Fundraiser to aid family of slain woman

Yvonne Baldelli, along with her two dogs, went missing in Bocas del Toro, Panama, on Nov. 26, 2011. In May 2012, police began investigating the disappearance as a homicide. The case has not yet been solved.

“The police quickly suspected foul play and finally determined that she was murdered,” said Baldelli's sister Michelle Faust, who lives in Yuma.

“In the time since this happened, the FBI, Panamanian National Police, the State Department, and several levels of both governments have been involved, but justice remains slow.”

Faust's parents recently traveled to Panama to secure a lawyer to represent Yvonne's interests in Panama “and hopefully, quicken the process of justice that is even slower there than in the U.S.,” Faust said, noting her parents are in the process of having her sister declared legally dead.

“This long process has had my retired parents, who care for my ailing grandmother, traveling nationally and internationally to keep Yvonne at the forefront of investigators. This has been draining both emotionally and financially.”

The constant travel and legal bills are mounting up, and the family is in need of financial assistance, Faust said.

“While we are grateful for the help that has come, we need more to continue to ramp up the case.”

To help offset some of the costs associated with the ongoing international murder investigation, Faust has organized the Keep Hope Alive Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at a residence located at 2101 W. 25th St. The event is open to all ages.

During the fundraiser, entertainment will include live musical performances by the Yuma Jazz Company, Jason & Elle, Kamikaze Democracy, Shawnee Marie, Caryl James Thompson, and HeadStrong. There will also be a belly dancing performance by Banat Tabla. Snacks will be available at the event, and organizers will host a silent auction.

Organizers encourage attendees to provide a $5 donation. All proceeds will benefit the Find Yvonne Baldelli Fund.

Click here more information about the event.

Click here for more information about the progression of Baldelli's homicide case or future events supporting her cause.