Bystander, "There were two cars in the driveway of the Waterville house that night. What risk a person would be taking to break into such a tiny house knowing that likely there would be people at home. A stranger wouldn't know that Justin was in the basement or that Ayla was sleeping alone."
This has always been a sticking point for me, too. What would it take for a "stranger" who did not know the layout of the house, to walk into a home where there were 3 adults and 3 small children, to snatch a child? As you say, if there were cars in the driveway, how would a stranger know where the adults were located? That is why it makes more sense to me (if there was a kidnapping) that it had to be someone who, not only knew the layout of the home, but also the habits of the people who lived there. Or perhaps it could have been one darn lucky stranger!
As for the baby gate, either Justin (or someone) did trip over the baby gate, or it was part of a story to explain a "broken" baby gate. All of this speculation on my part.
I think it is good to look at the kidnap story from the viewpoint of a potential kidnapper (either stranger or someone known to the family). There are certain scenarios that make sense and other scenarios that just don't make sense. That makes it harder to believe the kidnap story.
I still can not figure out what the incentive is for a stranger to take Ayla. Obviously not money, as there are no ransom demands and no apparent interest in the reward money. Someone wanting a child, perhaps? Again, one would think a home that small and that close to others homes, with adults inside make that scenario unlikely. (not impossible, just unlikely). Another hard thing to determine, what is potentially possible and what is potentially unlikely. History helps us determine those, but the present does not always follow history. - KJ
I am carrying the discussion over from the previous posts. Regarding the baby gate that was reflected on in Angela Harry's original account of the events that occurred in Phoebe DiPietro's house the morning Ayla was reported missing, I believe that it is a very important piece of information. Whether the gate was just knocked down or damaged, what is important regarding her account is that the gate could very well be one of the pieces of evidence, (along with other evidence), that led law enforcement to their belief that Ayla is likely deceased. In essence, my theory regarding what possibly happened to Ayla is related to the baby gate.
"(DiPietro) bolted up the stairs, knocking over the gate that was placed there every morning for the two little girls, and into her room."
Yes, I understand that any mention of the baby gate was removed from Harry's revised version of events. But, I don't believe that the account of Justin knocking over the gate that was placed at the top of the stairs is something that would be confused. Besides, Harry never stated that her account of the baby gate was incorrect; she just removed the information from her "revised" story. The words,"bolted up the stairs, knocking over the gate that was placed there every morning" certainly indicate that the gate was placed at the top of the basement stairs. The concern with the gate being placed at the top of the stairs is the fact that pressure mounted baby gates are not to be used at the top of ANY stairs. There isn't any compromise here--walk into any store that sells baby gates, and the packaging clearly states this. It is also clear by Harry's account that the gate was a pressure-mounted baby gate. The words, "placed there every morning" illustrate this. Permanent baby gates are just that--permanent. Now, with a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of the basement stairs, imagine the danger to a young toddler. Ayla was nineteen months old when she disappeared. Although children display significant variation in their physical development at that age, it is reasonably expected that Ayla would be climbing on things. My speculation is that Alya could very well have tried to climb the pressure-mounted baby gate to get to the basement where Justin, Curtney, and Ayden presumably were sleeping at the time of Ayla's disappearance. I understand that Phoebe DiPietro was on here previously to defend the 'furry boots' story. Now, my request is for Phoebe DiPietro herself to comment here and explain the location and type of gate that was used in her home during Ayla's stay. Thank you.
I agree 20:04, with your request for Phoebe to comment. Also, any insight into the morning events, I'd really appreciate. I think Phoebe's comments would be appreciated by all, IMO. Most of us are seeking to find out what happened to Ayla. I'd like to clear my mind of ANY family, maternal or paternal, having any involvement. Even an accident would be better than intentional. In other words, I have thought Ayla's paternal family was involved, but I would love to know they were not. I'm here seeking answers, in order to have a more open mind, into what happened.
I understand the "requests" for Phoebe to comment.
They are disingenuous. You don't want her to comment so that you can "understand" what happened or where she's coming from.
You want her to comment so that you can tear whatever she says apart. Be honest---there's no point in pretending, because most of us see right through you. See, the way I interpret your comment, you are saying that because you don't have the answers you want, your mind is basically closed. Who cares? You won't make or break this case.
You're not going to goad Phoebe into saying anything. IF she feels the need or desire to address something, then she will.
She has given LAW ENFORCEMENT the information she has, so please help me understand why she should divulge anything to you or anyone else on this blog? How is giving the information to a random blogger going to get her any closer to her granddaughter---when MSP has the same info and they have not found Ayla yet?
I am speaking for Phoebe. Not intentionally, and not with her permission, but I realize that's what I'm doing. If I'm out of line for saying any of this, I trust that someone will correct me.
And Anon 21:15, this comment is not directed totally at you but you got me on my soapbox.
I'm sorry you feel that way Obscure. Your feelings are not correct though. My mind is not closed. It was almost, but I decided I do not want it closed and it should not be, with so many unanswered questions.
Why do you think otherwise? You don't know me. Do you not want people keeping their minds open?
For sure M-I-M there have been some outrageous crimes against children that make no sense. Nothing is impossible. Crazy people do crazy things, but usually they get caught if they are that crazy.
I think Angela got her info from Heidi. Angela never spoke with Justin; didn't even know him. Anytime a story is passed through multiple people, it's bound to change. Add to that the typos and less than clear sentence arranging plus some spin, and that accounts for some of the various conflicting stories about the gate. Clearly, imo, the mention of the gate is significant in some way to this case.
Don't forget, the night of the disappearance there was someone that witnessed a very loud noise and also someone that saw a strange car. These things may or may not be pertinent. I think Ayla maybe was taken in that strange car. But then, we have to go back to asking why, what is the motive.
In many ways I do understand those in the house not granting interviews because it always backfires on the people the public think is guilty. On the other hand, I think if I were innocent I would so want to tell my story.
Not to sound like a broken record, but, if the "story" the DiPietro's told the police hasn't produced Ayla, I doubt if anything they might say on a blog will help. What it might do is make the DiPietro's seem less suspicious, if they were more forthcoming with at least the basic information of what happened that morning. The Smarts spoke out publicly, as did Jaycee Dugard's parents.
But if you have anything to hide? Keep your mouth shut.
In my mind, yes it did. Only because of what he said. I know, I know, that is your point. But, my point is, if they have nothing to hide, what does it matter? People who believe them will still believe them, and those that don't, well they are going to keep ripping on them, regardless.
You're right, they did speak up but both the father's were suspects in the cases, and it ruined Jaycee Dugards' stepfather's marriage and life. I think it goes to show that speaking up doesn't make you look less guilty. The good thing for the Smarts and Dugards is that their children came home and proved that LE can be quick to jump to what seems like the obvious conclusion. At least in the Smart's case LE did look at differing scenarios.
Had a major typo/grammatical awkwardness going on. I'll try again.
They can't please everybody. Everything they HAVE said has been ANALyzed, twisted, and distorted to fit a certain position. People have made things up for the sake of making them up. Why would Justin add to the confusion? As you can see, Trista has released a plethora of information, and to date, none of it has brought Ayla home.
Do the ends justify the means? We don't know---YET.
When you get right down to it, answering the public's nitpicky questions is NOT going to bring Ayla home. If information could be released that would bring Ayla home, why isn't LAW ENFORCEMENT releasing this information? Anything Justin could tell you, I'm sure MSP could too.
Nobody on any blog is going to interrogate Justin and Co. any more adequately than law enforcement did.
Not so fast. That some pretty sad circular reasoning there. LE has said for months Justin and co. haven't been telling them what they know. Why should we believe Justin has told everything he knows? LE can't release what he and the others haven't told them.
As far as why he should talk and answer public questions, it's pretty easy to see for most people and had nothing to do with guilt or innocence. He is Ayla's father and should be willing to do anything to shed any light on what happened to her if there's any chance of getting her back. What parent cares about bad publicity when their kid is missing?
The blood is a perfect example. No matter how much or how little there was, why didn't he speak out and state what happened that led to it being there? I would say the broken arm is different because what he said wasn't consistent with known facts. Had he explained the truth and the medical records supported his explanation, many people would probably believe him even if a few small details were confused.
In all honesty Justin doesn't need to inform the public of anything so you can have an "informed" opinion of him. The only discussions that truly need to take place are between him and LE and after several weeks of what I can only imagine as intense interrogation, he still didn't give them what they "wanted to hear". I think that in itself says a lot.
Lucifer, some of this may come down to how much you (in the generic sense) trust or mistrust LE. Without some evidence suggesting LE in question are corrupt or incompetent, I'd be loathe to conclude they have something they want to hear and are reacting to not hearing it. I think they want an explanation of events that makes some sort of sense and fits the physical facts they have established through forensics and other evidence.
Why would anyone "explain" a broken gate? Why not just throw away the gate or stash it at someone else's house? that is silly KJ. No one would need to explain a broken gate. they just would have removed it from the house. That is, if they were stupidly trying to hide an accidental death that was the result of a fall down the stairs. Which wouldn't make sense to do. But according to the loonies, they're convinced it was all concocted to have time to get rid of drugs and sober up. Okay. Going with that theory... so get rid of the fucking broken gate at the same time. :) Problem solved.
Assuming there was a broken gate, it screams "something violent happened here." baby gates typically don't break when you trip on them or accidentally knock them over because they are made to withstand those forces. The DiPietros may have just put the broken baby gate aside and not thought too much about it til the cops noticed it and started asking questions. Then they would have needed a benign-sounding explanation. Running into in a panic probably sounded safer than saying someone kicked it in a fit of rage.
Remember all the references to violence about this family including Lance kicking Linnell's head, Phoebe worrying about Justin and his friends kicking in doors... and someone mentioned a long time ago when E's photos were published one had evidence of wall repairs that looked like someone could have put a fist through the wall. And that doesn't take into account any of T's allegations about Justin hurting Ayla.
Lol, trust or mistrust - my ex was an officer who now works PI. Knowing my ex, I have to sidestep the trust altogether and rely on fact. I would be inclined to say that you and I are in a similar situation where we know the facts are few and the rest is left to imagination - hence the discussions.
I agree with you that I think they want something that is coherent, but sometimes things just don't make sense - suddenly chaos theory has relevance, its only a different perspective - even the law have to have imagination. However it seems that MR Steve lacks in that department.
Anyways, *I think* the only reason why things aren't coherent is because they are looking at their own theory TOO closely. If evidence pointed so hard in their one and only direction, we would've seen an arrest. This tells me that their evidence isn't 100% conclusive and therefore other theories should be looked at. I think you'll find this validated by the fact that it was an abduction until MSP stepped in. That in itself was an interesting change in direction and one way of saying that Waterville police were incompetent - hows that for trust?
Obscure, why is it that you think people should not ask questions of the dips in order to get facts but you ask the public what color justins sheets are? A blogger can say anything but that does not make it a fact so what is the point? Just trying to understand your reasoning.
Ah did know Justin when he was younger, but Justin likely didn't remember her. She was already an adult. What she's been clear about (and what anyone actually paying attention for the sake of understanding rather than for the sake of looking for ways to tear her and others around her apart) is that she is very close to the family Justin, Phoebe, Elisha,Courtney and the children went to stay with that Saturday night. She has been very clear -though it's nuts that she's had to repeatedly answer the questions. She talked to Heidi every day most days for over a decade. The day Justin and family arrived she was thrown into the situation with them from a distance and it consumed her life for many weeks. Why? Because her best friend was trying to help a family pick up the pieces of their life while a storm continued to rage aroind them with no sign of stopping. Angela and Heidi and their families happen to be the kind of folks who are often referred to as "kid people". They have big hearts. All of them. They are the kind to open their hearts, homes, and oftentimes wallets when others are in need. Angela made clear the facts about how she came to have any conversations with Justin. People who want to make her and her family villains in this charade they call "a fight for justice" have opted to call her truths mere lies. And everyone saw how she tried to fight with the entity best described as a poisonous "virtual" snake filled with blind malice. She stood firm, answered her hecklers with truh and a clear voice (if somewhat wordy ;). She explained that at some point she was compelled to pass along her prayers etc. personally over the phone. This resulted in a variety of kinds of conversations. Some short and prayerful and others longer and intended to let him process things. Some people have a "counselor" type of nature and she's one of them. That is why they spoke and eventually she felt like she had to do something more than be supportive and pray. The website is what she came up with. She thought it would help spread awareness. And while she was surprised at the route it took, that certainly did happen. She accepts that the ugliness she's faced from people is a part of the price paid to continue the conversations and media coverage...even if they existed only because certain people would rather engage in attack dialogue than in open minded conversation that does not attempt to express giftedness in the imaginary art of knowing without knowledge.
@Anoymous23:22 Why would we be assuming there was a broken gate? Has anyone said there was a broken gate? LE? Anyone? So now we are just going to start adding facts to this story and build from there? And try to figure out what happened based on made up facts that we have assumed? Wait am I on Tori's page?
“I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
"You can say I was sort of naive for the first few weeks. I just thought that Ayla was going to be home.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/ayla-reynolds-missing-maine-toddlers-father-justin-dipietro-15320366 Interestingly this reporter does state that Phoebe informed them she was not in the home that evening. As Phoebe does say she clarified to the reporter right after the interview.
“I will not make accusations or insinuations towards anyone until the police have been able to prove who’s responsible for this.” dad Justin DiPietro said in a statement released by police in Waterville, Maine.
she's my daughter. she's my child. she's everything to me.
Above are a few quotes from Justin. He may not say as much as Trista but when he does speak it is simple and to the point. I find it interesting that people say he does not answer to any questions. His quotes above answer so much. He has answered many times and addressed several questions. People simply choose not to listen.
Truth be told, That is exactly why I said, "All of this speculation on my part." I have no idea why anyone else does anything. The mention of the baby gate was in Angela's story, so people are bound to analyze it. If it wasn't important, why put it in the Justin timeline written by Angela? It must have seemed important to someone at the time. - KJ
Or it was just a writer being descriptive. And doing just that describing a dad coming upstairs and tripping over a baby gate in his haste to get to his daughters bedroom.
i love this post....I have continued to believe it was a known person abduction. In my theory it was A. Someone known to the family and the layout of the home, woulld have had access and would have been up or in the area possibly that night,, and B. would have needed motive and balls who? oh who does that point to? My own personal theory, Conspiracy between Justin Linnell and Jessica Reynolds with a little Trista added in.
Could there have been a person that had expressed they would like to have a child like Ayla, and had been in the home? That would explain Justin's statement about the person thinking they had done something right for Ayla, but they were not her parent and had no right to her.
Has anyone checked out this web site? Im not tech savy but the concept sounds possible. Would greatly appreciate opinions regarding the possibility of this being capable of helping in missing persons cases. Thanks
It's not just the baby gate that needs clarification. It is the morning events, in entirety.
This is my understanding, as of now, after the story had been revised by Angela AND others input (truth be told). (I'm not saying she is lying, just what she said. Clarification of the true actual events would be much appreciated though):
Everyone went to bed.
Then --->
At 10:00 someone then (got up and) checked on Ayla (after everyone went to bed, per her story).
At 8:00 everyone in the house started waking up and realizing their world was turned upsidedown.
Then --->
At about 8:30, Elisha got up (and was actually the first one up, even though everyone was waking up at 8:00).
Elisha put the gate in place.
Courtney got up and "stepped" over the gate.
Courtney discovered Ayla was not in her room.
Courtney rushed downstairs, "stepping" back over the gate, to see if Ayla was actually down there and wake up Justin.
Justin rushed upstairs and knocked over the gate, that Courtney so easily stepped over 2 times.
I really wish someone could clarify what actually happened. Someone said in the previous post, that maybe they don't fully remember. Maybe collectively, it might seem like a big confusing mess, but each person would surely remember what exactly they did, on the morning that Ayla was missing from her bed.
Obscure doesn't see the importance of the baby gate but some of us think it might have some importance. Angela Harry had 2 versions of the baby gate issue before it was gone entirely and Selena has a convenient assumption, her thoughts, her ideas about the baby gate that she's hoping people will buy into as much as she qualifies it as only being her 'thoughts'. So while Obscure is thinking the gate doesn't matter, two of the biggest supporters of the DiPietros have gone out of their way to make sense of the issue of the gate. Seems to me the gate might be important.
Angela Harry gives the most complete picture of the hours surrounding Ayla's disappearance but then it disappears. The Reynolds family slowly comes out with more damning damage control about Trista's activities in the hours surrounding Ayla's disappearance. Ain't none of them doing anything to help themselves, they all look suspicious.
So here I am, thinking they all look suspicious. From there I get to narrow it down to motive and opportunity. Or maybe there was no motive and it was a terrible accident, involving a baby gate and people who panicked in dealing with it.
I agree, for it to mentioned, it must be significant--most of us would probably assume the house would have some type of gate with 2 toddlers. Was it mentioned to illustrate how panicked Justin was, or for another reason?
I agree 20:02 and Animal Crackers. It's funny how some things seem important to one person and not so much to another. That doesn't make the concern right or wrong.
One thing for sure (I think anyway), LE would be able to tell which way the gate came down, if at all, possibly by the gate itself and maybe scuffs on the doorway.
Trista's drug use has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Jessica's children being taken away has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Justin's previous wrist injury has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Courtney's college degree and work ethic has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Bob Vear's pedophilia has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Do I need to keep going, or is the point apparent?
*This is just my opinion. I'm not saying it's any more valid than anyone else's.*
Angela ONLY clarified the gate story after people made a big deal about it. I am almost certain that when she wrote it, she didn't intend to confuse or mislead. I honestly don't think she did. When you read her blog, you knew you were getting second, if not third, hand information.
Angela may not have been knowledgeable enough about what actually happened to be able to confuse or mislead even if she wanted to. I agree she probably had no intention of doing either. But what she did try to do was persuade IMO and she put together a story that was so contrived, how could anyone help but question it? Then she changed her story while saying she wasn't changing it, only clarifying.
