Found Deceased MT - Rebekah Barsotti 33, & dog (fnd deceased), Town Pump, Superior, Mineral Co, 20 Jul 2021 *Reward

[laurawlms]

Exactly. And I may be wrong but wasn’t he found upstream from his location?

One of the reports (News Nation) mistakenly said upstream. Cerberus was found 10 miles down stream. Further down stream than LE expected. But even 10 river miles (downstream) with all the twists and turns of the river not to mention the sandbars and low level of the river this year makes the girl saves dog scenario suspicious.

 

[NoSpoonFeeding]

@NoSpoonFeeding this is what I was referring to. You made this comment:
"The family has at least 2 videos of Rebekah with her beloved dog enjoying the river, what a gift"

The family only has 1 video and that is the video from June that RB provided to her mom. The video from July 20 is in LE custody and the family had to ask to watch the entire video from July 20. Initially they were only given the opportunity to watch a portion of it. They had to specially request to see the end.

Oh I'm sorry I misunderstood, that's a shame, I'm thinking eventually it will be available to the family.

 

[Laughing]

But there was no autopsy performed on the dog. AM recently learned there isn't even a written report.

Wow, um so why involve an actual veterinarian at all???

One that can't remove a collar....

The missing young lady was estranged from her soon-to-be-ex, had a protection order against that person, that person now also has a weapons violation.

This is so horrendously sad all around.

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[cnmccarthy]

One of the reports (News Nation) mistakenly said upstream. Cerberus was found 10 miles down stream. Further down stream than LE expected. But even 10 river miles (downstream) with all the twists and turns of the river not to mention the sandbars and low level of the river this year makes the girl saves dog scenario suspicious.

Thank you! Yes I completely agree. It’s extremely suspicious!

 

[Steve McQueen]

Rebekah Barsotti trained her dog by the river before disappearing

SIAP, I hadn't seen this before.

“One day she came home from work and said the world is too small to stay in Partlow, Virginia, which is where she was raised,” said Barsotti’s mother, Angela Mastrovito.

Barsotti packed up a car and headed west. She found work at an upscale restaurant, and found love, as well. She married her husband, David, in September 2015.

“Their marriage has always been a challenge,” Mastrovito said. “Rebekah would call and say. ‘I’ve been kicked out of the house.’ This would be at 10 o’clock at night.”

 

[Kagie1]

These are all great questions. Looking at a map it seems like the Conoco or even the Sheriff's Office would have been the most logical place to exchange RB's personal belongings since they are directly off the exit. Obviously the Sheriff's office being the best option.

The exxon and town pump in Superior are your typical gas stations. Not "truck stops" like a love's or flying J. I've fueled at the town pump in Superior numerous times. Easy access along S side of I-90.

 

[Steve McQueen]

Bumping for Rebekah! This case should not be swept under the rug!

 

[Kagie1]

There are numerous places in the Alberton gorge that can trap and hold a body. Now, with the river levels being at their lowest (currently today 1/1/22 @ 2200 cu ft/min), would be the time to go on a slow float on the gorge and have a look-see. Especially with a cadaver dog on board. Spring will soon bring high water levels and would most likely wash out any trapped drowning victims remains as body mass will have been significantly reduced do to decomposition allowing a release from its potential hold (sorry for the morbidity). Even at these low levels however, the attempt to float Alberton Gorge down river from where Rebekah's items were found on the beach isn't for beginners. Water temps are lethal this time of year and appropriate rafting skills and gear are required. I've been flipped twice on the Alberton (at higher water levels). The recent cold snap we've experienced here will ice over sporadic parts of the river.

Cerb surfacing 10 miles down river from Rebekah's LKP (last known position) on the beach isn't all that unusual to me. I know several people consider this odd but I don't as I have intimate knowledge of this area. The lack of eddies and minimal "slack water" once entering the gorge, which is maybe a couple miles or so from the LKP, for something or someone to wash up in or on is minimal. Once in the gorge it's just that. A fairly narrow uninterrupted stretch of water with class II to class IV rapids. The timing would have been about right for Cerb to have been found. Being submerged and slowly moving down river undetected until given the warm water temps would have surfaced him several days later. The same would happen to a body unless it got trapped in the rocks along the way. Rebekah's PLS (point last seen) and her LKP was how long? We know Rebekah was at the beach via her video. Considering the location I would have to question the foul play scenario and deem it unlikely do to the exposure of an assault. Anyone passing by on the busy highway next to the beach can easily see what's happening there. I would expect a perp to seek its prey with less risk. I'm not saying it's not possible I just don't consider it likely. There are those crimes of passion that defy all odds though.

