MA JALAJHIA FINKLEA: Missing from New Bedford, MA - 20 Oct 2020 - Age 17 *Found Deceased*

Search continues for pregnant teen after kidnap suspect dies in Florida

Authorities say they are still searching for the 18-year-old who went missing last month after the suspect died during a confrontation with police.

www.wcvb.com

Search continues for pregnant New Bedford teen after kidnap suspect dies in Florida​

An 18-year-old girl in Massachusetts is still missing after the man wanted in connection with her disappearance died while authorities attempted to take him into custody, according to the Bristol County District Attorney's Office.

District Attorney Thomas Quinn III says New Bedford police and Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to his office have been investigating the disappearance of Jlajhia Finklea, of Mashpee, shortly after she went missing. She was 5 months pregnant when she left her mother's home the day before her 18th birthday.

Finklea was last seen on Oct. 20 in New Bedford, where she got into the vehicle of 37-year-old Luis Zaragoza, of Florida. She did not have any luggage to suggest she was leaving by choice, and she knew she had a medical appointment the next day, in connection with her pregnancy.

Investigators learned Zaragoza, who also goes by the alias Luis Barbosa, had recently rented the vehicle from Logan International Airport in Boston.

Police learned that Finklea's cell phone was last used to call Zaragoza shortly before she got into his vehicle, and they later determined that the suspect turned off his own cell phone just minutes after Finklea got into the rented vehicle.

Investigators were able to find Finklea's cell phone, which was discarded on Route 140 in New Bedford — approximately 5 miles away from where she first got into Zaragoza's vehicle.

As a result of their search efforts, police determined that Zaragoza left Massachusetts and traveled south along the eastern seaboard to Florida. He then traveled to Texas before driving back to Florida.

According to Quinn's office, none of the surveillance footage from some of the places Zaragoza traveled to over the course of the last two weeks shows Finklea.

United States marshals were called in to help find Zaragoza. They were able to find him Wednesday night and began surveilling him.

While police in Massachusetts continued to search for Finklea, they obtained an arrest warrant for Zaragoza and charged him with kidnapping and larceny of a motor vehicle.

New Bedford Police Department detectives were traveling to Florida Thursday morning when U.S. marshals and an Okaloosa County Sheriff's deputy attempted to arrest Zaragoza at a McDonald's parking lot in Crestview.

Quinn's office said that Zaragoza, who was armed with a handgun, died during a confrontation with authorities.

Investigators, however, have yet to find Finklea and the search for her continues. She is a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and is described as having brown hair, hazel eyes and a triangle-shaped scar on her left cheek. She is listed at 5 feet, 3 inches tall and weighs approximately 110 pounds.

Anyone who thinks they have seen her, or has information about her disappearance, is asked to call Station 3 of the New Bedford Police Department at 508-991-6360.

The investigation into Zaragoza's shooting in Florida is being conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The incident is not considered random. Zaragoza used to date the teen's aunt.

JALAJHIA FINKLEA: Missing from New Bedford, MA since 20 Oct 2020 - Age 17

Finklea was last seen on Oct. 20 in New Bedford, where she got into the vehicle of 37-year-old Luis Zaragoza, of Florida. She did not have any luggage to suggest she was leaving by choice, and she knew she had a medical appointment the next day...

www.crimewatchers.net

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Man sought in teen's disappearance dies during arrest attempt in Florida

A 37-year-old Florida man wanted in connection with the recent disappearance of an 18-year-old Mashpee girl, who was...

www.southcoasttoday.com

A 37-year-old Florida man wanted in connection with the recent disappearance of an 18-year-old Mashpee girl, who was last seen getting into his vehicle in New Bedford, died in Crestview, Florida last Thursday morning while US Marshall's were attempting to take him into custody.

A Mashpee teen is still missing, and a suspect shot to death in Florida. Here's what we know.

It’s been three weeks since 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea was last seen, and that was when she was getting into the vehicle of a 37-year-old Florida man.Since then, he’s been shot […]

www.boston.com

It’s been three weeks since 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea was last seen, and that was when she was getting into the vehicle of a 37-year-old Florida man.

Since then, he’s been shot to death while authorities were trying to arrest him in Crestview, Florida last Thursday on charges related to her disappearance. Meanwhile, the search for Finklea continues.