BTW in all likelihood it wasn't the gate questions that got the story changed. That was linked contextually to the identification of Elisha as the person who "discovered" Ayla not in her room. The gate was sort of incidental to changing the identity of that person to Courtney, IMHO. Elisha had been upstairs the whole time but to make Courtney the key player, she had to come upstairs as far as where the bedroom was (i.e. past the gate) and then return downstairs (past the gate again) to speak to Justin (because they were too polite to yell downstairs in their panicked state, I'm sure. The difference between truth and fiction is often revealed through such details. Someone telling the story (not necessarily Angela, perhaps whoever supplied her information) was so focused on outcome, maybe forgot that the drama of Justin knocking down the gate would mean Courtney would have to have stepped over it twice or removed it and put it back up to pass by in an emergency situation.
Thanks anon 2304--it's the context the gate was mentioned, not simply that it was just mentioned. It was an unnecessary detail, even for 2nd or 3rd hand info. And Obscure, some of the examples you mentioned could be relevant as well in their own way-- directly or indirectly.
I would agree with you that yes many details mentioned could be unnecessary. And although Angela has stated that she was putting her site up for awareness and I believe she was it is clear to me that she also tends to be a lengthy writer in general and often ,no offence MS Harry, tends to goes on and yes add non relevant details in her writings as writers do.
And Mrs Harry has many times since February or earlier stated exactly that, anon. That she wasn't thinking it was relevant to "the case". That she is wordy especially when her emotions are engaged and that she had heard the detail and felt a tug at her own heart. It had been a tangible little thing that translated the feeling of the moment *to her* and therefore she included it. She's been nothing but clear on that point. And she didn't change the story or version of events. I have a screen shot of both. The first is vague and doesn't say who went down the stairs. Was it an overlooked detail? Probably. If you could put yourself in her shoes she has expressed that for those many early weeks she was running on empty. Working on things late in the night, keeping her life and job and kids in order while being on call as a friend at all hours and also searching the internet for answers or to research how to help. It's really not hard to accept one simple, uncomplicated correction. Newspapers and bloggers do it daily and yet she's been entrenched in a battle for her reputation online over that ever since. The revision included her understanding that the house hadn't gotten worked up until Elisha -already awake - had spoken something or other to Courtney -just coming up to the restroom upon waking- and the two of them apparently realized there was possibly a problem. The big irony here is that Angela often mentions (good humoredly) that she tries to edit and cut back her typing/writing what have you. And clearly this whole SNAFU has occurred due to what looks like a decision to cut the fat with the "who walked where and said what to who" dynamic in that one long ago post.
@ Obscure.....So totally agree about the importance of those facts...Lets add another one that seemingly nobody but me has mentioned... Justin Linnell was arrested exactly 1 week before Ayla disappearence for Disorderly conduct at his College Ave apartment.That location is minutes from the DiPietro home. What does this say about Justin Linnell? Considering the PFA that was in effect that probably indicated no drinking. I would say alot. Does anyone think he would have an agenda against Justins family?
In the blog "My Challenge to YOU" - Obscure asked people to post theories. Since I don't claim to *know* what happened to Ayla, I posted 3 very different scenarios. One of them involved Ayla falling down the stairs. I understood Selena's comment as saying she believes that couldn't/didn't happen.
The girls could not get out of their room on their own. Selena is correct. Like in many homes whether because a child is in a crib, there is a gate at the door to the room or the door to the child's room is closed and the child can not open it the same is true for their room they could not get out on their own. They needed an adult to come and get them. Hope that helps.
The gate did block the way to a child getting to the the stairway but it was not directly in front of the stairs where it could have been dangerously pushed down if pushed over. Ayla knocking it over would not have caused her to fall down the stairs only would have caused a loud noise.
That could very well be true. I'm not trying to be oppositional, just different thoughts/ideas. There comes a time when toddlers figure thing out. There is a 1st time for everything. Could Ayla have figured out how to open her door? Same with the crib. Even though Ayla wasn't in a crib, so it doesn't even fit into the scenario, but most toddlers end up figuring out how to "escape" their crib.
Just because the gate may not have been at the top of the stairs, there still could possibly have been an accident with the stairs (the gate wasn't even in place at night anyway, supposedly). Plus as stated above, Selena gave her thoughts and opinions on the gate, she stated that, not 100% fact.
The gate, night and morning events are important. How could they not be?
Many things, of course are important, it's just that this was brought up, and does stick out to be important, in my mind.
Anon 20:40, unfortunately it doesn't "help" because you are posting anonymously. What you are posting is hearsay. For what it's worth, my three year old has been opening doors since he was 12 months old. Also, we don't don't for sure if Ayla's "disappearance" occurred that night or even the day before.
20:49, apparently the gate wasn't even up in the middle of the night. But... Lets pretend it was - Do we know exactly how far away from the stairs it would be? If it was pushed over some how by Ayla/climbing, could she have then also stumbled and tripped on the fallen gate, causing a fall down the stairs? Just a thought... So many things could have happened.
@Anonymous 20:53 The thing is that it does not matter who says what until whoever has Ayla returns her no one is going to believe anything. The Dipietro's are not Anon and they said that Ayla was taken that night. See what I mean?
Yes Kim, I do see what you mean. Thank you. I would, at least, feel more comfortable hearing some hard, basic, true facts from any of the DiPietro's, any of the ones commenting here. Any comments that they could put their 100% guarantee on, and not just opinion, would open my mind up a little. That's all. Like Phoebe saying it was not her that morning on Cool St., at least she came out and said so, once and for all. Whether anyone believes her or not, at least her statement is out there.
@Anonymous 20:53 So if I post my name is it then not hearsay? Aren't I still an unknown to you? Just some friend who has information because I know the family, has been to their home maybe. How would my name mean anything to you? How would that make my words not hearsay? Anyway for what its worth yes some doors can be opened by a toddler I agree but theirs could not. And you may not know for sure Ayla's disappearance occurred that night but they do.
I always closed the door to my kids room after they were safely asleep in their cribs, and this was before baby monitors. If they can't open the door on their own, chances are they can't get out of a crib on their own. Why wouldn't you close the door to a room? As long as it isn't locked, I don't see a problem. We closed the doors because of noise and light.
I agree about pinning kids in their rooms with baby gates. That is just lazy parenting.
I went off on a tangent, sorry. I don't think she/he was talking about Ayla particularly; I'm saying why would you do those things to ANY child? What if they need to get out of the room? You've blocked them in, and I don't like the thought of that.
Grace, you just never know. Kids do amazing things. Climbing out of a crib may or may not go hand in hand with opening a door. Climbing, I would guess, would be more easily done for some kids. Opening a door requires different motor skills and hand coordination. You just never know.
Once the kids could climb out of the crib they went into a bed with a railing. We didn't have toddler beds in those days. Once that happened, we would leave the door open a crack after they went to sleep. I have awoken to many a "loud" crash or noise because of a curious toddler, but usually they just go looking for mommy and daddy, and ended up in our room.
You are right however, if they could get around but couldn't open the bedroom door, we did not shut them in.
My 16 month old is a challenge. She knows how to open the front door (we keep it looked at all times) as well as the internal doors and can climb out of her crib. She also monitors the kitchen to see who leaves the latches off the cupboard doors and is in them within milliseconds. She's even managed to pull a glass jug and smash it which left a 3-4mm cut on the top of her little toe that bled on a face washer, hand towel, the floor and my clothes all without losing consciousness let alone looking completely unfazed by the whole ordeal. I would've said that my little girl bled "more than a small cut would produce" but I'm not the authority in cup measurements.
Obscure I think many parents close the door to their children's rooms. Especially when they are babies. I always closed my kids doors when they were little especially as babies and no they could not open the door. But yes I could always hear them if they needed me. Both through a baby monitor and because I was close by. I think for me the difference is when the child was old enough to navigate and get up on their own then I left the door open. But even in the case of a fire for an example I would not want the baby trying to escape on their own. Scary. They could go or do something dangerous. I would want to go to them and get them out safe. Now as soon as my kids were old enough I taught them what to do. Just trying to give a different perspective.
I agree--that is crazy to block a child's exit from their own bedroom! Btw, we never used cribs at all. Our babies slept with us until abou three years of age. Our previous house had stairs; we installed permanent metal gates with the walk through feature at both the top and bottom of the stairs--never in the bedroom doorway.
anon,00:50, that's awesome for you that you did that. We were in a home that we rented and didn't own and didn't have options like that, nor did we have excess cash. So we put the normal gates where we knew it would do the most good to protect our kids. You can't know everyone's situation. You don't know the layout of people's houses. Mine didn't have a place I could have put a pressure mounted gate other than my kids doorway. It was 7 feet from my door and I also had a monitor turned all the way up. Some people do what they can do and what they have to do. My children are all grown, healthy, and happy and productive. Despite my not having metal gates installed professionally anywhere, and despite my not doing everything the way anyone else did. I was careful and consistent and loving and really that's the best we can do. I hate judgy know it all people.
Anyway, the Dipietros didn't have a gate in front of the babies door so it has nothing to do with the issue at hand. It's dumb to be putting this much weight on an issue that the Dipietros didn't even put out there. This all came from one 3rd party retelling the piecemeal view of the morning's events that she had. She made clear many times over that she was misquoted about "talking to Justin every day" and says that while it didn't ultimately matter, she wanted to correct that newspaper and say that she was in contact with "them" often, or most days- meaning Justin and her family who were letting Justin and family live there while theirs was being investigated. She has also stated many times over that she wasn't asked to make the website or write the stuff she did, and that other than asking the general statement "is it okay if I put what I have heard on a website I'm making to try to get more awareness?"..she didn't run a single thing by them. Fact is that people are all hyped up about this gate and really no one in the Dipietro family intentionally put it out there in the first place. Or asked anyone to.
Tully, sorry to burst your bubble--my home was a rental too. As for "metal gates installed professionally anywhere", I installed my own "normal" gates. The metal gates I installed are the same gates found at Babies R Us stores everywhere--inexpensive. If you truly hate judgmental people, I suggest that you take a good look in the mirror....
One other thing, (I am the one who posted the Anonymous00:50 comment), I do not personally have a problem with closing the door to a child's room AT ALL. My reaction was to Obscure's comments regarding BLOCKING the exit from a child's room with a baby gate in the doorway. I can understand an extreme situation--as was described--but in general my opinion is that a baby gate should not be used in the doorway to a child's room. That is just my OPINION, nothing else. Just as some people have their opinion that babies should sleep in cribs and not with their parents, and may not agree with me. I understand that many people do things differently than myself. Some people think that it is yucky to use cloth diapers because you have to wash them; I disagree and would never put a disposable diaper on my child, (which, by the way add up in cost to be more expensive than baby gates). The same thing goes with breastfeeding, (which I chose to do), versus bottle feeding, and the list goes on. There are MANY inexpensive wood and metal gates available in the mainstream market designed to accommodate the various designs of homes whether they are rentals or not. But, to make the comment, "I hate judgy know it all people," just illustrates a very defensive attitude and just plain disrespect for others--in my opinion. Okay, I am going to step down now. Cheers!
i am not against closing a childs door but then again my son is still in a crib and cant climb out. i wouldnt really like the idea of shutting him in a room alone if he wasnt in his crib so i guess i understand that argument. i think i have decided to just never live in a house with stairs with a baby period. that thought makes me uneasy.
Anonymous 20:44, that was exactly why I used metal gates approved for stair use at the top and bottom of the stairs when I rented a two-story home for two years when my third child was a baby. The stairs were a huge concern for me, but I was going through a divorce with three children at the time, attending college, (taking classes online because I would not leave my children with anyone), struggling financially, and I had the opportunity to move out of a tiny two bedroom apartment into a three bedroom, two-story duplex that was very decent and reasonably priced. I am happy to now live in a one story ranch and not have to deal with stairs. But, my three year old son, (fourth and last child), is an escape artist. We have a special bolt for the garage door and the front and back doors of the house that we use at nighttime when everyone is asleep.
I don't think it matters who believes what. What matters is that people are posting. Keeping her story alive. Sharing different views. Whether everyone agrees or not it is good to see all the views and I believe the more eyes the better. Maybe someone will see something that someone else or even LE missed.
wow- Obscure was mad!I nearly always agree with you Obscure,but it seems I'm going to be on your bad side on this case.I think it's important to know your child, know your house, know your situation and make the best decision.For you that might seem insane to either close the door or put a gate in front of a door.For me,I think of when my two oldest were just about a few months old and 2years old.I struggled with the issue.My layout of my house put them in harms way if the toddler wandered out at night without my being awake. If she got up and wandered it was danger city and as sleep deprived as I was I didn't need any more sleeplessness over being worried where she'd go if my light sleeper of a toddler woke up and didn't come straight to my room. That one? She was one to march to the beat of her own drummer and no she did not beeline straight for our room when she woke up like all the subsequent kids did.One of the things she was known to do as soon as her sibling was born was throw things at baby,or pinch her. The behavior was entirely unaffected by behavioral intervention.Sadly, though this daughter was incredibly loved and nurtured and never in any way abused, she acted out in frightening ways.We worked hard to get her counseling and all that she needed to turn it around. But at that time the reality was that (1) mom absolutely had to sleep at night and was deeply sleep deprived and physically and emotionally depleted. (2) baby had to be protected from older sibling, who was a light sleeper and not a late sleeper and may well wake up before mom and head into baby's room. (3) Toddler had shown she might explore the house on her own and put herself in danger if she woke up first. I had monitors in both rooms but needed to put up a physical barrier. Crazy? I guess. but that's real life. You don't know everyone's situation. And my layout of my hallways didn't offer a place to put a gate and keep her safe other than her open doorway, which was about 7 feet from my open door as I slept. I certainly thought about the possibility that it was potentially dangerous in it's own way. cost benefit analysis. Had to be done. Afforded me sleep, afforded safety for all. My smoke detectors were in good working order, burglar alarm was on and monitored, and my baby monitors allowed me to hear the tiniest peep from either one. I didn't have the extending, more complicated gates to use. If I'd known they existed then (not sure they did) I probably couldn't have afforded them anyway. Anyway, WHY are we arguing about a baby gate? Obviously the reason it was mentioned in the first place was that the whole morning was relayed to a friend/family member who then decided to put up a website to try to gain help for a missing little girl. Someone mentioned the running up the stairs part, the panic or fear or whatever was being felt at that moment, and she thought it illustrated that to someone randomly coming across the website to read about the circumstances of this missing little toddler. It only became important when a bunch of people who allow themselves and everyone else to be wrong, make wrong statements and assumptions... jumped on her and demanded that she have the sworn testament version of everything posted on her website. Whatever. Obviously way too much pressure was put on her, she's made clear that the attacking is overblown and stupid because she herself said right at the beginning that she was a 3rd party relaying what she understood- not an involved person in the actual event. And the more she stood up for herself and denounced the lying about her the more she was attacked. There's the human race in all it's glory for ya. Full of hateful you-know-what's who don't give a damn about rightness or fairness but just want something to run their traps about.
You're definitely not on my bad side, we just see the baby gate placement issue differently. I agree, totally, that arguing about the baby gate in general is pointless. You have valid points, I acknowledge and respect them.
The problem I see with all this is that there was no baby monitor. . . . in a sound proof basement. . . . when a baby was sleeping alone upstairs???? anyone else feel this is being irresponsible????? What makes anyone think that the people here would have been responsible with a baby gate????
Maybe Selena can shed some light on this. I believe she at one time posted that the cellar was soundproof and you couldn't hear anything that went on upstairs. . . I will look for the post. . .Selena can you shed some light on this?
@Anonymous8:03 Who ever said the baby was sleeping alone upstairs? Pretty sure I have read that Gabby & Ayla's room is across the hall from Elisha's and Phoebe's.
I agree baby monitors are great but good old fashioned ears are better. And I am pretty sure that is how parents for hundreds of years heard their children. And do we even know for sure they did not have one?
Not sure if they had one. . . it was my belief that Ayla was in a room by herself and that Gabby was sleeping with her mom that night. . . it was said that, yes Gabby and Ayla shared a room but on this night Ayla was put in a room by herself and not the normal room that she slept in. . .
I would say that if I was sleeping in the basement I would make sure I had a baby monitor if my baby was going to be sleeping on another floor. . .
Maybe Selena can shed some light on this subject, I believe she has in the past.
If there was a monitor wouldn't you hear if someone went in the baby's room and abducted her????? This is why the Dips should speak up. . . so many questions. If they can explain maybe the public would start to sway their beliefs but as long as they stay silent the public will believe what LP is saying. . .which is "the adults in the house are not telling everything they know" This is a little precious baby girl we are talking about. . .won't someone come forward and give us the truth? Someone has to know something. Why would you put your baby in a room, by herself, with no monitor, and sleep on a different floor if you were worried someone would take her? Please explain this to me.
How is swaying the public's belief's going to find Ayla. You won't believe what Selena has to say, or Phoebe, or anyone else in the family.
"..won't someone come forward and give us the truth? " Do you think something will be told to you that wasn't told to the police? Do you think you will solve this case if you know who first discovered Ayla was missing, where the gate was located, who last checked on Ayla, etc. etc.? (Geesh, it makes you wonder how anybody ever raised a child, before monitors! Sarcasm, of course.)
I do not believe Phoebe or Selena need to answer any of your questions. You just want more fodder to feed your "Justin-did-it" frenzy.
If that is not true, then tell me why Trista has continually contradicted everything she has previously stated, (and she has said a lot!), yet you have no questions for her. Don't you find it odd that her story keeps changing, that months after something comes out she suddenly has more to say about it.
@getreal - "Why is only one parent being scrutinized here." - I'm assuming you are speaking just to anon 949 - because we've certainly been scrutinizing Trista for months.
I'm just tired of people trying to get info out of the Dipietro's, just to tear their statements apart. "..won't someone come forward and give us the truth? " Well, I guess if that happened we'd know where Ayla was. If someone believes Justin killed Ayla how will these types of questions help "sway" their opinion. Is this person saying that if the public changes their opinion, that LE will also? (Besides the fact, they apparently pick and choose what they want to believe.)
In that post I wasn't talking about Trista or to Trista. So are you saying if I have questions for the Dips I can't come to this blog????? And, the reason I have asked these questions is because they are good questions and as far as baby monitors go, it was said that you couldn't hear anything downstairs, what is you take on why he would put Ayla in a room upstairs by herself when he was worried someone was going to come take her. I just don't understand and was hoping to get an explanation or some sort of explanation to make it make sense to me. . . since I can't get that I will continue to believe that they are not saying everything they know and I can see why LP would not believe their story. . .
