No new clues in Garza case

Author: Anthony Adragna

After locating a man seen walking on Weybridge Street late on Feb 5., the Middlebury Police Department (MPD) saw one of their most promising leads in the disappearance of Nick Garza '11 run dry.

MPD officers located and talked to man walking on the street and determined he was not relevant to the investigation. Following the interview, police officials declared that particular aspect of the case closed.

In a press release, officials said the weekend storm hampered search conditions.

"An assessment was made today of ground conditions and weather forecasts for the next 4 days and it was determined that the suspension of any search operations would continue through Thursday, March 13," the release said.

MPD continues to consider and examine all possible leads, but reported no new information came to them over the weekend.

Despite the lack of leads and new information, Garza's mother, Natalie, remains hopeful for a positive outcome.

"There is a slim hope my son might be alive out there," Natalie Garza told the Burlington Free Press. "We pray every day about Nick."

The family has sought a recently retired FBI investigator to act as a private investigator in the case. Natalie Garza told the Burlington Free Press that the decision stemmed from the need to have someone solely devoted to her son's case and not out of dissatisfaction with the MPD.

In an effort to find Garza, the MPD continues to search for witnesses that may have seen him late Feb. 5 and publicize the availability of a $20,000 reward for information into his disappearance.

MPD investigators have looked into hotel registries, sex-offender lists and auto body shops in an effort to generate leads into Garza's disappearance.

Natalie Garza has said she plans to stay in Vermont until there is a resolution to her son's case. Her sister has moved in with her during the search process.

Middlebury Police Chief Tom Hanley told the Burlington Free Press continues to baffle investigators.

"Those normal ways of investigating haven't turned up anything," he said. "Everything still stops at 11:06 p.m."

Garza disappeared after last being seen in Stewart Hall just past 11 p.m. on the evening of Feb. 5. Police began to search when he did not return for spring classes. Anyone with information about his whereabouts should contact MPD immediately at 802-388-3191.