NC - Zahra Clare Baker, 10, Hickory, 9 Oct. 2010 #36

[Mountain_Kat]

I can't for the life of me get a handle on why Zarha never returned to school. I would think EB would be THRILLED to have Zahra back at school and out of her hair. Not buying the homeschooling thing for one minute. So, first day of school at Hudson was Aug. 27, and Zahra never shows up. But furniture store clerk reports seeing Zahra on Sept. 25 and doesn't make any special note of physical condition (apart from pros. leg and hearing aids). What possible reasons could there be for a full month of no school, especially when you've already drawn attention from DSS? I'm missing something here, and can't for the life of me figure out what it is.

 

[truckengirl]

Whoa........ he almost made me cry right along with him and I don't know near what he does. He was really struggling with that big lump in his throat I'm telling you. Man, I really feel for those officers.

Is this a link to the video that you are referencing, I would like to see it.

 

[essies]

After reading the article about EB making Zahra run or walk uphill to the point of her crying because her leg hurt combined with the theory that she may have outgrown her prosthesis-I have a new theory. I wonder if perhaps Zahra developed blisters and sores from her ill fitting prosthesis and it went untreated. If something like this did occur-Zahra could have developed Sepsis which left untreated would lead ultimately to her death.
Sepsis-
Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria
A change in mental status and hyperventilation may be the earliest signs of sepsis coming on.

Sepsis is often life-threatening, especially in people with a weakened immune system or with other illness.
In sepsis, blood pressure drops, resulting in shock. Major organs and systems, including the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system, stop functioning normally.

Symptoms
•Chills
•Confusion or delirium
•Decreased urine output
•Fever or low body temperature (hypothermia)
•Hyperventilation
•Lightheadedness
•Rapid heart beat
•Shaking
•Skin rash
•Warm skin
https://health.google.com/health/ref/Sepsis
AB mentioned that Zahra had been suffering from a stomach virus-these 2 ******(fill in the blank yourself:furious might have thought or hoped the flu was all she had and were too afraid to seek medical attention as it would lead charges of abuse and neglect if doctors saw festering wounds or more!!

I'm sure LE is examining that prosthesis with a fine toothcomb to look for any tell tale sign of infection while establishing any DNA left on it.

 

[bellyup]

I can't for the life of me get a handle on why Zarha never returned to school. I would think EB would be THRILLED to have Zahra back at school and out of her hair. Not buying the homeschooling thing for one minute. So, first day of school at Hudson was Aug. 27, and Zahra never shows up. But furniture store clerk reports seeing Zahra on Sept. 25 and doesn't make any special note of physical condition (apart from pros. leg and hearing aids). What possible reasons could there be for a full month of no school, especially when you've already drawn attention from DSS? I'm missing something here, and can't for the life of me figure out what it is.

Control. EB wanted 100% control.

 

[Carolina Girl]

Hi all, I'm new here, although I have been lurking while reading the last 36 threads. Phew! I feel like I now know you all.

Zahra's disappearance and that of six year old Australian girl Kiesha Abrahams http://www.websleuths.com/forums/showthread.php?t=110796 have really done my head in and I know you all feel the same. having said that, I've never encountered a more enlightened, dedicated and compassionate group of people as those here at WS, you are wonderful people.

I've been thinking a lot about the prosthetic leg and the "new evidence" that led LE back to further search the Baker's place in Hickory. It is supposition on my part but it could be that pieces of woodchip or mulch were found on or inside the leg that was inconsistent with where it was found but was consistent with the woodchip and mulch in the Baker's backyard. The leg may have been initially buried in the Baker's backyard and then disposed of later. Was something missing from the prosthesis that was later uncovered in the Baker's backyard?

Other things to chew on.

Was the prosthetic leg buried in the backyard, covered in mulch, ignited then later removed when it was realised that it wouldn't burn? Was Zahra initially buried in the backyard or under the house and then moved elsewhere as well?

Could the prosthesis have indications of being used as a weapon? Skin fragments, blood etc.? Horrible to think of I know, and I hate typing that. :cry:

IMO Zahra is located in the opposite direction of where her prosthetic leg was found. (Clever thinking on the part of the perp(s) NOT!) She was disposed of first and then the leg. Talking about disposing of a child and her prosthetic leg just make me burn! :furious:

This is how far behind I am, but want to say WELCOME and good thinking!