Furthermore, I wouldn't ask Trista questions on this blog because she wouldn't answer. . .
I'm just asking for clarification and I guess I am not going to get it here.. . . Time will tell and I'm anxious to get my answers.
As a mother, I would never had made the careless decisions it seems that were made. . . JMO
anon 12:01 - Your opinion is made, as per your last statement. I don't know anymore than you do. Please, get a backbone. BTW Have you questioned Trista on any other blogs?
I can hear noises across the hall from my bedroom down the halls in those bedrooms and many other places in my house. What people do not seem to be getting here is that you can only hear something if there is a noise to be heard. So yes if a child makes a noise across the hall you can hear it and go get them or meet their needs. But if a kidnapper comes in and makes no noise because lets face it they are probably smart enough to make no noise than there is no noise to be heard.
I have questioned Trista, and I have received answers, I am not sure if the answers are true or false, but I feel at least there was an effort made to answer questions had. Do I trust or believe anything I read on the internet. .. no. I am just curious as to what the answers might be if answered. I had no doubt that my questions would not be answered here. . I was giving it a shot. I received the response that I thought I would. No problem.
I do not believe that Justin was worried that someone would take Ayla. I think that what happened is that Trista and her family threatened to take Ayla many times from him maybe even used the words kidnap her. But I believe Justin never took that seriously. Who would. I mean who really thinks someone would ever really do such a thing? Or that it could happen to their child? I believe the Reynolds have shown themselves to be very volatile people and he was so used to them screaming and saying these types of things to him that he just chalked it up to more of their usual empty threats. And then when Ayla was actually taken in hindsight he realized immediately that he should have taken it seriously. I believe that morning he may have said that exact thing in his 911 call. That is my thought.
Who are you asking your questions to? Selena wasn't there when Ayla went missing. Phoebe has commented twice on this site. Do you really think your couriosity deserves an answer from Phoebe, or any Dipietro? They've talked with LE, why do they need to answer to you?
So, you ask questions to Trista, and she answered you?
She has on a couple of occasions and on other occasions a family member of hers has. . . At least they are talking. And to tell you the truth, I believed their answers much more than I believe the silence I have heard from the people who were actually responsible for Ayla at the time she "disappeared". My honest opinion is that I don't buy the abduction theory because it has yet to be explained to me in a sensible, plausible manner. I don't consider myself to be unintelligent and I feel that some people on this blog think they are dealing with unintelligent people. JMO
Please share with us your answers to questions from Trista. What family member has answered your questions, Jeff? If you are so adamant on the Dipietro family answering questions, why not share with us your questions and answers with Trista.
Anonymous 12:01, just the fact that you refer to the DiPietro family as "the Dips" shows your disrespect & obvious bias. Perhaps if you show some respect & kindness, they might consider answering your questions.
I don't understand how people can type out big long theories but cant bother with typing their full last name. Their last name is dipietro. did it just catch on because people cant spell. if so I guess i can understand that. Its just uncommon to take someones last name and change it to become easier.... do you call mcdonalds mc's or dominos doms. what about president obamas family. do you call them the obs? I dont see tristas family referred to as the reys or hans. it doesnt make sense.
Using the term "Dips" is an automatic signal to me that the person typing is either ignorant, childish, or both. When one of the idiots figured out that shortening their name was also an insult, the rest of them ran with it, and even came up with their own variations.
Anonymous 1:17. There is nothing wrong with believing Trista. That is your perogative. You say that at least Trista "talks and answers questions." That is not a sign of innocence, nor is the DiPietros' silence a sign of guilt. Frankly, Trista has made some off-the-wall remarks. I kept wondering "why the hell would she say THAT?" Honestly, the more Trista talked, the more suspicious I became of her.
The reason...Li more than likely mentioned the baby gate was thats Li's big brother and it surprised her that he was going so fast he jumped it.Obscure is absolutely right. Phoebe doesnt have to answer any of your questions.I really cant say that there has been a time that I have disagreed with Obscure at all...ever.....oops wait!!! wait!!!! I dont think you should explain yourself to some of these people either. This is a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. The lives of several people are involved here.They owe you NOTHING for an investigation. They have made themselves available to MSP, FBI, WTVL PD. These are the people they owe explanations to. They have given everything they know and can think of to tell to these people whether or NOT those people believe them or not....Now I have rattled on and dont know what my point was...oh...yes...Obscure is spot on 99% of the time in the assessment of how I feel about most of this crap...
BTW....anyone seen S. around anywhere??? ((((S.))))
"The reason...Li more than likely mentioned the baby gate was thats Li's big brother and it surprised her that he was going so fast he jumped it."
Huh?? I thought that it was Angela Harry who described the baby gate in her story that was relayed to her from Justin. Did Elisha mention the baby gate too?
To Selena: Didn't you state in the past that the basement was soundproof. . you couldn't hear anything down there because of the furnace? If thats the case why would they leave Ayla upstairs in a room alone? Especially when Justin feared she would be taken? Can you answer this?
You know. Him being worried someone might take her can go different ways. 1. Being premeditation. 2. Being that he was her father. (I worry daily someone might take my child) it could be a sign he is a good father. 3. Maybe something had recently happened. Its not like investigative details could be released. But my real question to everyone is why wasnt it alarming to trista. Why didn't she seem really concerned for ayla. She let things continue as they were and it doesn't really sound as though she questioned much why he felt that way. If my husband expressed concern for my sons well being and safety you better believe I would be right there and wouldn't leave his side. Where was Trista? Shouldn't she have already had reasons to feel the need to protect ayla. But she has made comments about how she thought Justin was taking good care of her and she was better off there. She is constantly contradicting herself.
"Why didn't she seem really concerned for ayla." According to the e-mails, if true, it was Trista's family threatening to "steal" Ayla. That was the reason for Justin's text to Trista. Yes, "She is constantly contradicting herself." Why?
I still don't understand why she was upstairs alone and he was downstairs with Courney and her son. . . I can't wrap my head around that being okay. No matter who was making threats, they were threats. . .
Let me try to explain the way I see it. Maybe Courtney's son is used to sleeping with her. From what I have seen ayla slept in a crib almost always. I have never seen anywhere where anyone has said she slept with her mom or dad. And elishas daughter sleeps with her sometimes. Maybe ayla just isn't used to sleeping with people. My son has never slept in my bed. There have been times especially recently that he has woken up in the middle of the night that I have tried to get him to lay down with me. I don't think he understands what I want and he just starts jumping around playing. Maybe ayla was the same way. When they are used to sleeping in a crib you typically put them to sleep in their crib. Now it does kind of make me wonder why there were no moniters but its my understanding that its a small house and Elishas room is close enough to hear them. And it makes me realize there might just be no need. We didn't buy them until my son was sleeping a good distance from our room.
Ayla was not upstairs alone. I suppose there would be all sorts of stories if Courtney's son was in a room with Ayla. You people are ridiculous! You will never be satisfied by anything said.
"No matter who was making threats, they were threats. . .", so I guess you realize Trista's family was making the threats?
My son sleeps alone in his own room. I don't know what you are getting at. Though now that I think about it ayla may have slept with someone at some point since it seems there might not have always been a stable home. Not a fact. Just a thought. 3 people in a bed is a lot. 4 is even more. It doesn't strike me as odd Courtney's son was sleeping with them and ayla wasn't. Are you trying to prove that it shows favoritism or disregard to ayla? Courtney's son didn't have a bed or room to sleep in. And maybe he always sleeps with her. You may be trying to look too deep into things. There was an adult upstairs in a all house. Its not like she was sleeping alone in a house across the street. Please.
They can only see things from the point of view everything Justin did was malicious towards ayla. Why disrupt a baby from their normal sleep habits because your gf and her baby stay the night?
And I don't understand why you would say she wasn't alone, she was in a room that she didn't normally sleep in and she was alone in that room. . . Why was she in a room she didn't normally sleep in? And how did the kidnapper know which room she was in???? Someone help me here I want to understand. .
i dont see how you say she was alone upstairs. its a small house. elisha and gabby were upstairs. therefore not alone. willing to bet if ayla sneezed elisha could have heard it. was she in a room she didnt normally sleep in? i love how people try to put themselves in the shoes of a kidnapper like they can understand how they work. they are already doing something extremely stupid but you are giving them the benefit of the doubt. people dont rob houses knowing exactly what they will find most of the time. some things are just a crime of opportunity. i am not a kidnapper or burgular. therefore i dont know how their minds work. what makes you think they knew what room she was in. maybe they went in every room and found her. maybe they came right in through the front door. no signs of forced entry on the windows. and they couldnt be opened from the outside. i dont know what happened to her. i just dont see why you are upset about her being put to sleep in a bed in a room in the house. its not like the was put to sleep on the front/ back porch....
I'm confused about Ayla's sleeping arrangement, and I think this may be yet another thing that has gotten twisted. Hopefully, we can all get on the same page.
Where I think the confusion (for me) lies is this statement that Ayla was in a bed where she doesn't usually sleep. Based on information I've read, this isn't true. Ayla, when staying at the Dipietro's, always slept in a bedroom shared with Gabby. Tell me if I am correct here. The night she disappeared, she was in that same room. Isn't that correct? If this is not correct, then what was her normal bedroom?
I don't see a thing wrong with Ayla sleeping upstairs with Justin, Courtney, and Aiden downstairs. However, this comment about Elisha being able to hear Ayla sneeze would mean that Elisha should have been able to hear the intruder take Ayla.
I have 3 adult children as a matter of fact and they slept with their bedroom doors open all on the same floor as mine and I checked on them before I went to bed at night. Well if Elisha would have heard Ayla sneeze you would think she would have heard an intruder who didn't know the floor plan walk all through the house . . . .like I said before. . this story doesn't make any sense to me.
true. had there been noise. like the comment above. if there is no noise to be heard then there is no noise to be heard. thats what i'm confused about to. its my understanding that she was in her and gabbys bedroom in her bed. i know at one point it was being said she was asleep in like pheobes bedroom but from my understanding she was in her bedroom. gabby was sleeping with elisha. i see no harm there. maybe she just wanted some extra cuddle time. i dont see why there is so much emphasis on the fact that justin and courtney had courtneys son in bed with them and not ayla. really where is the significance. unless you are trying to say see he didnt care about her blah blah. it doesnt throw any red flags here.
my son sleeps at the opposite end of the house. we keep his door closed most nights. we also play a waterfall sound in his room because it helps him sleep. since he is so far away we have baby moniters. does this give red flags to you as far as my parenting? closing a door is a good idea when you have others sleeping over so little sounds dont wake sleeping babys in the middle of the night. not everyone is so lucky with floor plans to have their childrens bedrooms right next to theirs on the same floor. there was an adult on the same floor and i think they were very responsible with the sleeping arrangements. and i will admit that there has been a night or 2 where we havent checked on my son. i'm sure 9/10 parents will admit the same.
also i want to add that if there were stairs in my house i would probably keep my sons bedroom door closed always. in the off chance he decides its the night to learn to climb out of his crib and try to climb over a baby gate i'd want a door there to stop him too. i cant say for certain if ayla was in a crib or toddler bed. some kids start climbing out and are moved to a toddler bed earlier than others. but if she could climb out or was in a toddler bed theres another reason to shut the door. speaking of which... was her door shut? do you know this?
@Anonymous15:43 There is a big difference between a child sneezing and waking you up and them crying out. One is a small noise that is over in an instant. The other is louder and goes on and on usually. But seriously it is silly to have to explain that. And again she obviously did not hear an intruder because the intruder did not make noise. This we at least know can happen all the time. People's homes are broken into and they are not woken up by the sound of the intruders. Sadly it happens all the time.
Ayla's sleeping arrangements have gotten confused. It has been stated that she was not sleeping in her normal room. I believe McCausland even stated it. However what I have seen written is that upstairs was Ayla's normal room. She slept in her and her cousin Gabby's room. She had been sleeping downstairs for a few weeks after she had broken her arm so that her dad could keep a closer eye on her until her arm healed but since her arm was pretty much healed she had just moved back up to her own bedroom. (Her normal room). Perhaps that is where the confusion lies because she had not been sleeping in her room for a couple weeks.
@Lisa - "She had been sleeping downstairs for a few weeks after she had broken her arm so that her dad could keep a closer eye on her until her arm healed but since her arm was pretty much healed she had just moved back up to her own bedroom."
there was similar discussion up there that makes me think the door wasnt closed. though i dont see a problem with doors being closed either way but maybe you want to read up there. in the end i'm just getting at i dont think ayla was abused or neglected or there was any wrong doings in sleeping arrangements that night. hopefully ayla is found soon. its been too long.
@ GetRealPeople. Addressing your 10:58 post. There probably are some people that only want fodder to hang Justin et al. That's not true of everyone here. Why is it so hard to understand that some of us have interest in knowing just a few more details. Probably no, giving us more information won't find Ayla.
I apologize for bringing up the baby Lisa case a few times, but there are some similarities. In that case, the Mother (whom most people think is guilty of something) was willing to be interviewed a couple of time by the press and was ask some tough questions. At least in that case, we have a good idea of what happened up until the Mother went to bed that night and we have a good idea what time and by whom the baby was found missing. We know this from the parents coming forward and talking, NOT from LE. In that case, had we only been told what LE knew, we would know next to nothing. We'd know the mother went to bed, woke up, and baby was missing. That's all we seem to know about Ayla as well.
As for believing Selena, Phoebe, or anyone else, YES I would believe anyone if what they told me sounded reasonable and I didn't find big holes in the story. For example, I believe Phoebe wasn't seen in the fur boots. I never really believed it anyway, but her confirming it was a good thing for everyone.
If the details of the case are not being told to the public by those there that night so as not to jeopardize the case, then how did Angela Harry get her information? Someone in the house told someone the story.
Something else I've wondered about is the 911 call and why it is not being released. I'm surprised the 911 operator didn't leak the information to someone.
@Bystander - agreed, I have absolutely no inclination towards hanging the DiPietros - far from it. I've been posting only here for months - and read little at the other sites. We all want Ayla found and this case solved. The DiPietros, along with the Reynolds, have been encouraged to speak for Ayla. Unfortunately, I feel a lot of what Trista says is not true, and even if she is innocent, she is only complicating the solving of the case. Knowing that Phoebe reads here makes talking about the case even more valuable. While I'm sure she's been interrogated plenty, and talked to others about this numerous times - she gets to view different thoughts and opinions outside her circle and it may assist her in thinking of something she hadn't thought of before... or anyone else reading, that may have information they don't know they have.
Here's where you may stand out from others. Your comment, "YES I would believe anyone if what they told me sounded reasonable and I didn't find big holes in the story", says it all. Not everyone commenting on this case is that way. They ask for answers from the Dipietro's, but at the same time they don't believe anything they say. So, it's a catch-22 situation they are putting the Dipietro's in, if they answer the questions. What sounds reasonable to one, is up for interpretation by each individual, which may or may not be sane reasoning.
I would like to ask though, If you had believed the "furry boots" story, would you have believed Phoebe's confirmation that it wasn't her?
@ Getrealpeople "I would like to ask though, If you had believed the "furry boots" story, would you have believed Phoebe's confirmation that it wasn't her?"
Damn, that's a tough one to answer. If I had believed 'anything' I would hope that I had a good, well thought out reason to believe it. Then, if the accused denied it, I might still believe it UNLESS the accused had some convincing details. Clear as mud? Example: If several credible unrelated witnesses picked out Phoebe in a line up and said they saw her that night in furry boots, I would tend to believe the witnesses even if she said they were lying. If Phoebe came forward with better evidence that they all were lying, I might believe her. It's a case by case, thing.
I definitely stand out from others in many respects. I am an independent thinker for sure and I don't follow the pack.
While I'm on my soapbox, I wanted to mentioned something else I think that differs from most everyone else. I think Justin sounds intelligent when he speaks. How about that? Others think just the opposite. When he was asked what was special about Ayla, his answer "she's my daughter" (or something like that) had people making snarky remarks because he didn't say whatever they thought he should say. If I were asked off the cuff what is special about anyone I have loved (mother, father, husband, pet), I probably would be at a loss for words too. He gave the best answer, she was his daughter. What can be more special than that.
@getreal - I know you weren't addressing me, but I would like to answer. I believe Phoebe. I understand about the cnn interview and don't hold that against her. I have believed her when she has spoken. I do not think she would go out of her way to lie. I have believed her when she posted here twice signing her name, and other times for anonymous posts that I thought was her. I sympathize with Phoebe very much. I hope Ayla is found and Phoebe finds the answers she needs.
Your last paragraph, I've often thought how I would respond. I'm sure the same! It is just one of those questions! no matter how tragic the situation is. I think you must of been shy at one time, as I was (and sometimes still am). I can totally relate to answers from Justin.
I also believe Phoebe. I'm not sure, but I think I shared this way back. Once I called the police regarding an incident I sort of witnessed, and was questioned on it. One of the questions was "did you see the *item in question*?" And, not thinking, I said yes. I hadn't, but the people with me did, and I realized my mistake. I called them back immediately after & corrected my answer, risking losing any credibility I had, but wanting to fix my mistake. That made me have empathy for what happened to Phoebe. When you're overcome with emotion, being questioned, feeling nervous & worked up, you can easily say the wrong things. It's important to think it out before speaking, so your thoughts are complete & correct. It's no fun learning that the hard way.
i tend to agree. If you ask me whats so special about my son my answer would probably be he's my son/baby. just like if you ask how he's doing my answer is great. he's getting so big. you ask me these questions and a zillion things run through my mind. he's my son sums them all up to me. he isnt your son. sorry but your son isnt quite so special to me. he's mine :)
Think about it. he's been around his sisters daughter and his girlfriends son. they are all close in age and probably do some of the same things. what do you think makes ayla so special. she's his. he loves her to the end of time. she's his. his baby, his blood, his everything. he was doing all the right things. he wasnt a bad guy. he wanted ayla. he could have said oh well its not my problem and left her with jessica. he moved and moved her in. he played with her and cared for her. being a new dad he probably had a ton of help. but he's been around other kids and probably knew a thing or two.
