[Update: Arrest Made] Hser Nay Moo 7 [Body Found] South Salt Lake, Utah [Archive]

Pauli

04-01-2008, 01:54 PM

Amber Alert issued for missing girl
April 1st, 2008 @ 9:59am

Nicole Gonzales and Andrew Adams reporting
An Amber Alert has been issued for Hser Nar Moo. The 7-year-old was last seen yesterday afternoon.

About 120 volunteers, plus a police helicopter and K9 unit searched for her overnight. Authorities are asking for more volunteers to help search this morning. Those interested in helping should meet at the LDS church building at 2290 S. 300 East.

The girl was last seen near her home at the South Park apartment complex near 2250 South and 500 East at 2 p.m. Monday. Overnight searchers concentrated their efforts on a six-block area near there. Police have expanded the search, and volunteers are going door to door.

Gary Keller of the South Salt Lake Police Department says the FBI and the Utah State Attorney General's Child Abduction Team will be helping in the search today. But he was careful to say authorities have no information that points to an abduction.

"Apartment complexes, where there might be other people. It doesn't even matter to me if someone else has already knocked on the door, and you knock on the door afterwards," police told volunteer searchers.

The description of Hser Nar Moo is:
3 feet 8 inches tall
45 pounds
long black hair
missing her two front teeth
wearing a heavy pink coat and possibly a pink skirtPolice say the last time she was seen, she was with her 10-year-old brother at home. The two got into a disagreement and the girl went outside. Family and friends looked for her, and neighbors called police around 6:30 Monday evening.

Police say they don't believe the girl has ever run away in the past. They also say her family is from Burma. They say the little girl speaks very little English but does understand some English.

If you have any information, call South Salt Lake police at 840-4000.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2981916

Pauli

04-01-2008, 02:43 PM

Police fear foul play in disappearance of 7-year-old South Salt Lake girl

The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/01/2008 11:32:23 AM MDT

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0401/20080401_090922_Hser%20Ner%20Moo%202%20aeh_200.jpg (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1887735 )
Photo from search flier for missing South Salt Lake girl Hser Ner Moo. (Al Hartman/The Salt Lake Tribune)

Posted: 11:33 AM- Police said Tuesday morning they are "concerned there is foul play involved" in the case of a 7-year-old South Salt Lake girl who has been missing since 2 p.m. Monday.

An Amber Alert was issued at 9:30 a.m. for Hser Ner Moo, (pronounced Soo Na Moo).

South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder said the alert was not issued earlier because there was no evidence of an abduction, there was a possibility the girl might be with friends and they were waiting to see if she returned this morning.

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0401/20080401_084811_missing%20SSL%20girl%201%20aeh_300 .jpg (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1887714 )
South Salt Lake police search cars entering and leaving the South Parc apartment complex at 2250 S. 500 E. early Tuesday morning for any sign of 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo. (Al Hartmann/The Salt Lake Tribune)

But given the time that had elapsed, the fact that overnight searches came up empty and that the girl was not with classmates, the alert was issued Tuesday morning.

"I'm going to face scrutiny either way," Snyder said. "If I issue it later, people would say, 'Why did you wait so long?' If I issue is earlier, it's a case of, 'Is it being abused? Is it being issued properly?' From my standpoint, it is [being used properly]. I'm not taking any chances."

There were also questions about why a Tuesday search was not underway by mid-morning.

Snyder said it would be the third "exhaustive" search since the girl disappeared.

More than 100 volunteers joined police and U.S. Marshals who searched through the night for Hser.

Earlier Tuesday, police were searching vehicles entering and leaving the South Parc apartments at 2250 S. 500 East, where Hser lives with her family and where she was last seen. Other officers searched door to door in the neighborhood, while investigators contacted all known friends and acquaintances of the family.

Police had hoped the girl might show up for class this morning at Woodrow Wilson Elementary, but there was no sign of her.

Snyder said officers are asking for consent searches of all houses in the area in their effort to find Hser, and that they have had cooperation from almost everyone they have approached.

Snyder said police also have interviewed about 40 registered sex offenders who live in the area.

Salt Lake City detectives who worked on the Destiny Norton case also are helping. Destiny was kidnapped on July 16, 2006, by a next-door neighbor who killed her and sexually abused her dead body.

By 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, about 150 volunteer searchers who began assembling at 7 a.m. at the LDS ward house at 2280 S. 300 East finally were being divided into groups.

Some volunteers were expressing frustration that Tuesday's search was not begun sooner.

The word was that everyone was waiting for the arrival of the Utah Attorney General's Child Abduction Response Team.

"The Attorney General has taken over command and told us to wait until they get here," said Damon Talbot, a member of Destiny Search.

Marilyn Brusch, a city council member who had been signing up volunteers Tuesday morning, said search efforts the previous night "seemed a lot more organized. ... I just can't believe this many people have been waiting around."

Brusch said several volunteers told her they could wait no longer and were leaving.

Besides noting it was the third search, Snyder also pointed out that police were not notified the girl was missing until four hours after she was last seen.

Hser and her family are from Burma and have been in South Salt Lake since July 2007. She speaks some English.

Police say Hser was playing at her apartment with her 10-year-old brother when they had an argument and she left the apartment. That was the last time she was seen.

Her aunt was home with the children at the time and started calling neighbors and friends looking for the girl. The friends called police around 6:30 p.m.

Hser's two older brothers -- Ker Ker Po, 21, and Kyi Kyi Po, 20 -- were at a command center set up at a nearby church this morning. They said they came home around 4:30 p.m. Monday and began looking for their sister. At that point, they weren't alarmed, they said. This morning they were anxious to begin searching.

No Amber Alert was issued Monday because there was no indication of an abduction - one of the requirements for an alert.

South Salt Lake police yesterday did summon the state Attorney General's Office Child Abduction Response Team, which provided more resources, according to Gary Keller, the South Salt Lake police public information officer.

Officers from South Salt Lake, Salt Lake City, Midvale and the U.S. Marshals Service - bolstered by about 120 volunteers organized by the Destiny Search Project - searched throughout the night for Hser. A Department of Public Safety helicopter and K9 units assisted.

The volunteers stopped around 3 a.m. but were returning to a command center set up at an LDS church near the South Parc apartments by 7 a.m.
The Destiny Search Project was organized after the kidnapping and murder of Destiny Norton. The 5-year-old was kidnapped the evening of July 16, 2006. Her body was discovered eight days later in the basement of Craig Roger Gregerson's adjacent apartment. She had been smothered and her body sexually abused post-mortem. Gregerson pleaded guilty to capital murder and was sentenced him to life in prison without parole for the murder and 15 years to life for the kidnapping.

Damon Talbot, a member of Destiny Search, said the group is asking for more volunteers to help search today. The group is planning to revisit in daylight the areas it searched last night. Searchers also plan to go door to door, starting at Hser's apartment complex, eventually expanding out up to 6 miles in each direction. Volunteers are asked to check in at the LDS church command center.

"We'd like to get as many eyes out there as possible," Talbot said. "That gives police a chance to perform their investigative techniques."

Talbot has taken part in some of the recent high-profile searches, including the effort to find Brigham Young University student Camille Cleverley, who was eventually discovered dead from an apparent fall.

He said this morning's search reminds him of the search for Destiny, which doesn't give him much comfort.

"But you hear good stories all the time," Talbot added.

Leann Allen, an LDS service missionary assigned to the Haven Ward, which includes the South Parc apartments, said the family is part of the Karen Hill tribe in Burma. They came to the United States in 2007 from a refugee camp in Thailand.

There are 10 Burmese families in the apartment complex, but most live in West Valley City, she said. Allen describe it as a tight-knit community.
Hser "is a beautiful little girl, quite shy," Allen said. "If she knows you she'll come up to you and give you a hug. But she wouldn't knock on a door" of a stranger."

http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_8765468

Pauli

04-01-2008, 07:58 PM

Amber Alert issued for missing girl
April 1st, 2008 @ 4:00pm

Team coverage
Police have issued an Amber Alert for a 7-year-old South Salt Lake girl who's been missing since Monday. They fear Hser Ner Moo is in danger.

The search for the girl began last night, has continued throughout the day and is expected to carry on until after dark. It covers about a mile and a half perimeter around the girl's home.

