In Loving Memory: George Robt. Zelaya - FL - 01/13/2005
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Kathylene
, May 18 2007 03:00 PM
35 replies to this topic
#1
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:00 PM
Name: George Robert Zelaya
Classification: Endangered Missing Adult
Alias / Nickname: Skip
Date of Birth: May 22, 1943
Date Missing: January 13, 2005
From City/State: Homosassa, FL
Missing From (Country): USA
Age at Time of Disappearance: 61
Gender: Male
Race: White
Height: 70 inches
Weight: 150 pounds
Hair Color: Brown
Hair (Other): Gray at temples
Eye Color: Brown
Complexion: Medium
Glasses/Contacts Description: Reading glasses.
Identifying Characteristics: Growth on left pinky finger, minor scars on hands and arms.
Jewelry: Silver "Timex" watch.
Circumstances of Disappearance: Unknown. George was last seen at approximately 6:00pm at his residence in the vicinity of the 5700 block of S. Seotter Path in Homosassa, FL. His white, four door, 1988 Lincoln sedan was located the following day at a shopping center off of Hwy 19 in Homosassa, FL.
Investigative Agency: Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Phone: (352) 726-4488
Investigative Case #: 05010575
Print a Poster: http://www.projectja...eorgeZelaya.pdf
#2
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:00 PM
http://sptimes.com/2005/01/29/Citrus..._Homosas.shtml
Search on for Homosassa man, 61
By Times Staff Writer
Published January 29, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOMOSASSA - Authorities are searching for a missing Homosassa man. George "Skip" Zelaya, 61, of 5711 Sea Otter Path, was last seen Jan. 13, when he left his home in the early morning, according to investigators.
His former wife, Paula Zelaya, began to worry about his safety when she saw his car abandoned in the Publix parking lot on U.S. 19 in Homosassa, she told authorities. George Zelaya stands 5 feet 9. He is white and weighs about 130 pounds. His hair and eyes are brown and he is clean shaven. Anyone with information about Zelaya's whereabout is asked to call 911 or 726-1121. An anonymous tips line is also available at 1-888-269-8477.
#3
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:00 PM
http://www.baynews9..../3/3/73383.html
Without a trace
Thursday, March 3, 2005
The computer is a tool of hope in Joe Zelaya's search for his missing 61-year-old brother, Skip.
Skip Zelaya's disappearance, while unrelated to the Jessica Lunsford case, has some striking similarities in the eyes of investigators.
"Usually, you find some kind of evidence that they might have did something bad to themselves or they just moved away and wanted to go on with their life," said Gary Atchison with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. "This is kind of like our case here with young Jessica, [in] that there's no evidence or either that he did something terrible to himself or that he went off and wanted another life."
Several days after his Jan. 13 disappearance, Skip Zelaya's car was found abandoned outside the Publix grocery store in Homosassa.
Skip's ex-wife, Paula Zelaya, says they were living together, trying to reconcile. She admits they still had some problems, but were also still very much in love. His disappearance is very upsetting to their five children.
"Oh, they're devastated," said Paula Zelaya. "They don't think he would just up and leave and really, I don't either. But I don't really know what to think anymore. He sent everything. To his brother, his license. That's when I thought he probably killed himself. He sent him his license and gave him some checks and told him to deposit them into his account. He left all his clothes, left all his vehicles, left all his belongings."
Skip Zelaya's children live out of state, but have visited Citrus County to speak to local law enforcement. They insist their father is a family man who would never disappear without a trace.
Zelaya is described as a clean-shaven white male with brown eyes and brown hair, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
Anyone with information about Zelaya's disappearance is asked to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
Without a trace
Thursday, March 3, 2005
The computer is a tool of hope in Joe Zelaya's search for his missing 61-year-old brother, Skip.
Skip Zelaya's disappearance, while unrelated to the Jessica Lunsford case, has some striking similarities in the eyes of investigators.
"Usually, you find some kind of evidence that they might have did something bad to themselves or they just moved away and wanted to go on with their life," said Gary Atchison with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. "This is kind of like our case here with young Jessica, [in] that there's no evidence or either that he did something terrible to himself or that he went off and wanted another life."
Several days after his Jan. 13 disappearance, Skip Zelaya's car was found abandoned outside the Publix grocery store in Homosassa.
Skip's ex-wife, Paula Zelaya, says they were living together, trying to reconcile. She admits they still had some problems, but were also still very much in love. His disappearance is very upsetting to their five children.
"Oh, they're devastated," said Paula Zelaya. "They don't think he would just up and leave and really, I don't either. But I don't really know what to think anymore. He sent everything. To his brother, his license. That's when I thought he probably killed himself. He sent him his license and gave him some checks and told him to deposit them into his account. He left all his clothes, left all his vehicles, left all his belongings."
Skip Zelaya's children live out of state, but have visited Citrus County to speak to local law enforcement. They insist their father is a family man who would never disappear without a trace.
Zelaya is described as a clean-shaven white male with brown eyes and brown hair, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing about 130 pounds, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
Anyone with information about Zelaya's disappearance is asked to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
#4
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:01 PM
http://www.chronicleonline.com/artic...es/news953.txt
Family puzzled after man disappears
By Steve Arthur
Did 61-year-old Skip Zelaya just pick up and leave his life here, did he kill himself, or was he a victim of some undisclosed foul play? Read on and decide for yourself.
Skip Zelaya went missing Jan. 13, and since then his family has been fearful and frustrated, not knowing what has become of him.
His family gathered here on Friday from distant cities to have their pleas for community assistance broadcast through the help of television station WYKE in Lecanto.
Citrus Sheriff's Detective Gary Atchison says he and his agency have worked hard to find Zelaya, but have developed no more leads.
"I walked the area around where his vehicle was found for two days. Then I brought out the cadaver dogs. We've used the helicopter. Posters have been put up."
He said the sheriff's dive team was going to search the canal behind Zelaya's house, until the mysterious and troubling disappearance of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford, also of Homosassa, focused the attention of this county and the nation on her disappearance.
When a 61-year-old man goes missing for no apparent reason, questions are naturally raised. When he's been gone for more than a month, those who know him think about the puzzle all the time.
Joe Zelaya is worried about the welfare of his brother Skip, whose full name is George Robert Zelaya. Also worried are Zelaya's children.
His wife, Paula Zelaya, told deputies she last saw him that morning, leaving his home at 5711 Sea Otter Path in Homosassa.
Is it possible Skip Zelaya took his own life in some out-of-the-way place?
His brother Joe says no; his brother would never do that, especially not to his children.
"He was a proud person, he would never do that."
Did he decide to just disappear and take up another identity?