“I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
"You can say I was sort of naive for the first few weeks. I just thought that Ayla was going to be home.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/ayla-reynolds-missing-maine-toddlers-father-justin-dipietro-15320366 Interestingly this reporter does state that Phoebe informed them she was not in the home that evening. As Phoebe does say she clarified to the reporter right after the interview.
“I will not make accusations or insinuations towards anyone until the police have been able to prove who’s responsible for this.” dad Justin DiPietro said in a statement released by police in Waterville, Maine.
she's my daughter. she's my child. she's everything to me.
Above are a few quotes from Justin. He may not say as much as Trista but when he does speak it is simple and to the point. I find it interesting that people say he does not answer to any questions. His quotes above answer so much. He has answered many times and addressed several questions. People simply choose not to listen.
Saying I WOULD never do anything to hurt my child is not the same as saying I did not hurt/kill Ayla. I did not remove Ayla from this house before reporting her missing. And note that Justin has two children, one of whom he apparently has no contact with and, in the viewpoint of police is his only remaining living child. So who exactly was he talking about when he say he WOULD never do anything to hurt "my child." ?
"This isn't anywhere near over." This sounds like he knows where Ayla is or what happened to her. How else could he have any clue that the case wouldn't be solved 5 minutes from the time he spoke?
"...until the police have been able to prove who's responsible for this." This is incredibly telling language. He's expressing concern not about Ayla but proof. He refers to "this" instead of saying something direct like kidnapping.
I have an idea let's analyze Trista's statements when she says "I just need closure"(So I can go be out of the spot light and go to my daughter) Or How about "I got no hope"(that I can ever bring Ayla home now?) or "a mother just knows"( Hmm knows what?)
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Father-friends-say-its-possible-cops-say-no-way.html “I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
Not sure if the ... is because he said more and the article did not include it or that was all he said? But that is what was written.
good observations anon 12:19 - 1st. how did he know it was far from over? 2. when you look at the source, and note the ellipsis that indicates missing words - we don't know if there were 2 words in between or 50 words. We also don't know at what point of the interview he said that, nor if he was responding appropriately to a direct question from the interviewer (such as: "do you feel this is over? have you given up hope?") I wish newspapers would provide context - that we would know the questions being asked and responses in order.
Maybe his statement,"This isn’t anywhere near over. ... ", is because it won't be over until Ayla is found. You are picking apart a statement, and not including everything said. The rest of his statement, "There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.” You are really overreaching here! What ellipsis are you talking about, the dots Anon 12:19 added, or was that from the person writing the article?
@getreal - if you'd gone to the article you would have seen that was in the quote in the newspaper - I believe I stated my perspective clearly but perhaps you didn't understand.
Dearest Obscure, the Babygate Saga is an important part of Ayla's disappearance. It might be the straw that broke the cambel's back. Will post more later.
Dearest Anonymous 13:08, I agree with you 100%. I am looking forward to reading what you have to post later. I also find it interesting that the baby gate story is something that the DiPietro family and supporters are trying to sweep under the rug, so to speak.
How is the baby gate being swept under the rug? Seems to me it is being discussed. I think that the only thing that is being swept under the rug are the answers that people are coming up with that some people have about the baby gate not being relevant. Reminds me of some people I know.
So people keep saying the baby gate may be relevant. Tell me how. And please use facts. The gate being broken is not a fact. Someone here just thought hey lets assume the gate was broken.
Facts we think?: Justin tripped over it in his haste to get up the stairs.
It was put up by Elisha that morning.
We believe Courtney had to step over it to get back down the stairs.
Theory of the gate?: Ayla may have been able to get out of her room. Gotten to the gate. Knocked it over. Proceeded to walk over it and then fall down the stairs. Everyone panicked and decided not to call 911 or were convinced not to? After which everyone in the home agreed to at sometime in the night get her body far enough away from the home that she has not been able to be found and get back home and all agree to keep quiet about it. And were able to clean up enough evidence of the accident that LE can not prove anything happened.
I will say a fall down stairs seems to me to add a lot more of an opportunity for blood to be spread out and volume but what do I know.
Okay so now it has been discussed and added to the list of theories. Everyone happy? Can we move on?
Hey, Anon14:38 the theory you posted could very well have been exactly how things went down. One part I would word differently though--I do believe regardless of what happened, LE will eventually build a case strong enough to prove in court beyond a reasonable doubt what happened to Ayla. I would rather they take their time and do it right though.
@Anonymous17:49 There are a lot of theories out there. So many I have lost count. Something happened to Ayla. Personally I believe she was kidnapped and not harmed. However you are right any and all theories are possible. I also believe that every single angle, tip and lead should be followed. That said I do not believe that Justin or his family harmed Ayla but I can say I have never thought it unfair that they are questioned or looked at as suspects. I think all possibilities should be looked at. If it were my child it is what I would want. I would not like it but I would understand it. But I do not believe in tunnel vision. Stay open to all possibilities, all suspects. And I would not want my child given up on based on "lack of evidence"
I have to say, I can't believe that Justin, Courtny, Elisha, Phoebe, etc... are covering up an accidental death of Ayla. In my opinion it is ridiculous. We have nothing to say that they are so dysfunctional that they would do this. They seem to be a very functional family unit. Any negative comments made about them are all nasty rumors. Lets get a grip here!
In my own opinion the baby gate has no significance. I am sure it was one of the first few things brought up and explained when the police came. It was probably thrown to the side and I am almost positive the police would have questioned it and moved on. If it had been hidden away that would be different but it was brought up in the beginning. I am sure the baby gate is as innocent as the story explaining it. You can't pretend to know how you would act if your child was missing especially if the public thinks you did it. There are small children in his life. I am sure there have been lots of threats along with broken windows and Courtney and Elishas children still need to be protected. When there are other children involved and you need to protect them you can't always exhaust every option. You can't go and scream in the middle of the street if someone has threatened you can you? Its not like they have moved on and forgotten about ayla or they wouldn't be reading this blog.
Anonymous13:15, how do you know whether or not the police would have questioned the baby gate and just moved on? I would think that any competent investigator(s) would actually be pretty concerned if they found the blood, (any amount), of a missing child in the basement, and a broken baby gate, (if it was indeed broken), in the house. This is my own opinion.
I am just saying any competent investigator would most likely have already investigated this and are probably at peace with their findings. How do I know? Well I did start by saying in my opinion. Unless the investigation were born yesterday they probably looked through the house and found it it right away being that they are trained to look for those things.
Investigators* That being said I know no more than any of you and maybe this is why they think she won't be found alive. But I highly doubt you thinking so hard about a baby gate is going to solve this.
Anonymous14:26, I don't believe that anyone who posts on a blog really believes that they are going to solve a case. The baby gate could very well be one of the pieces of evidence law enforcement has, but I don't know anymore than you do. It is purely speculation on my part, but the condition of the baby gate, and the blood evidence might be two very important pieces of information that led law enforcement to the conclusion--very early on in the case--that an abduction did not occur.
very true. so is this just a case of trying to maybe figure out what evidence law enforcement might have? if so i understand it. i just dont get how people think its going to solve this suddenly in their heads. i give law enforcement enough credit though to not overlook something like a babygate is all i'm getting at. i do have to be honest though. the only way i think that ayla could have been harmed or have died in that house is in the midst of a terrible tragic accident.
Anonymous15:37, I do agree with you. I give law enforcement full credit, and I do believe that they will solve this case. I absolutely do not feel that Ayla was deliberately harmed. I do not believe that Justin's sister, (with a baby of her own), Justin's mother, and/or Justin's girlfriend, (with a child of her own), would go along with the intentional murder of a child. I believe that if Ayla died in the DiPietro home, it was certainly the result of a tragic accident that was covered up. Hopefully someone will speak up for Ayla soon.
The thinking here is bizarre. Ayla was killed in a tragic accident and nobody wanted to report it! Really? Is that what some of you all are saying you would do? You all are unbelievable!!!
@getreal - I'm not following - the 2 anons above you stated that IF Ayla was harmed, they don't believe it was intentional. Why is that bizarre thinking?
I have to say I feel as though the people who question "the three in the house" not seeking help for Ayla theory in the case of an accident always makes me wonder about who the people are themselves that question this?
Why would you not call 911?
Previous trouble with the law?
Previous trouble with DHHS?
Something would have to be in place to make you the type of person who would be worried in the first place.
I do not see where any of that criteria is met by these people. So what was their motive for simply not calling 911 if there was an unintentional accident? That is what is bizarre.
Obscure - I have to say I'm quite impressed with your blog as it is today. Good Job! I don't agree with alot; but I'm able to disagree in a civil manner, for that I thank you. - I do have a request if possible? I believe that the numeric #'s next to a posters name is Military time, I was wondering if you would consider putting it back to civilian time with a date? The date especially would help to sort through comments. Thank you for any consideration you might give this.
I agree on all counts. I miss having the date. I used to search by the date to find new posts. I signed up a blogger account so I could stay logged in & post easier, which is cool.
Have to admit, the feather duster comment made me laugh. Seriously though, there's been one blog post in 8 months to discuss the gate. If AH, a woman who's been busting her ass to help find Ayla, had never mentioned it, it probably wouldn't have been thought of. The blog title specifically says for Babygate talk. I'm curious now why this seems uncomfortable for some people. I'm thinking some might want us to get back to talking about Trista?
I agree, Really? There is another topic up that people can comment on if they don't want to discuss the baby gate that Angela Harry included in her original account of what happened in the DiPietro house the morning Ayla was reportedly discovered missing. I find the baby gate topic at least as imporant as discussing screenshots of someone's Facebook page, what color Justin DiPietro's bed sheets were, or what the zit on Trista's face looked like during an interview.
Next topic Justin/Trista does not matter movin on8/28/12, 8:32 PM
I think everyone is missing the point. I don't think anyone thinks it is uncomfortable. I think they just don't understand what else there is to say about it. But I guess you can keep talking about the same things. I think what some people are trying to say though is it has been talked about now what? Seems like you are focusing on one thing. And saying the same things over and over. If someone has something new to add to it I guess that would make sense. But you are right you guys can hang here and keep talking about it. Me I am heading over to the other topics. By all means though if you come up with something new pop over and let someone know.
@Obscure - I wouldn't want you to miss out on this...
Visit the page for descriptions of important gates. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scandals_with_%22-gate%22_suffix
Arts and entertainment - Closetgate, Flakegate, – Nipplegate (also known as Boobgate), Portraitgate, Sachsgate. Journalism and academics - Climategate, Hackgate, Memogate (or "Rathergate"), Reutersgate, Slutgate. Politics - Altaigate, Angolagate, Bertiegate, Betsygate, Billygate, Bingogate, Biscuitgate, Cablegate, Cheriegate, Chinagate, Coingate, Coalgate, Corngate, Debategate, Donnygate, Fallagate, Fajitagate, Filegate, Horsegate, Inkgate, Iraqgate, Irangate or Contragate (also referred to as the Iran-Contra Affair), Irisgate, Kazakhgate, Koreagate, Mabelgate, Memogate (2), Monicagate, Lewinskygate, Tailgate, or Sexgate ("Zippergate", "the Lewinsky scandal"), NAFTAgate[50], Nannygate (1), Nannygate (2), Officegate, Pardongate, Pastygate, Pemexgate, Petrogate, Piñeragate, Plamegate (also "Leakgate"), PolarBeargate, Porngate, Railgate, also known as the Basi-Virk Affair and the BC Legislature Raids scandal, Ratgate, also known as the illegal civilian surveillance incident, Rinkagate, Robogate, Rubygate, Rywingate, Shawinigate, Smeargate, Stormontgate, Strippergate (Seattle) & Strippergate (San Diego), Tasergate – Aka Troopergate, Thulegate, Toallagate, Taxigate, Travelgate, Troopergate (1), Troopergate (2), Troopergate (3), Tunagate, Utegate, Valijagate, Wampumgate, Watergate, Weinergate, Whitewatergate, Wormgate, Sports - Bibgate, Bloodgate, Bountygate, Crashgate, Grannygate, Indygate, Moggigate, Partgate, Shouldergate, Sirengate, Skategate, Sonicsgate, Spygate (1), Spygate (2), Tigergate, Toiletgate, Tripgate. Technology - Antennagate. Popular Culture/Television - Clipgate,Flatgate, Sharongate, Stargate, Waitergate.
6---------------------789
One should not underestimate the power and importance of a gate. It appears that BabyGate may still be available.
OMG, I know the inside story to the TrooperGates. One, two, and three.
I don't see a gun-walking gate yet, or a solar energy debacle gate. I know something about those, too. It's not what the public thinks it is, on either count. They search out those heart-strings, and tell you what they want you to... hmmm... support. BTW, both existed before Obama - just sayin...
I would like to see proper and just closure for Ayla's family and friends. BabyGate sounds good to me.
anon 12:39, Obscure reminds me of April Winchell, does that mean that's who she is?
There's really not any point to keep saying those same few words over and over - I personally don't believe it, as I find their phrasings and style completely different - but if you want to explain how you know this or why you think so.
Selena said once that the reason they didn't hear the kiddnapper was because you couldn't hear anything from the basement. So why would Justin put Ayla in a room upstairs, by herself, and not check on her for 12 hours. . . . He sounds like a real responsible dad to me.
The one comment out of the few that Justin has shared that has bothered me since he said it is "she probably thinks its all a game" WTF I just don't get where he was going with the statement. Any ideas
He may not know who took her for sure like everyone else but I am sure he has stronger suspicions than the rest of us. And if he feels someone she knows took her than he probably feels that at least she is somewhere and safe. And at 18 months old to her she just thinks this is just one more transition. And if it makes it easier for him to think this way who are we to criticize him?
If Justin knew (or had a good idea) of who took her, that might explain a lot. If it was someone that he didn't want to see prosecuted, he may be withholding information. It may also explain why he doesn't come across as devastated as people think he should. It might also explain why he failed some question on the poly, if in fact that happened. It appears a few of us are on the same page with this thinking.
Bystander, "There were two cars in the driveway of the Waterville house that night. What risk a person would be taking to break into such a tiny house knowing that likely there would be people at home. A stranger wouldn't know that Justin was in the basement or that Ayla was sleeping alone."
ReplyDeleteThis has always been a sticking point for me, too. What would it take for a "stranger" who did not know the layout of the house, to walk into a home where there were 3 adults and 3 small children, to snatch a child? As you say, if there were cars in the driveway, how would a stranger know where the adults were located? That is why it makes more sense to me (if there was a kidnapping) that it had to be someone who, not only knew the layout of the home, but also the habits of the people who lived there. Or perhaps it could have been one darn lucky stranger!
As for the baby gate, either Justin (or someone) did trip over the baby gate, or it was part of a story to explain a "broken" baby gate. All of this speculation on my part.
I think it is good to look at the kidnap story from the viewpoint of a potential kidnapper (either stranger or someone known to the family). There are certain scenarios that make sense and other scenarios that just don't make sense. That makes it harder to believe the kidnap story.
I still can not figure out what the incentive is for a stranger to take Ayla. Obviously not money, as there are no ransom demands and no apparent interest in the reward money. Someone wanting a child, perhaps? Again, one would think a home that small and that close to others homes, with adults inside make that scenario unlikely. (not impossible, just unlikely). Another hard thing to determine, what is potentially possible and what is potentially unlikely. History helps us determine those, but the present does not always follow history. - KJ
I am reposting this comment here:
DeleteI am carrying the discussion over from the previous posts. Regarding the baby gate that was reflected on in Angela Harry's original account of the events that occurred in Phoebe DiPietro's house the morning Ayla was reported missing, I believe that it is a very important piece of information. Whether the gate was just knocked down or damaged, what is important regarding her account is that the gate could very well be one of the pieces of evidence, (along with other evidence), that led law enforcement to their belief that Ayla is likely deceased. In essence, my theory regarding what possibly happened to Ayla is related to the baby gate.
"(DiPietro) bolted up the stairs, knocking over the gate that was placed there every morning for the two little girls, and into her room."
(http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/new-website-offers-fresh-details-on-ayla_2012-01-20.html)
Yes, I understand that any mention of the baby gate was removed from Harry's revised version of events. But, I don't believe that the account of Justin knocking over the gate that was placed at the top of the stairs is something that would be confused. Besides, Harry never stated that her account of the baby gate was incorrect; she just removed the information from her "revised" story. The words,"bolted up the stairs, knocking over the gate that was placed there every morning" certainly indicate that the gate was placed at the top of the basement stairs. The concern with the gate being placed at the top of the stairs is the fact that pressure mounted baby gates are not to be used at the top of ANY stairs. There isn't any compromise here--walk into any store that sells baby gates, and the packaging clearly states this. It is also clear by Harry's account that the gate was a pressure-mounted baby gate. The words, "placed there every morning" illustrate this. Permanent baby gates are just that--permanent. Now, with a pressure-mounted baby gate at the top of the basement stairs, imagine the danger to a young toddler. Ayla was nineteen months old when she disappeared. Although children display significant variation in their physical development at that age, it is reasonably expected that Ayla would be climbing on things. My speculation is that Alya could very well have tried to climb the pressure-mounted baby gate to get to the basement where Justin, Curtney, and Ayden presumably were sleeping at the time of Ayla's disappearance. I understand that Phoebe DiPietro was on here previously to defend the 'furry boots' story. Now, my request is for Phoebe DiPietro herself to comment here and explain the location and type of gate that was used in her home during Ayla's stay. Thank you.
I agree 20:04, with your request for Phoebe to comment. Also, any insight into the morning events, I'd really appreciate. I think Phoebe's comments would be appreciated by all, IMO. Most of us are seeking to find out what happened to Ayla. I'd like to clear my mind of ANY family, maternal or paternal, having any involvement. Even an accident would be better than intentional. In other words, I have thought Ayla's paternal family was involved, but I would love to know they were not. I'm here seeking answers, in order to have a more open mind, into what happened.
DeleteI understand the "requests" for Phoebe to comment.
DeleteThey are disingenuous. You don't want her to comment so that you can "understand" what happened or where she's coming from.
You want her to comment so that you can tear whatever she says apart. Be honest---there's no point in pretending, because most of us see right through you. See, the way I interpret your comment, you are saying that because you don't have the answers you want, your mind is basically closed. Who cares? You won't make or break this case.
