CA CA - Lydia "Dia" Abrams, 65, Idyllwild, 6 Jun 2020 #2

[Megnut]

Judge approves settlement agreement in Riverside County Probate Court in the estate of Dia Kenshalo Abrams, who went missing from her ranch near Idyllwild on June 6, 2020. Court hearing held on March 23, 2023. Settlement includes the appointment of co-trustee to "liquidate and monetize all assets with court approval." Current trustee, Keith Harper, to remain as co-trustee with limited powers. From proceeds of sale, a $300K reward will be posted for information leading to "the arrest and conviction of any person who is complicit in Dia's disappearance or death."

I sense a painful gamble here. May the reward nudge someone who knows something -- if they're still alive -- to come forward with the tip that can break this. I can't, as they say in investigative circles -- leave the house. "Last to see" proves true in, I have to believe, the majority of cases...

The truth needs to come out. Dia deserves at least that.

JMO

 

[tvscum]

Settlement: Missing woman Dia Abrams’ estate to be sold, $300K reward offered

Judge approves settlement agreement in court battle over former La Jolla resident's estate near Idyllwild.

www.cbs8.com

https://interactive.cbs8.com/pdfs/ORDER-GRANTING-TERM-SHEET.pdf

 

[Curious Me]

News Video

Settlement: Missing woman Dia Abrams’ estate to be sold, $300K reward offered

Judge approves settlement agreement in court battle over former La Jolla resident's estate near Idyllwild.

www.cbs8.com

Author: David Gotfredson
Published: 4:00 PM PDT March 23, 2023, Updated: 6:50 PM PDT March 23, 2023

 

[Buttersbetter]

The question that has been going through my mind all day is about Jodi Newkirk's death and LE. WHY did they not search the ranch or any of the buildings, or even Jodi's home after Jodi was found? LE told me that it was because "there were other people living there." That doesn't make any sense to me. Not one search warrant served in a homicide investigation? Maybe someone here can help me understand this. It's been 15 months and I still can't grasp the logic of this decision.

My second question of the day is HOW this scenario is possible... a person (Jodi Newkirk) has an ATV rollover accident during a driving snow storm where the individual (Keith Harper) who found her body on the ground says he pulled the ATV off of her while it was crushing her chest. Autopsy shows Jodi had NO INJURIES other than one single small round bruise on the inside of her knee. ONE little BRUISE.

 

[Curious Me]

....Not one search warrant served in a homicide investigation? Maybe someone here can help me understand this. It's been 15 months and I still can't grasp the logic of this decision.​

Welcome Verified Insider @Buttersbetter

I wish I could also understand both Dia's and Jodi's cases ending with a whimper, but I feel this is not over yet. I hope there will be breaks in the cases in the future.

For now, yes, I'm wondering why both were suspected Homicides and lacked proper investigation. Why has LE let these Homicides turn cold with no arrests? Why with a former Secret Service person so involved has there been no astute insider information to solve Dia's mysterious disappearance? Why are all the people closest to Dia happy to just settle her estate, take their cut, and seem to be happy with letting there be no answers? Why has LE taken such a lax stance in these cases? I'm seriously mystified by no arrests in either case. I want to see Justice for Dia and Jodi.
​

 

[stuntpuppy]

Welcome Verified Insider @Buttersbetter

I wish I could also understand both Dia's and Jodi's cases ending with a whimper, but I feel this is not over yet. I hope there will be breaks in the cases in the future.

For now, yes, I'm wondering why both were suspected Homicides and lacked proper investigation. Why has LE let these Homicides turn cold with no arrests? Why with a former Secret Service person so involved has there been no astute insider information to solve Dia's mysterious disappearance? Why are all the people closest to Dia happy to just settle her estate, take their cut, and seem to be happy with letting there be no answers? Why has LE taken such a lax stance in these cases? I'm seriously mystified by no arrests in either case. I want to see Justice for Dia and Jodi.
​

 

[stuntpuppy]

I was thinking the same thing. Not one but two Women Gone and no arrests. This case looks to have gone stone cold. I have to at least toy with my earlier thoughts that this was well planned out. As I said earlier unless the muffins or what ever they were, were on hand delivered on the day Dia became missing....and unless that water heater guy saw her that day...she may have been gone far before he called it in. It makes sense that he had time...if she really met her fate on the same day he called LE then he had to move fast and make no mistakes. It would be far easier to get rid of her early on and make sure everything went according to plan then call LE...when you know everything is the way you want it. As for women #2...it's like her life meant nothing! No reward, no leads and no new information. I pray this is not the end...

