Carl Pope, retired State Trooper and president of the Catawba County FOP Lodge 26. “She always had that smile on her face in every picture we saw and it amazed me that, with her health issues, she always had that smile.”

Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins was chosen to place the brick at the memorial for the girl who beat cancer twice at the cost of her hearing and one of her legs.

He recalled the long hours his officers put in on the case and the invaluable assistance provided by their fellow law enforcement agencies including the sheriff’s offices of Catawba, Caldwell and Burke counties, the FBI, SBI and the Highway Patrol.

After he placed the brick, Adkins reflected on the FOP’s gesture.

“The FOP remembering Zahra by placing a brick at this memorial is just another example of the compassion that this community and law enforcement officers have had for this little girl,” he said.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 02, 2011, 10:58:37 PM
With video

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29665569/detail.html

Sale of memorabilia from murder cases is growing business
Wednesday, November 2, 2011

From a serial killer's artwork to jailhouse letters from Elisa Baker, the sale of memorabilia from high-profile murder cases is a growing business.

But families of local murder victims are outraged, and want it to stop.

 ::snipping2::

"I've been doing this so long it is not weird to me. This is a business. This right here is money to me. It's about profit," Gein said.

Selling this 'murderabilia' is Gein's full-time job. He made more than $600 by selling letters from Elisa Baker who was just convicted of killing her stepdaughter, Zahra.

But he also sells artwork from serial killers -- even bags of dirt from the location where one mass murderer buried his victims.

 ::snipping2::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 02, 2011, 11:04:22 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/nov/02/playground-campaign-nears-170000-ar-1567625/

Playground campaign nears $170,000
Groundbreaking will occur on Zahra’s birthday

By: The Record Staff
Published: November 02, 2011

HICKORY --
The Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground campaign is closing in $170,000 in donations.

The playground that will accommodate children of all physical and mental abilities will be built in Kiwanis Park, 805 Sixth St., SE, Hickory. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. at Kiwanis Park.

That day is Zahra’s birthday. She would have been 12.

Her stepmother pleaded guilty to killing and dismembering her earlier this year and was sentenced to prison. Elisa Baker still faces federal charges that could give her additional prison time.

The playground will be built in the spring of 2012.

The original goal of the playground campaign was around $85,000. Public support has been so generous that many additional features will be incorporated into the initial vision.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 03, 2011, 12:18:51 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/15950471/adam-baker-due-in-court-thursday-morning

Adam Baker appears in court Thursday morning
Posted: Nov 03, 2011 9:00 AM CDT
Updated: Nov 03, 2011 11:03 AM CDT
By Nick Needham - email

LENOIR, NC (WBTV) - The father of Zahra Baker appeared before a judge in Caldwell County Thursday morning.

Baker appeared on an assault charge and for writing several worthless checks, according to court records.

The case was continued until January 5th.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 03, 2011, 06:20:21 PM
With video

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29676432/detail.html

Zahra’s father angered by comments implicating him in case
Posted: 4:10 pm EDT November 3, 2011
Updated: 5:19 pm EDT November 3, 2011

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. -- As Adam Baker, Zahra Baker's father, left court on Thursday, he expressed serious frustration.

 ::snipping2::

Baker said he wants to return to his native Australia, but that may not happen for some time after the postponement.

“It would be great to get it over with,” Baker said.

Baker said he’s angry about his wife's comments to a local newspaper that he was somehow involved in getting rid of his daughter, Zahra, after her death. The comments were made from jail after she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.

“An innocent person doesn't take a guilty plea for stuff like that,” Adam Baker said.

During that plea, police testified that there was no evidence linking Adam Baker to his daughter's death, which is something he reiterated Thursday.

“We want to make it clear -- you had no involvement in Zahra's death?” Channel 9 asked.

“I think that was proven in the courtroom,” Adam Baker said.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 03, 2011, 06:27:08 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/03/2745103/judge-grants-a-continuance-in.html

Judge grants a continuance in Adam Baker's trial

By Greg Argos
NewsChannel 36 Staff
By Greg Argos The Charlotte *******
Posted: Thursday, Nov. 03, 2011
Modified: Thursday, Nov. 03, 2011

LENOIR, N.C. Adam Baker was in court for a range of misdemeanor charges on Thursday.

The father of Zahra Baker is facing charges of failing to return rented property, two counts of communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and five counts of writing worthless checks.

Baker’s attorney said he was ready for trial, but the judge allowed another continuance in the case.

Baker’s new trial is set for January 5. After leaving the courtroom, Baker says he's frustrated with all of the continuances. He said he simply wants to put all of these charges behind him.

If convicted Baker could face up to 120 days in jail for each count, but his attorney, Shell Pearce, says probation is more likely.

 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/03/2745103/judge-grants-a-continuance-in.html#ixzz1cgRDMaGk


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 03, 2011, 06:44:15 PM
http://www2.mcdowellnews.com/news/2011/nov/03/8/adam-baker-case-continued-caldwell-may-go-grand-ju-ar-1570518/

Adam Baker case continued in Caldwell, may go to grand jury
By: Sarah Newell williamson
Published: November 03, 2011
Updated: November 03, 2011 - 2:58 PM

LENOIR --
Adam Baker’s attorney said he was ready for trial in Caldwell County on Thursday. Baker is facing four misdemeanor charges and a host of worthless check charges.

However, the case was continued to Jan. 5, and two of the complainants will be subpoenaed. Baker is charged with two counts of communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and failure to return rental property.

His attorney, Shell Pearce, said he does not think Baker would be back in court on Jan. 5, however.

“It’s my understanding that this is going to be presented to a grand jury,” Pearce said. “I’ve been told that it’s their intention by the district attorney’s office.”

 ::snipping2::

The Caldwell County grand jury meets on Nov. 14.

 ::snipping2::

Baker is also facing two felony charges in Catawba County, for identity theft and obtaining property by false pretenses. He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday for those charges.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: crazybabyborg on November 03, 2011, 10:53:47 PM
This case tears at me differently than any other we've followed on SM. I want some justice for Zahra. Actual justice is impossible. I don't think anything other than "an eye for an eye" could approach it and we cannot legally administer that, but this I know; I wouldn't be Elisa for anything on earth. She will one day face a true judgement. I would love to see our justice system hurry that day along.

I believe with all my heart that Zahra is free, happy and thriving in God's Loving Hands. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 04, 2011, 11:45:52 PM
CBB, I agree with everything that you said especially "Actual justice is impossible."  Hopefully, her jail time will be increased after her trial for drug charges, and Adam faces various charges for which he might get jail time.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 04, 2011, 11:55:37 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/04/2746280/bakers-cases-are-postponed.html

Adam Baker: I want to take Zahra back home to Australia
By Gary L. Wright
gwright@charlotteobserver.com
By Gary L. Wright The Charlotte *******
Posted: Friday, Nov. 04, 2011
Modified: Friday, Nov. 04, 2011

LENOIR Adam Baker, whose wife pleaded guilty to murdering his 10-year-old daughter, Zahra, says he feels like a hostage.

He can't return to Australia while the felony and misdemeanor crimes he's been accused of committing remain pending. And he can't work, he says, because he's been accused of being in the country illegally.

"I want to go back to Australia. So I can take Zahra back home," Baker told the ******* Thursday as he sat in a courtroom at the Caldwell County Courthouse waiting to find out if prosecutors would dispose of the charges against him.

Baker, 34, is charged in Caldwell County with assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of communicating threats, failure to return rental property and five counts of writing worthless checks. The offenses are all misdemeanors, and on Thursday the cases were continued until January.

Baker also is charged in Catawba County with felony identity theft and felony obtaining property by false pretense. He's scheduled to appear in court on those charges on Monday.

 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/04/2746280/bakers-cases-are-postponed.html#ixzz1cnbRSJ99


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 07, 2011, 01:22:39 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/15976680/adam-baker-asking-for-felony-case-to-be-moved-from-catawba-co

Adam Baker asking for felony case to be moved from Catawba Co.
Posted: Nov 07, 2011 10:14 AM CST
Updated: Nov 07, 2011 10:19 AM CST
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer - email

CATAWBA COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - The father of Zahra Baker is looking to get a trial for felony charges moved out of Catawba County.

According to court records, Adam Baker is filing for a change of venue for his two felony charges in the county. Baker was slated to appear in court on Monday for charges obtaining property by false pretenses and financial identity theft.

 ::snipping2::

His attorney Shell Pearce said he is frustrated too with how long it is taking to resolve Adam's cases.
He also said his information is that the District Attorney delayed the cases Thursday because he wants to go to the Grand jury and get what is called a "presentment."

That would automatically move Adam's misdemeanor charges from District Court to Superior Court.

It would not mean the charges would be upgraded and would not increase possible penalties. Pearce said he believes, from the evidence he has seem that Adam is innocent of the charges he faces.

He said he's like to see the matter resolved soon so Adam can go home.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 08, 2011, 06:32:12 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/08/2758387/adam-bakers-attorney-wants-trial.html

Adam Baker's attorney wants trial moved
By Gary L. Wright
gwright@charlotteobserver.com
By Gary L. Wright The Charlotte *******
Posted: Tuesday, Nov. 08, 2011

 ::snipping2::

Adam Baker's attorney argues that extensive media coverage has polluted the potential jury pool.

The motion for change of venue notes that The Hickory Daily Record published several hundred articles concerning the death of Zahra.

"The newspaper published an article which noted that 'the prevailing theory in the community is that Zahra's father, Adam Baker, and his wife, Elisa Baker, killed Zahra then cut up her body and disposed of it to hide the crime,' " Killian wrote.

"Some readers have written letters to the editors expressing anger and disappointment that (Baker) will 'get off free for this heinous crime' against his daughter."

The Charlotte ******* has published at least 254 articles about Zahra's death, Killian also noted.

There's a widespread belief in the county that Adam Baker was involved in his daughter's death, the change of venue motion says.

"The Charlotte ******* and other newspapers have published front page articles detailing allegations made by Elisa A. Baker that Adam Baker dismembered his daughter's body," Killian wrote.

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/08/2758387/adam-bakers-attorney-wants-trial.html#ixzz1d9wPne9N


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 08, 2011, 06:38:05 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/nov/08/6/adam-bakers-attorney-wants-change-venue-ar-1586923/

Adam Baker's attorney wants change of venue
By: Sarah Newell williamson
Published: November 08, 2011
Updated: November 08, 2011 - 2:51 PM

 ::snipping2::

In the motion, which was filed Nov. 3, Killian said although Baker had nothing to do with Zahra’s death, that doesn’t seem to matter to the public.

The motion states: “While the defendant’s current charges are unrelated to the death of his daughter, and further despite the lack of any credible evidence that defendant was involved in the disappearance and murder of his daughter, there exists in this county a widespread belief that defendant was criminally involved in his daughter’s death.”

During Elisa’s plea hearing, Hickory investigators testified there was no credible evidence to suggest Baker was involved in Zahra’s death or dismemberment. However, Elisa has maintained that Baker helped dispose of Zahra’s remains.

Killian’s motion said information on TV, radio, online and in print has “so polluted” the jury pool that it’s unlikely an unbiased jury would be found in Catawba County.

Killian said he has talked with Baker’s Caldwell County attorney, Shell Pearce, but said he did not know if Pearce planned to file a similar motion.

Baker, an Australian native, currently has an immigration detainer placed on him by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Killian said Baker must check in with ICE, though not with the weekly frequency he used to.

Because of his immigration status, Baker is unable to work in the United States. Killian said Baker is living with friends at the moment.

“He’s stuck between the proverbial rock and a hard place,” Killian said.

Baker’s next court date on the Catawba County charges is Jan. 3, and Killian said he expects the change of venue motion will be heard then.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on November 10, 2011, 08:52:57 PM
Zahra Baker's father wants trial moved


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Adam Baker wants his identity theft trial in North Carolina moved because the community believes he was involved in killing his daughter Zahra, his lawyer says.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/11/09/Zahra-Bakers-father-wants-trial-moved/UPI-11061320868217/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on November 11, 2011, 05:30:20 PM
Zahra Baker's father wants trial moved


CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 9 (UPI) -- Adam Baker wants his identity theft trial in North Carolina moved because the community believes he was involved in killing his daughter Zahra, his lawyer says.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/11/09/Zahra-Bakers-father-wants-trial-moved/UPI-11061320868217/
well, duh!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Wyks on November 13, 2011, 12:06:54 AM
Once again, justice denied.   ::MonkeyTears::  I'm so sorry, Zahra. 

I am SO frustrated and angry at what is referred to as our "justice system".   ::MonkeyMad::

Second degree murder??  Seriously?  A sweet child's body in pieces, scattered, still missing her head, arm, leg? 

WTH???   ::MonkeyMad::   ::MonkeyMad:: 

We love you Zahra, your bio mum loves you.  And in heaven, you've no need for your earthly body anyway.  In the arms of Jesus, you are whole, healthy, safe and loved.. always. 

And as for both evilE and evilA Baker, am thinking they'll both be in prison on other charges (drugs etc) for a verrrrrrrrrry long time.. and likely both will meet up with 'prison justice'.  Cuz sometimes things just have a way of working themselves out like that. 

 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 13, 2011, 10:51:31 PM
Zahra's goodness and smile will forever be in the hearts of many people around the world.  The playground in her honor will bring much joy and happiness to the children for many generations to come!  ::MonkeyAngel::

In my opinion, Elisa and Adam will find no peace of mind for what they did and what they failed to do for dear Zahra.  And justice is not finished with them yet!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 13, 2011, 10:58:05 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/13/2763786/catawba-county-news.html

Catawba County News
Posted: Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011

 ::snipping2::

The Hickory Kiwanis Club presented a check for $10,000 to the Children's Advocacy and Protection Center of Catawba County at the Club's recent meeting.

The donation was part of a fundraiser for the Zahra Baker Project, an organization that seeks to reform the Department of Social Services and help abused children. The money will be used to offer free classes for the Center's Darkness to Light program to prevent sexual abuse to children.

 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/11/13/2763786/catawba-county-news.html#ixzz1deGD5kLe


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Lake Erie Princess on November 16, 2011, 02:46:43 PM
Once again, justice denied.   ::MonkeyTears::  I'm so sorry, Zahra. 

I am SO frustrated and angry at what is referred to as our "justice system".   ::MonkeyMad::

Second degree murder??  Seriously?  A sweet child's body in pieces, scattered, still missing her head, arm, leg? 

WTH???   ::MonkeyMad::   ::MonkeyMad:: 

We love you Zahra, your bio mum loves you.  And in heaven, you've no need for your earthly body anyway.  In the arms of Jesus, you are whole, healthy, safe and loved.. always. 

And as for both evilE and evilA Baker, am thinking they'll both be in prison on other charges (drugs etc) for a verrrrrrrrrry long time.. and likely both will meet up with 'prison justice'.  Cuz sometimes things just have a way of working themselves out like that. 

 
I agree with u !
Poor Zahra, but we must remember that she IS comfortable in the arms of the Lord.

Elisa's sentence here on earth was minimal IMO, but I KNOW she will get full punishment for her wayward ways upon death.
Murder is a sin IMO which is not forgiven, ever !


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 16, 2011, 03:00:26 PM
Happy Birthday, dear Zahra!  ::MonkeyAngel::

With video

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29782331/detail.html

Groundbreaking ceremony for memorial playground held on Zahra's birthday
Posted: 5:54 am EST November 16, 2011
Updated: 12:21 pm EST November 16, 2011

HICKORY, N.C. -- Ground was broken for a playground dedicated to Zahra Baker on Wednesday, which would have been her 12th birthday.

 ::snipping2::

At the ceremony on Wednesday, organizers showed drawings of what the playground will look like when it’s finished. Part of the playground will be for handicapped children. Zahra was a cancer survivor and had a prosthetic leg.

Organizers hope to have the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground finished by May. It will be located at 805 6th Street, SE, in Hickory.

If you would like to donate or get more information on the Zahra Playground, visit playgroundforzahra.org.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 16, 2011, 03:09:16 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/nov/15/playground-remember-zahras-smile-her-sacrifice-ar-1614289/

A playground to remember Zahra's smile, her sacrifice
OUR VOICE
By: The Record Editorial Staff
Published: November 15, 2011

Today, Zahra Claire Baker would have celebrated her12th birthday. Instead, we are remembering her brief life and what it meant to those of us in Hickory, the greater metro area and the world.

Today, we dedicate the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park in Hickory.

Last year at this time, we were mourning her life, taken in a murderous act of violence by her stepmother, Elisa Baker.

Yes, there was anger, frustration and contempt directed at Baker for her crime. Yet, there was also compassion, caring and thoughtfulness shared among us as the tragedy unfolded.

In our grief and disbelief, we were brought closer to the realization that our children need to be protected at all costs and by all of us.

 ::snipping2::

Now and hereafter, and especially once the park is completed, let the people stand as a memorial to what fun and laughter children should have in their lives. And let it stand for our dedication to stop child abuse in any form.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: scooters mommy on November 16, 2011, 03:55:17 PM
Happy Birthday, Zahra!!  Fly with the angels, sweet girl! ::MonkeyAngel::




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on November 17, 2011, 01:58:26 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/nov/15/playground-remember-zahras-smile-her-sacrifice-ar-1614289/

A playground to remember Zahra's smile, her sacrifice
OUR VOICE
By: The Record Editorial Staff
Published: November 15, 2011

Today, Zahra Claire Baker would have celebrated her12th birthday. Instead, we are remembering her brief life and what it meant to those of us in Hickory, the greater metro area and the world.

Today, we dedicate the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park in Hickory.

Last year at this time, we were mourning her life, taken in a murderous act of violence by her stepmother, Elisa Baker.

Yes, there was anger, frustration and contempt directed at Baker for her crime. Yet, there was also compassion, caring and thoughtfulness shared among us as the tragedy unfolded.

In our grief and disbelief, we were brought closer to the realization that our children need to be protected at all costs and by all of us.

 ::snipping2::

Now and hereafter, and especially once the park is completed, let the people stand as a memorial to what fun and laughter children should have in their lives. And let it stand for our dedication to stop child abuse in any form.

Thanks grace-land for the articles.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: seahorse on November 17, 2011, 01:59:46 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/oct/10/ground-breaking-zahras-playground-nov-16-ar-1484973/

Ground-breaking for Zahra's playground on Nov. 16
By: John Miller
Published: October 10, 2011

HICKORY --
It’s been one year since the disappearance and murder of Zahra Baker, and those in Hickory and beyond still mourn her death.

The community’s compassion for Zahra is reflected in the generosity of people, businesses and other organizations who have dedicated funds to the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground that will be built at Kiwanis Park in Hickory. The playground will be accessible to children of all abilities.

The City of Hickory is planning to hold a ground-breaking ceremony on Nov. 16, which would have been Zahra’s 12th birthday, to unveil the playground. The plans call for completion of the park by early spring.

Steve Aaron, President of the Western Catawba County Kiwanis Club, said the official fund-raising deadline for the Kiwanis Playground Fund for Zahra was Sept. 20, but more donations are expected.

“We’re about $170,000. We still have promises and a few businesses who are still going to contribute,” said Aaron. “When we’re done, we’ll be closer to $200,000 number to start building the playground.”

Aaron said the city sent out bid specifications for the park about 10 days ago. Because it is a city-sanctioned project, there were certain requirements. He said they expect to have bids back by Oct. 24. They will make a decision on the contractors that week, and place an order shortly thereafter.

Though the ground-breaking is next month, the playground will likely be finished next spring. Part of the construction process will include help from local community groups, as is required as part of a KaBOOM playground grant. That will save on labor costs, said Aaron.

 ::snipping2::


Thank-you. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 17, 2011, 06:39:59 PM
YW, Sister and seahorse.  It was heartbreaking to read and post the articles--especially the one about her smile and sacrifice.  :smt022


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 17, 2011, 06:49:05 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16066614/zahras-remains-could-be-released-to-adam-baker

Zahra’s remains could be released to Adam Baker
Posted: Nov 17, 2011 12:06 PM CST
Updated: Nov 17, 2011 1:03 PM CST
By Steve Ohnesorge, Western Bureau Reporter

HICKORY, NC  (WBTV) -  Adam Baker's wish to take Zahra's remains with him when he eventually returns to Australia could come true.

Sources have told WBTV News that a deadline has passed for an extension of time for the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains. 

Paperwork had to be filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa baker's attorneys by the end of business on Tuesday. 

No paperwork was filed. Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains. Baker, in several interviews with WBTV News, has said he wants to "Give Zahra a proper burial back in Australia." 

Baker's attorney, Mark Killian, said he would be looking into what needs to be done next to accommodate Adam in that request.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Wyks on November 19, 2011, 07:06:18 PM

http://www.wbtv.com/story/16066614/zahras-remains-could-be-released-to-adam-baker (http://www.wbtv.com/story/16066614/zahras-remains-could-be-released-to-adam-baker)

Zahra’s remains could be released to Adam Baker
---------

Thank you grace-land. 

The above title and article just seems SO wrong to me, on many levels.  IMO, they 'ought' to release Zahra's remains to her bio mum, who would then give her a proper burial in Australia.  To do anything else feels like an insult.  And worse yet of an insult would be to release her remains to Adam.  IMO, and that of many others, Adam ought to be cooling his heels in prison right alongside the witch.  If for nothing else, obstruction of justice.  To not release Zahra's remains to her bio mum, feels to me like the USA would be making a diplomatic mistake as well.  In every other way, so many have failed Zahra, please don't let them fail her in this way as will.   

JMO IMO MOO etc etc.






 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on November 19, 2011, 07:35:07 PM

http://www.wbtv.com/story/16066614/zahras-remains-could-be-released-to-adam-baker (http://www.wbtv.com/story/16066614/zahras-remains-could-be-released-to-adam-baker)

Zahra’s remains could be released to Adam Baker
---------

Thank you grace-land. 

The above title and article just seems SO wrong to me, on many levels.  IMO, they 'ought' to release Zahra's remains to her bio mum, who would then give her a proper burial in Australia.  To do anything else feels like an insult.  And worse yet of an insult would be to release her remains to Adam.  IMO, and that of many others, Adam ought to be cooling his heels in prison right alongside the witch.  If for nothing else, obstruction of justice.  To not release Zahra's remains to her bio mum, feels to me like the USA would be making a diplomatic mistake as well.  In every other way, so many have failed Zahra, please don't let them fail her in this way as will.   

JMO IMO MOO etc etc.

Wyks, I totally agree with you.  I believe Adam knew (if not participated) in what happened to Zahra.  I do not perceive him as the grieving father -- just one lucky POS that is getting away with murder. JMO


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 28, 2011, 04:08:12 PM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29869003/detail.html

Zahra's Law to go into effect this week
Posted: 7:23 am EST November 28, 2011
Updated: 7:35 am EST November 28, 2011

HICKORY, N.C. -- A new law sparked by the death of Zahra Baker goes into effect this week.

The law will make it a criminal act to dismember human remains.

Also, it makes it a felony to conceal a death or secretly dispose of a body.

The law goes into effect on Thursday.

 ::snipping2::
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 01, 2011, 04:24:05 PM
http://www.wect.com/story/16131920/new-north-carolina-laws-take-effect

Zahra's Law, Laura's Law and more to take effect Thursday
Posted: Nov 27, 2011 10:24 PM CST
Updated: Nov 29, 2011 9:49 AM CST
By Sharon Smith, Weekend Anchor, Reporter - bio | email

 ::snipping2::

"Zahra's Law"

Representative Moore was along a co-sponsor for what has become known as "Zahra's Law" or House Bill 227.

The death of Zahra Baker has helped to re-write G.S. 14-401.22 to make it a felony to disturb or dismember human remains.

According to the law, "any person who, with the intent to conceal the death of a person, fails to notify a law enforcement authority of the death or secretly buries or otherwise secretly disposes of a dead human body is guilty of a Class I felony."

The law also includes punishment for anyone who "attempts to conceal evidence of the death of another by knowingly and willfully dismembering or destroying human remains, by any means, including removing body parts or otherwise obliterating any portion thereof, shall be guilty of a Class H felony."

Parts of 10-year-old Zahra Baker's body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance was reported in October 2010. Zahra's arm bone, prosthetic leg, torso and pelvic area were found.

Police said they also found a saw, which they believe was used to cut up the girl's body. A vertebrae and other bones of Zahra were also found with saw cut marks on them, an investigator said earlier this year.

But Zahra's head and many other body parts were never found.

Elisa Baker pleaded guilty in the death of her 10-year-old stepdaughter in September 2011. Baker pleaded guilty to various charges including second-degree murder, obstruction of justice, and bigamy.

The potential maximum total sentence for all charges would typically be 60 years in prison. But, under the plea deal in presented in court, Baker would be sentenced to only a maximum of 18 years in prison.

This act becomes effective December 1, 2011, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 01, 2011, 04:30:36 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/01/2817960/law-named-for-zahra-baker-goes.html

'Zahra's Law' goes into effect today

By Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and April Bethea
Staff Writers
By Cleve R. Wootson Jr. and April Bethea The Charlotte *******
Posted: Thursday, Dec. 01, 2011
Modified: Thursday, Dec. 01, 2011

Nearly three dozen laws go into effect in North Carolina today, including legislation inspired by the deaths of a teenager and 9-year-old from the Charlotte region.

Among the legislation on the list is a law that would make it a felony to disturb or dismember a corpse.

State Rep. Mark Hilton, a Republican from Conover, told the ******* this summer that he was approached by the Catawba District Attorney's Office to get the legislation introduced as investigators were working on the Zahra Baker case.

The 9-year-old from Hickory was killed and her body scattered in 2010. Zahra's stepmother, Elisa Baker, was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and other charges in connection to the girl's death.

 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/01/2817960/law-named-for-zahra-baker-goes.html#ixzz1fJvswlJ4


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 01, 2011, 10:09:08 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/dec/01/2/district-attorney-reacts-zahras-law-ar-1668839/

District Attorney Gaither says Zahra's Law 'is a bitter reality'
By: Richard Gould
Published: December 01, 2011
Updated: December 01, 2011 - 8:35 PM

HICKORY --
If Elisa Baker had murdered and dismembered Zahra’s body today, she would have been sentenced to a much stiffer prison term than the one she got, said District Attorney Jay Gaither in reaction to Zahra’s Law, which went into effect Thursday.