Investigators from the South Salt Lake Police Department and the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office are following up on several leads they've received. However, they have nothing concrete to go off of yet.

Hser Ner Moo's father, Cartoon Wah, told Eyewitness News today saying, "Since yesterday, since I got off work, I haven't eaten yet. Even to this very moment I haven't eaten. I've been so worried about finding my daughter."

Hser Ner Moo was last seen yesterday afternoon around 2:00. She left her apartment, located near 2250 South and 500 East, to go play outside after an argument with her brother.

Police say someone in her complex did see her walking south toward 500 East, but she hasn't been seen since.

Because of her age and the time lapse, the investigation is now pointing to a kidnapping. That's why police issued an Amber Alert at 9:30 this morning. Right now, there is no evidence of foul play.

Family and friends looked for her, and neighbors called police around 6:30 Monday evening. Police searched for her, and then they did a second search in the dark. About 120 volunteers, plus a police helicopter and K9 unit, searched for her overnight.

South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder said, "The likelihood she may have been injured and holed up somewhere over the course of the evening is dwindling for us. We're concerned that there is foul play involved given the age of this girl and the time frame she's been missing."

Snyder added, "I'm very concerned, obviously. We're a very small community. Even though we're a very busy city, it's a very tight-knit community, and as you can see by the outpouring of support here, there's a lot of concern for this child, and our number one priority is to find her."

Gary Keller of the South Salt Lake Police Department says the FBI and the Utah State Attorney General's Child Abduction Response team are helping in the search today. Hundreds of volunteers are also helping in the search today.

Alice White and her family have been helping Hser Ner Moo's family since they came here as refugees last year. She says, "Now that it has been long enough time, I'm a little, I'm a lot more concerned."

She says the mother is not doing well. She says, "She been really sick, the mother. She has been in and out of the hospital since she had the baby."

White took two of the brothers around searching for their sister. In broken English, they told White that their sister is afraid. In other words, she is not the type to leave home and not come back.

Police are doing searches of the complex, as well as searches of cars. They are also interviewing registered sex offenders in the area. So far, they've interviewed 40 of them, and today 45 officers are doing another immediate search of the area.

The description of Hser Ner Moo is:

3 feet 8 inches tall
45 pounds
long black hair
missing her two front teeth
wearing a pink coat, pink dress with pink Crocs (plastic shoes)The family has been living in South Salt Lake since July and are from Burma. They believe the girl does speak enough English to understand the language.

Those interested in helping should meet at the LDS church building at 2290 S. 300 East. If you have any information, call South Salt Lake police at 840-4000.

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=2981916

Roamer

04-01-2008, 08:02 PM

Bless her heart. I pray she'll be found safely. :1222423:

Pauli

04-01-2008, 08:37 PM

This is about where she went missing from

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/map-2.jpg

Faith

04-01-2008, 08:38 PM

:1222423: come home safe sweetie. :innocent0001:

Pauli

04-01-2008, 08:43 PM

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/map3.jpg

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/map2.jpg

Pauli

04-01-2008, 08:53 PM

For anyone wondering why an AmberAlert wasn't issued sooner..

Guidelines for Issuing AMBER Alerts

Risk of Serious Bodily Injury or Death

Plans require a child be at risk for serious bodily harm or death before an alert can be issued. This element is clearly related to law enforcement’s recognition that stranger abductions represent the greatest danger to children. The need for timely, accurate information based on strict and clearly understood criteria is critical, again keeping in mind the “best judgment” approach.

http://www.amberalert.gov/guidelines.htm (http://www.amberalert.gov/guidelines.htm)

Faith

04-01-2008, 08:54 PM

Father Of Missing Girl Expresses Grief Over Child's Disappearance
April 1, 2008
Last Update: 5:27 pm

SOUTH SALT LAKE - The father of a missing 7-year-old girl on Tuesday expressed great concern about his daughter during interviews with news reporters.

Cartoon Woah, the father of Hser Ner Moo, does not speak English but managed to convey his emotions through interpreters. The expression on the man's face also clearly expressed great worry.

"Since I got off of work, I haven't eaten yet," Woah said. "I have been so worried about finding my daughter." (Click here for photos)

"Right now, all of our strength has been weakened. We don't know what we can do... we can't do anything else. So we have left our faith in the Lord," he added.

Woah said he last saw his daughter the morning before her disappearance and promised to bring her some candy after work. He said on Tuesday that he hopes that was not the last time he ever gets to see her.
http://www.kutv.com/media/news/c/8/c/c8c1345e-df23-430f-9d28-25e42a2b05f1/Original.jpg

Cartoon Woah, father of a missing 7-year-old girl, clutches a photograph of his daughter on Apr. 1, 2008. From Burma, much of the family does not speak English and the father is pictured here with a pair of interpreters.

Source (http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=b7c668b6-3f24-4341-98db-0664a02e5dca)

Pauli

04-01-2008, 09:01 PM

conflicting reports on the address.. from what I gather she lived near the pix below.. but was last seen walking towards the pix above...

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/map4.jpg
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/map5.jpg

Pauli

04-01-2008, 09:08 PM

http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h169/avataralley/zsnapshots/maps6.jpg

Pauli

04-01-2008, 09:24 PM

This guy lives pretty close

The Official State of Utah Sex Offender Registry

Name and AddressMURTLAND, Brian James2455 S 500 E Apt 4 Salt Lake City, Ut 84106Address Date: 2007-12-28 Physical DescriptionEthnicity: Caucasian Sex: Male Height: 5 ft 10 in Weight: 160 lbsEyes: Hazel Hair: Brown DOB: 1/31/1961Age: 47

http://www.cr.ex.state.ut.us/asp-bin..._ofndr_id=9502 (http://www.cr.ex.state.ut.us/asp-bin/sexoffender.asp?offender=180404&addrid=794616&jurs_flg=U&name_id=520843&sex_ofndr_id=9502)

Faith

04-01-2008, 10:00 PM

Deseret Morning News
Published: Tuesday, April 1, 2008 6:07 p.m. MDT

SOUTH SALT LAKE — Hundreds of volunteers joined law enforcers Tuesday to search for a 7-year-old girl missing for more than 26 hours. But by Tuesday evening there were still no solid leads telling investigators what happened to Hser Ner Moo.

"Nothing concrete at this point. At least nothing we can comment on," South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Synder said of the evidence collected.

More than 900 volunteers were searching for her late Tuesday afternoon and others were still showing up.

The search for Moo was expected to go "well past dark" on Tuesday, Snyder said, and then resume early Wednesday morning. Approximately 75 law enforcement officers were expected to participate in the evening search.

During the day, ground patrols, helicopters and K9s were all used in the search effort.

Most of the evidence collected in the case as of late Tuesday afternoon had come from phone tips, Snyder said. Investigators received calls all day Tuesday from people who thought they saw Moo, to people who thought they had found physical evidence, to psychics, Snyder said. He could not comment on what, if any, physical evidence was collected Tuesday, though he noted some evidence was being taken more seriously than others

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695266521,00.html

packy

04-01-2008, 10:14 PM

She was featured on Nancy Grace, hope it brings a clue. Prayers for her to be found safe.

Pauli

04-01-2008, 10:15 PM

4 p.m. press conference on search for missing girl
April 1st, 2008 @ 4:50pm

(KSL News) Seven-year-old Hser Ner Moo disappeared on Monday after an argument with her brother. South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder updates the latest on the search. Click on the play button to watch the conference

Video
http://www.ksl.com/?sid=2986464&nid=165

Faith

04-01-2008, 10:52 PM

http://www.kutv.com/media/news/a/8/3/a8304d94-4260-4312-9761-90a7fd9426c5/Original.jpg
Girl disappears from South Salt Lake home

Hser Ner Moo, who disappeared on Mar. 31, 2008, is pictured here in a family photograph along with her brothers and sisters. "Sue," as she is known, is from Burma and emigrated to the U.S. in 2007.

http://www.kutv.com/media/news/2/e/b/2eb561cf-2469-4a1c-ae5c-4268108801e3/Original.jpg

source (http://www.kutv.com/Photo.aspx?slideshow=1728d86a-cdb9-407d-846a-f8198d26b17f)

Faith

04-01-2008, 10:53 PM

Pauli

04-01-2008, 11:08 PM

There's actually about 54 sex offenders in that area.. this one was the closest. I believe I saw it somwhere that they had already interviewed about 40 in the area...

