Man Arrested & Charged With Kidnapping Linda Stoltzfoos; Linda Still Missing
News just broke this afternoon: 34-year-old Lancaster County resident Justo Smoker was arrested last night and charged with kidnapping Linda Stoltzfoos. A vehicle resembling Smoker’s was seen by multiple witnesses in the area of Gap with an Amish female in the passenger seat on the afternoon Linda went missing.
Linda remains missing, and “investigators have reason to believe Stoltzfoos was harmed following her abduction,” according to the district attorney’s office. From Lancaster Online:
A 34-year-old Paradise Township man is charged with kidnapping Linda Stoltzfoos, an 18-year-old Amish woman who has been missing since June 21, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s office.
Police charged Justo Smoker Friday, July 10, and arrested him at his place of employment. He is currently in Lancaster County Prison without bail, according to the district attorney’s office.
Linda Stoltzfoos is still missing, police said, and investigators are still searching for her.
“Investigators have reason to believe Stoltzfoos was harmed following her abduction,” the district attorney’s office said.
Smoker is charged with felony kidnapping and a misdemeanor of false imprisonment.
The arrest happened on the same day the FBI issued a reward for information on Stoltzfoos’ whereabouts.
According to the district attorney’s office, Smoker became a person of interest after police were told that multiple witnesses had seen a red or orange vehicle in the Gap area with an Amish woman in the passenger seat and a man driving on the afternoon after Stoltzfoos went missing.
More on the investigation:
Police used surveillance video enhanced by FBI forensic technicians to see what they believe is the abduction of Stoltzfoos near Beechdale Road, which would’ve been part of her walk back home from church, the district attorney’s office said.
The video came from the 500 block of Beechdale Road, according to the affidavit of probable cause.
Friday evening, investigators searched a rural location in Ronks, where they believed Stoltzfoos might have been taken after being kidnapped, the district attorney’s office said.
Smoker’s car was seen parked at the location on June 23, the district attorney’s office said, and investigators found articles of clothing they believe belonged to Stoltzfoos.
Investigators are asking anyone who might have seen Smoker or his red Kia Rio sedan around June 21 or after to contact police at 717-291-4676.
More on the car description and photos:
Smoker’s car has a “distinct spoiler and ‘LCM’ sticker on the trunk,” the district attorney’s office said. The license plate registration is KYB-9713.
The report contains further details. A business owner in Ronks (Harvest Drive) spotted Smoker’s car behind his building on June 23, and a man believed to be Smoker walking around the building looking into doors and windows. Yesterday investigators found Linda’s clothing buried near the same business.
Another detail – I assume the police think this could be related if they’ve released this info: a “married couple that were also in the Amish community” saw an Amish woman riding in a red or orange car around a week later – June 29. The woman was wearing a white apron and black prayer covering.
What got their attention: “the couple thought it was odd because Amish churches in that area don’t wear black head coverings and when the woman waived to the car’s passenger, she never waved back, which is an Amish tradition, according to the affidavit.”
The greatest concern remains Linda’s whereabouts and the hope that she is still alive. Again anyone who might have seen Smoker or the car is requested to contact the police at 717-291-4676.
Update (July 13): More Details On Linda Stoltzfoos’ Disappearance
The York Daily Record has published more details on Linda Stoltzfoos’ disappearance. Here are some excerpts.
About the day she disappeared:
Lloyd Stoltzfoos told the officer that his daughter was supposed to go to youth group after church the previous day but never made it.
She did not come home to change her clothes in between church and youth group as expected, either. The family checked her room but did not find her formal church clothing, investigators said.
Her father said he believed she never made it home after church, court papers state.
Lloyd Stoltzfoos told police that his daughter typically walked along Beechdale and Stumptown roads to get to church. She didn’t cut across fields.
Investigators noted that it would have been difficult for her to take a shortcut with Mill Creek running through the area.
Lillian Ebersole told investigators she spoke with Linda after church on Father’s Day before the young woman headed for home.
Linda stayed after church and helped with the dishes, Ebersole told investigators. The two talked in front of a barn before she departed, and Linda said she was going to walk home and change her clothes before heading to youth group.
Linda was carrying her shoes and walking barefoot the last time Ebersole saw her.
Images: WPXI-TV News Pittsburgh
About Linda:
Ebersole described Linda as “a very content person who was happy with her life style,” the affidavit states. She never had a phone or a boyfriend.
Investigators also spoke with three of Stoltzfoos’ good friends. They reported being with her on the Friday evening before she disappeared. She was fine and acted normally.