Search continues for missing New Bedford teenager Jalajhia Finklea

Eighteen-year-old Jalajhia Finklea has now been missing for three weeks. Investigators are now trying to find ways to narrow their search for her.

www.boston25news.com

Eighteen-year-old Jalajhia Finklea has now been missing for three weeks.

Investigators are now trying to find ways to narrow their search for her.

As Boston 25 News has been reporting since her disappearance, Jalajhia Finklea was last seen on Oct. 20th when police say she got into a rented car operated by the man suspected of abducting her, 37-year-old Luis Barboza.


“I’m concerned [for Jalajhia because] from the moment she got in the car, something could have happened,” Linskey said. “It seems like this individual was intent on harm.”

The arrest report also reveals that after Jalajhia’s cell phone was thrown away, Barboza’s cell phone and license plate was tracked leaving New England, going first to New Jersey, north to New York City, south against to New Jersey, through Washington, D.C. to Jacksonville, Florida.

On Oct. 23rd, in Jacksonville, Barboza was recorded visiting a McDonalds restaurant where he ordered “a small meal with one drink.” There is a surveillance image of Barboza, now bald, alone. There is no sign of Jalajhia.

The next day Barboza’s car is picked up in Houston, Texas. And three days later he is finally in the Crestview, Florida area where U.S. Marshals later caught up with him in that deadly confrontation.

Frequently during the roadtrip, Barboza shut off his cell phone, sometimes for days.

Linskey believes those areas where Barboza’s trail goes cold are likely areas investigators are searching.

 

[GrandmaBear]

This one does not sound promising sadly.

 

[Guess Who]

So can we presume that he thought he was the baby's father?

 

[GrandmaBear]

So can we presume that he thought he was the baby's father?

I'd like to know too. I assume so.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Suspect's Twitter - Luis Diamondz (@kingbarboza9) on Twitter


Earlier on October 20, Jalajhia started a two-day medical procedure at a Boston clinic. On the 21st, when Jalahia didn’t return to Boston to complete the procedure, the clinic called Amanda Costa, warning her that Jalajhia’s life was at risk if she didn’t follow through.

Amanda Costa reported her daughter missing, and almost immediately a multi-state investigation got underway. According to the arrest warrant, Jalajhia left her home while Amanda was picking up a prescription for the second step of the procedure.

Alarming new details in disappearance of New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea

Four days after U.S. Marshals shot and killed Luis Barboza in a Florida McDonald’s parking lot, there is no sign of what happened to Jalajhia Finklea, the teenager authorities say Barboza kidnapped on October 20 from New Bedford.

www.boston25news.com

 

[GrandmaBear]

Suspect's Twitter - Luis Diamondz (@kingbarboza9) on Twitter


Earlier on October 20, Jalajhia started a two-day medical procedure at a Boston clinic. On the 21st, when Jalahia didn’t return to Boston to complete the procedure, the clinic called Amanda Costa, warning her that Jalajhia’s life was at risk if she didn’t follow through.

Amanda Costa reported her daughter missing, and almost immediately a multi-state investigation got underway. According to the arrest warrant, Jalajhia left her home while Amanda was picking up a prescription for the second step of the procedure.

Alarming new details in disappearance of New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea

Four days after U.S. Marshals shot and killed Luis Barboza in a Florida McDonald’s parking lot, there is no sign of what happened to Jalajhia Finklea, the teenager authorities say Barboza kidnapped on October 20 from New Bedford.

www.boston25news.com

I heard about the med procedure on a video yesterday and I thought about mentioning it but did not have a news article. The video had also a thought about what the procedure might be.

It makes me wonder about the motive... Depending of course, on what the procedure might be.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe leader: ‘Our community is in pain’ over missing teen Jalajhia Finklea

There is still no sign of Jalajhia Finklea, the 18-year-old New Bedford woman missing for more than three weeks.

www.boston25news.com

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe leader: ‘Our community is in pain’ over missing teen Jalajhia Finklea​

There is still no sign of Jalajhia Finklea, the 18-year-old New Bedford woman missing for more than three weeks.

And concern for Jalajhia is growing, especially among the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

“Our community is really in pain,” Tribal Chairman Cedric Cromwell told me. “Number one, she is a very special young lady. Number two, she has been missing for quite a while now. There are no leads to where she’s at today. We’re very concerned and worried about her health and well-being and we want her home.”


