Archive for the ‘Norma’s Ordeal’ Category

The Third Arrest}

Another call from the detective revealed that a third arrest had happened at around 6pm. All of the above information was kept confidential pending the arrest of the third accomplice, Celas’ son, Miguel. He had fled the county days before and was arrested in Mariposa, CA, east of Bakersfield.

To fill everyone in, Isabelle Celas was actually a person that Norma spent a lot of energy and love helping. Most of this woman’s home was furnished by Norma. She would bring her food, and clothing for her family, and Norma’s husband Phil even bought their kids a basketball for Christmas because they had no gifts. Norma trusted and cared for this family and then the mother betrayed her. Her motives are still under investigation, but detectives say there is a solid case being built.
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San Luis New Times – Woman’s body found in North County}

San Luis New Times | 12/03/2003 | Woman’s body found in North County

Please note that not all statments in the news media are true. See my other posts for clarification.
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Wednesday 12/03/03 – My Inistial Reaction…}

How to remember a loved one; words always seem inadequate when emotion is so strong. Norma is loved by so many. If there was any doubt about that before it is now clear to the world how many truly admired her testimony, faith, determination, perseverance, dedication, and loving heart. It?s easy at a time like this is become bitter and angry toward the perpetrators of this crime and all of the people who are now walking the streets knowing exactly what happened and have done nothing. Yet, it?s a comfort for me to remember the love that Norma has for those same people. She spent much of her life helping to raise them out of their squalor, to help give them a new start here in America, to share with them her testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ. She spent her life trying to make other?s lives better. We must now do the same. We must continue her legacy. I will always remember Norma as a wonderful missionary, anxious to share what meant so much to her. Without ever serving as a full time missionary she has brought entire families into the gospel and seen them sealed for eternity in the temple. There is no greater example than this. I know that she is with our Heavenly Father now. She has been reunited with her father and all of our family that have already gone on. While we are mourning here they are celebrating and preparing for the great work that they now must do to prepare the way for us to follow. Families are forever thanks to the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I know this and it brings me much peace and comfort. Our Father in Heaven knows our sorrow and will give us comfort and peace. I know this to be true and leave my testimony of this, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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NORMA FOUND}

Two woman stop for a rest 3 miles north of Paso Robles at around 5pm. They notice a body in the underbrush off the side of the road and call 911. The police later identify the body. No family members ever saw Norma’s body.
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We are notified}

At around 10pm tonight detectives came by the Barto home to notify us that they found Norma.
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Monday 12/01/03 – More activity}

This afternoon investigators came to search the Barto home, surrounding property, and question neighbors today. KSBY also came for another more lengthy interview and the SLO Tribune requested an interview for tomorrow. The police have been following up on a number of leads that we received from yesterdays search but we are still waiting for anything concrete.
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$25,000 REWARD}

Thanks to generous donations we are now offering a $25,000 reward for any information leading to the recovery of Norma Barto.
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Sunday 11/30/03 – Sheriff’s Posse Gets Involved}

The Sheriff?s posse, consisting of a dozen law enforcement on horseback, along with the Search and Rescue, state certified search dogs, and over 115 volunteers met this morning at the Mid-State fair grounds. They will continue to search strategic locations and to canvas specific regions of Paso Robles with reward flyers in Spanish.
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Over 300 Volunteers Organized this Afternoon}

A group of over 300 people met at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Paso Robles to pass out flyers. The entire east side of Paso Robles had volunteers go door to door making sure everyone knows of Norma’s disappearance. A few leads were gathers and will be investigated further. Nothing is yet concrete or definite. The search ended around 5:30pm.

We are so greatful for everyones help! Thank you!
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Saturday 11/29/03 – We keep looking}

Over 100 people gathered at our home this morning and are out looking. We have two groups searching, one group left from 32nd and Spring and the other from Wal-Mart in Paso Robles. We also have a group of ATVs searching more rural areas.
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