Zahra Baker Update: Stepmother Said Girl is Dead and Dismembered, Court Dcouments Say
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CBS/WBTV) Newly filed court documents say the stepmother of missing North Carolina girl Zahra Baker, who's presumed dead, knows the circumstances surrounding the girl's death, and dismemberment.
In documents filed Monday seeking a reduction in bond for Elisa Baker, her attorney, Scott Reilly, said his client helped locate the 10-year-old's dismembered remains which were scattered in several locations in Caldwell County, reported CBS affiliate WBTV.
The documents say that on Oct. 22, Elisa Baker "disclosed knowledge about circumstances surrounding the disappearance and/or death," and on that same night, the defense recovered "a significant item of evidence," which they turned over to the authorities.
Two days later, "Law enforcement was informed that Zahra Baker was deceased, that her body had been dismembered, and that it would be recovered at different sites."
The bond reduction filing further states that on Oct. 25, "Elisa Baker accompanied law enforcement to three sites that contained the remains of Zahra Baker."
Elisa Baker's attorneys argue that their client's cooperation should be rewarded because her assistance led to much of the evidence that has been found in the case, says WBTV.
They also argued that due to the high profile nature of the case, it would be difficult for Elisa Baker - who was previously deemed a flight risk - to escape the area undetected.
The disclosures from the court filings come amid preparations for a vigil Tuesday night, on what would have been Zahra Baker's 11th birthday.
Although no one has been charged with Zahra's murder, stepmother Elisa Baker is jailed on obstruction of justice charges.
Zahra's biological father Adam Baker was also arrested on unrelated charges and released from jail, but continues to be a person of interest in the case.
Authorities are asking anyone with information on the case to contact the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.
COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ZAHRA CLARE BAKER ON CRIMESIDER
