CA CA - Bob Harrod, 81, Orange County, 27 July 2009 - #16

[Grainne Dhu]

BBM



I am hoping it wouldn't have occurred to whoever disappeared Bob to remove them either.

It occurs to me that one of us could probably find out the name of the company that sold him the ring. Here in the US, there are many groups that have keepsake rings; high schools are one big market but adult organisations like the Masons are another.

What it would take would be for someone to contact the two Masonic lodges Bob associated with and ask them for the contact info of their ring supplier. Contact that supplier and they can send a picture of the type of ring indicated. Better yet, there's a chance that the company will have Bob's name in their files and be able to confirm the description of the ring and the size of the ring.

I can't do it right now because I don't have access to a landline telephone; I have my cell phone but my cell plan is quite restrictive (and cheap!) and so making the required calls would be prohibitively expensive for me.

 

[Grainne Dhu]

BBM

I am hoping it wouldn't have occurred to whoever disappeared Bob to remove them either.

I'm sure you recall the infamous memorabilia list. Something just occurred to me: whoever drew it up didn't mention Bob's wedding ring from Georgia, which in many families is considered a keepsake. Since the daughters were so open about how much they loved their father with the media, I feel certain they would have treasured it as a keepsake.

And yet they didn't list it.

If they had searched the house and couldn't find it, I think they would have listed it just in case it had fallen into some obscure place and Fontelle came across it by accident.

It's almost like they knew that the wedding ring would not be found in the house.

Seems like a small detail but I think it is telling in much the same way AH ceasing his mortgage payments 4 days after his grandfather was last seen was telling. It suggests that one or more people knew something.

 

[Grainne Dhu]

Hi grainne!
I've been working on the flyers and need to verify that it was located, but have not been able to find a LE or MSM source to do so.

If it's possible his wallet and or contents of wallet were with him, those are possibly items of interest that may withstand environmental damage.
I know we have talked about it being found, but does anyone have the link, so I can quit worrying about it as potentially recoverable evidence? Ditto for the keys and glasses. TIA.

Sadly, the salient word in my speculation was "if." If it were found, then...

Zweibel has a pic for her avatar that shows Bob's glasses and something that looks like a wallet on Bob's kitchen table but I cannot recall any confirmation.

 

[Grainne Dhu]

Daughter JuM also warned Fontelle to get the locks changed on the house. I can't work out if she was;

1) trying to scare Fontelle into going back to Missouri
2) was genuinely scared the keys were somewhere where someone might use them to get into the house and steal valuables.

Or 3) saying the sorts of things that almost anyone would say to show concern for the wellbeing of someone else. The advice to change the locks is widespread and pretty standard.

I know if I were faking real concern for someone, that is definitely something I would mention.

 

[zwiebel]

BBM

It occurs to me that one of us could probably find out the name of the company that sold him the ring. Here in the US, there are many groups that have keepsake rings; high schools are one big market but adult organisations like the Masons are another.

What it would take would be for someone to contact the two Masonic lodges Bob associated with and ask them for the contact info of their ring supplier. Contact that supplier and they can send a picture of the type of ring indicated. Better yet, there's a chance that the company will have Bob's name in their files and be able to confirm the description of the ring and the size of the ring.

I can't do it right now because I don't have access to a landline telephone; I have my cell phone but my cell plan is quite restrictive (and cheap!) and so making the required calls would be prohibitively expensive for me.

sreshowtime just reminded us that AH is a member of the local lodge, (Bob helped him join) and they have already rebuffed a plea for help from us. I am sure it is worth trying, but it might be wise to be aware of who you may be talking to, or your call referred to.

 

[zwiebel]

Bob is still listed as a fugitive on AMW!! I thought it had gone!
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=67544
Keep an eye on this link because if it doesn't get changed this time, I am going to moan a lot.

PS Can anybody tell I am updating all the media links, Lol?...to make it easier for us to answer all Oriah's questions.....