But her cellphone was found on Route 140 north in New Bedford, where it was thrown away half an hour after Jalajhia got into his car.

And that’s where Jalajhia’s family is organizing a search on Saturday.

“We’re a community, and the community sticks together,” Cromwell said. “We’re in this together. Nobody is left alone.”

 

[Kimster]

I'm not seeing any updates yet today. I hope they are able to get data from a cell phone company to track the suspect's steps.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

I'm not seeing any updates yet today. I hope they are able to get data from a cell phone company to track the suspect's steps.

I believe they said his phone was off on stretches of hours (or longer) at a time. I know in some instances it can still be tracked if it’s just “powered off”. Hopefully they’re able to do that.

He traveled several states in 2 weeks with no sign of her anywhere. The first time he was seen on surveillance was only 3 days later (IIRC), at a McDonalds where he ordered one meal.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Can newly-surfaced video help find missing New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea?

On Tuesday, it will be exactly four weeks - one month - since anyone has seen missing New Bedford teenager Jalajhia Finklea.

www.boston25news.com

Can newly-surfaced video help find missing New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea?​

On Tuesday, it will be exactly four weeks - one month - since anyone has seen missing New Bedford teenager Jalajhia Finklea.

Over the weekend, volunteers searched a stretch of Route 140 in New Bedford where Jalajhia’s cellphone was recovered but found no trace of her.


Now, there’s a 2018 video of Jalajhia from Wareham Community TV that is revealing Jalajhia’s upbeat, bubbly personality.

In January 2018, Jalajhia was interviewed by WCTV’s Queen Banda and Wareham Week’s Lydia Goerner for a program called Meet Me At the Riverside. During the 10-minute video, Jalajhia talked about life as a freshman at Wareham High School and her dream of pursuing a singing career after graduation.

Jalajhia is 15-years-old in the video and she is brimming with enthusiasm for the future.

Now, nearly three years later, it is hoped the video might help jog a memory and bring Jalajhia home.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Can newly-surfaced video help find missing New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea?

On Tuesday, it will be exactly four weeks - one month - since anyone has seen missing New Bedford teenager Jalajhia Finklea.

www.boston25news.com

Can newly-surfaced video help find missing New Bedford teen Jalajhia Finklea?​

On Tuesday, it will be exactly four weeks - one month - since anyone has seen missing New Bedford teenager Jalajhia Finklea.

Over the weekend, volunteers searched a stretch of Route 140 in New Bedford where Jalajhia’s cellphone was recovered but found no trace of her.


Now, there’s a 2018 video of Jalajhia from Wareham Community TV that is revealing Jalajhia’s upbeat, bubbly personality.

In January 2018, Jalajhia was interviewed by WCTV’s Queen Banda and Wareham Week’s Lydia Goerner for a program called Meet Me At the Riverside. During the 10-minute video, Jalajhia talked about life as a freshman at Wareham High School and her dream of pursuing a singing career after graduation.

Jalajhia is 15-years-old in the video and she is brimming with enthusiasm for the future.

Now, nearly three years later, it is hoped the video might help jog a memory and bring Jalajhia home.

What a beautiful, upbeat, sociable talented girl. She seems intelligent and very together. Praying for answers here.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Remains of missing Mashpee woman found in Florida

MASHPEE – Remains believed to be that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea of Mashpee have been found near Vero Beach, FL. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the identity. Finklea had last be…

www.capecod.com

Remains of missing Mashpee woman found in Florida​

Remains believed to be that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea of Mashpee have been found near Vero Beach, FL. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the identity.

Body presumed to be missing Mashpee 18-year-old found in Florida, authorities say

Finklea’s cell phone was found discarded on Route 140 in New Bedford, about 5 miles from where she got into Zaragoza’s car.

www.masslive.com

Body presumed to be Jalajhia Finklea, missing Mashpee woman, found in Florida, authorities say​

A body that is presumed to be of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea, a missing Mashpee woman, has been found in Florida, officials said Wednesday.

The body was found around noon Wednesday in Fellsmere, Florida, off Interstate 95, according to the office of Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III. Authorities discovered the body after investigators developed more information about the whereabouts of Finklea.