Soon after his brother's absence was noted, Joe Zelaya said he received an envelope containing Skip's driver's license, some checks and a bankcard posted to his address. It was post-dated the day after his disappearance. Included was a note about their shared bank account, a note that concluded simply: "Sorry, Skip."
Joe Zelaya said his brother also filled out a change-of-mailing-address card Jan. 14, forwarding Skip's mail to his own home.
The Skip skipping scenario bothers his family members.
Daughter Kathleen said all the scenarios have gone through her head, but she refuses to believe her father would put her and the rest of her family through the pain of not knowing his fate. "I believe something bad has happened to him."
Joe Zelaya said: "If he walked he wouldn't have left without any money in his pocket, with no watch or cell phone. He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't have left his tools in his truck."
He said his brother had accumulated debts of about $100,000, but said those debts wouldn't cause him to disappear.
"He was comfortable with the payments; that wouldn't be the reason," Zelaya said.
Susan Zelaya, Skip's daughter who lives and works in the Washington, D.C., area, says she doesn't know what to think.
She said she and some her siblings consulted a psychic in California over the telephone; they were told by that seer that Skip Zelaya was no longer living on this plane of existence.
She doesn't know what to think.
"I think there was foul play, but I have no proof," Joe Zelaya said Monday.
Skip Zelaya has been described as a clean-shaven white male with brown eyes and brown hair, 5 feet, 9 inches tall.
Family puzzled after man disappears
By Steve Arthur
Did 61-year-old Skip Zelaya just pick up and leave his life here, did he kill himself, or was he a victim of some undisclosed foul play? Read on and decide for yourself.
Skip Zelaya went missing Jan. 13, and since then his family has been fearful and frustrated, not knowing what has become of him.
His family gathered here on Friday from distant cities to have their pleas for community assistance broadcast through the help of television station WYKE in Lecanto.
Citrus Sheriff's Detective Gary Atchison says he and his agency have worked hard to find Zelaya, but have developed no more leads.
"I walked the area around where his vehicle was found for two days. Then I brought out the cadaver dogs. We've used the helicopter. Posters have been put up."
He said the sheriff's dive team was going to search the canal behind Zelaya's house, until the mysterious and troubling disappearance of 9-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford, also of Homosassa, focused the attention of this county and the nation on her disappearance.
When a 61-year-old man goes missing for no apparent reason, questions are naturally raised. When he's been gone for more than a month, those who know him think about the puzzle all the time.
Joe Zelaya is worried about the welfare of his brother Skip, whose full name is George Robert Zelaya. Also worried are Zelaya's children.
His wife, Paula Zelaya, told deputies she last saw him that morning, leaving his home at 5711 Sea Otter Path in Homosassa.
Is it possible Skip Zelaya took his own life in some out-of-the-way place?
His brother Joe says no; his brother would never do that, especially not to his children.
"He was a proud person, he would never do that."
Did he decide to just disappear and take up another identity?
Soon after his brother's absence was noted, Joe Zelaya said he received an envelope containing Skip's driver's license, some checks and a bankcard posted to his address. It was post-dated the day after his disappearance. Included was a note about their shared bank account, a note that concluded simply: "Sorry, Skip."
Joe Zelaya said his brother also filled out a change-of-mailing-address card Jan. 14, forwarding Skip's mail to his own home.
The Skip skipping scenario bothers his family members.
Daughter Kathleen said all the scenarios have gone through her head, but she refuses to believe her father would put her and the rest of her family through the pain of not knowing his fate. "I believe something bad has happened to him."
Joe Zelaya said: "If he walked he wouldn't have left without any money in his pocket, with no watch or cell phone. He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't have left his tools in his truck."
He said his brother had accumulated debts of about $100,000, but said those debts wouldn't cause him to disappear.
"He was comfortable with the payments; that wouldn't be the reason," Zelaya said.
Susan Zelaya, Skip's daughter who lives and works in the Washington, D.C., area, says she doesn't know what to think.
She said she and some her siblings consulted a psychic in California over the telephone; they were told by that seer that Skip Zelaya was no longer living on this plane of existence.
She doesn't know what to think.
"I think there was foul play, but I have no proof," Joe Zelaya said Monday.
Skip Zelaya has been described as a clean-shaven white male with brown eyes and brown hair, 5 feet, 9 inches tall.
#5
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:01 PM
A Message from the Family:
"We, the ZELAYA FAMILY, have started a reward /investigative fund in hopes of finding our missing father, " GEORGE ROBERT "SKIP" ZELAYA". This is a tragedy that has affected all family members since January 13th, 2005.
To all that may know his children, Michael, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Kathleen and Susan, and to all that may know his brother, Joe "Sandy" Zelaya and sister, Maria Papanicolas, and to all that are concerned about missing people, please make a tax-deductible donation, on behalf of our father, so that we may find him and bring him home.
If you can help us and would like to donate, please mail a check to:
VICTIMS RIGHTS FOUNDATION.ORG
814 WEST DIAMOND AVE. SUITE 200
GAITHERSBURG, MD. 20878
ATTN: GEORGE ZELAYA FUND
OR
ONLINE AT: WWW.VICTIMSRIGHTSFOUNDATION.ORG
GO TO DONATIONS.
GO TO DONATE NOW, AGAIN
FILL OUT YOUR DONATION AMOUNT AND DESIGNATE "GEORGE ZELAYA FUND"
EACH DONATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AS OUR FATHER NEVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION,
THE ENTIRE ZELAYA FAMILY"
"We, the ZELAYA FAMILY, have started a reward /investigative fund in hopes of finding our missing father, " GEORGE ROBERT "SKIP" ZELAYA". This is a tragedy that has affected all family members since January 13th, 2005.
To all that may know his children, Michael, Jennifer, Elizabeth, Kathleen and Susan, and to all that may know his brother, Joe "Sandy" Zelaya and sister, Maria Papanicolas, and to all that are concerned about missing people, please make a tax-deductible donation, on behalf of our father, so that we may find him and bring him home.
If you can help us and would like to donate, please mail a check to:
VICTIMS RIGHTS FOUNDATION.ORG
814 WEST DIAMOND AVE. SUITE 200
GAITHERSBURG, MD. 20878
ATTN: GEORGE ZELAYA FUND
OR
ONLINE AT: WWW.VICTIMSRIGHTSFOUNDATION.ORG
GO TO DONATIONS.