Hope

04-01-2008, 11:40 PM

I just saw this case tonight on Nancy Grace. I am deeply bothered by this girl's disappearance. I look at her sweet face and it causes me terrible sadness.

I pray that this beautiful little girl is found soon and safe.

Pauli

04-01-2008, 11:59 PM

New developments in Hser Nay Moo search

Last Update: 8:57 pm

http://www.abc4.com/media/news/1/c/3/1c392f7a-2050-4106-acfa-d4a367cfb5a5/Story.jpg (http://javascript:void(0);)
(ABC 4 News)

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - A medical examiner team has arrived at the apartment complex where the family of Hser Nay Moo, a missing 7-year-old girl lives. Three people have also been taken away in handcuffs, and police have marked out a crime scene.

Witnesses have also told ABC 4 News that the focus of teh crime scene investigation was centered on a neighbor's apartment, not the little girl's home.

Stay tuned to ABC 4 for more on this story.

http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=57732b20-6890-4b69-828a-ced2b57b9165

Pauli

04-02-2008, 12:30 AM

Police briefing in about 45 minutes from now.

volunteer search was called off and the volunteers were sent home

4 Burmese men were taken away (taken into custody) from the family's apartment. They are now saying that they don't know if the apartment that is being investigated is the family's apartment or a neighbor's apartment? There are conflicting reports at this time.

The above I am getting from someone that lives in UT and is watching the news right now...

Body found in missing girl's apartment building

By Nate Carlisle
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/01/2008 09:26:18 PM MDT

Posted: 9:15 PM- South Salt Lake police say they have found a body in the apartment building that is home to a 7-year-old whose disappearance investigators have suspected as foul play.

Police would not confirm that the body was Hser Nay Moo's, the child who disappeared Monday afternoon near her home at the South Parc apartment, 2250 S. 500 East. They also would not confirm whether the body is believed to be connected with Hser's disappearance.

More details are expected shortly.

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8775797

Pauli

04-02-2008, 12:39 AM

Hser Nay Moo's body possibly found inside neighbor's home
Last Update: 9:31 pm

http://www.abc4.com/media/news/1/c/3/1c392f7a-2050-4106-acfa-d4a367cfb5a5/Story.jpg (http://javascript:void(0);)

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The body of 7-year-old Hser nay Moo was most likely found Tuesday night, inside a neighbor's apartment.

A medical examiner team has arrived at the apartment complex where the family of Hser Nay Moo, a missing 7-year-old girl lives. Three to four people have also been taken away in handcuffs, and police have taped off a crime scene.

Witnesses have also told ABC 4 News that the focus of the crime scene investigation was centered on a neighbor's apartment, not the little girl's home.

The persons taken into custody are also reportedly close friends or relatives of Hser Nay Moo's family.

http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=57732b20-6890-4b69-828a-ced2b57b9165

Pauli

04-02-2008, 12:42 AM

BREAKING NEWS: Body Of Missing Girl Found In Apartment Near Her Home

Written by: Doug G. Ware
Email: dware@kutv2.com (dware@kutv2.com)
Last Update: 9:27 pm

SOUTH SALT LAKE – The body of a missing 7-year-old girl was found at an apartment in South Salt Lake on Tuesday night -- not far from where she disappeared yesterday.

Authorities sealed off the area near 2200 South and 500 East at approximately 8:45 p.m. and medical examiners arrived at the scene. Witnesses said investigators found the body of Hser Ner Moo inside one of the apartments -- reportedly beaten to death.

At least three people were taken into custody after the discovery of the girl's body on Tuesday. Those arrested were not identified.

Hser Ner Moo disappeared from the apartment building at approximately 2:00 p.m. Monday. Concerned family members contacted authorities at 6:00 p.m. when the girl hadn't returned home, officials said.

Exactly what happened to the child in the hours after her disappearance or how she ended up in the neighboring apartment, where her body was found, was not immediately known.

Earlier Tuesday evening, the girl's father expressed great concern about the well-being of his daughter during a news conference.

"Everybody who looked at her was always jealous of how smart she was," Cartoon Woah said, through an interpreter. "I ask that the Lord will continue to help us find my daughter."

Earlier Tuesday, authorities issued an Amber Alert for the 7-year-old girl since she had been gone for so long and there were some indications that she may have been abducted.

"We are treating it as a foul play situation. The prospect that she may have been injured are surely strengthening for us," South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder said earlier Tuesday. (Click here for photos (http://javascript:IDMSlideshowPhoto('1728d86a-cdb9-407d-846a-f8198d26b17f')))

However, despite citing some evidence that led them to issue an Amber Alert, authorities did not reveal details of what was found or what scenario they are investigating.

Officers say the child's family is from Burma (http://www.kutv.com/content/news/topnews/story.aspx?content_id=b7c668b6-3f24-4341-98db-0664a02e5dca) and immigrated to the United States just last year.

Chief Snyder said police also interviewed 40 sex offenders who live in the area. Police searched vehicles, and went door to door at apartment and homes in the neighborhood. Friends and family have been contacted and interviewed.

More than 100 volunteers connected to the Destiny Search Project joined police in the search on Tuesday.

http://www.kutv.com/content/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=672e51b3-5062-462d-a6f6-883ebbcd7004

Pauli

04-02-2008, 12:55 AM

fox news Utah about to go live with press conference

http://media.myfoxutah.com/live/index.html

Pauli

04-02-2008, 01:11 AM

AmberAlert has been cancelled an volunteers told not to return tomorrow.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 01:45 AM

News conference... Body was found and it is Hser Ner Moo

OK, now it's been said (confirmed by LE) it was not the family's apartment where the body was found.

5 people taken into custody and detained on suspicion of murder

Tonight was the first night the police were able to make contact with anyone in that apartment.

Hser was found in the bathroom.. she had trauma, they would not explain any further at this time.

They are waiting on a warrant to search the apartment further.

There were rumors it was the family's apartment, those rumors were false.. it was a neighbor's apartment.

There will be another news conference sometime tomorrow morning
http://media.myfoxutah.com/live/index.html

Pauli

04-02-2008, 01:53 AM

Body of missing girl found
April 1st, 2008 @ 10:00pm

Whit Johnson and Lori Prichard reporting

Police are confirming tonight that they have found the body of Hser Nay Moo, the missing 7-year-old girl they've been searching for all day.
South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder confirmed that her body was found in the bathroom of an apartment in the complex where her family lived.

Snyder says police were conducting a grid search of the apartment complex. They had previously been unable to search that apartment as no one had been home, but during this final search someone answered and allowed police in. Police then found evidence that led to the discovery of the girl's body.

The four suspects that were in the apartment were taken into custody. A fifth suspect was apprehended in the Fort Union area. It is unknown if the suspects knew the girl, but Chief Snyder did say there are several Burmese families living in the complex.

Snyder says there was some trauma to the body, but didn't provide further detail. He said it is not known when she died.

This evening around 9:00, police taped off the apartment complex where Hser Nay Moo was living with her family and the Amber Alert was canceled. We're told that volunteers were asked to stop looking around 7:00 tonight.

Hser Nay Moo was reported missing on Monday evening.

Kimberly Hall, a volunteer searcher, said, "We're just thankful that she's not alone tonight. When they told us that we had to stop searching at 7:00, we were really frustrated, and a lot of us cried then because we could not go home and put our children to sleep, knowing that there was a child who was not in her own bed. And so we're thankful, it's a dreadful end, but at least she's found and I hope that she's at peace. We really wanted a different ending."

Another witness told us, "I saw two plain-clothed detectives running through the side here, and they were trying to hop the fence. And I told them to come through here, it's quicker. And I led them through my house and out the back door. And I saw them run. And as soon as I saw them pull out the police tape, I knew it was no good." A group of volunteers has gathered around the scene with candles tonight.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2988699

:1222423::1222423::1222423: Hser and her family are in my heart and prayers tonight.:1187603408.CR.Mothe

annalyzer

04-02-2008, 02:00 AM

[SIZE=3][B]
:1222423::1222423::1222423: Hser and her family are in my heart and prayers tonight.:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Mine too Harlett. :1222423:

Faith

04-02-2008, 02:11 AM

:1222423::1222423: MY thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I cannot understand how anyone can harm a child. http://bestsmileys.com/sad/5.gif

Battnt

04-02-2008, 02:41 AM

:1222423::1222423::1222423:

lost indie

04-02-2008, 03:07 AM

:1222423::1222423: MY thoughts and prayers are with the family.