“Obviously I’m gratified that the legislature moved quickly on it and passed it into effect,” he said. “Nonetheless it’s sad for two reasons: One, it brings back the memory of Zahra Baker and that this terrible, atrocious crime occurred in our community and then it’s also sad in the way that we have to have this law, that it needs to be in effect. That in itself is a bitter reality.”

Zahra’s Law was inspired by and named for the 10-year-old murder victim whose death and dismemberment inspired it. It is now a felony in the state of North Carolina to dismember a corpse in order to conceal a crime.

Zahra’s Law went into effect just over two months and two weeks after the girl’s stepmother, Elisa Baker, 43, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Zahra’s death. Baker was sentenced to a maximum of 18 years in prison for the murder. She can get out in as little as 14 years and eight months with good behavior.

If Zahra’s Law had been in effect, Baker would have been sentenced to as much as eight additional years in prison for having dismembered Zahra’s body in an effort to conceal her crime, Gaither said.

“The punishment would have been significantly more – still less than what I would have liked to have seen – but still over 25, 26, 27 years,” he said. “Elisa Baker was indicted under aggravating factors and therefore she was punished under the high end of the (structured sentencing) grid in the aggravated range for second-degree (murder). She had no prior convictions, therefore she was a level one.”

Gaither and his staff penned the first draft of the law in a direct reaction to Zahra’s murder. They passed it along to Rep. Tim Moore, R-111 District who, along with Rep. Mark Hilton, R-96 District, sponsored the bill, which passed the house unanimously and became law Thursday.

Gaither said Elisa Baker avoided prosecution for first-degree murder because she dismembered Zahra’s body and investigators were never able to find the girl’s skull.

“The first-degree (murder) prosecution that we would want to go forward with is difficult to prove even under the best of circumstances. Even when you have all of the evidence that could possibly be available, it is difficult to show premeditation and deliberation,” he said. “In this case, where we didn’t have the body in complete, we couldn’t show the cause of death. … We were still left without enough – quite frankly the skull, the head of Zahra Baker – to show that there was a death that had occurred in a particular way. So, without the cause of death, it left us with a Class B murder-two as an option. We went forward with that and as we were looking at the law realizing that dismemberment wasn’t really punishable under the North Carolina statutes.”

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 06, 2011, 05:14:48 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16201456/zahra-bakers-remains-returned-to-her-father

Zahra Baker's remains returned to her father
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 1:58 PM CST
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 2:24 PM CST
By Nick Needham - email
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Zahra Baker's remains are now in the custody of her father.

The Medical Examiner's office in Chapel Hill released the remains to a Hickory Funeral home two weeks ago. The remains were cremated and given to Adam Baker, Zahra's father.

Adam Baker has told us in several interviews that his wish is to return home to Australia and to give Zahra a proper service and burial there.

No paperwork was filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa Baker's attorneys requesting the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains.

Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 07, 2011, 04:38:37 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16201456/zahra-bakers-remains-returned-to-her-father

Zahra Baker's remains returned to her father
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 1:58 PM CST
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 2:24 PM CST
By Nick Needham - email
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Zahra Baker's remains are now in the custody of her father.

The Medical Examiner's office in Chapel Hill released the remains to a Hickory Funeral home two weeks ago. The remains were cremated and given to Adam Baker, Zahra's father.

Adam Baker has told us in several interviews that his wish is to return home to Australia and to give Zahra a proper service and burial there.

No paperwork was filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa Baker's attorneys requesting the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains.

Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains.

 ::snipping2::

Boy, that is bittersweet as I still believe he had something to do with her death IMO.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 07, 2011, 10:40:13 PM
I think that he knows something.  He seemed so calm during the 911 call for someone whose child was missing.  ::MonkeyNoNo::
Elisa is facing drug charges that carry many years in prison (added on to her second degree murder sentence), maybe she will offer up some more information. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 08, 2011, 08:25:42 AM
I think that he knows something.  He seemed so calm during the 911 call for someone whose child was missing.  ::MonkeyNoNo::
Elisa is facing drug charges that carry many years in prison (added on to her second degree murder sentence), maybe she will offer up some more information. 

I sure hope so grace-land.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: seahorse on December 08, 2011, 10:01:23 AM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/29869003/detail.html

Zahra's Law to go into effect this week
Posted: 7:23 am EST November 28, 2011
Updated: 7:35 am EST November 28, 2011

HICKORY, N.C. -- A new law sparked by the death of Zahra Baker goes into effect this week.

The law will make it a criminal act to dismember human remains.

Also, it makes it a felony to conceal a death or secretly dispose of a body.

The law goes into effect on Thursday.

 ::snipping2::
 

Thank-you, Grace-land, that is good news. 

They needed a law for this?  Was Step-Mom, the first depraved person, to do this? 

To think she will get out of jail in fifteen years, and she will still be able to celebrate her favorite holiday, Halloween, and little long suffering, Zahra, will never be able to dress-up for Halloween, or see Santa Claus.




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 12, 2011, 12:15:38 AM
YW, seahorse.  Elisa is not getting out any time soon.  The information from September 20 gives me hope that she will be in prison for a long, long time!

Quote
Baker, 43, faces a maximum of $4.75 million in fines and 140 years in jail for the federal charges.

The charges against her include:

--Conspiring with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell and Catawba counties from 2006 until 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Oxycodone (a Schedule II controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Hydrocodone (a Schedule III controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 10 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Distribution and possession with intent to distribute Alprazolam (a Schedule IV controlled substance) in Caldwell and Catawba counties from May 2006 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 5 years in prison, a $200,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 6 Congress St. Apt. 1, Granite Falls from July 24, 2009 until Nov. 9, 2009. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 4010 Phillip Lane, Hudson from Nov. 13, 2009 until April 8, 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

--Using and maintaining a place for the distribution of Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Alprazolam in Caldwell County from 21 21st Ave., NE, Hickory from July 2010 until Oct. 2010. Maximum penalty: 20 years in prison, a $500,000 million fine or both.

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/sep/20/zahras-killer-moved-mecklenburg-jail-ar-1412783/




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 12, 2011, 04:51:25 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Hickory-man-adds-huge-donation-for-Zahra-Baker-playground-135442493.html

Hickory man adds huge donation for Zahra Baker playground
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Updated today at 11:32 AM

HICKORY, N.C. –A Hickory man is making a big donation to a playground being built in honor of Zahra Baker.

Jim Shuford has pledged to give $25,000 to the Zahra Baker All-Children's Playground.

 ::snipping2::

The playground will be a large oval, filled with slides, swings and things to run on.   In total, 144 kids will be able to play on it at the same time.  The park will also be handicapped accessible and usable, meaning wheelchairs won't get stuck in sand. Zahra battled cancer and walked with a prosthetic leg.

With Shuford’s donation, about $200,000 has been raised for the playground.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: cookie on December 12, 2011, 09:16:19 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Hickory-man-adds-huge-donation-for-Zahra-Baker-playground-135442493.html

Hickory man adds huge donation for Zahra Baker playground
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on December 12, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Updated today at 11:32 AM

HICKORY, N.C. –A Hickory man is making a big donation to a playground being built in honor of Zahra Baker.

Jim Shuford has pledged to give $25,000 to the Zahra Baker All-Children's Playground.

 ::snipping2::

The playground will be a large oval, filled with slides, swings and things to run on.   In total, 144 kids will be able to play on it at the same time.  The park will also be handicapped accessible and usable, meaning wheelchairs won't get stuck in sand. Zahra battled cancer and walked with a prosthetic leg.

With Shuford’s donation, about $200,000 has been raised for the playground.


awesome


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 21, 2011, 08:15:54 PM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.wcnc.com/news/zahra-baker/Elisa-Baker-files-for-plea-deal-in-federal-drug-case-136017388.html

Elisa Baker files for plea deal in federal drug case
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Updated today at 4:41 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- Elisa Baker's attorney has filed paperwork for a plea deal in the federal case against her.

The documents were submitted on Monday.

Though that information is sealed, the public does know that Baker faces three federal drug charges.  She is accused of selling pills in Catawba and Caldwell counties.  Back in May a jury indicted Baker on seven counts of drug trafficking.

The combined charges could carry a 60-year jail sentence and a fine of $2.25 million.
 ::snipping2::
--------------------------

She went for a plea deal for the murder of Zahra--from First to Second degree murder.  With good behavior, she would serve only 14 years. 
I had a feeling that she would go for another plea deal regarding the drug charges in an effort to reduce that sentence and the fine.  IMO, if she tells where the rest of the remains are located of Zahra and gives credible evidence against Adam, then the state might consider a plea deal.  Otherwise, there is no reason for a plea deal.  May she rut in prison.   ::MonkeyMad::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on December 21, 2011, 08:26:33 PM
::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.wcnc.com/news/zahra-baker/Elisa-Baker-files-for-plea-deal-in-federal-drug-case-136017388.html

Elisa Baker files for plea deal in federal drug case
by NewsChannel 36 Staff
WCNC.com
Posted on December 21, 2011 at 2:54 PM
Updated today at 4:41 PM

HICKORY, N.C. -- Elisa Baker's attorney has filed paperwork for a plea deal in the federal case against her.

The documents were submitted on Monday.

Though that information is sealed, the public does know that Baker faces three federal drug charges.  She is accused of selling pills in Catawba and Caldwell counties.  Back in May a jury indicted Baker on seven counts of drug trafficking.

The combined charges could carry a 60-year jail sentence and a fine of $2.25 million.
 ::snipping2::
--------------------------

She went for a plea deal for the murder of Zahra--from First to Second degree murder.  With good behavior, she would serve only 14 years. 
I had a feeling that she would go for another plea deal regarding the drug charges in an effort to reduce that sentence and the fine.  IMO, if she tells where the rest of the remains are located of Zahra and gives credible evidence against Adam, then the state might consider a plea deal.  Otherwise, there is no reason for a plea deal.  May she rut in prison.   ::MonkeyMad::


Bolded by me.

ITA grace-land. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 22, 2011, 07:16:05 PM
Slideshow at link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/30057405/detail.html

Marker bearing Zahra’s name completes memorial
Posted: 3:14 pm EST December 22, 2011
Updated: 3:52 pm EST December 22, 2011

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. -- The last part of a memorial built for Zahra Baker has arrived in Caldwell County.

A 300-pound piece of granite bearing Zahra’s name and the dates of her birth and death was brought to the memorial along Christy Road on Thursday morning.

SLIDESHOW: Marker bearing Zahra’s name completes memorial

The 10-year-old’s remains were found in November 2010, about a month after she was reported missing. Zahra’s stepmother, Elisa Baker, later pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the girl’s death.

 ::snipping2::

Jake Icenhour and his wife have led efforts to build the memorial for Zahra on their land.

“What happened to her is a nightmare gone bad, and if what we're doing here -- everyone involved in this is just thinking about somebody else's kid,” Icenhour said.

More than a dozen businesses across the county donated their time and money to build the memorial. Pam Teague helped with the guttering.

“You hate to see what happened with her right under our noses. Right here in our own community,” Teague said. “My prayer would be that the Lord open the eyes of the people in the community and let them protect the little children.”

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 22, 2011, 07:22:05 PM
Video at link

http://www.wbtv.com/story/16375983/zahra-baker-memorial-almost-complete

Zahra Baker memorial almost complete
Posted: Dec 22, 2011 5:34 AM CST
Updated: Dec 22, 2011 5:41 AM CST
By Steve Ohnesorge, Western Bureau Reporter - bio | email

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC  (WBTV) – Just feet away from the spot where remains of Zahra Baker were found last year, a massive memorial has been built in her honor. "We want people never to forget," said Jake Icenhour, who owns the property along with his wife Priscilla. The covered, concrete floored open building was started last spring and is just about complete. "We still have a little more to do," said Icenhour. The wooden beams will be stained and a bench will be built as well "For anyone who wants or needs to sit down her."  The final concrete pouring took place earlier this week and since then, Christmas decorations have been put up as well as a sign telling people the structure is in remembrance of Zahra.  "Everyone is welcome to come here and leave things," said Priscilla.  The family hopes it will serve as a reminder to what happened to the ten year old girl and have people on the lookout for other youngsters who may be in trouble. "If it can save one kid, then it is all worth it," said Jake.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 22, 2011, 11:34:06 PM
Video at link

http://www.wbtv.com/story/16375983/zahra-baker-memorial-almost-complete

Zahra Baker memorial almost complete
Posted: Dec 22, 2011 5:34 AM CST
Updated: Dec 22, 2011 5:41 AM CST
By Steve Ohnesorge, Western Bureau Reporter - bio | email

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC  (WBTV) – Just feet away from the spot where remains of Zahra Baker were found last year, a massive memorial has been built in her honor. "We want people never to forget," said Jake Icenhour, who owns the property along with his wife Priscilla. The covered, concrete floored open building was started last spring and is just about complete. "We still have a little more to do," said Icenhour. The wooden beams will be stained and a bench will be built as well "For anyone who wants or needs to sit down her."  The final concrete pouring took place earlier this week and since then, Christmas decorations have been put up as well as a sign telling people the structure is in remembrance of Zahra.  "Everyone is welcome to come here and leave things," said Priscilla.  The family hopes it will serve as a reminder to what happened to the ten year old girl and have people on the lookout for other youngsters who may be in trouble. "If it can save one kid, then it is all worth it," said Jake.

 ::snipping2::

How gracious and heart-warming of these people.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 24, 2011, 12:58:28 PM
Enough money has been raised to build a treehouse at Zahra's playground!    ::DancingSantaMonkey1::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2011/dec/23/5/convenience-stores-customers-donate-10000-playgrou-ar-1746306/

Convenience stores' customers donate $10,000 to playground
Money was raised one buck at a time
By: Larry Clark | Hickory Daily Record
Published: December 23, 2011
Updated: December 23, 2011 - 4:23 PM

It’s impossible to know how many people have contributed to the Zahra Baker All-Children’s Playground, but a large number gave a dollar at a time through Cubbard Express.

 ::snipping2::

Wright, other Hickory officials and members of local Kiwanis clubs got a first-hand look at a wheelchair-accessible treehouse at a park in Kingsport, TN earlier this year. The treehouse seemed to be out of reach since the playground project goal was $85,000 to $100,000. But contributions kept coming in.

Many people and businesses such as Cubbard Express raised more money than anticipated. Then, a donation of $25,000 from Hickory businessman Jim Shuford pushed the playground fund to $200,000. That meant the treehouse could be built.

 ::snipping2::

Wright presented the managers with a facsimile check. It’s in Sukeforth’s store right now. And she gets 10 of the commemorative brick pavers that will be installed at the Zahra playground.

“You can inscribe them however you want,” Wright said.

The other managers get one paver each. Anyone can purchase one in memory or in honor of a loved one. They’re $100 apiece.

Allison summed up the response to the fundraiser: “Zahra's smiling photos certainly endeared her to me, and considering such generous donations, many Cubbard Express customers must share my sentiment.”
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 24, 2011, 01:22:43 PM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::  Her trial date is January 9, 2012.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/24/2873660/baker-accepts-drug-plea.html

Baker accepts drug plea
Already serving time in stepdaughter's death, she faces up to 20 more years
By Gary L. Wright
gwright@charlotteobserver.com
By Gary L. Wright The Charlotte *******
Posted: Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011
Modified: Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011

Elisa Baker, who pleaded guilty in September to murdering her 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra, has cut a deal with prosecutors on federal drug-trafficking charges.

In a plea agreement filed earlier this week, Baker agreed to plead guilty to conspiring to distribute a mixture that contained painkillers oxycodone and hydrocodone, and the anti-anxiety drug alprazolam.

The conspiracy charge is punishable by a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

The plea agreement says Baker's crime involved about 12,000 doses of oxycodone, about 10,000 doses of hydrocodone and about 29,000 doses of alprazolam.

Baker has agreed in the plea bargain to pay restitution to victims directly or indirectly harmed by her conduct.

Baker was indicted in May and charged with seven federal drug offenses, each punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The plea agreement calls for prosecutors to dismiss the other six drug charges.

 ::snipping2::

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/12/24/2873660/baker-accepts-drug-plea.html#storylink=cpy


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 02, 2012, 07:09:47 PM
Reminder:  Adam Baker--court date on the Catawba County charges is January 3, 2012; change of venue heard then

http://www2.statesville.com/news/2012/jan/02/elisa-baker-plea-hearing-scheduled-federal-charges-ar-1771551/

Elisa Baker in federal court Thursday for plea hearing
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Statesville Record & Landmark
Published: January 02, 2012 Updated: January 02, 2012 - 3:13 PM

CHARLOTTE --

Elisa Baker’s plea hearing for seven drug-related charges is scheduled for Thursday morning in US District Court in Charlotte.

Baker, 43, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 18 on seven drug charges. She is accused of illegal drug activity from May 2006 to October 2010, involving Hydrocodone, Oxycodone and Alprazolam. Oxycodone and Hydrocodone are prescription medications used to treat moderate pain. Alprazolam, also known as Xanax, is primarily used for anxiety.

Baker pleaded not guilty to the charges in hearing in June. Baker’s trial was postponed in October, following a filing by the attorneys requesting additional time to prepare for trial and interview witnesses.

Baker’s attorney filed documents in December that indicated a deal had been worked out with prosecutors.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 03, 2012, 11:19:42 PM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/03/2/adam-baker-may-make-plea-deal-wednesday-ar-1774280/

Adam Baker may make plea deal Wednesday
Felony charges unrelated to Zahra's murder
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 03, 2012
Updated: January 03, 2012 - 10:14 PM

HICKORY --
Adam Baker is expected to be in Superior Court Wednesday for a plea deal, according to his attorney Mark Killian.

“We’ve worked out a plea agreement,” Killian told Superior Court Judge Beverly Beal when Baker’s case was called before the court.

Killian declined to comment on the agreement Tuesday, saying details of the arrangement had not been finalized.

Baker, 34, is charged with one felony count each of identity theft and obtaining property by false pretense for obtaining electricity from Duke Energy in a relative’s name at his Hickory home on 21st Avenue, NW, in August 2010.

His case was held open until Wednesday, when Killian requested that the matter be heard in court.
 ::snipping2::
In addition to the two Catawba County felonies, Baker also has several misdemeanor charges pending against him in Caldwell County, including failure to return rental property, two counts of communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and 5 counts of worthless checks. He previously paid the money owed on the worthless check charges.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 04, 2012, 10:34:11 AM
::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/03/2/adam-baker-may-make-plea-deal-wednesday-ar-1774280/

Adam Baker may make plea deal Wednesday
Felony charges unrelated to Zahra's murder
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 03, 2012
Updated: January 03, 2012 - 10:14 PM

HICKORY --
Adam Baker is expected to be in Superior Court Wednesday for a plea deal, according to his attorney Mark Killian.

“We’ve worked out a plea agreement,” Killian told Superior Court Judge Beverly Beal when Baker’s case was called before the court.

Killian declined to comment on the agreement Tuesday, saying details of the arrangement had not been finalized.

Baker, 34, is charged with one felony count each of identity theft and obtaining property by false pretense for obtaining electricity from Duke Energy in a relative’s name at his Hickory home on 21st Avenue, NW, in August 2010.

His case was held open until Wednesday, when Killian requested that the matter be heard in court.
 ::snipping2::
In addition to the two Catawba County felonies, Baker also has several misdemeanor charges pending against him in Caldwell County, including failure to return rental property, two counts of communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon and 5 counts of worthless checks. He previously paid the money owed on the worthless check charges.
 ::snipping2::

I hope he gets more than a slap on the wrist!
I am still convinced he had a hand in killing Zahra.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 04, 2012, 06:35:23 PM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/zahra-bakers-father-adam-hopeful-of-returning-to-australia-next-week/story-e6freoof-1226237055205

Zahra Baker's father, Adam, hopeful of returning to Australia next week

    by: Peter Mitchell
    From: AAP
    January 05, 2012 7:38AM

THE father of murdered disabled schoolgirl Zahra Baker hopes to be back in Australia next week.

Adam Baker, who was cleared by US authorities of any involvement in the murder and dismemberment of 10-year-old cancer survivor Zahra in 2010, is expected to agree to a plea deal in a North Carolina court today after being charged with identity theft and obtaining property by false pretences.

It is alleged he used a relative's name to hook up electricity to his North Carolina home.

After meeting with his lawyer Mark Killian and District Attorney's Office prosecutors it was announced Baker would return to the Catawba County Superior Court on Thursday.

Baker, 34, is also charged with nine misdemeanors in another North Carolina county, Caldwell County, including two counts of communicating threats and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Baker is not expected to serve jail time.

Mr Killian said he hopes both sets of charges will be resolved on Thursday (US time) and Baker will be on a plane back to Australia next week.

''(Baker) hopes to get back home so he can get back and return to work and do things any normal citizen will do,'' Killian told reporters.

 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad:: ::MonkeyMad::

Words fail me! Well actually, no they don't - just words that are suitable to post on a public board fail me.




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 04, 2012, 06:50:06 PM
Unbelievable, if he gets to return to Australia without serving time in jail.   ::MonkeyNoNo::  Enough of the plea deals.  Where is the justice?   ::MonkeyMad::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 04, 2012, 06:52:37 PM
Video at link

http://www.wcnc.com/video?id=136652583&sec=552547

Adam Baker plea deal hearing postponed   
Posted on January 4, 2012 at 4:52 PM



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 04, 2012, 06:57:04 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/04/bakers-could-wrap-plea-deals-thursday-ar-1778443/

Bakers could wrap up plea deals Thursday
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 04, 2012 Updated: January 04, 2012 - 1:30 PM

HICKORY --

Both Adam and Elisa Baker are expected to wrap up all of their charges in plea deals on Thursday.

Adam Baker came to Catawba County Superior Court on Wednesday, hoping his two felony charges would be resolved so he could move forward with his life. Instead, Baker was told he would have to return Thursday.

Mark Killian represents Baker on his Catawba County charges. He said Wednesday he hoped all of Baker’s charges in Catawba and Caldwell counties would be resolved Thursday, with the charges in Catawba County heard first.

 ::snipping2::

Baker’s wife, Elisa, is also expected to attend a plea hearing Thursday in Charlotte. Elisa, 43, is facing seven federal drug charges involving prescription medications from May 2006 to October 2010. She faces a maximum penalty of 115 years in prison and a fine of $4.2 million if convicted of all charges.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 04, 2012, 07:01:00 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Adam-Baker-due-in-court-for--136652583.html

Adam Baker plea deal hearing postponed
by GREG ARGOS / NewsChannel 36 Staff
Bio | Email| Follow: @GregArgos
WCNC.com
Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Updated today at 5:02 PM

NEWTON, N.C. -- Adam Baker will have to wait another day before he'll know the final detail of a plea bargain his attorney is preparing with the Catawba County District Attorney's Office.

 ::snipping2::

Wednesday morning, Baker, his attorney Mark Killian, and lawyers with the District Attorney's Office met behind closed doors to work out the details of the plea agreement. It's unlikely Baker will face any jail time.

"[Adam] hopes to get back home so he can get back and return to work, and do things any normal citizen will do," said Killian after the meeting.

Baker could be able to return home to Australia as soon as next week. Killian says it depends on whether he's given approval from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials.

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Catawba County Courthouse in Newton, N.C.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 04, 2012, 08:20:59 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Adam-Baker-due-in-court-for--136652583.html

Adam Baker plea deal hearing postponed
by GREG ARGOS / NewsChannel 36 Staff
Bio | Email| Follow: @GregArgos
WCNC.com
Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Updated today at 5:02 PM

NEWTON, N.C. -- Adam Baker will have to wait another day before he'll know the final detail of a plea bargain his attorney is preparing with the Catawba County District Attorney's Office.

 ::snipping2::

Wednesday morning, Baker, his attorney Mark Killian, and lawyers with the District Attorney's Office met behind closed doors to work out the details of the plea agreement. It's unlikely Baker will face any jail time.

"[Adam] hopes to get back home so he can get back and return to work, and do things any normal citizen will do," said Killian after the meeting.

Baker could be able to return home to Australia as soon as next week. Killian says it depends on whether he's given approval from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials.

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Catawba County Courthouse in Newton, N.C.

BBM, I would wanted to know what his "normal" is . . . or maybe I already do.  Look at this history with Elisha.  What a POS IMO.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on January 05, 2012, 08:26:48 AM


http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Adam-Baker-due-in-court-for--136652583.html

Adam Baker plea deal hearing postponed
by GREG ARGOS / NewsChannel 36 Staff
Bio | Email| Follow: @GregArgos
WCNC.com
Posted on January 4, 2012 at 8:09 AM
Updated today at 5:02 PM

NEWTON, N.C. -- Adam Baker will have to wait another day before he'll know the final detail of a plea bargain his attorney is preparing with the Catawba County District Attorney's Office.

 ::snipping2::

Wednesday morning, Baker, his attorney Mark Killian, and lawyers with the District Attorney's Office met behind closed doors to work out the details of the plea agreement. It's unlikely Baker will face any jail time.

"[Adam] hopes to get back home so he can get back and return to work, and do things any normal citizen will do," said Killian after the meeting.

Baker could be able to return home to Australia as soon as next week. Killian says it depends on whether he's given approval from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement officials.

The hearing is set for 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Catawba County Courthouse in Newton, N.C.

BBM, I would wanted to know what his "normal" is . . . or maybe I already do.  Look at this history with Elisha.  What a POS IMO.



Even if he was cleared of charges in Zahra's death and dismemberment, the  horrible way Zarha lived while in his care (and yes, she was in his care and he was responsible for her!) and the horrible way she died will follow him no matter where he goes imo.  Even if he had never raised a hand against Zahra, he still should be held accountable for child neglect and for failing to protect her in the very, very least.  Failure to provide medical aid.  She didn't have her cancer check ups and the too small prothesis had to be a big problem for Zahra.  It was said she was sick in bed.  He didn't take her to the doctor for that either. He failed to insure she was enrolled in school or receiving an education.  IMO he failed to protect her from abuse from Elisha, both physical and mental.  Others had witnessed this. He failed to stop or report Elisha abusing his daughter.   I find it very, very sad it was hot check charges and using a false name to get electric service turned on as the reason he's behind bars, and not because of Zahra.   I guess it's been decided by the powers that be to get him out of the country and back to Aus.  And equally sad Elisha is in jail for drug charges with plea deals  ::MonkeyNoNo::  Where is the justice for Zahra?   