GO TO DONATE NOW, AGAIN
FILL OUT YOUR DONATION AMOUNT AND DESIGNATE "GEORGE ZELAYA FUND"
EACH DONATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED AND WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, AS OUR FATHER NEVER WILL BE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR DONATION,
THE ENTIRE ZELAYA FAMILY"
#6
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:01 PM
From the family:
"We, the Zelaya Family, along with Mr. Gregory Wims of the Victim's Rights Foundation will be holding a press conference and a vigil June 3rd at 3:00 pm in the Publix shopping center, where his car was found, off of Hwy. 19 in Homosassa, FL. At that time we will post a reward, in the hopes of someone coming forward with information in helping us find out what has happened to our Father. Please join us if you can."
Family website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
"We, the Zelaya Family, along with Mr. Gregory Wims of the Victim's Rights Foundation will be holding a press conference and a vigil June 3rd at 3:00 pm in the Publix shopping center, where his car was found, off of Hwy. 19 in Homosassa, FL. At that time we will post a reward, in the hopes of someone coming forward with information in helping us find out what has happened to our Father. Please join us if you can."
Family website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
#7
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:01 PM
http://www.sptimes.com
Kin, friends share hopes for missing man
His relatives design T-shirts and a Web site in their quest for answers.
By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published June 4, 2005
HOMOSASSA - About a dozen people stood in the spitting rain near the biggest known clue to the whereabouts of George "Skip" Zelaya.
It was Friday afternoon, and Zelaya's relatives and friends gathered in the parking lot of Publix on U.S. 19 in Homosassa. A few pointed to the spot where Zelaya's 1988 white Lincoln was found in mid January.
None has heard from him since.
"He has five kids," said Eileen Zelaya, 39, one of his daughters, who lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. "I don't think he would just walk away."
The Zelaya family is desperate for information about the missing man, a 62-year-old whose youthful face and dark brown hair make him appear years younger. His relatives have set up a Web site at http://findgeorgeskipzelaya.com to help them find him. They've offered $2,500 for information. The Victims' Rights Foundation, a Maryland nonprofit, is working with the family.
They've made T-shirts. A photograph on the front shows a smiling man with a striped red shirt. On the back is a Bible verse: "Nothing shall be hid that shall not be revealed; Matt 10:26." The verse hints at the family's suspicion that someone knows something about what happened to him.
"Who goes to hide to commit suicide?" asked his brother, Joe Zelaya, 63, also of Homosassa.
Joe Zelaya was the only family member at Friday's meeting to have heard anything from his brother, he said. A few days after the car was found, Joe Zelaya received a note in the mail from his brother. It had information about a bank account and was signed, "Sorry, Skip," he said. But the ZIP code was wrong, he said, and the note raised more questions than it answered.
"All I've got is suspicions and questions," he said.
Zelaya was last seen about 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at his home on the 5700 block of S Sea Otter Path in Homosassa, according to the Web site. His former wife, Paula, said she saw his abandoned car later at Publix, according to family members and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office released information in January about his disappearance, but it seemed scant information was available.
Zelaya, a handyman and electrician, lived with Paula Zelaya at the time of his disappearance, according to the family. She could not be reached for comment.
Zelaya was last seen wearing jeans, a long-sleeve dress shirt and work boots, according to the Web site. Zelaya was lured to Citrus by the hope of working at the Crystal River nuclear power plant, his children said. When that dream didn't come true, he worked odd jobs.
The Web site is full of personal details about Zelaya. He enjoys watching football and cheers for the Washington Redskins. He smokes nonfilter Camel cigarettes and drinks Budweiser beer and orange juice with rum on the rocks.
Anyone with information about Zelaya's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 726-1121. An anonymous tip line is also available at 1-888-269-8477.
Kin, friends share hopes for missing man
His relatives design T-shirts and a Web site in their quest for answers.
By ABBIE VANSICKLE
Published June 4, 2005
HOMOSASSA - About a dozen people stood in the spitting rain near the biggest known clue to the whereabouts of George "Skip" Zelaya.
It was Friday afternoon, and Zelaya's relatives and friends gathered in the parking lot of Publix on U.S. 19 in Homosassa. A few pointed to the spot where Zelaya's 1988 white Lincoln was found in mid January.
None has heard from him since.
"He has five kids," said Eileen Zelaya, 39, one of his daughters, who lives in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. "I don't think he would just walk away."
The Zelaya family is desperate for information about the missing man, a 62-year-old whose youthful face and dark brown hair make him appear years younger. His relatives have set up a Web site at http://findgeorgeskipzelaya.com to help them find him. They've offered $2,500 for information. The Victims' Rights Foundation, a Maryland nonprofit, is working with the family.
They've made T-shirts. A photograph on the front shows a smiling man with a striped red shirt. On the back is a Bible verse: "Nothing shall be hid that shall not be revealed; Matt 10:26." The verse hints at the family's suspicion that someone knows something about what happened to him.
"Who goes to hide to commit suicide?" asked his brother, Joe Zelaya, 63, also of Homosassa.
Joe Zelaya was the only family member at Friday's meeting to have heard anything from his brother, he said. A few days after the car was found, Joe Zelaya received a note in the mail from his brother. It had information about a bank account and was signed, "Sorry, Skip," he said. But the ZIP code was wrong, he said, and the note raised more questions than it answered.
"All I've got is suspicions and questions," he said.
Zelaya was last seen about 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at his home on the 5700 block of S Sea Otter Path in Homosassa, according to the Web site. His former wife, Paula, said she saw his abandoned car later at Publix, according to family members and the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
The Sheriff's Office released information in January about his disappearance, but it seemed scant information was available.
Zelaya, a handyman and electrician, lived with Paula Zelaya at the time of his disappearance, according to the family. She could not be reached for comment.
Zelaya was last seen wearing jeans, a long-sleeve dress shirt and work boots, according to the Web site. Zelaya was lured to Citrus by the hope of working at the Crystal River nuclear power plant, his children said. When that dream didn't come true, he worked odd jobs.
The Web site is full of personal details about Zelaya. He enjoys watching football and cheers for the Washington Redskins. He smokes nonfilter Camel cigarettes and drinks Budweiser beer and orange juice with rum on the rocks.
Anyone with information about Zelaya's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or 726-1121. An anonymous tip line is also available at 1-888-269-8477.
#8
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:02 PM
http://www.chronicleonline.com/
Family clings to hope; Man missing since January
By Ashley Sorrell
With T-shirts displaying a beloved father and brother's picture, tears in their eyes and grief evident in their faces, the family of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya pleaded for anyone with information concerning his whereabouts to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
Zelaya was reported missing on Jan. 13, 2005, and his family, with the help of the Victims' Rights Foundation, is now offering a $2,500 reward for anyone with information about his disappearance.
His disappearance had a profound effect on his children.
"It's been the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life," Zelaya's daughter, Elizabeth Zelaya, said. "Literally, the most pain I've ever felt."
Elizabeth Zelaya said it is not like her father to disappear without contacting his children.