I cannot understand how anyone can harm a child. http://bestsmileys.com/sad/5.gif

:1222423:

Roamer

04-02-2008, 06:31 AM

For Hser and her family. :1222423:

packy

04-02-2008, 07:43 AM

:1222423:

Hope

04-02-2008, 08:28 AM

:(

Hser :1222423:

Fly with the Angels.

Claudia

04-02-2008, 09:20 AM

I wish I could stop having to *gasp* when I sign on here in the morning. This is not what I wanted to see first thing today. So sad.

for Hser & her family :1222423:

Hope

04-02-2008, 10:31 AM

Police plan to formally charge one man:

"Police took five men into custody for questioning and have since released two of them. This morning, police say they expect to formally charge one man in the crime. He was walked out of police headquarters and loaded into a police car this morning. The status of the other men is unclear at this time."

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2989692

Roamer

04-02-2008, 10:33 AM

Thank you, Hope! I'm glad to hear they've found the person(s) responsible for the death of this beautiful little girl.

Everyone else in that apartment should be charged with covering up a murder, at the very least.

dojewo

04-02-2008, 10:42 AM

How very sad, Hser and family are in my thoughts and Prayers.:1222423:

Hope

04-02-2008, 11:13 AM

wheezer

04-02-2008, 11:28 AM

:1222423:

Hope

04-02-2008, 11:38 AM

http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/

Claudia

04-02-2008, 01:37 PM

I pray her older brother doesn't have any feelings of guilt because of what happened to her. I think they should stop mentioning that she left after an argument with him. It'll be hard enough for him to deal with losing his only sister, I can't even imagine if he also feels it was his fault that she left.

Roamer

04-02-2008, 01:46 PM

Excellent thoughts, Claudia. Guilt seems to come after any death, and this boy may need serious counseling to get over it.

annalyzer

04-02-2008, 01:49 PM

Hope

04-02-2008, 01:59 PM

I think that the brother is going to need some type of therapy. I hope that he knows that it wasn't his fault that evil and depraved POS's live amongst us.

His sister knows his heart and that it was always with her. That is all that matters.

Claudia

04-02-2008, 01:59 PM

Does anyone know where the parents were when this alleged fight with her brother and then leaving the apartment happened?

I read in one of the links that the father asked her where she was going and she didn't answer him, so I assume he was home.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:03 PM

The mother has been in and out of the hospital and just had a new baby boy, the father was at work.. he came home at a bit after 6pm. There was an Aunt there in the apartment when the argument took place. I can't tell you how many times my kids had arguments and one would stomp out of the house and go ride their bike or something. When I stop and think back, I used to go and ride one of the horses for hours when I had a fight with my sister... It's a shame the way things have changed now. You are almost afraid to let kids out of your sight anymore.

annalyzer

04-02-2008, 02:04 PM

I read in one of the links that the father asked her where she was going and she didn't answer him, so I assume he was home.

Thanks.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:05 PM

I read in one of the links that the father asked her where she was going and she didn't answer him, so I assume he was home.

That was a communication barrier... it was reported last night in the news conference that the father had been at work and didn't get home until after 6pm. It was after he got home that she was reported missing when he couldn't find her.

Claudia

04-02-2008, 02:09 PM

That was a communication barrier... it was reported last night in the news conference that the father had been at work and didn't get home until after 6pm. It was after he got home that she was reported missing when he couldn't find her.

Oh, okay - Thanks, Harlett.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:12 PM

Police Say Man Admitted Causing Girl's Death
Last Edited: Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008, 10:50 AM MDT Created: Wednesday, 02 Apr 2008, 10:38 AM MDT SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah -- A young man admitted causing the death of a 7-year-old girl who disappeared at her apartment complex in South Salt Lake, police said Wednesday.

Esar Met, 21, was being held on charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping and evidence tampering. The details were released in a document used to support his arrest.

The body of Hser Nay Moo was found Tuesday, more than 24 hours after she disappeared from her family's apartment at the South Parc complex, sparking a search that involved hundreds of people. The body was in another apartment.

A Salt Lake County jail document said Met admitted keeping Hser in the apartment by force, resulting in her death.

Police declined to comment until a late-afternoon briefing.

Volunteers searched for Hser after she walked away from her apartment following an argument with an older brother Monday. Her family settled in Utah last summer and are natives of Myanmar, also known as Burma.

Candles, stuffed bears and flowers were placed at the apartment complex Wednesday. In a reference to the search, handmade signs said, "You're never so lost that angels can't find you."

http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6199864&version=5&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:14 PM

Oh, okay - Thanks, Harlett.

I just saw another report today that says he saw her leave the apartment, but the LE said last night that he was at work and didn't get home until after 6pm... I wish the media would get stuff straight.

Roamer

04-02-2008, 02:14 PM

I love that slogan.

"You're never so lost that angels can't find you."

Beautiful.

KittyMom

04-02-2008, 02:41 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,344469,00.html

Police took four suspects into custody on suspicion of homicide and later apprehended a fifth, Snyder said.

So, have they now released the other 4 people?

Hope

04-02-2008, 02:49 PM

Probable Cause Document:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0402/20080402_105947_Met.pdf

Faith

04-02-2008, 02:52 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/images/358802/13_62_esar_met.jpg
SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah — A man confessed to causing the death of a missing 7-year-old girl who was discovered in the bathroom of an apartment in her family's complex, according to police.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/FaithMS/Help%20Find%20The%20Missing/jaildocket.jpg
http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/040208_jail_document.pdf

I will never understand~!!!!!!!!!

Claudia

04-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Probable Cause Document:

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0402/20080402_105947_Met.pdf

That says she was found in the basement? I thought it was the bathroom. Do apartments even have basements, anyway? I'm confused.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:52 PM

Paul Van Dyke, an LDS service missionary who has helped the young girl and her family since they moved to Utah in August, said that was not entirely true. He said there was no fight between Moo and her brother. He said she was playing outside on the porch, and would occasionally go back inside. The last time she did that was to get a drink about 1 p.m., he said.

Moo, her 11-year-old brother and newborn brother, were being watched by their aunt. Wah was at work and their mother, who had given birth just three weeks ago, was at a doctor's appointment, Van Dyke said. The family also has two more sons, age 20 and 18.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695266521,00.html

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:54 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,344469,00.html

So, have they now released the other 4 people?

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2989692

(snip)
Police took five men into custody for questioning and have since released two of them. This morning, police say they expect to formally charge one man in the crime. He was walked out of police headquarters and loaded into a police car this morning. The status of the other men is unclear at this time.

Hope

04-02-2008, 02:54 PM

That says she was found in the basement? I thought it was the bathroom. Do apartments even have basements, anyway? I'm confused.

I noticed that also. I thought she was found in the bathroom. Maybe it was an error in translation.

I wonder if they will release the autopsy report.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:54 PM

That says she was found in the basement? I thought it was the bathroom. Do apartments even have basements, anyway? I'm confused.

It was a basement apartment...

Claudia

04-02-2008, 02:55 PM

It was a basement apartment...

Well, that explains it, doesn't it? Thanks again, Harlett!

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:56 PM

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2989692

A press conference has been tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m. We will carry it live on Eyewitness News at 4, KSL Newsradio 102.7FM/1160AM and KSL.com. Update: Police have arrested Esar Met for the murder of Hser Nay Moo. He was arrested on one count of aggravated murder, one count of child kidnapping and one count of evidence tampering. To read the probable cause statement for Met's arrest, click the related link. (more at link)

Hope

04-02-2008, 02:58 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/contents/ci_8782804

Pauli

04-02-2008, 02:58 PM

Well, that explains it, doesn't it? Thanks again, Harlett!

I guess it all depends on which media report you read.. here is another one that says basement... the other said basement apartment...

Probable cause statement. Not a PDF of the actual doc:

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2989692&pid=1

Statement of probable cause: After an extensive search for a missing seven year old female, she was located deceased in the basement of the arrestee's residence. Arrestee was interviewed and, post-Miranda admitted to attempting to confine the victim to the residence by force, resulting in her death. Arrestee also admitted to attempting to conceal the body and other forensic evidence.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 03:00 PM

press conference live (this was last nights)

http://www.myfoxutah.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=6196075&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=1.1.1

Hope

04-02-2008, 03:01 PM

Thanks for the updates, Harlett.

