Two Missing Girls…Where is Isa Celis?
by Pat Alvarez on Jul. 13, 2012, under Tucson Child Welfare News and Information
Isa Celis
- Sierra
It’s not so long ago that Isabel Celis disappeared from her bedroom, in her home in Tucson. She was six years old at the time. By all accounts she was a happy, pretty little girl who loved “girly things”.
Another six year old disappeared recently; in Utah on June 26, 2012. Sierra Lynn Newbold was reported missing, in this case, by her mother. Her father had left for work. In the Celis case, mother left for work and father discovered the child missing.
On June 28, 2012, it was reported that she was found dead in a canal, about 500 yards from her home. They found her shortly after the disappearance. She had been sexually assaulted. Sierra Lynn lived with her parents, older brother, two older sisters and one younger sister in a 5 bedroom home.
The home was surrounded by a high, maybe over 5 foot concrete block or wood fence, much like the Celis home.
Like the Celis family, there is a plethora of sex offenders in the area of the Newbold home. They have 22 living within a five mile radius. Like in the Celis case, no one has been ruled out, not even family. Both families are regular church goers.
Utah borders Arizona. This is too close for comfort.
It’s said the family in Utah had a video system on the property, too. Police didn’t say originally if it was operative. But, it was.
What the public also wasn’t told initially was that the mother found a sliding glass door open in the home the morning her daughter disappeared.
I don’t know about you, but I am incensed and sad. I hope this never happens again to another little girl. Children should be cherished, loved and protected. To think there are horrible, and notice I don’t say sick, people out there who would harm children is almost beyond comprehension.
Human Monsters come in all sizes, shapes and colors and they don’t sport horns. Once someone hurts or assaults a child, they shouldn’t ever be allowed to see the light of day…my opinion. But, per our legal system, once they serve their time, they are free to live their lives and should register with local law enforcement – kind of like the honor system. And, these “honorable” persons go on to have a life…victims be damned.
When children go missing, we may learn too late doors and/or windows were open, friends and relatives knew the family’s schedule, had keys and/or their own dangerous agendas and problems, a pedophile lived two blocks away, a friendly neighbor the children often visited had a secret past, and/or people who worked for the family in the past used their knowledge to get into the home. Sometimes the parents have skeletons in their closet of some sort that came back to haunt them. Sometimes, not as often, a really sick total stranger saw the child, followed the caregivers and bided their time. What a world we live in. Children are kidnapped to use in the sex trade here and overseas and children are sold by parents who are hooked on drugs or in deep to dark things or traded for cars.
All doors and windows should be checked every night by a designated adult in the household. Little children should be checked before the parents retire for the night, during the night and first thing in the morning…by the first one up, before anyone leaves for work. Sliding glass doors need to be reinforced, you can use something as simple as a bat or a wood stick.
Children need to be taught what to do if someone tries to take them. Teach your child to yell…LOUD…to run, to not be afraid. Respecting elders, family members, neighbors, fellow church members, co-workers and others in your life by being polite and insisting your children are too…to everyone, no matter what, just on them being adults, is not as important as listening to what a child is saying…or not saying – and protecting your child.
If your child doesn’t like someone, avoids them, seems scared and/or is rude to them, or becomes stressful when he/she knows a particular babysitter, friend or relative is going to visit, should be examined as a signal. Pay attention. Don’t scold the child and insist they be nice to all adults. Note who is taking interest in your children…be it around the neighborhood and/or at church – do you really know them?
A couple of years ago a toddler girl disappeared from her bedroom. Daddy was at work and mommy was home. She hasn’t been found since. No one knows if something happened in the family or if some random stranger just showed up or had been watching the family; or just passing by and saw an opportunity.
We have to be aware to protect children. We must report anything unusual or concerning to law enforcement agencies in our areas. You just never know who is out there, or, what is going on. Take a minute, check it out. It may not be your child, but as adults we are all parents to the next generation and responsible for children. Think of your innocent child self. Were you lucky enough to have neighbors, family members, and friends watching out for you? People used to do that more.
Don’t rule out people you know…casually…or well…as potential perpetrators. People assume they can trust extended family members. Be sure you know who is coming into your home, who has keys, who knows codes on alarms and what their background is. When it comes to your children, take nobody at their word.
A 41 year old suspect was arrested in Sierra’s murder. He lives near the family and attends the same church. He was caught because of another crime he committed.
Let’s say a silent prayer for Isabel and hope that she comes home too, like Elizabeth Smart did…but sooner and without the horrors Elizabeth endured.
