Zahra Baker Search and Recovery Effort and Input

[tlcya]

I really hope that they find Zahra soon. One part of me hopes the bone is conclusively hers - or at least not ruled out as possibly coming from her. I don' mean anything hurtful, you guys know what I mean. That would mean they were searching in one area, and that it was likely THE area. IYKNIM.

sigh. I am still stuck on Deal Mill Road. I have looked at lots of areas, but, that area, it is so wooded, and unpopulated seeming. Of course, many are I am discovering. But for some reason I keep coming back there.

shay, you are on the money when you are thinking about areas that one or both EB and or AB have lived in the past, an areas they would be familiar with and know where and when there would be the best chance of privacy.

your idea of mapping out routes that would be familiar or known, and thinking along the lines from leaving the home and travelling to and from a secluded area is exactly what is helpful

this is all my own thoughts.

 

[shay0903]

Anyone have thoughts or local perspective as to areas in and around the Granite Falls area where someone would dump a body?

Looking for dump areas/pullouts/etc.

Or any other ideas!

Here are just a few on a map I created. The ideas my husband and I had about the drag strip rd area actually is right on top of Carefree ct. one of her addresses I seen listed. I put a few my husband remembered as being hangout spots when he was younger and the drag strip was popular. I havent pinpointed the landfill area because he and I are still in debate and its hard to pick out on the map yet. Saw a few other ponds areas. You have to keep in mind this area seems large but...it is a familiar territory to those who are local and very secluded. It is very close to the drag strip but wanted it to be exact. The drag strip area takes me away from them traveling through Bethlehem to get to Christie Rd like I had originally been thinking due to exes family but I felt this area was a better idea with more oppurtinites. I just remember the very first trip EB went with the police was on Burns rd near Dudley which gave me another reason to think about going 127 to dudley rd. but look and see and any other thoughts i will post tomorrow and anything questions just ask. Thanks!

http://http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=drag+strip+rd+hudson+nc&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=29.219963,84.462891&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Drag+Strip+Rd,+Hudson,+Caldwell,+North+Carolina+28638&ll=35.846759,-81.445913&spn=0.000228,0.000644&t=h&z=21

 

[tlcya]

sorry shay, the link took me to a google error page. can you give us google coordinates? Or the names of the nearest cross roads?

 

[shay0903]

sorry shay, the link took me to a google error page. can you give us google coordinates? Or the names of the nearest cross roads?

Alot of my thoughts pt to drag strip rd hudson nc....carefree ct is off that rd and alot of my ponds near there Alot of dirt rd that travel from drag strip back to deal mill rd. Let me try this link to make it public. try this one:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=e...69441395740568.0004946e81dd4d3900945&t=h&z=13http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=118077069441395740568.0004946e81dd4d3900945&t=h&z=13

 

[writer7]

sorry shay, the link took me to a google error page. can you give us google coordinates? Or the names of the nearest cross roads?

I believe it just had an extra http. Here's what I think must be it:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sou...759,-81.445913&spn=0.000228,0.000644&t=h&z=21


I'll be happy to come down and meet the locals and see if I can get owners' permision to look on their land. I'm sure nobody wants folks just swooping in places with no permission. But maybe church folks, gas station owners, etc. know of places folks would look on their own land who just don't have time. I'm very familiar with hanging out in the woods, too

If it's just the side of the road, etc, that should be no problem, either, I don't think.

 

[tlcya]

ty where is that location from the baker residence?

 

[tlcya]

TY I just found i the route.

Huh, one straight long shot down waht looks like a major thourough fair. Man, that would be so ballsy.

 

[writer7]

That is very interesting!

The line you have marked "Dirt Rds from Drag Strip to Deal Meal Rd- near Burns and Campground Rd" is right above the large pond I was interested in.

If you look closely at the map, you can see that someone could pull down the road to the houses on the pond, drop someone off, and pretend that they just took a wrong turn and finish the loop back to the road.

The dropped off person could put something into the pond on foot, and it looks far enough away from the houses to be possible. Then they could walk back up to Deal Mill.

I'd have to see whether there are guard dogs, etc, but it looks possibly possible, imho.

eta:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=e....869186,-81.431893&spn=0.001178,0.001931&z=18

 

[docwho3]

How familiar would Adam have been with this area? I mean it seems that Elisa would
have some knowledge of the area from having lived there in the past but just how much
knowledge would Adam have?

I ask because I am trying to work out a theory as to how they both might have worked on
the disposal of the body or body parts since dogs allegedly hit on 2 cars.

If he was not very knowledgeable of the area he might look for certain generic types of terrain
or he might take tips from Elisa as to where to go or he might use tips garnered from
a third pary.