"He had a lot of pride and cared a lot about his children. He was always a family man," she said.
She said she still has hope he will be found.
"We are all just trying to hang in there, but it consumes every thought you have," Elizabeth Zelaya said.
That sentiment is echoed among Skip Zelaya's friends.
In recent months, speculation has shrouded the disappearance of Zelaya.
Susan Zelaya, Skip Zelaya's youngest daughter, said she hopes people with information concerning her father will come forward and rumors surrounding his disappearance will stop.
Susan Zelaya said despite speculation, her father has not been found and has not contacted any of his children.
Kathleen Zelaya, another of his daughters, said not knowing the whereabouts of her father is like having a broken heart.
"My dad was a best friend of mine," she said. "For me not to know where the person I love most in the world is just breaks my heart."
Through the months, Kathleen Zelaya has lost hope of her father's survival.
"If he hasn't contacted his children, he is dead," she said.
His son, Michael Zelaya, said he suspects foul play, but is still looking for the answers to many unanswered questions.
Michael Zelaya said he does not believe any of the speculation surrounding his father's disappearance.
There has been speculation that Skip Zelaya disappeared because of debt, or perhaps committed suicide.
"None of them make sense to me," Michael Zelaya said. "He's not the type to let anything bother him."
This is the second time the family, who are from the Washington suburbs around Maryland and Virginia, have returned to Homosassa to announce the need for information concerning Zelaya's disappearance.
The family said they want to find him, dead or alive.
The sheriff's office has stepped up its investigation and is actively trying to find Zelaya.
The family thinks it might be too late. They said the 6-month delay might have greatly compromised the case.
Joe Zelaya said he still hopes his brother is found, but does not think he is still alive.
Skip Zelaya is a white male, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 130 pounds, with brown and gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 at his residence in the vicinity of the 5700 block of South Sea Otter Path, Homosassa.
His white, four-door, 1988 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14 at a shopping center off U.S. 19 in Homosassa.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or disappearance is urged to call the sheriff's office at 726-1121.
Family clings to hope; Man missing since January
By Ashley Sorrell
With T-shirts displaying a beloved father and brother's picture, tears in their eyes and grief evident in their faces, the family of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya pleaded for anyone with information concerning his whereabouts to contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.
Zelaya was reported missing on Jan. 13, 2005, and his family, with the help of the Victims' Rights Foundation, is now offering a $2,500 reward for anyone with information about his disappearance.
His disappearance had a profound effect on his children.
"It's been the worst thing that has ever happened to me in my life," Zelaya's daughter, Elizabeth Zelaya, said. "Literally, the most pain I've ever felt."
Elizabeth Zelaya said it is not like her father to disappear without contacting his children.
"He had a lot of pride and cared a lot about his children. He was always a family man," she said.
She said she still has hope he will be found.
"We are all just trying to hang in there, but it consumes every thought you have," Elizabeth Zelaya said.
That sentiment is echoed among Skip Zelaya's friends.
In recent months, speculation has shrouded the disappearance of Zelaya.
Susan Zelaya, Skip Zelaya's youngest daughter, said she hopes people with information concerning her father will come forward and rumors surrounding his disappearance will stop.
Susan Zelaya said despite speculation, her father has not been found and has not contacted any of his children.
Kathleen Zelaya, another of his daughters, said not knowing the whereabouts of her father is like having a broken heart.
"My dad was a best friend of mine," she said. "For me not to know where the person I love most in the world is just breaks my heart."
Through the months, Kathleen Zelaya has lost hope of her father's survival.
"If he hasn't contacted his children, he is dead," she said.
His son, Michael Zelaya, said he suspects foul play, but is still looking for the answers to many unanswered questions.
Michael Zelaya said he does not believe any of the speculation surrounding his father's disappearance.
There has been speculation that Skip Zelaya disappeared because of debt, or perhaps committed suicide.
"None of them make sense to me," Michael Zelaya said. "He's not the type to let anything bother him."
This is the second time the family, who are from the Washington suburbs around Maryland and Virginia, have returned to Homosassa to announce the need for information concerning Zelaya's disappearance.
The family said they want to find him, dead or alive.
The sheriff's office has stepped up its investigation and is actively trying to find Zelaya.
The family thinks it might be too late. They said the 6-month delay might have greatly compromised the case.
Joe Zelaya said he still hopes his brother is found, but does not think he is still alive.
Skip Zelaya is a white male, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 130 pounds, with brown and gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at 6 p.m. on Jan. 13 at his residence in the vicinity of the 5700 block of South Sea Otter Path, Homosassa.
His white, four-door, 1988 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14 at a shopping center off U.S. 19 in Homosassa.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or disappearance is urged to call the sheriff's office at 726-1121.
#9
Kathylene
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:02 PM
Press release from the family:
For Immediate Release:
Homosassa, Fl--September 21 , 2005-- A new billboard display is now visible to the public on Highway 19 in Homosassa, FL. On the billboard, the face of missing George “Skip†Zelaya will loom larger than life, reminding passerby’s that he is still missing from this community of about 2,294.
George "Skip" Zelaya has been missing since January 13, 2005. His family has worked hard to locate him. Their efforts include a website with information and printable poster, a t-shirt, and the establishment of a reward fund. They hope that the billboard will bring in new leads to help resolve this now over 8 month-old mystery.
The billboard was provided with the help of the Ocala Lamar Advertising and Doug Howarth, son-in-law of Skip.
Skip Zelaya is a white male, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 130 pounds, with brown and gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at 6 p.m. on January 13th at his residence in the vicinity of the 5700 block of South Sea Otter Path, Homosassa.
His white, four-door, 1988 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14 at a shopping center off U.S. 19 in Homosassa.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or disappearance is urged to call the Citrus County sheriff's office at (352) 726-1121.
Website: http://www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com/
For Immediate Release:
Homosassa, Fl--September 21 , 2005-- A new billboard display is now visible to the public on Highway 19 in Homosassa, FL. On the billboard, the face of missing George “Skip†Zelaya will loom larger than life, reminding passerby’s that he is still missing from this community of about 2,294.
George "Skip" Zelaya has been missing since January 13, 2005. His family has worked hard to locate him. Their efforts include a website with information and printable poster, a t-shirt, and the establishment of a reward fund. They hope that the billboard will bring in new leads to help resolve this now over 8 month-old mystery.
The billboard was provided with the help of the Ocala Lamar Advertising and Doug Howarth, son-in-law of Skip.
Skip Zelaya is a white male, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 130 pounds, with brown and gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen at 6 p.m. on January 13th at his residence in the vicinity of the 5700 block of South Sea Otter Path, Homosassa.