Linda Stoltzfoos told her friends she would see them at youth group at a farm in Leola on Sunday, but she never showed up. The friends figured she was sick, police said.
The friends told investigators they did not believe she would ever go away without telling anyone.
Investigators also learned that Linda Stoltzfoos is employed and helps to tutor students with learning disabilities in the Amish community.
“During interviews with family and friends, it was determined that Linda loved her family and would have no reason to leave unexpectedly,” the affidavit states.
On the surveillance video from Beechdale Road:
Police obtained video surveillance from the 500 block of Beechdale Road, and the FBI Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory conducted a forensic examination of it.
Investigators could see a red sedan traveling along Beechdale Road around 12:42 p.m. The driver’s side window was down and a white object could be seen on the front seat passenger side.
Authorities identified the vehicle as a red Kia Rio with a spoiler and stickers on the trunk. A records check showed that Justo Smoker, 34, of Paradise, owned a vehicle fitting that description, and he worked at a business in Gap.
Investigators drove to the business, saw the red Kia Rio in the parking lot and found that it matched the vehicle in the video. During their surveillance, police noted it left the business around 5:25 p.m. on July 8, and they later found it parked behind Smoker’s apartment along the Lincoln Highway.
Police spoke with Smoker the following day. He told investigators that he didn’t know Linda Stoltzfoos and couldn’t provide any information about her disappearance, the affidavit states.
Investigators continued to work on the case, developed a timeline and determined that Linda Stoltzfoos disappeared within a 10- to 15-minute window on Father’s Day.
While watching a slow review of the video, investigators observed a vehicle pull off along the west side of Beechdale Road around 12:36 p.m. About four minutes later, a lone individual wearing white can be seen walking along the road.
An unknown person appeared from the area where the car pulled off, crossed the road and approached the lone individual. The two walked across the street to where the car pulled off. The car pulled out from the side of the road a short time later.
Find the YDR article in full here.
Justo Smoker was arrested and charged with Linda’s kidnapping on Friday. Linda remains missing. Anyone with information is requested to contact police at 717-291-4676.
Tragic
I was very afraid when I read about the FBI reward definitely not a long-term resident of Lancaster..
I’ll hold my tongue until I know more facts.
More on Justo Smoker
Here’s more on Justo Smoker from a second article at Lancaster Online: https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/who-is-justo-smoker-heres-what-we-know-about-the-man-charged-with-kidnapping-linda/article_4f4b53ba-c3b6-11ea-9ded-0f8dba90ea12.html
Justo Roberto Smoker, of the 3200 block of Lincoln Highway, was released from prison last year, according to the state’s online inmate locator.
Smoker was sentenced to serve 12 1/2 to 30 years in prison after a string of armed robberies in 2006.
He was a former high school wrestling all-star who had a 3.0 grade point average and earned a place on the Lancaster-Lebanon wrestling all-star team in 2003, according to LNP | LancasterOnline reporting.
Smoker pleaded guilty to the robberies, during which he and his brother, Victor, used a BB gun to rob four different businesses between Aug. 8 and Aug. 13, 2006.
Victor was released from prison in 2016.
Judge Joseph Madenspacher told Justo Smoker at the sentencing hearing in 2007 that he could have fashioned a sentence that would have kept him in prison for twice as long, if not for the rest of his life, according to LNP | Lancaster Online reporting at the time.
But, Madenspacher said, he imposed a sentence that ensures “society is protected, but that you could still come out and lead a reasonable life.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Smoker was ordered to pay $7,286 in restitution.
He ended up serving nearly the minimum on that sentence and was released on Feb. 28, 2019.
Kept in prison
If he was kept in prison this would not have happened.
Linda
Prayers continued for this sweet girl.
any news
manyprayers she is found safe and for her family i know they are going ont of their minds . has there been any new information on her
that poor young girl….
Help the family trust you
Lord Jesus we thank you for more information about Linda and her possible apprehender. There are so many questions and fears concerning Linda. Lord Jesus help Linda and her family, as the conclusion of this traumatic situation may be coming to an conclusion, to experience your love for them. Please Lord continue to help them to trust in your providential work in their family. We ask that you keep Linda in your love and protection and that your perfect will is done. Lord Our hope and desire is that Linda is reunited with her family. Thank you Lord for your love and care for this family. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
Prayers for Linda
Amen to your prayer.
May God hold the family close to Him at this time.
If it be His will, please let Linda be found safe.
God knows and cares for His own. And we Thank you for the information received thus far. Praying for a miracle in this situation.
Commission the Angels to find her
Lord Jesus, we humbly come before you, seeking your wisdom, your mercy, and your grace in this very sad situation.