I'll be watching for the PC at 4. Is that Pacific time or Central time? I am on the East Coast.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 03:15 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8782804

Residents of the South Parc Townhomes said their children -- as well as murder victim Hser Nay Moo -- often played inside the apartment where Hser's body was found Tuesday.

Ma Sei Myint, a cousin to the mother of the dead girl, said the four men who have lived in apartment No. 472 for the past seven to eight months are "good people" and that she never worried about her five children playing there.

But Myint said she did not know murder suspect Esar Met.
(more at link)

Pauli

04-02-2008, 03:16 PM

Thanks for the updates, Harlett.

I'll be watching for the PC at 4. Is that Pacific time or Central time? I am on the East Coast.

I'm not sure, but I would say PC time..

mollybrown

04-02-2008, 05:01 PM

From the Fox story:

Through an interpreter, Hser's father, Cartoon Wah, told The Salt Lake Tribune he saw the girl leave the apartment and walk south. He said his daughter didn't respond when he asked where she was going.

He described his daughter as smart and skilled.

Wah, a Burmese immigrant who came to the United States last year, has five children. Hser was his only daughter.

"We came from Burma where we had a lot of trials in our past life," he said earlier in the day. "Then we come to America and it happens again."

The last sentence makes my heart go out even more for them.

mollybrown

04-02-2008, 05:02 PM

I'm not sure, but I would say PC time..

Salt Lake City is in the Mounatin Time zone.

annalyzer

04-02-2008, 05:23 PM

"We came from Burma where we had a lot of trials in our past life," he said earlier in the day. "Then we come to America and it happens again."

The last sentence makes my heart go out even more for them.

Isn't the perp Burmese also?

Claudia

04-02-2008, 05:29 PM

Isn't the perp Burmese also?

Yes. Apparently these apartments had more than a few Burmese families living in them. The perp & Hser's family came from the same Burmese refugee camp.

Nut44x4

04-02-2008, 05:32 PM

21-Year-old Tells Cops the Girl Died After He Forcibly Kept Her in His Apartment

April 2, 2008

The neighbor of a girl found dead Tuesday night in a bathtub inside his apartment admitted to authorities that he killed her before trying to hide her body, according to Utah police.

Esar Met, 21, lived in a row-house style unit at the same complex where 7-year-old Hser Nay Moo disappeared from Monday afternoon. Met was arrested this morning after he admitted to attempting to hold the child "by force" and she died, according to a Salt Lake County statement. Met also told authorities he tried to conceal the body and other evidence from the crime scene, according to the statement.

In addition to the aggravated murder charge, Met was booked on kidnapping and evidence tampering charges.

Met was among five people held for questioning after a team of FBI agents found the missing girl's body in a basement bathroom around 9 p.m. inside the South Parc apartment complex.

The four other men were questioned by police and released, Gary Keller, a spokesman for the South Salt Lake City police, confirmed to ABC News.

his photo is at the site
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4572200&page=1

Pauli

04-02-2008, 08:29 PM

At 1 p.m. today Hser Nay Moo's father, Cartoon Wah, addressed reporters in a short news conference to express his thanks to the community for all they did to help find his daughter.

To watch the news conference in its entirety, click the play button

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2992248 (http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2992248)

Very heartbreaking... :1222423::1222423::1222423:

Pauli

04-02-2008, 08:38 PM

News conference: 4pm
She had been to apartment before.
Her brothers had played soccer with the suspect.
Physical altercation accrued.
Inflicted trauma.
There was a basement.
He lived in the basement.
Had only been in country for 30 days.
Other 4 didn't know she was there.

she was murdered within an hour after going into the apartment.
The other 4 men were not home during that time.
Those men came home later
didn't know that the little girl was in the bathroom in the basement
That was the area that Met rented and they did not go into his area.

Pauli

04-02-2008, 08:40 PM

Police: Girl likely killed before family knew she was missing
April 2nd, 2008 @ 4:00pm

Sandra Yi and Randall Jeppesen reporting
This afternoon, police revealed what they believed happened during the final hour of Hser Nay Moo's life.

Police say the 7-year-old was likely dead before her family realized she was missing. South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder said, "It [murder] occurred within the hour, within an hour of her leaving her house. He left fairly quickly, probably before the family even knew she was missing."

Police believe after she left her apartment, she went directly to the suspect's apartment. Investigators don't know if she was invited in the apartment or if she asked to come in. Police believe she was in the apartment for a while when there was an altercation. Snyder would not go into details.

According to the probable cause statement we obtained from the jail, 21-year-old Esar Met admitted to trying to confine 7-year-old Hser Nay Moo in the apartment by force, resulting in her death. It goes on to say that he admitted to trying to hide the body and other forensic evidence.

Four people living in the apartment where she was found knew the family. Police say she had been in the apartment several times. Police do not know if the family knew Met.

It's believed Met lived in the apartment complex for about 30 days, which is as long as he has been in the country. Police say he does not have a criminal record.

The apartment has three levels. It's believed the suspect lived in the basement, and that the other four roommates never went there. The roommates were questioned and released.

Snyder would not release details on whether she was sexually assaulted or how she died. Police would not comment on a motive or if a weapon was found.

Snyder said an autopsy was performed this morning, but results won't be available for six to eight weeks.

Gary Keller, South Salt lake Police Department said, "We're looking at charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated murder. Those charges have not been formally charged yet, and it will be up to the Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office on those charges." A donation fund has been set up for the family of Hser Nay Moo at Zions Bank. Donations can be made to a fund in her parent's names, Cartoon and Pearlie Wah. You can donate at any Zions Bank location.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2989692

Pauli

04-02-2008, 09:03 PM

Neighbors say kids often played in murder suspect's apartment

By Russ Rizzo and Jason Bergreen
The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/02/2008 04:31:00 PM MDT

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0402/20080402_104136_Met_Esar_200.jpg (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1889186 )
Esar Met

Updated: 4:26 PM- SOUTH SALT LAKE -- Residents of the South Parc Townhomes said their children - as well as murder victim Hser Nay Moo - often played inside the apartment where Hser's body was found Tuesday night.

Ma Sei Myint, a cousin to the mother of the dead girl, said the four men who have lived in apartment No. 472 for the past seven to eight months are "good people" and that she never worried about her five children playing there.

But Myint said she did not know murder suspect Esar Met.

Police this morning booked the 21-year-old man on suspicion of aggravated murder in the death of Hser.

The 7-year-old disappeared Monday at about 2 p.m. from her home in the apartments near 2250 S. 500 East. Police said Wednesday the girl was probably dead within an hour after leaving home. Police said there was a physical altercation and the girl suffered trauma, but they declined elaborate further or discuss how she died.

About 5:30 p.m., when Myint came home and learned Hser was missing, she said she knocked on the door of No. 472 and heard someone say, "Nobody home." Then she returned to her apartment.

The girl's body was found about 7 p.m. Tuesday in the basement of No. 472, which is located in the same complex and about 100 feet from where the victim lived.

In addition to aggravated murder - which carries the possibility of the death penalty - Met also is being held on suspicion of child kidnapping and tampering with evidence, according to a probable cause affidavit released this morning.

The affidavit reads: "After an extensive search for a missing seven year old female, she was located deceased in the basement of the arrestee's residence. Arrestee was interviewed and, post-Miranda admitted to attempting to confine the victim to the residence by
http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0401/20080401_075849_FeatureImage_100.jpg (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1889197 )
Hser Nay Moo

force, resulting in her death. Arrestee also admitted attempting to conceal the body and other forensic evidence."

Hser's father came out of his apartment around 1 p.m. today and, through an interpreter, thanked everyone who helped look for his daughter.

"I thank all of Salt Lake City for their help and comfort," said Cartoon Wah, as his sons, KerKer Po, 20, and KyiKyi, 18, stood somberly behind him. "... I had one daughter in this world and I loved her the most. In this world you can't find another replacement."

A spokesman announced that a memorial account has been set up at Zions Bank in Wah's name.

