Condolences, but is there progress in the investigation? Still no reports on the two vehicles nor on Wendell Noyes.
Condolences offered for NH girl from across US
STEWARTSTOWN, N.H.—Condolences have been pouring in from across the country and Canada for an 11-year-old northern New Hampshire girl whose body was found in the Connecticut River last week and whose death remains a mystery.
Many of the well-wishers praying for Celina Cass and her family are parents. Some are former New Hampshire residents who have been following the case. Others write on the funeral home website that while they didn't know Celina, they wanted to offer words of comfort.
"We've gotten a lot of mail in from all over the country," Wally Laro, Celina's grandfather, said Saturday. "We have gotten verses, religious verses, everybody's responding to us. We're just looking for answers now, you know? We're just settling in now, looking for answers."
Divers found Celina's body near a dam that spans the river between Stewartstown and Canaan, Vt., on Monday, a week after she disappeared from her Stewartstown home. Her death has been called suspicious; an autopsy failed to pin down the cause of her death and toxicology tests are pending.
The investigation into her death is ongoing, but no major developments were expected for the next several days, Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young said Saturday.
In light of the tragedy, Stewartstown, population about 800, decided to hold its 35th annual fair this weekend, known as Stewartstown Day. The events started Friday night with a dedication of the event to Celina.
"We will never forget that a precious child has been taken from the family and from this community," Matt Coons, pastor of the Independent Baptist Church, said at the ceremony.
A parade with floats with a theme of TV shows was held Saturday, followed by a soap box derby, auction, and children's activities in the park.
A celebration of Celina's life is planned for Monday night at the Canaan School in Vermont, the funeral home obituary said.
At the height of the search for Celina, more than 100 state and federal investigators were headquartered at the Stewartstown Community School, more than the 85 students who typically attend the school. By the end of the week, the police presence was virtually gone.
Investigators repeatedly visited Celina's home. They took two pickup trucks, one belonging to her stepfather, Wendell Noyes. Neighbors said the other one was driven by Kevin Mullaney, who had moved in with the family.
Many want answers about what happened to the shy, sweet "mama's girl" who played basketball for Canaan School and took part in yoga, swimming and fishing, according to her obituary.
Laro is taking care of his son Adam Laro, who is Celina's father. He is suffering from congestive heart failure and recently came out of the hospital. Wally Laro said he is saving his strength for a private family service and the event in Canaan.
"We're just the grandparents trying to give support, holding up the fort," Laro said. "We're doing the best we can do."
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