CA CA - Bob Harrod, 81, Orange County, 27 July 2009 - # 3

[carterkatt]

I have the exact same thoughts on this!

The large piece of furniture.... Add me to the list of people that immediately thought the same thing! And.. with it being a nice piece.. not like you could throw it in the landfill without someone wondering....?

 

[suzyq211]

I have a couple of questions..

Does anyone know of a sideboard/buffet of that size that splits in two for delivery? I know about hutches coming off the top of a buffet...

I wonder if it is possible for LE to canvas both neighborhoods (Placentia and Running Springs) to see if anyone remembers seeing a truck with a large piece of furniture in back...like what they did in the Kyron Horman case with the white pickup. Its so big, I think someone would notice, hopefully.

 

[believe09]

To Whom It May Concern;

I am a volunteer on a website that advocates for families of the missing. Recently the case of Robert Merle Harrod came to my attention, and I believe it would be worthwhile to submit his case to you in an attempt to highlight the disappearance of this special man.

Robert Merle Harrod, aka "Bob", 81 years young, disappeared from his home in Placentia, CA on July 27, 2009. Mr. Harrod is 5ft 11" tall, approximately 165lbs, bald, dependent on eyeglasses and of robust health with the exception of bad knees. He was last seen inside of his home by his son in law. Mr. Harrod was preparing his home for the arrival of his new bride who was scheduled to return from her prior residence in Missouri on July 29, 2009. The newlyweds had been married on June 29, 2009 after a long seperation. Their romance had been covered by the media-please see the following link:
http://www.ktla.com/videobeta/787b9...fter-Six-Decades-Apart-Jaime-Chambers-reports

In spite of initial reports that the groom might have had cold feet and fled, Mr. Harrod's continued absence has made it more likely foul play is involved. Law enforcement has ruled out a stranger abduction or interference. His wife is currently residing in the home he disappeared from and is on a quest to determine what happened to her "soul mate." Media reports and interviews with family during the past year have uncovered allegations of elder abuse, repeated attempts to gain access to Mr. Harrod's substantial estate and attempts to evict the new Mrs. Harrod from the residence. The children of Mr. Harrod have taken their case to the world wide web and have posted on several blogs of conflicts the day prior to the disappearance concerning Mr. Harrod's intention of adding his new wife to his accounts, and other revelations of what they considered to be their father's dark side.

This is a story of a family divided, money, abuse and a missing man. The following links will give you some additional information:
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Weekend/story?id=8227798&page=1
http://cbs2.com/local/newlywed.groom.missing.2.1120666.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/living/2010985815_disappeared08.html

Please consider covering this story-at the end of the day, Mr. Harrod deserves to be restored to the wife who waits for him and the family who clearly misses him.

I appreciate your time and attention!

Sincerely,

 

[believe09]

Feel free to tweak it and send it off to whomever...Mr. Harrod's case was covered by AMW, but may also be a good one for Disappeared...what you all think?

 

[eachandevery]

So, this doesn't have anything to do with Bob, but the story (minus the disappearance) is so similar that I wanted to post it.

The video involves the story of Jack, who is 81 years old and from California. You see him on the plane, flying from L.A. to D.C. to meet Betty (who is also 81) for the first time. Jack hasn't seen Betty in 62 years. She was his high school sweetheart, but he ended up going into service (World War Veteran, according to his hat), and two months later she got married. At the time they're about to meet, Betty's husband has been dead for six years, and Jack's wife passed away two years ago.

Five months ago, Jack found Betty's contact information on the internet. They had been talking on the phone and e-mailing, and he was finally going to meet her.

Anyway, I just like the video because it does remind me of Bob and Fontelle, the history they had and the reuniting after so many years. The glasses in particular remind me of photos I've seen of Bob, and the pink shirt Betty is wearing when they meet reminds me of Fontelle because I could swear I read something that said she made sure she wore a pink jacket so Bob would be able to spot her.

The video appears to have been made in 2006, and was posted on July 22nd, 2010.

If Bob hadn't gone missing, I'm sure he and Fontelle would be living a wonderful life similar to this couple. If only . . .

Linkage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIb4xQGUToU

ETA: I'm super forgetful, so if this is a repeat post, I apologize.

 

[Cubby]

Feel free to tweak it and send it off to whomever...Mr. Harrod's case was covered by AMW, but may also be a good one for Disappeared...what you all think?

I think we should pitch this story to Disappeared and 48 hours mystery as well.

Did AMW cover Bobs case on air or just at their website? If it did not air we should pitch it to air on AMW also.

 

[Montjoy]

I'd agree -- I wonder if the family has thought of pursuing these avenues? (And I think the AMW profile was a 'web exclusive'.)

 

[Cubby]

I thought the AMW profile was a web exclusive as well.

 

[Cubby]

Can someone post the video where Bob was blowing kisses into the phone?

I can't seem to find it.

tia

 

[dreamweaver]

I think we should pitch this story to Disappeared and 48 hours mystery as well.

Did AMW cover Bobs case on air or just at their website? If it did not air we should pitch it to air on AMW also.

AMW story is a web exclusive. I think the info came from PPD.
The last time I checked on submitting a case for airing on AMW, it is a laborious process, but could pay off.

 

[eachandevery]

Can someone post the video where Bob was blowing kisses into the phone?