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 05, 2012, 02:44:12 PM
http://www.wxii12.com/r/30142788/detail.html

Elisa Baker Pleads Guilty To Federal Charge
Baker Faces Up To 20 Years In Prison
POSTED: 2:09 pm EST January 5, 2012
UPDATED: 2:11 pm EST January 5, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The North Carolina woman who pleaded guilty to killing her 10-year-old disabled stepdaughter has pleaded guilty to a federal drug charge.

Elisa Baker on Thursday pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Charlotte to one count of conspiracy to sell drugs. Prosecutors then agreed to drop six other charges.

No sentencing date has been set. Baker faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million dollar fine when she is sentenced.

 ::snipping2::

Read more: http://www.wxii12.com/news/30142788/detail.html#ixzz1ic9qEhLn


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 05, 2012, 02:49:34 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/05/2900481/adam-baker-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor.html

Adam Baker pleads guilty to misdemeanor
******* staff reports
The Charlotte *******
Posted: Thursday, Jan. 05, 2012

Adam Baker, whose 10-year-old daughter was murdered in 2010, could return to Australia soon after pleading guilty earlier today to a misdemeanor charge against him in Catawba County.

Baker still must resolve charges against him in Caldwell County, and was headed to a Lenoir courtroom to do that today.

In Catawba County today, Baker pleaded guilty to using someone else's identity to illegally get power at his Hickory home, according to WCNC-TV, the *******'s news partner.

Hickory Daily Record reports that Baker received a suspended jail sentence of 45 days, 18 months of unsupervised probation and was ordered to repay $349.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/05/2900481/adam-baker-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor.html#storylink=cpy


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 05, 2012, 03:08:28 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/05/2900481/adam-baker-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor.html

Adam Baker pleads guilty to misdemeanor
******* staff reports
The Charlotte *******
Posted: Thursday, Jan. 05, 2012

Adam Baker, whose 10-year-old daughter was murdered in 2010, could return to Australia soon after pleading guilty earlier today to a misdemeanor charge against him in Catawba County.

Baker still must resolve charges against him in Caldwell County, and was headed to a Lenoir courtroom to do that today.

In Catawba County today, Baker pleaded guilty to using someone else's identity to illegally get power at his Hickory home, according to WCNC-TV, the *******'s news partner.

Hickory Daily Record reports that Baker received a suspended jail sentence of 45 days, 18 months of unsupervised probation and was ordered to repay $349.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/05/2900481/adam-baker-pleads-guilty-to-misdemeanor.html#storylink=cpy

well, slap me on the wrist!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: trimmonthelake on January 05, 2012, 05:09:43 PM
http://caldwellcounty.wbtv.com/news/community-spirit/70320-2nd-memorial-discovered-zahra-baker
2nd memorial discovered for Zahra Baker
Submitted by Alison Hill, Community Web Producer
Thursday, January 5th, 2012, 1:16pm

(http://media.dtsph.com/sites/wbtv.com/files/imagecache/story615/zahra_memorial_garden_1.jpg)
GRANITE FALLS - While an official memorial to Zahra Baker has been built on Christie Road in Granite Falls, a makeshift memorial garden has been created a few miles away, deep in the woods off Dudley Shoals Road.
 ::snipping2::
(http://media.dtsph.com/sites/wbtv.com/files/imagecache/story615/zahra_memorial_garden_2.jpg)


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 05, 2012, 05:29:13 PM
http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/136767973.html

In surprise move, Adam Baker drops plea deal
Posted on January 5, 2012 at 5:06 PM
Updated today at 5:09 PM


LENOIR, N.C. -- Adam Baker, the father of the late Zahra Baker, was expected to plead guilty Thursday afternoon to misdemeanor charges, but he made a surprise move.

Instead, Baker pleaded not guilty to charges of three total counts of assault and communicating threats, all misdemeanors.

With that not guilty plea, Baker's trial started immediately on Thursday.

Baker, meanwhile, had to pay back $350 in restitution after pleading guilty to identity theft in a Catawba County courtroom earlier on Thursday.   ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 05, 2012, 06:43:49 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/05/3/breaking-news-adam-baker-sentenced-jail-ar-1783393/

Adam Baker sentenced to jail
Attorney files notice of appeal for sentence; Baker not taken into custody.
By: staff reports | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 05, 2012
Updated: January 05, 2012 - 5:44 PM

LENOIR --
Adam Baker was convicted of misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon in Caldwell County District Court Thursday afternoon. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

A notice of appeal was immediately filed by his attorney, Shell Pearce. Baker was allowed to leave under a written promise to appear. His case will now go to Superior Court. A new court date was not immediately available.

Baker, 34, was facing two counts of communicating threats, failure to return rental property and six counts of worthless checks in addition to the assault charge. All charges were misdemeanors. His legal team negotiated with the district attorney's office throughout much of Thursday, but was unable to reach a successful resolution.

At about 4:45 p.m., the case went to trial. District Court Judge B.J. Mullinax dropped the two counts of communicating threats, but not the assault charge.
 ::snipping2::
He currently remains in the United States under an immigration detainer by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was placed on him following his arrest in April 2011. ICE has been in contact with Baker about his plan to leave for Australia when his legal matters are completed, according to Vincent Picard, Southern Region Communications Director for ICE.

"As is routinely done in cases involving non-detained aliens arranging their own departure from the United States, Mr. Baker will provide ICE with flight details for his return to Australia and our agents will verify his departure," Picard said.

He could not comment on whether ICE had Baker's passport, saying that was a violation of Baker's privacy. But Picard said Baker no longer had an ankle monitoring device. And without talking about Baker specifically, Picard said ICE usually keeps individuals' passports until they leave the country.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 05, 2012, 06:59:14 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/05/3/breaking-news-adam-baker-sentenced-jail-ar-1783393/

Adam Baker sentenced to jail
Attorney files notice of appeal for sentence; Baker not taken into custody.
By: staff reports | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 05, 2012
Updated: January 05, 2012 - 5:44 PM

LENOIR --
Adam Baker was convicted of misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon in Caldwell County District Court Thursday afternoon. He was sentenced to 30 days in jail.

A notice of appeal was immediately filed by his attorney, Shell Pearce. Baker was allowed to leave under a written promise to appear. His case will now go to Superior Court. A new court date was not immediately available.

Baker, 34, was facing two counts of communicating threats, failure to return rental property and six counts of worthless checks in addition to the assault charge. All charges were misdemeanors. His legal team negotiated with the district attorney's office throughout much of Thursday, but was unable to reach a successful resolution.

At about 4:45 p.m., the case went to trial. District Court Judge B.J. Mullinax dropped the two counts of communicating threats, but not the assault charge.
 ::snipping2::
He currently remains in the United States under an immigration detainer by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which was placed on him following his arrest in April 2011. ICE has been in contact with Baker about his plan to leave for Australia when his legal matters are completed, according to Vincent Picard, Southern Region Communications Director for ICE.

"As is routinely done in cases involving non-detained aliens arranging their own departure from the United States, Mr. Baker will provide ICE with flight details for his return to Australia and our agents will verify his departure," Picard said.

He could not comment on whether ICE had Baker's passport, saying that was a violation of Baker's privacy. But Picard said Baker no longer had an ankle monitoring device. And without talking about Baker specifically, Picard said ICE usually keeps individuals' passports until they leave the country.

Well color me surprised!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 06, 2012, 12:53:05 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/zahra-bakers-father-jailed-for-a-month/story-e6freoox-1226238187847

Zahra Baker's father jailed for a month

    by: By Peter Mitchell
    From: AAP
    January 06, 2012 11:38AM

    Baker sentenced to 30 days in jail for an assault charge
    Australian set to appeal against the jail sentence
    Expected to be deported when court matters are completed

ADAM Baker's plan to take his murdered disabled daughter Zahra's ashes back to Australia next week has hit a road block after a North Carolina judge sentenced him to a month in jail.

Former Queensland sugar mill worker Baker, 34, spent yesterday in courts in two North Carolina counties for a variety of charges that were not expected to lead to jail time.

However, the Hickory Daily Record newspaper reports District Court Judge BJ Mullinax sentenced Baker to 30 days in jail for an assault with a deadly weapon charge relating to an incident where Baker tried to use a car to run a family member off the road.

Baker, who was cleared by North Carolina authorities of playing any role in the 2010 murder and dismemberment of his 10-year-old cancer survivor daughter Zahra, will appeal against the jail sentence.

The judge agreed not to send him to prison until a ruling was made on the appeal.

 ::snipping2::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 06, 2012, 12:59:59 AM
Quote : Hickory Daily Record reports that Baker received a suspended jail sentence of 45 days, 18 months of unsupervised probation and was ordered to repay $349.

So where does he serve the 18 months unsupervised probation?  Not feasible that he would spend it in Australia.

Also it seems it could be a while until we can see if our Customs and Immigration personnel meet him on his return to Australia with questions about his taking Zahra out of our country with forged documentation.

This is all beyond belief.

On a nicer note I think the memorial for Zahra off Dudley Shoals Road shows what caring and decent people live there.  Thank you to those involved from Australia.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: NickandNora on January 06, 2012, 01:40:24 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/zahra-bakers-father-jailed-for-a-month/story-e6freoox-1226238187847

Zahra Baker's father jailed for a month

    by: By Peter Mitchell
    From: AAP
    January 06, 2012 11:38AM

    Baker sentenced to 30 days in jail for an assault charge
    Australian set to appeal against the jail sentence
    Expected to be deported when court matters are completed

ADAM Baker's plan to take his murdered disabled daughter Zahra's ashes back to Australia next week has hit a road block after a North Carolina judge sentenced him to a month in jail.

Former Queensland sugar mill worker Baker, 34, spent yesterday in courts in two North Carolina counties for a variety of charges that were not expected to lead to jail time.

However, the Hickory Daily Record newspaper reports District Court Judge BJ Mullinax sentenced Baker to 30 days in jail for an assault with a deadly weapon charge relating to an incident where Baker tried to use a car to run a family member off the road.

Baker, who was cleared by North Carolina authorities of playing any role in the 2010 murder and dismemberment of his 10-year-old cancer survivor daughter Zahra, will appeal against the jail sentence.

The judge agreed not to send him to prison until a ruling was made on the appeal.

 ::snipping2::



Why oh why does this country's system continue to fail children so badly?! It's no wonder crimes against children continue to grow.  So, no justice, not even for neglecting his daughter so very badly. Not even that?!

RIP Zahra darlin'. I'm so sorry so many people failed you and continue to.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 06, 2012, 10:53:55 PM
Quote : Hickory Daily Record reports that Baker received a suspended jail sentence of 45 days, 18 months of unsupervised probation and was ordered to repay $349.

So where does he serve the 18 months unsupervised probation?  Not feasible that he would spend it in Australia.

Also it seems it could be a while until we can see if our Customs and Immigration personnel meet him on his return to Australia with questions about his taking Zahra out of our country with forged documentation.

This is all beyond belief.

On a nicer note I think the memorial for Zahra off Dudley Shoals Road shows what caring and decent people live there.  Thank you to those involved from Australia.

BBM

Maybe Adam will have to stay in the U.S. for 18 months until his legal matters are settled?  :smt102

Tibro, dear Zahra has touched our hearts with her goodness, sacrifice, and smile forever!  The playground, the roadside monuments, and the police memorial are just a small way to honor our angel--Zahra.   ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 08, 2012, 12:18:28 AM
Photo of the water color painting of Zahra at the link

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jan/06/zahra-portrait-be-installed-hpd-ar-1787685/

Zahra portrait to be installed at HPD
By: Larry Clark and Richard Gould | Hickory Daily Record
Published: January 06, 2012 Updated: January 06, 2012 - 5:30 PM

HICKORY --
The story of the 10-year-old Australian cancer survivor murdered by her real-life wicked stepmother has spawned strong reactions from scores of people who never had the chance to meet Zahra Baker.

Paul Wise is one of those people.

Friday afternoon, he took the opportunity to let the Hickory Police Department’s officers know how he feels about the job they did in solving Zahra’s murder when he presented them with a framed watercolor painting of Zahra.
 ::snipping2::
Wise was at Full Circle Arts auction recently and saw a watercolor portrait of Zahra called “Little Miss Baker” painted by Hickory artist Tom Helfert. He bought the portrait, thinking he would send it to Emily. He talked to Lisa about it, and afterward decided to make prints of the watercolor: one for Emily, one for the Ridgeways, and one for himself.

Wise, in his 80s, gave the painting to the Hickory Police Department in honor of their work and Zahra.
 ::snipping2::
Emily already has received her print. She is a Facebook friend with Gary Ridgeway, and she sent this message to share with Wise.

“I just received my surprise from your neighbor, the portrait of Zahra. It has brought tears to my eyes. Please thank him from the bottom of my heart.

“I will get the picture framed after the New Year, once the crazy shoppers have left.

“I really can’t believe it. XOXO.

“Emily”

The original portrait will hang in the Hickory Police Department.

“This will be a constant reminder that our community needs to continue our efforts to protect our children and be willing to report any neglect and abuse,” Adkins said.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 08, 2012, 04:02:45 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/zahra-bakers-father-adam-hopeful-of-returning-to-australia-next-week/story-e6freoof-1226237055205

 ::snipping2::

Zahra suffered during her short life.

She was abandoned by her biological mother following her birth in Wagga Wagga
and at the age of five she had her lower left leg amputated after being stricken with bone cancer.

 ::snipping2::

BBM

I really take exception to this description of how Zahra came to be in Adam's care.  We all know the reasons given by Emily and I fully believe her, as I have known young and not so young mothers in the same situation where they felt it better for their baby to be cared for by a relative, or a person involved such as the father, for a short while.  This can happen with a first pregnancy or even a subsequent one after no problems with previous pregnancies.  I do wish the media would check their facts, or if that is too difficult for them, to not make such hurtful assumptions.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 08, 2012, 04:15:12 AM
Quote : Hickory Daily Record reports that Baker received a suspended jail sentence of 45 days, 18 months of unsupervised probation and was ordered to repay $349.

So where does he serve the 18 months unsupervised probation?  Not feasible that he would spend it in Australia.

Also it seems it could be a while until we can see if our Customs and Immigration personnel meet him on his return to Australia with questions about his taking Zahra out of our country with forged documentation.

This is all beyond belief.

On a nicer note I think the memorial for Zahra off Dudley Shoals Road shows what caring and decent people live there.  Thank you to those involved from Australia.

BBM

Maybe Adam will have to stay in the U.S. for 18 months until his legal matters are settled?  :smt102

Tibro, dear Zahra has touched our hearts with her goodness, sacrifice, and smile forever!  The playground, the roadside monuments, and the police memorial are just a small way to honor our angel--Zahra.   ::MonkeyAngel::


Grace our Zahra was an exceptional young girl with such a wonderful attitude through all the adversities she faced.  She is an inspiration to all of us in both our countries and has brought many people to actively involve themselves in standing up against abuse of children.  Like Natalee and Daniel, Zahra's legacy lives on to protect others.  One wonders how much more she could have achieved had her life not have been cut short so cruelly by two of the most despicable people to walk the earth.

Yes Sister I agree Adam is involved and has managed to weasel out of charges associated with Zahra's murder like the coward he is.  I hope he suffers for it in some measure in this life as assuredly he will in the next life.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on January 08, 2012, 09:34:50 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/zahra-bakers-father-adam-hopeful-of-returning-to-australia-next-week/story-e6freoof-1226237055205

 ::snipping2::

Zahra suffered during her short life.

She was abandoned by her biological mother following her birth in Wagga Wagga
and at the age of five she had her lower left leg amputated after being stricken with bone cancer.

 ::snipping2::

BBM

I really take exception to this description of how Zahra came to be in Adam's care.  We all know the reasons given by Emily and I fully believe her, as I have known young and not so young mothers in the same situation where they felt it better for their baby to be cared for by a relative, or a person involved such as the father, for a short while.  This can happen with a first pregnancy or even a subsequent one after no problems with previous pregnancies.  I do wish the media would check their facts, or if that is too difficult for them, to not make such hurtful assumptions.

 ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 08, 2012, 09:14:28 PM
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/neighbour-breaks-silence/2413347.aspx

Neighbour breaks silence
BY JADE MARTIN
09 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM

THE death of 10-year-old Wagga-born Zahra Baker has been shrouded in mystery ever since her father Adam Baker first reported her missing on October 9, 2010.

As he prepares to re-enter Australia a free man, after being cleared of playing any role in her death, his former North Carolina neighbour Eddie Mitchell wants all of Australia to know the truth behind Mr Baker's past.
 ::snipping2::
He believes it is impossible that Mr Baker did not know his daughter was dead in the two weeks prior to when she was reported missing.

"I had a very similar-sized house to what they did," he said.

"I could give you a conducted tour of the house in 30 seconds.
 ::snipping2::
He believes if the police had put more pressure on Mr Baker, the investigation may have unearthed the truth behind Zahra's final days.

"For some reason they (the police) have almost let him go," Mr Mitchell said.

"This woman, Elisa Baker, she is the woman from hell."

Mr Mitchell said that in the weeks following Zahra's death, Mr Baker appeared to have shown no remorse and was often seen standing out beside his mail box talking and laughing with a smile on his face.

"I was upset because of the way they both were."


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 09, 2012, 11:40:48 AM
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/neighbour-breaks-silence/2413347.aspx

Neighbour breaks silence
BY JADE MARTIN
09 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM

THE death of 10-year-old Wagga-born Zahra Baker has been shrouded in mystery ever since her father Adam Baker first reported her missing on October 9, 2010.

As he prepares to re-enter Australia a free man, after being cleared of playing any role in her death, his former North Carolina neighbour Eddie Mitchell wants all of Australia to know the truth behind Mr Baker's past.
 ::snipping2::
He believes it is impossible that Mr Baker did not know his daughter was dead in the two weeks prior to when she was reported missing.

"I had a very similar-sized house to what they did," he said.

"I could give you a conducted tour of the house in 30 seconds.
 ::snipping2::
He believes if the police had put more pressure on Mr Baker, the investigation may have unearthed the truth behind Zahra's final days.

"For some reason they (the police) have almost let him go," Mr Mitchell said.

"This woman, Elisa Baker, she is the woman from hell."

Mr Mitchell said that in the weeks following Zahra's death, Mr Baker appeared to have shown no remorse and was often seen standing out beside his mail box talking and laughing with a smile on his face.

"I was upset because of the way they both were."

grace-land, I hope Baker's reputation follows him to Australia because I still believe he had a hand in Zahra' murder.  Why LE has let him go on these charges is beyond my comprehension.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 10, 2012, 07:17:10 PM
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/neighbour-breaks-silence/2413347.aspx

Neighbour breaks silence
BY JADE MARTIN
09 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM

THE death of 10-year-old Wagga-born Zahra Baker has been shrouded in mystery ever since her father Adam Baker first reported her missing on October 9, 2010.

As he prepares to re-enter Australia a free man, after being cleared of playing any role in her death, his former North Carolina neighbour Eddie Mitchell wants all of Australia to know the truth behind Mr Baker's past.
 ::snipping2::
He believes it is impossible that Mr Baker did not know his daughter was dead in the two weeks prior to when she was reported missing.

"I had a very similar-sized house to what they did," he said.

"I could give you a conducted tour of the house in 30 seconds.
 ::snipping2::
He believes if the police had put more pressure on Mr Baker, the investigation may have unearthed the truth behind Zahra's final days.

"For some reason they (the police) have almost let him go," Mr Mitchell said.

"This woman, Elisa Baker, she is the woman from hell."

Mr Mitchell said that in the weeks following Zahra's death, Mr Baker appeared to have shown no remorse and was often seen standing out beside his mail box talking and laughing with a smile on his face.

"I was upset because of the way they both were."

grace-land, I hope Baker's reputation follows him to Australia because I still believe he had a hand in Zahra' murder.  Why LE has let him go on these charges is beyond my comprehension.

The LE didn't have credible evidence on him for the death of Zahra (poor angel).  I think that they covered up for each other--he remained quite about the killing, and she remained quite about him helping her after the killing.  jmo


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 10, 2012, 07:38:01 PM
http://www2.wsls.com/lifestyles/2012/jan/10/apnewsbreak-nc-to-change-child-death-reviews-ar-1601958/

Apnewsbreak: NC to Change Child Death Reviews
By: MITCH WEISS | Associated Press
Published: January 10, 2012 Updated: January 10, 2012 - 7:02 PM
 
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Faced with a backlog of child death cases, a state agency said Tuesday it will handle high-profile fatalities faster to learn from mistakes and prevent future tragedies.

Cases with greater potential to show how problems can be fixed will be reviewed first, instead of doing investigations chronologically, according to Kevin Kelly, section chief for child welfare in the state Division of Social Services.

"What we're doing is tweaking the policy to address high profile cases," he said. "There's a thought that we can learn more from the high-profile cases."

Currently, the agency appoints a task force to review fatalities involving children who had contact with county social service departments in the year prior to the child's death. Sometimes the State Child Fatality Review Task Force, made up of state and local officials, finds a death that couldn't have been prevented a child killed in a car accident, for example. But many reviews find systemic problems at the county level, from chronic lack of resources to a lack of communication between police and social workers.

"It's just so important that this be uniform across the state, because there are so many child deaths that are called something they're not," said Rhonda Morris, executive director of Kids First, an Elizabeth City-based child abuse prevention group. "There are deaths from abuse that are called crib deaths."

The state has 38 cases currently awaiting a review, including some of North Carolina's most notorious. Among those:
 ::snipping2::
Zahra Baker, a 10-year-old disabled Australian girl who was reported missing from her Hickory home in October 2010. Parts of her dismembered body were found a short time later. Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, was convicted last September of second-degree murder and sentenced to up to 18 years in jail. Elisa Baker had a history of being reported for suspected child abuse, and county social workers had looked into similar reports about Zahra shortly before she was murdered.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 10, 2012, 10:59:50 PM
http://www.wlos.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wlos_vid_6376.shtml

Top Stories - Husband Could Face Charges Inspired By Child's Death
Tuesday, January 10 2012, 10:44 PM EST

The death and dismemberment of Zahra Baker inspired a new state law that went into effect December 1st. It makes it a felony to conceal a death, secretly bury or dispose of a body and to willfully dismember or destroy human remains. If prosecutors choose to charge Michael Wilkie with this new criminal offense he would be among the first if not the first in the state charged with it. After allegedly killing his wife in their Henderson County home investigators say Wilkie tried to destroy Shelby's body by burning it in a 55 gallon burn barrel in the backyard. ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Monkey King on January 14, 2012, 03:20:52 AM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16201456/zahra-bakers-remains-returned-to-her-father

Zahra Baker's remains returned to her father
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 1:58 PM CST
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 2:24 PM CST
By Nick Needham - email
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Zahra Baker's remains are now in the custody of her father.

The Medical Examiner's office in Chapel Hill released the remains to a Hickory Funeral home two weeks ago. The remains were cremated and given to Adam Baker, Zahra's father.

Adam Baker has told us in several interviews that his wish is to return home to Australia and to give Zahra a proper service and burial there.

No paperwork was filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa Baker's attorneys requesting the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains.

Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains.

 ::snipping2::

Boy, that is bittersweet as I still believe he had something to do with her death IMO.

Hey Sister!!

I thought they were going to give Emily Zahra's remains.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 14, 2012, 01:46:14 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16201456/zahra-bakers-remains-returned-to-her-father

Zahra Baker's remains returned to her father
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 1:58 PM CST
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 2:24 PM CST
By Nick Needham - email
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Zahra Baker's remains are now in the custody of her father.

The Medical Examiner's office in Chapel Hill released the remains to a Hickory Funeral home two weeks ago. The remains were cremated and given to Adam Baker, Zahra's father.

Adam Baker has told us in several interviews that his wish is to return home to Australia and to give Zahra a proper service and burial there.

No paperwork was filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa Baker's attorneys requesting the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains.

Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains.

 ::snipping2::

Boy, that is bittersweet as I still believe he had something to do with her death IMO.

Hey Sister!!

I thought they were going to give Emily Zahra's remains.
Monkey King, I thought so too.  Maybe transcontinental papers were not filed.  I don't know, but IMO he is so unworthy to have her remains.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 14, 2012, 11:40:28 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/16201456/zahra-bakers-remains-returned-to-her-father

Zahra Baker's remains returned to her father
Posted: Dec 06, 2011 1:58 PM CST
Updated: Dec 06, 2011 2:24 PM CST
By Nick Needham - email
By Chris Dyches, Web Content Producer

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - Zahra Baker's remains are now in the custody of her father.

The Medical Examiner's office in Chapel Hill released the remains to a Hickory Funeral home two weeks ago. The remains were cremated and given to Adam Baker, Zahra's father.

Adam Baker has told us in several interviews that his wish is to return home to Australia and to give Zahra a proper service and burial there.

No paperwork was filed by law enforcement, the District Attorney's office or Elisa Baker's attorneys requesting the Medical Examiner's Office to continue holding on to the remains.

Policy at the Medical Examiner's Office is that after a waiting period, if they are not notified, they will release remains to a family member or a person "in standing." 

Officials have said in the past that Adam Baker would be the first person eligible to ask for Zahra's remains.

 ::snipping2::

Boy, that is bittersweet as I still believe he had something to do with her death IMO.

Hey Sister!!

I thought they were going to give Emily Zahra's remains.
Monkey King, I thought so too.  Maybe transcontinental papers were not filed.  I don't know, but IMO he is so unworthy to have her remains.

IIRC, Emily rescinded custody of Zahra to Adam at the time of her birth; that's why he gets to return her remains to Australia.
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 14, 2012, 11:56:19 PM
Two words edited by me. 

http://www.thehinkymeter.com/2012/01/14/zahra-baker-case-justice-served/

Zahra Baker case: Justice served?
Posted on January 14, 2012 by Valhall

 ::snipping2::
In Zahra’s case, like Caylee’s, we have the right forever to consider the evidence and information that was provided to us and draw our own conclusions about those involved in these heinous crimes that result in the loss of a child’s life.  And we have the right to say that while the judicial process was followed, and decisions made by those in that system apparently are final…

Justice was NOT served.

Rest in Peace, Zahra.

Emily…our thoughts and prayers will remain with you.  We thank you for being a part of our community as you suffered through this tragedy and you will always be dear to us.  May you find some measure of peace that allows you to enjoy the blessings you still have in your life.  God bless.