What if they started off in different directions, one in each vehicle? Where would they go?

 

[tlcya]

Well, that certainly adds an interesting element doesn't it?

 

[shay0903]

How familiar would Adam have been with this area? I mean it seems that Elisa would
have some knowledge of the area from having lived there in the past but just how much
knowledge would Adam have?

I ask because I am trying to work out a theory as to how they both might have worked on
the disposal of the body or body parts since dogs allegedly hit on 2 cars.

If he was not very knowledgeable of the area he might look for certain generic types of terrain
or he might take tips from Elisa as to where to go or he might use tips garnered from
a third pary.

What if they started off in different directions, one in each vehicle? Where would they go?

Yes thats an interesting thought...My theory or answer to that is I feel Adam may be familiar with Christie rd...my reason :drugs. i feel that maybe they pick up /deliver in this area. I don't think he would be familiar with drag strip area at all unless she took him here to meet people. I also was thinking they wouldnt travel 321 but i noticed a sign for the furniture store tonight. i never heard of it till this story came out so maybe they seen it too and decided to stop in. But I will mark my " theory route from home to drag strip rd the " through the country route " So you can see why I think there is soooo many oppurtunities. Lot of hunters and hunting areas...wonder if this happened before deer season? Anyway...psychics are saying things like big oil barrel...going up mt (drag strip dirt rd area is referred to mt) pine trees- lots in this area. Just why I chose this. And the fact that when EB was younger this was a pretty popular hang out and big in drugs at one pt. But may be way off but gotta do something. check the link in an hour or so and should have updated " through the country" route. thx

 

[tlcya]

I am still not sold on the idea that Zahra is anywhere other than in the general vicinity of the area they are searching now, somewhere near, that is deserted, that would stand a really good chance of witness free, with remains going unnoticed is what we need.

But I have seen several good suggestions of places that would fall within the realm of possiblity in the thread so far.

 

[free2ride]

I took your thoughts of areas deserted enough to drop off a body here in Caldwell County and decided to take a map & mark the addresses where EB has lived. Just here in this county although I did include the house Zahra lived in when she disappeared.

I also marked the Drag Strip Road because I saw that it was close to the Carefree Ct address she had. I know that road well and you are right about it having many, many dirt roads off of it where mischief can be done.

Just thought it might help to give an overview of her background of the area with where LE have discovered two pieces of evidence away from the house - the leg and the bone.

Google Map

If the map doesn't work - let me know and I'll try again. (I'm a newbie here so I appreciate your patience.)

 

[sarx]

I took your thoughts of areas deserted enough to drop off a body here in Caldwell County and decided to take a map & mark the addresses where EB has lived. Just here in this county although I did include the house Zahra lived in when she disappeared.

I also marked the Drag Strip Road because I saw that it was close to the Carefree Ct address she had. I know that road well and you are right about it having many, many dirt roads off of it where mischief can be done.

Just thought it might help to give an overview of her background of the area with where LE have discovered two pieces of evidence away from the house - the leg and the bone.

Google Map

If the map doesn't work - let me know and I'll try again. (I'm a newbie here so I appreciate your patience.)

It worked like a charm and this is absolutely perfect, ty! The information about the hang out spot is just the kind of local insight needed!

 

[Paintr]

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/07/baker-empties-house-u-haul-ar-517169/

Investigators are continuing to investigate Zahra’s disappearance and presumed murder, but no searches were conducted Saturday, said Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins.

Investigators spent much of the week combing through wooded areas along Christie Road in Caldwell County. They found Zahra’s prosthetic leg in the area on Oct. 26. Wednesday, investigators found a bone that may be related to the case.

The bone has been sent to the SBI lab for DNA testing and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further tests.

Thursday, Capt. Thurman Whisnant said investigators would continue their search of the area “Until we are absolutely certain we have searched every inch of the property.”

That certainty came Friday night and the road was opened because investigators have completed their search of the area, Adkins said.

 

[Oriah]

Welcome to WS's Shay, and thanks for your insight! In answer to your question - sometimes all of the above. It depends on the situation. We generally discuss it until we feel it is a good lead. We don't like to pass things onto LE (Law Enforcement) unless it is really, really, important. The last thing they need is a bunch of false leads to chase down. There are times, however, when the information seems important enough that contact is made. I would always run that past a moderator first, just because it seems like the right thing to do. Hope that helps!