His white, four-door, 1988 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14 at a shopping center off U.S. 19 in Homosassa.
Anyone with information concerning his whereabouts or disappearance is urged to call the Citrus County sheriff's office at (352) 726-1121.
Website: http://www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com/
#10
Kathylene
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Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:02 PM
Family hopes billboard helps find missing man
Published September 22, 2005
By Times Staff Writer
HOMOSASSA - Family members of a missing Homosassa man have posted a billboard along U.S. 19 to remind motorists of the man's mysterious disappearance, according to a news release from the family.
George "Skip" Zelaya, 62, of 5711 S Sea Otter Path was last seen at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at his home. His white, four-door 1998 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14, parked in the Publix shopping center lot along U.S. 19 in Homosassa. Family members say they have not heard from him since. The family has also set up a Web site, www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com Zelaya is a 130-pound white man who is 5 feet 9 inches and has brown eyes and brown and gray hair. Anyone with information can contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 726-4488.
http://www.sptimes.com/
Published September 22, 2005
By Times Staff Writer
HOMOSASSA - Family members of a missing Homosassa man have posted a billboard along U.S. 19 to remind motorists of the man's mysterious disappearance, according to a news release from the family.
George "Skip" Zelaya, 62, of 5711 S Sea Otter Path was last seen at 6 p.m. Jan. 13 at his home. His white, four-door 1998 Lincoln sedan was found Jan. 14, parked in the Publix shopping center lot along U.S. 19 in Homosassa. Family members say they have not heard from him since. The family has also set up a Web site, www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com Zelaya is a 130-pound white man who is 5 feet 9 inches and has brown eyes and brown and gray hair. Anyone with information can contact the Citrus County Sheriff's Office at 726-4488.
http://www.sptimes.com/
#11
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:02 PM
George's story, "Daddy's Girl" is now featured on the Project Jason Voice for the Missing blog.
http://voice4themissing.blogspot.com...ddys-girl.html
It is a story about fathers and daughters and the special love they have for each other.
Be sure to help out the families of the missing by telling others about the blog. This is just another way we can reach out and let the faces of the missing be seen. We welcome appropriate website links. Other ideas are posting the blog link on other forums you frequent, and sending it out to your friends and family via email.
Thank you for helping us to help others.
#12
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:03 PM
Please watch this newly created video containing
TV coverage and photos on George "Skip" Zelaya.
http://patriciaviolamissing.homestea...ws_9_Video.wmv
Video Created by Jim, husband Of Patricia Viola
TV coverage and photos on George "Skip" Zelaya.
http://patriciaviolamissing.homestea...ws_9_Video.wmv
Video Created by Jim, husband Of Patricia Viola
#13
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:03 PM
POSTED BY SRH ON 11/28/05:
I don't even really know how I happened upon this website yet here I am and I am drawn to Skip's profile.
Strange, I am usually drawn to children and the elderly, neither which apply to Skip. I don't know what I am suppose to do, but for now I am going to pray, to find out what my part in all this is suppose to be.
It would be so easy for me to throw out those two words, I have come to rely on so much, "have faith" yet for some reason they sound meaningless and trivial to me right now.
Just know, that you all are in my prayers and there is someone out there thinking of all of you, hoping and praying for a miracle.
For Skip, if you are reading this and you can, please call home...please go home. Your family, your children and brother need you....want you. You are loved.
Susan
I don't even really know how I happened upon this website yet here I am and I am drawn to Skip's profile.
Strange, I am usually drawn to children and the elderly, neither which apply to Skip. I don't know what I am suppose to do, but for now I am going to pray, to find out what my part in all this is suppose to be.
It would be so easy for me to throw out those two words, I have come to rely on so much, "have faith" yet for some reason they sound meaningless and trivial to me right now.
Just know, that you all are in my prayers and there is someone out there thinking of all of you, hoping and praying for a miracle.
For Skip, if you are reading this and you can, please call home...please go home. Your family, your children and brother need you....want you. You are loved.
Susan
#14
Kathylene
Kathylene
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- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:03 PM
POSTED BY w84meee 11/28/05:
srh,
Welcome to Project Jason. I am glad you stopped in to post. I know that it brings a great deal of comfort to the families that someone is thinking about and praying for their loved one.
Do check out the Adopt a Missing Person program. George was recently added. I have "adopted" a little dear named Shania Supanich. It feels good to know that I can share her story so well with anyone who asks.
Michelle
srh,
Welcome to Project Jason. I am glad you stopped in to post. I know that it brings a great deal of comfort to the families that someone is thinking about and praying for their loved one.
Do check out the Adopt a Missing Person program. George was recently added. I have "adopted" a little dear named Shania Supanich. It feels good to know that I can share her story so well with anyone who asks.
Michelle
#15
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:04 PM
originally posted by Kelly on 1/3/06
George has been missing for one year today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. George, if you're still out there, please call home.
George has been missing for one year today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. George, if you're still out there, please call home.
#16
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:05 PM
From the family:
" I'm writing you today to let you know that our missing father, George "Skip" Zelaya will be featured on the Montel Williams Show Friday, May 5. Three other missing people will also be featured - Tara Grinstead, Ali Gilmore and Julie Michelle Bullard. Please check your local listings or go to www.montelshow.com for channel and time.
To those of you who we (me and my sister, Susan) have met, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for befriending us and caring about our dad.
I hope you can watch and if you can't - record it!!
Thank you for caring! God bless you all in your search..........
With Hope for all the missing,
Kathleen "Daddy's Girl"
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com"
" I'm writing you today to let you know that our missing father, George "Skip" Zelaya will be featured on the Montel Williams Show Friday, May 5. Three other missing people will also be featured - Tara Grinstead, Ali Gilmore and Julie Michelle Bullard. Please check your local listings or go to www.montelshow.com for channel and time.
To those of you who we (me and my sister, Susan) have met, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for befriending us and caring about our dad.
I hope you can watch and if you can't - record it!!
Thank you for caring! God bless you all in your search..........
With Hope for all the missing,
Kathleen "Daddy's Girl"
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com"
#17
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:05 PM
Project Jason announces that George Zelaya was the early August 18 Wheel Angel campaign. His active campaign is over, but you can still go to the website listed below and print his poster.
George's family really needs your help. Missing adult males, especially ones who are older with no health concerns, are generally ignored by media and other sources. What if he were your dad?
18 Wheel Angels is a national missing person's locator program in which truck drivers or other business travelers are recruited to place posters of a specific missing person along the way as they travel.
In conjunction with the poster campaign, George is also featured on the front cover and inside the August issue of a free trucking magazine called Through the Gears, available at truck stops nationwide. Through the Gears has a circulation of approximately 150,000, and is published by J.P Scott Publishing of Anniston, AL.