Adam…I think you were involved in the death of your beautiful daughter.  I believe you should be spending in time in jail for at least negligence.  On the day you fly your sorry sack-of-sh#t ass out of my country I’ll thank God for increasing the average IQ of our nation and correcting the moral deficit you’re causing.  P#ss off.

Valhall.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 15, 2012, 11:15:18 AM
Two words edited by me. 

http://www.thehinkymeter.com/2012/01/14/zahra-baker-case-justice-served/

Zahra Baker case: Justice served?
Posted on January 14, 2012 by Valhall

 ::snipping2::
In Zahra’s case, like Caylee’s, we have the right forever to consider the evidence and information that was provided to us and draw our own conclusions about those involved in these heinous crimes that result in the loss of a child’s life.  And we have the right to say that while the judicial process was followed, and decisions made by those in that system apparently are final…

Justice was NOT served.

Rest in Peace, Zahra.

Emily…our thoughts and prayers will remain with you.  We thank you for being a part of our community as you suffered through this tragedy and you will always be dear to us.  May you find some measure of peace that allows you to enjoy the blessings you still have in your life.  God bless.

Adam…I think you were involved in the death of your beautiful daughter.  I believe you should be spending in time in jail for at least negligence.  On the day you fly your sorry sack-of-sh#t ass out of my country I’ll thank God for increasing the average IQ of our nation and correcting the moral deficit you’re causing.  P#ss off.

Valhall.

I so agree -- I hope Adam is not welcomed anywhere he goes!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on January 30, 2012, 12:02:10 PM
Adam Baker deported with Zahra's remains

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. —
Adam Baker has been deported to Australia and he took his daughter Zahra’s remains with him, Baker’s lawyer said Monday morning.

According to his attorney, Zahra’s remains will be buried in a family plot.

Officials have not said when Baker was deported, but said it was some time last week. Attorneys reportedly did not know Baker had been deported until he was on his way back to Australia.

Misdemeanor charges against Baker are still pending, but his lawyer said Monday he did not believe Baker would be brought back to the U.S. for those hearings.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/adam-baker-deported-zahras-remains/nHKnf/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: trimmonthelake on January 30, 2012, 02:53:52 PM
http://www.digtriad.com/news/article/211749/57/Adam-Baker-Deported-To-Australia-With-Zahras-Remains?odyssey=tab|topnews|bc|large
Adam Baker Deported To Australia With Zahra's Remains
12:52 PM, Jan 30, 2012 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 30, 2012, 02:56:11 PM
RIP Zahra. We will never forget you!  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/01/adam-baker-deported-with-daughter-zahras-remains/

Adam Baker Deported with Daughter Zahra’s Remains
Jan 30, 2012 12:16pm

Adam Baker, the father of slain North Carolina 10-year-old Zahra Baker, has been deported to Australia, and has taken the girl’s remains with him, Baker’s attorneys said today.

Zahra Baker was gruesomely killed in October 2010 by Adam’s wife and the girl’s stepmother, Elisa Baker. Adam Baker, 33, had met the woman online and moved from Australia to be with her, taking Zahra with him. Zahra’s mother, Emily Deitrich, had given Adam custody because of postpartum depression.

Zahra Baker’s short, heartbreaking life was documented in her medical and police reports. She lost a leg and part of her hearing during two bouts with bone cancer. Her life with her stepmother was marked by abuse, frequent bruises, and being locked for hours each day in a room, witnesses told police and ABC News.

When she was killed, her disappearance wasn’t reported for weeks and police eventually determined that she had been murdered and her body dismembered. Police found her prosthetic leg and parts of her body, but her head was never located.

Adam Baker was never arrested or named a person of interest in the murder of his daughter.

According to Adam Baker’s attorneys, Zahra’s remains will be buried in a family plot in Australia, ABC affiliate WSOC reported.

Baker’s attorney, Shell Pearce, told the Charlotte ******* that his client left the country quietly about two weeks ago, after receiving a suspended sentence for misdemeanor crimes in Cawtawba County. Charges against Baker in Caldwell County remain pending, though Pearce said Monday he did not believe Baker would be brought back to the U.S. for those hearings, according to WSOC.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 30, 2012, 09:15:07 PM
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2012/01/31/Zahra_Bakers_dad_deported_to_Aust_713202.html

Zahra Baker's dad deported to Australia

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 » 07:15am

Murdered Australian girl Zahra Baker's dad has been deported to Australia, his US lawyer has confirmed.

Lawyer Shell Pearce says his client, Adam Baker, was deported about two weeks ago by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

 ::snipping2::

Adam Baker had been facing criminal charges unrelated to Zahra's death, but Pearce says those cases will now likely be closed.

 ::snipping2::


I am at a loss for words .......     :smt022


Rest in Peace Zahra    ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 30, 2012, 09:35:01 PM
http://bigpondnews.com/articles/TopStories/2012/01/31/Zahra_Bakers_dad_deported_to_Aust_713202.html

Zahra Baker's dad deported to Australia

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 » 07:15am

Murdered Australian girl Zahra Baker's dad has been deported to Australia, his US lawyer has confirmed.

Lawyer Shell Pearce says his client, Adam Baker, was deported about two weeks ago by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

 ::snipping2::

Adam Baker had been facing criminal charges unrelated to Zahra's death, but Pearce says those cases will now likely be closed.

 ::snipping2::


I am at a loss for words .......     :smt022


Rest in Peace Zahra    ::MonkeyAngel::


 ::MonkeyWaa::

So long, dear Zahra.  May God grant you eternal Peace and everlasting Joy.   ::MonkeyAngel::
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 30, 2012, 09:51:10 PM
If you would like to light a candle for Zahra.  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Zahra


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on January 31, 2012, 12:37:05 AM
If you would like to light a candle for Zahra.  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=Zahra

::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 31, 2012, 04:12:19 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/zahra-bakers-mum-says-splitting-ashes-tasteless/story-e6freonf-1226258734648

Zahra Baker's mum says splitting ashes tasteless


    From: AAP
    January 31, 2012 6:13PM

THE mother of murdered girl Zahra Baker says she's been kept in the dark about her daughter's final resting place following the return of Zahra's father with her remains.

Zahra's American stepmother Elisa is serving a maximum 18-year prison term in the US for murdering and dismembering the disabled 10-year-old cancer survivor.

A Foreign Affairs spokeswoman today confirmed that Zahra's father Adam Baker, who was cleared by North Carolina authorities of any role in the 2010 murder, returned to Australia from the US in January.

Zahra's mother Emily Dietrich says she doesn't know what has happened to her daughter's body.

"I don't have her remains and I don't even know if she's been buried at this point," Ms Dietrich told Channel 7 today.

Ms Dietrich, from Wagga Wagga, NSW, had not seen Zahra since she was a baby, when she gave custody to Zahra's father while suffering from postnatal depression.

She said there had been a suggestion that she should split Zahra's ashes with her father.

"It didn't seem right to fight and tear (her) apart," she said.

"The way that her murder was carried out, splitting her ashes just seemed so tasteless, Ms Dietrich said.

"She's already in pieces."

 ::snipping2::

 ::MonkeyTears::




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 31, 2012, 04:25:12 AM
http://au.news.yahoo.com/video/national

(scroll to third row of videos)


Emily Dietrich's heartache - (0:43)The mother of murdered Australian girl, Zahra Baker, says she's heartbroken that she can't visit her daughter's grave, because she has no idea where she's buried.Published: January 31, 2012, 5:26 pm

Not sure if this video news snip will play or how long it will remain accessible.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on January 31, 2012, 01:20:28 PM
Adam Baker, Father Of Murdered Zahra Baker, Deported Despite Criminal Charges

LENOIR, N.C. — The father of a 10-year-old disabled girl who was murdered by her stepmother in western North Carolina is back in his native Australia, despite facing unresolved criminal charges in the United States.

Attorney Shell Pearce said Monday that his client, Adam Baker, left the country roughly two weeks ago at the behest of federal immigration officials, bringing the remains of his daughter, Zahra, with him for burial in Australia. However, Vincent Picard, a spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said in an email Monday that Baker had "voluntarily departed" the U.S., which Pearce disputed.

"He didn't have a choice in the matter," Pearce said. "This was not a surprise for us. We knew this was coming."

 ::snipping2::

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/31/adam-baker-zahra-baker_n_1244153.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on January 31, 2012, 01:22:57 PM
Zara Baker's dad back in Australia

Adam Baker has made a surprise return to Australia with the ashes of his murdered 10-year-old daughter Zahra and is hoping for a quiet, peaceful life, his US lawyer says.

Mr Baker, 34, was allowed to leave the US despite unresolved charges in North Carolina unrelated to Zahra's 2010 murder and dismemberment.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) said Baker voluntarily returned to Australia on January 19 and North Carolina police and prosecutors were aware of his travel plans.

"As Mr Baker updated ICE officers on his travel plans, ICE also continued to keep local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors apprised of his status," ICE spokesman Vincent Picard told North Carolina's Hickory Record newspaper.

"Local authorities were notified of Mr Baker's return plans at least 48 hours prior to his departure and indicated that they had no interest in pursuing his case."

A spokeswoman from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra confirmed Mr Baker returned to Australia in January.

Mr Baker's US wife, Elisa Baker, is serving 15 to 18 years' jail in North Carolina after pleading guilty to the murder and dismemberment of Zahra.

Investigators ruled out Mr Baker's involvement in his daughter's murder.

Mr Baker's return to Australia was a surprise as he was sentenced on January 5 to a month in jail by a judge in North Carolina for an assault with a deadly weapon, for allegedly trying to run a family member off the road.

Mr Baker immediately appealed the sentence and stayed out of jail, but it appears it will not be pursued by prosecutors.

"Adam's looking forward to resuming a low-key, quite, private life," Mr Baker's lawyer, Shell Pearce, said.

 ::snipping2::

http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-world/zara-bakers-dad-back-in-australia-20120131-1qq52.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 31, 2012, 05:39:05 PM
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094015/Adam-Baker-deported-Australia-remains-murdered-daughter-Zahra.html

Father of murder victim Zahra Baker deported to Australia... and takes daughter's remains with him

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 10:43 PM on 30th January 2012

The father of Zahra Baker, who was killed and dismembered by her stepmother, has been deported to Australia with his daughter's remains.

Adam Baker, 33, had moved to Hickory, North Carolina to be with Elisa Baker, whom he had met online and went on to marry.

Ten-year-old Zahra travelled with Mr Baker, who had gained custody of the child when her mother suffered postpartum depression

But Zahra, who had lost a leg and her hearing to two bouts of bone cancer, soon began to endure abuse at the hands of her new stepmother.

She was beaten, left bruised and locked in a room for hours, according to police and ABC News.
Murdered: Zahra Baker's dismembered body was dumped around Hickory, in North Carolina

Murdered: The remains of Zahra Baker were scattered across two counties

When she was killed, her disappearance was not reported for weeks. Investigators eventually determined she had been killed.

They found her prosthetic leg and parts of her body scattered among animal remains across two counties.

Investigators also found parts of her vertebrae which indicated her spine had been sawed at the neck. They never found the girl's head.

 ::snipping2::

Elisa Baker, 42, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September last year and was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in jail.

She claimed she had found the child dead in her bed and, together with Baker, decided they couldn't report to police it as he was undocumented.

Adam Baker told his wife he 'would take care of it' and cut up the girl's body in a bathroom, his wife told police. He told his wife he needed her help in finding places to dispose of the body, she said.

Following Elisa Baker’s arrest, police found she had been married to someone else while married to Baker. At the time of the trial, he found out he was her seventh husband.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2094015/Adam-Baker-deported-Australia-remains-murdered-daughter-Zahra.html#ixzz1l4tRQBwe






Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on January 31, 2012, 05:57:53 PM
This sick waste of space and oxygen wants to live a low key, quiet and peaceful life?

I hope all his dreams are nightmares and his every waking moment is filled with visions of the horrors he permitted to happen to the trusting little angel in his care.

There had been no reports in our media that this creature had slithered back into Australia until the story broke in the US media. I hope he was met by officials on his return and dealt with for illegally taking Zahra out of our country.  We would not hear about this owing to our privacy laws.

I am sure his doting Ma Baker is pleased to have her "boy" back under her care and I hope she is so proud of what he has become.  Maybe she should correspond with Anita as they have so much in common.  I also expect to read one day that he has met with an unfortunate "accident".

My sympathies go out to Emily and her family.  I hope she can eventually accept that Zahra is in a wonderful place now where she is whole and healthy and in the care of the precious angels.

God Bless all those who love Zahra.       ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on January 31, 2012, 07:43:22 PM
Zahra  ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 01, 2012, 09:34:30 AM
This sick waste of space and oxygen wants to live a low key, quiet and peaceful life?

I hope all his dreams are nightmares and his every waking moment is filled with visions of the horrors he permitted to happen to the trusting little angel in his care.

There had been no reports in our media that this creature had slithered back into Australia until the story broke in the US media. I hope he was met by officials on his return and dealt with for illegally taking Zahra out of our country.  We would not hear about this owing to our privacy laws.

I am sure his doting Ma Baker is pleased to have her "boy" back under her care and I hope she is so proud of what he has become.  Maybe she should correspond with Anita as they have so much in common.  I also expect to read one day that he has met with an unfortunate "accident".

My sympathies go out to Emily and her family.  I hope she can eventually accept that Zahra is in a wonderful place now where she is whole and healthy and in the care of the precious angels.

God Bless all those who love Zahra.       ::MonkeyAngel::
I agree with everything you have said.  I hope his life is filled with the same amount of misery he allowed Zahra to live with!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Jazzy on February 10, 2012, 09:39:56 AM
My heart breaks for Emily and what she must be going through.

As for Adam I just cant believe he is getting free passes everywhere he turns, it's crazy that the DA, ICE and immagration is letting him just walk away and take Zahras remains. They should of been sent to Emily in MOO


R.I.P sweet little one your pain is over and now you are whole again in God's loving arms.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 22, 2012, 01:35:03 AM
 ::MonkeyAngel::

Final design overview of Zahra's Playground at link.

http://www.whky.com/news.asp?mode=detail&articleID=20826

Community Build for Zahra's Playground Set for April
2/21/2012

The City of Hickory and the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County are joining with the community, as well as numerous sponsors, to build the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at the Kiwanis Park, 805 6th Street S.E., just off Lenoir-Rhyne Boulevard.  The City and Kiwanis Clubs are inviting the community to volunteer their time to be a part of a community build on April 12 through 14.

Hundreds of volunteers from the community will build the playground in three days, Thursday through Saturday.  Thursday’s tasks will be completed in one shift, while Friday and Saturday will be broken into two shifts, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Parks & Recreation Department is taking volunteer registration from now until March 23 at 828-261-2248.  Volunteers must be 18 or older to work construction, but volunteers ages 14 to 17 can work in other vital areas.  All volunteers will need to sign a waiver form to participate.

Through community & businesses donations, foundations and grant funding, more than $200,000 has been raised for the playground.  The playground is designed to accommodate children of all abilities.  It is being built in honor of the late Zahra Clare Baker who was murdered at the age of 10 in the fall of 2010.  The community effort was spearheaded by the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County.
 ::snipping2::
------------------------

http://www.playgroundforzahra.org/




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 27, 2012, 01:37:38 PM
http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/feb/27/volunteers-needed-build-playground-memorializing-z-ar-1977226/

Volunteers needed to build playground memorializing Zahra Baker
Published: February 27, 2012 Updated: February 27, 2012 - 8:27 AM

 ::snipping2::
Help is needed on April 12, a Thursday, to unload and move equipment for the build.

Then the playground will be built April 13-14. Volunteers will work that Friday and Saturday in either of two shifts -- 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 to 5 p.m. A single shift is planned for that Thursday.

A large number of volunteers is expected, Hickory parks officials say, so helpers are limited to one shift.

Several organizations -- including Kaboom (a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing children's physical activity), Playworld Systems, Let's Play, Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, Coca-Cola, Chick-fil-A, McDonalds, and Galaxy Food stores -- already have joined the effort.

More than $200,000 has been raised from businesses, foundations and grants.
"This has been a true grassroots community campaign," Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright said. "What a great way to honor a little girl who touched so many hearts, not only in our community but across the globe."

 ::snipping2::
WANT TO HELP?
Hickory Parks and Recreation Department is accepting volunteer help through March 23. Volunteers must be at least 18 to participate in construction, but volunteers ages 14 to 17 can help in other ways. To volunteer, call 828-261-2248.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on March 05, 2012, 06:04:43 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/mar/05/3/order-arrest-issued-adam-baker-caldwell-county-ar-2006215/
Order for arrest issued for Adam Baker in Caldwell County
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily
March 5, 2012

LENOIR --

Although Adam Baker left the United States more than two months ago, the district attorney’s office did not dismiss pending charges against him and an order for his arrest was issued Monday when he did not show up in Caldwell County District Court.
 ::snipping2::
He was scheduled to appear in court Monday for failure to return rental property. Baker did not appear, because he coordinated with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to return to his native Australia after an immigration detainer was placed on him in 2011. He left the US on Jan. 19, despite having pending legal matters in Caldwell County. According to ICE officials in January, local authorities were notified of Baker’s plans to return to Australia 48 hours before he left, and they indicated they had no interest in pursuing his charges.

When Baker’s case was called Monday morning his attorney, Shell Pearce, said he had been in contact with the Australian Consulate as well as immigration officials and assured the court that Baker was in Australia. Despite this, the district attorney’s office said it would not drop the charge pending against Baker.

An order for arrest was issued for Baker.

They also filed a dismissal with leave for the failure to return rental property charge, said Eric Farr with the district attorney’s office. Dismissal with leave keeps the charge pending so as preserve the ability to prosecute if he ever returns to Caldwell County, rather than just dismissing the charge, Farr said.

If the case was pending, there would be a statute of limitations of two years.


The district attorney’s office will not comment on what it plans to do for the other charges pending against Baker. He is scheduled to be in District Court on March 26 for five counts of worthless checks and in Superior Court for assault with a deadly weapon. The assault charge is an appeal of Baker’s Jan. 5 conviction in Caldwell County, in which he was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
 ::snipping2::
“I have not had other illegal immigrant clients treated this way,” Pearce said, adding that most are from South and Central America. “But Adam has not and is not treated like everyone else.”


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 27, 2012, 01:14:14 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/17265685/playground-in-honor-of-slain-zahra-baker-under-construction

Playground in honor of slain Zahra Baker under construction
Posted: Mar 27, 2012 11:15 AM CDT Updated: Mar 27, 2012 11:30 AM CDT
By Nick Needham - email

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) - The playground being built in memory of Zahra Baker is finally under construction.
 
The playground is being constructed at Kiwanis Park after several Kiwanis Clubs raised more than $200,000 to have the playground built.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 28, 2012, 11:43:41 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/mar/28/new-signs-point-hickorys-status-playful-city-usa-ar-2099908/

New signs point to Hickory's status as 'Playful City USA'
By: The Record Staff | Hickory Daily Record
Published: March 28, 2012

HICKORY --
Two colorful signs have been installed in Hickory to recognize the city’s designation as a Playful City USA.

In 2011, Hickory earned recognition from the national non-profit foundation KaBOOM! as a Playful City community for the efforts to increase play opportunities for children. The locations for these two signs are on Eighth Street Drive, NE, and Seventh Avenue, SE, leading to the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: 4 Donks on April 06, 2012, 01:13:44 PM
http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/top-stories/Zahra-Baker-Scholarship-Established-146436885.html

Zahra Baker Scholarship Established

 ::snipping2::

The Hickory Daily Record reports that the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County are planning to use money left over from a playground honoring Zahra Baker to fund a scholarship in her name.
 
The scholarship will be available for disabled are high school seniors who want to go to further schooling.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 06, 2012, 11:44:53 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/05/kiwanis-offers-another-way-honor-zahra-baker-ar-2132125/

Kiwanis offers another way to honor Zahra Baker
Leftover money from the playground, donations will fund scholarship in her name.
Published: April 05, 2012 Updated: April 05, 2012 - 6:46 PM

 ::snipping2::
The Zahra Baker Scholarship is still a work in progress, but it will be given strictly to disabled high school seniors who live in Catawba County and will attend college — either two- or four-year schools. Less certain is the amount of the scholarship. Aaron said it will likely be one-time gifts of $1,000 to the students to maximize the money in the scholarship fund.

That fund will be augmented by the proceeds from the Hickory Daily Record, which is releasing a book on April 13 about Zahra Baker and her story, with 50 percent of the profits of the book price going to the Zahra Baker Scholarship.
 ::snipping2::
Aaron said he is glad the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground was designed and has been embraced by the community.

“I have been in Hickory 26 years, and I have not encountered anything that’s gotten as many people involved as this project. When something bad happens, you go out and do something good,” he said. “The mayor said, ‘I’m worried we’re going to have some off-the-wall efforts, and I’d rather have us do something the community can get behind.”

He thinks the playground is that project — and the proof is in the 350 residents who have volunteered to build it on April 12-14. Aaron hopes the Zahra Baker Scholarship will also prove worthy, using the remainder of the money people from across the nation and in Australia have donated for the park.
 ::snipping2::
The Kiwanis groups hope to have an official ribbon cutting at the park on May 19.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on April 12, 2012, 10:50:04 AM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/05/kiwanis-offers-another-way-honor-zahra-baker-ar-2132125/

Kiwanis offers another way to honor Zahra Baker
Leftover money from the playground, donations will fund scholarship in her name.
Published: April 05, 2012 Updated: April 05, 2012 - 6:46 PM

 ::snipping2::
The Zahra Baker Scholarship is still a work in progress, but it will be given strictly to disabled high school seniors who live in Catawba County and will attend college — either two- or four-year schools. Less certain is the amount of the scholarship. Aaron said it will likely be one-time gifts of $1,000 to the students to maximize the money in the scholarship fund.

That fund will be augmented by the proceeds from the Hickory Daily Record, which is releasing a book on April 13 about Zahra Baker and her story, with 50 percent of the profits of the book price going to the Zahra Baker Scholarship.
 ::snipping2::
Aaron said he is glad the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground was designed and has been embraced by the community.

“I have been in Hickory 26 years, and I have not encountered anything that’s gotten as many people involved as this project. When something bad happens, you go out and do something good,” he said. “The mayor said, ‘I’m worried we’re going to have some off-the-wall efforts, and I’d rather have us do something the community can get behind.”

He thinks the playground is that project — and the proof is in the 350 residents who have volunteered to build it on April 12-14. Aaron hopes the Zahra Baker Scholarship will also prove worthy, using the remainder of the money people from across the nation and in Australia have donated for the park.
 ::snipping2::
The Kiwanis groups hope to have an official ribbon cutting at the park on May 19.

This does my heart good to see the dedication of so many people.  Zahra would be proud I am sure.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 12, 2012, 10:53:52 PM
Dear Zahra is probably smiling as she watches the many volunteers helping to build her playground for the children.  It lifts my heart and puts a smile on my face.  Her goodness will last forever--what a wonderful legacy!  ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 12, 2012, 11:04:55 PM
Photos at link

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/12/6/volunteers-put-their-heart-zahras-playground-ar-2156761/

Volunteers put their heart into Zahra's playground
Published: April 12, 2012
Updated: April 12, 2012 - 7:25 PM

HICKORY, N.C. --
Pieces of playground equipment lay on the ground at Kiwanis Park Thursday afternoon in vibrant, candy-colored hues of orange, purple, green and blue.

“We wanted good colors that were kid-friendly, that wouldn’t fade and that would really pop,” said Donna Andrews, Parks and Recreation assistant director and Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground community build coordinator.
 ::snipping2::
Annette Setzer is the marketing director for the Chick-fil-A on U.S. 70 in Hickory. She also serves on the community resource council for the Alexander Correctional Institution. She said the council will present ideas to the men to try to encourage them. One idea she showed them was the playground, taking pamphlets on the park and telling them the money would go to good use. Setzer told the inmates if they wanted to donate money to the playground that would be great.

“They called a few weeks later and they had a check for $1,000. Chick-fil-A doubled it,” Setzer said, adding she was shocked by the amount. “I would have been happy with $25. They floored me. Most of those people will never see the light of day again. They were in there for something bad, what happened to Zahra was bad, and two bads made a right.”

Setzer was at the park on Thursday to help feed the volunteers, and said she plans to be there through Saturday. She’s glad her store is so supportive of everything that’s been done for Zahra, from feeding the searchers to helping raise money for the playground.

“Zahra represents all of us,” she said. “Our world’s about the children. We have to give to receive, and give with a willing heart.”


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 13, 2012, 11:20:32 PM
Video at link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/volunteers-build-playground-honor-remember-zahra-b/nMYnQ/

Posted: 4:29 p.m. Friday, April 13, 2012
Volunteers build playground to honor, remember Zahra Baker

HICKORY, N.C. —
Volunteers are building a playground in honor of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

Zahra's stepmother killed her and dismembered her body about a year and a half ago.

Thursday, volunteers unloaded all the playground equipment, and Friday, the entire community came ready to build.

From shoveling the dirt to hauling the metal frames, the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground is coming together piece by piece.

“It's going to be a place for all children to come and be together, in memory of Zahra,” volunteer Mary Smith said.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 15, 2012, 12:42:17 AM
Photos at the link

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/14/2/community-build-wraps-work-zahra-memorial-playgrou-ar-2163741/

Community build wraps up work on Zahra memorial playground
Published: April 14, 2012
Updated: April 14, 2012 - 5:59 PM

HICKORY, North Carolina --
Almost 350 volunteers signed up to help build a playground to honor the memory of Zahra Baker in Hickory’s Kiwanis Park. On Saturday, the last day of the build, they finished the refurbishment of the existing picnic structure. They also built and installed the decks and additional components on the central structure.

But the playground’s not finished yet. The playground installation crews ran into extensive fields of rock where they were working to install footers for the 50-foot hill slide and some of the other equipment. They used jackhammers to get through some of the rock, but the custom-made hill slide has yet to be installed.

Hickory city work crews will put the finishing touches on the playground over the next few weeks. They’ll install the rubberized surface and the rubberized mulch under the equipment for safety. Then, they’ll complete the park’s landscaping.