Thanks for this explanation.
I also want to point out that LE as well as SAR do read here, and sometimes it is not even necessary to call in a tip, because they have already put together what area someone may be referring to. This is partially why it is so important to stay on topic and to be as specific as possible when referring to possible locations of where Zahra might be located.
While LE and SAR have information that the general population at WS does not, it never hurts to be as specific as possible in your posts (preferably with reason as to why, such as local knowledge, easy access, etc) when discussing possible locations of Zahra.
Thanks-
Oriah

 

[Oriah]

http://www2.hickoryrecord.com/news/2010/nov/07/baker-empties-house-u-haul-ar-517169/

Investigators are continuing to investigate Zahra’s disappearance and presumed murder, but no searches were conducted Saturday, said Hickory Police Chief Tom Adkins.

Investigators spent much of the week combing through wooded areas along Christie Road in Caldwell County. They found Zahra’s prosthetic leg in the area on Oct. 26. Wednesday, investigators found a bone that may be related to the case.

The bone has been sent to the SBI lab for DNA testing and the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for further tests.

Thursday, Capt. Thurman Whisnant said investigators would continue their search of the area “Until we are absolutely certain we have searched every inch of the property.”

That certainty came Friday night and the road was opened because investigators have completed their search of the area, Adkins said.

Also (JMO of course) but I expect searches on a smaller scale will resume Monday. LE and SAR undoubtably needed a breather, as well as some time to re-evaluate the paperwork situation of this case. Everyone, please do not think that LE has given up on searching for Zahra because it was reported that there were no searches yesterday. I have no doubt they are 100% invested in finding Zahra.

 

[tlcya]

have been looking at the route from Baker residence to EB former residence on 2490 Helton

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947d475e07755271c

and from Baker residence to 3330 Cedar Valley former residence

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947d998ada86dd40e

note the proximatey of the helton address to the Chritsy Road (prosthetic and bone find) location.

Next is EB's former residence on Burns (Near to the area searched on Dudley Shoals - note nothing found on that search but EB was taken there by LE)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947dbf27349d2697e

4010 Phillip Lane

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947de018db56f5641

Interesting to note that this appears to be a MHP that is located near a more indiustrial area. There are train track running through wooded area very near to this former address and what appears to be a trestle going over a ravine or creek of some sort.

 

[writer7]

Thanks for this explanation.
I also want to point out that LE as well as SAR do read here, and sometimes it is not even necessary to call in a tip, because they have already put together what area someone may be referring to. This is partially why it is so important to stay on topic and to be as specific as possible when referring to possible locations of where Zahra might be located.
While LE and SAR have information that the general population at WS does not, it never hurts to be as specific as possible in your posts (preferably with reason as to why, such as local knowledge, easy access, etc) when discussing possible locations of Zahra.
Thanks-
Oriah

That's a very good point.

The large pond location off of Deal Mill Rd is just a large -- and possibly deep -- body of water secluded from a road she would be quite familiar with. Near the current search site.

It appears to be possible to drive quite close to it, it is in evergreen trees, and it's large enough to remain secluded from the neighbors.

I'm not sure how bodies are often found in ponds, so the proximity of the neighbors may make it a site the perpetrators wouldn't choose. OTOH, if one expected that the body would stay underwater, it's a pretty big pond.

That is very interesting!

The line you have marked "Dirt Rds from Drag Strip to Deal Meal Rd- near Burns and Campground Rd" is right above the large pond I was interested in.

If you look closely at the map, you can see that someone could pull down the road to the houses on the pond, drop someone off, and pretend that they just took a wrong turn and finish the loop back to the road.

The dropped off person could put something into the pond on foot, and it looks far enough away from the houses to be possible. Then they could walk back up to Deal Mill.

I'd have to see whether there are guard dogs, etc, but it looks possibly possible, imho.

eta:
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=e....869186,-81.431893&spn=0.001178,0.001931&z=18

 

[shay0903]

have been looking at the route from Baker residence to EB former residence on 2490 Helton

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947d475e07755271c

and from Baker residence to 3330 Cedar Valley former residence

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947d998ada86dd40e

note the proximatey of the helton address to the Chritsy Road (prosthetic and bone find) location.

Next is EB's former residence on Burns (Near to the area searched on Dudley Shoals - note nothing found on that search but EB was taken there by LE)

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947dbf27349d2697e

4010 Phillip Lane

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=U...d=112390063732967093238.0004947de018db56f5641

I didnt see anything when I pulled these up. I understand what your saying about past residences. I am just looking at what if she wasn't the only one...if someone else helped her what kind of areas would they go to. IMO she wasn't alone. I focused on drug areas or party areas since Christy Rd. is also known for this (or used to be) as well. We know she had a drug problem and if she were to blame others she wouldnt choose past residences. IMO she went to sites she went to party not sites she found while walking around while living in the area. But that just my thoughts but its good to have different thoughts though.