For additional information, and to print and place posters of George, please see:
http://www.projectja...rg/18wheel.html
You do not need to be a truck driver to help place posters. You can also help by telling any truck drivers or trucking companies you know about this program.
Thank you.
Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
George's family really needs your help. Missing adult males, especially ones who are older with no health concerns, are generally ignored by media and other sources. What if he were your dad?
18 Wheel Angels is a national missing person's locator program in which truck drivers or other business travelers are recruited to place posters of a specific missing person along the way as they travel.
In conjunction with the poster campaign, George is also featured on the front cover and inside the August issue of a free trucking magazine called Through the Gears, available at truck stops nationwide. Through the Gears has a circulation of approximately 150,000, and is published by J.P Scott Publishing of Anniston, AL.
For additional information, and to print and place posters of George, please see:
http://www.projectja...rg/18wheel.html
You do not need to be a truck driver to help place posters. You can also help by telling any truck drivers or trucking companies you know about this program.
Thank you.
Kelly Jolkowski, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
#18
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:06 PM
From the family:
"If you missed it the first time, here's another chance............................................ ....
MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW (CBS)
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2006
FEATURING KATHLEEN ZELAYA HOWARTH AND SUSAN ZELAYA TALKING ABOUT THEIR FATHER, MISSING GEORGE R. "SKIP" ZELAYA
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, Please pray with us that we find him soon. I would walk a hundred miles to bring you home again.
Dad I love and miss you more than words
No farewell words were spoken, not time to say goodbye, could ever say. You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why.
~Kathleen -Authur Unknown"
"If you missed it the first time, here's another chance............................................ ....
MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW (CBS)
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2006
FEATURING KATHLEEN ZELAYA HOWARTH AND SUSAN ZELAYA TALKING ABOUT THEIR FATHER, MISSING GEORGE R. "SKIP" ZELAYA
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
If tears could build a stairway and memories were a lane, Please pray with us that we find him soon. I would walk a hundred miles to bring you home again.
Dad I love and miss you more than words
No farewell words were spoken, not time to say goodbye, could ever say. You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why.
~Kathleen -Authur Unknown"
#19
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:06 PM
George Robert "Skip" Zelaya will be featured on the television program "Missing" [/hr]George Robert "Skip" Zelaya will be featured on the television program "Missing" Episode M-415.
Visit USA Missing Homepage
The show will air the week of November 6, 2006, and in most areas, is shown on the following weekend.
Please check out which station airs the program in your area by visiting the following link.
Links to TV Stations airing "Missing"
Then check out the station's site (provided in the above link) for the exact day and time the show airs.
All the following adults and children will be featured on this episode.
Harold Hensley, Amber Hoopes, Mario Cabral, Jeromy Childress, Michelle Henri, David Allen, Amber Spain, Dawron Richardson, Erica Sanchez, Lindsey Porter, Samuel Porter, Christopher Pierce, Mae Rocker, Alexis Patterson, Samantha Bolonos Lopez, Sara Bolonos Lopez, Sofia Juarez, George Zelaya, Yoni Hernandez, Nathan Currie, Melina Martin, Robert Vance, Daniel Yuen, Linda Runningbear, Kiplyn Davis, William "Mike" Hogan.
The Weeks' featured cases on Television
Visit USA Missing Homepage
The show will air the week of November 6, 2006, and in most areas, is shown on the following weekend.
Please check out which station airs the program in your area by visiting the following link.
Links to TV Stations airing "Missing"
Then check out the station's site (provided in the above link) for the exact day and time the show airs.
All the following adults and children will be featured on this episode.
Harold Hensley, Amber Hoopes, Mario Cabral, Jeromy Childress, Michelle Henri, David Allen, Amber Spain, Dawron Richardson, Erica Sanchez, Lindsey Porter, Samuel Porter, Christopher Pierce, Mae Rocker, Alexis Patterson, Samantha Bolonos Lopez, Sara Bolonos Lopez, Sofia Juarez, George Zelaya, Yoni Hernandez, Nathan Currie, Melina Martin, Robert Vance, Daniel Yuen, Linda Runningbear, Kiplyn Davis, William "Mike" Hogan.
The Weeks' featured cases on Television
#20
Kathylene
Kathylene
-
- Guests
Posted 18 May 2007 - 03:06 PM
[/hr]Â Mr. Zelaya has now been missing for 2 years. Please see his website for photos and other relevant information: Find George "Skip" Zelaya
#21
Kelly
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- Administrators
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- 7,823 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 22 May 2007 - 01:36 PM
From the Family:Â
"Please keep Skip, our dad, in your thoughts today as it is his 64th birthday.Â
Say a little prayer  that we may know what has happened to him, and wish him a
[align=center]  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!   [/align]
Â
Do I miss you more today because it is your birthday? No. I miss you terribly and wonder what has happened to you every day. I missed you even when I knew where you were and I knew you were ok.
Â
I remember your 60th birthday when your kids and friends were together to celebrate - seems like just yesterday - - oh how I wish it was yesterday!
[align=center]Last night I had a crazy dream
a wish was granted just for me
it could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you!
One more day, one more time
one more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
one more day...........
First thing I'd do is pray for time to crawl
I'd unplug the telephone and keep the t.v off
I'd hold you every second
say a million I love you's
that's what I'd do with one more day with you
One more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day with you
one more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day with you. [/align]
  Please visit his site and leave him birthday wishes today
 Here's to you, dad! Â
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com "
Â
"Please keep Skip, our dad, in your thoughts today as it is his 64th birthday.Â
Say a little prayer  that we may know what has happened to him, and wish him a
[align=center]  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!   [/align]
Â
Do I miss you more today because it is your birthday? No. I miss you terribly and wonder what has happened to you every day. I missed you even when I knew where you were and I knew you were ok.
Â
I remember your 60th birthday when your kids and friends were together to celebrate - seems like just yesterday - - oh how I wish it was yesterday!
[align=center]Last night I had a crazy dream
a wish was granted just for me
it could be for anything
I didn't ask for money
or a mansion in Malibu
I simply wished for one more day with you!
One more day, one more time
one more sunset, maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again, I know what it would do
Leave me wishing still for one more day with you
one more day...........
First thing I'd do is pray for time to crawl
I'd unplug the telephone and keep the t.v off
I'd hold you every second
say a million I love you's
that's what I'd do with one more day with you
One more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day with you
one more day, one more time
one more sunset maybe I'd be satisfied
but then again I know what it would do
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day
leave me wishing still for one more day with you. [/align]
  Please visit his site and leave him birthday wishes today
 Here's to you, dad! Â
Help find our dad and bring him home....
