02.20.2011 60 Minutes Australia Interview With Adam Baker

[panthera]

I think the piece was well put together. Loved seeing some more pics I have not seen before. So beautiful! Did not really learn anything new, other then Adam saying there is no way Zahra died in September. One thing that struck me is when Liz asked him if he was guilty of anything, and he said no. I would have expected him to say he was guilty of something, like not paying enough attention to what was going on, or something along those lines. If it proves true he had absolutly no knowledge or involvement in her death and disposal, it would be logical to think he still has a ton of guilt and regret.
As to when he last saw Zahra, it seems he still can't answer that question, and I understand that the investigation is ongoing, but I do not see the harm in him giving an answer to that, considering he has answered that question several times already.

BBM

He appears to be regretful now, however, it is still beyond my comprehension how he could have been so oblivious before Zahra's death. MOO

 

[tlcya]

ty to all who gave their impressions, who transcribed the bullet points, posted the link and youtubed.

I know this may not be a popular belief, but I did not sense deception in AB's answers.

I did note his reluctance to discuss timeline of when last seen. I do accept that he may have been asked not to discuss it as LE is still investigating. My own feel is that LE may still be trying to catch up (and prove with evidence) EB in lies in her statements to LE (the ones that garnered her the deal). So I don't think his unwillingness to be detailed about that necessarily points to guilt.

I did find it interesting that he says he does not beleive that Zahra died of illness and yet in initial 911 call (afternoon one) and interviews with MSM immediately after EB's arrest he says that Zahra was under the weather and spending much time in her room. These would seem on their face to be conflicting statements. However, if he had been told that by EB, took her at her word, and then upon reflection, after EB was charged with being involved with this ransom/disappearance - he may have believed that at the time of the call but within days of the investigation and certain facts coming out, on hindsight, realized that this had been a farce, to keep him from discovering her absence.

Very interesting to finally have a long interview to analyse his behaviors and reactions.

 

[LCoastMom]

I think the piece was well put together. Loved seeing some more pics I have not seen before. So beautiful! Did not really learn anything new, other then Adam saying there is no way Zahra died in September. One thing that struck me is when Liz asked him if he was guilty of anything, and he said no. I would have expected him to say he was guilty of something, like not paying enough attention to what was going on, or something along those lines. If it proves true he had absolutly no knowledge or involvement in her death and disposal, it would be logical to think he still has a ton of guilt and regret.
As to when he last saw Zahra, it seems he still can't answer that question, and I understand that the investigation is ongoing, but I do not see the harm in him giving an answer to that, considering he has answered that question several times already.

Many thanks to those of you who were able to watch and report. I haven't watched yet, but I will.

Nothing new about the case, I guess that was to be expected.

The first thing that came to mind when reading Flakes account of how Adam's expressions etc were so much like KB's was how much time AB and his mother have spent together since October, also how much time he has had to practice his responses. Again not that that is a sign of guilt or innocence.

I get why he isn't answering the question re the last time he saw Zahra, while he has already answered multiple times - he gave everyone a different answer! His attorney has undoubtedly talked to him about this, whatever he says at this point is gonna raise flags!

 

[NoeticSoul]

Heartbreakly gorgeous photos of Zarha..

TY for posting the video.

He's not fooling me :violin: and neglected to answer the only question that matters. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW ZAHRA? Long pauses where there shouldn't have been... A bunch of whitewash HOOEY for TV ratings (IMO). Can't wait until the body language & statement analysts process this "interview".

:deadhorse:

 

[mysticrose]

The introduction to the 60 minutes segment indicated, amongst other things, that there are suspicious gaps in Adam's memories, and that there's no surprise the legal investigation has such a problem on their hands in solving this case. As expected however, the sensational introduction was pretty vacant and not backed up by even a second of attention to this apparent 'scoop' that would give us such insight into the truth. Nevertheless ...

