May 10, 2001 - Volunteer still missing in Bolivia

Peace Corps Online: Peace Corps News: Headlines: Peace Corps Headlines - 2001: 01 to 07 January to July 2001 Peace Corps Headlines: May 10, 2001 - Volunteer still missing in Bolivia


By Admin1 (Admin) on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 - 2:10 pm: Edit Post

Read the official United States Peace Corps Press Release on the missing PCV in Bolivia at:


Volunteer still missing in Bolivia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Embassy in La Paz Issues Statement About Missing Bolivia Volunteer

Release From the U. S. Embassy, La Paz, Bolivia -- May 10, 2001 UPDATE ON THE CASE OF THE MISSING PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER

We continue to be deeply concerned by the disappearance of one of our Peace Corps Volunteers, Walter Poirier. After two months of intensive investigation, and despite the best efforts of the U.S. Embassy, the Bolivian police, Peace Corps search specialists and the FBI, we still do not know what has happened to Walter.

Although the FBI team has returned to the United States, the investigation is still ongoing. The FBI indicated that the Bolivian police, involved in this case from the beginning alongside embassy security staff, have conducted a thorough and professional investigation. The FBI team reviewed all the investigative notes and evidence and conducted numerous interviews with residents of the Zongo Valley where Walter lived and worked, as well as with fellow Peace Corps Volunteers. To date, the FBI has uncovered no credible evidence of foul play in his disappearance.

The case remains open and any investigative leads will be followed up. New posters, offering a substantial reward for information leading to Walter’s whereabouts, are being distributed throughout Bolivia, and the U.S. embassy will continue to work with the Bolivian media to publicize the disappearance and reward in the hopes someone will come forward with useful information. The FBI’s regional representative plans on making monthly trips to Bolivia to review the case. Should any new viable leads develop, the FBI has an “emergency response team” on stand-by to return immediately to Bolivia.

By Lindsay Baldwin (68.91.109.125) on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 - 11:09 pm: Edit Post

Wow. I hope Walter is alive and well. I lived in Cochabamba, in 1992 as a highschool exchange student. This was pre mobile phone and internet times!!! It was very interesting, to say the least.

I do know first hand how intense and dangerous t Bolivia can be, especially when you are a foreigner and a female. I was almost kidnapped myself once when I lived there. I was so trusting and more vulnerable and naive back then. Now, I trust almost no one. That is to say, I was harassed lots, as well as stalked by various locals (mainly men). It was so odd to get that unwanted attention so much.

Yet, I love Bolivia, the culture, the food, and the people...not so sure what to make of Evo Morales, however. I am intrigued that he is a Quechua indian who speaks their language. That is awesome.

Regards,

Lindsay G. Baldwin


Add a Message


This is a public posting area. Enter your username and password if you have an account. Otherwise, enter your full name as your username and leave the password blank. Your e-mail address is optional.
Username:  
Password:
E-mail: