Celina Cass: Officials State Divers Found Body Wrapped in Blanket
Police officials report that Celina Cass, the 11-year-old New Hampshire girl, was found wrapped in a blanket when divers pulled her body out of the Connecticut River, less than a mile from her home.
Investigators have not named any suspects or persons of interest, but have obtained a search warrant for Cass’ home and strung crime scene tape around the perimeter.
Also on Wednesday, police took into custody a silver pick-up truck belonging to Wendell Noyes, Celina’s stepfather.
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Noyes checked himself into a mental health institution on Thursday, a day after his truck was taken by authorities.
Cass’ stepfather was involuntarily committed in 2003 for schizophrenia and arrested for threatening an ex-girlfriend.
Police say they have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. However, a warrant for Cass’ home was obtained and crime scene tape is strung around the house.
According to officials, there were no signs of a struggle inside Celina’s home and also no evidence that she ran away or was taken.
“Based on what we have seen visually, we are treating this as suspicious,” said Jane Young New Hampshire Senior Assistant Attorney General.
Adam Laro, Celina’s biological father told WMUR Wednesday, that he could only guess what might have happened to his daughter.
Laro said, “She could have slipped off and fell, banged her head. We don’t know. But they claim they found, what looks like her body was placed in the water. That’s the scary part.”
Cass’ grandmother says the mystery of Celina’s death is “killing her father,” who was bedridden Thursday, reports the Boston Herald.
“I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s crushing…it’s heart-crushing…It’s like a sore that is never going to leave,” Laro, who has been suffering from severe heart problems, told WCAX.
“His heart is critical. He was supposed to have open-heart surgery, but he’s too weak for it,” said Marcia Lara, the mother of Adam Laro.
Celina’s body has been turned over to her mother, Louisa Noyes. A Facebook post from the consignment shop Lads and Ladybugs, where Louisa works, said the memorial service will be in West Stewartstown.
Cass’ grandmother said Celina will be placed in a pink casket and her body will be cremated. Marcia Laro declined to say where the private service will be held.
“She loved pink - it was her favorite color,” said Marcia.
Celina Cass was last seen Monday night, July 25 in her Stewartstown home in New Hampshire. Police say the circumstances surrounding the discovery of Celina’s body are suspicious and further autopsy and toxicology results are pending.