I have to admit, the segment was fairly impressively put together. It showed compassion, and an attempt to portray Zahra's life with dignity ... a dignity she wasn't shown in her death. There were gorgeous photographs of Zahra ... absolutely gorgeous. In particular Adam and his mother's favourite image of her dressed in a spectacular red dress, and with white flowers braided in her hair, for her father's marriage to Elisa (who he referred to as Lisa). When Adam was looking at this pic I thought he looked so proud of her. This image, which is from their personal collection was really priceless. And other images from over the years were also shared. This gave a lovely background to the story.

Adam was interviewed, along with his mother separately. There was also a scene with the two looking through and discussing their photographs of Zahra. There was footage of the birthday vigil for Zahra held in the USA, scenes of the main street in Hickory, footage of Adam and Elisa's house, and footage of Elisa following her arrest. There was also footage (probably police footage) taken from a walk-through of parts of the interior of their house - showing Zahra's pink painted bedroom and her cupboard (closet). It appeared to be prior to the forensic dissection of the house. There was also footage of the search in the wood piles in the yard, sniffer dogs on the property and the search for Zahra in the bushland. The memorial erected in the bush with flowers and messages was also shown and an interview with a local representative (sorry I don't know who it was, maybe Lord Mayor?).

I had tears in my eyes the whole way through this, I should add (as I suspected I would )

The thing that caused my heart to ache the most was watching Adam and his mother talking about Zahra, and Adam discussing the tragic mistakes he made. Firstly, I was really impressed with how both of them conducted themselves, and how much they both reminded me of Zahra - in particular her grandmother. Adam seemed filled with sorrow - and I thought regret at a level beyond comprehension. He would answer with his eyes filled with sadness, with tears beginning to well (though never filmed fully crying), and his chin would quiver in a manner that I think indicated how stressed and disturbed he was by contemplating and taking about the horrors that befell Zahra. He struggled being able to discuss some issues as he says he tries not to think about the detail of her death, though at the same time you could see the duality in his desire to know the truth.

His mother was very open, and seemed like a lady with great dignity through this harrowing time. She clearly loved Zahra dearly, and this has taken its toll on her. She was so proud showing off her favourite pics of her granddaughter and telling the stories behind them. She was very clear that she and Adam are both eager to find out the truth, though they are both scared of what it will reveal. She seemed very outgoing and strong, and far moreso than her son, who was quieter and less verbal.

Both mother and son had very similar facial expressions. Awkwardness would come across as a squishing of the mouth, which would look like a squirm/half smile of nervousness. The fact that the mother has exactly the same expression of awkwardness/half smile was very interesting to see, as it explained how Adam has this same expression. She smiled broadly as well, though Adam didn't do this much at all. He was not as animated as his mother – and this seems to be their general character throughout. He was quiet and subdued, though showed a fair bit of emotion, while she wears her heart on her sleeve and is very open and lively. Much of this I interpret as Aussie male character, as men here are not so prone to displaying their emotions. It's not considered 'manly'.

The most animated discussion he had was on the issue of how much of a mistake it was to have introduced Elisa into their lives, and how he felt Zahra would definitely be alive and well (without any doubt) if she had not been in their lives. He admitted he has no idea who she is now, not a clue. And this was in sharp contrast to the way he described the persona he had seen of her earlier in the relationship. He said she initially was so kind and family oriented, and he wanted to have more children with her to give Zahra brothers and sisters. You could see he felt a bit foolish with his own naivety as he looks back on that now.

He was asked if he felt Elisa had killed Zahra. He looked sad, and to blame. I think because he feels he was ultimately responsible for bringing Elisa into their lives. He said he believes she must be behind this. When asked about seeing Elisa hurt Zahra he discussed the incident with the black eye (prompted by the interviewer). He said he hadn't ever seen any violence, and that when he saw the black eye he asked both Elisa and Zahra about it, and both explained the same story – that Zahra had fallen in the bathroom and hit herself on the vanity (?). He said he felt Zahra must have been told what to say and was scared, so told the story. Again he looked like he felt as if he was a fool for missing the signs.

