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McStay Family under the magnifying glass

New book raises more questions about the McStay’s lives and troubling disappearance

Three years; not a word has been heard. In a new book released Feb. 8 on Amazon.com, a former Fallbrook resident reveals his research that adds multiple levels of complexity to the already puzzling three-year-old case of the disappearance of the McStay Family.

The local family of four – Joseph McStay, 40, Summer McStay, 43, and sons Gianni, 4, and Joseph Jr., 3, seemingly vanished three years ago on the evening of Feb. 4, 2010. Penned by Rick Baker, the book, “No Good-Byes – The Mysterious Disappearance of the McStay Family” contains information and suggests scenarios that have not been made public by anyone else. But plenty of speculation has taken place.

“It’s not just me; it’s the number of people around the world that are addicted to this case,” said Baker. “It’s amazing how many people talk about it.”

The author said his concern is over the well-being of the McStay’s young sons and he has offered a $25,000 cash reward to anyone who will show him one of the four members of the family and allow him to take a photo.

“I haven’t had any takers yet and was maligned by all sides of the extended family for offering it,” he said, but admitted he has been getting threatening phone calls.

“When word began to get out about my book being released, I started getting death threats from someone calling me from a blocked phone number,” said Baker. “I tried to get the number un-blocked but my cell service provider couldn’t do it.”

There could be many individuals that have a problem with Baker’s book. Based on his research, in tandem with a private investigation group, he has published copies of emails, other correspondence, and confidential bank records from the McStay’s accounts that he claims are authentic.

“The book is balanced and objective, and includes all the information we currently have available,” said Baker. “At this point no family members will talk to me. Summer’s family just stopped talking. Joseph’s family became toxic, hateful. They made a concerted, strategic effort to trash me and my publisher to try and keep the book from coming out.”

In the days following the McStay’s disappearance, many media outlets called them a “typical Southern California family.” Baker begs to differ by suggesting that:

• Family tension was high in various ways

• Summer was allegedly involved in a loan modification “scam”

• The possible “crime scene” at the house was compromised by family members.

• Summer was trying to purchase a homeopathic medication for anger management and her family said she “had issues”

• Summer had a bank account in North Carolina (perhaps $80-100K that her husband may not have been aware of)

• Summer was not happy with her life, age, heritage and appearance

• Money was transferred out of Joseph McStay’s account by at least two people following his disappearance

• McStay extended family members “looted” the home

• Law enforcement might be “biding their time” by not revealing everything they know

When asked what he thinks transpired, Baker simply said, “I do believe Joseph [McStay] is dead. I hope I’m wrong. Based on my research, it appeared Joseph worked very hard for his money; he wouldn’t leave it behind. Summer had no access to those accounts.”

In his book, Baker also reveals the official findings from a complaint Joseph’s father, Patrick McStay filed with the County of San Diego Citizens’ Law Enforcement Review Board alleging the Sheriff’s Dept. did not correctly categorize the case, did not provide for proper investigation; withheld information from him; failed to respond to his email and telephone messages, and more.

It’s certain that Baker’s research and findings will provide more food for thought about an already puzzling case that thousands are fascinated with.

“As of Feb. 5, thousands of copies had already been sold,” said Baker. “It is already #7 on Amazon’s Top 100. I am getting emails from all kinds of people – in the United States and Europe. “

Proceeds from the sale of the book, Baker said, will be donated to Texas EquuSearch, a non-profit organization that assists in searches for missing persons, and are not for his personal financial gain.

“For me, this case has always been about two innocent little boys who were forced to live out the consequences of their parents’ poor decisions in life.”

 

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