 

[stuntpuppy]

I was thinking the same thing. Not one but two Women Gone and no arrests. This case looks to have gone stone cold. I have to at least toy with my earlier thoughts that this was well planned out. As I said earlier unless the muffins or what ever they were, were on hand delivered on the day Dia became missing....and unless that water heater guy saw her that day...she may have been gone far before he called it in. It makes sense that he had time...if she really met her fate on the same day he called LE then he had to move fast and make no mistakes. It would be far easier to get rid of her early on and make sure everything went according to plan then call LE...when you know everything is the way you want it. As for women #2...it's like her life meant nothing! No reward, no leads and no new information. I pray this is not the end...

Also, I would hope that LE would release a bit more info so we can narrow down our thoughts. But maybe they still have hope and want to keep the case very tight...

 

[Curious Me]

My second question of the day is HOW this scenario is possible... a person (Jodi Newkirk) has an ATV rollover accident during a driving snow storm where the individual (Keith Harper) who found her body on the ground says

he pulled the ATV off of her while it was crushing her chest. Autopsy shows Jodi had NO INJURIES other than one single small round bruise on the inside of her knee. ONE little BRUISE.

All MOO-- It's not right. I know Jodi had family who cared. The whole story of Jodi hopping on an ATV on a rainy, stormy, growing dark night to look for a Christmas tree always seemed odd.

Just a thought of mine, that wasn't her ATV. I wonder if she had a written, legal employment contract. The ranch being her employer may have been negligent. Did KH say he knew she was going out in such dangerous weather, and did he give his okay for her to take the ATV? Did she have an ax to cut down the tree? Have a hard time believing the story.

How she only has one small bruise is suspicious, too. JMO, but KH seemed to be manipulating her, not giving her info on her wages, and knocking down her self esteem. KH saying he was going to miss her for no reason before she passed is suspect. Prayers that both these cases get the Justice they deserve. It's outrageous that someone(s), not naming anyone, may have gotten away with two homicides.​

 

[Buttersbetter]

I would like to offer as much information as possible to this amazing network of people who care about these women. If anyone would like to ask questions, please do. I will share anything and everything I can to get this all out there for people to help get justice and answers in these cases.

Jodi Newkirk did not have a written employment contract. There is evidence to the fact that she was being held at the ranch against her wishes, as well as being overworked and not paid, and that she was being emotionally and mentally manipulated at the ranch.

The story about her racing around in inclement weather on the ATV, (with only a shovel) looking for a Christmas tree is . Someone had bought her a Christmas tree and she knew that person had it for her, and was supposedly coming up to the ranch the evening of 12/23.

There are several people who know that Jodi posted on Facebook about her horse being taken and hidden from her. I wish those people would come forward to offer more information! I believe her horse was bartered by KH for work done on the ranch by an outside party...the last name of this person escapes me right now, I believe his first name is Tim and he is from Garner Valley. I know for a fact that Jodi went to the police station in Perris to file a report about her stolen horse where she was informed by LE that KH was dangerous. I believe that KH was spooked by Jodi speaking to LE. I know for a fact that in the end, Jodi was afraid for her life, but was not able to escape the ranch because her car was not running.

 

[Betty P]

I would like to offer as much information as possible to this amazing network of people who care about these women. If anyone would like to ask questions, please do. I will share anything and everything I can to get this all out there for people to help get justice and answers in these cases.

Jodi Newkirk did not have a written employment contract. There is evidence to the fact that she was being held at the ranch against her wishes, as well as being overworked and not paid, and that she was being emotionally and mentally manipulated at the ranch.

The story about her racing around in inclement weather on the ATV, (with only a shovel) looking for a Christmas tree is . Someone had bought her a Christmas tree and she knew that person had it for her, and was supposedly coming up to the ranch the evening of 12/23.

There are several people who know that Jodi posted on Facebook about her horse being taken and hidden from her. I wish those people would come forward to offer more information! I believe her horse was bartered by KH for work done on the ranch by an outside party...the last name of this person escapes me right now, I believe his first name is Tim and he is from Garner Valley. I know for a fact that Jodi went to the police station in Perris to file a report about her stolen horse where she was informed by LE that KH was dangerous. I believe that KH was spooked by Jodi speaking to LE. I know for a fact that in the end, Jodi was afraid for her life, but was not able to escape the ranch because her car was not running.