I can't seem to find it.

tia

This link should take you to the video: http://tiny.cc/ibhqc

 

[Cubby]

This link should take you to the video: http://tiny.cc/ibhqc

I can't find a date for that video. Anyone?

tia

 

[eachandevery]

I can't find a date for that video. Anyone?

tia

According to the L.A. Times article that linked to the video, the segment took place the day Fontelle left. She had extended her stay until July 7th, so I'm assuming the date for the video is July 7th.

ETA: Here's the link to the article I referred to above. The news segment is mentioned on page 3: http://tiny.cc/35clu

 

[Montjoy]

Feel free to tweak it and send it off to whomever...Mr. Harrod's case was covered by AMW, but may also be a good one for Disappeared...what you all think?

I think it would be riveting material for the audiences of such shows, and it could encourage someone to come forward with information. The following is JMO, and I intend it to show how a story *like* Bob Harrod's disappearance could make for good TV.

The way I see it, the story starts with a romance; then, shortly after a heated family conversation over an estate (itself related indirectly to the romance), Bob goes missing, and a number of theories emerge and are shot down:

1) Cold feet/dementia theories of voluntary disappearance -- seeming highly implausible at best, suspiciously insulting at worst. (This eventually becomes revealed as hogwash.)

2) A stranger abduction. (Ruled out by LE.)

3) The colorful (red herring?) suspicious outsider -- the hairdresser (and husband). Suggested as a strong suspect by some. But found to be cleared of any direct involvement by LE.

4) The new wife. Perhaps the 'Missouri gang' (or whatever they were called on another forum) wanted a piece of Bob's assets? (Well, maybe so, but killing him at that point would likely be the worst way to do so; no evidence suggesting any Missouri family involvement.)

5) The story nobody wants to believe -- that possibly his family could be involved. How could a child or her husband be involved in such a crime? But, by the same token, how could they engage in the sorts of social media campaigns they have to insult their father and his wife? Feelings towards their father's new wife change dramatically; they become increasingly defensive of their mother and angry towards their father. How could they consistently suggest implausible causes of or suspects in their father's disappearance? How could they fight for control of his assets under the guise of providing a reward, and yet, to this day, still offer no reward? And then the timeline could be examined...

I think that elements of this story would engage the viewers of such programs and stir their passions. I think there would be a lot of sympathy for Bob and anger about what has happened, resulting in more people wanting a resolution.

 

[dreamweaver]

I think it would be riveting material for the audiences of such shows, and it could encourage someone to come forward with information. The following is JMO, and I intend it to show how a story *like* Bob Harrod's disappearance could make for good TV.

The way I see it, the story starts with a romance; then, shortly after a heated family conversation over an estate (itself related indirectly to the romance), Bob goes missing, and a number of theories emerge and are shot down:

1) Cold feet/dementia theories of voluntary disappearance -- seeming highly implausible at best, suspiciously insulting at worst. (This eventually becomes revealed as hogwash.)

2) A stranger abduction. (Ruled out by LE.)

3) The colorful (red herring?) suspicious outsider -- the hairdresser (and husband). Suggested as a strong suspect by some. But found to be cleared of any direct involvement by LE.

4) The new wife. Perhaps the 'Missouri gang' (or whatever they were called on another forum) wanted a piece of Bob's assets? (Well, maybe so, but killing him at that point would likely be the worst way to do so; no evidence suggesting any Missouri family involvement.)

5) The story nobody wants to believe -- that possibly his family could be involved. How could a child or her husband be involved in such a crime? But, by the same token, how could they engage in the sorts of social media campaigns they have to insult their father and his wife? Feelings towards their father's new wife change dramatically; they become increasingly defensive of their mother and angry towards their father. How could they consistently suggest implausible causes of or suspects in their father's disappearance? How could they fight for control of his assets under the guise of providing a reward, and yet, to this day, still offer no reward? And then the timeline could be examined...

I think that elements of this story would engage the viewers of such programs and stir their passions. I think there would be a lot of sympathy for Bob and anger about what has happened, resulting in more people wanting a resolution.

I think you just wrote your 'request to air this story' letter.
Nice job.

 

[Angelo]

I think we should pitch this story to Disappeared and 48 hours mystery as well.

Did AMW cover Bobs case on air or just at their website? If it did not air we should pitch it to air on AMW also.

I am also going to write to People Magazine. They have kept up with the Kyron case.

 

[believe09]

OMG-Brilliant guys. People would love this story. LOVE it.

 

[believe09]

IIRC, and it has been a long long time since I helped prepare a pitch for AMW, they like to have a perp available to focus on. This case may not be ready for them if so...

 

[Cubby]

IIRC, and it has been a long long time since I helped prepare a pitch for AMW, they like to have a perp available to focus on. This case may not be ready for them if so...

I agree. AMW television focuses more on criminals than mysteries or missing persons.

I'd dateline and 48 hours mystery most- for tV coverage- because discovery id is not included in basic cable packages. I had to ask a friend to tape it for me when they ran John Spira's story.

and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the idea of getting Bobs story in People magazine! That would be fantastic!

jmo

 

[cloudajo]

I sent email requests for a story on Bob to:

Disappeared - Investigation Discovery Channel
I couldn't find contact info on the site but the message board had this:
David Schaefer is in charge of communications for I.D. He can be reached at 260-662-2954 or by email [email protected]

48 Hours Mystery
524 West 57th St.
New York, NY 10019
E-MAIL: [email protected]
PHONE: (212)975-3247

People Magazine
Email the editors of PEOPLE magazine at [email protected]
Or call us at 1-212-522-6699

Fox
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

KDOC
[email protected]
[email protected]

I've sent several emails in the past to LA Times and OC Register, so didn't this time.