Krista Dittmeyer (credit: Conway Police)
CONWAY, N.H. (CBS/AP) – A Maine woman whose car and infant daughter were abandoned in a New Hampshire parking lot appears to be the victim of a crime, police said Sunday.
Local and state police are investigating leads and preparing evidence for analysis after 20-year-old Krista Dittmeyer’s car was found with its engine running and hazard lights flashing in the Cranmore Mountain ski area parking lot in Conway, said Lt. Chris Perley. But there is nothing to indicate that Dittmeyer left behind her car and child, who was found in the car, by choice.
WBZ-TV’s Jim Smith reports.
“There is nothing we’ve uncovered to indicate that she voluntarily absented herself from the vehicle or the child,” Perley said. “People have asked about suicide or mental illness, but there’s nothing to indicate either of those things.”
Police got a call at 6:30 a.m. Saturday from someone who spotted the car. The baby is in good condition and has been turned over to family members.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Kim Tunnicliffe reports.
Police said Dittmeyer, who lives and works in Portland and has ties to Bridgton, Maine, last talked to family members at about 8 p.m. Friday by phone.
Family friend Kathy Pratt said the incident is uncharacteristic of Dittmeyer, who she described as a caring, responsible mother.
“Knowing Krista is that she would never, ever, ever leave that baby in that car by herself, never. Krista is such a devoted mother,” said Pratt. “Whatever happened, it would not be voluntary on her part.”
Her mom said that Dittmeyer frequently visits her family and friends in Conway.
WBZ-TV’s Alana Gomez contributed to this report.
(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
9 Comments
I hope the mother is found save I will be praying for her.
April 24, 2011 at 1:38 pm | | Report comment
Most mothers would never leave their child abandoned, never mind in a running car. I’m glad the baby is okay, and I pray they find the mother one way or another. I think not knowing is more painful then anything. I pray for the family.
April 24, 2011 at 4:49 pm | | Report comment
A beautiful young woman missing and nobody knows what happened. What a terrible tragedy for her family. We all hope that things work out for all concerned.
April 24, 2011 at 5:16 pm | | Report comment
This is a terrible thing to hear. When a mother goes missing and a child is left behind. I dont know how people can be so cruel. One thing though for those who watch Criminals Minds: Suspect Behavior. A couple of episodes ago they ran with this same senario (mothers kindnapped in new hampshire). I hope they find the mom safe and she is reunited with her baby but this just disturbs me in all kinds of ways.
April 24, 2011 at 9:44 pm | | Report comment
THIS IS SO SAD, I AM PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY
VISIT MY BLOG
http://ethicalfutures.wordpress.com/2011/04/22/the-spaghetti-smackdown-only-animals-eat-on-the-train/
April 25, 2011 at 12:50 am | | Report comment
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It certainly does not appear to be a simple robbery or abduction, but rather a so-called “crime of passion”. Have the New Hampshire authorities questioned the father of Krista Dittmeyer’s baby and any current (or past) boyfriends she may have had in either Maine or New Hampshire? Since both Maine and New Hampshire seem involved in this case, it would seem reasonable for New Hampshire authorities to seek help from the FBI in investigating this case. WBZ’s Dan Rea might be able to help by running a short (1/2-hour) segment to solicit ideas from the WBZ listening community.
April 25, 2011 at 1:50 pm | | Report comment
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