He said Met has nothing to do with him http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2008/0402/20080402_023806_Hser-South-Parc-scene_300.gif (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/imageDisplay.jsp?contentItemRelationshipId=1889367 )

and he had no comment about the suspect. Wah said he would let the police deal with him.

As Wah spoke, neighbors stood outside and watched. People continued to bring flowers, stuffed animals and balloons to a makeshift memorial to Hser on a nearby corner. Trees and fences in the apartment complex were adorned with pink ribbons.

Resident Kwe Doh, 19, who was acting Wednesday as a translator, said Met had been living in No. 472 for about a month. Four other men had been living in the apartment for seven to eight months, Doh said.

Met was arrested Tuesday night at his aunt's home in the Fort Union area. The other four men were arrested at their apartment and subsequently released by police.

Suzanne DeVoe, Catholic Community Services public relations director, said the other men "knew nothing" about the girl's death.

She said they were in the home with the body, but didn't realize she was there.

"They were there at some point," DeVoe said. "[But] they had no idea.

"They were devastated," she said. "They were as upset as we are."

In the wake of being arrested and questioned by police, the four men were served with eviction notices on Wednesday by apartment managers. A letter distributed to apartment residents stated that "criminal activity of any kind" was unacceptable at the complex.

Neighbors said one of the four men was about 60 years old, two were 20 to 30 years old and the other man was about 19.

Myint said that a few months ago, her children would play at No. 472 every day, and that Hser Nay Moo was often with them.

Myint's 12-year-old daughter, Hser Nay Pow, said she and the murdered girl would watch TV and listen to music in the apartment.

Neighbors said it was common for Hser Nay Moo and other children to ride bikes and play in the parking lot.

On Wednesday, no one was playing outside, even though it is spring break and school is out for many of them. Hser Nay Moo was a second-grader at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School.

Disco Moo, 21, who has a 3-year-old son and was holding her 1-year-old daughter, said, "I'm scared. Maybe it could be my child I lost."

She, with others, said they would not allow their children to play outside like they used to.

Celia Palestine, who lives next door to the dead girl's family, described the four Burmese men from No. 472 as "nice."

She said they liked to play soccer at a nearby field, and they "liked to drink a lot."

Investigators had searched every apartment in the complex before entering No. 472. Police said they were unable to search until Tuesday night because no one was home.

Met, the other four men and the dead girl's family all came to America from the same Burmese refugee camp in Thailand .

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_8782804

Pauli

04-03-2008, 11:37 PM

Suspect's brother and LDS youth who knew victim talk to KSL
April 2nd, 2008 @ 10:07pm

Tonya Papanikolas and Andrew Adams reporting
A group of young men and women from a Sandy LDS ward were shocked to hear what happened to Hser Nay Moo because they had just seen the little girl last week. The youth of the Granite Ridge LDS ward in Sandy went to visit Hser Nay Moo's family.

Kim Newman, a friend of the victim's family, told us, "Our group went down, and we took cleaning supplies and fruit baskets and stuff to help them out."

While they were at the apartment complex, the young adults played tag with Hser Nay Moo, whom they describe as a ball of fire. "She was so cute, she was really friendly," Newman said. "She, like, wanted to play all these games, we didn't even know what they were."

When the young women heard their friend had been murdered, they were stunned! "I was so heartbroken. It was so sad for me ‘cause it's like I just met her and she's so little and cute," Newman said.

A woman at the church says Hser Nay Moo's two older brothers had befriended the man accused of killing her. Wednesday at the apartment complex, we spoke to suspect Esar Met's younger brother - who said Esar knew Hser Nay Moo through mutual friends. The brother, Harni Far, had not been told why Esar had been arrested.

Through an interpreter he told us, "He said over there he was the type of kid who didn't get in trouble. He didn't do anything wrong. He was just kind of a likable guy, never been to jail, never got in a fight with anybody."

He said Esar loves life and having a good time. "Esar, he liked to go play. He lived the single life. Like if he was somewhere at 2 in the morning, he'd sleep there. Just a play-it-by-ear kind of a kid." Esar's brother said their family had lived in a refugee camp for about 16 years in Thailand. When they came to Utah, Esar was over 18, so he was placed in an apartment with other young men. But you won't believe where the rest of Esar's family lives; his brother said right now, they live with Hser Nay Moo's family.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=2996310

Pauli

04-03-2008, 11:39 PM

Hser Nay Moo's father visits makeshift memorial

SOUTH SALT LAKE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - Many have noticed his pillar of strength despite the death of his 7-year old daughter.

Those who have come to know Cartoon Wah since the loss of his daughter have walked away in admiration.

"This is very strong family. As I've gotten to know Cartoon, I'm simply amazed at the strength," said South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder.

We will never know what the flowers, balloons, candles, and stuffed animals at a makeshift memorial mean to a father who has lost his only daughter.

Thursday for the first time, he visited memorial laid out for 7-year old Hser Nay Moo.

Others who came to pay their respects stood silently by him.

As he walked away, Michelle Fellows went up to him and handed him some food, a check for the family, and a hug.

"That's like the hardest thing anyone could have to deal with. I feel sorry for him,” said Michelle Fellows.

At his apartment, Cartoon's fellow workers from Deseret Industries came to pay a visit but it was only for a brief moment as police turned them away.

"They are phenomenal people, absolutely phenomenal,” said one of the workers as he walked away.

The police and fire chiefs of South Salt Lake also brought gifts and words of encouragement for the family.

But it was they who felt encouraged by Cartoon's inner strength.

"Very emotional inside for me but here he is offering me support,” said fire Chief Steve Foote. “Wow. What a great man this is and this family."

A young girl dressed in pink and about the same age as Hser Nay Moo approached Cartoon and offered him a hug and they held each other tightly.

"I personally draw a lot of strength and inspiration from cartoon because I'm just impressed by him as a man,” said police Chief Chris Snyder. “He has handled this with incredible poise."

http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=a4635721-cb89-4ad8-866b-dd52e44f7a26

KittyMom

04-04-2008, 12:02 AM

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Oh, how sad.

Pauli

04-04-2008, 01:43 AM

Police meet with residents of South Parc apartments
April 3rd, 2008 @ 10:00pm

Sam Penrod reporting
Residents who live in the apartment complex where 7-year-old Hser Nay Moo died, gathered tonight with community leaders. It has been 48 hours since neighbors learned the girl was murdered inside of their apartment complex. It's caused concern and fear for the families because most of them are new to the United States.

Most of the families have young children who are used to playing outside, but the events of this week have parents watching them very closely, and tonight police tried to offer some reassurance.

Families who live in the South Parc apartment complex gathered to hear from community leaders. Young children sat close to their parents, as moms, dads and children of all ages deal with the brutal murder Hser Nay Moo.

South Salt Lake Police Chief Chris Snyder said, "This has obviously been very emotional, very frightening. You have parents of different nationalities trying to explain to their kids what happened, and it's a difficult thing, it's a difficult thing for any parent to do."

Those who live in the apartments comprise a melting pot of refugees, requiring the meeting to be translated into seven languages. The message was that parents and children should not be scared, only aware of the dangers that can exist.

"All we are trying to accomplish tonight is to alleviate some of that fear, to educate these families on what they can do to keep their kids safe, and hopefully bring some unity inside that complex," Chief Snyder said.

Police provided child ID kits and gave information on resources to help protect children. But for the police chief, the tragic events of Hser Nay Moo's disappearance and murder are something for all of us to consider.

Chief Snyder said, "We're neighbors, and whether you live in a house on a street on the east side or in the inner city, you need to know your neighbors and look out for each other. And if you see anything suspicious, report it. I would rather go to a hundred false reports than one that is true."

The funeral for Hser Nay Moo will be Monday afternoon in South Salt Lake. Criminal charges against the suspect, who remains in jail, are expected to be filed by Monday.

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=3003690

Hope

04-04-2008, 09:00 AM

:1222423:

Hope

04-05-2008, 10:43 PM

http://www.sltrib.com/News/ci_8803331

:1187603408.CR.Mothe

Roamer

04-06-2008, 09:17 AM

What a very sweet letter from her teacher. :1187603408.CR.Mothe

I smiled at the part where she dumped soap all over the bathroom floor so she could go ice skating.

Fly free, little angel. :1222423:

wheezer

04-07-2008, 01:01 AM

SALT LAKE CITY - The man who allegedly kidnapped and killed a 7-year-old Utah girl might officially be charged with murder on Monday.