 

[zwiebel]

Sigh. Department of of Justice. Nearly four years and still no photo available.
http://dojapp.doj.ca.gov/missing/detail.asp?FCN=3890920900061

 

[zwiebel]

Media links are now altogether in one post, in dated order, with a sentence of explanation to help us find things faster. All the links should work now (I hope). Let me know if you spot any errors/omissions.

Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community - View Single Post - CA CA - Bob Harrod, Time Line and Media Links only

I am going to make a separate one for video links.

 

[zwiebel]

Lol, as fast as I'm trying to gather all the links, someone is out there making more. Bob's going viral everyone....

 

[believe09]

Bob is still listed as a fugitive on AMW!! I thought it had gone!
http://www.amw.com/fugitives/case.cfm?id=67544
Keep an eye on this link because if it doesn't get changed this time, I am going to moan a lot.

PS Can anybody tell I am updating all the media links, Lol?...to make it easier for us to answer all Oriah's questions.....

I actually love this. Fugitive status would ideally trigger an arrest for anyone using his ID. Under these circumstances, that is exactly what we want. IMO.

 

[deca]

IMO, the fact that his keys, wallet (and most likely) glasses are gone is indicator that he was not a random victim of a robbery.

If he walked out of his house for whatever reason and was abducted by a passer-by the only motive would be the ready access to cash. Since there was no activity on the cards- well there goes that angle! So the motive would be something else.

WAIT!!! I HAD AN EPIPHANY! (I don't have those very often). Wouldn't it be SOMETHING if the CL saw Bob's wallet keys or glasses out on a desk or dresser when she was cleaning!!!! If only we could ask her!

Anyway, I think Bob grabbed those things before going on a ride with JeM or AH OR those things were removed sometime before LE arrived. Easy enough to put those things in your car and throw them somewhere--maybe even a storm drain by his house if you are rushed for time.

 

[believe09]

IDK. Bob is reported to have been legally blind without his glasses, although I dont know the source as in who shared that with LE. It is pretty suspicious that he left without them. After all, he surely couldnt drive his car. Check mark-his car was still in the driveway.

The wallet and the keys....but what about the checkbook? Why wouldnt he have that too? And yet it doesnt appear to be on the list of things that are either missing or requested.

Absolutely none of this feels right.

In any case, knowing for sure if his wallet and keys were with him will help unless they were stripped at the time he was dumped.

 

[shana]

IDK. Bob is reported to have been legally blind without his glasses, although I dont know the source as in who shared that with LE. It is pretty suspicious that he left without them. After all, he surely couldnt drive his car. Check mark-his car was still in the driveway.

The wallet and the keys....but what about the checkbook? Why wouldnt he have that too? And yet it doesnt appear to be on the list of things that are either missing or requested.

Absolutely none of this feels right.

In any case, knowing for sure if his wallet and keys were with him will help unless they were stripped at the time he was dumped.

Excuse me, but I think the reference to Mr Harrod as dumped is disrespectful.

I think we can agree that he wasn't driving his car when he disappeared.

Legally blind? Not sure of the parameters, but if true and depending on his vision, Mr Harrod's CA driver's license would surely so indicate if it hadn't been revoked or denied at renewal, or at the very least specified a requirement that he must be wearing corrective lenses whenever driving. LE has this info if even relevant.

Left without his glasses? Has LE published this detail? afaik, it is unknown. Not suspicious in the least to me, because...many older persons have more than one pair and some have them designated (by Rx or even just pharmacy glasses) for reading, driving, watching TV, etc., each of a different strength/focal for the purpose. I would not be surprised to learn that Mr Harrod had several pairs, regardless of purpose; therefore, he could well have been wearing a pair when he went missing.

About the checkbook...fwiw (personal experience only):

1. My father was older than Mr Harrod and I never recall him carrying a checkbook in his pocket, be it sports slacks or business suit. A wallet, yes, with credit cards inside. A bulky checkbook, no. He didn't even have one; instead, he used a business checkbook (3 on a page) at his home/office for as long as I can remember.

2. My husband, down another generation, does not even use a checkbook anymore. This is not atypical...perhaps a California thing? I doubt it. I'm a female and haven't carried a checkbook in my handbag for years nor have I even asked my bank for a wallet-size for decades. I very rarely write checks anymore but when I do, I use a business model checkbook as well.