Asked whether he played any role in the murder/dismemberment he was clearly sad and said he had not done anything untoward to his daughter and that there was no way he could do anything to hurt her. He didn't avoid the hard words "dismemberment" or anything", and appeared quite able to discuss these.

While answering questions Adam would look the interviewer straight in the eye. While hearing the questions he would look at her, then look down remembering things, then would raise his eyes and reply. This is a pretty normal way for people with visual memories to recall things, so I thought it was pretty normal. His eyes didn't flicker around at all.

He discussed how empty he feels without Zahra. And also of how he wishes to return home to Australia with Zahra to try and recover some of his life. He spoke of the things people in Hickory yell at him, and the way they look at him. Also of how the accusations have been made by Elisa of his guilt. He looked helpless in a way – like he doesn't know what to do to survive this situation of judgement.

When asked about the possibility that Zahra died from an illness he stated outright "no way". This then led the interviewer to ask about the timeframe of when he last saw Zahra. He stated it was not weeks as has been suggested by Elisa, but when pressed for further comment he looked very awkward. The reporter said that we hear he was away for work for much of the time prior to Zahra becoming missing, and again he seemed awkward. When pushed he stated he was really unable to discuss these details as the investigation and case were pending and he could not say anything that might impede the investigation and justice for Zahra. My feeling is that this information must be critical to the case, so we'll just have to remain patient until it comes out in the court case.

I'll post this now, have dinner, and then come back and re-read. Anything I've missed out I'll add later tonight

Hope this helps!

Flakes Thank You so much for this ! You Rock ! :rocker:

 

[netsleuther]

Heartbreakly gorgeous photos of Zarha..

TY for posting the video.

He's not fooling me :violin: and neglected to answer the only question that matters. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW ZAHRA? Long pauses where there shouldn't have been... A bunch of whitewash HOOEY for TV ratings (IMO). Can't wait until the body language & statement analysts process this "interview".

:deadhorse:

I don't think he neglected to answer the only question that matters. He said he didn't want to impede the investigation. If he had legal advice and it were to say he didn't want to impede the investigation, it's hardly neglecting to answer the question.

But it sort of rounds down a time frame IMO of what ever happened. So where the silence is on those answers people are waiting for lays some foundation for a trial IMO.

 

[mysticrose]

I just watched the video and I am still with my opinion that Adam has nothing to do with the death of Zahara..... He is guilty in my opinion of bad judgments in regards to EB and trusting her, her words and believing EB.

 

[Flakes]

Slight correction to my main post above – on seeing the video a second time I see that the photograph of Zahra in her red dress for the wedding was in fact Zahra's favourite shot of herself, rather than her father and grandmother's favourite shot (may be but it was not stated). Sorry I got that bit back-to-front. If anything it means more to me about that photo

My feelings with regards to Adam's demeanour are exactly the same as when I watched it the first time.

It would be interesting to hear from a psychologist experienced in trauma responses in crime victims for their interpretation of the likely progression – especially one with a knowledge of the Australian male personality, which as I've stated previously is heavily guarded with revealing emotions.

It would also be beneficial to have a time-frame for the filming of this segment to put this into context.

In Adam I see helplessness, frustration, guilt, regret, feelings of foolishness, and a number of other similar emotions that I interpret as harsh judgement of himself. Feelings of guilt and foolishness owing to his role in introducing Elisa to Zahra's life, for missing the alleged abuse, for not seeing things for what they were more clearly (ie Elisa's true nature), and for the heavy price that was paid.

Many Aussie males feel (an ingrained sentiment in spite of the concepts of equality for men and women) that men are responsible for keeping the family safe and financially secure ... an inherent condition. I sense that he feels he failed in this responsibility, as most Aussie males would, so is judging himself harshly.

I didn't see anger which I know is one of the stages you go through in post-trauma. So I wonder where his response fits in the overall scheme of responses.

 

[NoeticSoul]

I don't think he neglected to answer the only question that matters. He said he didn't want to impede the investigation. If he had legal advice and it were to say he didn't want to impede the investigation, it's hardly neglecting to answer the question.