Esar Met, 21, was arrested a day after the body of Hser Ner Moo was found in a South Salt Lake apartment. According to authorities, he confessed to killing the Burmese immigrant -- who arrived in Utah with her family just last year.

Salt Lake City prosecutors can file aggravated homicide charges against Esar as early as Monday, which would likely accompany a kidnapping and an evidence-tampering charge.

http://www.kutv.com/content/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=3d0d7c42-a482-468e-b91a-d9f6b7fed868

Pauli

04-07-2008, 02:07 PM

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/spacer.gif
http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/templates/1100/01/c8db30ca2d24455c949f141de3e34c1e.gif
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Hser Ner Moo
(July 16, 2000 - April 1, 2008)
http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/images/spacer.gif
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“The World’s heart is broken with sadness” Tragically and senselessly, we lost our only daughter, sister, niece and dear friend. Paw Taly Hser Ner Moo was born on July 16, 2000 in a Thai refugee camp and lived there until she came to the US in August, 2007. Together with her family and other Karen people she learned to make South Parc Townhomes and SLC her new home.

She embraced life and was eager to learn new things. She had a ready smile and was quick to run and give hugs to her friends. She loved to dance and join in fun play. She usually tried to wear something pink.

Hser Ner Moo is survived by her father Cartoon Wah, mother Pearlly Wa, brothers Ker Ker Po, Kyi Kyi Po, Sunday Moo, Eh Ler Wa, aunts and uncles.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Funeral services will be held Monday April 7, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the South Salt Lake LDS Stake Center, 300 East 2230 South. A viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the services.

Interment will take place at Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South, Salt Lake City.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the many volunteers, police, media and all who have donated money, time and services during this difficult time. An account has been set up in her name at Zions’ Bank. Account Name is Cartoon Wah for Hser Ner Moo.

http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=211598&fh_id=10376&s_id=7829AE98A0F40F6A7BB4433E0CBF1727

Pauli

04-07-2008, 02:08 PM

Funeral today for slain 7-year-old

The Salt Lake Tribune
Article Last Updated: 04/07/2008 10:05:53 AM MDT

Posted: 10:09 AM- The funeral for 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo, who was killed March 31 at her apartment complex, is today at 11 a.m. at the LDS Haven Ward Chapel at 2280 S. 300 East in South Salt Lake.

A viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the wardhouse.

Burial will be at the Elisian Burial Gardens, 1075 E. 4580 South, Salt Lake City.

The public is invited to attend.

The girl left her apartment in the South Parc Townhouses, 2250 S. 500 East, on Monday at about 2 p.m. Police and volunteers began searching when a family friend reported her missing after 6 p.m., and her body was found about 7 p.m. Tuesday in nearby apartment 472.

The apartment was the last in the complex to be searched. Police detained five men who lived in the apartment; four were later released and one, 21-year-old Esar Met, was arrested on suspicion of aggravated murder. The charge carries the possibility of the death penalty.

More
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8838604

wheezer

04-10-2008, 03:18 PM

The man accused of kidnapping and killing 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo made his first appearance before a judge today.

Appearing through a video link from the Salt Lake County Jail this morning, Esar Met, 20, appeared in Salt Lake City's 3rd District Court on charges of aggravated murder and child kidnapping, both first-degree felonies. Met looked stone-faced throughout the brief proceedings. He nodded as the judge read the charges, which were translated through an interpreter.

According to an affidavit filed with the criminal charges, Moo walked away from her South Salt Lake apartment on March 31. The next day, police searched Met's basement apartment and found bloodstains on the carpet and a trail of blood that led to a body in the bathroom.

Authorities believe Moo was raped, strangled and beaten to death the afternoon that she disappeared. Met was found about 10 p.m. on April 1, hiding out in Cottonwood Heights. Police allege in their affidavit that a bloody footprint found in the basement matches Met's right foot.

The judge asked if Met, who is an immigrant from Myanmar (formerly known as Burma), wanted the consulate notified about the criminal charges leveled against him.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695269187,00.html

packy

03-24-2009, 03:23 PM

Here is information and a copy of the warrant for Esar Met AKA Esar Samad.

http://www.abc4.com/media/news/7/f/e/7fef2b72-2afe-4b5b-baf8-31003edf9426/Esar_Met_Information.pdf

packy

03-24-2009, 03:28 PM

http://deseretnews.com/article/0,5143,705268075,00.html

Dec. 4, 2008

A four-day preliminary hearing for Esar Met, the man charged with killing a 7-year-old girl in South Salt Lake, has been rescheduled from December to April while defense attorneys contend with communication difficulties and explore whether Met needs a mental competency evaluation.

Met, 21, is charged with aggravated murder and child kidnapping, both first-degree felonies, in connection with the murder of Hser Ner Moo.

The child went missing March 31 after she went outside her parents' apartment to play. Massive police and community searches combed the South Salt Lake neighborhood. Her body was found in Met's basement bathroom the following night.

The girl had been sexually assaulted and died from "blunt force injuries to her head, neck and torso," according to court documents.

Met was to have a preliminary hearing beginning next week, but his defense attorneys this week requested and received a rescheduled hearing for Met. Third District Judge William Barrett set it for April 7-10.

Faith

03-24-2009, 03:46 PM

April 02, 2008

Click here to read the probable cause statement (pdf) (http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/040208_jail_document.pdf).

Faith

03-24-2009, 03:47 PM

April 8, 2008

Formal Charges Expected Tuesday in 7-Year-Old's Death (http://www.fox13now.com/kstu-formalchargesexpectedtuesda-6247586,0,3767942.story)

...death. The Salt Lake County district attorney's office now says charges against 21-year-old Esar Met will likely be filed Tuesday. Met could face aggravated murder, child kidnapping and evidence tampering charges. ...

Faith

03-24-2009, 04:04 PM

CHARGES

Booking Number 808751
Prisoner ID
Name of Prisoner
Booked Date — Time 04/02/2008 08:34:00
Cell Location 04B

Seq Counts Degree Type Description Court Case# Judge Bail Disposition

1 1 F1 CG AGG MURDER *EXTEND JAIL HOLD UNTIL 040808* SL DIST 250,000.00 SWA

2 1 F1 CG CHILD KIDNAPPING **EXTEND JAIL HOLD UNTIL 04-08-08** SL DIST SEE SEQ 1 SWA

3 1 F2 CG EVIDENCE TAMPERING **EXTEND JAIL HOLD UNTIL 04-08-08** SL DIST SEE SEQ 1 SWA

4 1 F3 DT IMMIGRATION DETAINER A212082105 IMMIG NO BAIL

5 1 F1 WA CRIMINAL HOMICIDE AGGRAVATED MURDER SL DIST 081902720 ATHERTON 2,500,000.00 Bail

6 1 F1 WA CHILD KIDNAPPING SWA 081902720 ATHERTON SWA 081902720 SWA

ARRESTING AGENCY
(Contact arresting agency for vehicle impound)
Case # Arresting Agency Arresting Officer
080002540 SOUTH SALT LAKE PD CARR, D.

packy

03-24-2009, 04:09 PM

Thank you, Faith.

The rescheduled hearing will be April 7-10- 2009. Hope we get the news of how it goes.

dega101653

03-24-2009, 04:12 PM

Only comment I have on here is anyone who kills a child is the lowest form of life. I know not everyone believes in the death penalty but I think the death penalty is the only thing suitable for a child killer. Hard to justify any reason to do it. They are innocent and they can't protect themselves. jmoo

Faith

03-24-2009, 04:18 PM

Thank you, Faith.

The rescheduled hearing will be April 7-10. Hope we get the news of how it goes.

Oh thanks, Packy. I hadn't seen that yet. I need a reminder!!

Faith

03-24-2009, 04:18 PM

Faith

03-24-2009, 04:39 PM

Here is information and a copy of the warrant for Esar Met AKA Esar Samad.

http://www.abc4.com/media/news/7/f/e/7fef2b72-2afe-4b5b-baf8-31003edf9426/Esar_Met_Information.pdf

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p1.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p2.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p3.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p4.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p5.jpg

Faith

03-24-2009, 05:11 PM

Autopsy Report

http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/pdf/Archive/Alt/alt.true-crime/2008-04/msg01199.pdf

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p1-1.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p2-1.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/HFTM/p3-1.jpg

grammybears

03-24-2009, 05:37 PM

I have been wondering what was going on with this case. I agree with the death penalty. Anybody who harms or kills a child is a coward in my book. They pick on little children instead of dealing with people closer to their own age. It really bothers me that things like this are done to small children with no regard for their life. I think there are cases where the death penalty should not be used like in cases we have all read about like Andrea Yeates.
If a person can think to hide after commiting a crime like this there is no way they do not know what they are doing.

