CA CA - Barbara Thomas, 69, from Bullhead City AZ, disappeared in Mojave desert, 12 July 2019 #4

[10ofRods]

<modsnip - Facebook info>

The Mojave Desert News is probably the closest paper (although Zacknews.net had more thorough coverage, go figure). But I don't think they sent an actual reporter to the Mojave National Preserve, every photo appears to be from the SBCSheriff.

 

[LaborDayRN]

It seems to be the question of why BT did or did not have a cell phone is just a way to skirt the rules on sleuthing family. Am I wrong?

I don't see it that way at all. As I understand it, we're allowed to discuss BT. We are also allowed to discuss Robert to some degree. We can't sleuth Robert, or anyone else for that matter. Sleuthing would include posting about someones personal history, criminal record, social media accounts etc. This is only my understanding and opinion. YMMV

 

[Cherwell]

Great post, Kapua !
Although RT's words in msm referring to himself were just as you said... why ?

I think you're the first poster to bring that up.
What strange words... when she is still just officially "missing".

It's as if he thinks she'll be found with evidence of something happening to her-- and not just perished from exposure to the elements.

It has come up before.
I offered an explanation a few posts back
CA - Barbara Thomas, 69, from Bullhead City AZ, disappeared in Mojave desert, 12 July 2019 #4

 

[rosesfromangels]

Barbara's son is trying to get some interviews, but he's in the Midwest. That's according to his FB, so take that with a grain of salt.

The Mojave Desert News is probably the closest paper (although Zacknews.net had more thorough coverage, go figure). But I don't think they sent an actual reporter to the Mojave National Preserve, every photo appears to be from the SBCSheriff.

IMO, it would be best to look at articles online from the CBS,NBC, and ABC affiliates in a major metro like LA. Look for articles of similar nature, and send an email directly to the reporters with the news coverage to date. Ask them to pick it up again.

Be sure to be sensational in email title, “69 year old bikini and beer hiker still missing!”

Amateur speculation and opinion

 

[PommyMommy]

I wish we could have a post, maybe in the timeline thread with all of our VI's post condensed into one. It would make it so easy to reference.

 

[sumzero]

I think it's just a good illustration of how people can be so fixed in their thinking that they can't accept that someone else might not do exactly as they do.

Sure, it's that. But it's also designed, more often than not, to cast suspicion, IMO.

 

[LaborDayRN]

As always PommyMommy, you are one step (many, cough cough) ahead of me! Thank you!!

 

[Knox]

There is a news story in the tweet below about one of the rescue K-9 teams which searched for Barbara below.

Also found a podcast interview with her.
Episode 61: Ladies of K9 with Margo Machen DVM, PhD Commander San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search Dog Team


West Valley SAR‏ @WestValleySAR Jul 17
https://www.platinumperformance.com/articles/canine-heroes ….

OUTSTANDING article about one of the most elite Search & Rescue K-9 teams in the county, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Search Dog Team. We are proud that Dr. Margo Machen, Commander of SBCSD Search Dog Team also serves with WVSAR


West Valley SAR‏ @WestValleySAR Jul 17

1. West Valley SAR Retweeted San Bernardino County Sheriff
2. 
   One of our WVSAR team members, Margo Machen, is dual trained and also serves our county as a K9 Search Dog Handler. Here she is shown in video with other highly trained search personnel.
   
   
   
   
   0:58
   San Bernardino County SheriffVerified account @sbcountysheriff
   The search for Barbara Thomas, age 69, is continuing in the area of Kelbaker/ Hidden Hills near the I-40
   Show this thread
   0 replies14 retweets38 likes
   

 

[artsy1]

Could they do things like look in the trash/recycling, and/or closets? Not necessarily "scrutinize or paw through", but "tip the garbage can around/shift layers with a pen or similar and note its contents"? Just trying to think of things that could potentially help solidify "one person in trailer vs. two"; quick look for something like a bottle of chloroform or insulin, etc.?

I know in California, that once trash or recycling cans hit the street, they are fair game. I don't know about AZ.