But it sort of rounds down a time frame IMO of what ever happened. So where the silence is on those answers people are waiting for lays some foundation for a trial IMO.

I actually found his painfully obvious resistance to answering that question disturbing considering he has answered that question in the media before, and he is not a POI, so I don't see what the giant problem was in answering.

Why would the last day that saw Zahra be a discerning issue in the case? perhaps it really is. Regardless, if AB would have just been honest from the get-go we would all know the answer to that question in the 1st place.

Seriously. He says he's guilty of "nothing at all"!? REALLY!? He couldn't even EEK out a "Yes I am. I'm guilty of not protecting my daughter and trusting someone whom I did not know from the Internet" (at LEAST!). And perhaps a real tear?

That says it all, imo.

Shameful. Completely self-serving interview. Made me want to puke.


Hope everyone is having a relaxing day/evening/morning!

 

[Hickory Born]

Heartbreakly gorgeous photos of Zarha..

TY for posting the video.

He's not fooling me :violin: and neglected to answer the only question that matters. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW ZAHRA? Long pauses where there shouldn't have been... A bunch of whitewash HOOEY for TV ratings (IMO). Can't wait until the body language & statement analysts process this "interview".

:deadhorse:

Will you please post a link once the body language & statement analysis are online.

Did you notice his eyebrows when Liz was saying "you saw her not long before she disappeared. His answer "yep", he then looks down, eyebrows tightened and wrinkled up. IMO, one would have thought the last time he saw Zahra was an unpleasant experience.

Is FerrieB going to post a transcript....PLEASE, I couldn't understand everything AB said.

 

[Flakes]

I actually found his painfully obvious resistance to answering that question disturbing considering he has answered that question in the media before, and he is not a POI, so I don't see what the giant problem was in answering.

Why would the last day that saw Zahra be a discerning issue in the case? perhaps it really is. Regardless, if AB would have just been honest from the get-go we would all know the answer to that question in the 1st place.

Seriously. He says he's guilty of "nothing at all"!? REALLY!? He couldn't even EEK out a "Yes I am. I'm guilty of not protecting my daughter and trusting someone whom I did not know from the Internet" (at LEAST!). And perhaps a real tear?

That says it all, imo.

Shameful. Completely self-serving interview. Made me want to puke.


Hope everyone is having a relaxing day/evening/morning!

Noetic Soul, I respect but do not share your interpretation. Fair enough, we are all entitled to our own views. However, I would ask you to keep in mind that the interview is edited.

As posted in one of my skeptical pre-60 Minutes posts, it would be interesting to view what the editors left on the cutting room floor (so to speak, as I am sure this was video not film). Post-60 Minutes I still feel that way. And I accept we will simply NEVER know what was really said in entirety.

Personally, the absence of information released by LE to the public on the details of Adam's movements in the days prior to the event of Zahra being reported missing, and the lack of info we have on his last sighting of Zahra, have always indicated to me that these issues are critical to the case. They are deliberately withholding that information from us IMO, so as to strengthen the prosecution case. This includes the pings and GPS locations from Adam's mobile phone, his phone call records, any testimony from his employer and other potential witnesses regarding his whereabouts, etc, in the timeframe under investigation.

IMO this is the LE doing their job properly. Being an Aussie, given our strict regulations regarding release of case material to the public, compared to the practice of sunshine laws in the US (see my posts in other threads about our legal system's "contempt of court" laws and also "defamation" laws) this withholding of information actually gives me confidence in the LE. Yes, lack of information is frustrating to us, but I am used to seeing this as beneficial to the prosecution case. I am quite willing to forego knowledge if it assists in the persecution of the person/people responsible for this crime.

 

[NoeticSoul]

Will you please post a link once the body language & statement analysis are online.

Did you notice his eyebrows when Liz was saying "you saw her not long before she disappeared. His answer "yep", he then looks down, eyebrows tightened and wrinkled up. IMO, one would have thought the last time he saw Zahra was an unpleasant experience.