Watched a documentary last year about the MJ farming in Mendocino and other N California counties. This type of trafficking of workers is typical there. People show up to work at these grow ops thinking they will make good money. Instead, they become trapped in these remote locations with no transportation. They’re abused, robbed of what they have and are used as slave labor. Many also have no cell phone service or Wi-Fi, so have no way to call for help. Some go missing and are assumed murdered.

The local growers stay silent when LE comes to investigate. There should be a way for LE to get the evidence they need or at least improve cell and Wi-Fi in these areas to allow victims access to help.

 

[Curious Me]

...I know for a fact that Jodi went to the police station in Perris to file a report about her stolen horse where she was informed by LE that KH was dangerous. I believe that KH was spooked by Jodi speaking to LE. I know for a fact that in the end, Jodi was afraid for her life, but was not able to escape the ranch because her car was not running.​

@Buttersbetter, thank you for all you can share here. Most of us have been working on this thread, in depth, seeking answers for a long time. You may not know all the answers either. Please know you don't have to answer any questions you don't feel comfortable answering. I appreciated your posts, and I only ask further questions to dig deeper for answers. Why do you think there has been no arrests? Is there somebody that powerful that LE is not going after a murderer or murderers?


Perris is 47 miles away, so I'm shocked that LE there would know about KH and say he's dangerous. WTH? I'm starting to wonder if KH is protected by LE. I don't doubt what you say that Jodi was being held against her will, but I just think from reading her journal entries and letters that she got sucked in by KH, and she was vulnerable, believing he would help her. (Did the MJ grow site in the area have anything to do with an KH involved operation and Jodi?) Just know, as I'm reading your post, I only want Jodi to find a way off the ranch and to safety before it was too late. ​

The story about her racing around in inclement weather on the ATV, (with only a shovel) looking for a Christmas tree is. Someone had bought her a Christmas tree and she knew that person had it for her, and was supposedly coming up to the ranch the evening of 12/23.​

Confused-- If someone was going to visit her and bring a Christmas tree that night, and Jodi was trying to escape and without a car needed a ride off the ranch, then she didn't need a Christmas tree from that person-- she needed help escaping. Was she telling KH too much info, and he knew someone was coming up there that evening? She had already gone to the Perris LE, so KH couldn't erase what she told LE then. Was there more perhaps that Jodi might spill about KH? Why did he, if he even did, take the chance to have a 2nd woman die on the ranch?​

 

[sleuther007]

I understand we have rules concerning "victim shaming". I get that. I do, however, have questions regarding Jodi (and quite honestly about anyone else in similar circumstances), and I am hopeful they will be taken in the spirit it is intended (ie seeking facts; truth; corroboration).

The first and primary one is this – there appears to be a willingness to accept at face value that assertions found in journals such as hers are accurate; truthful; reliable. Why is that? I've seen no critique or investigation of them beyond them being used to support various theories of what transpired on the ranch. And they do support a couple of theories, no doubt. But has there been any actual corroboration? Has anyone bothered?

 

[Curious Me]

...The first and primary one is this – there appears to be a willingness to accept at face value that assertions found in journals such as hers are accurate; truthful; reliable. Why is that? I've seen no critique or investigation of them beyond them being used to support various theories of what transpired on the ranch....​

I understand questioning everything because I'm that way, too. You're questioning the authenticity of the letters and journal entries Jodi left behind, but realize they weren't fabricated most likely. What would be the reason for someone to fabricate them? AFAIK, nobody benefited from Jodi's death, unless it was to shut her up for knowing something. It was a sad loss for her loved ones. Her family would know if that's her handwriting, and so would LE if they paid attention enough.

In essence, those are Jodi's last words beyond the grave. Perhaps it's a message like so many seem to leave, having a feeling something was going to happen - the "if I die, it was him" type message.

It was reported the cause of death and that may be an excuse for everybody to forget how suspicious it is that she was the 2nd woman who died with KH being the last to see these women.

It seems possible he was there when Jodi got on that ATV, and according to his story he just allowed her to go out in such dangerous conditions. I don't care what drugs were in her system, in this case, I question why he wouldn't stop her that night. He sure was there right away when she fatally crashed. MOO, very suspicious. ​

You can find links pertaining to Jodi at links below the main article.

