10-13-2010, 12:51 PM
Attorney: Stepmother Is Scared To Death
WSOC-TV
Elisa Baker’s court appearance was brief on Wednesday, when she appeared before a judge on the charge of obstruction of justice at the Catawba County Justice Center in Newton.
Baker answered “Yes” and “No” to the judge’s questions with two attorneys at her side, but didn't say much else.
Police said she has not cooperated since her step daughter's disappearance on Saturday from the family’s home in Hickory.
Police said Baker was after she admitted to writing the ransom note found outside the home the day Zahra disappeared.
Her attorney, Scott Reilly, told the judge he believes her $40,000 bond is too high. this is my concern, that if murder charge isn't forthcoming, she could make bond.
Channel 9 spoke with Reilly and prosecutors about the case on Wednesday afternoon. "She is scared to death. She's worried if her families out here and she is still emotional. It's scary coming out here and seeing all the court reporters and courtroom of people who are so much against here right now," Reilly said.
"I know this is a very emotional time for law enforcement. The community is upset. We have a high degree of faith that law enforcement is going to solve this case. It’s going to be a high priority for the DA’s office when they do,” said District Attorney, Jay Gaither.
Scott Reilly told Chanel 9 that they could have a bond hearing as early as Monday.
Channel 9 has also learned that the massive search that took place late Tuesday and into Wednesday has been called off for now but detectives are following more than a dozen leads and could return to the area.