Is FerrieB going to post a transcript....PLEASE, I couldn't understand everything AB said.

I most certainly will as soon as I see them posted

I DID notice that among many other peculiar facial expressions that I'll be interested to learn what the experts have to say about.

 

[NoeticSoul]

Noetic Soul, I respect but do not share your interpretation. Fair enough, we are all entitled to our own views. However, I would ask you to keep in mind that the interview is edited.

As posted in one of my skeptical pre-60 Minutes posts, it would be interesting to view what the editors left on the cutting room floor (so to speak, as I am sure this was video not film). Post-60 Minutes I still feel that way. And I accept we will simply NEVER know what was really said in entirety.

Personally, the absence of information released by LE to the public on the details of Adam's movements in the days prior to the event of Zahra being reported missing, and the lack of info we have on his last sighting of Zahra, have always indicated to me that these issues are critical to the case. They are deliberately withholding that information from us IMO, so as to strengthen the prosecution case. This includes the pings and GPS locations from Adam's mobile phone, his phone call records, any testimony from his employer and other potential witnesses regarding his whereabouts, etc, in the timeframe under investigation.

IMO this is the LE doing their job properly. Being an Aussie, given our strict regulations regarding release of case material to the public, compared to the practice of sunshine laws in the US (see my posts in other threads about our legal system's "contempt of court" laws and also "defamation" laws) this withholding of information actually gives me confidence in the LE. Yes, lack of information is frustrating to us, but I am used to seeing this as beneficial to the prosecution case. I am quite willing to forego knowledge if it assists in the persecution of the person/people responsible for this crime.

Both points, including your previous post re: 'Australian male', dually noted as well as respected. I appreciate your views.

 

[Flakes]

I interpreted that reaction as one of "Oh crap, now they're asking me about this, and I've been instructed not to discuss this in any way." In fact I felt he accidentally slipped out his "yes" to the question "did you see her in the two weeks", by mistake, and felt foolish for doing that, then felt he needed to withdraw from the discussion of that topic.

I don't think he is all that calculating and clever. I don't think he is such a brilliant actor that he could get his chin to quiver as it did early in the interview – you can't see this on the You Tube video, but it was overwhelmingly clear on the full TV screen at high resolution.

 

[Reannan]

The biggest problem I have with this interview.... and with this case in general, is the first words that we, as the world, heard from Adam Baker - the 911 call.... "My Daughter is missing....". Those words sounded "off" when I first heard them and they still sound off to me. They sounded rehersed. Go back and listen to them!! There was NO panic in those words. Does that constitute murder on Adam's part? No.... Adam Baker is either a liar or a man who was duped by an evil woman. I feel confident in KNOWING that his daughter was one of the most amazing women who ever lived. She was strong, kind, and a survivor who I would have loved to meet in person. I feel confident that EB is a manipulating, calculating, self-absorbed beyotch. That takes us back to Adam.... What kind of lies could EB have spun that led AB to that calm, calculated statement of "My daughter is missing"??? My biggest problem with this current interview is a lack of ANGER at EB and what happened to Zahra!! Sadly, everything still seems rehersed to me. The lack of anger and indignant cry for justice on AB's part is a big problem for me.... One last thing - I can't see Zahra having a great relationship with AB and her NOT feeling confident in telling him about the abuse other people were seeing! TWO PLUS TWO DOES NOT EQUAL FOUR in this case!!!!

 

[netsleuther]

I interpreted that reaction as one of "Oh crap, now they're asking me about this, and I've been instructed not to discuss this in any way." In fact I felt he accidentally slipped out his "yes" to the question "did you see her in the two weeks", by mistake, and felt foolish for doing that, then felt he needed to withdraw from the discussion of that topic.

I don't think he is all that calculating and clever. I don't think he is such a brilliant actor that he could get his chin to quiver as it did early in the interview – you can't see this on the You Tube video, but it was overwhelmingly clear on the full TV screen at high resolution.