Please visit his website: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com "
Â
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#22
Kelly
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- Administrators
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- 7,823 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 13 January 2008 - 01:07 PM
George has been missing for 3 years today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
http://www.projectja...eorgeZelaya.pdf
http://www.projectja...eorgeZelaya.pdf
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#23
Kelly
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- Administrators
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- 7,823 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 02 November 2008 - 02:12 PM
AAN Notify Sent. Code 42
Help us find the missing: Become an AAN Member
http://www.projectja.../awareness.html
Help us find the missing: Become an AAN Member
http://www.projectja.../awareness.html
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#24
Kelly
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- Administrators
-
- 7,823 posts
President and Founder
- LocationRenton WA
Posted 13 January 2009 - 04:51 PM
AAN Annual Poster Notify Sent to AAN Subscribers Code 57
Help us find the missing: Become an AAN Member
http://www.projectja.../awareness.html
George has been missing for 4 years today. Our thoughts and prayer are with his family.
Help us find the missing: Become an AAN Member
http://www.projectja.../awareness.html
George has been missing for 4 years today. Our thoughts and prayer are with his family.
Kelly Murphy, Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
President and Founder,
Project Jason
www.projectjason.org
Please help us in our mission as a 501 c 3 nonprofit: http://projectjason....y-campaign.html
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
#25
Jenn
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- Moderators
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- 5,706 posts
Advanced Member
- LocationOntario, Canada
Posted 14 January 2009 - 07:24 AM
http://blogs.discove...issing---a.html
January 13, 2009
The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #27
The Mysterious Disappearance of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya
In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the mysterious disappearance of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya, a 61-year-old resident of Homosassa, Florida, who went missing in January 2005.
"The last time I saw my dad, two of my sisters and I (I have one more sister and one more brother) took a trip to see him in September 2007, like we always did," Skip's daughter, Kathleen Howarth, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "When we were about to get on the plane to go home, all three of us were crying like we were children leaving our dad for the first time. This wasn't odd behavior, because we always cried when we left him. We were all standing there crying, telling him how much we loved him when he started to tear up and told us if we didn't stop crying we were going to make him cry. Then we all wiped away our tears and took one last picture of each of us with him."
Unbeknownst to Kathleen or her siblings, that would be the last time any of them would see their father before his mysterious disappearance.
"I left to go on a trip to Montana on January 21, 2005," Kathleen said. "This was the first time since Dad moved to Florida that I didn’t visit him the first of the year because I was invited to go to Montana. Otherwise, I would’ve been with him at this time. The following Thursday, my little sister, Susan, called the house I was staying at. I was blow drying my hair so I never heard the phone ring. My husband, Doug, answered. He could hardly understand who it was, as she was hysterical. Doug came in and told me to stop blow drying my hair and that I need to call my sister because my father was missing. I screamed, saying: ’God, please don’t let anything happen to my dad!’ I was a basket case. I couldn’t even remember her telephone number to call her back. My husband kept telling me to calm down. We were all so helpless. I was in Montana, my siblings were all in the D.C. metro area, and he was missing in Florida."
According to Kathleen, Skip was last seen by his roommate (who also happens to be his ex-wife), at about 6:30 p.m., on January 13, 2005. It was three days later when his former wife contacted Skip's brother, Joe Zelaya, to ask if he had heard from his brother. When Joe told her he had not spoken to his brother, she informed him that she was going to contact the police. Two days later, on January 18, 2005, the she again contacted Joe to inform him that she found Skip's car at a shopping center off Highway 19. She said that his wallet was found under the seat, empty, all but for his social security card and photos. His watch, keys and cell phone were found on a table in their house.
"Susan waited a week to call me because I was in Montana and she could not decide if she should call or not, so a week later, she could not hold it any longer and that was when she called," Kathleen said. "Since that time the pain has been unbearable. I don't know where he is or why he is gone."
Unfortunately, there were no surveillance cameras outside the mall, leaving detectives with no solid proof that Skip had parked his vehicle there. Investigators conducted a search of the area and brought in a cadaver dog to assist them; however, they were unable to find any indication that Skip was in the area.
According to a journal that Skip's now-deceased brother, Joe Zelaya, maintained during Skip's disappearance, he received an interesting clue in the mail on January 25, 2005. His journal entry read in part:
"Went to mailbox. Received a couple of envelopes from Skip. One contained his driver's license and check card, the other envelope contained three checks to be deposited and a check to me for $2000, along with a note that there should be $1300 left after the check. Note states, verbatim: 'After you cash this there should be about 1,300.00 left use the card pin <redacted> or use the checks. Remember, you're on the account too. Sorry. Skip.'"
The following day, a friend of Skip's ex-wife contacted Joe and informed him that she, too, had received an envelope from Skip, which contained an audio tape, with recordings of conversations his ex-wife had had with her friends about vacations she had taken and dates she had gone on with other men.
Following the revelation about the mysterious envelopes, investigators scaled back their search effort, something that Detective Sergeant David Fields detailed in a March 16, 2005, correspondence with Joe. That correspondence read in part:
"There is no indication of any criminal wrongdoing regarding George Zelaya and him being missing. All indication is that George left on his own accord. He has relinquished his control over the joint checking account, has sent you his debit card, drivers license and checks left to be cashed. The letter you received from George was post marked 01/14/05 which means it was mailed after 01/13/05 at 5:00 p.m. the date George went missing … There is nothing to do that we have not done already ... There is no evidence to support that a crime has been committed and if an adult wants to disappear, they can do that as an adult."
Skip_elizabeth_kathleen_michael_susDespite Fields' response, Skip's family members were unwilling to give up and they hired private investigator Troy Perry to look into Skip's disappearance. The exact details of his investigation cannot be shared here; however, it is his belief that Skip did not disappear of his own accord.
Unfortunately, Skip's brother Joe – one of his most outspoken advocates -- died on December 4, 2006. He went to his grave without knowing what became of his brother.
Today marks the four-year anniversary of Skip's disappearance. His children are still no closer to finding out what happened to him; however, they continue to hang onto the hope that they will someday have the answers to what happened.
"I don't know how I would feel if I were to see my father's face again -- to know that he is alive -- because, well, I just can't explain the hurt I would feel," Kathleen said. "To know that he did this on his own, left me, I would be more than devastated, but I would be just as devastated to know that there was nothing important enough, nobody he loved enough, to keep him here and he took his life. I thought I was enough. For me to know that he was hurting would crush me. If someone else took his life, at least I could point my anger in a direction. I don't want to be angry at my father - I never have before. My dad never did any wrong in my eyes -- he walked on water, he was perfect - so handsome, funny, fun, smart, caring, loving, and to top it off, can fix anything! All in all, it doesn't matter what or how I would feel to see his face again, I just know that to see his face again is my only desire. He is my dad and I love him."