 

[ynotdivein]

Also titanium is incredibly light and has I think the highest weight-to-strength ratio (hence its usefulness for prostheses and for some folks, wedding rings).

IOW, if the leg had been used as a weapon, bits of titanium wouldn't have come off. Bits of the plastic exterior may have though.

 

[Wise Old Owl]

Yes, yes yes yes essies

One of my main theories was that Zahra died from septacemia (blood poisoning) from an infected stump.

I still hold that theory but if she had died due to illness, accident, etc. it would definitely be in the best interest of both AB and EB to lead LE to her body so that can be proven. Charges would not be first degree murder and I don't beleive the death penalty would come into play. Any and all defense attorneys would advise clients to "tell what they know" in order to reduce any charges.

The fact that this has NOT happened now leads me to believe that Zahra might have been beat - you can't hide a cracked skull. And a cracked skull certainly points to first degree murder. KWIM?

 

[TxLady2]

Grand Jury - while the meeting may be made public - everything is done "in secret". The results will made public only in the fact of any charges coming down. Whatever happens in that room will remain sealed. They can hear from witnesses, prosecutors, etc. but EB and AB WILL NOT testify there (because they are the ones probably being looked at to indict).

Sometimes the Grand Jury takes days - others just one. I'm hoping so much that we hear of indictments being handed down today - but it might not be until tomorrow.

Some places the GJ does sometimes ask the suspect questions. It is not unheard of, and it's up to the GJ itself who they want to talk to.
We don't know who they are looking at, that is kept secret as well. So it could very well be they are not pointing at either one of them, just gathering facts. Something tells me this will take more than just a day to complete, though.

 

[Beagle]

Control. EB wanted 100% control.

This would fit if AB had threatened to leave EB, therefore by keeping Z at home and with her at all times, or to avoid DSS.:twocents:

Otherwise why the change when EB happily let her go to school prior to this.
:twocents:

 

[Mountain_Kat]

Control. EB wanted 100% control.

Maybe. But my feeling is that SOMETHING was trying to be hidden from public view. And you can't remove AB from this picture, imo. He knew she wasn't in school, and I seriously doubt he thought EB was homeschooling her. If it weren't for the furniture store clerk seeing Zahra and not taking any special notice of her being ill, I'd almost swear this was a case of neglect leading to an illness that resulted in death. Especially when I think back to AB feeling the need to insert the info that Zahra had a stomache bug. :waitasec:

 

[Kamille]

I can't for the life of me get a handle on why Zarha never returned to school. I would think EB would be THRILLED to have Zahra back at school and out of her hair. Not buying the homeschooling thing for one minute. So, first day of school at Hudson was Aug. 27, and Zahra never shows up. But furniture store clerk reports seeing Zahra on Sept. 25 and doesn't make any special note of physical condition (apart from pros. leg and hearing aids). What possible reasons could there be for a full month of no school, especially when you've already drawn attention from DSS? I'm missing something here, and can't for the life of me figure out what it is.

Seems to me that having Zahra in school, around the neighbours and...well just having Zahra around altogether was drawing a lot of unwanted attention in EB's direction.

MOO

 

[Virgogalsue]

I can't for the life of me get a handle on why Zarha never returned to school. I would think EB would be THRILLED to have Zahra back at school and out of her hair. Not buying the homeschooling thing for one minute. So, first day of school at Hudson was Aug. 27, and Zahra never shows up. But furniture store clerk reports seeing Zahra on Sept. 25 and doesn't make any special note of physical condition (apart from pros. leg and hearing aids). What possible reasons could there be for a full month of no school, especially when you've already drawn attention from DSS? I'm missing something here, and can't for the life of me figure out what it is.

Maybe this has already been answered but is there any financial incentive to homeschool?

Also, maybe saying that she would homeschool was a knee jerk reaction, in anger, about visits/inquiries from the school principal and DSS?

 

[essies]

Yes, yes yes yes essies

One of my main theories was that Zahra died from septacemia (blood poisoning) from an infected stump.

I still hold that theory but if she had died due to illness, accident, etc. it would definitely be in the best interest of both AB and EB to lead LE to her body so that can be proven. Charges would not be first degree murder and I don't beleive the death penalty would come into play. Any and all defense attorneys would advise clients to "tell what they know" in order to reduce any charges.

