Missing 10 Year Old Case Believed to be Homicide
Zahra Claire Baker, a 10 year old from Hickory, NC, was reported missing on Saturday after a fire was reported in the yard of her home. Although the case was initially treated as one of a missing child, it is now believed that it may be a homicide case. Zahra's step-mother, Elisa Baker, was arrested on a dozen unrelated charges on Sunday. Adam Baker, her father, has stated that it is possible that the step-mother was involved, although police are now questioning his account of events as well.
Police have not been able to identify the exact day that Zahra went missing because no one besides family members have seen her in the last month. Many neighbors suspected child abuse, as she was frequently hit and was only allowed outside of her room for short meals. She was home schooled as well.
A neighbor who saw the backyard fire has stated that he saw clothing in with the branches and limbs, and police dogs have detected the presence of human remains in both of the Bakers' cars. There was also a forged ransom note found at the Baker's home. Neither parent has yet been charged with anything related to Zahra's disappearance.
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