Unless someone was actually on the water, composing several rafts or kayaks floating over the surface going very slow and looking carefully into the water, the PoD or Probability of Detection would be minimal. A Heli finding a submerged person underwater flying overhead would be less than 5% is my guess and not much better walking along its banks. Most likely only 20% or less at best if floating with intent to search. Keep in mind when people are rafting or kayaking they're watching the surface of the water. Not what's underneath and in many cases not even what's on shore. I assisted in retrieving a body found by a fisherman out of the Alberton Gorge. It had been there for some time in the rocks and drift wood right along the shoreline. Countless rafters and kayakers had floated right past it for days and weeks but until a fisherman practically tripped over it it went unnoticed... My condolences to the family for their missing loved one and may 2022 provide the answers for which they are seeking. God bless you with courage and strength.

 

[Steve McQueen]

There are numerous places in the Alberton gorge that can trap and hold a body. Now, with the river levels being at their lowest (currently today 1/1/22 @ 2200 cu ft/min), would be the time to go on a slow float on the gorge and have a look-see. Especially with a cadaver dog on board. Spring will soon bring high water levels and would most likely wash out any trapped drowning victims remains as body mass will have been significantly reduced do to decomposition allowing a release from its potential hold (sorry for the morbidity). Even at these low levels however, the attempt to float Alberton Gorge down river from where Rebekah's items were found on the beach isn't for beginners. Water temps are lethal this time of year and appropriate rafting skills and gear are required. I've been flipped twice on the Alberton but at much higher water levels. The recent cold snap we've experienced here will ice over sporadic parts of the river.

Cerb surfacing 10 miles down river from Rebekah's LKP (last known position) on the beach isn't all that unusual to me. I know several people consider this odd but I don't as I have intimate knowledge of this area. The lack of eddies and minimal "slack water" once entering the gorge, which is maybe a couple miles or so from the LKP, for something or someone to wash up in or on is minimal. Once in the gorge it's just that. A fairly narrow uninterrupted stretch of water with class II to class IV rapids. The timing would have been about right for Cerb to have been found. Being submerged and slowly moving down river undetected until given the warm water temps would have surfaced him several days later. The same would happen to a body unless it got trapped in the rocks along the way. Rebekah's PLS (point last seen) and her LKP was how long? We know Rebekah was at the beach via her video. Considering the location I would have to question the foul play scenario and deem it unlikely do to the exposure of an assault. Anyone passing by on the busy highway next to the beach can easily see what's happening there. I would expect a perp to seek its prey with less risk. I'm not saying it's not possible I just don't consider it likely. There are those crimes of passion the defy all odds though.

Unless someone was actually on the water, composing several rafts or kayaks floating over the surface going very slow and looking carefully into the water, the PoD or Probability of Detection would be minimal. A Heli finding a submerged person underwater flying overhead would be less than 5% is my guess and not much better walking along its banks. Most likely only 20% or less at best if floating with intent to search. Keep in mind when people are rafting or kayaking they're watching the surface of the water. Not what's underneath and in many cases not even what's on shore. I assisted in retrieving a body found by a fisherman out of the Alberton Gorge. It had been there for some time in the rocks and drift wood right along the shoreline. Countless rafters and kayakers had floated right past it for days and weeks but until a fisherman practically tripped over it it went unnoticed... My condolences to the family for their missing loved one and may 2022 provide the answers for which they are seeking. God bless you with courage and strength.

Welcome to WS @Kagie 1. Thanks for your local knowledge and perspective. We all want answers and closure for the family. I hope you will continue to be a contributor to this thread.

 

[Laughing]

@Kagie1 , consider the Verified Insider process:

Verification Process for Professional or Insider Posters

We need your knowledge of this waterway.

Our knowledge of people has so far not brought the result Rebecca & her loved ones deserve IMHO. That's what the taxpayers deserve, as well....