Although the body is presumed to be Finklea, a positive identification must be made, Quinn’s office said in a statement. An autopsy will be conducted in Florida to positively identify the body and to determine the cause and manner of death, which is believed to be a homicide, the statement said.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Remains of missing Mashpee woman found in Florida

MASHPEE – Remains believed to be that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea of Mashpee have been found near Vero Beach, FL. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the identity. Finklea had last be…

www.capecod.com

Remains of missing Mashpee woman found in Florida​

Remains believed to be that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea of Mashpee have been found near Vero Beach, FL. An autopsy will be performed to confirm the identity.

Body presumed to be missing Mashpee 18-year-old found in Florida, authorities say

Finklea’s cell phone was found discarded on Route 140 in New Bedford, about 5 miles from where she got into Zaragoza’s car.

www.masslive.com

Body presumed to be Jalajhia Finklea, missing Mashpee woman, found in Florida, authorities say​

A body that is presumed to be of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea, a missing Mashpee woman, has been found in Florida, officials said Wednesday.

The body was found around noon Wednesday in Fellsmere, Florida, off Interstate 95, according to the office of Bristol District Attorney Thomas Quinn III. Authorities discovered the body after investigators developed more information about the whereabouts of Finklea.

Although the body is presumed to be Finklea, a positive identification must be made, Quinn’s office said in a statement. An autopsy will be conducted in Florida to positively identify the body and to determine the cause and manner of death, which is believed to be a homicide, the statement said.

Bittersweet but it looks like they found her, I was worried they would not as he shut his phone off so much... That could have went the other way as to finding her since the likely perp is no longer alive...

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Body Confirmed to Be Missing Mass. Girl, Death Ruled a Homicide

The deceased body located last week in a field off in Florida is that of Jalajhia Finklea, and an autopsy confirmed her death was caused by two gunshot wounds.

wbsm.com

Body Confirmed to Be Missing Mass. Girl, Death Ruled a Homicide​

The Saint Lucie Medical Examiner's office in Florida has confirmed that the deceased body located last week in a field off of Route 95 in Fellsmere, Florida, is that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea.

An autopsy performed in Florida has also confirmed that Ms. Finklea's death was caused by two gunshot wounds and that the death was a homicide, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The 37-year-old Florida man wanted in connection with the disappearance of Ms. Finklea, who was last seen getting into his vehicle in New Bedford, died in Crestview, Florida on November 5 while U.S. Marshals were attempting to take him into custody.


A forensic analysis of the cell phone conducted by the troopers revealed a typed note Zaragoza made explaining the events of October 20. In the note, Mr. Zaragoza detailed his own depression, and stated that when Ms. Finklea was in his car on Coggeshall Street in New Bedford he "snapped." He went on to type, "she is gone," and provided turn by turn directions to where Ms. Finklea could be found in Fellsmere, Florida. This information led to the discovery of the deceased.

 

[GrandmaBear]

Body Confirmed to Be Missing Mass. Girl, Death Ruled a Homicide

The deceased body located last week in a field off in Florida is that of Jalajhia Finklea, and an autopsy confirmed her death was caused by two gunshot wounds.

wbsm.com

Body Confirmed to Be Missing Mass. Girl, Death Ruled a Homicide​

The Saint Lucie Medical Examiner's office in Florida has confirmed that the deceased body located last week in a field off of Route 95 in Fellsmere, Florida, is that of 18-year-old Jalajhia Finklea.

An autopsy performed in Florida has also confirmed that Ms. Finklea's death was caused by two gunshot wounds and that the death was a homicide, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced.

The 37-year-old Florida man wanted in connection with the disappearance of Ms. Finklea, who was last seen getting into his vehicle in New Bedford, died in Crestview, Florida on November 5 while U.S. Marshals were attempting to take him into custody.


A forensic analysis of the cell phone conducted by the troopers revealed a typed note Zaragoza made explaining the events of October 20. In the note, Mr. Zaragoza detailed his own depression, and stated that when Ms. Finklea was in his car on Coggeshall Street in New Bedford he "snapped." He went on to type, "she is gone," and provided turn by turn directions to where Ms. Finklea could be found in Fellsmere, Florida. This information led to the discovery of the deceased.

He left a confession and gave them directions? That's different.

Two shots...