They’ll also install memorial bricks and a plaque in the Zahra memorial portion of the park near the entrance to the playground.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 15, 2012, 07:50:22 PM
http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/apr/15/wsmet07-hickory-daily-record-publishes-book-on-zah-ar-2164202/

Hickory Daily Record publishes book on Zahra Baker case
By: From staff reports | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: April 15, 2012 Updated: April 15, 2012 - 12:00 AM

The Hickory Daily Record has published a book titled "Stepmonster" on the Zahra Baker murder case, based on its reporting for more than 18 months.

Zahra went missing on Oct. 9, 2010. Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, was arrested the next day for felony obstruction of justice for writing a fake $1 million ransom note.

What followed was months of investigations, revelations, hearings, plea deals and public disgust over the death and dismemberment of Zahra.

The book also includes interviews with law-enforcement personnel no longer bound by pre-trial restrictions.

"For the first time, prosecutors are free to speak openly on the record, so this written account contains information never before revealed in the case," said John X. Miller, editor of the Hickory Daily Record, owned by Media General, which also owns the Winston-Salem Journal. "The Bakers' friends and family who had been inaccessible to other media also were ready and willing to tell their stories."
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: sassifrass on April 15, 2012, 09:07:17 PM
http://www2.journalnow.com/news/2012/apr/15/wsmet07-hickory-daily-record-publishes-book-on-zah-ar-2164202/

Hickory Daily Record publishes book on Zahra Baker case
By: From staff reports | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: April 15, 2012 Updated: April 15, 2012 - 12:00 AM

The Hickory Daily Record has published a book titled "Stepmonster" on the Zahra Baker murder case, based on its reporting for more than 18 months.

Zahra went missing on Oct. 9, 2010. Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, was arrested the next day for felony obstruction of justice for writing a fake $1 million ransom note.

What followed was months of investigations, revelations, hearings, plea deals and public disgust over the death and dismemberment of Zahra.

The book also includes interviews with law-enforcement personnel no longer bound by pre-trial restrictions.

"For the first time, prosecutors are free to speak openly on the record, so this written account contains information never before revealed in the case," said John X. Miller, editor of the Hickory Daily Record, owned by Media General, which also owns the Winston-Salem Journal. "The Bakers' friends and family who had been inaccessible to other media also were ready and willing to tell their stories."
 ::snipping2::


Thanks grace-land!  ::MonkeyKiss:: I DO think, IMO, that Zahra's dad should be accountable also. There is no way in he** that he didn't see what was going on. He got off with a "free card" this time. I just wish and pray that he could never reproduce children again.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 16, 2012, 02:58:41 PM
You're welcome, sassifrass!  ::MonkeyKiss::

Also, it's odd that he was permitted to leave the U.S. when he was scheduled for a court hearing on March 26 on charges that he was appealing.   ::MonkeyNoNo::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 02:40:16 PM
Remains found in area previously searched in Zahra Baker case

LENOIR, NC (WBTV) - WBTV has learned that investigators have found human remains at Winkler Way and Highway 268 in Caldwell County.

 ::snipping2::

Sources tell WBTV's Steve Ohnesorge that they believe a skull is among the remains.

When asked if the remains could be those of Zahra Baker, a source told WBTV it is "crossing their minds."

http://www.wbtv.com/story/17515491/remains-found-in-area-previously-searched-in-zahra-baker-case?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 02:45:13 PM
Appeals Court upholds decision to release warrants

http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/2012/04/17/2779094/appeals-court-upholds-decision.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 02:46:46 PM
Deputies investigate after hunter finds skull in Caldwell Co

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Sheriff’s deputies were called to the Happy Valley community of Caldwell County on Tuesday afternoon.

Sources told Channel 9 a skull was found by a turkey hunter in the area near Winkler Way

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/deputies-investigate-after-hunter-finds-skull-cald/nMbcq/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on April 17, 2012, 02:54:12 PM
Remains found in area previously searched in Zahra Baker case

LENOIR, NC (WBTV) - WBTV has learned that investigators have found human remains at Winkler Way and Highway 268 in Caldwell County.

 ::snipping2::

Sources tell WBTV's Steve Ohnesorge that they believe a skull is among the remains.

When asked if the remains could be those of Zahra Baker, a source told WBTV it is "crossing their minds."

http://www.wbtv.com/story/17515491/remains-found-in-area-previously-searched-in-zahra-baker-case?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Oh my gosh.  I hope this could be the rest of Zahran's remains.  And I hope it's not yet again another poor soul. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 02:57:02 PM
Remains found in area previously searched in Zahra Baker case

LENOIR, NC (WBTV) - WBTV has learned that investigators have found human remains at Winkler Way and Highway 268 in Caldwell County.

 ::snipping2::

Sources tell WBTV's Steve Ohnesorge that they believe a skull is among the remains.

When asked if the remains could be those of Zahra Baker, a source told WBTV it is "crossing their minds."

http://www.wbtv.com/story/17515491/remains-found-in-area-previously-searched-in-zahra-baker-case?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Oh my gosh.  I hope this could be the rest of Zahran's remains.  And I hope it's not yet again another poor soul. 
My hope as well.  Not sure what they will do with the remains if they are Zahra.  Hope there is some evidence that could shed some light on the truth.  Sadly Adam is already in Australia and has the rest of Zahra with him.  I hope they drag his sorry butt back if there is any evidence. 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 07:23:27 PM
Has Zahra's skull been found?

LENOIR, N.C. --
The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office would only confirm that some “skeletal remains” were found off a dirt road northeast of Lenoir on Tuesday morning. From the moment of their discovery, one question was on area residents’ minds: Are these the long-sought remains of Zahra Baker?

 ::snipping2::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/17/has-zahras-skull-been-found-ar-2174928/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 08:19:37 PM
Skull found near Zahra Baker remains: reports

A human skull has reportedly been found in bushland in North Carolina, close to the site where remains belonging to murdered Australian girl Zahra Baker were discovered.

US media is reporting turkey hunters found a skull in the heavily wooded area in Caldwell County overnight.

Dismembered body parts belonging to 10-year-old Zahra were found in the area last year, and her stepmother is serving up to 18 years in prison for her murder.

FBI agents and local police officers are now scouring the bushland, but have refused to confirm whether their discovery is linked to Zahra Baker

 ::snipping2::

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-04-18/human-skull-found-near-zahra-baker-remains/3957394/?site=melbourne


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 08:21:52 PM
Appeals Court upholds order releasing warrants in Zahra Baker case

RALEIGH, N.C. --
The Hickory Daily Record was one of several media outlets that requested the search warrants in the Zahra Baker case be unsealed in the fall of 2010. Superior Court Judge Nathaniel Poovey unsealed them in November 2010, stating the district attorney’s office didn’t file a timely motion to keep them sealed. Although the warrants were released, the district attorney’s office took the matter to the N.C. Court of Appeals. On Tuesday, the Court of Appeals agreed with Poovey’s decision.

Eleven of the sealed search warrants dating from Oct. 11-29 were unsealed by Poovey on Nov. 30, 2010, following an administrative order by Catawba County senior Superior Court Judge Timothy Kincaid. The district attorney’s office previously attempted to prevent them from being unsealed by filing a motion to extend the sealing order on Nov. 29, but only after several media outlets attempted to obtain copies of the warrants. The district attorney’s office decided to unseal the remainder of the search warrants in January 2011.

Prosecutor Eric Bellas filed the brief for District Attorney Jay Gaither to the Court of Appeals on May 18, 2011. In the brief, he argued there were four reasons the search warrants should not have been unsealed. Each warrant concluded they were to be sealed, “until further order of the court.”

 ::snipping2::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/17/appeals-court-upholds-order-releasing-warrants-zah-ar-2175021/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 17, 2012, 11:01:30 PM
Some more interesting information from the article that was posted above by Northern Rose--

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/17/5/has-zahras-skull-been-found-ar-2174928/

 ::snipping2::
Even if it is a skull and small enough to be a child, there are several steps that still must be taken to confirm that it’s Zahra’s.

“We don’t know the age, gender or race of the individual. The medical examiner’s going to have to test the remains,” Fore said. “It could be an Indian artifact – we had Indians who lived in this area.”

An FBI agent, the SBI and someone with the state Medical Examiner’s Office were on-hand, as well, to recover the evidence. They toiled under a tent erected to shield officers from storms that were expected, but failed to materialize.

The remains found Tuesday were located 4.6 miles north of Indian Grave Road where Elisa Baker had led officers on a fruitless search for her stepdaughter’s remains. Both Winkler Way and Indian Grave are accessed by a right-hand turn off N.C. 268. Both have similarly rugged terrain.

In October 2010, when Elisa Baker told investigators she couldn’t remember where Zahra’s remains were and that she was confused, she may have been telling the truth.

Hickory Police have not searched near Winkler Way before, said Chief Deputy Clyde Deal with the Hickory Police Department. If there had been any indication Zahra was along that road, investigators would have canvassed the area.

“It is really too soon to say this is Zahra,” Adkins said. “We’re involved, for certain reasons, but we don’t know it’s her.”

The investigation is ongoing and updates from the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office are expected in the coming days.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 11:27:29 PM
Deputies investigate after skull found in Caldwell Co.

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Investigators will return Wednesday morning to the site where turkey hunters found a skull in the woods, not far from where detectives looked for Zahra Baker's remains more than a year ago.

It's in northern Caldwell County off of Highway 268.

Investigators aren't saying if they think the skull is that of Baker, the 10-year-old whose disappearance and death captivated the area.

 ::snipping2::

People living nearby think it is the girl's skull.

"Everybody around here seems to think it's Zahra," Dyson Ford said, "I think that there's a good chance of it."

Others aren't so sure.

 ::snipping2::

Investigators plan to send the skull to the state lab in hopes of identifying it.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/deputies-investigate-after-skull-found-caldwell-co/nMbx7/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 17, 2012, 11:30:32 PM
Hunt for Zahra's remains: skull found

 ::snipping2::

Her skull, right arm, right leg, left forearm and hand have not been found.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.theridgenews.com.au/news/world/world/general/hunt-for-zahras-remains-skull-found/2525566.aspx


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 18, 2012, 04:19:51 PM
Rain postpones search of area where skull was found

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Heavy rain forced deputies in Caldwell County to postpone their search near where a skull was found north of Lenoir.

Two turkey hunters made the discovery in the Patterson community off Highway 268 on Tuesday morning.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/rain-postpones-search-area-where-skull-was-found/nMcPW/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 18, 2012, 04:42:35 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/18/4/update-search-more-bones-suspended-in-caldwell-ar-2177919/

UPDATE: Search for more bones suspended in Caldwell County
Site off Winkler Way not known as 'boneyard'
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: April 18, 2012
Updated: April 18, 2012 - 3:29 PM

Law enforcement officers did not continue its search on Winkler Way in Caldwell County Wednesday, despite its plans to continue to search for more skeletal remains.

Remains found Tuesday were located near Winkler Way, a dirt road northeast of Lenoir, by a hunter. The remains were not buried and located about 20 yards off the road.

On Tuesday, officials would not confirm the skeletal remains were actually a child’s skull or that they were found by a hunter, though the rumor repeated throughout the community. Residents said the area is frequently used by hunters hoping to find deer and turkey.

Unlike the other Caldwell County locations where were Zahra Baker’s remains were found in the fall of 2010, the area around Winkler Way isn’t known as a site where bones and garbage are dumped.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Puzzler on April 18, 2012, 06:10:23 PM
Hunt for Zahra's remains: skull found

 ::snipping2::

Her skull, right arm, right leg, left forearm and hand have not been found.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.theridgenews.com.au/news/world/world/general/hunt-for-zahras-remains-skull-found/2525566.aspx

Thank you for the update.

How sad!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 19, 2012, 01:57:27 PM
Video at link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/dozens-search-more-bones-area-where-skull-found/nMc6M/

Posted: 12:27 p.m. Thursday, April 19, 2012
Dozens search for more bones in area where skull found

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Dozens of people are searching a wooded area north of Lenoir where a hunter found a human skull this week.

The skull was found about 20 yards off of Winkler Way in the Patterson community, which is 10 miles from where Zahra Baker’s remains were discovered.
 ::snipping2::
As many as 50 people from Hickory police, the FBI, the SBI and Caldwell County deputies are taking part in the search.

Deputies said they are looking about 200 feet off both sides of the road for about a half mile.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 19, 2012, 03:25:14 PM
Update: Skeletal remains found in Caldwell County (video)


http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/apr/18/5/skeletal-remains-found-caldwell-county-ar-2177227/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 19, 2012, 03:26:51 PM
Search continues after remains found in Caldwell County (video)

 ::snipping2::

Deputies sent the remains to the state's bureau of investigation lab for testing and Thursday morning the search continues for more evidence.

AirStar 36 flew over the scene at Winkler Way in Caldwell County Tuesday -- that's where hunters found the skull just north of Lenoir in an area where Zahra Baker's body was thought to be

 ::snipping2::

NewsChannel 36 has learned they'll focus their attention on a half mile area off of Winkler Way near NC Highway 268.

http://www.wcnc.com/news/neighborhood-news/Search-continues-in-Cal-148064935.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 19, 2012, 07:13:44 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/17589273/caldwell-search-ends-no-more-remains-found

Caldwell search ends, no more remains found
Posted: Apr 19, 2012 5:28 PM CDT Updated: Apr 19, 2012 5:34 PM CDT

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV) – Search teams combed hillsides, wooded areas, and creek banks in the Yadkin Valley area of Caldwell County Thursday looking for more bone fragments after a skull was found in the area Tuesday morning.

A turkey hunter came across the skull about 30 yards off of Winkler Way, a gravel road that connects with Highway 268. In a sheriff's department recording the hunter is clear about what he saw.

"I found a human skull, small in size," he said. When asked by the sheriff's office if he was sure it was a human skull he answered "yes, it is."
::snipping2::
That stepmother, Elisa Baker, led authorities to three areas where she said remains were disposed of. Skeletal remains were found in two of the places but officials said the girl's skull was never found.

Baker pled guilty to second degree murder and sentenced to more than 15 years in prison. She pled guilty to federal drug charges in January and is still awaiting sentencing.
 
Winkler Way, where the skull was found, is about four miles from one place where Baker said remains of Zahra were dumped in September, 2010.

Investigators said the skull has been sent to the State Bureau of Investigations lab in Raleigh where DNA tests will be used in hopes of establishing an I-D. "Nothing has been ruled out, "said Sheriff Alan Jones.
 ::snipping2::
No word yet on when test results will be back but officials think it will be a few weeks.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 19, 2012, 07:19:10 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/19/dedication-zahras-playground-may-19-ar-2184176/

Dedication of Zahra's Playground May 19
Work still needed on flooring, memorial plaza, giant slide.
By: Sarah Newell williamson | Hickory Daily Record
Published: April 19, 2012 Updated: April 19, 2012 - 5:48 PM

HICKORY, N.C. --
Although the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground still has a lot of work to be done before it’s completed, that doesn’t stop people from driving by to get a glimpse of the facility.

In a month, they’ll get the opportunity to set foot in the park, with children allowed to play at the playground worth an estimated $500,000.
 ::snipping2::
The Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground will open on May 19 at 11 a.m., following a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication that’s open to the community.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on April 19, 2012, 11:59:38 PM
Crews search where suspected Zahra skull found

LENOIR N.C. --
It was a reunion of sorts for the officers, agents and rescue workers who gathered to search along Winkler Way on Thursday. They were in Caldwell County’s Patterson community to search the areas surrounding the place where a hunter found what he described as a small skull Tuesday morning. Amid rampant speculation that the skull belonged to 10-year-old Zahra Baker, the search teams soured the land for additional remains or clues. Many hadn’t seen each other since October 2010 when they’d done the same work in three other Caldwell County locations when Elisa Baker led officers and agents there with the claim that she was going to show them where Adam Baker had disposed his dismembered daughter.

 ::snipping2::

he fervent hope among law enforcement is that the hunter who called the sheriff’s office just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning has finally found the skull. It may hold clues to how Zahra was killed.

“I’ve been turkey hunting this morning and right near the Winkler Way gravel road, I found a human skull,” the caller tells the county dispatcher. “Small in size, you know, I’m not going to go there. I can explain it to the officer when they get there. You know, I’ve been through that area within like say last fall or last year and really not noticed it.”

He tells the dispatcher he left the skull where it was. Asked if he’s pretty sure it’s human, he answered, “Ahh, yes, it is – well – it’s either that or a monkey.”

 ::snipping2::

They gathered for prayer before beginning their search.

“I asked to put closure on this (Zahra case) for all our minds and that all of the searchers out here today would not be harmed,” said Caldwell County Sheriff Alan Jones.

 ::snipping2::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/19/crews-search-where-suspected-zahra-skull-found-ar-2184245/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: KittyMom on April 20, 2012, 12:47:14 AM
I feel for the guy that found the skull.  It would be difficult to cope with.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 20, 2012, 05:40:13 PM
It would be difficult to cope with, especially if he has children or has heard about Zahra.  :sad:


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 20, 2012, 05:43:46 PM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/police-ask-sbi-make-dna-testing-skull-priority/nMdnz/

Posted: 11:52 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012
Police ask SBI to make DNA testing on skull a priority

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Police have asked the SBI to make DNA testing on a skull found in Caldwell County a priority to see if it is connected to the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

A hunter discovered the skull in a wooded area near Winkler Way earlier this week. In a 911 call, the hunter said the skull was small in size.
 ::snipping2::
Police said the earliest the test could come back is Monday, but it could take up to two months before they have the results.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on April 21, 2012, 07:23:11 AM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/police-ask-sbi-make-dna-testing-skull-priority/nMdnz/

Posted: 11:52 a.m. Friday, April 20, 2012
Police ask SBI to make DNA testing on skull a priority

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Police have asked the SBI to make DNA testing on a skull found in Caldwell County a priority to see if it is connected to the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

A hunter discovered the skull in a wooded area near Winkler Way earlier this week. In a 911 call, the hunter said the skull was small in size.
 ::snipping2::
Police said the earliest the test could come back is Monday, but it could take up to two months before they have the results.
 ::snipping2::

It is unfortunate it takes so long for these tests.  But it is what it is.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: KittyMom on April 21, 2012, 05:01:42 PM
It is what it is until we come together and change things.  I'm sick of seeing where the government spends millions on advertising govt programs and govt money is spent on stupid research.  Cut all the unnecessary, idiotic spending and fund programs that will benefit society as a whole.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 22, 2012, 04:34:41 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/apr/21/zahra-movie-works-ar-2191539/

Zahra movie in the works
Published: April 21, 2012

HICKORY, North Carolina --
The story of Zahra Baker’s murder is about to become a feature film. Independent film producers have teamed with a local screenwriter known as Douglas Whittington who penned “The Last Autumn …. The Zahra Baker Story,” in January.

The story is, “based on real facts of the case, from public records and newspaper articles,” according to a media release issued by producer Dorothy Houston. “This is a story in honor of Zahra Baker, to be told nationally, in hope to raise awareness of such horrific abuse, to bring attention to the importance and help improve laws regarding such horrible crimes against children.”

Ralph Singleton has signed on to produce and direct the movie. Singleton has produced several movies including “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Last Man Standing” and “Clear and Present Danger.” He was an assistant director on multiple films including “Taxi Driver,” “Three Days of the Condor” and “Death Wish.”

Maxann Crotts-Harvey will be producing as well. Crotts-Harvey is best known as a casting director and has cast actors in nearly 40 films including, “Juwanna Mann,” “The Patriot” and “Black Dog.”
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on April 26, 2012, 11:10:34 AM
It is what it is until we come together and change things.  I'm sick of seeing where the government spends millions on advertising govt programs and govt money is spent on stupid research.  Cut all the unnecessary, idiotic spending and fund programs that will benefit society as a whole.
I agree with you.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on May 02, 2012, 01:05:04 PM
Thieves target memorial honoring Zahra Baker

Thieves targeted a memorial in Caldwell County that remembers 10-year-old Zahra Baker. 

Someone stole several items from the memorial along Christy Road, which is the area where police discovered the girl’s remains in the fall of 2010.

Shortly after Zahra Baker’s death, the community came together to create the memorial.  They wanted not only to remember Zahra, but also to remind others of the importance of reporting child abuse.  Zahra's stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the girl’s death.

But recently, someone took two angels and a family Bible from the memorial.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/thieves-target-memorial-honoring-zahra-baker/nNPXS/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 03, 2012, 12:02:04 PM
http://www2.wnct.com/news/2012/may/03/increased-police-presence-zahra-baker-memorial-fol-ar-2238636/

Increased police presence at Zahra Baker memorial following thefts
By: WNCT Staff | WNCT
Published: May 03, 2012 Updated: May 03, 2012 - 8:51 AM

LENOIR, N.C. - Police in Caldwell County say an increased presence will be evident near the Zahra Baker memorial.

Their response follows the theft of an angel statue and family Bible from the site.

That statue was a replacement for another statue that was stolen back in February.

The man who led efforts to have the memorial built told police he goes by the site every day and noticed the items missing.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 05, 2012, 12:29:15 AM
 ::MonkeyAngel::   ::MonkeyDance::

Video at link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/stolen-statues-returned-site-zahra-baker-memorial/nNWbN/

Posted: 5:02 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012
Stolen statues returned to site of Zahra Baker memorial

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Someone mysteriously returned two statues that had been stolen from a memorial honoring 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

The memorial was built by community members in the girl’s memory after her remains were found in the area in the fall of 2010. Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty in her death.

Earlier this week, two angel statues and a family Bible were taken from the memorial along Christy Road in Caldwell County.

The two statues were recovered about 200 yards away from the memorial. They were spotted there by a man who helped with the memorial. The statues were sitting next to each other, just a few feet off the roadway, when he found them.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on May 07, 2012, 07:52:24 AM
::MonkeyAngel::   ::MonkeyDance::

Video at link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/stolen-statues-returned-site-zahra-baker-memorial/nNWbN/

Posted: 5:02 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012
Stolen statues returned to site of Zahra Baker memorial

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Someone mysteriously returned two statues that had been stolen from a memorial honoring 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

The memorial was built by community members in the girl’s memory after her remains were found in the area in the fall of 2010. Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty in her death.

Earlier this week, two angel statues and a family Bible were taken from the memorial along Christy Road in Caldwell County.

The two statues were recovered about 200 yards away from the memorial. They were spotted there by a man who helped with the memorial. The statues were sitting next to each other, just a few feet off the roadway, when he found them.
 ::snipping2::

Thank goodness someone's conscience got to them.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 17, 2012, 11:16:53 PM
Yes, it's good that the person followed his/her conscience. 

Zahra's Playground is scheduled to be dedicated/opened on Saturday, May 19.  How wonderful for the children of the community!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 17, 2012, 11:20:59 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/17/no-answers-yet-what-may-be-zahra-bakers-skull-ar-2289580/

No answers yet on what may be Zahra Baker's skull
Deputy: “... If it’s not her then we’ve got a whole new problem on our hands.”
Published: May 17, 2012

HICKORY, N.C. -- It’s been a month and we still don’t know if the skull and bones found in Caldwell County are Zahra Baker’s remains.

“They’re still working on it, and we’re still waiting,” said Sgt. B.J. Fore of the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office. “We’re on pins and needles, too, because if it’s not her then we’ve got a whole new problem on our hands.”

A turkey hunter found a small skull and bones about 20 to 30 yards off Winkler Way off N.C. 268 on the morning of April 17. The skeletal remains were sent to the Carolina State Bureau of Investigation’s lab for testing. The remains had not been buried.

“The age and condition of the items to be tested dictate the kinds of testing procedures that have to be done and some tests take longer than others,” said Deputy Chief Clyde Deal of the Hickory Police Department.

Initially, some thought that the DNA test results would be complete within two weeks of the discovery, but that timeframe has proven overly optimistic.

“We thought it would be at least a month before we would know because DNA takes a while to come back,” Fore said. “We’re in contact with our resident SBI agent three or four times a week, and he checks with the lab for us.”
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 17, 2012, 11:28:01 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/17/final-preparations-zahra-park-ar-2289604/

Zahra park nearly done, ribbon cutting Saturday
Published: May 17, 2012

Hickory, N.C. -- The grand opening of the new Hickory playground inspired by and named after Zahra Baker will be on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Buzz Bakewell Jr., of Morganton-based Protect it First, spent Thursday morning making some final preparations to the park’s equipment at the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground.

The Protect it First crew applied a long-lasting anti-microbial spray to all of the surfaces that children will come in contact with.

“What drew us here is the horrific nature of this crime and the fact that we’ve got a product that will help protect these kids,” Bakewell said. “We did this at no cost to anybody.”

The crew recently returned from Chicago where they applied their product, known as Sterile Coat, to the White Sox facilities including the team’s training room and locker room.

If an adult or child with a cold touches any of the treated surfaces, the chemicals are designed to break down any microbes left behind. The surfaces are safe to eat off after the application is dry and the coating is expected to continue working for two to four years, Bakewell said.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on May 18, 2012, 09:25:19 AM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/17/final-preparations-zahra-park-ar-2289604/

Zahra park nearly done, ribbon cutting Saturday
Published: May 17, 2012

Hickory, N.C. -- The grand opening of the new Hickory playground inspired by and named after Zahra Baker will be on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Buzz Bakewell Jr., of Morganton-based Protect it First, spent Thursday morning making some final preparations to the park’s equipment at the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground.

The Protect it First crew applied a long-lasting anti-microbial spray to all of the surfaces that children will come in contact with.

“What drew us here is the horrific nature of this crime and the fact that we’ve got a product that will help protect these kids,” Bakewell said. “We did this at no cost to anybody.”

The crew recently returned from Chicago where they applied their product, known as Sterile Coat, to the White Sox facilities including the team’s training room and locker room.

If an adult or child with a cold touches any of the treated surfaces, the chemicals are designed to break down any microbes left behind. The surfaces are safe to eat off after the application is dry and the coating is expected to continue working for two to four years, Bakewell said.
 ::snipping2::

Thank you for the updates, grace-land.  Zahra is so proud!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 19, 2012, 03:01:28 PM
"They (children) laughed and played.." 
What a happy day!  Zahra is probably smiling as she watches the children play--her goodness continues!  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/19/hickory-unveils-zahra-baker-memorial-playground-ar-2293961/

Hickory unveils Zahra Baker memorial playground
Published: May 19, 2012 Updated: May 19, 2012 - 2:29 PM

HICKORY, N.C.