Skip4George Robert "Skip" Zelaya is described as a white male, 5'9" tall, 130 pounds, with brownish gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long sleeve dress shirt and work boots. He uses glasses for reading and has a full set of dentures. Prior to his disappearance, he worked as an electrician and all-around handyman.
A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to Skip's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 352-726-4488.
For more information or to help, please visit: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
January 13, 2009
The Missing - A Weekly Exposé of Lost Souls - Issue #27
The Mysterious Disappearance of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya
In this week's edition of "The Missing," we revisit the mysterious disappearance of George Robert "Skip" Zelaya, a 61-year-old resident of Homosassa, Florida, who went missing in January 2005.
"The last time I saw my dad, two of my sisters and I (I have one more sister and one more brother) took a trip to see him in September 2007, like we always did," Skip's daughter, Kathleen Howarth, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "When we were about to get on the plane to go home, all three of us were crying like we were children leaving our dad for the first time. This wasn't odd behavior, because we always cried when we left him. We were all standing there crying, telling him how much we loved him when he started to tear up and told us if we didn't stop crying we were going to make him cry. Then we all wiped away our tears and took one last picture of each of us with him."
Unbeknownst to Kathleen or her siblings, that would be the last time any of them would see their father before his mysterious disappearance.
"I left to go on a trip to Montana on January 21, 2005," Kathleen said. "This was the first time since Dad moved to Florida that I didn’t visit him the first of the year because I was invited to go to Montana. Otherwise, I would’ve been with him at this time. The following Thursday, my little sister, Susan, called the house I was staying at. I was blow drying my hair so I never heard the phone ring. My husband, Doug, answered. He could hardly understand who it was, as she was hysterical. Doug came in and told me to stop blow drying my hair and that I need to call my sister because my father was missing. I screamed, saying: ’God, please don’t let anything happen to my dad!’ I was a basket case. I couldn’t even remember her telephone number to call her back. My husband kept telling me to calm down. We were all so helpless. I was in Montana, my siblings were all in the D.C. metro area, and he was missing in Florida."
According to Kathleen, Skip was last seen by his roommate (who also happens to be his ex-wife), at about 6:30 p.m., on January 13, 2005. It was three days later when his former wife contacted Skip's brother, Joe Zelaya, to ask if he had heard from his brother. When Joe told her he had not spoken to his brother, she informed him that she was going to contact the police. Two days later, on January 18, 2005, the she again contacted Joe to inform him that she found Skip's car at a shopping center off Highway 19. She said that his wallet was found under the seat, empty, all but for his social security card and photos. His watch, keys and cell phone were found on a table in their house.
"Susan waited a week to call me because I was in Montana and she could not decide if she should call or not, so a week later, she could not hold it any longer and that was when she called," Kathleen said. "Since that time the pain has been unbearable. I don't know where he is or why he is gone."
Unfortunately, there were no surveillance cameras outside the mall, leaving detectives with no solid proof that Skip had parked his vehicle there. Investigators conducted a search of the area and brought in a cadaver dog to assist them; however, they were unable to find any indication that Skip was in the area.
According to a journal that Skip's now-deceased brother, Joe Zelaya, maintained during Skip's disappearance, he received an interesting clue in the mail on January 25, 2005. His journal entry read in part:
"Went to mailbox. Received a couple of envelopes from Skip. One contained his driver's license and check card, the other envelope contained three checks to be deposited and a check to me for $2000, along with a note that there should be $1300 left after the check. Note states, verbatim: 'After you cash this there should be about 1,300.00 left use the card pin <redacted> or use the checks. Remember, you're on the account too. Sorry. Skip.'"
The following day, a friend of Skip's ex-wife contacted Joe and informed him that she, too, had received an envelope from Skip, which contained an audio tape, with recordings of conversations his ex-wife had had with her friends about vacations she had taken and dates she had gone on with other men.
Following the revelation about the mysterious envelopes, investigators scaled back their search effort, something that Detective Sergeant David Fields detailed in a March 16, 2005, correspondence with Joe. That correspondence read in part:
"There is no indication of any criminal wrongdoing regarding George Zelaya and him being missing. All indication is that George left on his own accord. He has relinquished his control over the joint checking account, has sent you his debit card, drivers license and checks left to be cashed. The letter you received from George was post marked 01/14/05 which means it was mailed after 01/13/05 at 5:00 p.m. the date George went missing … There is nothing to do that we have not done already ... There is no evidence to support that a crime has been committed and if an adult wants to disappear, they can do that as an adult."
Skip_elizabeth_kathleen_michael_susDespite Fields' response, Skip's family members were unwilling to give up and they hired private investigator Troy Perry to look into Skip's disappearance. The exact details of his investigation cannot be shared here; however, it is his belief that Skip did not disappear of his own accord.
Unfortunately, Skip's brother Joe – one of his most outspoken advocates -- died on December 4, 2006. He went to his grave without knowing what became of his brother.
Today marks the four-year anniversary of Skip's disappearance. His children are still no closer to finding out what happened to him; however, they continue to hang onto the hope that they will someday have the answers to what happened.
"I don't know how I would feel if I were to see my father's face again -- to know that he is alive -- because, well, I just can't explain the hurt I would feel," Kathleen said. "To know that he did this on his own, left me, I would be more than devastated, but I would be just as devastated to know that there was nothing important enough, nobody he loved enough, to keep him here and he took his life. I thought I was enough. For me to know that he was hurting would crush me. If someone else took his life, at least I could point my anger in a direction. I don't want to be angry at my father - I never have before. My dad never did any wrong in my eyes -- he walked on water, he was perfect - so handsome, funny, fun, smart, caring, loving, and to top it off, can fix anything! All in all, it doesn't matter what or how I would feel to see his face again, I just know that to see his face again is my only desire. He is my dad and I love him."
Skip4George Robert "Skip" Zelaya is described as a white male, 5'9" tall, 130 pounds, with brownish gray hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a long sleeve dress shirt and work boots. He uses glasses for reading and has a full set of dentures. Prior to his disappearance, he worked as an electrician and all-around handyman.
A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to Skip's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call 352-726-4488.
For more information or to help, please visit: www.findgeorgeskipzelaya.com
Jennifer, Project Jason Forum Moderator
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www.projectjason.org
Help us for free when you shop online or do a websearch:
http://www.goodsearc...harityid=857029
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http://www.projectja...awareness.shtml
If you have seen any of our missing persons, please call the law enforcement agency listed on the post. All missing persons are loved by someone, and their families deserve to find the answers they seek in regards to the disappearance.
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