Lord please commission the correct angels to help the authorities, and all of those seeking for Linda to find her. Send your ministering angels to minster unto her.
I pray in Jesus name that she is found alive and well, and that Linda be reunited with her family.
I pray for Linda’s family, that they continue to fix their eyes upon you Lord. That through all situations your grace is sufficient to keep them, comfort them, strengthen them, let them feel your Love always.
In the Precious Name of Jesus Christ we make this decree!
Mr Smoker resembles the young man I dated in High School. I’m sure they are not related. We were so in love, but family disapproved. In the same way, I’m certain Linda would not have been allowed to befriend or date him, thus I doubt that she would voluntarily accept a ride. Additionally, a shy and bashful person who was thought to always be respectful and nice would not kick, bite, etc., unless she was re-thaught otherwise. Instead this personality would show in other ways that something is wrong, such as not keeping a formality like the Amish couple observed, or in some way staying at a distance. Salute to the FBI for a job well done. Please find Linda soon. Praying.
Linda update
Investigators must have found blood and or bodily fluids for them to believe she was harmed. Articles of clothing being buried and or found wouldn’t conclude this unless blood found on them or they were ripped as in a sign of struggle.However it is possible she could still be alive. He doesn’t appear to be a stellar citizen but until we exhaust all or he confesses we must continue to have hope. In any event I sure hope she isn’t or wasn’t suffering. Horrible horrible horrible.
hold judgement, for it is not ours to dispense
I am grateful for information, after so long without. I would, however, suggest that we hold off on making judgements at this time, in part because it may affect Linda’s well-being, and in part because it is not necessarily our place to make any judgement here. It occurs to me that while we must be prepared for the worst, we must also continue to hope (and pray, if we are so inclined) for the best outcome to this difficult situation. Linda Stoltzfoos occupies am important place in my heart, as does her family.
Linda, we pray that you will come home, safe and sound. Lord, we ask that you will help this girl, as we love her dearly.
We can hope only that she was not frightened, and not in pain, for very long
Poor little girl . . .
Linda's abductor
Since she has been described at shy and timid I rather doubt she would have “accepted” a ride from a total stranger. It is possible she recognized him or even knew him and willingly accept a ride home or possibly someone else, an accomplice could be involved in her disappearance? It isn’t fathomable for a lone driver to grab a person and keep control of the car. A person in danger would resist kick scream bite scratch and or run etc.Some sort of a struggle must have taken place. Or a device to immediately silence her. My question is one we may never get the answer to. How could she be riding in the front seat passing by her kind (Amish couple saw this)and not scream, jump or make a commotion. Since Linda was missing for some time before her family was even aware, it is possible initially she didn’t feel threatened by this person. I am sure she was terrified for what followed. Please pray hard she is at peace wherever she is.
Evil in our world
I know it is not my place to judge and impose any punishment. But there is certainly evil in this world. If the evidence is overwhelming, This man should be “convinced”( if you know what I mean.) to tell her whereabouts!
Lord forgive me but I feel anger and no forgiveness toward such evil people in this world.
Anger? Yes. Disgust, too.
I am angry and disgusted when I read about this guy, and about all beings whose purpose on earth I can not fathom. I’m finding it difficult to repress those feelings, but feel that I must look inward for strength and outward for wisdom to carry on in a positive way… to be as good an example as I can to all others – even those as seemingly vile as this.
I do not understand why complete strangers to Linda would feel angry, when they are not involved with the situation. Should it not be better to feel compassion toward Linda’s parents and siblings? After all, Linda’s family will be required by the Ordnung to forgive. A good-hearted stranger’s anger seems to be a very inappropriate emotion. And disgust? While I can’t say that you did the same, let’s wait on the facts before judgement. This man will have his day in court, and emotions should not rule the court’s decision.
Mrs Bennett, you are talking as if they were going to get married but I see your point about anger, because people’s anger we have riots and most never met the man they are angry about. He too will have his day in court and that should be the only thing that matters.
a misunderstanding, to be sure
I believe Mrs Bennett has misunderstood my words, or perhaps has made an unintended jump to an unproposed outcome. I meant to be very clear in a previous post, wherein I stated that we should not judge, for it is not our place to do so. The anger and disgust relates to the state of affairs at this time. It is frustrating that a girl such as Linda can disappear in our society, and that a person who MAY have harmed her should be out and about. I could not agree more in that forgiveness is to be desired… and that the Ordnung will likely fulfill this directive, as difficult as it may seem. This man, whether he has harmed Linda or not, is our brother, just as we are all brothers, sisters, (cousins, if you will) if one believes we are all descended from created beings. Yes, we must wait for events to unfold before coming to any conclusions.