You're not going to goad Phoebe into saying anything. IF she feels the need or desire to address something, then she will.
She has given LAW ENFORCEMENT the information she has, so please help me understand why she should divulge anything to you or anyone else on this blog? How is giving the information to a random blogger going to get her any closer to her granddaughter---when MSP has the same info and they have not found Ayla yet?
I am speaking for Phoebe. Not intentionally, and not with her permission, but I realize that's what I'm doing. If I'm out of line for saying any of this, I trust that someone will correct me.
And Anon 21:15, this comment is not directed totally at you but you got me on my soapbox.
Thanks.
I'm sorry you feel that way Obscure. Your feelings are not correct though. My mind is not closed. It was almost, but I decided I do not want it closed and it should not be, with so many unanswered questions.
DeleteWhy do you think otherwise? You don't know me. Do you not want people keeping their minds open?
For sure M-I-M there have been some outrageous crimes against children that make no sense. Nothing is impossible. Crazy people do crazy things, but usually they get caught if they are that crazy.
DeleteI think Angela got her info from Heidi. Angela never spoke with Justin; didn't even know him. Anytime a story is passed through multiple people, it's bound to change. Add to that the typos and less than clear sentence arranging plus some spin, and that accounts for some of the various conflicting stories about the gate. Clearly, imo, the mention of the gate is significant in some way to this case.
Don't forget, the night of the disappearance there was someone that witnessed a very loud noise and also someone that saw a strange car. These things may or may not be pertinent. I think Ayla maybe was taken in that strange car. But then, we have to go back to asking why, what is the motive.
In many ways I do understand those in the house not granting interviews because it always backfires on the people the public think is guilty. On the other hand, I think if I were innocent I would so want to tell my story.
Anon 21:45, we will have to agree to disagree.
DeleteWhen I read your comment, it seems to me like you want Phoebe or the DiPietros to "prove" their innocence to you.
That's unfair, if that's what you meant. If not, then I APOLOGIZE for grouping you into that category of people.
Not to sound like a broken record, but, if the "story" the DiPietro's told the police hasn't produced Ayla, I doubt if anything they might say on a blog will help. What it might do is make the DiPietro's seem less suspicious, if they were more forthcoming with at least the basic information of what happened that morning. The Smarts spoke out publicly, as did Jaycee Dugard's parents.
DeleteBut if you have anything to hide? Keep your mouth shut.
Justin spoke out about Ayla's broken arm. Did that make him any less suspicious?
DeleteIn my mind, yes it did. Only because of what he said. I know, I know, that is your point. But, my point is, if they have nothing to hide, what does it matter? People who believe them will still believe them, and those that don't, well they are going to keep ripping on them, regardless.
Delete@Grace
DeleteYou're right, they did speak up but both the father's were suspects in the cases, and it ruined Jaycee Dugards' stepfather's marriage and life. I think it goes to show that speaking up doesn't make you look less guilty. The good thing for the Smarts and Dugards is that their children came home and proved that LE can be quick to jump to what seems like the obvious conclusion. At least in the Smart's case LE did look at differing scenarios.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHad a major typo/grammatical awkwardness going on. I'll try again.
DeleteThey can't please everybody. Everything they HAVE said has been ANALyzed, twisted, and distorted to fit a certain position. People have made things up for the sake of making them up. Why would Justin add to the confusion? As you can see, Trista has released a plethora of information, and to date, none of it has brought Ayla home.
Do the ends justify the means? We don't know---YET.
When you get right down to it, answering the public's nitpicky questions is NOT going to bring Ayla home. If information could be released that would bring Ayla home, why isn't LAW ENFORCEMENT releasing this information? Anything Justin could tell you, I'm sure MSP could too.
Nobody on any blog is going to interrogate Justin and Co. any more adequately than law enforcement did.
JMO
Not so fast. That some pretty sad circular reasoning there. LE has said for months Justin and co. haven't been telling them what they know. Why should we believe Justin has told everything he knows? LE can't release what he and the others haven't told them.
DeleteAs far as why he should talk and answer public questions, it's pretty easy to see for most people and had nothing to do with guilt or innocence. He is Ayla's father and should be willing to do anything to shed any light on what happened to her if there's any chance of getting her back. What parent cares about bad publicity when their kid is missing?
The blood is a perfect example. No matter how much or how little there was, why didn't he speak out and state what happened that led to it being there? I would say the broken arm is different because what he said wasn't consistent with known facts. Had he explained the truth and the medical records supported his explanation, many people would probably believe him even if a few small details were confused.
@anon 22.49
DeleteIn all honesty Justin doesn't need to inform the public of anything so you can have an "informed" opinion of him. The only discussions that truly need to take place are between him and LE and after several weeks of what I can only imagine as intense interrogation, he still didn't give them what they "wanted to hear". I think that in itself says a lot.
Lucifer, some of this may come down to how much you (in the generic sense) trust or mistrust LE. Without some evidence suggesting LE in question are corrupt or incompetent, I'd be loathe to conclude they have something they want to hear and are reacting to not hearing it. I think they want an explanation of events that makes some sort of sense and fits the physical facts they have established through forensics and other evidence.
DeleteAnon 22:49
Why would anyone "explain" a broken gate? Why not just throw away the gate or stash it at someone else's house? that is silly KJ. No one would need to explain a broken gate. they just would have removed it from the house. That is, if they were stupidly trying to hide an accidental death that was the result of a fall down the stairs. Which wouldn't make sense to do. But according to the loonies, they're convinced it was all concocted to have time to get rid of drugs and sober up. Okay. Going with that theory... so get rid of the fucking broken gate at the same time. :) Problem solved.
DeleteAssuming there was a broken gate, it screams "something violent happened here." baby gates typically don't break when you trip on them or accidentally knock them over because they are made to withstand those forces. The DiPietros may have just put the broken baby gate aside and not thought too much about it til the cops noticed it and started asking questions. Then they would have needed a benign-sounding explanation. Running into in a panic probably sounded safer than saying someone kicked it in a fit of rage.
DeleteRemember all the references to violence about this family including Lance kicking Linnell's head, Phoebe worrying about Justin and his friends kicking in doors... and someone mentioned a long time ago when E's photos were published one had evidence of wall repairs that looked like someone could have put a fist through the wall. And that doesn't take into account any of T's allegations about Justin hurting Ayla.
Justin also can't tell LE what HE doesn't know.
DeleteJustin IS NOT going to tell the public anything he has not told MSP, so you're the one using circular reasoning.
What he has told LE isn't sufficient enough to produce Ayla, but if he tells his same story to the public, the outcome will be different?
Oh, and YOU are the perfect example of why it's almost pointless for Justin to speak out. What part of the medical records contradicts Justin's story?
@anon 23.09
DeleteLol, trust or mistrust - my ex was an officer who now works PI. Knowing my ex, I have to sidestep the trust altogether and rely on fact. I would be inclined to say that you and I are in a similar situation where we know the facts are few and the rest is left to imagination - hence the discussions.
I agree with you that I think they want something that is coherent, but sometimes things just don't make sense - suddenly chaos theory has relevance, its only a different perspective - even the law have to have imagination. However it seems that MR Steve lacks in that department.
Anyways, *I think* the only reason why things aren't coherent is because they are looking at their own theory TOO closely. If evidence pointed so hard in their one and only direction, we would've seen an arrest. This tells me that their evidence isn't 100% conclusive and therefore other theories should be looked at. I think you'll find this validated by the fact that it was an abduction until MSP stepped in. That in itself was an interesting change in direction and one way of saying that Waterville police were incompetent - hows that for trust?
Bystander, AH did know justin, she writes, "I only knew him as a kid untill Ayla dissappeared "
DeleteObscure, why is it that you think people should not ask questions of the dips in order to get facts but you ask the public what color justins sheets are? A blogger can say anything but that does not make it a fact so what is the point?
DeleteJust trying to understand your reasoning.
Ah did know Justin when he was younger, but Justin likely didn't remember her. She was already an adult. What she's been clear about (and what anyone actually paying attention for the sake of understanding rather than for the sake of looking for ways to tear her and others around her apart) is that she is very close to the family Justin, Phoebe, Elisha,Courtney and the children went to stay with that Saturday night. She has been very clear -though it's nuts that she's had to repeatedly answer the questions. She talked to Heidi every day most days for over a decade. The day Justin and family arrived she was thrown into the situation with them from a distance and it consumed her life for many weeks. Why? Because her best friend was trying to help a family pick up the pieces of their life while a storm continued to rage aroind them with no sign of stopping. Angela and Heidi and their families happen to be the kind of folks who are often referred to as "kid people". They have big hearts. All of them. They are the kind to open their hearts, homes, and oftentimes wallets when others are in need. Angela made clear the facts about how she came to have any conversations with Justin. People who want to make her and her family villains in this charade they call "a fight for justice" have opted to call her truths mere lies. And everyone saw how she tried to fight with the entity best described as a poisonous "virtual" snake filled with blind malice. She stood firm, answered her hecklers with truh and a clear voice (if somewhat wordy ;). She explained that at some point she was compelled to pass along her prayers etc. personally over the phone. This resulted in a variety of kinds of conversations. Some short and prayerful and others longer and intended to let him process things. Some people have a "counselor" type of nature and she's one of them. That is why they spoke and eventually she felt like she had to do something more than be supportive and pray. The website is what she came up with. She thought it would help spread awareness. And while she was surprised at the route it took, that certainly did happen. She accepts that the ugliness she's faced from people is a part of the price paid to continue the conversations and media coverage...even if they existed only because certain people would rather engage in attack dialogue than in open minded conversation that does not attempt to express giftedness in the imaginary art of knowing without knowledge.
Delete@Anoymous23:22
DeleteWhy would we be assuming there was a broken gate? Has anyone said there was a broken gate? LE? Anyone? So now we are just going to start adding facts to this story and build from there? And try to figure out what happened based on made up facts that we have assumed? Wait am I on Tori's page?
"I would never do anything to hurt my child," he said.
DeleteBy KEVIN DOLAK (@kdolak) and KATTI GRAY
Jan. 30, 2012
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/i-fell-on-herfather-says_2012-01-06.html Quotes regarding broken arm.
“I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
"You can say I was sort of naive for the first few weeks. I just thought that Ayla was going to be home.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/ayla-reynolds-missing-maine-toddlers-father-justin-dipietro-15320366
Interestingly this reporter does state that Phoebe informed them she was not in the home that evening. As Phoebe does say she clarified to the reporter right after the interview.
“I will not make accusations or insinuations towards anyone until the police have been able to prove who’s responsible for this.”
dad Justin DiPietro said in a statement released by police in Waterville, Maine.
she's my daughter. she's my child. she's everything to me.
Above are a few quotes from Justin. He may not say as much as Trista but when he does speak it is simple and to the point. I find it interesting that people say he does not answer to any questions. His quotes above answer so much. He has answered many times and addressed several questions. People simply choose not to listen.
Truth be told, That is exactly why I said, "All of this speculation on my part." I have no idea why anyone else does anything. The mention of the baby gate was in Angela's story, so people are bound to analyze it. If it wasn't important, why put it in the Justin timeline written by Angela? It must have seemed important to someone at the time. - KJ
DeleteExactly, M-I-M....
DeleteOr it was just a writer being descriptive. And doing just that describing a dad coming upstairs and tripping over a baby gate in his haste to get to his daughters bedroom.
DeleteOr 16:40, Exactly! - KJ
Deletei love this post....I have continued to believe it was a known person abduction. In my theory it was A. Someone known to the family and the layout of the home, woulld have had access and would have been up or in the area possibly that night,, and B. would have needed motive and balls who? oh who does that point to? My own personal theory, Conspiracy between Justin Linnell and Jessica Reynolds with a little Trista added in.
DeleteCould there have been a person that had expressed they would like to have a child like Ayla, and had been in the home? That would explain Justin's statement about the person thinking they had done something right for Ayla, but they were not her parent and had no right to her.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone checked out this web site? Im not tech savy but the concept sounds possible. Would greatly appreciate opinions regarding the possibility of this being capable of helping in missing persons cases. Thanks
ReplyDeletehttp://cruci34.angelfire.com/NASA.html
It's not just the baby gate that needs clarification. It is the morning events, in entirety.
ReplyDeleteThis is my understanding, as of now, after the story had been revised by Angela AND others input (truth be told). (I'm not saying she is lying, just what she said. Clarification of the true actual events would be much appreciated though):
Everyone went to bed.
Then --->
At 10:00 someone then (got up and) checked on Ayla (after everyone went to bed, per her story).
At 8:00 everyone in the house started waking up and realizing their world was turned upsidedown.
Then --->
At about 8:30, Elisha got up (and was actually the first one up, even though everyone was waking up at 8:00).
Elisha put the gate in place.
Courtney got up and "stepped" over the gate.
Courtney discovered Ayla was not in her room.
Courtney rushed downstairs, "stepping" back over the gate, to see if Ayla was actually down there and wake up Justin.
Justin rushed upstairs and knocked over the gate, that Courtney so easily stepped over 2 times.
I really wish someone could clarify what actually happened. Someone said in the previous post, that maybe they don't fully remember. Maybe collectively, it might seem like a big confusing mess, but each person would surely remember what exactly they did, on the morning that Ayla was missing from her bed.
Obscure doesn't see the importance of the baby gate but some of us think it might have some importance. Angela Harry had 2 versions of the baby gate issue before it was gone entirely and Selena has a convenient assumption, her thoughts, her ideas about the baby gate that she's hoping people will buy into as much as she qualifies it as only being her 'thoughts'. So while Obscure is thinking the gate doesn't matter, two of the biggest supporters of the DiPietros have gone out of their way to make sense of the issue of the gate. Seems to me the gate might be important.
DeleteAngela Harry gives the most complete picture of the hours surrounding Ayla's disappearance but then it disappears. The Reynolds family slowly comes out with more damning damage control about Trista's activities in the hours surrounding Ayla's disappearance. Ain't none of them doing anything to help themselves, they all look suspicious.
So here I am, thinking they all look suspicious. From there I get to narrow it down to motive and opportunity. Or maybe there was no motive and it was a terrible accident, involving a baby gate and people who panicked in dealing with it.
I agree, for it to mentioned, it must be significant--most of us would probably assume the house would have some type of gate with 2 toddlers. Was it mentioned to illustrate how panicked Justin was, or for another reason?
DeleteI agree 20:02 and Animal Crackers. It's funny how some things seem important to one person and not so much to another. That doesn't make the concern right or wrong.
DeleteOne thing for sure (I think anyway), LE would be able to tell which way the gate came down, if at all, possibly by the gate itself and maybe scuffs on the doorway.
Anonymous 20:57, that coulld very well be one of LE's many pieces of evidence....
DeleteTrista's drug use has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
DeleteJessica's children being taken away has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Justin's previous wrist injury has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Courtney's college degree and work ethic has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Bob Vear's pedophilia has been mentioned. It MUST be important.
Do I need to keep going, or is the point apparent?
*This is just my opinion. I'm not saying it's any more valid than anyone else's.*
Angela ONLY clarified the gate story after people made a big deal about it. I am almost certain that when she wrote it, she didn't intend to confuse or mislead. I honestly don't think she did. When you read her blog, you knew you were getting second, if not third, hand information.
Soooo....
Any of those things may be important, maybe not. They may be important to one person, and not to another. No harm in discussing them, I don't think.
DeleteRight, but to say something MUST be important just because it was mentioned? That's not logical.
DeleteAngela may not have been knowledgeable enough about what actually happened to be able to confuse or mislead even if she wanted to. I agree she probably had no intention of doing either. But what she did try to do was persuade IMO and she put together a story that was so contrived, how could anyone help but question it? Then she changed her story while saying she wasn't changing it, only clarifying.
DeleteBTW in all likelihood it wasn't the gate questions that got the story changed. That was linked contextually to the identification of Elisha as the person who "discovered" Ayla not in her room. The gate was sort of incidental to changing the identity of that person to Courtney, IMHO. Elisha had been upstairs the whole time but to make Courtney the key player, she had to come upstairs as far as where the bedroom was (i.e. past the gate) and then return downstairs (past the gate again) to speak to Justin (because they were too polite to yell downstairs in their panicked state, I'm sure. The difference between truth and fiction is often revealed through such details. Someone telling the story (not necessarily Angela, perhaps whoever supplied her information) was so focused on outcome, maybe forgot that the drama of Justin knocking down the gate would mean Courtney would have to have stepped over it twice or removed it and put it back up to pass by in an emergency situation.
Much ado about nothing.
DeleteThanks anon 2304--it's the context the gate was mentioned, not simply that it was just mentioned. It was an unnecessary detail, even for 2nd or 3rd hand info. And Obscure, some of the examples you mentioned could be relevant as well in their own way-- directly or indirectly.
Delete@Animal Crackers
DeleteI would agree with you that yes many details mentioned could be unnecessary. And although Angela has stated that she was putting her site up for awareness and I believe she was it is clear to me that she also tends to be a lengthy writer in general and often ,no offence MS Harry, tends to goes on and yes add non relevant details in her writings as writers do.
And Mrs Harry has many times since February or earlier stated exactly that, anon. That she wasn't thinking it was relevant to "the case". That she is wordy especially when her emotions are engaged and that she had heard the detail and felt a tug at her own heart. It had been a tangible little thing that translated the feeling of the moment *to her* and therefore she included it. She's been nothing but clear on that point. And she didn't change the story or version of events. I have a screen shot of both. The first is vague and doesn't say who went down the stairs. Was it an overlooked detail? Probably. If you could put yourself in her shoes she has expressed that for those many early weeks she was running on empty. Working on things late in the night, keeping her life and job and kids in order while being on call as a friend at all hours and also searching the internet for answers or to research how to help. It's really not hard to accept one simple, uncomplicated correction. Newspapers and bloggers do it daily and yet she's been entrenched in a battle for her reputation online over that ever since. The revision included her understanding that the house hadn't gotten worked up until Elisha -already awake - had spoken something or other to Courtney -just coming up to the restroom upon waking- and the two of them apparently realized there was possibly a problem. The big irony here is that Angela often mentions (good humoredly) that she tries to edit and cut back her typing/writing what have you. And clearly this whole SNAFU has occurred due to what looks like a decision to cut the fat with the "who walked where and said what to who" dynamic in that one long ago post.
