Celina Cass Body Found; Father Seeks Answers in 'Suspicious' Death
The family of 11-year-old Celina Cass is anxious to find answers to the many questions surrounding the girl's disappearance and death, and hopes an autopsy scheduled for Tuesday will help answer lingering questions.
The New Hampshire girl, who was missing since July 25, was found dead in a river near her home Monday.
Adam Laro, Celina’s father, told reporters that although he is eager to know what happened to his daughter, he does not want to make any assumptions.
The family will plan a memorial or funeral for Celina after autopsy reports are revealed.
Laro said his daughter “was very sweet, very outgoing, very generous to people, lovable, trusting, you name it.”
"I will miss her for a long time. She will always be remembered in my heart."
Celina’s grandfather, Walter Laro, said his family is grateful to those who worked with law enforcement officials in helping to find the young girl.
“Everybody has been splendid to this family. I really appreciate it,” Laro told local news station WMUR.
He added, "Fish and Game, Attorney General, FBI – they were all there when you needed them and they were very good to us. The news media was very good to us. They really helped out as much as they could.”
On Monday, divers recovered Celina's body near a hydroelectric dam in Connecticut River, between Stewartstown and Canaan, Vermont – about a quarter-mile from her home.
Family members say the fifth grader was last seen using the computer at her West Stewartstown home the night of July 25, and was missing the next morning.
Officials have described Celina’s death as "suspicious," but have not offered details as to how she might have ended up in the river.
No suspects have been named in the case, which was reclassified from a missing person case to a criminal investigation.
A Facebook memorial page was launched for Celina after news of the discovery of her body broke Monday. On the page, which currently has more than 2,000 members, visitors expressed sympathy for her family.
“Rest in peace Celina. You're safe now. My thoughts and prayers go out to Celina's family and friends. May the Lord give you the strength to get through this very difficult time,” wrote a visitor named Jessica Michael.