 

[Auntie Cipation]

It seems to be the question of why BT did or did not have a cell phone is just a way to skirt the rules on sleuthing family. Am I wrong?

That is a question for a moderator if you really want to pursue it. We are not supposed to talk about others' posts or the details of how the rules are enforced on a case thread.

(link to pdf of VI's posts)

Also remember (because I certainly hope db continues to add posts) you can go to his profile page and look at his posts that way.

 

[happyday]

It seems to be the question of why BT did or did not have a cell phone is just a way to skirt the rules on sleuthing family. Am I wrong?

Well I think it was I who unknowingly opened this can of worms yesterday about the phone. I don’t follow SM & had no idea until after I posted it that this came up in SM but of course can’t be talked about here.
It was a legitimate question I had, and I stand by my opinion that the why of her not having a phone is very important.
But there are other important things to talk about that we can sleuth here so we can move on!

 

[katydid23]

Could they do things like look in the trash/recycling, and/or closets? Not necessarily "scrutinize or paw through", but "tip the garbage can around/shift layers with a pen or similar and note its contents"? Just trying to think of things that could potentially help solidify "one person in trailer vs. two"; quick look for something like a bottle of chloroform or insulin, etc.?

Yes, they can look anywhere that could conceal a 'lost' body. So they cannot search through the dresser drawers. But they can look in closets and under the bed. And in a large cabinet, etc.
Also, a quick look for blood, or visible evidence of a crime scene.
When someone calls in a missing person, the officers are allowed to search for that person in the home and vehicle, etc, to rule out accidents, illness, etc.

 

[MsBetsy]

It seems to be the question of why BT did or did not have a cell phone is just a way to skirt the rules on sleuthing family. Am I wrong?

I'm thinking she had no desire to own a cell phone. Her family gave her one in Hong Kong and she left it behind. Imo

 

[katydid23]

I'm thinking she had no desire to own a cell phone. Her family gave her one in Hong Kong and she left it behind. Imo

Or perhaps, she was not allowed to?

 

[kay74]

I think it's just a good illustration of how people can be so fixed in their thinking that they can't accept that someone else might not do exactly as they do.

I think it's just a good illustration of how people can be so fixed in their thinking that they can't accept that someone else might not do exactly as they do.

No one said she "should" have had a phone. Just said it sure would have helped her in this situation, maybe saved her life.

 

[MsBetsy]

Or perhaps, she was not allowed to?

I doubt that. Her family apparently had to convince her to use the phone they gave her, since she insisted on staying in a hotel.
There has been no indication whatsoever that she was not allowed to have a phone.
In fact, if she had to be persuaded to use a cell phone while in Hong Kong that would lead me to believe she had little interest in having one of her own. Imo

 

[rosesfromangels]

DBM. OT.

 

[Cherwell]

No one said she "should" have had a phone. Just said it sure would have helped her in this situation, maybe saved her life.

That's not what I said. I didn't claim that's what people were saying.
It's that people are so reluctant to accept that perhaps she didn't want one! Despite several posters saying that they don't have one themselves or know people who don't use one. Me included.

 

[happyday]

DBM. OT.

 

[10ofRods]

Yes, they can look anywhere that could conceal a 'lost' body. So they cannot search through the dresser drawers. But they can look in closets and under the bed. And in a large cabinet, etc.
Also, a quick look for blood, or visible evidence of a crime scene.
When someone calls in a missing person, the officers are allowed to search for that person in the home and vehicle, etc, to rule out accidents, illness, etc.

As stated upthread, though, LE in California are not going to do this without a warrant if they even remotely think it's a criminal case. The idea that they would ask permission (the only way they can look anywhere that's private property - and an RV/truck are private property) of an elderly, distraught man...not gonna happen. MOO>

VI said (see PommyMommy's excellent document) that the police had take things from the family home (so, an Arizona search warrant). I'd presume that included the truck and RV - but perhaps too late for clear evidence of Barbara's presence.

I just wonder what they used with the search dog (for her scent).

LE can't just go in someone's house without permission, but family members of missing persons always give permission (or fall under deep suspicion, which may be what led to RT's polygraph and being asked to leave the search area).