What does any of this mean to case? Ppl are different...genders, ages, and less likely localities included. My guess is that LE has interviewed persons close to Mr Harrod, starting with his family members and extending beyond, to learn his particular habits and just what kind of glasses or checkbook he had as well. All of this information is part of the case file.

And all of that feels right to me.

~jmo~

 

[believe09]

I think Mr Harrod being dumped is disrespectful too shana. In fact I think it is outrageous.

As for links, we have covered the material time and time again. At a minimum, please review PB's entry on NAMUS regarding him if that will help you.

What does any of this mean to case? Ppl are different...genders, ages, and less likely localities included. My guess is that LE has interviewed persons close to Mr Harrod, starting with his family members and extending beyond, to learn his particular habits and just what kind of glasses or checkbook he had as well. All of this information is part of the case file.

From a SAR perspective, having solid identifiers is very helpful to locating him. You are familiar with our current efforts. Teasing out SAR related identifiers is essential. Discussing the material regarding them is essential.

 

[zwiebel]

The thought of Bob being dumped is not only disgraceful, it is unbearable. That's why we have to help bring him home.

If we can replace the cold, dismissive hands that left him somewhere, with kind and caring ones that bring him gently back......his little corner of the world will be a better, nicer place to be, that's for sure. Maybe all our little corners of the world will be better, once Bob is brought home. I hope so.

 

[zwiebel]

BBM in blue

Excuse me, but I think the reference to Mr Harrod as dumped is disrespectful.

I think we can agree that he wasn't driving his car when he disappeared.

Legally blind?Not sure of the parameters, but if true and depending on his vision, Mr Harrod's CA driver's license would surely so indicate if it hadn't been revoked or denied at renewal, or at the very least specified a requirement that he must be wearing corrective lenses whenever driving. LE has this info if even relevant.

Left without his glasses? Has LE published this detail? afaik, it is unknown. Not suspicious in the least to me, because...many older persons have more than one pair and some have them designated (by Rx or even just pharmacy glasses) for reading, driving, watching TV, etc., each of a different strength/focal for the purpose. I would not be surprised to learn that Mr Harrod had several pairs, regardless of purpose; therefore, he could well have been wearing a pair when he went missing.

About the checkbook...fwiw (personal experience only):

1. My father was older than Mr Harrod and I never recall him carrying a checkbook in his pocket, be it sports slacks or business suit. A wallet, yes, with credit cards inside. A bulky checkbook, no. He didn't even have one; instead, he used a business checkbook (3 on a page) at his home/office for as long as I can remember.

2. My husband, down another generation, does not even use a checkbook anymore. This is not atypical...perhaps a California thing? I doubt it. I'm a female and haven't carried a checkbook in my handbag for years nor have I even asked my bank for a wallet-size for decades. I very rarely write checks anymore but when I do, I use a business model checkbook as well.

What does any of this mean to case? Ppl are different...genders, ages, and less likely localities included. My guess is that LE has interviewed persons close to Mr Harrod, starting with his family members and extending beyond, to learn his particular habits and just what kind of glasses or checkbook he had as well. All of this information is part of the case file.

And all of that feels right to me.

~jmo~

Using the media links post I spent last night updating - in order to make it easier for anyone to refer to them - I am of the firm belief that both LE and daughters have stated and allowed the fact that Bob's glasses were missing to be published in msn. As neither group are publishers, I do not expect to find any evidence they have published this detail themselves. Unless there is a book about Bob's case I am missing. Perhaps there should be.

Missing from below is the video link (I'm on the wrong computer again) from the day after Bob disappeared, where reporters are speaking to daughter JuM who is in Bob's house. They too state Bob's glasses are missing and Bob is legally blind. JuM must surely have told them or LE that.

By my count, if a person chooses to question if Bob's glasses were left behind, a person must question the early media statements of:
Daughter JuM
Daughter RB
Det C. Loomis
Police Chief Anderson
All the media sources who reported it
Photographic evidence that Bob's glasses were still in the house long after he had gone.