The city held a ribbon-cutting to dedicate the Zahra Baker memorial playground’s official opening Saturday morning. As soon as the ribbon was cut, dozens of children flooded onto the playground. They laughed and played as the adults lingered at the entrance to read the bronze plaque. It is inscribed with her portrait and the words, “Zahra, You Touched Us 1999 – 2010.”

Some children sprinted and others rolled their wheelchairs over the spongy rubber safety surface covering the ground under the new bright equipment. The initials ZB marked the entrance to the play structure. Up to four children slid down the 50-foot-long hillside slide at once.

The children may have been unaware that the playground’s namesake was a cancer survivor who lost her left leg, part of her lung and much of her hearing to the disease. It was in recognition of her struggles that the playground amenities were designed to accommodate both able-bodied and special-needs children alike.

A pair of wheelchair-bound sisters, Megan, 16, and Morgan Bibbee, 9, sat side-by-side with matching grins as they took a ride in a giant purple boat-shaped piece of equipment as their father rocked it back and forth. From there, it was on to the wheelchair-accessible swings.

“They were the first ones on the boat – they loved it,” said their father Kevin Bibbee. “There’s nothing like this in the area. This is really special.”

He reflected for a moment as his daughters enjoyed the swings: “Zahra wanted to be like the other children even though she was different, and that’s just how we want to be treated.”
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on May 19, 2012, 03:11:50 PM
"They (children) laughed and played.." 
What a happy day!  Zahra is probably smiling as she watches the children play--her goodness continues!  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/19/hickory-unveils-zahra-baker-memorial-playground-ar-2293961/

Hickory unveils Zahra Baker memorial playground
Published: May 19, 2012 Updated: May 19, 2012 - 2:29 PM

HICKORY, N.C.

The city held a ribbon-cutting to dedicate the Zahra Baker memorial playground’s official opening Saturday morning. As soon as the ribbon was cut, dozens of children flooded onto the playground. They laughed and played as the adults lingered at the entrance to read the bronze plaque. It is inscribed with her portrait and the words, “Zahra, You Touched Us 1999 – 2010.”

Some children sprinted and others rolled their wheelchairs over the spongy rubber safety surface covering the ground under the new bright equipment. The initials ZB marked the entrance to the play structure. Up to four children slid down the 50-foot-long hillside slide at once.

The children may have been unaware that the playground’s namesake was a cancer survivor who lost her left leg, part of her lung and much of her hearing to the disease. It was in recognition of her struggles that the playground amenities were designed to accommodate both able-bodied and special-needs children alike.

A pair of wheelchair-bound sisters, Megan, 16, and Morgan Bibbee, 9, sat side-by-side with matching grins as they took a ride in a giant purple boat-shaped piece of equipment as their father rocked it back and forth. From there, it was on to the wheelchair-accessible swings.

“They were the first ones on the boat – they loved it,” said their father Kevin Bibbee. “There’s nothing like this in the area. This is really special.”

He reflected for a moment as his daughters enjoyed the swings: “Zahra wanted to be like the other children even though she was different, and that’s just how we want to be treated.”
 ::snipping2::

::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: cw618 on May 19, 2012, 05:18:12 PM
TY sister
 ::MonkeyAngel::

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/0/354/190457/zahra-playground-3/)


(http://video.hickoryrecord.com/thumbnails/cached_media/0006/0006710/0006710632/images/thumb.jpg)


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 20, 2012, 12:36:44 PM
Video at link

http://www.wbtv.com/story/18564220/zahras-playground-is-now-a-reality

Zahra's playground is now a reality
Posted: May 19, 2012 9:51 PM CDT Updated: May 19, 2012 11:31 PM CDT

HICKORY, NC (WBTV) -- A community's heartache over the murder of a little girl was turned into something Saturday that will help thousands of other children.
 
A playground in memory of Zahra Baker was dedicated after months of work and thousands of dollars in donations. The goal was to raise $75,000 and the community tripled that amount.
 
The playground is accessible to children with special needs. It has swings to accommodate wheelchairs and other equipment to provide access for all children.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: labubske on May 20, 2012, 01:45:35 PM
This gives me goosebumps.   It is so wonderful to see a community come together in the memory of sweet Zahra.  We have a playground here that meets the same needs in the community...a place where children with special needs can play in the same playground as those children without the extra needs.  It is called "Common Ground" playground.  We love it.  Every community should have this.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on May 20, 2012, 08:59:40 PM
 ::koala::

Thank you for the heads up Sister.  It is a wonderful achievement for all the people involved and the ones who contributed to make this playground a reality.  I hope that Emily draws some comfort from knowing her precious daughter will be remembered this way for many years by such a caring community.

 ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on May 20, 2012, 09:02:26 PM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/world/sheriffs-not-sure-if-skull-is-zahras/story-e6freoox-1226361722255

Sheriffs not sure if skull is Zahra Baker's

    by: From correspondents in Los Angeles
    From: AAP
    May 21, 2012 1:32AM

FORENSIC tests on a skull and other bones found in North Carolina bushland last month are yet to determine if they are the remains of murdered and dismembered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker.

Authorities are nervously awaiting the test results because if the grisly find is not 10-year-old Zahra then another killer could be on the loose.

 ::snipping2::

In a rare positive moment for the people of Hickory since Zahra's murder, a memorial playground named after the schoolgirl was opened on the weekend.

The park features playground equipment for disabled children and a plaque and portrait of Zahra with the message: "Zahra, You Touched Us 1999 - 2010".

Zahra suffered bone cancer and had her lower left leg amputated at the age of five while living in Australia with her father.

The original plan was to raise $US85,000 ($86,000) for the park, but donations flooded in from across the US and $US250,000 was donated.

 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Nut44x4 on May 21, 2012, 06:39:24 AM
Another link to follow re: the skull
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/more-news/sheriffs-not-sure-if-skull-is-zahras/story-e6frf7lf-1226361769545


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on May 21, 2012, 09:29:01 AM
::koala::

Thank you for the heads up Sister.  It is a wonderful achievement for all the people involved and the ones who contributed to make this playground a reality.  I hope that Emily draws some comfort from knowing her precious daughter will be remembered this way for many years by such a caring community.

 ::MonkeyAngel::
::MonkeyCool::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Monkey King on May 23, 2012, 10:14:59 PM
Was it determined who the skull belonged to?


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 24, 2012, 12:52:56 AM
Not yet, Monkey King.  The latest news is that it will take another month before the DNA results come back. 

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/may/17/no-answers-yet-what-may-be-zahra-bakers-skull-ar-2289580/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 11, 2012, 04:13:54 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/jul/11/skull-could-be-zahras-requires-more-testing-ar-2424312/

Skull that could be Zahra's requires more testing
Published: July 11, 2012 Updated: July 11, 2012 - 11:04 AM

HICKORY, N.C. -- The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has sent a skull that may belong to Zahra Baker to a lab out of state to run tests on it.

The skull was found in the woods on Winkler Way off N.C. 268 in Caldwell County on April 17 by a hunter. The skull was about 20 to 30 yards off a dirt road, and wasn’t buried.

Zahra’s other remains that have been recovered were also not buried, covered only by leaves that have fallen off trees.
 ::snipping2::
About two weeks ago the skull was sent to a specialist out of state for further testing, said Clyde Deal, deputy chief of police with the Hickory Police Department.

“The SBI and the state medical examiner decided to send it to a specialist because with the procedures they had available, they were unable to do the appropriate tests,” Deal said.

Officials are hoping to have the results from the tests in 90 days, he said.
::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 12, 2012, 12:40:14 AM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/19001917/skull-remains-found-in-caldwell-county

Skull found in Caldwell Co. sent to Texas for more testing
Posted: Jul 11, 2012 1:18 PM CDT Updated: Jul 11, 2012 8:55 PM CDT

 ::snipping2::
The Sheriff's Office also said on Wednesday that the SBI sent the skull off to a more advanced lab in Texas for further testing.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on July 12, 2012, 09:43:53 AM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/19001917/skull-remains-found-in-caldwell-county

Skull found in Caldwell Co. sent to Texas for more testing
Posted: Jul 11, 2012 1:18 PM CDT Updated: Jul 11, 2012 8:55 PM CDT

 ::snipping2::
The Sheriff's Office also said on Wednesday that the SBI sent the skull off to a more advanced lab in Texas for further testing.
 ::snipping2::

It seems to be taking so long; however, I know they want to make sure.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 13, 2012, 10:07:56 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/19001917/skull-remains-found-in-caldwell-county

Skull found in Caldwell Co. sent to Texas for more testing
Posted: Jul 11, 2012 1:18 PM CDT Updated: Jul 11, 2012 8:55 PM CDT

 ::snipping2::
The Sheriff's Office also said on Wednesday that the SBI sent the skull off to a more advanced lab in Texas for further testing.
 ::snipping2::



It seems to be taking so long; however, I know they want to make sure.

I agree that is taking a long time, but they are determined to spend the money to find out if the skull belongs to Zahra.  :sad:  Bless them!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on July 14, 2012, 02:44:57 AM
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/breaking-news/us-police-want-more-tests-on-zahra-skull/story-e6freoo6-1226426073055


US police want more tests on 'Zahra' skull


    From: AAP
    July 14, 2012 4:11PM

IT may be October before police can confirm whether a small human skull found in woods in the US state of North Carolina belongs to murdered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the medical examiner have decided to send the skull to a lab out of the state to run tests on it, the Hickory Daily Record reports.

"The SBI and the state medical examiner decided to send it to a specialist because with the procedures they had available, they were unable to do the appropriate tests," Clyde Deal, deputy chief of police with the Hickory Police Department, told the newspaper.

Officials were hoping to have the results from the tests in 90 days, he said.

 ::snipping2::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on September 22, 2012, 10:55:16 PM
http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1209/21/ng.01.html
NANCY GRACE

911 Calls Caught on Tape

Aired September 21, 2012 - 20:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


NANCY GRACE, HOST: Tonight, shocking 911 calls caught on tape. They are made in the heat of the moment. A crime just takes place, a child discovered missing. But 911 calls serve another purpose other than just alerting authorities. The 911 calls themselves turn out to be critical investigative tools in solving crimes. Tonight, chilling 911 calls from all across the country.

 ::snipping2::

GRACE: A 10-year-old little girl snatched from her own bedroom in the dark of night. That little girl, Zahra, completely dependent on two hearing aids, only walks with a prosthetic leg after bone cancer, vanishes into thin air, supposedly last seen 2:30 AM sleeping in her bed. Nobody calls 911 to report Zahra missing until hours later.

To top it off, Daddy, Adam Baker, actually laughs on that 911 call, referring to his 10-year-old little girl as broody, going through puberty. So what really happened?

(BEGIN AUDIO CLIP)

911 OPERATOR: Catawba County 911.

ADAM BAKER, ZAHRA`S FATHER: Hi. How you doing?

911 OPERATOR: I`m good.

BAKER: I need police.

911 OPERATOR: Hickory police 911. Where`s your emergency?

BAKER: Yes, my daughter is missing.

911 OPERATOR: I`m sorry?

BAKER: My daughter...

911 OPERATOR: Your daughter`s missing?

BAKER: Yes.

911 OPERATOR: OK. What`s your address?

BAKER: 21 21st Avenue Northwest. The police were out here last night over a fire and a ransom note for my boss`s daughter. I got up a little while ago, and it appears as they took my daughter instead of my boss`s daughter.

911 OPERATOR: I`m not familiar with what happened last night. What happened last night?

BAKER: Last night, we were woken -- my dog woke me up and I had a fire in the back yard. And somebody had poured gas in my company vehicle that I drive to work. They left a ransom note on the company vehicle to my boss, saying they had his daughter and his son was next. And his daughter`s fine. His daughter came with him here last night when I called him. And it appears they may have taken my daughter instead of his daughter.

911 OPERATOR: OK. Do you know who this was?

BAKER: I don`t know who it was.

911 OPERATOR: That may have taken her?

BAKER: No, ma`am.

911 OPERATOR: Do you have any idea why -- why they were threatening to take his daughter?

BAKER: I don`t know. We had all that drama last night, and me and my wife went back to bed. And my daughter`s, I think, coming into puberty, so she`s hitting that broody stage, and we only see her when she comes out when she wants something, and that`s about it.

(END AUDIO CLIP)

 ::snipping2::

GRACE: We`ve heard shocking 911 calls caught on tape. But as we have learned, those 911 calls serve another purpose, other than just alerting authorities. The calls themselves can be a critical investigative tool in solving the crime.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on October 20, 2012, 04:54:12 PM
Some raise questions about organization raising money in Zahra Baker’s honor
Posted: 3:54 p.m. Monday, Oct. 15, 2012

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Two years have passed since Zahra Baker was first reported missing, and now, questions are swirling around the validity of a charity raising money in her honor.

People told Eyewitness News they don't know how their donations are being spent. Eyewitness News contacted the state and found out it also has questions about the online charity.

 ::snipping2::

Eyewitness News talked with one person by phone who donated hundreds of dollars after Zahra's death, but couldn't find out where the money ended up.

The nonprofit also has never given money to the Zahra Garden at Hudson Elementary, despite claims on their website they were invited to build it.

Jake and Pricilla Icenhour, who helped lead efforts to build a roadside memorial near where Zahra's remains were found, met Julian but said he never donated money to them.

“As far as what anyone else is doing for the foundation, I don't know what they are doing. I have no idea,” Jake Icenhour said.

“I don't know what he intended to do with the money he raised,” Pricilla Icenhour said

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/some-raise-questions-about-organization-raising-mo/nSdSD/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on October 20, 2012, 04:55:59 PM
Zahra Baker foundation faces questions about spending
Posted: Oct 15, 2012 12:35 PM MDT
Updated: Oct 16, 2012 8:23 AM MDT

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - It's been two years since crews set out to find 10-year-old Zahra Baker, and a local charity using her name may have some explaining to do.

Allegations of using foundation money for personal expenses including dinner and gas money are just a few examples that have donors upset.

Two years ago, Zahra Baker's smile captured international headlines and within weeks of her death, people around the world opened their wallets.

Jim Julian says he started the Zahra Clare Baker Memorial Foundation in January 2011 out of the kindness of his heart.

"It motivated us to try to help," Julian said.

His website, www.friendsofzahrabaker.com says "the goal of this foundation is to in the spirit of Zahra, help children with challenges. We want to make a difference in these kids' lives"

"I have a daughter that's the same age as Zahra would be right now and it seemed like such a tragedy," said Shelley Alger, a donor.

Alger lives near Boston and says she quickly became mesmerized by Zahra's story. Alger tells WBTV she donated almost a thousand dollars in cash to the foundation, but quickly became uncomfortable.

"After a while, I started to have a gut feeling the money wasn't being used for what I thought it was supposed to be," she said.

Alger says Jim Julian pressured her to send more money.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wistv.com/story/19824031/zahra-baker-foundation-faces-questions-into-spending


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on October 20, 2012, 04:58:30 PM
More time could be added to Elisa Baker's prison sentence
Posted: 6:13 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —
Channel 9 expects to find out by the end of this year how much more time will be added to the prison sentence of Zahra Baker’s stepmother.

Elisa Baker pleaded guilty to prescription drug charges in January.

That case is not related to her sentence of at least 15 years in prison for Zahra’s murder.

A judge could add as much as 20 years to that for the drug case.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/more-time-could-be-added-elisa-bakers-prison-sente/nSgTh/


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on October 20, 2012, 05:02:05 PM
Zahra Baker foundation director defends actions

A Stanly County man – whose charitable foundation named for Zahra Baker came under fire this week from some donors – says he is not misusing the money given in memory of the slain Hickory 10-year-old.
Jim Julian, whose Zahra Claire Baker Memorial Foundation is aimed at helping childhood victims of serious disease and their families, was criticized by some donors who complained to two Charlotte TV stations about the way the foundation is being operated.
Julian admits not being experienced at running a charitable organization but says he is not misusing money.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/19/3608568/zahra-baker-foundation-director.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on October 20, 2012, 07:53:26 PM
Zahra Baker foundation director defends actions

A Stanly County man – whose charitable foundation named for Zahra Baker came under fire this week from some donors – says he is not misusing the money given in memory of the slain Hickory 10-year-old.
Jim Julian, whose Zahra Claire Baker Memorial Foundation is aimed at helping childhood victims of serious disease and their families, was criticized by some donors who complained to two Charlotte TV stations about the way the foundation is being operated.
Julian admits not being experienced at running a charitable organization but says he is not misusing money.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/10/19/3608568/zahra-baker-foundation-director.html
Good gravy, I hope nothing is amiss.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Terri on October 29, 2012, 01:18:16 PM
Just a quick checking in.....I googled today and did not find any updates on the test results.  I am so hoping the skull belongs to our little Zahra,  somehow knowing it was close to the other remains makes me feel better.   Not sure why, but it just makes me sick to think she was scattered here and yonder.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 29, 2012, 10:29:59 PM
 ::HelloKitty::  Terri

I hear you.  It's been six months now since LE sent the skull to be tested by a specialist.  They said the results would come back in October.  I'm still waiting and watching for news...

Quote
IT MAY be October before police can confirm whether a small human skull found in woods in the US state of North Carolina belongs to murdered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker.

http://www.news.com.au/national/us-police-want-more-tests-on-zahra-skull/story-fncynjr2-1226426086242
US police want more tests on 'Zahra' skull
July 14, 2012 4:54PM


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on October 31, 2012, 12:21:31 PM
::HelloKitty::  Terri

I hear you.  It's been six months now since LE sent the skull to be tested by a specialist.  They said the results would come back in October.  I'm still waiting and watching for news...

Quote
IT MAY be October before police can confirm whether a small human skull found in woods in the US state of North Carolina belongs to murdered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker.

http://www.news.com.au/national/us-police-want-more-tests-on-zahra-skull/story-fncynjr2-1226426086242
US police want more tests on 'Zahra' skull
July 14, 2012 4:54PM

::rhino::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 16, 2012, 01:34:41 PM
Happy birthday, dear Zahra.  :smt113
Still waiting for the test results on the skull.  :sad:

http://www.wtoc.com/story/20117252/memorial-service-to-mark-zahra-bakers-birthday?clienttype=printable

Memorial service to mark Zahra Baker's birthday
Posted: Nov 16, 2012 9:03 AM CST Updated: Nov 16, 2012 11:59 AM CST

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV) -
A memorial service in Caldwell County will mark what would have been the 12th birthday of Zahra Baker.
 
The service will be held at the Zahra Baker Memorial on Christy Road at 1 p.m., just feet away from the spot where her remains were found in 2010.
 
Zahra was a 10-year-old disabled girl who was killed and dismembered in October 2010.

Parts of her body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance. Zahra's arm bone, prosthetic leg, torso and pelvic area were found.
 
Police said they also found a saw, which they believe was used to cut up the girl's body. A vertebrae and other bones of Zahra were also found with saw cut marks on them, an investigator said earlier this year.
 
But Zahra's head and many other body parts were never found.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on November 16, 2012, 01:34:51 PM
Memorial service to mark Zahra Baker's birthday
Updated: Nov 16, 2012 10:59 AM MST

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV) - A memorial service in Caldwell County will mark what would have been the 12th birthday of Zahra Baker.

The service will be held at the Zahra Baker Memorial on Christy Road at 1 p.m., just feet away from the spot where her remains were found in 2010.

 ::snipping2::

http://www.wbtv.com/story/20117252/zahra-baker-memorial-service-birthday-adam-baker-elisa-baker


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Northern Rose on November 16, 2012, 01:35:27 PM
Happy birthday, dear Zahra.  :smt113
Still waiting for the test results on the skull.  :sad:

http://www.wtoc.com/story/20117252/memorial-service-to-mark-zahra-bakers-birthday?clienttype=printable

Memorial service to mark Zahra Baker's birthday
Posted: Nov 16, 2012 9:03 AM CST Updated: Nov 16, 2012 11:59 AM CST

CALDWELL COUNTY, NC (WBTV) -
A memorial service in Caldwell County will mark what would have been the 12th birthday of Zahra Baker.
 
The service will be held at the Zahra Baker Memorial on Christy Road at 1 p.m., just feet away from the spot where her remains were found in 2010.
 
Zahra was a 10-year-old disabled girl who was killed and dismembered in October 2010.

Parts of her body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance. Zahra's arm bone, prosthetic leg, torso and pelvic area were found.
 
Police said they also found a saw, which they believe was used to cut up the girl's body. A vertebrae and other bones of Zahra were also found with saw cut marks on them, an investigator said earlier this year.
 
But Zahra's head and many other body parts were never found.
 ::snipping2::


 ::MonkeyAngel::    ::MonkeyAngel::    ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on November 16, 2012, 01:58:52 PM
Happy Birthday Zahra!! 

::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel:: ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 17, 2012, 03:29:45 PM
http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2012/nov/17/zahra-baker-memorial-formally-dedicated-ar-2789356/

Zahra Baker memorial formally dedicated
Published: November 17, 2012 Updated: November 17, 2012 - 8:59 AM

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/0/354/215256/hdr-zahra-baker-dedication/)
Local contractor Herb Creasman discusses how he built the cover over the Zahra Baker Memorial on Christie Road after the dedication of the site.

(http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/mgmedia/image/0/354/215253/hdr-zahra-baker-dedication/)
Flowers came from as far as New Jersey to the dedication of the Zahra Baker Memorial on Christie Road. Friday would have been Zahra's 13th birthday

HUDSON N.C. — Hundreds of people have dedicated themselves to making sure Zahra Baker will never be forgotten. A park was built in her memory. Laws have been passed in her name. Student will attend college on Zahra Baker scholarships.

Friday afternoon a local minister held an official dedication for the memorial that stands where officers found the first tangible proof that Zahra was dead — her arm bone. The ceremony marked what should have been her 13th birthday.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on November 17, 2012, 03:41:12 PM
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/us-town-dedicates-memorial-to-zahra/story-fnd134gw-1226518881263

US town dedicates memorial to murdered Australian girl Zahra Baker
November 18, 20125:38AM

ON what would have been her 13th birthday, people in a small town in the US have remembered murdered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker in a simple ceremony.

Cancer survivor Zahra was 10 years old when she was killed and dismembered in September 2010. Her American stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September 2011.

In Hudson, North Carolina, where Zahra went to school for a short time, a local minister on Friday held an official dedication for a memorial that stands where police found the first tangible proof that Zahra was dead - her arm bone and her prosthetic leg, the Hickory Daily Record (HDR) reports.

The memorial stands on the property of Jake and Pricilla Icenhour, who built the memorial to the little Australian girl they never met.

"If we ever sell the land, we'll have something written in the contract that says the memorial will stay here," Icenhour told the newspaper.

The roadside memorial holds a host of angels, teddy bears and toys that people have brought from as far away as Florida, New Jersey and Massachusetts, according to the HDR.

The gifts rest under a sign that quotes Hebrews 10:31: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

This is not the only memorial to Zahra. In May, a playground named for the schoolgirl was opened in the nearby town of Hickory, where Zahra lived with her biological father Adam Baker and stepmother.

Officers from the Hickory Police Department and the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, who led the murder investigation, also attended the simple ceremony.
 ::snipping2::




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 05, 2013, 12:00:35 AM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/20499297/nc-attorney-general-investigating-zahra-baker-foundation

NC Attorney General investigating Zahra Baker Foundation
Posted: Jan 03, 2013 6:45 PM CST Updated: Jan 03, 2013 10:10 PM CST

RALEIGH, NC (WBTV) -
The North Carolina Department of Justice is investigating a local charity, that uses the name of the late Zahra Baker.
 
Attorney General Roy Cooper's office wants to hear from you, if you have donated, or been asked to give money to the Zahra Clare Baker Memorial Foundation.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: seahorse on January 05, 2013, 01:12:34 PM
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/world/us-town-dedicates-memorial-to-zahra/story-fnd134gw-1226518881263

US town dedicates memorial to murdered Australian girl Zahra Baker
November 18, 20125:38AM

ON what would have been her 13th birthday, people in a small town in the US have remembered murdered Australian schoolgirl Zahra Baker in a simple ceremony.

Cancer survivor Zahra was 10 years old when she was killed and dismembered in September 2010. Her American stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in September 2011.

In Hudson, North Carolina, where Zahra went to school for a short time, a local minister on Friday held an official dedication for a memorial that stands where police found the first tangible proof that Zahra was dead - her arm bone and her prosthetic leg, the Hickory Daily Record (HDR) reports.

The memorial stands on the property of Jake and Pricilla Icenhour, who built the memorial to the little Australian girl they never met.

"If we ever sell the land, we'll have something written in the contract that says the memorial will stay here," Icenhour told the newspaper.

The roadside memorial holds a host of angels, teddy bears and toys that people have brought from as far away as Florida, New Jersey and Massachusetts, according to the HDR.

The gifts rest under a sign that quotes Hebrews 10:31: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

This is not the only memorial to Zahra. In May, a playground named for the schoolgirl was opened in the nearby town of Hickory, where Zahra lived with her biological father Adam Baker and stepmother.

Officers from the Hickory Police Department and the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office, who led the murder investigation, also attended the simple ceremony.
 ::snipping2::







Happy New Year Monkeys,

Grace-land,
Thank-you for sharing this article.

I keep thinking of all the hard work and dedication from the Doctors, Nurses, and health-care workers, in helping little Zayra, with her battle with Cancer, only to have one crappy person, end it all for a little girl who wanted to grow-up and dreamt of attending College.





Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on January 29, 2013, 08:46:11 PM
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/article_3e83ffaa-6a68-11e2-ac92-0019bb30f31a.html

Group will explore special tree house for Zahra's Playground
Posted: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 6:04 pm | Updated: 6:16 pm, Tue Jan 29, 2013.

HICKORY — A big tree overlooking the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park would be perfect for a wheelchair-accessible tree house. Next week, a group of Hickory officials will meet at the park to see if the tree house can be built.

The group will include city officials, Kiwanis leaders and business representatives, said Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright. He really wants to see the tree house become a reality.

“It would be so special, something few people have,” he said. Wright has wanted the tree house since he saw one in Kingsport, Tenn., when Zahra’s Playground was still in the fundraising stage. He and other tree house advocates are realistic, however, because one that would accommodate wheelchairs is expensive.

“We may not be able to make it happen,” he said, “but we want to take a look.”

When the playground at Kiwanis Park opened last May, Wright said one piece of special-needs equipment was $25,000.

