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Zahra Claire Baker Update: Police Drain Pond in Search for Missing N.C. Girl

Zahra Claire Baker Update: Police Drain Pond in Search for Missing N.C. Girl
Zahra Claire Baker (Personal Photo) Personal Photo

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CBS/WBTV) While her stepmother, Elisa Baker, sits in jail charged with obstruction of justice, search crews continue their efforts to find missing 10-year-old North Carolina girl, Zahra Claire Baker, and seem to be focusing on a worksite where her father, Adam Baker, works as a landscaper.

PICTURES: Zahra Baker Missing

Early Wednesday searchers seemed to be focusing on an area of mulch and debris near a wood chipper and reports were that at least one of the search dogs had "hit" on an area there, although officials would not confirm that.

Then late Wednesday afternoon, several sheriff's vehicles and fire trucks were seens speeding to the search site, where they drained the pond on the property. However, officials said they did not have a solid lead that prompted the pond search, according to CBS affiliate WBTV.

After about 2 hours the pond was drained and officials were satisfied Zahra's body was not there, the station reported.

Meanwhile Wednesday, Zahra's stepmother, who police have called a "person of interest" in the disappearance, made her first court appearance in Catawba County after being charged Monday with felony obstruction of justice.

Authorities say Elisa Baker allegedly confessed to writing a fake ransom note demanding $1 million in an attempt to distract police investigators from finding out what really happened to the girl.

According to the judge, if Baker is convicted on the felony charge, she could spend 30 months in prison. Baker's next court date on the obstruction charge is November 3, for a probable cause hearing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hickory Police Department at 828-328-5551.

COMPLETE COVERAGE OF ZAHRA CLAIRE BAKER ON CRIMESIDER

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