Not to be funny on this serious topic but “unintended” “unproposed” sounds like: breaking up is hard to do … I really should get a college education.
on language... and education
Sorry if “unintended” and “unproposed” rubbed some folks the wrong way. I spent a boatload of money getting a legal education (JD), and I can’t seem to keep that out of my writing style. After working my butt off to pay for that education (I am NOT a practicing attorney), I still try to “write pretty” (if that makes any sense). AND… with that legal education, I try very hard to be fair and objective in circumstances that are touchy or potentially incendiary. My apologies.
My heart goes out to the Stoltzfoos family and I continue to hope for the best for Linda.
My apologies too. I’m just intrigued how a college educated person and a high school only educated person can misunderstand each other sometimes. I do appreciate the way you write “pretty”, I admire that.
Cousins
Speaking of cousins, has anyone picked up on the fact that Justo Smoker’s adoptive father, Vernon, is a 2nd cousin to Rachel Stoltzfoos’s grandmother, Sarah Ann (King) King? I haven’t seen that reported in the news.
Truthfully, genealogy confuses me. I barely know my own lineages. This simply wasn’t very important to talk about in my family. (Mother will surely disagree) But I wonder how and why you and Jeanne would know this information if you are not related or if it was not mentioned on the news? Perhaps these relatives are also a “person of interest” (learned that from TV) and now you blew the whistle for them to be cautious. This is the danger in discussing these things in public, while our intention is to help, we might make the FBI’s job more difficult.
Cousins
Unlike you (and many others), I am interested in genealogy and spend a lot of time studying it. Since both Smoker and Stoltzfoos are Amish names, I simply looked them up in my own genealogical database and was surprised how closely related they are/were. I feel very sorry about Linda and am worried about what may have happened. Just because Sarah King and Vernon Smoker are 2nd cousins does not mean that they know it. They might; they might not. And even if they do, that does not mean that Justo and Linda knew they were related (via adoption).
Cousins
… and for what it’s worth, both Justo Smoker and Linda Stoltzfoos are my 6th cousins once removed. We are all three related to each other on the Fisher side. (It’s a big family.)
Well it’s not much worth to me, but I do admire families who are not scattered as my family is. You are very blessed. I hope you are appreciative of this fact and don’t expect others to be like you. A little compassion could lead to a friendship.
True, I’m not very interested in genealogy and so I have one request: if I should ever be in the news, please do not go snooping around in my family’s genealogy. This is information only the Authorities should know! Frankly, it should not be of your concern who my relatives are and I would appreciate some privacy for myself as well. I have little tolerance for person’s who covet and disclose other people’s personal information. Perhaps I should research your genealogy and tell everyone.
Public genealogy
Ehh, genealogy is something Amish and Amish-background folks are often interested in. Not surprising in a family-oriented culture with a rich well-documented history in this country. They publish big genealogical books and you’ll find them in Amish homes. I’m guessing Loren probably used one of those. In any case I’d hardly see it as “snooping”.
Prayers for Linda
I love learning Genealogy. My moms family came from Alsace- Lorraine. It’s the only way to sometimes find out just “ Where” your family was from. When there aren’t family to tell you.
I pray everyday for Linda to be found. I personally think this is a horrible situation for her family to deal with. The Amish are a beautiful kind people but still human. God is strong in their lives but as the good book says – We all fall short – Only God is perfect.
Regardless of who her family tree branches to- we must Pray for Linda to be found – Safe we pray –
For her family to find peace in the situation- and as the Amish culture is forgiving- It is their right to wait for judgement against others as they trust God to be the Judge. It doesn’t mean they aren’t hurting. It’s just more of their beliefs to put their faith in all things first.
Love to study genealogy
That’s nice that you love studying gemology. My mother is dating a man who has many single, adult sons. If my mother gets re-married then all of his sons become my half-brothers. Since I think it’s gross to date a brother, maybe I can introduce you to one of them. They all can be very nice, if they want to be nice. In the meantime, enjoy studying your family’s genealogy and not that of a stranger. Thanks.
Emotions
Geez friends, we are all saddened at this event. I doubt it’s anger just really feeling down for Linda and her family and friends as well. Sorry folks I can not forgive this man for snuffing out a beautiful young person for no purpose. Amish may forgive but I doubt her family will be at Complete peace ever. They are human! This could happen again and again . Then what? Keep forgiving evil??? Nope I won’t. He needs to take his punishment for life as he took hers. Let’s be realistic, no one has seen heard or had a clue that she is still alive on this earth. Let’s hope the accused can have some mercy and tell where her remains are so her family can find peace And have closure.