Delete@ Obscure.....So totally agree about the importance of those facts...Lets add another one that seemingly nobody but me has mentioned...
DeleteJustin Linnell was arrested exactly 1 week before Ayla disappearence for Disorderly conduct at his College Ave apartment.That location is minutes from the DiPietro home. What does this say about Justin Linnell? Considering the PFA that was in effect that probably indicated no drinking. I would say alot. Does anyone think he would have an agenda against Justins family?
In the blog "My Challenge to YOU" - Obscure asked people to post theories. Since I don't claim to *know* what happened to Ayla, I posted 3 very different scenarios. One of them involved Ayla falling down the stairs. I understood Selena's comment as saying she believes that couldn't/didn't happen.
ReplyDeleteThe girls could not get out of their room on their own. Selena is correct. Like in many homes whether because a child is in a crib, there is a gate at the door to the room or the door to the child's room is closed and the child can not open it the same is true for their room they could not get out on their own. They needed an adult to come and get them. Hope that helps.
DeleteThe gate did block the way to a child getting to the the stairway but it was not directly in front of the stairs where it could have been dangerously pushed down if pushed over. Ayla knocking it over would not have caused her to fall down the stairs only would have caused a loud noise.
DeleteThat could very well be true. I'm not trying to be oppositional, just different thoughts/ideas. There comes a time when toddlers figure thing out. There is a 1st time for everything. Could Ayla have figured out how to open her door? Same with the crib. Even though Ayla wasn't in a crib, so it doesn't even fit into the scenario, but most toddlers end up figuring out how to "escape" their crib.
DeleteJust because the gate may not have been at the top of the stairs, there still could possibly have been an accident with the stairs (the gate wasn't even in place at night anyway, supposedly). Plus as stated above, Selena gave her thoughts and opinions on the gate, she stated that, not 100% fact.
The gate, night and morning events are important. How could they not be?
Many things, of course are important, it's just that this was brought up, and does stick out to be important, in my mind.
Anon 20:40, unfortunately it doesn't "help" because you are posting anonymously. What you are posting is hearsay. For what it's worth, my three year old has been opening doors since he was 12 months old. Also, we don't don't for sure if Ayla's "disappearance" occurred that night or even the day before.
Delete20:49, apparently the gate wasn't even up in the middle of the night. But... Lets pretend it was - Do we know exactly how far away from the stairs it would be? If it was pushed over some how by Ayla/climbing, could she have then also stumbled and tripped on the fallen gate, causing a fall down the stairs? Just a thought... So many things could have happened.
Delete@Anonymous 20:53
DeleteThe thing is that it does not matter who says what until whoever has Ayla returns her no one is going to believe anything. The Dipietro's are not Anon and they said that Ayla was taken that night. See what I mean?
Yes Kim, I do see what you mean. Thank you. I would, at least, feel more comfortable hearing some hard, basic, true facts from any of the DiPietro's, any of the ones commenting here. Any comments that they could put their 100% guarantee on, and not just opinion, would open my mind up a little. That's all. Like Phoebe saying it was not her that morning on Cool St., at least she came out and said so, once and for all. Whether anyone believes her or not, at least her statement is out there.
Delete@Anonymous 20:53
DeleteSo if I post my name is it then not hearsay? Aren't I still an unknown to you? Just some friend who has information because I know the family, has been to their home maybe. How would my name mean anything to you? How would that make my words not hearsay? Anyway for what its worth yes some doors can be opened by a toddler I agree but theirs could not. And you may not know for sure Ayla's disappearance occurred that night but they do.
I'm pissed.
DeleteWHY WOULD YOU CLOSE THE DOOR TO A CHILD'S ROOM KNOWING THE CHILD CANNOT OPEN IT TO GET OUT?
GET A BABY MONITOR IF YOUR HOUSE IS NOT SAFE FOR YOUR OWN CHILD TO BE IN. OMG
I always closed the door to my kids room after they were safely asleep in their cribs, and this was before baby monitors. If they can't open the door on their own, chances are they can't get out of a crib on their own. Why wouldn't you close the door to a room? As long as it isn't locked, I don't see a problem. We closed the doors because of noise and light.
DeleteI agree about pinning kids in their rooms with baby gates. That is just lazy parenting.
I'm a little lost here. Is this what Anon meant? That Ayla could not get out of her room, or was it speculation?
DeleteI went off on a tangent, sorry. I don't think she/he was talking about Ayla particularly; I'm saying why would you do those things to ANY child? What if they need to get out of the room? You've blocked them in, and I don't like the thought of that.
DeleteGrace, you just never know. Kids do amazing things. Climbing out of a crib may or may not go hand in hand with opening a door. Climbing, I would guess, would be more easily done for some kids. Opening a door requires different motor skills and hand coordination. You just never know.
DeleteOnce the kids could climb out of the crib they went into a bed with a railing. We didn't have toddler beds in those days. Once that happened, we would leave the door open a crack after they went to sleep. I have awoken to many a "loud" crash or noise because of a curious toddler, but usually they just go looking for mommy and daddy, and ended up in our room.
DeleteYou are right however, if they could get around but couldn't open the bedroom door, we did not shut them in.
I'm soooo glad to read the last sentence!
DeleteThat whole discussion struck a nerve in me.
My 16 month old is a challenge. She knows how to open the front door (we keep it looked at all times) as well as the internal doors and can climb out of her crib. She also monitors the kitchen to see who leaves the latches off the cupboard doors and is in them within milliseconds. She's even managed to pull a glass jug and smash it which left a 3-4mm cut on the top of her little toe that bled on a face washer, hand towel, the floor and my clothes all without losing consciousness let alone looking completely unfazed by the whole ordeal. I would've said that my little girl bled "more than a small cut would produce" but I'm not the authority in cup measurements.
DeleteObscure
DeleteI think many parents close the door to their children's rooms. Especially when they are babies. I always closed my kids doors when they were little especially as babies and no they could not open the door. But yes I could always hear them if they needed me. Both through a baby monitor and because I was close by. I think for me the difference is when the child was old enough to navigate and get up on their own then I left the door open. But even in the case of a fire for an example I would not want the baby trying to escape on their own. Scary. They could go or do something dangerous. I would want to go to them and get them out safe. Now as soon as my kids were old enough I taught them what to do. Just trying to give a different perspective.
I appreciate that Kim.
Delete@anon 21;44 says ~ "Anyway for what its worth yes some doors can be opened by a toddler I agree but theirs could not" ,
DeleteI agree--that is crazy to block a child's exit from their own bedroom! Btw, we never used cribs at all. Our babies slept with us until abou three years of age. Our previous house had stairs; we installed permanent metal gates with the walk through feature at both the top and bottom of the stairs--never in the bedroom doorway.
Deleteanon,00:50, that's awesome for you that you did that. We were in a home that we rented and didn't own and didn't have options like that, nor did we have excess cash. So we put the normal gates where we knew it would do the most good to protect our kids. You can't know everyone's situation. You don't know the layout of people's houses. Mine didn't have a place I could have put a pressure mounted gate other than my kids doorway. It was 7 feet from my door and I also had a monitor turned all the way up. Some people do what they can do and what they have to do. My children are all grown, healthy, and happy and productive. Despite my not having metal gates installed professionally anywhere, and despite my not doing everything the way anyone else did. I was careful and consistent and loving and really that's the best we can do. I hate judgy know it all people.
DeleteAnyway, the Dipietros didn't have a gate in front of the babies door so it has nothing to do with the issue at hand. It's dumb to be putting this much weight on an issue that the Dipietros didn't even put out there. This all came from one 3rd party retelling the piecemeal view of the morning's events that she had. She made clear many times over that she was misquoted about "talking to Justin every day" and says that while it didn't ultimately matter, she wanted to correct that newspaper and say that she was in contact with "them" often, or most days- meaning Justin and her family who were letting Justin and family live there while theirs was being investigated. She has also stated many times over that she wasn't asked to make the website or write the stuff she did, and that other than asking the general statement "is it okay if I put what I have heard on a website I'm making to try to get more awareness?"..she didn't run a single thing by them. Fact is that people are all hyped up about this gate and really no one in the Dipietro family intentionally put it out there in the first place. Or asked anyone to.
Tully your last paragraph sums it up. I got off topic last night...
DeleteTully, sorry to burst your bubble--my home was a rental too. As for "metal gates installed professionally anywhere", I installed my own "normal" gates. The metal gates I installed are the same gates found at Babies R Us stores everywhere--inexpensive. If you truly hate judgmental people, I suggest that you take a good look in the mirror....
DeleteOne other thing, (I am the one who posted the Anonymous00:50 comment), I do not personally have a problem with closing the door to a child's room AT ALL. My reaction was to Obscure's comments regarding BLOCKING the exit from a child's room with a baby gate in the doorway. I can understand an extreme situation--as was described--but in general my opinion is that a baby gate should not be used in the doorway to a child's room. That is just my OPINION, nothing else. Just as some people have their opinion that babies should sleep in cribs and not with their parents, and may not agree with me. I understand that many people do things differently than myself. Some people think that it is yucky to use cloth diapers because you have to wash them; I disagree and would never put a disposable diaper on my child, (which, by the way add up in cost to be more expensive than baby gates). The same thing goes with breastfeeding, (which I chose to do), versus bottle feeding, and the list goes on. There are MANY inexpensive wood and metal gates available in the mainstream market designed to accommodate the various designs of homes whether they are rentals or not. But, to make the comment, "I hate judgy know it all people," just illustrates a very defensive attitude and just plain disrespect for others--in my opinion. Okay, I am going to step down now. Cheers!
Deletei am not against closing a childs door but then again my son is still in a crib and cant climb out. i wouldnt really like the idea of shutting him in a room alone if he wasnt in his crib so i guess i understand that argument. i think i have decided to just never live in a house with stairs with a baby period. that thought makes me uneasy.
DeleteAnonymous 20:44, that was exactly why I used metal gates approved for stair use at the top and bottom of the stairs when I rented a two-story home for two years when my third child was a baby. The stairs were a huge concern for me, but I was going through a divorce with three children at the time, attending college, (taking classes online because I would not leave my children with anyone), struggling financially, and I had the opportunity to move out of a tiny two bedroom apartment into a three bedroom, two-story duplex that was very decent and reasonably priced. I am happy to now live in a one story ranch and not have to deal with stairs. But, my three year old son, (fourth and last child), is an escape artist. We have a special bolt for the garage door and the front and back doors of the house that we use at nighttime when everyone is asleep.
DeleteKim, then what is the point of posting about anything prior to Ayla. being found?
ReplyDelete*facepalm*
DeleteKim didn't think that comment through. Forgive her?
I don't think it matters who believes what. What matters is that people are posting. Keeping her story alive. Sharing different views. Whether everyone agrees or not it is good to see all the views and I believe the more eyes the better. Maybe someone will see something that someone else or even LE missed.
DeleteI can dig that, Kim.
Deletewow- Obscure was mad!I nearly always agree with you Obscure,but it seems I'm going to be on your bad side on this case.I think it's important to know your child, know your house, know your situation and make the best decision.For you that might seem insane to either close the door or put a gate in front of a door.For me,I think of when my two oldest were just about a few months old and 2years old.I struggled with the issue.My layout of my house put them in harms way if the toddler wandered out at night without my being awake. If she got up and wandered it was danger city and as sleep deprived as I was I didn't need any more sleeplessness over being worried where she'd go if my light sleeper of a toddler woke up and didn't come straight to my room. That one? She was one to march to the beat of her own drummer and no she did not beeline straight for our room when she woke up like all the subsequent kids did.One of the things she was known to do as soon as her sibling was born was throw things at baby,or pinch her. The behavior was entirely unaffected by behavioral intervention.Sadly, though this daughter was incredibly loved and nurtured and never in any way abused, she acted out in frightening ways.We worked hard to get her counseling and all that she needed to turn it around. But at that time the reality was that (1) mom absolutely had to sleep at night and was deeply sleep deprived and physically and emotionally depleted. (2) baby had to be protected from older sibling, who was a light sleeper and not a late sleeper and may well wake up before mom and head into baby's room. (3) Toddler had shown she might explore the house on her own and put herself in danger if she woke up first. I had monitors in both rooms but needed to put up a physical barrier. Crazy? I guess. but that's real life. You don't know everyone's situation. And my layout of my hallways didn't offer a place to put a gate and keep her safe other than her open doorway, which was about 7 feet from my open door as I slept. I certainly thought about the possibility that it was potentially dangerous in it's own way. cost benefit analysis. Had to be done. Afforded me sleep, afforded safety for all. My smoke detectors were in good working order, burglar alarm was on and monitored, and my baby monitors allowed me to hear the tiniest peep from either one. I didn't have the extending, more complicated gates to use. If I'd known they existed then (not sure they did) I probably couldn't have afforded them anyway.
DeleteAnyway, WHY are we arguing about a baby gate? Obviously the reason it was mentioned in the first place was that the whole morning was relayed to a friend/family member who then decided to put up a website to try to gain help for a missing little girl. Someone mentioned the running up the stairs part, the panic or fear or whatever was being felt at that moment, and she thought it illustrated that to someone randomly coming across the website to read about the circumstances of this missing little toddler. It only became important when a bunch of people who allow themselves and everyone else to be wrong, make wrong statements and assumptions... jumped on her and demanded that she have the sworn testament version of everything posted on her website. Whatever. Obviously way too much pressure was put on her, she's made clear that the attacking is overblown and stupid because she herself said right at the beginning that she was a 3rd party relaying what she understood- not an involved person in the actual event. And the more she stood up for herself and denounced the lying about her the more she was attacked. There's the human race in all it's glory for ya. Full of hateful you-know-what's who don't give a damn about rightness or fairness but just want something to run their traps about.
You're definitely not on my bad side, we just see the baby gate placement issue differently. I agree, totally, that arguing about the baby gate in general is pointless. You have valid points, I acknowledge and respect them.
DeleteThe problem I see with all this is that there was no baby monitor. . . . in a sound proof basement. . . . when a baby was sleeping alone upstairs???? anyone else feel this is being irresponsible????? What makes anyone think that the people here would have been responsible with a baby gate????
DeleteIm wondering how sound proof the basement really is with no door to close.. leading down to the cellar............
DeleteMaybe Selena can shed some light on this. I believe she at one time posted that the cellar was soundproof and you couldn't hear anything that went on upstairs. . . I will look for the post. . .Selena can you shed some light on this?
Delete@Anonymous8:03
DeleteWho ever said the baby was sleeping alone upstairs? Pretty sure I have read that Gabby & Ayla's room is across the hall from Elisha's and Phoebe's.
I agree baby monitors are great but good old fashioned ears are better. And I am pretty sure that is how parents for hundreds of years heard their children. And do we even know for sure they did not have one?
Not sure if they had one. . . it was my belief that Ayla was in a room by herself and that Gabby was sleeping with her mom that night. . . it was said that, yes Gabby and Ayla shared a room but on this night Ayla was put in a room by herself and not the normal room that she slept in. . .
DeleteI would say that if I was sleeping in the basement I would make sure I had a baby monitor if my baby was going to be sleeping on another floor. . .
Maybe Selena can shed some light on this subject, I believe she has in the past.
If there was a monitor wouldn't you hear if someone went in the baby's room and abducted her????? This is why the Dips should speak up. . . so many questions. If they can explain maybe the public would start to sway their beliefs but as long as they stay silent the public will believe what LP is saying. . .which is "the adults in the house are not telling everything they know" This is a little precious baby girl we are talking about. . .won't someone come forward and give us the truth? Someone has to know something. Why would you put your baby in a room, by herself, with no monitor, and sleep on a different floor if you were worried someone would take her? Please explain this to me.
DeleteSelena can you speak up for your family and explain this?
Delete@anon09:49
DeleteHow is swaying the public's belief's going to find Ayla. You won't believe what Selena has to say, or Phoebe, or anyone else in the family.
"..won't someone come forward and give us the truth? " Do you think something will be told to you that wasn't told to the police? Do you think you will solve this case if you know who first discovered Ayla was missing, where the gate was located, who last checked on Ayla, etc. etc.? (Geesh, it makes you wonder how anybody ever raised a child, before monitors! Sarcasm, of course.)
I do not believe Phoebe or Selena need to answer any of your questions. You just want more fodder to feed your "Justin-did-it" frenzy.
If that is not true, then tell me why Trista has continually contradicted everything she has previously stated, (and she has said a lot!), yet you have no questions for her. Don't you find it odd that her story keeps changing, that months after something comes out she suddenly has more to say about it.
Why is only one parent being scrutinized here.
signed:getrealpeople
@getreal - "Why is only one parent being scrutinized here." - I'm assuming you are speaking just to anon 949 - because we've certainly been scrutinizing Trista for months.
Delete@ Really - Yes, I was only speaking to anon 9:49.
DeleteObscure@21:39, said all that needed to be said.
I'm just tired of people trying to get info out of the Dipietro's, just to tear their statements apart.
"..won't someone come forward and give us the truth? " Well, I guess if that happened we'd know where Ayla was. If someone believes Justin killed Ayla how will these types of questions help "sway" their opinion. Is this person saying that if the public changes their opinion, that LE will also? (Besides the fact, they apparently pick and choose what they want to believe.)
signed:getrealpeople
In that post I wasn't talking about Trista or to Trista. So are you saying if I have questions for the Dips I can't come to this blog????? And, the reason I have asked these questions is because they are good questions and as far as baby monitors go, it was said that you couldn't hear anything downstairs, what is you take on why he would put Ayla in a room upstairs by herself when he was worried someone was going to come take her. I just don't understand and was hoping to get an explanation or some sort of explanation to make it make sense to me. . . since I can't get that I will continue to believe that they are not saying everything they know and I can see why LP would not believe their story. . .
DeleteFurthermore, I wouldn't ask Trista questions on this blog because she wouldn't answer. . .
I'm just asking for clarification and I guess I am not going to get it here.. . . Time will tell and I'm anxious to get my answers.
As a mother, I would never had made the careless decisions it seems that were made. . . JMO
@getrealpeople. . .your post makes no sense to me.