Is there a process where the lawyer has to view and approve questions or would anyone think Liz Hayze turned up out of the blue to spring questions on him. I think the interview was presented for Zahra and so people would see part of her life included her father and grandmother.

I can wait for unanswered questions, I don't expect the pending trial to come like a speeding train or bus.

Seeing phone records or a time-line from the time the ransom note may have been written up until EB was given a pair of handcuffs to wear would be interesting now after seeing the Australian 60 minutes interview with AB?

.....curiosities with the ransom note today.

 

[nosysw]

The biggest problem I have with this interview.... and with this case in general, is the first words that we, as the world, heard from Adam Baker - the 911 call.... "My Daughter is missing....". Those words sounded "off" when I first heard them and they still sound off to me. They sounded rehersed. Go back and listen to them!! There was NO panic in those words. Does that constitute murder on Adam's part? No.... Adam Baker is either a liar or a man who was duped by an evil woman. I feel confident in KNOWING that his daughter was one of the most amazing women who ever lived. She was strong, kind, and a survivor who I would have loved to meet in person. I feel confident that EB is a manipulating, calculating, self-absorbed beyotch. That takes us back to Adam.... What kind of lies could EB have spun that led AB to that calm, calculated statement of "My daughter is missing"??? My biggest problem with this current interview is a lack of ANGER at EB and what happened to Zahra!! Sadly, everything still seems rehersed to me. The lack of anger and indignant cry for justice on AB's part is a big problem for me.... One last thing - I can't see Zahra having a great relationship with AB and her NOT feeling confident in telling him about the abuse other people were seeing! TWO PLUS TWO DOES NOT EQUAL FOUR in this case!!!!

I have been one who has been holding out this entire time on Adam's guilt and expressed many times that I find it so disturbing to believe he was complicit in this evil toward his own child that I hoped and prayed he was just oblivious. That being said, this interview swayed me more than anything else to believe that he is telling a pack of lies. Because of my rose colored glasses, which I am firmly grasping with both hands, I will choose to believe he was involved in the cover-up in some way, and not necessarily the murder.

But ITA with everything you said Reannan. I just can't buy his complete oblivion anymore and this interview did not sit right with me at all.

Flakes, I would like to hear more about the Aussie male. I am completely behind cultural sensitivity, and agree that any analyzation (sp?) that takes place must keep this in mind at all times. However, with all due respect, the example you gave of the Australian male believing he is responsible for keeping the family safe and providing for them...that is a trait that can be found in many, many cultures, and is apparent even in a large proportion of the American male population today.

 

[Hickory Born]

I don't think Adam was EVER the type of man to provide for his family or keep them safe. He lived with his parents, he hid Zahra from her mother, he didn't make sure Zahra had lunch at school, he didn't provide Zahra with hearing aids,.... he assumed EB had money and would take care of him. Manhood (Australian or American), Adam never acquired. IMO

 

[nosysw]

I don't think Adam was EVER the type of man to provide for his family or keep them safe. He lived with his parents, he hid Zahra from her mother, he didn't make sure Zahra had lunch at school, he didn't provide Zahra with hearing aids,.... he assumed EB had money and would take care of him. Manhood (Australian or American), Adam never acquired. IMO

All good points, Hickory Born.

 

[gitana1]

I'm halfway through the interview and even with firsthand knowledge of the average Aussie male character, his mannerisms disturbed me. When talking about the dismemberment, he seemed disingenuous.
I'll admit that I have not been following this case for awhile now. It's proven very disturbing for me. So, I'm not sure on the timeline. But, Zahra was not in school for some time prior to being reported missing. Where was she? What did Adam think about where she was and why she was not in school?
Also, why did he not check on her after the "fire" in their backyard? What kind of job did he have? Was he gone long periods? Was it determined that he was gone in the days or weeks prior to the report of Zahra's disappearance? If not, when the heck did EB dismember and transport this little girl's remains? Where did she cut up the body? How could any of that go unnoticed by Adam?
And what has he reported about when he last saw Zahra? Sorry for all the questions. I'm playing catch up! TIA!!!!!!!!!!