I sure hope the defense does not decide to try and go with a mental illness issue because I do not believe it will fly. I have been keeping an eye on another case here in Utah and the defense is trying to avoid prison time while acting crazy, but I do not think that case will fly either.
I cannot even imagine anyone wanting to hurt a child let alone kill them. It takes a pretty selfish person to do something like this.

jmoo

sarahhod

04-01-2009, 06:25 AM

A year after girl's murder, wounds healing

Memorial » The center named after 7-year-old girl has helped the community and the family to cope and mourn loss.

By Jason Bergreen
The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 03/31/2009 10:34:29 PM MDT

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E1_Viewer.jpg (http://www.sltrib.com/portlet/article/html/render_gallery.jsp?articleId=12042111&siteId=297&startImage=1)

Cartoon Wah, center, father of Hser Ner Moo, and... (Chris Detrick / The Salt Lake Tribune)

http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E1_Viewer.jpghttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E2_Viewer.jpghttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E3_Viewer.jpghttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E4_Viewer.jpghttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site297/2009/0331/20090331__Hsernermoo_0401%7E5_Viewer.jpg

South Salt Lake » In the parking lot of the South Parc Townhomes, a group of immigrant children ran, skipped and jumped past Apartment 479, better known as the Hser Ner Moo Center.
The laughing children and their parents gathered under threatening gray skies Tuesday evening to attend a candlelight vigil and memorial for the center's namesake -- the 7-year-old Burmese girl who was killed one year ago Tuesday by a neighbor.
Inside the small community center, Hsa Plo, a Karen ethnic group pastor from Myanmar (formerly called Burma), gave a 45-minute sermon memorializing the girl. Hser Ner Moo's parents and family members were inside the center as well-wishers stood outside in the wind listening to him over a loud speaker.
When it was over, Hser Ner Moo's mother, Pearlly Wah, smiled and laughed as she carried her infant son Ehler Wah into the parking lot to greet old friends.
"We want people to remember when [Hser Ner Moo] was still living and playing with the other people," Wah said through an interpreter before the service. Her husband, Cartoon Wah, and 11-year-old son, Sunday Moo, were also in attendance. The family now lives in Sugar House.
South Salt Lake Police Officer Paul McCullough, who was in attendance, said the community center appears to have helped the residents at the complex deal with the young girl's death.
Hser Ner Moo was killed March 31, 2008. Neighbor Esar Met, 22,
http://us.bc.yahoo.com/b?P=cc80a2fa-1e9e-11de-a5fb-43a534ea61d3&T=19d5dgnqn%2fX%3d1238577825%2fE%3d2022775850%2fR% 3dncnws%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d8.1%2fW%3d0%2fY%3dPARTNER_US %2fF%3d2573620834%2fH%3dYWx0c3BpZD0iOTY3MjgzMTUxIi BzZXJ2ZUlkPSJjYzgwYTJmYS0xZTllLTExZGUtYTVmYi00M2E1 MzRlYTYxZDMiIHNpdGVJZD0iODU3NTUxIiB0U3RtcD0iMTIzOD U3NzgyNTIzMzYzNyIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiIA--%2fQ%3d-1%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3d20558862&U=13u5nnl80%2fN%3dc5tcAGKIVMg-%2fC%3d600064007.600067778.400448352.400448352%2fD %3dLREC%2fB%3d1719912575977154886%2fV%3d2
is accused of her death. "After that incident the kids weren't coming out to play for quite a while," McCullough said.
Angela Espinoza, a resident at South Parc Townhomes, agreed.
"For a while, everyone was staying inside mourning," she said.
But Hser Ner Moo's death did eventually inspire residents of the complex to become more neighborly and talk to each other often.
Tenant Brooke Vargas, who lives in the complex with her 9-year-old daughter, Brielle, said residents bonded.
"I think we watched our children closer and everybody else's children," she said.
South Parc Townhomes manager Juanita Huertero said about 30 children in the complex, from elementary school age to high school, now visit the center every day.
"It's a safe place for the kids to come after school," she said. "They're not running around in the streets."
The center, donated by the landlord, is a three-story town home in the complex where Hser Ner Moo lived and died. It offers a range of classes and activities, from homework help and English classes to basic life skills. It will also double as a computer lab in April.
Pearlly Wah said the community center named after her daughter was "good and beautiful for all the community and the refugee people."
For the past year, the Wahs have been following the slow progress of Esar Met's court case. A preliminary hearing for Met scheduled last December was postponed until April because his attorneys still have questions about his mental competency to stand trial.
The justice system "is hard for them to understand," said Granite School District Refugee Family Outreach work Carrie Pender. "It's frustrating for them."
Pender said she has spent almost every day with Hser Ner Moo's family since their daughter's death, and like the tenants of their old townhome complex, their wounds are healing, too.
"I think the life-saver in this situation is that baby right there," said Pender pointing to the Wah's 1-year-old child. "He's kept them going."
The case
Hser Ner Moo was killed March 31, 2008. Neighbor, Esar Met, 22, a Burmese immigrant who came to Utah from the same refugee camp in Thailand as Hser Ner Moo's family, is accused of her death. The girl's disappearance sparked a citywide search in South Salt Lake that ended April 1, 2008, when police found her body in Met's apartment.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12042111

sarahhod

04-07-2009, 07:50 AM

Hearing canceled for Burmese man accused of girl's murder

By Stephen Hunt
The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 04/06/2009 03:57:28 PM MDT

For the second time in a year, a preliminary hearing has been canceled for Esar Met, a Burmese immigrant accused of beating, raping and strangling 7-year-old Hser Ner Moo.
Met's defense team told 3rd District Judge William Barrett they plan to file documents asking the court to investigate Met's mental competency.
Defense attorneys raised a related issue last year when a December preliminary hearing was canceled. The defense then said they needed to locate a psychologist fluent in Burmese to determine whether Met was competent to stand trial, according to court documents.
The defense had also raised questions about Met's age, noting that there are no birth records for him in either Burma, now know as Myanmar, or Thailand, where Met lived in a refugee camp. Prosecutors had asked Judge William Barrett to order Met to undergo a forensic dental examination to determine his age.
Met is now 22 years old, according to the date of birth listed in jail records. But prosecutors have said the jail records likely reflect what Met himself reported to police.
Charged with first-degree felony counts of aggravated murder and child kidnapping, Met would not be eligible for the death penalty if he is found to be a juvenile.
Met allegedly killed Hser Ner Moo on March 31, 2008, at the South Salt Lake apartment complex where they both lived. The girl's disappearance sparked a citywide search that ended April 1 when authorities found her
http://us.bc.yahoo.com/b?P=a0ad99ea-2361-11de-abd7-3b7bd76d14bc&T=19dtghbhh%2fX%3d1239101308%2fE%3d2022775850%2fR% 3dncnws%2fK%3d5%2fV%3d8.1%2fW%3d0%2fY%3dPARTNER_US %2fF%3d3400369732%2fH%3dYWx0c3BpZD0iOTY3MjgzMTUxIi BzZXJ2ZUlkPSJhMGFkOTllYS0yMzYxLTExZGUtYWJkNy0zYjdi ZDc2ZDE0YmMiIHNpdGVJZD0iODU3NTUxIiB0U3RtcD0iMTIzOT EwMTMwODIyMTk0NSIgdGFyZ2V0PSJfYmxhbmsiIA--%2fQ%3d-1%2fS%3d1%2fJ%3dEA8D0D4C&U=13ur8be76%2fN%3dQqHNAUwNjVU-%2fC%3d600098814.600102585.401282459.401282459%2fD %3dLREC%2fB%3d1723495038263546849%2fV%3d2
body in Met's apartment. Both Met, Hser Ner Moo and her family came to the U.S. from the same Burmese refugee camp in Thailand.

http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12084211