Deleteanon 12:01 - Your opinion is made, as per your last statement. I don't know anymore than you do. Please, get a backbone. BTW Have you questioned Trista on any other blogs?
Deleteanon 12:05 - I could careless!!!
signed:getrealpeople
I can hear noises across the hall from my bedroom down the halls in those bedrooms and many other places in my house. What people do not seem to be getting here is that you can only hear something if there is a noise to be heard. So yes if a child makes a noise across the hall you can hear it and go get them or meet their needs. But if a kidnapper comes in and makes no noise because lets face it they are probably smart enough to make no noise than there is no noise to be heard.
DeleteI have questioned Trista, and I have received answers, I am not sure if the answers are true or false, but I feel at least there was an effort made to answer questions had. Do I trust or believe anything I read on the internet. .. no. I am just curious as to what the answers might be if answered. I had no doubt that my questions would not be answered here. . I was giving it a shot. I received the response that I thought I would. No problem.
DeleteGet a backbone????? Curious as to what this refers to.
DeleteI do not believe that Justin was worried that someone would take Ayla. I think that what happened is that Trista and her family threatened to take Ayla many times from him maybe even used the words kidnap her. But I believe Justin never took that seriously. Who would. I mean who really thinks someone would ever really do such a thing? Or that it could happen to their child? I believe the Reynolds have shown themselves to be very volatile people and he was so used to them screaming and saying these types of things to him that he just chalked it up to more of their usual empty threats. And then when Ayla was actually taken in hindsight he realized immediately that he should have taken it seriously. I believe that morning he may have said that exact thing in his 911 call. That is my thought.
Deleteanon @ 12:44
DeleteWho are you asking your questions to? Selena wasn't there when Ayla went missing. Phoebe has commented twice on this site. Do you really think your couriosity deserves an answer from Phoebe, or any Dipietro? They've talked with LE, why do they need to answer to you?
So, you ask questions to Trista, and she answered you?
signed:getrealpeople
She has on a couple of occasions and on other occasions a family member of hers has. . . At least they are talking. And to tell you the truth, I believed their answers much more than I believe the silence I have heard from the people who were actually responsible for Ayla at the time she "disappeared". My honest opinion is that I don't buy the abduction theory because it has yet to be explained to me in a sensible, plausible manner. I don't consider myself to be unintelligent and I feel that some people on this blog think they are dealing with unintelligent people. JMO
Delete@anon13:17
DeletePlease share with us your answers to questions from Trista. What family member has answered your questions, Jeff? If you are so adamant on the Dipietro family answering questions, why not share with us your questions and answers with Trista.
signed:getrealpeople
Anonymous 12:01, just the fact that you refer to the DiPietro family as "the Dips" shows your disrespect & obvious bias. Perhaps if you show some respect & kindness, they might consider answering your questions.
DeleteIts just an abbreviation is all. Sorry to offend. . .
DeleteNah, you didn't offend. It's just a pet peeve. Carry on.
DeleteI don't understand how people can type out big long theories but cant bother with typing their full last name. Their last name is dipietro. did it just catch on because people cant spell. if so I guess i can understand that. Its just uncommon to take someones last name and change it to become easier.... do you call mcdonalds mc's or dominos doms. what about president obamas family. do you call them the obs? I dont see tristas family referred to as the reys or hans. it doesnt make sense.
DeleteWell...we call McDonald's "Mickey D's"...
Deletelol
Using the term "Dips" is an automatic signal to me that the person typing is either ignorant, childish, or both. When one of the idiots figured out that shortening their name was also an insult, the rest of them ran with it, and even came up with their own variations.
Some people's children. *shaking my head*
Anonymous 1:17. There is nothing wrong with believing Trista. That is your perogative. You say that at least Trista "talks and answers questions." That is not a sign of innocence, nor is the DiPietros' silence a sign of guilt. Frankly, Trista has made some off-the-wall remarks. I kept wondering "why the hell would she say THAT?" Honestly, the more Trista talked, the more suspicious I became of her.
Deletewow....
ReplyDeleteo.O
The reason...Li more than likely mentioned the baby gate was thats Li's big brother and it surprised her that he was going so fast he jumped it.Obscure is absolutely right. Phoebe doesnt have to answer any of your questions.I really cant say that there has been a time that I have disagreed with Obscure at all...ever.....oops wait!!! wait!!!! I dont think you should explain yourself to some of these people either. This is a CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION. The lives of several people are involved here.They owe you NOTHING for an investigation. They have made themselves available to MSP, FBI, WTVL PD. These are the people they owe explanations to. They have given everything they know and can think of to tell to these people whether or NOT those people believe them or not....Now I have rattled on and dont know what my point was...oh...yes...Obscure is spot on 99% of the time in the assessment of how I feel about most of this crap...
BTW....anyone seen S. around anywhere??? ((((S.))))
I agree.
DeleteI've been wondering where S. is also.
signed:getrealpeople
I miss seeing S. I hope she's ok.
DeleteAnd dale morse she disappeared also
Delete"The reason...Li more than likely mentioned the baby gate was thats Li's big brother and it surprised her that he was going so fast he jumped it."
DeleteHuh?? I thought that it was Angela Harry who described the baby gate in her story that was relayed to her from Justin. Did Elisha mention the baby gate too?
To Selena: Didn't you state in the past that the basement was soundproof. . you couldn't hear anything down there because of the furnace? If thats the case why would they leave Ayla upstairs in a room alone? Especially when Justin feared she would be taken? Can you answer this?
ReplyDeleteYou know. Him being worried someone might take her can go different ways. 1. Being premeditation. 2. Being that he was her father. (I worry daily someone might take my child) it could be a sign he is a good father. 3. Maybe something had recently happened. Its not like investigative details could be released. But my real question to everyone is why wasnt it alarming to trista. Why didn't she seem really concerned for ayla. She let things continue as they were and it doesn't really sound as though she questioned much why he felt that way. If my husband expressed concern for my sons well being and safety you better believe I would be right there and wouldn't leave his side. Where was Trista? Shouldn't she have already had reasons to feel the need to protect ayla. But she has made comments about how she thought Justin was taking good care of her and she was better off there. She is constantly contradicting herself.
DeleteYou can't say he was a good father but then say I think he was abusing her...
Delete@anon 13:28
Delete"Why didn't she seem really concerned for ayla." According to the e-mails, if true, it was Trista's family threatening to "steal" Ayla. That was the reason for Justin's text to Trista. Yes, "She is constantly contradicting herself." Why?
signed:getrealpeople
I still don't understand why she was upstairs alone and he was downstairs with Courney and her son. . . I can't wrap my head around that being okay. No matter who was making threats, they were threats. . .
DeleteLet me try to explain the way I see it. Maybe Courtney's son is used to sleeping with her. From what I have seen ayla slept in a crib almost always. I have never seen anywhere where anyone has said she slept with her mom or dad. And elishas daughter sleeps with her sometimes. Maybe ayla just isn't used to sleeping with people. My son has never slept in my bed. There have been times especially recently that he has woken up in the middle of the night that I have tried to get him to lay down with me. I don't think he understands what I want and he just starts jumping around playing. Maybe ayla was the same way. When they are used to sleeping in a crib you typically put them to sleep in their crib. Now it does kind of make me wonder why there were no moniters but its my understanding that its a small house and Elishas room is close enough to hear them. And it makes me realize there might just be no need. We didn't buy them until my son was sleeping a good distance from our room.
Deleteanon 13:48
DeleteAyla was not upstairs alone. I suppose there would be all sorts of stories if Courtney's son was in a room with Ayla. You people are ridiculous! You will never be satisfied by anything said.
"No matter who was making threats, they were threats. . .", so I guess you realize Trista's family was making the threats?
signed:getrealpeople
My son sleeps alone in his own room. I don't know what you are getting at. Though now that I think about it ayla may have slept with someone at some point since it seems there might not have always been a stable home. Not a fact. Just a thought. 3 people in a bed is a lot. 4 is even more. It doesn't strike me as odd Courtney's son was sleeping with them and ayla wasn't. Are you trying to prove that it shows favoritism or disregard to ayla? Courtney's son didn't have a bed or room to sleep in. And maybe he always sleeps with her. You may be trying to look too deep into things. There was an adult upstairs in a all house. Its not like she was sleeping alone in a house across the street. Please.
Delete@Anonymous13:48
DeleteI still don't understand why you don't understand Ayla was not upstairs alone?
They can only see things from the point of view everything Justin did was malicious towards ayla. Why disrupt a baby from their normal sleep habits because your gf and her baby stay the night?
DeleteIts the tunnel vision IMO.
DeleteAnd I don't understand why you would say she wasn't alone, she was in a room that she didn't normally sleep in and she was alone in that room. . . Why was she in a room she didn't normally sleep in? And how did the kidnapper know which room she was in???? Someone help me here I want to understand. .
Deletei dont see how you say she was alone upstairs. its a small house. elisha and gabby were upstairs. therefore not alone. willing to bet if ayla sneezed elisha could have heard it. was she in a room she didnt normally sleep in? i love how people try to put themselves in the shoes of a kidnapper like they can understand how they work. they are already doing something extremely stupid but you are giving them the benefit of the doubt. people dont rob houses knowing exactly what they will find most of the time. some things are just a crime of opportunity. i am not a kidnapper or burgular. therefore i dont know how their minds work. what makes you think they knew what room she was in. maybe they went in every room and found her. maybe they came right in through the front door. no signs of forced entry on the windows. and they couldnt be opened from the outside. i dont know what happened to her. i just dont see why you are upset about her being put to sleep in a bed in a room in the house. its not like the was put to sleep on the front/ back porch....
Deletedo you have children? if not i totally understand how you cannot understand.
DeleteI'm confused about Ayla's sleeping arrangement, and I think this may be yet another thing that has gotten twisted. Hopefully, we can all get on the same page.
DeleteWhere I think the confusion (for me) lies is this statement that Ayla was in a bed where she doesn't usually sleep. Based on information I've read, this isn't true. Ayla, when staying at the Dipietro's, always slept in a bedroom shared with Gabby. Tell me if I am correct here. The night she disappeared, she was in that same room. Isn't that correct? If this is not correct, then what was her normal bedroom?
I don't see a thing wrong with Ayla sleeping upstairs with Justin, Courtney, and Aiden downstairs. However, this comment about Elisha being able to hear Ayla sneeze would mean that Elisha should have been able to hear the intruder take Ayla.
I have 3 adult children as a matter of fact and they slept with their bedroom doors open all on the same floor as mine and I checked on them before I went to bed at night. Well if Elisha would have heard Ayla sneeze you would think she would have heard an intruder who didn't know the floor plan walk all through the house . . . .like I said before. . this story doesn't make any sense to me.
Deletetrue. had there been noise. like the comment above. if there is no noise to be heard then there is no noise to be heard. thats what i'm confused about to. its my understanding that she was in her and gabbys bedroom in her bed. i know at one point it was being said she was asleep in like pheobes bedroom but from my understanding she was in her bedroom. gabby was sleeping with elisha. i see no harm there. maybe she just wanted some extra cuddle time. i dont see why there is so much emphasis on the fact that justin and courtney had courtneys son in bed with them and not ayla. really where is the significance. unless you are trying to say see he didnt care about her blah blah. it doesnt throw any red flags here.
Deletemy son sleeps at the opposite end of the house. we keep his door closed most nights. we also play a waterfall sound in his room because it helps him sleep. since he is so far away we have baby moniters. does this give red flags to you as far as my parenting? closing a door is a good idea when you have others sleeping over so little sounds dont wake sleeping babys in the middle of the night. not everyone is so lucky with floor plans to have their childrens bedrooms right next to theirs on the same floor. there was an adult on the same floor and i think they were very responsible with the sleeping arrangements. and i will admit that there has been a night or 2 where we havent checked on my son. i'm sure 9/10 parents will admit the same.
Deletealso i want to add that if there were stairs in my house i would probably keep my sons bedroom door closed always. in the off chance he decides its the night to learn to climb out of his crib and try to climb over a baby gate i'd want a door there to stop him too. i cant say for certain if ayla was in a crib or toddler bed. some kids start climbing out and are moved to a toddler bed earlier than others. but if she could climb out or was in a toddler bed theres another reason to shut the door. speaking of which... was her door shut? do you know this?
Deleteregardless. open door or shut... she wasnt upstairs alone. there was people on the same floor in a small house.
Delete@Anonymous15:43
DeleteThere is a big difference between a child sneezing and waking you up and them crying out. One is a small noise that is over in an instant. The other is louder and goes on and on usually. But seriously it is silly to have to explain that. And again she obviously did not hear an intruder because the intruder did not make noise. This we at least know can happen all the time. People's homes are broken into and they are not woken up by the sound of the intruders. Sadly it happens all the time.
Ayla's sleeping arrangements have gotten confused. It has been stated that she was not sleeping in her normal room. I believe McCausland even stated it. However what I have seen written is that upstairs was Ayla's normal room. She slept in her and her cousin Gabby's room. She had been sleeping downstairs for a few weeks after she had broken her arm so that her dad could keep a closer eye on her until her arm healed but since her arm was pretty much healed she had just moved back up to her own bedroom. (Her normal room). Perhaps that is where the confusion lies because she had not been sleeping in her room for a couple weeks.
Delete@Lisa - "She had been sleeping downstairs for a few weeks after she had broken her arm so that her dad could keep a closer eye on her until her arm healed but since her arm was pretty much healed she had just moved back up to her own bedroom."
DeleteIs this fact or speculation?
there was similar discussion up there that makes me think the door wasnt closed. though i dont see a problem with doors being closed either way but maybe you want to read up there. in the end i'm just getting at i dont think ayla was abused or neglected or there was any wrong doings in sleeping arrangements that night. hopefully ayla is found soon. its been too long.
DeleteGreat question, Really?
Delete@ GetRealPeople. Addressing your 10:58 post. There probably are some people that only want fodder to hang Justin et al. That's not true of everyone here. Why is it so hard to understand that some of us have interest in knowing just a few more details. Probably no, giving us more information won't find Ayla.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for bringing up the baby Lisa case a few times, but there are some similarities. In that case, the Mother (whom most people think is guilty of something) was willing to be interviewed a couple of time by the press and was ask some tough questions. At least in that case, we have a good idea of what happened up until the Mother went to bed that night and we have a good idea what time and by whom the baby was found missing. We know this from the parents coming forward and talking, NOT from LE. In that case, had we only been told what LE knew, we would know next to nothing. We'd know the mother went to bed, woke up, and baby was missing. That's all we seem to know about Ayla as well.
As for believing Selena, Phoebe, or anyone else, YES I would believe anyone if what they told me sounded reasonable and I didn't find big holes in the story. For example, I believe Phoebe wasn't seen in the fur boots. I never really believed it anyway, but her confirming it was a good thing for everyone.
If the details of the case are not being told to the public by those there that night so as not to jeopardize the case, then how did Angela Harry get her information? Someone in the house told someone the story.
Something else I've wondered about is the 911 call and why it is not being released. I'm surprised the 911 operator didn't leak the information to someone.
@Bystander - agreed, I have absolutely no inclination towards hanging the DiPietros - far from it. I've been posting only here for months - and read little at the other sites. We all want Ayla found and this case solved. The DiPietros, along with the Reynolds, have been encouraged to speak for Ayla. Unfortunately, I feel a lot of what Trista says is not true, and even if she is innocent, she is only complicating the solving of the case. Knowing that Phoebe reads here makes talking about the case even more valuable. While I'm sure she's been interrogated plenty, and talked to others about this numerous times - she gets to view different thoughts and opinions outside her circle and it may assist her in thinking of something she hadn't thought of before... or anyone else reading, that may have information they don't know they have.
Delete@Bystander 11:46
DeleteHere's where you may stand out from others. Your comment, "YES I would believe anyone if what they told me sounded reasonable and I didn't find big holes in the story", says it all. Not everyone commenting on this case is that way. They ask for answers from the Dipietro's, but at the same time they don't believe anything they say. So, it's a catch-22 situation they are putting the Dipietro's in, if they answer the questions. What sounds reasonable to one, is up for interpretation by each individual, which may or may not be sane reasoning.
I would like to ask though, If you had believed the "furry boots" story, would you have believed Phoebe's confirmation that it wasn't her?
signed:getrealpeople
@ Getrealpeople "I would like to ask though, If you had believed the "furry boots" story, would you have believed Phoebe's confirmation that it wasn't her?"
DeleteDamn, that's a tough one to answer. If I had believed 'anything' I would hope that I had a good, well thought out reason to believe it. Then, if the accused denied it, I might still believe it UNLESS the accused had some convincing details. Clear as mud? Example: If several credible unrelated witnesses picked out Phoebe in a line up and said they saw her that night in furry boots, I would tend to believe the witnesses even if she said they were lying. If Phoebe came forward with better evidence that they all were lying, I might believe her. It's a case by case, thing.
I definitely stand out from others in many respects. I am an independent thinker for sure and I don't follow the pack.
While I'm on my soapbox, I wanted to mentioned something else I think that differs from most everyone else. I think Justin sounds intelligent when he speaks. How about that? Others think just the opposite. When he was asked what was special about Ayla, his answer "she's my daughter" (or something like that) had people making snarky remarks because he didn't say whatever they thought he should say. If I were asked off the cuff what is special about anyone I have loved (mother, father, husband, pet), I probably would be at a loss for words too. He gave the best answer, she was his daughter. What can be more special than that.
@getreal - I know you weren't addressing me, but I would like to answer. I believe Phoebe. I understand about the cnn interview and don't hold that against her. I have believed her when she has spoken. I do not think she would go out of her way to lie. I have believed her when she posted here twice signing her name, and other times for anonymous posts that I thought was her. I sympathize with Phoebe very much. I hope Ayla is found and Phoebe finds the answers she needs.