Spurred by the Kiwanis Clubs of Catawba County, a goal was set to raise $85,000 to build a park in memory of Zahra Baker – the little girl who survived two attacks by cancer, only to be killed by her stepmother. The park would be accessible to children of all physical and mental capabilities.

An outpouring of support that not only swept across the Hickory-Catawba County area but netting contributions from around the world resulted in approximately $200,000 for the playground. But there wasn’t enough money for the tree house.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 10, 2013, 03:44:25 PM
Wow!  wouldn't that be wonderful . . . a handicap accessable tree house!
 ::MonkeyDance::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 15, 2013, 02:00:08 AM
Wow!  wouldn't that be wonderful . . . a handicap accessable tree house!
 ::MonkeyDance::

It would be fun!  ::MonkeySlide::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 15, 2013, 02:09:01 AM
One of the preliminary sketches is at the link.

http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/article_4dd40a32-7700-11e2-9e7e-0019bb30f31a.html

Treehouse dream still alive for Zahra’s playground in Hickory
Posted: Thursday, February 14, 2013 6:43 pm | Updated: 6:51 pm, Thu Feb 14, 2013.

HICKORY — A dream treehouse could be in the works at the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground.

“Building a treehouse that is accessible to children of all abilities at this playground just makes sense,” said Steve Aaron, representing the Kiwanis clubs of Catawba County. “There is a beautiful tree that a treehouse would fit around, perfectly.”

The idea for a treehouse that would be fitting for all children, including those in wheelchairs, has been discussed since the playground was built. A Hickory delegation that visited Kingsport, Tenn., two years ago saw a specialized treehouse that captured their fancy.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 15, 2013, 12:02:28 PM
 ::MonkeyDance::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: darla on February 21, 2013, 12:47:16 PM
Praise the Lord!

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Zahra-Bakers-skull-identified-192285431.html


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 21, 2013, 01:00:50 PM
Praise the Lord!

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Zahra-Bakers-skull-identified-192285431.html

From link Darla posted:

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Zahra-Bakers-skull-identified-192285431.html
Zahra Baker's skull identified
February 21, 2013

HICKORY, N.C. -- A skull found in Caldwell County last April has been identified as that of Zahra Baker.
The skull was found in the woods on Winkler Way off N.C. 268 on April 17 by a hunter.  ::snipping2:: Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Zahra’s death in September 2011, but her skull had never been found before now.
The NC SBI Crime Lab, the state medical examiner and Marshall University in West Virginia worked to compare a DNA profile used in the case against Elisa Baker to match the skull with Zahra Baker.
 ::snipping2::
The examination, however, was not able to provide more information on how Zahra was killed.
Family members have been notified and the remains will be returned to the appropriate people with the assistance of the Australian Consulate.
Elisa Baker is scheduled to be sentenced March 4 in a federal drug conspiracy case in Statesville.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 21, 2013, 01:02:06 PM
Praise the Lord!

http://www.wcnc.com/news/local/Zahra-Bakers-skull-identified-192285431.html

Thanks, Darla.  Rest in peace, dear Zahra.  ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 21, 2013, 01:04:57 PM
 ::MonkeyAngel::  I hope this will give some peace to Zahra's mother.  No one can hurt Zahra anymore.  May she now rest in peace. ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 21, 2013, 01:09:43 PM
http://www.wral.com/police-skull-found-in-2012-belongs-to-zahra-baker-10/12134632/
Police: Skull found in 2012 belongs to Zahra Baker, 10
February 21, 2013

HICKORY, N.C. — A skull found in April 2012 belongs to Zahra Baker, a 10-year-old girl Hickory who was killed and dismembered in 2010, the Hickory Police Department said Thursday. Zahra's stepmother pleaded guilty in the case and was sentenced to 15 to 18 years in prison.

The State Bureau of Investigation's crime lab, state Medical Examiner’s Office and Marshall University in Huntington, W.Va., were able compare a DNA profile used during the prosecution of Zahra's murder trial to the skull found in Caldwell County to confirm the findings.

The examination of the skull did not provide any further details about how Zahra was murdered, police said.
More...


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 21, 2013, 01:12:00 PM
::MonkeyAngel::  I hope this will give some peace to Zahra's mother.  No one can hurt Zahra anymore.  May she now rest in peace. ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 21, 2013, 01:25:50 PM
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/21297349/zahra-baker-skull-remains-adam-baker-elisa-baker-hickory

Skull found in 2012 confirmed to be Zahra Baker
Posted: Feb 21, 2013 9:54 AM CST Updated: Feb 21, 2013 11:17 AM CST

 ::snipping2::
"This information gives the members of ‘Team Zahra' mixed emotions" said Chief of Police Tom Adkins. 

"It brings up the tragedy of Zahra's death and the life she lived before she was killed but it also gives us and the community a sense of finally bringing her home". 

Sheriff Alan Jones of Caldwell County said, "Our County and all the folks who worked on this case are reminded of the days spent trying to find Zahra.  She will be in our memories for the rest of our lives."
 
Family members along with the Australian Consulate had to be notified prior to releasing the information to the public.  The remains will be returned to the appropriate family members with the assistance of the Consulate.
 
Zahra was 10 years old when she was killed and dismembered in October 2010. Parts of her body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance.

Many people in the community were inspired by the young girl, and several projects were started in her honor.
 
In 2011, a new law was enacted in North Carolina and has become known as "Zahra's Law", or House Bill 227.
 
The law makes it a felony to disturb or dismember human remains.
 
According to the law, "any person who, with the intent to conceal the death of a person, fails to notify a law enforcement authority of the death or secretly buries or otherwise secretly disposes of a dead human body is guilty of a Class I felony."

The law also includes punishment for anyone who "attempts to conceal evidence of the death of another by knowingly and willfully dismembering or destroying human remains, by any means, including removing body parts or otherwise obliterating any portion thereof, shall be guilty of a Class H felony."
 
A playground was built in Zahra's honor at Kiwanis Park in Hickory, in 2012. The playground opened in May and was built with more than $200,000 in donations from citizens and businesses throughout the area.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 23, 2013, 09:24:22 AM
I know this must be difficult for those who loved her.
 ::crymonkey2::
Yet I am sure they are relieved.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 23, 2013, 09:35:33 AM
I know this must be difficult for those who loved her.
 ::crymonkey2::
Yet I am sure they are relieved.

Yes, I agree on both accounts.   ::MonkeyAngel::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: seahorse on February 23, 2013, 02:34:16 PM
If Angels have teeth, I hope Zahra, bites that zombie, (in the Tail) every night of her life.  

Zahra should be looking to the future and not being put together like a puzzle.

Grrrr...
(edit to fix name.  MB)


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Tibrogargan on February 23, 2013, 08:06:34 PM
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/21297349/zahra-baker-skull-remains-adam-baker-elisa-baker-hickory

Skull found in 2012 confirmed to be Zahra Baker
Posted: Feb 21, 2013 9:54 AM CST Updated: Feb 21, 2013 11:17 AM CST

 ::snipping2::
"This information gives the members of ‘Team Zahra' mixed emotions" said Chief of Police Tom Adkins. 

"It brings up the tragedy of Zahra's death and the life she lived before she was killed but it also gives us and the community a sense of finally bringing her home". 

Sheriff Alan Jones of Caldwell County said, "Our County and all the folks who worked on this case are reminded of the days spent trying to find Zahra.  She will be in our memories for the rest of our lives."
 
Family members along with the Australian Consulate had to be notified prior to releasing the information to the public.  The remains will be returned to the appropriate family members with the assistance of the Consulate.
 
Zahra was 10 years old when she was killed and dismembered in October 2010. Parts of her body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance.

Many people in the community were inspired by the young girl, and several projects were started in her honor.
 
In 2011, a new law was enacted in North Carolina and has become known as "Zahra's Law", or House Bill 227.
 
The law makes it a felony to disturb or dismember human remains.
 
According to the law, "any person who, with the intent to conceal the death of a person, fails to notify a law enforcement authority of the death or secretly buries or otherwise secretly disposes of a dead human body is guilty of a Class I felony."

The law also includes punishment for anyone who "attempts to conceal evidence of the death of another by knowingly and willfully dismembering or destroying human remains, by any means, including removing body parts or otherwise obliterating any portion thereof, shall be guilty of a Class H felony."
 
A playground was built in Zahra's honor at Kiwanis Park in Hickory, in 2012. The playground opened in May and was built with more than $200,000 in donations from citizens and businesses throughout the area.
 ::snipping2::



Quote :  The remains will be returned to the appropriate family members with the assistance of the Consulate.  End Quote


Does "appropriate family members" mean the skull will be returned to that apology of a father Adam and his yappy mother?  Guess the remains should be kept together but how Emily must be hurting right now over all this once again. 

RIP Zahra 

 ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 23, 2013, 08:12:27 PM
http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/21297349/zahra-baker-skull-remains-adam-baker-elisa-baker-hickory

Skull found in 2012 confirmed to be Zahra Baker
Posted: Feb 21, 2013 9:54 AM CST Updated: Feb 21, 2013 11:17 AM CST

 ::snipping2::
"This information gives the members of ‘Team Zahra' mixed emotions" said Chief of Police Tom Adkins. 

"It brings up the tragedy of Zahra's death and the life she lived before she was killed but it also gives us and the community a sense of finally bringing her home". 

Sheriff Alan Jones of Caldwell County said, "Our County and all the folks who worked on this case are reminded of the days spent trying to find Zahra.  She will be in our memories for the rest of our lives."
 
Family members along with the Australian Consulate had to be notified prior to releasing the information to the public.  The remains will be returned to the appropriate family members with the assistance of the Consulate.
 
Zahra was 10 years old when she was killed and dismembered in October 2010. Parts of her body were found in multiple sites around Catawba and Caldwell counties months after her disappearance.

Many people in the community were inspired by the young girl, and several projects were started in her honor.
 
In 2011, a new law was enacted in North Carolina and has become known as "Zahra's Law", or House Bill 227.
 
The law makes it a felony to disturb or dismember human remains.
 
According to the law, "any person who, with the intent to conceal the death of a person, fails to notify a law enforcement authority of the death or secretly buries or otherwise secretly disposes of a dead human body is guilty of a Class I felony."

The law also includes punishment for anyone who "attempts to conceal evidence of the death of another by knowingly and willfully dismembering or destroying human remains, by any means, including removing body parts or otherwise obliterating any portion thereof, shall be guilty of a Class H felony."
 
A playground was built in Zahra's honor at Kiwanis Park in Hickory, in 2012. The playground opened in May and was built with more than $200,000 in donations from citizens and businesses throughout the area.
 ::snipping2::



Quote :  The remains will be returned to the appropriate family members with the assistance of the Consulate.  End Quote


Does "appropriate family members" mean the skull will be returned to that apology of a father Adam and his yappy mother?  Guess the remains should be kept together but how Emily must be hurting right now over all this once again. 

RIP Zahra 

 ::MonkeyAngel::
I shuddered when I read that Tibro -- to that POS of a father?
Lord have mercy.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 25, 2013, 01:47:00 PM
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/article_04fd6062-7c9e-11e2-b1b6-0019bb30f31a.html

Zahra’s skull: A case that was never as simple as it looked
Posted: Thursday, February 21, 2013 10:14 pm | Updated: 10:23 pm, Thu Feb 21, 2013.

HICKORY N.C. – Okay, the lab’s confirmed it was Zahra’s skull – can we fry Elisa Baker now?

That’s the question being asked here and around the world following Wednesday’s announcement that the small skull found in a patch of Caldwell County woods almost a year ago was that of Zahra Baker.

The short answer is no. The positive identification of Zahra’s skull won’t make a bit of difference in her stepmother’s punishment. Baker won’t get any time added to the 18-year sentence she got when she pleaded guilty to murdering her stepdaughter. And it won’t make any difference in about two weeks when Baker will be sentenced in federal court for selling prescription drugs – a crime she pleaded guilty to more than a year ago that most experts expect will get Baker about 10 years of federal prison time.

Baker is 44 years old. Twenty-eight years might just be a life sentence.
 ::snipping2::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 25, 2013, 01:57:42 PM
http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1319602/family-may-soon-be-able-to-bury-zahras-remains-in-wagga/?cs=147

Family may soon be able to bury Zahra’s remains in Wagga
Feb. 23, 2013, 8 a.m.

THE Wagga family of 10-year-old murder victim Zahra Baker may soon have their wish to see her buried in her birthplace.

Authorities yesterday said DNA tests of a skull found by a hunter in North Carolina in April last year confirmed it to be Zahra’s.

While a sad reminder of her horrifying death at the hands of her American-born stepmother Elisa Baker, Zahra’s Australian family will now have some peace of mind with her remains to be returned to them with the assistance of the Australian consulate.

But it remains unclear if it will go to family in Wagga, including her mother, Emily Dietrich.
 ::snipping2::
The Daily Advertiser contacted members of Zahra’s family yesterday who declined to comment.

In the wake of Zahra’s death her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins in the Wagga area have been dealing with the loss in different ways.

They have previously called for Zahra to be returned to the city, with her great uncle Darryl Ross saying the family would step in.

“She’ll be buried in Wagga where she belongs with family that loved her,” told The Daily Advertiser in February 2011.

Zahra was born in Wagga with her mother Emily Dietrich giving up custody of her daughter. 

She spent nine years trying to regain custody, only to discover her daughter’s whereabouts on the internet three days before Zahra was reported missing.

Mr Baker met Zahra’s American-born stepmother Elisa Baker on the internet and married her in 2008, before the family moved to the US.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 03, 2013, 12:35:41 AM
http://www.newstopic.net/news/local/x670459953/Elisa-Baker-to-be-sentenced-Monday

Elisa Baker to be sentenced Monday
Known for killing stepdaughter, but this case involves drugs
Mar. 02, 2013 @ 07:03 AM

LENOIR —
The woman who gained infamy for killing and dismembering her disabled, 10-year-old stepdaughter and scattering the pieces across Caldwell County is scheduled to be sentenced on a federal drug charge Monday in U.S. District Court.
 
Elisa Baker already is serving a term of 14 years 9 months to 18 years 6 months in state prison for her 2011 conviction on second-degree murder and other charges in the death of Zahra Baker. Zahra was reported missing in October 2010, and her remains were later found at various sites throughout southern Caldwell County.
 
In the unrelated case in U.S. District Court, prosecutors say that from 2006 to October 2010 Baker and others distributed Oxycodone, hydrocodone and Xanax at residences in Granite Falls, Hudson and Hickory. Baker was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2011 on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, three counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and three counts of maintaining a place for the purposes of distributing a controlled substances. She could have faced up to 100 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
 
On Jan. 5, 2012, Baker pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy as part of a plea deal.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 04, 2013, 04:41:24 PM
 ::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/top-stories/Elisa-Baker-Sentenced-On-Federal-Drug-Charge-195083701.html

Elisa Baker Sentenced On Federal Drug Charge
Story Created: Mar 4, 2013 at 4:17 PM EST
(Story Updated: Mar 4, 2013 at 4:19 PM EST )

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Elisa Baker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal drug charges.
 ::snipping2::
She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 3 years of supervised probation for conspiracy with intent to distribute prescription drugs. 

A judge ordered Baker to serve her 18-year state sentence for murder before she serves her 10-year federal sentence.



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on March 04, 2013, 06:29:03 PM
::MonkeyGavel::

http://www.foxcharlotte.com/news/top-stories/Elisa-Baker-Sentenced-On-Federal-Drug-Charge-195083701.html

Elisa Baker Sentenced On Federal Drug Charge
Story Created: Mar 4, 2013 at 4:17 PM EST
(Story Updated: Mar 4, 2013 at 4:19 PM EST )

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Elisa Baker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on federal drug charges.
 ::snipping2::
She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 3 years of supervised probation for conspiracy with intent to distribute prescription drugs. 

A judge ordered Baker to serve her 18-year state sentence for murder before she serves her 10-year federal sentence.



 ::MonkeyGavel:: ::MonkeyGavel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on April 23, 2013, 03:56:49 AM
It is my hope she rots, ever so slowly . . .


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 23, 2013, 10:39:45 PM
It is my hope she rots, ever so slowly . . .


 ::rhino::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 23, 2013, 10:44:12 PM
 ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region/article_25e2fe3a-ac06-11e2-8174-001a4bcf6878.html

Skull fragment linked to Zahra Baker through DNA
Posted: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 7:08 am

Investigators linked a skull fragment found by hunters in Caldwell County to Zahra Baker based on a DNA comparison with a toothbrush they collected from her home, according to an updated autopsy report obtained by the *******.
 
Although Zahra Baker’s stepmother pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with Zahra’s death, investigators have been unable to determine how the girl died.
 
The updated autopsy report doesn’t advance investigators’ theory. Zahra’s cause of death is still listed as “undetermined homicidal violence.”
 ::snipping2::
Hunters discovered the partial skull in Caldwell County last April. The skull, which was missing its jawbone, was sent to the N.C. Medical Examiner’s Office in Raleigh.

The Medical Examiner’s Office determined it was the cranium of a juvenile of European origin. A DNA profile from a tooth from the skull was compared to the profile from Zahra’s toothbrush. The profiles matched.
 ::snipping2::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on May 08, 2013, 11:05:10 PM
Unbelievable!  What a....  ::MonkeyNoNo:: ::MonkeyMad::

Video at the link

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/elisa-baker-speaks-prison-about-murder-10-year-old/nXknp/

Posted: 5:57 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Elisa Baker speaks from prison about murder of 10-year-old Zahra


For the first time on Wednesday night, Eyewitness News is hearing from the only person convicted in the murder of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

Elisa Baker spoke from the Raleigh, N.C. Correctional Institution for Women only to Eyewitness News.

"I plead guilty to something I did not even do and it wasn't even a murder," said Baker.

Baker is now serving a minimum 25-year prison sentence and she agreed to talk with Eyewitness News.

Dressed in her prison uniform and wearing handcuffs, Baker talked with Eyewitness News for more than an hour about her stepdaughter Zahra.

"Zahra was a blessing. She brought a lot into my life," said Baker.
 ::snipping3::
Police said it was Elisa Baker who dismembered Zahra, but from prison, she blamed her husband.Police said it was Elisa Baker who dismembered Zahra, but from prison, she blamed her husband.
 ::snipping3::
Elisa Baker said that plan called for placing Zahra's remains at different locations in Caldwell County.

As each day passed, she says she struggled with whether to go to police, believing the dismemberment may have something to do with Adam Baker's culture in Australia.

"I thought it was maybe a strange ritual that he done. For all I know the Aborigines… I don't know. I regret not telling sooner. I regret not calling 911. But people do make mistakes," said Baker.

Eyewitness News showed police and prosecutors the entire jailhouse interview with Elisa Baker.

They told Eyewitness News they are very familiar with Elisa Baker's account of what happened, but they said the evidence in this case makes them confident that Adam Baker wasn't involved in his daughter's death or the disposal of her body.
 ::snipping3::
The medical examiner determined that skull to be Zahra's, but said there were no signs of trauma.

Elisa Baker hopes to use that evidence when she appeals her conviction.

Adam Baker was never charged in connection with Zahra's death, but he was in the country illegally and was deported back to Australia more than a year ago.

Adam Baker took Zahra's remains with him.



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on May 08, 2013, 11:30:56 PM
Elisa Baker is evil.  JMHO 



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on May 14, 2013, 03:56:50 AM
Elisa Baker is evil.  JMHO 


I agree Muffy.  But I am still not convinced Adam Baker is so innocent.  JMO


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on May 14, 2013, 09:15:55 AM
Elisa Baker is evil.  JMHO 


I agree Muffy.  But I am still not convinced Adam Baker is so innocent.  JMO


I don't think Adam Baker is so innocent either.   ::MonkeyNoNo::   I was just commenting on Elisa Baker being evil. (Saying the obvious, I guess) I think she was very manipulative too.  I think Adam Baker got off very lightly on charges that had to do with using a false ID to turn utilities on and bad checks.   I at first figured LE picked him up and held him on that stuff so they could continue to investigate his role in Zahra's demise.  Adam Baker got slapped on the wrist and then he high tailed out of our country, IMO.  What happened with the investigation?  He knew what was going on imo. Why was he allowed to leave the country? Adam Baker has a lot to answer to imo.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: seahorse on May 14, 2013, 09:56:03 AM
Hi Monkey's,

I hope, I am not out of line:

I think, the step-mom, is an insane fruitcake ::MonkeyEek:: and should be kept away, from mankind, animals and plant life, this is only my opinion.

Why wasn't the step-mom, declared insane?  Who does stuff to anyone?  I guess, there was not enough proof, that she masterminded this insanity, and she just accepted a plea?

Grrr...


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on June 20, 2013, 12:14:00 AM
Shameful.   ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/items-stolen-zahra-baker-memorial/nYP3m/

Posted: 5:08 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Sheriff: Items stolen from Zahra Baker memorial

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. —

Sheriff Deputies in Caldwell County are stepping up patrols on Wednesday night after thieves stole items from Zahra Baker Memorial near Hudson.

The community came together after the 10-year-old was murdered in 2010 to build the memorial near where police found some of her remains.

Her stepmother, Elisa Baker, is serving a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the case.

The property owner says someone took several solar lights and other items from the memorial during the last week.

"It is a shame. It is pitiful. It is a crying shame. I can't believe people got no heart," said property owner Jake Icenhour.

Icenhour has replaced some of the solar lights.
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on June 20, 2013, 08:24:20 AM
Shameful indeed!!   ::MonkeyNoNo::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Nut44x4 on June 21, 2013, 03:41:39 AM
 ::rhino::  ::MonkeyNoNo::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on June 25, 2013, 02:22:28 PM
 ::MonkeyMad::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on September 14, 2013, 11:20:52 PM
http://www.wbtv.com/story/23420448/zahra-baker-foundation-threatened-with-legal-action

Zahra Baker Foundation threatened with legal action
Posted: Sep 12, 2013 8:42 PM CDT

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) -
There are new legal threats for a man running a charity in the name of Zahra Baker. The little girl's step-mother killed her in 2010, and the story captured headlines around the world.

Jim Julian told WBTV he created the Zahra Clare Baker foundation in 2011 to raise money for children with challenges.

People who donated accused Julian of being dishonest about what he did with the money. A state investigation showed he hasn't broken the law, but he did fail to file the proper paperwork.

WBTV was the first to report last October when North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper's office became concerned. Julian has always said that his foundation is a legitimate one.

"(It's) to help get kids to their cancer treatments. We have purchased wheelchairs and had a laptop computer refurbished and sent to a little girl with Asperger Syndrome in the mountains," he said.

Even though Julian was adamant his foundation put money it raised to good use, Cooper's office continued to investigate, sending him multiple letters. The most recent letter was sent September 12, 2013.

Creecy Johnson, an assistant attorney general with the Consumer Protection Division told Julian he needed written consent to raise money in Zahra's name.

Johnson wrote "Despite my request, you have failed to provide me with a copy of such written consent."

Julian told WBTV by phone he's not worried about the letter.

"There ain't nothing to it Dave. They just sent me this thing saying we gotta fill out this paperwork and that's what we're doing," he said.

Investigators also wrote that Julian's exemption from state charitable solicitation requirements has expired, telling him he is currently soliciting donations in violation of state statutes and threatening legal action.

Julian told me he's still learning how to run a charity, and says he's made honest mistakes, but they are not intentional.
 ::snipping3::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 14, 2013, 01:48:35 PM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::  ::MonkeyMad::

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1838401/elisa-claims-adam-dismembered-zahra-baker/?cs=332

Elisa claims Adam dismembered Zahra Baker
Oct. 14, 2013, 7 a.m.

CONVICTED murderer Elisa Baker made shocking claims, including her husband dismembered the body of his disabled daughter, while facing tough questions on the Nine Network’s 60 Minutes last night.

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Ms Baker – who is currently serving a second-degree murder sentence in a North Carolina women’s prison – said Adam Baker dismembered the body of his daughter Zahra, 10, before disposing of it in nearby bushland.

“It was he who dismembered Zahra,” Ms Baker told veteran 60 Minutes reporter, Liz Hayes, following up with “he was my husband,” in response to a question about why she would have been complicit if such an act occurred.

A dishevelled-looking Ms Baker – who had a history of verbal, physical and psychological abuse towards her stepdaughter, Zahra – thought she was a “good person,” who would give anyone, “the shirt off her back.”
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on October 14, 2013, 02:00:41 PM
In my opinion, it is cruel to put Emily through this constant attention given to Elisa for her evil deed.  Emily should respectfully be given time to grieve and heal and for dear Zahra to rest in peace.  jmho

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1838396/zahra-bakers-mum-hits-out/?cs=332

Zahra Baker’s mum hits out
Oct. 14, 2013, 7 a.m

ZAHRA Baker’s birth mother broke down in tears before the screening of last night’s controversial 60 Minutes interview with the woman convicted of the brutal murder of her 10-year-old daughter.

Emily Dietrich was approached by the Advertiser at her Glenfield home but said she was too upset to comment on the case, which has made headlines in the US, Australia and the UK.

However, earlier in the week she posted an emotional plea to Facebook, decrying the interview, and making a reference to her daughter’s murderer and stepmother Elisa Baker being a “putrid monster”.

“Just let the putrid monster rot in her cell instead of giving her attention for her actions, and just let my daughter’s name rest,” Ms Dietrich posted.

“Zahra is not a ratings raiser, she was a beautiful girl and now a glowing, winged angel.”

Furthermore, saying she had “cried herself to sleep out of shock, disgust and bad memories,” in the Facebook post.
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on October 23, 2013, 12:07:26 PM
In my opinion, it is cruel to put Emily through this constant attention given to Elisa for her evil deed.  Emily should respectfully be given time to grieve and heal and for dear Zahra to rest in peace.  jmho

http://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/1838396/zahra-bakers-mum-hits-out/?cs=332

Zahra Baker’s mum hits out
Oct. 14, 2013, 7 a.m

ZAHRA Baker’s birth mother broke down in tears before the screening of last night’s controversial 60 Minutes interview with the woman convicted of the brutal murder of her 10-year-old daughter.

Emily Dietrich was approached by the Advertiser at her Glenfield home but said she was too upset to comment on the case, which has made headlines in the US, Australia and the UK.

However, earlier in the week she posted an emotional plea to Facebook, decrying the interview, and making a reference to her daughter’s murderer and stepmother Elisa Baker being a “putrid monster”.