The fact that this has NOT happened now leads me to believe that Zahra might have been beat - you can't hide a cracked skull. And a cracked skull certainly points to first degree murder. KWIM?

ITA That's why I think they might have been afraid to seek medical attention because there may have been other signs of abuse besides the neglected infected stump. IMO

 

[nursebeeme]

The stepmother of Zahra Baker is expected to appear in court in Burke County on Monday to face a larceny charge unrelated to the girl's dissapearance.

Elisa Baker will apear in court for a probable cause hearing at 2 p.m. She is being held in the Catawba County Jail on an obstruction of justice charge related to the investigation of her missing 10-year-old stepdaughter, Zahra.

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13297637

okay... I think this is just crappy reporting... I don't think the probable cause hearing was changed to today???? but you never know????

 

[Mountain_Kat]

Yes, yes yes yes essies

One of my main theories was that Zahra died from septacemia (blood poisoning) from an infected stump.

I still hold that theory but if she had died due to illness, accident, etc. it would definitely be in the best interest of both AB and EB to lead LE to her body so that can be proven. Charges would not be first degree murder and I don't beleive the death penalty would come into play. Any and all defense attorneys would advise clients to "tell what they know" in order to reduce any charges.

The fact that this has NOT happened now leads me to believe that Zahra might have been beat - you can't hide a cracked skull. And a cracked skull certainly points to first degree murder. KWIM?

I've gone round and round with this thought, myself. And I keep coming back to the furniture store clerk. I have to think she would have noticed a severe illness, she certainly seemed observant about everything else.

 

[KPMcLovin]

O/T sorry:
I'm not sure if you can take it with Thyroid medicine so you might wanna do some research and ask your doctor.....but I suffer from insomnia and after googling, reading message boards, and talking to people I learned about Melatonin. It's been a life saver for me!! You need to make sure you have 8 hours put aside to sleep and take it right when you get in bed. I usually take it and when get ready for bed. I curl up with my book and read for about 15-30 minutes and almost as soon as I put my book down I am out!!

I'm a huge fan of natural and homeopathic supplements/remedies. Another couple of things I have found that help are valerian root (be careful it REEKS!!) and/or Passionflower! Valerian should be taken occasionally but the Passionflower works just as good for me.

Still O/T - I take .25 xanax for insomnia and took a sominex the other night instead. I swear it worked just as well. Melatonin didn't help me sleep but did give me some weird dreams when I did sleep.

 

[stillwatersc]

Just looking again on the search warrant and it say there were (4) "burn samples" taken from the brush pile AND the Tahoe.

So something was taken from the brush pile and put into the Tahoe???

Sounds like they tried to burn the leg, but the whole thing wouldn't burn, so they took it & disposed of it. When authorities found the leg & saw it was burned, they went back to the house.

 

[nursebeeme]

Sounds like they tried to burn the leg, but the whole thing wouldn't burn, so they took it & disposed of it. When authorities found the leg & saw it was burned, they went back to the house.

wonder if that was the "job" that AB had to go check on???

 

[waltzingmatilda]

I have to log out for awhile and I don't want too.....sigh.

I'll check in later. Hopefully today will be Zahra's day!

wm

 

[Wise Old Owl]

I've gone round and round with this thought, myself. And I keep coming back to the furniture store clerk. I have to think she would have noticed a severe illness, she certainly seemed observant about everything else.

Not necessarily. Blood poisoning can consume someone in just a matter of days. (I know this first hand - went through it with a friend years ago. Long story short - she clipped a toenail too short - walked around barefoot and within 3 days was at the hospital fighting to keep her leg!) Yes, it was that quick. Plus, there really was no real visible signs of illness. Her toe looked bad - but not THAT bad - it was the red line that ran up her leg overnight and the fever (which would lead someone to think flu). Other than that she didn't so any real signs of being sick.

The furniture lady - I was so hoping someone would have asked her how Zahra was walking. She said all the staff in the store noticed Zahra BECAUSE of her leg - so how was she walking? Was she limping, walking really slow, wincing when she walked? No one asked and it was never reported. Did LE told her not to talk about that?

I also believe that is why no one really saw Zahra in the last month or so - her leg was so outgrown and her stump was so raw, that she couldn't stand to put it on much less walk with it. Such a crying shame. This poor poor child DID NOT deserve this.