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[laurawlms]

There are numerous places in the Alberton gorge that can trap and hold a body. Now, with the river levels being at their lowest (currently today 1/1/22 @ 2200 cu ft/min), would be the time to go on a slow float on the gorge and have a look-see. Especially with a cadaver dog on board. Spring will soon bring high water levels and would most likely wash out any trapped drowning victims remains as body mass will have been significantly reduced do to decomposition allowing a release from its potential hold (sorry for the morbidity). Even at these low levels however, the attempt to float Alberton Gorge down river from where Rebekah's items were found on the beach isn't for beginners. Water temps are lethal this time of year and appropriate rafting skills and gear are required. I've been flipped twice on the Alberton (at higher water levels). The recent cold snap we've experienced here will ice over sporadic parts of the river.

Cerb surfacing 10 miles down river from Rebekah's LKP (last known position) on the beach isn't all that unusual to me. I know several people consider this odd but I don't as I have intimate knowledge of this area. The lack of eddies and minimal "slack water" once entering the gorge, which is maybe a couple miles or so from the LKP, for something or someone to wash up in or on is minimal. Once in the gorge it's just that. A fairly narrow uninterrupted stretch of water with class II to class IV rapids. The timing would have been about right for Cerb to have been found. Being submerged and slowly moving down river undetected until given the warm water temps would have surfaced him several days later. The same would happen to a body unless it got trapped in the rocks along the way. Rebekah's PLS (point last seen) and her LKP was how long? We know Rebekah was at the beach via her video. Considering the location I would have to question the foul play scenario and deem it unlikely do to the exposure of an assault. Anyone passing by on the busy highway next to the beach can easily see what's happening there. I would expect a perp to seek its prey with less risk. I'm not saying it's not possible I just don't consider it likely. There are those crimes of passion that defy all odds though.

Unless someone was actually on the water, composing several rafts or kayaks floating over the surface going very slow and looking carefully into the water, the PoD or Probability of Detection would be minimal. A Heli finding a submerged person underwater flying overhead would be less than 5% is my guess and not much better walking along its banks. Most likely only 20% or less at best if floating with intent to search. Keep in mind when people are rafting or kayaking they're watching the surface of the water. Not what's underneath and in many cases not even what's on shore. I assisted in retrieving a body found by a fisherman out of the Alberton Gorge. It had been there for some time in the rocks and drift wood right along the shoreline. Countless rafters and kayakers had floated right past it for days and weeks but until a fisherman practically tripped over it it went unnoticed... My condolences to the family for their missing loved one and may 2022 provide the answers for which they are seeking. God bless you with courage and strength.

Thank you for the knowledge you provide. I would need to confer with AM to be able to reply to all of your information completely. I will note there are 2 videos that a search volunteer (knowledgeable with the river) conducted showing that if Cerberus and Rebekah entered the water in the girl saves dog scenario, the way the river was flowing that day and the day the video was made would have directed them back towards the river bank not down stream. I have attempted to save and share these videos but I have not been successful. AM has referred to the videos in a couple of her interviews. She may have referred to them in the BOC meeting also.

I understand and have read a couple of previous incidents of drowning victims being found/recovered at the gorge.

 

[Bit of hope]

Thank you for the knowledge you provide. I would need to confer with AM to be able to reply to all of your information completely. I will note there are 2 videos that a search volunteer (knowledgeable with the river) conducted showing that if Cerberus and Rebekah entered the water in the girl saves dog scenario, the way the river was flowing that day and the day the video was made would have directed them back towards the river bank not down stream. I have attempted to save and share these videos but I have not been successful. AM has referred to the videos in a couple of her interviews. She may have referred to them in the BOC meeting also.

I understand and have read a couple of previous incidents of drowning victims being found/recovered at the gorge.

I think it's useful input @Kagie1. IIRR (If I Recall Right) there was someone who did some floating tests...sorry for not remembering that exactly.