Journal entry and audio recording shed light on woman’s death at ranch near Idyllwild

Family of victim found Jodi Newkirk's journal entry, recorded telephone call with Keith Harper.

www.cbs8.com

All my own thoughts and MOO

 

[PommyMommy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1651813743288786945

 

[Curious Me]

I was thinking the same thing. Not one but two Women Gone and no arrests. This case looks to have gone stone cold. I have to at least toy with my earlier thoughts that this was well planned out.​

Almost three years now and none of our simple questions, the details supposedly of the day she went missing, have been answered. ​

As I said earlier unless the muffins or what ever they were, were on hand delivered on the day Dia became missing....and unless that water heater guy saw her that day...she may have been gone far before he called it in. It makes sense that he had time...if she really met her fate on the same day he called LE then he had to move fast and make no mistakes.​

We just needed LE confirmation that one of the stories were true, and for LE to go over the details with the public like it matters because it does matter. Did the water heater guy see her that morning? Or did Dia actually deliver goodies to her sick neighbor that morning? Usually LE tries to provide an accurate timeline, but in this case we got a sloppy, just-guessing, not-verified timeline. ​

It would be far easier to get rid of her early on and make sure everything went according to plan then call LE...when you know everything is the way you want it.​

Like you say, he could've done Dia in days or weeks before and only called LE when the cover up was safe for him to call. His leaving on that Monday caused suspicion, but even that could've been part of the plan.

There was a former Secret Service person very close to Dia on a steady basis, her "friend", and yet that person did nothing to supply further info to help find her employer. Oddly, that person was named with KH as a backup Trustee. It was reported by guests at the Airbnb that she and KH were a couple, yet she claimed she hardly knew him when Dia went missing. (You'd think she would've blew this case wide open being former Secret Service.)​

As for women #2...it's like her life meant nothing! No reward, no leads and no new information. I pray this is not the end...​

Both women's lives seem to mean nothing the way the investigations were treated. It's possible LE lacks resources or something, but it's outrageous to treat a missing person's case so casually all along, and Dia was considered a wealthy woman. Imagine if you or I went missing how little would be done. MOO, something has been fishy about it all along. Now, everybody's going to sign the agreement for Dia's properties, and be satisfied that enough has been done?

Audio released in disappearance of Dia Abrams

Private investigator interviewed co-trustee of Abrams' estate in November 2020.

www.cbs8.com

​

 

[sleuther007]

I understand questioning everything because I'm that way, too. You're questioning the authenticity of the letters and journal entries Jodi left behind, but realize they weren't fabricated most likely. What would be the reason for someone to fabricate them? AFAIK, nobody benefited from Jodi's death, unless it was to shut her up for knowing something. It was a sad loss for her loved ones. Her family would know if that's her handwriting, and so would LE if they paid attention enough. ​

Agreed. It would be of immense value to see the handwriting confirmed. [moo] But to not have it confirmed seems almost in keeping with the nature of this case in that seemingly easily obtainable information is either not sought, or it is withheld (eg. Dia delivering baked goods the assumed day she disappeared).

In essence, those are Jodi's last words beyond the grave. Perhaps it's a message like so many seem to leave, having a feeling something was going to happen - the "if I die, it was him" type message.
​

It's stated she was a long time meth user. Meth-induced psychosis may play a part in this. That is the primary reason for me being on the fence on accepting the veracity of the journal contents.

It was reported the cause of death and that may be an excuse for everybody to forget how suspicious it is that she was the 2nd woman who died with KH being the last to see these women.
​

Oh there's no doubt that the combination of events creates heightened suspicion.
On the other hand ... in a scenario where KH isn't the bad guy, it's a near picture perfect set-up.

It seems possible he was there when Jodi got on that ATV, and according to his story he just allowed her to go out in such dangerous conditions. I don't care what drugs were in her system, in this case, I question why he wouldn't stop her that night. ​

IIRC, KH was put on the sex offenders list due to his previous "actions" involving a woman on a snowmobile. If we take these stories at face value, I suspect the life-altering consequences of that event formed part of his decision making process.

He sure was there right away when she fatally crashed. MOO, very suspicious. ​

You can find links pertaining to Jodi at links below the main article.

