LAKEPORT — Last week marked one decade since Barbara LaForge”s death, and the anniversary served as a painful reminder for one family member that the slain Lakeport shopkeeper”s killing remains a mystery.
“It is absolutely devastating hitting the 10-year anniversary of Barbara”s unsolved murder,” stepdaughter Kara Snow stated in an email Monday. “To know that all who loved and cared about Barbara have been searching for answers for 10 years, all while whoever killed her is still out there in the world with all the answers to our questions.”
LaForge, 43, was gunned down on Oct. 8, 2002, shot four times at close range in her frame shop on Lakeport”s Main Street.
Her death is the only unsolved homicide in city history.
Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen said his department is “re-examining evidence and working with the DA to try to bring this case to a conclusion.”
Snow, the daughter of LaForge”s husband, Dan Hamblin, stated she was “glad” police continue to keep the case open.
“Hopefully everyone”s efforts will be rewarded this year, and maybe they will figure out who did it,” she added.
The anniversary also reminded Snow about the loss of an important woman in her life, whom she remembered as “so full of life and so vibrant.”
“She showed me that I could be so much better than I ever thought,” Snow stated about LaForge. “She loved life, and loved living it. I miss her so very much, and often wonder how different things would be if she were still here.”
There is a standing $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for LaForge”s death. Anyone with information can contact the Lakeport Police Department at 263-5491.