 

[NoSpoonFeeding]

There are numerous places in the Alberton gorge that can trap and hold a body. Now, with the river levels being at their lowest (currently today 1/1/22 @ 2200 cu ft/min), would be the time to go on a slow float on the gorge and have a look-see. Especially with a cadaver dog on board. Spring will soon bring high water levels and would most likely wash out any trapped drowning victims remains as body mass will have been significantly reduced do to decomposition allowing a release from its potential hold (sorry for the morbidity). Even at these low levels however, the attempt to float Alberton Gorge down river from where Rebekah's items were found on the beach isn't for beginners. Water temps are lethal this time of year and appropriate rafting skills and gear are required. I've been flipped twice on the Alberton (at higher water levels). The recent cold snap we've experienced here will ice over sporadic parts of the river.

Cerb surfacing 10 miles down river from Rebekah's LKP (last known position) on the beach isn't all that unusual to me. I know several people consider this odd but I don't as I have intimate knowledge of this area. The lack of eddies and minimal "slack water" once entering the gorge, which is maybe a couple miles or so from the LKP, for something or someone to wash up in or on is minimal. Once in the gorge it's just that. A fairly narrow uninterrupted stretch of water with class II to class IV rapids. The timing would have been about right for Cerb to have been found. Being submerged and slowly moving down river undetected until given the warm water temps would have surfaced him several days later. The same would happen to a body unless it got trapped in the rocks along the way. Rebekah's PLS (point last seen) and her LKP was how long? We know Rebekah was at the beach via her video. Considering the location I would have to question the foul play scenario and deem it unlikely do to the exposure of an assault. Anyone passing by on the busy highway next to the beach can easily see what's happening there. I would expect a perp to seek its prey with less risk. I'm not saying it's not possible I just don't consider it likely. There are those crimes of passion that defy all odds though.

Unless someone was actually on the water, composing several rafts or kayaks floating over the surface going very slow and looking carefully into the water, the PoD or Probability of Detection would be minimal. A Heli finding a submerged person underwater flying overhead would be less than 5% is my guess and not much better walking along its banks. Most likely only 20% or less at best if floating with intent to search. Keep in mind when people are rafting or kayaking they're watching the surface of the .

Speaking of the Alberton Gorge, this young man drowned, then traveled downriver from Missoula to the gorge, where his body was recovered from the Clark Fork River. I don't know the river miles but it's at least 30. His body also passed thru the Alberton Rock section of the river, then almost 6 miles further downriver.

Body found in Alberton Gorge identified as that of Missoula teen

 

[NoSpoonFeeding]

Thank you for the knowledge you provide. I would need to confer with AM to be able to reply to all of your information completely. I will note there are 2 videos that a search volunteer (knowledgeable with the river) conducted showing that if Cerberus and Rebekah entered the water in the girl saves dog scenario, the way the river was flowing that day and the day the video was made would have directed them back towards the river bank not down stream. I have attempted to save and share these videos but I have not been successful. AM has referred to the videos in a couple of her interviews. She may have referred to them in the BOC meeting also.

I understand and have read a couple of previous incidents of drowning victims being found/recovered at the gorge.

The problem with using the word "float" is that it gives the wrong picture of what happens in drownings in moving water. The river drags, pulls, pushes, and carries, sometimes violently. I read the explanation of the float test, as given by the "tester". Unless you are referring to a professional opinion not posted on the internet, in my opinion, that is the most amateur, unscientific test. It could not possibly determine that a current would push you to shore.

 

[Gina20]

The exxon and town pump in Superior are your typical gas stations. Not "truck stops" like a love's or flying J. I've fueled at the town pump in Superior numerous times. Easy access along S side of I-90.

The Town Pump in Superior is run under licence by Pilot/Flying J, but from reviews I've read, truckers tend to prefer the bigger truck stops in the Missoula area.

Pilot Licensed Location - Town Pump in Superior, MT | 27 Diamond Road

This location was also called a "truck stop" when a murder (previously noted in this thread) occurred there. It's small, but Pilot/Flying J definitely consider it a truck stop, and trucks can be seen parked there on Google Streets.

 

[Kagie1]

The problem with using the word "float" is that it gives the wrong picture of what happens in drownings in moving water. The river drags, pulls, pushes, and carries, sometimes violently. I read the explanation of the float test, as given by the "tester". Unless you are referring to a professional opinion not posted on the internet, in my opinion, that is the most amateur, unscientific test. It could not possibly determine that a current would push you to shore.

EXACTLY!!!