Journal entry and audio recording shed light on woman’s death at ranch near Idyllwild

Family of victim found Jodi Newkirk's journal entry, recorded telephone call with Keith Harper.

www.cbs8.com

All my own thoughts and MOO

Again, agreed. A lot of suspicions. Many if not most are reasonable. I just wish we had more facts to filter them with.

 

[Curious Me]

I don't expect that reward will bring any results to the missing Dia case after all this time, but we can still have some hope. Prayers. (MOO, all anyone seemed to care about or fight for was financial gain. Very sad how little was done for Dia.) What is the word on the settlement? Finalized and everybody's happy, but they must all wait until 2025 to divide the money?

Settlement: Missing woman Dia Abrams’ estate to be sold, $300K reward offered

Judge approves settlement agreement in court battle over former La Jolla resident's estate near Idyllwild.

www.cbs8.com

“I support the proposed settlement agreement because it will establish a $300,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Dia's disappearance and I'm really hopeful that it will lead to a break in the case,” the son said in October 2022.

[...]

If Abrams' body is not located by June 2025, the agreement calls for 50% of her liquidated estate to go to her adult children, Crisara and Clinton Abrams. The other 50% would go to her boyfriend, Keith Harper.

Harper, 73, has been managing Abrams' ranch for nearly three years under a restated trust agreement signed by Abrams two weeks before she went missing. In court filings, Abrams' adult children alleged Harper was a suspect in their mother's homicide.

Harper recently hired a new attorney, Rob Schelling, who did not oppose the settlement...​

[...]

Any sale of property or assets from Dia Abrams' estate will require court approval in advance.​

 

[Sun Spot]

Revisiting this page..
IMO... Law enforcement in California is totally overwhelmed. I certainly hope at some point there is a discovery in Dia"s disappearance.
It leaves a hole in my heart that I often think about. I have another friend that disappeared with no trace in 2008. It makes one look over your shoulder often wondering who you're coming in contact with in everyday life.
Hopefully this thread will continue to stay alive and relevant..

 

[dotr]

June 4th 2023 very lengthy article.

Disappearance of wealthy Riverside County ranch owner still a mystery after 3 years

Dia Abrams’ disappearance is an intriguing tale of wealth, family estrangement and heated litigation over her assets.

www.ocregister.com

''What happened to Dia Abrams?

Bonita Vista Ranch owner Dia Abrams, right, and ranch hand Jodi Newkirk. (Illustration by Staff Artist Jeff Goertzen)

''The answer has eluded Riverside County sheriff’s investigators for three years and baffled residents of the San Jacinto Mountains where Abrams abruptly disappeared on June 6, 2020.

It is a whodunit shrouded in a tale of wealth, family estrangement and heated litigation that continues to intrigue and attract attention from local and national media.

“It’s like being in a ‘Dateline’ mystery,” said Peggy Kotner, Abrams’ sister. Asked what she thinks happened to her sister, Kotner said, “Your guess is as good as mine. I really want to know.”

Abrams, who was 65 when she vanished, is presumed dead, though her body has never been found.

Abrams’ disappearance​

Abrams had been estranged for years from her husband, a wealthy La Jolla developer who died in 2018. She loved the outdoors and animals, so in about 2004 or 2005 she decided to trade the affluent seaside community in San Diego County for a tranquil 115-acre ranch in Mountain Center.
Abrams “just wanted to get away from the stress of things and be around animals,” said Julie Stanford, a retired postal worker and Mountain Center resident who met Abrams in 2011 while working part-time at the Lake Hemet Market.''

''Living on the Bonita Vista Ranch with Abrams was Keith Leslie Harper, a retired parole agent for the Utah Department of Corrections with a sketchy past who had served time behind bars. In a 2022 deposition, Harper said he and Abrams met in 2016 on a dating website.

After Harper flew into Ontario International Airport to meet up with Abrams, the two quickly hit it off and Harper said he moved in with her at the ranch six months later. Harper said he worked to upgrade Abrams’ property, building dams, bridges, fences and helping care for her animals.

Harper also claimed to be Abrams’ fiance.

In public statements and the sworn deposition given in a legal dispute with Abrams’ children over control of her multimillion-dollar estate, Harper, 73, said he was the last person to have seen Abrams before she went missing sometime after 2:30 p.m. on June 6, 2020.''