Bob's glasses being missing was still being stated in msn more than three months after he disappeared, in an article where daughter RB was interviewed on the telephone. That was a huge amount of time for daughters to correct any misunderstandings on the part of media or police. If there is now any debate about it, I would question why it has taken years for any correction to surface.

The new media links post is now in my sig, to make it even easier to refer to.

3 days after Bob disappeared: 'Other than Harrod's wallet and keys, no other items appear to be missing,' Brady (daughter) said.
http://www2.ocregister.com/articles/harrod-loomis-family-2513035-home-police

3 days after Bob disappeared: 'Harrod's car and glasses are at the house' Det Loomis said.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/07/search-intensifies-for-missing-oc-newlywed-81.html

More than three months after Bob disappeared, in an article where Police Chief Jim Anderson is interviewed, and daughter RB: 'His wallet and keys were gone when he disappeared, but his glasses and car were left behind.'
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/-214111--.html

I have not included articles which appear to be simply restating info gleaned from these original articles.

 

[zwiebel]

I just wanted to remind everyone it is Bob and Fontelle's wedding anniversary soon, on the 27th. As we know it was probably the last, major decision he ever got to make about his own future, I think it would be fitting to mark it in some way.

Fontelle is Bob's wife and her loyalty and support for him has been boundless, although she has spent more time alone, loving him, than she was allowed to spend with him now. Mrs Harrod's role in not allowing Bob's case to sink into darkness deserves to be recognised, imo.

 

[deca]

Well the glasses things is always going to be impossible to pin down. Inconsistent reporting and most of us glasses wearers have at least 2 pairs, even if one of the pairs is from the previous Rx- we can use them to "get by" if we need to.

I doubt he would have been carrying his checkbook unless he left to go buy a big ticket item. In fact, I betcha the checkbook was in a desk drawer somewhere where most people seem to keep theirs.

I think the absence of the wallet and keys is the real biggie. If you are a family member, or know anybody well, you KNOW where people keep those items. My sis keeps her purse (w keys) hanging on a hook behind her door. My mom has them in the hall closet. My friend has hers on top of a bookshelf by the front door. Growing up, my friend's mom kept them on the dryer by the garage. My point? If you wanted to make someone think they left on purpose you would know exactly where they were and it would be easy to zoom to that location and grab them for disposal.

Still think there was a good chance that Bob left of his own accord with someone who then murdered him.

 

[deca]

***Earlier (in the last couple pages) it was hinted that LE found something in their search of Bob's residence that was strange. What that was has not been revealed. I am going to put a link here when I find it.
I wonder what strange thing could have tipped off investigators that something wasn't right?

-patched wall?
-new paint?
-new fixtures?
-new shower curtain?
-smell of bleach or cleaning fluid?
-missing furniture?
-broken furniture?
-something left out and incomplete- (like dishes??)
-full coffeemaker, no coffee drunk or something like that


****ETA: MY BAD! I went back and looked at all the relevent links (good job BTW whoever has been compiling them. Very easy to go through) and LE never says they found anything. I just assumed they had based on the fact they flipped quickly from "left voluntarily" to "homicide". I will leave the post here though since some people might have already read it. Sorry about that.

 

[zwiebel]

Bob leaving with someone of his own accord was something police obviously considered too. Det Loomis said in an early interview that they were specifically checking Home Depot surveillance to see if son-in-law's story about going there alone checked out, or if Bob might have been with him.

Unfortunately, we don't know what Home Depot's tapes revealed. I have to guess they showed JeM was indeed alone, as anything else would surely have led to serious, serious problems for him.

I think at this stage there is more information PPD could and should release. I think it would help. I think the public can help. I think keeping Bob's case in the spotlight is the only way to uncover new information about where he might be, and what might have happened to him now. I think the policy of silence and playing everything close to their chest is mistaken and they could have a little re-think now. I think if they just revealed a few of the questions they would like answered, and who they would like to answer them, it could really, really help.

Trouble is, I can't think of any reason why they'd listen to me.