Michelle, you asked if we are to forgive evil again and again. While some are slower to forgive than others, if these posts cause you stress and anger, and the situation does not impact you directly, then i would suggest you remove yourself from any future updates.
Most certainly do not take vengeance into your own hands nor rally a group of people to take vengeance, instead encourage the FBI to do their best and Salute them when an arrest is made.
If you feel like you must get involved, then be vigilant for any young person who might be in distress and offer to call the Human Trafficking Hotline or the Victim Intervention Program/Rape Crises Line at 214-590-0430.
Please note that sometimes young women are misled into thinking that they are in a loving relationship, when the man’s intention is not honorable nor marriage hopeful, and others are kidnapped and raped and become missing persons.
We must continue to pray for Linda’s return to her family and that that with God’s help and love she will overcome any traumatic experiences.
Response to a reader
No one is asking you for your wacky advice,lol We are able to state opinions here. Period . No stress and how dare you say remove self from post. yes killers of innocent young woman walking home shall rot in hell. That’s my opinion , you don’t have to agree!!! If I want your opinion I’d ask you, not really lol. You can forgive this monster but I won’t and I really don’t care what you think.And national suicide hotline ? What does this have to do with Linda being abducted???Please monitor these posts. This person is seriously in need of her own advice! I like the title a reader, how original
She didn’t suggest calling the suicide hotline, but ones that help prevent this kind of tragedy in the future. That’s one way of healing, to get involved like that. Another way is pushing for justice, like you seem to be doing here. A reader also suggested forgiveness can take time, which can be helpful since Jesus paid for all offenses, even crimes like this and can heal us all, and will ensure those who won’t repent are not allowed to harm anyone in the eternities.
Praying
I agree that the Amish are a peace loving people and like us the English as we are called there are some bad people they are human . I pray that their sweet girl will come home unharmed , the waiting has to be horrible for her parents and family . 2001 we lost our daughter in her sleep at the age of 25 unexpected . The pain is devastating and even though you know they are with God you still have the pain of loss and emptiness as a mother , grandmother and now great grandmother I treasure all of them praying for this family is the least we all can do no judgment no putting blame on one or another but just coming together as one and praying that God will bring her home safe.
From Lexington, Kentucky
Well I’m angry and disgusted that a girl can’t walk home in peace. Hopefully her family will be told what happened to her because not knowing must be such torment.
Okay, then let’s be angry and disgusted for all victims who fell into the hands of criminals, let’s have compassion towards their families, and give every accused person a fair trail. Isn’t this what America is all about? Justice for all, victims and criminals.
Why is there such an outcry for some victims and silence for other victims? And why are some criminals forgiven, and riots destroy cities for other criminals?
American citizens need to stop taking vengeance, and let all Authorities in all offices and departments do their job according to their training and wisdom.
Just in case anyone needs this,
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
In my opinion
Why can you give your opinion and I can not give mine? I have not given any advice. I gave a suggestion that you can ignore if you so desire. And you can disagree with me, as I might disagree with you. This does not offend me. I respect individuality.
In my opinion, those who demand respect are the ones who least likely will give respect. So, you probably will call me a liar, even if I speak the truth.
Concerning my name: those who need to know my name, know … Those who do not need to know, to them I’m an alien from out of space.
I agree with you in this: I talk too much and I post too much. So from this moment on I will considerably limit my posts. Perhaps this will make you happy again.
Vernon Smoker, Justo Smoker, and "cousins"
So Justo was adopted — taken in off the street when he was aged seven years, according to a defence-attorney statement made some years ago, when Justo was being held to account for a crime committed with his brother.
(Their adoptive father, Vernon, reportedly said, “He’s been trouble since we got him.” * * * No kind deed goes unpunished, I suppose.)
This information helps me understand two things better. The first is the “Amish surname” — the second is how Linda might have trusted this bloke who offered her a ride home . . .
My bet is that Justo speaks Pennsilvanish Daitsh, picked up in his adoptive family, and that to be addressed in her own language meant, for Linda, that she had nothing to fear.
Similarities
I suppose this isn’t very Christian of me but I think this man should be brought up on enhanced charges if they find he did do something to this young girl. Make him eligible for the death penalty. They charged Richard Allen Davis with first degree murder and rape. And CA did vote the death penalty for this man. Make him sweat, charge him with enhanced circumstances and then offer to take it off the table if he’ll show them where Linda is.