Jenna Caiazzo reporting
HICKORY, N.C.The search continues for 10-year old Zahra Clare Baker who was reported missing Saturday afternoon by her father and stepmother.
Police Zahra was last seen sleeping in her bedroom about 2:30 a.m. at the family’s home at 21 21st Ave. N.W. in Hickory.
Investigators said that police dogs smelled human remains in the car belonging to Zahra's father and stepmother.
An Amber Alert has been issued in the disappearance. Police said they are not ruling anything out at this point, but they believe a stranger abduction is unlikely.
Elisa Baker, Zahra’s stepmother, was arrested Sunday morning on unrelated charges. Investigators said Elisa Baker's stories have been inconsistent, and she is not cooperating with police in the girl's disappearance. Police said she has not been ruled out as a person of interest in the case.
Both Elisa Baker and Zahra’s father, Adam Baker, have been interviewed by police. Investigators said they are following leads to corroborate statements made during the interviews.
Zahra is described as white, about 5 feet 1 inch tall and about 85 pounds. She has a prosthetic left leg and is also hearing impaired. Police said she requires hearing aids that she does not have with her.
The FBI is assisting Hickory police in the case.
Anyone with information about the girl’s whereabouts should call the Hickory Police Department at 328-5551.
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