Delete@Bystander
DeleteThanks for replying :)
Your last paragraph, I've often thought how I would respond. I'm sure the same! It is just one of those questions! no matter how tragic the situation is. I think you must of been shy at one time, as I was (and sometimes still am). I can totally relate to answers from Justin.
signed:getrealpeople
@space 12:56
DeleteI agree, I believe Phoebe. I hope Ayla is found, alive and well, for all concerned.
signed:getrealpeople
I also believe Phoebe. I'm not sure, but I think I shared this way back. Once I called the police regarding an incident I sort of witnessed, and was questioned on it. One of the questions was "did you see the *item in question*?" And, not thinking, I said yes. I hadn't, but the people with me did, and I realized my mistake. I called them back immediately after & corrected my answer, risking losing any credibility I had, but wanting to fix my mistake. That made me have empathy for what happened to Phoebe. When you're overcome with emotion, being questioned, feeling nervous & worked up, you can easily say the wrong things. It's important to think it out before speaking, so your thoughts are complete & correct. It's no fun learning that the hard way.
DeleteThanks for sharing that Michelle. :)
Deletesigned:getrealpeople
i tend to agree. If you ask me whats so special about my son my answer would probably be he's my son/baby. just like if you ask how he's doing my answer is great. he's getting so big. you ask me these questions and a zillion things run through my mind. he's my son sums them all up to me. he isnt your son. sorry but your son isnt quite so special to me. he's mine :)
DeleteThink about it. he's been around his sisters daughter and his girlfriends son. they are all close in age and probably do some of the same things. what do you think makes ayla so special. she's his. he loves her to the end of time. she's his. his baby, his blood, his everything. he was doing all the right things. he wasnt a bad guy. he wanted ayla. he could have said oh well its not my problem and left her with jessica. he moved and moved her in. he played with her and cared for her. being a new dad he probably had a ton of help. but he's been around other kids and probably knew a thing or two.
DeleteIf Justin can't say he didn't kill his daughter, then we can't say it for him.
ReplyDeleteHe has most definitely said he didn't harm her. Hasn't he?
DeleteAnonymous13:59
Delete"I would never do anything to hurt my child," he said.
By KEVIN DOLAK (@kdolak) and KATTI GRAY
Jan. 30, 2012
http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/i-fell-on-herfather-says_2012-01-06.html Quotes regarding broken arm.
“I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
"You can say I was sort of naive for the first few weeks. I just thought that Ayla was going to be home.
http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/video/ayla-reynolds-missing-maine-toddlers-father-justin-dipietro-15320366
Interestingly this reporter does state that Phoebe informed them she was not in the home that evening. As Phoebe does say she clarified to the reporter right after the interview.
“I will not make accusations or insinuations towards anyone until the police have been able to prove who’s responsible for this.”
dad Justin DiPietro said in a statement released by police in Waterville, Maine.
she's my daughter. she's my child. she's everything to me.
Above are a few quotes from Justin. He may not say as much as Trista but when he does speak it is simple and to the point. I find it interesting that people say he does not answer to any questions. His quotes above answer so much. He has answered many times and addressed several questions. People simply choose not to listen.
Anon 14:17,
DeleteSaying I WOULD never do anything to hurt my child is not the same as saying I did not hurt/kill Ayla. I did not remove Ayla from this house before reporting her missing. And note that Justin has two children, one of whom he apparently has no contact with and, in the viewpoint of police is his only remaining living child. So who exactly was he talking about when he say he WOULD never do anything to hurt "my child." ?
"This isn't anywhere near over." This sounds like he knows where Ayla is or what happened to her. How else could he have any clue that the case wouldn't be solved 5 minutes from the time he spoke?
"...until the police have been able to prove who's responsible for this." This is incredibly telling language. He's expressing concern not about Ayla but proof. He refers to "this" instead of saying something direct like kidnapping.
@Anonymous 14:17 Huh? That does not even make sense.
DeleteI have an idea let's analyze Trista's statements when she says "I just need closure"(So I can go be out of the spot light and go to my daughter) Or How about "I got no hope"(that I can ever bring Ayla home now?) or "a mother just knows"( Hmm knows what?)
DeleteAnon 8/28/12 10:35PM
DeleteYou have quite the imagination!
signed:getrealpeople
anon 1035 - "This isn't anywhere near over." Do you know when and what context that was said in?
Deletehttp://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Father-friends-say-its-possible-cops-say-no-way.html
Delete“I just want the public to keep their eyes open and not close the book on this,” DiPietro said. “This isn’t anywhere near over. ... There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.”
Not sure if the ... is because he said more and the article did not include it or that was all he said? But that is what was written.
good observations anon 12:19 - 1st. how did he know it was far from over? 2. when you look at the source, and note the ellipsis that indicates missing words - we don't know if there were 2 words in between or 50 words. We also don't know at what point of the interview he said that, nor if he was responding appropriately to a direct question from the interviewer (such as: "do you feel this is over? have you given up hope?") I wish newspapers would provide context - that we would know the questions being asked and responses in order.
Delete@anon 8/29/12 12:19 &Really 12:50
DeleteMaybe his statement,"This isn’t anywhere near over. ... ", is because it won't be over until Ayla is found. You are picking apart a statement, and not including everything said. The rest of his statement, "There’s not going to be any closure until Ayla comes home.” You are really overreaching here! What ellipsis are you talking about, the dots Anon 12:19 added, or was that from the person writing the article?
signed:getrealpeople
@getreal - if you'd gone to the article you would have seen that was in the quote in the newspaper - I believe I stated my perspective clearly but perhaps you didn't understand.
DeleteDearest Obscure, the Babygate Saga is an important part of Ayla's disappearance. It might be the straw that broke the cambel's back. Will post more later.
ReplyDeleteDearest Anonymous 13:08, I agree with you 100%. I am looking forward to reading what you have to post later. I also find it interesting that the baby gate story is something that the DiPietro family and supporters are trying to sweep under the rug, so to speak.
Deleteanon 13:44
DeleteOh Puhleeease, swept under the rug! The baby gate has not been mentioned by anyone for months and months. If it is so important, where have you been?
signed:getrealpeople
How is the baby gate being swept under the rug? Seems to me it is being discussed. I think that the only thing that is being swept under the rug are the answers that people are coming up with that some people have about the baby gate not being relevant. Reminds me of some people I know.
DeleteSo people keep saying the baby gate may be relevant. Tell me how. And please use facts. The gate being broken is not a fact. Someone here just thought hey lets assume the gate was broken.
Facts we think?:
Justin tripped over it in his haste to get up the stairs.
It was put up by Elisha that morning.
We believe Courtney had to step over it to get back down the stairs.
Theory of the gate?:
Ayla may have been able to get out of her room. Gotten to the gate. Knocked it over. Proceeded to walk over it and then fall down the stairs. Everyone panicked and decided not to call 911 or were convinced not to? After which everyone in the home agreed to at sometime in the night get her body far enough away from the home that she has not been able to be found and get back home and all agree to keep quiet about it. And were able to clean up enough evidence of the accident that LE can not prove anything happened.
I will say a fall down stairs seems to me to add a lot more of an opportunity for blood to be spread out and volume but what do I know.
Okay so now it has been discussed and added to the list of theories. Everyone happy? Can we move on?
Hey, Anon14:38 the theory you posted could very well have been exactly how things went down. One part I would word differently though--I do believe regardless of what happened, LE will eventually build a case strong enough to prove in court beyond a reasonable doubt what happened to Ayla. I would rather they take their time and do it right though.
Delete@Anonymous17:49
DeleteThere are a lot of theories out there. So many I have lost count. Something happened to Ayla. Personally I believe she was kidnapped and not harmed. However you are right any and all theories are possible. I also believe that every single angle, tip and lead should be followed. That said I do not believe that Justin or his family harmed Ayla but I can say I have never thought it unfair that they are questioned or looked at as suspects. I think all possibilities should be looked at. If it were my child it is what I would want. I would not like it but I would understand it. But I do not believe in tunnel vision. Stay open to all possibilities, all suspects. And I would not want my child given up on based on "lack of evidence"
Nicely said, anon 21:06
DeleteI have to say, I can't believe that Justin, Courtny, Elisha, Phoebe, etc... are covering up an accidental death of Ayla. In my opinion it is ridiculous. We have nothing to say that they are so dysfunctional that they would do this. They seem to be a very functional family unit. Any negative comments made about them are all nasty rumors. Lets get a grip here!
Deletesigned:getrealpeople
In my own opinion the baby gate has no significance. I am sure it was one of the first few things brought up and explained when the police came. It was probably thrown to the side and I am almost positive the police would have questioned it and moved on. If it had been hidden away that would be different but it was brought up in the beginning. I am sure the baby gate is as innocent as the story explaining it.
ReplyDeleteYou can't pretend to know how you would act if your child was missing especially if the public thinks you did it. There are small children in his life. I am sure there have been lots of threats along with broken windows and Courtney and Elishas children still need to be protected. When there are other children involved and you need to protect them you can't always exhaust every option. You can't go and scream in the middle of the street if someone has threatened you can you? Its not like they have moved on and forgotten about ayla or they wouldn't be reading this blog.
Anonymous13:15, how do you know whether or not the police would have questioned the baby gate and just moved on? I would think that any competent investigator(s) would actually be pretty concerned if they found the blood, (any amount), of a missing child in the basement, and a broken baby gate, (if it was indeed broken), in the house. This is my own opinion.
DeleteI am just saying any competent investigator would most likely have already investigated this and are probably at peace with their findings. How do I know? Well I did start by saying in my opinion. Unless the investigation were born yesterday they probably looked through the house and found it it right away being that they are trained to look for those things.
DeleteInvestigators*
DeleteThat being said I know no more than any of you and maybe this is why they think she won't be found alive. But I highly doubt you thinking so hard about a baby gate is going to solve this.
Anonymous14:26, I don't believe that anyone who posts on a blog really believes that they are going to solve a case. The baby gate could very well be one of the pieces of evidence law enforcement has, but I don't know anymore than you do. It is purely speculation on my part, but the condition of the baby gate, and the blood evidence might be two very important pieces of information that led law enforcement to the conclusion--very early on in the case--that an abduction did not occur.
Deletevery true. so is this just a case of trying to maybe figure out what evidence law enforcement might have? if so i understand it. i just dont get how people think its going to solve this suddenly in their heads. i give law enforcement enough credit though to not overlook something like a babygate is all i'm getting at. i do have to be honest though. the only way i think that ayla could have been harmed or have died in that house is in the midst of a terrible tragic accident.
DeleteAnonymous15:37, I do agree with you. I give law enforcement full credit, and I do believe that they will solve this case. I absolutely do not feel that Ayla was deliberately harmed. I do not believe that Justin's sister, (with a baby of her own), Justin's mother, and/or Justin's girlfriend, (with a child of her own), would go along with the intentional murder of a child. I believe that if Ayla died in the DiPietro home, it was certainly the result of a tragic accident that was covered up. Hopefully someone will speak up for Ayla soon.
DeleteThe thinking here is bizarre. Ayla was killed in a tragic accident and nobody wanted to report it! Really? Is that what some of you all are saying you would do? You all are unbelievable!!!
Deletesigned:getrealpeople
@getreal - I'm not following - the 2 anons above you stated that IF Ayla was harmed, they don't believe it was intentional. Why is that bizarre thinking?
DeleteI have to say I feel as though the people who question "the three in the house" not seeking help for Ayla theory in the case of an accident always makes me wonder about who the people are themselves that question this?
DeleteWhy would you not call 911?
Previous trouble with the law?
Previous trouble with DHHS?
Something would have to be in place to make you the type of person who would be worried in the first place.
I do not see where any of that criteria is met by these people. So what was their motive for simply not calling 911 if there was an unintentional accident? That is what is bizarre.
Obscure - I have to say I'm quite impressed with your blog as it is today.
ReplyDeleteGood Job! I don't agree with alot; but I'm able to disagree in a civil manner, for that I thank you.
-
I do have a request if possible?
I believe that the numeric #'s next to a posters name is Military time, I was wondering if you would consider putting it back to civilian time with a date?
The date especially would help to sort through comments.
Thank you for any consideration you might give this.
I agree on all counts. I miss having the date. I used to search by the date to find new posts. I signed up a blogger account so I could stay logged in & post easier, which is cool.
DeleteThanks for the feedback.
DeleteI hope the new time/date stamp is what you were asking for. LMK
I vote that we move on from the baby gate. Let's discuss Phoebe's feather duster.
ReplyDeleteHave to admit, the feather duster comment made me laugh. Seriously though, there's been one blog post in 8 months to discuss the gate. If AH, a woman who's been busting her ass to help find Ayla, had never mentioned it, it probably wouldn't have been thought of. The blog title specifically says for Babygate talk. I'm curious now why this seems uncomfortable for some people. I'm thinking some might want us to get back to talking about Trista?
DeleteI agree, Really? There is another topic up that people can comment on if they don't want to discuss the baby gate that Angela Harry included in her original account of what happened in the DiPietro house the morning Ayla was reportedly discovered missing. I find the baby gate topic at least as imporant as discussing screenshots of someone's Facebook page, what color Justin DiPietro's bed sheets were, or what the zit on Trista's face looked like during an interview.
DeleteI think everyone is missing the point. I don't think anyone thinks it is uncomfortable. I think they just don't understand what else there is to say about it. But I guess you can keep talking about the same things. I think what some people are trying to say though is it has been talked about now what? Seems like you are focusing on one thing. And saying the same things over and over. If someone has something new to add to it I guess that would make sense. But you are right you guys can hang here and keep talking about it. Me I am heading over to the other topics. By all means though if you come up with something new pop over and let someone know.
Delete@next topic - while I believe the DiPietros' baby gate warranted discussion, I see how it has partly gone the way of the potty training thread. :/
DeleteAre you saying Justin and Trista do not matter? Did you have a relevant topic in mind?
Lol Nope sorry I was saying willing to talk about either. Just to be fair.
Delete@Obscure - I wouldn't want you to miss out on this...
ReplyDeleteVisit the page for descriptions of important gates.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_scandals_with_%22-gate%22_suffix
Arts and entertainment - Closetgate, Flakegate, – Nipplegate (also known as Boobgate), Portraitgate, Sachsgate.
Journalism and academics - Climategate, Hackgate, Memogate (or "Rathergate"), Reutersgate, Slutgate.
Politics - Altaigate, Angolagate, Bertiegate, Betsygate, Billygate, Bingogate, Biscuitgate, Cablegate, Cheriegate, Chinagate, Coingate, Coalgate, Corngate, Debategate, Donnygate, Fallagate, Fajitagate, Filegate, Horsegate, Inkgate, Iraqgate, Irangate or Contragate (also referred to as the Iran-Contra Affair), Irisgate, Kazakhgate, Koreagate, Mabelgate, Memogate (2), Monicagate, Lewinskygate, Tailgate, or Sexgate ("Zippergate", "the Lewinsky scandal"), NAFTAgate[50], Nannygate (1), Nannygate (2), Officegate, Pardongate, Pastygate, Pemexgate, Petrogate, Piñeragate, Plamegate (also "Leakgate"), PolarBeargate, Porngate, Railgate, also known as the Basi-Virk Affair and the BC Legislature Raids scandal, Ratgate, also known as the illegal civilian surveillance incident, Rinkagate, Robogate, Rubygate, Rywingate, Shawinigate, Smeargate, Stormontgate, Strippergate (Seattle) & Strippergate (San Diego), Tasergate – Aka Troopergate, Thulegate, Toallagate, Taxigate, Travelgate, Troopergate (1), Troopergate (2), Troopergate (3), Tunagate, Utegate, Valijagate, Wampumgate, Watergate, Weinergate, Whitewatergate, Wormgate,
Sports - Bibgate, Bloodgate, Bountygate, Crashgate, Grannygate, Indygate, Moggigate, Partgate, Shouldergate, Sirengate, Skategate, Sonicsgate, Spygate (1), Spygate (2), Tigergate, Toiletgate, Tripgate.
Technology - Antennagate.
Popular Culture/Television - Clipgate,Flatgate, Sharongate, Stargate, Waitergate.
6---------------------789
One should not underestimate the power and importance of a gate. It appears that BabyGate may still be available.
OMG, I know the inside story to the TrooperGates. One, two, and three.
I don't see a gun-walking gate yet, or a solar energy debacle gate. I know something about those, too. It's not what the public thinks it is, on either count. They search out those heart-strings, and tell you what they want you to... hmmm... support. BTW, both existed before Obama - just sayin...
I would like to see proper and just closure for Ayla's family and friends. BabyGate sounds good to me.
posted by pogamen 8/28/2012
Pogamen,
DeletePlease
ask
if
Mothers
are
Natural?
Thanks!
Yes Pogaman that is some helpful stuff right there. (Insert sarcasm)
DeleteGreat comment pogamen. :)
Deleteanon 2:34 am - HUH!!!
signed:getrealpeople
Okay. Can you be Pog's interpreter please because I am lost.
DeleteI believe she is saying, more or less, like Richard Nixon had Watergate, Ayla's family has BabyGate.
Deletepogaman is bob vear
Deleteanon 12:39, Obscure reminds me of April Winchell, does that mean that's who she is?
DeleteThere's really not any point to keep saying those same few words over and over - I personally don't believe it, as I find their phrasings and style completely different - but if you want to explain how you know this or why you think so.
The troll "anon 12:39" is very persistent, like a gnat! What an imbecile!
Deletesigned:getrealpeople
Obscure@ 7:21 am
ReplyDeleteThank you for changing the date & time stamp, its very much appreciated!
Selena said once that the reason they didn't hear the kiddnapper was because you couldn't hear anything from the basement. So why would Justin put Ayla in a room upstairs, by herself, and not check on her for 12 hours. . . . He sounds like a real responsible dad to me.
ReplyDeleteThe one comment out of the few that Justin has shared that has bothered me since he said it is "she probably thinks its all a game" WTF I just don't get where he was going with the statement. Any ideas
ReplyDeleteanon 12:44 - If he felt someone she knew kidnapped her and had her in hiding?
DeleteExactly Really
DeleteHe may not know who took her for sure like everyone else but I am sure he has stronger suspicions than the rest of us. And if he feels someone she knows took her than he probably feels that at least she is somewhere and safe. And at 18 months old to her she just thinks this is just one more transition. And if it makes it easier for him to think this way who are we to criticize him?
If Justin knew (or had a good idea) of who took her, that might explain a lot. If it was someone that he didn't want to see prosecuted, he may be withholding information. It may also explain why he doesn't come across as devastated as people think he should. It might also explain why he failed some question on the poly, if in fact that happened. It appears a few of us are on the same page with this thinking.
Delete