“Just let the putrid monster rot in her cell instead of giving her attention for her actions, and just let my daughter’s name rest,” Ms Dietrich posted.

“Zahra is not a ratings raiser, she was a beautiful girl and now a glowing, winged angel.”

Furthermore, saying she had “cried herself to sleep out of shock, disgust and bad memories,” in the Facebook post.
 ::snipping3::


I so agree grace-land.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on November 23, 2013, 09:03:31 PM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/23/4491992/booming-nc-home-schools-face-little.html
Booming NC home schools face little scrutiny
November 23, 2013

 ::snipping3::
Home schooling is booming in North Carolina. The number of registered home schools has doubled in the past decade to 53,347. Mecklenburg County alone has more than 4,000 registered schools serving an estimated 6,573 children.

In North Carolina, like most states, those children can disappear from outside scrutiny. Home schools are never inspected; federal courts have ruled that sending government workers into homes violates the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Keeping records of attendance, immunization and testing is required by N.C. law but voluntary in practice. Once a year, home educators are invited to a meeting in their region where they can show those records to state officials, who make no copies. About three-quarters of the parents, including Larson, choose not to participate, state officials say.

“Most children who are home-schooled are safe, with very good parents,” says Dr. Preeti Matkins, a pediatrician with Levine Children’s Hospital and Charlotte’s Teen Health Connection. She’s a member of the N.C. Pediatric Society’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, which has delved into concerns about home schooling.

The Charlotte area alone has at least a dozen home-school groups, where parents meet to support each other and provide proms, sports, field trips and community service projects for their children.

The fear is focused on the people who use the cloak of privacy afforded by home schooling to hide mistreatment. In a recent report, the Pediatric Society dubbed the victims “invisible children.”

Robert McCarter, managing attorney for the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, says there’s no reason to think that home schooling encourages abuse, but notes that abusers can use it as a cover: “The people who are going to be abusive to children don’t want to do it in public. If they are sending a child out to school every day, and he has a black eye or a chain mark on his wrist, people are going to notice.”

When 10-year-old Zahra Baker’s parents reported her missing from their Hickory home in 2010, they told investigators they’d been home schooling her for fifth grade. The state has no record that they ever registered a home school, and Zahra’s remains were later found scattered around Caldwell County. Her stepmother eventually pleaded guilty to her killing, but authorities still don’t know when and how she died.
More...


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 04, 2013, 06:59:14 AM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/23/4491992/booming-nc-home-schools-face-little.html
Booming NC home schools face little scrutiny
November 23, 2013

 ::snipping3::
Home schooling is booming in North Carolina. The number of registered home schools has doubled in the past decade to 53,347. Mecklenburg County alone has more than 4,000 registered schools serving an estimated 6,573 children.

In North Carolina, like most states, those children can disappear from outside scrutiny. Home schools are never inspected; federal courts have ruled that sending government workers into homes violates the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Keeping records of attendance, immunization and testing is required by N.C. law but voluntary in practice. Once a year, home educators are invited to a meeting in their region where they can show those records to state officials, who make no copies. About three-quarters of the parents, including Larson, choose not to participate, state officials say.

Most children who are home-schooled are safe, with very good parents,” says Dr. Preeti Matkins, a pediatrician with Levine Children’s Hospital and Charlotte’s Teen Health Connection. She’s a member of the N.C. Pediatric Society’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, which has delved into concerns about home schooling.

The Charlotte area alone has at least a dozen home-school groups, where parents meet to support each other and provide proms, sports, field trips and community service projects for their children.

The fear is focused on the people who use the cloak of privacy afforded by home schooling to hide mistreatment. In a recent report, the Pediatric Society dubbed the victims “invisible children.”

Robert McCarter, managing attorney for the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, says there’s no reason to think that home schooling encourages abuse, but notes that abusers can use it as a cover: “The people who are going to be abusive to children don’t want to do it in public. If they are sending a child out to school every day, and he has a black eye or a chain mark on his wrist, people are going to notice.”

When 10-year-old Zahra Baker’s parents reported her missing from their Hickory home in 2010, they told investigators they’d been home schooling her for fifth grade. The state has no record that they ever registered a home school, and Zahra’s remains were later found scattered around Caldwell County. Her stepmother eventually pleaded guilty to her killing, but authorities still don’t know when and how she died.
More...

Most is such a stupid word here -- what the he$$ does that mean?


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 25, 2013, 11:48:01 PM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/zahra-memorial-decorated-raise-awareness-about-chi/ncHhc/

Posted: 10:23 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
Zahra memorial decorated to raise awareness about child abuse

HUDSON, N.C. —
A memorial built to remember Zahra Baker has been decorated for the holidays in hopes of raising awareness about child abuse.

The 10-year-old's murder gained nationwide attention after her remains were found scattered in several locations in Caldwell County in 2010.   

Jake Icenhour has put up a Christmas tree and other decorations at the memorial the community built near Hudson where police found some of Zahra’s remains. 

Special Section: Zahra Baker
             
He hopes the Christmas decorations will encourage people to report any sign of child abuse. 

"It’s not all about Zahra anymore.  It's about all these little kids that are in the same boat that little girl was in.  Let people know we don't want this to be forgotten.  If this will help one kid it will all be worth it,” Icenhour said.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wsoctv.com/gallery/news/local/images-zahra-baker-memorial-decorated-holidays/gCGWF/#4223317
IMAGES: Zahra Baker memorial decorated for holidays

(http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/615/img/photos/2013/12/11/70/e1/zahra2.jpg)


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 26, 2013, 09:49:01 AM
http://www.wsoctv.com/news/news/local/zahra-memorial-decorated-raise-awareness-about-chi/ncHhc/

Posted: 10:23 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
Zahra memorial decorated to raise awareness about child abuse

HUDSON, N.C. —
A memorial built to remember Zahra Baker has been decorated for the holidays in hopes of raising awareness about child abuse.

The 10-year-old's murder gained nationwide attention after her remains were found scattered in several locations in Caldwell County in 2010.   

Jake Icenhour has put up a Christmas tree and other decorations at the memorial the community built near Hudson where police found some of Zahra’s remains. 

Special Section: Zahra Baker
             
He hopes the Christmas decorations will encourage people to report any sign of child abuse. 

"It’s not all about Zahra anymore.  It's about all these little kids that are in the same boat that little girl was in.  Let people know we don't want this to be forgotten.  If this will help one kid it will all be worth it,” Icenhour said.
 ::snipping3::

http://www.wsoctv.com/gallery/news/local/images-zahra-baker-memorial-decorated-holidays/gCGWF/#4223317
IMAGES: Zahra Baker memorial decorated for holidays

(http://media.cmgdigital.com/shared/lt/lt_cache/thumbnail/615/img/photos/2013/12/11/70/e1/zahra2.jpg)


Thanks grace-land.  Hope you had a Merry Christmas!  Prayers for her Mom, Emily Dietrich.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on December 26, 2013, 09:25:14 PM
You're welcome, Sister!

I enjoyed my Christmas with family!  Hope yours was enjoyable, too!

Adding my prayers to yours for Emily; hopefully, she is healing and beginning to find peace.  ::MonkeyAngel::
 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Bearlyhere on December 27, 2013, 10:16:44 AM
http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/11/23/4491992/booming-nc-home-schools-face-little.html
Booming NC home schools face little scrutiny
November 23, 2013

 ::snipping3::
Home schooling is booming in North Carolina. The number of registered home schools has doubled in the past decade to 53,347. Mecklenburg County alone has more than 4,000 registered schools serving an estimated 6,573 children.

In North Carolina, like most states, those children can disappear from outside scrutiny. Home schools are never inspected; federal courts have ruled that sending government workers into homes violates the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

Keeping records of attendance, immunization and testing is required by N.C. law but voluntary in practice. Once a year, home educators are invited to a meeting in their region where they can show those records to state officials, who make no copies. About three-quarters of the parents, including Larson, choose not to participate, state officials say.

Most children who are home-schooled are safe, with very good parents,” says Dr. Preeti Matkins, a pediatrician with Levine Children’s Hospital and Charlotte’s Teen Health Connection. She’s a member of the N.C. Pediatric Society’s Committee on Child Abuse and Neglect, which has delved into concerns about home schooling.

The Charlotte area alone has at least a dozen home-school groups, where parents meet to support each other and provide proms, sports, field trips and community service projects for their children.

The fear is focused on the people who use the cloak of privacy afforded by home schooling to hide mistreatment. In a recent report, the Pediatric Society dubbed the victims “invisible children.”

Robert McCarter, managing attorney for the Council for Children’s Rights in Charlotte, says there’s no reason to think that home schooling encourages abuse, but notes that abusers can use it as a cover: “The people who are going to be abusive to children don’t want to do it in public. If they are sending a child out to school every day, and he has a black eye or a chain mark on his wrist, people are going to notice.”

When 10-year-old Zahra Baker’s parents reported her missing from their Hickory home in 2010, they told investigators they’d been home schooling her for fifth grade. The state has no record that they ever registered a home school, and Zahra’s remains were later found scattered around Caldwell County. Her stepmother eventually pleaded guilty to her killing, but authorities still don’t know when and how she died.
More...

Most is such a stupid word here -- what the he$$ does that mean?


Most means anything above 50% including 50.000000000000000001%.  Scary when you think about it.



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on December 27, 2013, 10:44:36 AM
Indeed it is Bearly!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 25, 2014, 10:33:51 PM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::  I would think that if any evidence is found the police should be notified immediately.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/02/25/4723849/da-opponent-mishandled-evidence.html#.Uw1fqbCYbIV

DA: Opponent ‘mishandled’ evidence in Zahra Baker case
Posted: Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014

The prosecutor who handled one of North Carolina’s most notorious crimes Tuesday made new allegations against the defense attorney in the case – a man now challenging him for public office.

District Attorney Jay Gaither alleged that attorney Scott Reilly hurt the prosecution’s case by “mishandling” evidence in the killing and dismemberment of 10-year-old Zahra Baker.

Reilly, who filed for district attorney Tuesday, denied the charge. He acknowledged finding a hacksaw in a Caldwell County storm drain but said he had tried unsuccessfully to contact Gaither immediately.
 ::snipping3::
Evidence ‘mishandled’

Gaither, of Hickory, said efforts of prosecutors and law enforcement “were hampered by Scott Reilly’s mishandling of evidence.”

“He removed evidence from the ground, and he visited Zahra Baker’s remains prior to Elisa Baker leading law enforcement to her,” Gaither said.

Asked if that impacted the case against Elisa Baker, Gaither said it did. He declined to elaborate.

Reilly called the suggestion “ludicrous.”

“It’s a desperate attempt to try to smear me,” he said.

Reilly acknowledged finding the hacksaw.

“We were trying to corroborate our client’s story,” he said, “and in doing so I did discover some evidence … The evidence was in danger of being destroyed if we didn’t collect it immediately.”
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 26, 2014, 09:17:02 AM
Why did Scott Reilly wait two days to turn over possible evidence to law enforcement?  Why did he and the PI collect it?  Why weren't law enforcement notified immediately?  I'm surprised they weren't disciplined. JMHO


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on February 28, 2014, 10:41:19 PM
Why did Scott Reilly wait two days to turn over possible evidence to law enforcement?  Why did he and the PI collect it?  Why weren't law enforcement notified immediately?  I'm surprised they weren't disciplined. JMHO

MuffyBee   ::HelloKitty::

SR gave explanations for all of your questions in the article below.  It also includes information about the Rules of Professional Conduct and an opinion of the State Bar Ethics Committee.  It might be all politics because of the upcoming election; however, it is disheartening to learn about the defense strategy--

Quote
Gaither said Reilly used the saw and knowledge of the location of Zahra’s remains as a bargaining chip in Elisa Baker’s defense. If the DA’s office moved forward with a charge of first-degree murder against Elisa Baker, Gaither said Reilly would not have handed over the evidence

Quote
“The fact that Scott Reilly visited the sites of Zahra Baker’s remains at Elisa Baker’s direction raises an inference that this deception was collusive,” Gaither said. “While we supposed at the time that Scott Reilly was not being honest with law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office, we did not at that time have enough evidence to proceed with an investigation”

Gaither said his emphasis at that time was on finding and bringing Zahra’s killer to justice. “Given the limited evidence that we possessed and the fact that we did not and still do not know the cause of Zahra Baker’s death, law enforcement and prosecutors did the best that we could with the evidence that we had,” he said.

http://www.morganton.com/news/article_2c0d811a-9f5b-11e3-9af3-0017a43b2370.html
DA Jay Gaither claims candidate Scott Reilly hampered Zahra Baker death investigation
Posted: Wednesday, February 26, 2014 9:59 pm |  Updated: 10:40 pm, Wed Feb 26, 2014.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on February 28, 2014, 10:55:27 PM
Thank you grace-land. I agree, it's disheartening to learn about the defense strategy.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on March 03, 2014, 08:35:39 AM
Thank you grace-land. I agree, it's disheartening to learn about the defense strategy.   ::MonkeyNoNo:: 

 ::rhino::

I wouldn't vote for him!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 09, 2014, 07:24:28 PM
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/life_entertainment/article_e67180f2-a649-11e3-a151-001a4bcf6878.html

New sculpture to commemorate Zahra Baker
Posted: Sunday, March 9, 2014 12:00 pm |  Updated: 1:00 pm, Sun Mar 9, 2014.

(http://hickoryrecord.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/4b/04bceed4-a64a-11e3-bf6c-001a4bcf6878/531a4bdf39243.preview-300.jpg)

SUBMITTED PHOTO
A kinetic sculpture named Zahra's Whirled will be placed in Kiwanis Park in April, city officials said. Pinwheels are considered a symbol of child abuse and neglect


HICKORY – Thanks to the City of Hickory, an artist’s vision and a little serendipity, a new sculpture will pay tribute to Zahra Baker at Kiwanis Park.
 
Zahra’s Whirled is an 8-foot-tall kinetic sculpture, reminiscent of a pinwheel, that will serve as the focal point of a concrete plaza near the Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground. The piece, composed of recycled and stainless steel, is expected to be unveiled by the end of April, which is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
 ::snipping3::
The sculpture was created by Mike Roig of Carrboro. Roig said the piece was about a year and half old. The top part of the sculpture spins in the wind on a vertical axis.
 ::snipping3::
Pinwheels are often circulated to raise awareness of child abuse and neglect, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 24, 2014, 10:13:14 PM
And her goodness continues...  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/article_19a89918-b146-11e3-9322-001a4bcf6878.html

(http://hickoryrecord.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/c/67/c67c0b12-b145-11e3-85b8-001a4bcf6878/532cb976ea48c.preview-300.jpg)
Volunteers place pinwheels at Zahra Baker All Children's Playground before last year's ceremony marking Child Abuse Prevention Month

Event to spotlight prevention of child abuse
Posted: Saturday, March 22, 2014 7:00 am

HICKORY, N.C. — The public is invited to attend a ceremony recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month at noon April 9 at Zahra Baker All Children's Playground at Kiwanis Park in Hickory.
 
The ceremony will include the placing of blue and silver pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention. Members of the public, businesses or other organizations may purchase the pinwheels for $2 each.
 
Half the cost will be donated to the Children’s Advocacy & Protection Center for its mission of education, prevention and response to child sexual abuse and severe physical abuse.
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on March 24, 2014, 10:22:52 PM
The pinwheels  are a beautiful gesture.   ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 10, 2014, 12:50:02 PM
The pinwheels  are a beautiful gesture.   ::MonkeyAngel::

 ::MonkeyAngel::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 10, 2014, 01:01:34 PM
 ::MonkeyHeart::

Photos at the link
http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/work-of-heart-community-dedicates-sculpture-to-zahra-baker/article_b2788334-c036-11e3-9ad4-001a4bcf6878.html

Work of heart: Community dedicates sculpture to Zahra Baker
Posted: Wednesday, April 9, 2014 6:31 pm |  Updated: 11:31 am, Thu Apr 10, 2014.

HICKORY NC – Zahra Baker would have turned 14 last November. She didn’t make it past 10.
 
Dozens gathered Wednesday at the park named in her honor to dedicate a sculpture to the murdered girl from Australia, the girl with the spirited smile and freckled face, the girl whose short life was tainted by abuse.
 
It was about remembering Zahra and recognizing abused children everywhere.

The sculpture sits at the center of a circular garden. Rising from the ground on a copper pedestal, nine rounded sheets of steel worked into delicate curves rotate on a vertical axis in the wind.

It is too early for the flowers that will enliven the garden to have bloomed, but on Wednesday afternoon, thousands of blue and silver pinwheels whirled in their place. The sculpture is called Zahra’s Whirled.
 ::snipping3::
The dedication of the sculpture is but one in a series of steps to create a park in Hickory all children can enjoy. Equipment at the playground is made for able-bodied and special-needs children. A wheel-chair accessible tree house will overlook Zahra’s Whirled, and construction is underway on a picnic pavilion and restrooms.

The Zahra Baker All Children’s Playground at Kiwanis Park is at 805 Sixth St. SE.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 12, 2014, 11:08:17 PM
More fun is coming for the children at the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground!  ::MonkeyDance::

Video at the link

Posted: 8:04 a.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014
Tree house being built at Zahra Baker playground

HICKORY, N.C. —
Construction of a wheelchair accessible tree house was underway Thursday at the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground in Hickory.
 ::snipping3::
"The kids are all excited. There are several bus loads that come up here every day and they say, ‘What are you building?’ and I say, ‘Tree house’ and they just go crazy," said Roy Hamby, a construction worker on the project.

Workers hope to have the tree house completed by the end of the month. The mayor said several businesses are helping with fundraising and volunteering to build it.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 17, 2014, 12:26:17 AM
 ::MonkeyNoNo::

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/07/15/5046323/amid-controversy-gaither-loses.html#.U8dQd2dOXIU (http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/07/15/5046323/amid-controversy-gaither-loses.html#.U8dQd2dOXIU)

Gaither says ‘errors in judgment’ cost him DA bid
Posted: Wednesday, Jul. 16, 2014

District Attorney Jay Gaither said his re-election lost Tuesday shows that the public has lost faith on him, which he blamed on his own “errors in judgment.”
 ::snipping3::
“It's not enough that you do a good job ... You're expected to be the conscience of the community. There were several errors in judgment that affected people's opinion of my ability to use good judgment.”

One of them, he said, involved the Zahra Baker case, which drew Gaither national attention but saddled him with local criticism that spilled over into the election. The 10-year-old was found murdered and dismembered in 2010.

He was widely criticized for a plea bargain in which Zahra's mother Elisa Baker pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Critics say she deserved far more.

“There is no doubt that was a major negative for me and I regret that tremendously,” he said. “Because the prosecution of Elisa Baker is regarded nationally as a textbook prosecution.”

Learner used Gaither’s handling of the case throughout his campaign, calling it an example of Gaither's “soft” plea bargains. He agreed it played a role in the runoff.

“People are very, very frustrated with the lenient plea bargains that have gone on,” he said Wednesday. “They've become very aware of that with the handling of the Zahra Baker case.”
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on July 17, 2014, 11:14:53 AM
^^^ above article
“Because the prosecution of Elisa Baker is regarded nationally as a textbook prosecution.”

what does that mean.  Is he trying to justify his actions?
color me confused.
 :smt102


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on July 24, 2014, 11:56:41 AM
If I understand it correctly...He had a plea agreement and Elisa pleaded guilty (textbook prosecution); however, he made a lenient plea agreement--18 years for a second degree murder.  It seems that he now regrets making a "soft" plea bargain. 

Quote
In a controversial agreement with prosecutors the next year, her stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Critics said Baker deserved a stiffer sentence.

In the campaign, Learner called that an example of Gaither's "soft" plea bargains. He agreed it played a role in the runoff.
http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/16/3568221/gaither-baker-case-played-into.html (http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/16/3568221/gaither-baker-case-played-into.html)


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on July 29, 2014, 09:00:07 AM
If I understand it correctly...He had a plea agreement and Elisa pleaded guilty (textbook prosecution); however, he made a lenient plea agreement--18 years for a second degree murder.  It seems that he now regrets making a "soft" plea bargain. 

Quote
In a controversial agreement with prosecutors the next year, her stepmother, Elisa Baker, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Critics said Baker deserved a stiffer sentence.

In the campaign, Learner called that an example of Gaither's "soft" plea bargains. He agreed it played a role in the runoff.
http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/16/3568221/gaither-baker-case-played-into.html (http://www.thestate.com/2014/07/16/3568221/gaither-baker-case-played-into.html)


Right, I get it now.  Thanks grace-land!
 :smt054


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on August 20, 2014, 09:47:20 PM
More fun for the children--a beautiful and big treehouse at the Zahra Baker All Children's Playground!  ::MonkeyDance::
Video at the link

http://www.wcnc.com/story/news/local/2014/08/19/zahra-tree-house/14303757/
Tree house dedicated in Hickory in memory of murdered girl
7:40 p.m. EDT August 19, 2014

(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/66f91d42091aeb4ed852d74ba954cbc9db77f53a/c=242-0-1678-1079&r=x404&c=534x401/local/-/media/WCNC/WCNC/2014/08/19/1408481741000-zahra-treehouse.png)

HICKORY, N.C. – There is a new addition to the playground in Hickory that is dedicated to the memory of Zahra Baker.

She was the 10-year-old girl who was murdered by her step-mother back in 2010.

The newest addition to the playground is a massive tree house. It was built in part from money left over from fundraising drives for the park that was first opened in May 2012.

Additional contributions raised the total available to $33,000 for construction costs.

Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright led the dedication ceremony for the tree house.

"I believe that somebody that has been here has been touched and has thought about child abuse and has responded in some way to this memorial," Wright said.

Designers wanted the treehouse to be accessible to all kids.
 ::snipping3::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: MuffyBee on August 21, 2014, 02:26:25 PM
Very nice.  ::rhino::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Bearlyhere on August 26, 2014, 11:49:48 PM
Very nice.  ::rhino::

   ::rhino::



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on September 07, 2014, 06:21:44 AM
Very nice.  ::rhino::

   ::rhino::



 ::rhino::   ::rhino::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Terri on October 11, 2015, 12:43:49 PM
Just stopped in.....it is so hard to return to threads that are now dormant.   I know the cases get solved,   people are located,   more go missing or murdered.   I somehow feel we have invested so much emotional energy into these threads there should be more justice...more torment for the perpetrator.    Silly,  I know.   Just an unhealthy desire to hear how horrendous the perp is doing.    Rest easy Zahra.


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Sister on February 13, 2016, 07:33:59 PM
Just stopped in.....it is so hard to return to threads that are now dormant.   I know the cases get solved,   people are located,   more go missing or murdered.   I somehow feel we have invested so much emotional energy into these threads there should be more justice...more torment for the perpetrator.    Silly,  I know.   Just an unhealthy desire to hear how horrendous the perp is doing.    Rest easy Zahra.

not silly at all!


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 28, 2016, 09:18:33 PM
 ::justice2nj2::

http://www.news.com.au/world/north-america/zahra-bakers-stepmum-may-appeal-us-conviction/news-story/45e747c3ddb837c1f0ade13d7492553e

Zahra Baker’s stepmum may appeal US conviction
March 29, 201611:51am
(http://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/a478f3cbb5847a597939a2bb111f39bb)
Zahra Baker who was brutally murdered and dismembered by her stepmother Elisa Baker in North Carolina, USA in 2010. Zahra, who was in remission from bone cancer, was allegedly the victim of continued abuse prior to her murder.Source:News Corp Australia

THE stepmother of Australian girl Zahra Baker is reportedly planning to appeal her conviction for the 10-year-old’s murder and dismemberment in North Carolina.

Although the time limit for a normal appeal has expired, The Daily Telegraph reports that she will try to mount a motion for appropriate relief.
 ::snipping3::
Speaking from jail, Baker told News Corp Australia that she did not commit the crime and described how she keeps a photo of the slain girl pinned inside her North Carolina prison locker.

“Why would she haunt me? I was a good mamma,” she said.
 ::snipping3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: SuzieQ on March 30, 2016, 10:41:01 PM
From the UK Daily Mail  Has anyone seen anything in the American press?


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3512485/Elisa-Baker-appeal-murder-conviction-killing-10-year-old-stepdaughter-Zahra-Baker.html



Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on March 31, 2016, 09:59:17 PM
From the UK Daily Mail  Has anyone seen anything in the American press?


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3512485/Elisa-Baker-appeal-murder-conviction-killing-10-year-old-stepdaughter-Zahra-Baker.html



SuzieQ  ::HelloKitty::

I haven't seen anything in the American press about plans for an appeal, yet.  Maybe there will be some articles when she actually files the appeal.




Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: Nut44x4 on April 01, 2016, 08:25:18 AM
Just stopped in.....it is so hard to return to threads that are now dormant.   I know the cases get solved,   people are located,   more go missing or murdered.   I somehow feel we have invested so much emotional energy into these threads there should be more justice...more torment for the perpetrator.    Silly,  I know.   Just an unhealthy desire to hear how horrendous the perp is doing.    Rest easy Zahra.

not silly at all!


 ::rhino::  ::jeep3::


Title: Re: Zahra Clare Baker #11 9/17/11 -
Post by: grace-land on April 04, 2016, 08:35:18 PM
And her goodness continues...  ::MonkeyAngel::

http://www.hickoryrecord.com/news/child-abuse-awareness-month-kicks-off-at-zahra-baker-park/article_d3706a10-f875-11e5-83ab-032a80d0d996.html

Child abuse awareness month kicks off at Zahra Baker Park
Posted: Friday, April 1, 2016 9:54 pm |  Updated: 12:05 pm, Mon Apr 4, 2016

HICKORY – Hundreds of pinwheels spun in the noontime wind at Zahra Baker Park on Friday to announce the start of child abuse awareness month.
 
The Children’s Advocacy and Protection Center has held the “Pinwheels for Prevention” event annually for the past four years.
 
“It is one of the largest pinwheel gardens in the state,” Kate Landry said, who is the CAPC’s Community Education and Outreach Coordinator.

The event serves as a fundraiser for the nonprofit and the center sold nearly 800 pinwheels prior to the event.

“The money goes to prevention efforts, but the emphasis is on awareness,” Landry said.
 ::snipping3::
http://www.observernewsonline.com/content/pinwheels-prevention-planted-playground
(http://www.observernewsonline.com/sites/default/files/styles/galleria_zoom/public/field/image/Pinwheels-9.png?itok=0XBupxBx)