 

[Gina20]

There are numerous places in the Alberton gorge that can trap and hold a body. Now, with the river levels being at their lowest (currently today 1/1/22 @ 2200 cu ft/min), would be the time to go on a slow float on the gorge and have a look-see. Especially with a cadaver dog on board. Spring will soon bring high water levels and would most likely wash out any trapped drowning victims remains as body mass will have been significantly reduced do to decomposition allowing a release from its potential hold (sorry for the morbidity). Even at these low levels however, the attempt to float Alberton Gorge down river from where Rebekah's items were found on the beach isn't for beginners. Water temps are lethal this time of year and appropriate rafting skills and gear are required. I've been flipped twice on the Alberton (at higher water levels). The recent cold snap we've experienced here will ice over sporadic parts of the river.

Cerb surfacing 10 miles down river from Rebekah's LKP (last known position) on the beach isn't all that unusual to me. I know several people consider this odd but I don't as I have intimate knowledge of this area. The lack of eddies and minimal "slack water" once entering the gorge, which is maybe a couple miles or so from the LKP, for something or someone to wash up in or on is minimal. Once in the gorge it's just that. A fairly narrow uninterrupted stretch of water with class II to class IV rapids. The timing would have been about right for Cerb to have been found. Being submerged and slowly moving down river undetected until given the warm water temps would have surfaced him several days later. The same would happen to a body unless it got trapped in the rocks along the way. Rebekah's PLS (point last seen) and her LKP was how long? We know Rebekah was at the beach via her video. Considering the location I would have to question the foul play scenario and deem it unlikely do to the exposure of an assault. Anyone passing by on the busy highway next to the beach can easily see what's happening there. I would expect a perp to seek its prey with less risk. I'm not saying it's not possible I just don't consider it likely. There are those crimes of passion that defy all odds though.

Unless someone was actually on the water, composing several rafts or kayaks floating over the surface going very slow and looking carefully into the water, the PoD or Probability of Detection would be minimal. A Heli finding a submerged person underwater flying overhead would be less than 5% is my guess and not much better walking along its banks. Most likely only 20% or less at best if floating with intent to search. Keep in mind when people are rafting or kayaking they're watching the surface of the water. Not what's underneath and in many cases not even what's on shore. I assisted in retrieving a body found by a fisherman out of the Alberton Gorge. It had been there for some time in the rocks and drift wood right along the shoreline. Countless rafters and kayakers had floated right past it for days and weeks but until a fisherman practically tripped over it it went unnoticed... My condolences to the family for their missing loved one and may 2022 provide the answers for which they are seeking. God bless you with courage and strength.

This is the kind of local river knowledge that's needed to find answers for Rebekah's family.

Do you know if local water rescue crews do drills in the winter months? I routinely see the local fire department rescue boats where I live, all winter long. They do ice rescue drills on bodies of water that are partially frozen. They use motorized pontoon boats.

 

[Kagie1]

@Kagie1 , consider the Verified Insider process:

Verification Process for Professional or Insider Posters

We need your knowledge of this waterway.

Our knowledge of people has so far not brought the result Rebecca & her loved ones deserve IMHO. That's what the taxpayers deserve, as well....

jmho ymmv lrr

"We need your knowledge of this waterway." Ok, How may I be of assistance???

 

[Steve McQueen]

Speaking of the Alberton Gorge, this young man drowned, then traveled downriver from Missoula to the gorge, where his body was recovered from the Clark Fork River. I don't know the river miles but it's at least 30. His body also passed thru the Alberton Rock section of the river, then almost 6 miles further downriver.

Body found in Alberton Gorge identified as that of Missoula teen

Except this young man entered the river on May 15th during the peak spring runoff, much different conditions then July 20th when RB allegedly drowned.

 

[NoSpoonFeeding]

Except this young man entered the river on May 15th during the peak spring runoff, much different conditions then July 20th when RB allegedly drowned.

As mentioned in the article, the runoff is the reason his body reached Alberton so quickly, this river could have taken him there year-round, in my opinion. There are numerous videos of the river around Alberton Rock, taken shortly after RB disappeared. Those videos clearly show a river capable of doing that. You cannot just judge by the surface, the river is deep at all times of the year, despite there being shallower areas being exposed in July.