Garza family outsources search

Author: Anthony Adragna

Citing a lack of progress and a need for new eyes, mother of missing Middlebury student Nicholas Garza '11 has enlisted the help of a volunteer search and effort group.

Texas Equusearch, a volunteer and non-profit group with significant experience in searching for missing people will arrive in Middlebury on March 3 to assist in the search efforts, according to Plattsburgh-based WPTZ.

"I need experts here," Nicholas's mother Natalie Garza told the television station. "I need somebody to treat this like a criminal investigation."

After days of exhaustive searching, the Vermont State Police Search and Rescue team completed their search of the campus grounds. Members of the College's Office of Facilities Services searched buildings and rooftops twice for signs of Garza but yielded no promising leads.

Dean of the College Tim Spears said he knew little about Texas Equusearch assisting the search efforts.

"We don't know a lot," he said. "All of the investigation is through the Middlebury Police Department [MPD]. We don't know when this group will arrive on campus."

In a release to students, the College said the MPD, currently in charge of the investigation, would call back the state for assistance, if necessary, once the snowpack melted in the spring.

Natalie Garza believes the investigation has stalled and cited the need for new perspectives in her comments to WPTZ.

"I don't see anything moving forward," she said. "I think an expert is needed to come in with a different set of eyes and give us some place to go."

Spears said efforts are still ongoing to search outer parts of campus.

"The search has moved from the center of campus to peripheral areas," he said. "We are still searching campus. We are continuing to go building by building. We are searching snow banks and parking lots. We also are looking down in areas like Weybridge Street. The snow has been a challenge."

The family established a Web site, www.nicholasgarza.org, to inform visitors about Nick. The site thanked Middlebury for their support at a vigil last week.

"We would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone who attended the candlelight vigil last night at the Middlebury campus chapel," the message said. "Words cannot express our appreciation for your thoughts and prayers for Nick's safe return."

Texas Equusearch worked on the efforts to locate Natalee Holloway, a teenager who disappeared during a high school graduation trip to Aruba. The organization has over 350 members currently.

Nick Garza disappeared after being seen at a late-night social gathering on the evening of Feb. 5.

A fund has been established to assist the Garza family with travel and other expenses during this difficult time. Anyone who wishes to make a donation can write a check to the "Garza Family Fund" and send the donation to "Natalie Garza, c/o Margaret Falcone, 8444 Vista Verde, Albuquerque NM 87120."

Those with useful information about Garza or his whereabouts have been asked to contact the College's Department of Public Safety at 802-443-5911 or the Middlebury Police Department at 802-388-3191.