Clues short in hunt for missing teacher

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A search of a missing school teacher's condominium and van did not turn up any clues that could help in locating her, Albuquerque police said Tuesday.

However Ellen Roth's relatives told KRQE News 13 she last logged onto her computer May 3, the day she went missing. Police have taken the computer to search for more information related to her disappearance.

Roth's long-time friend insisted the teacher must be a victim of foul play.

"I just can't believe it, and I don't understand it," Toby Fedoravicius said. "I think she would've been in touch with somebody if she could've."

Roth, 61, a reading teacher at Chelwood Elementary School and Huntington Learning Center, vanished nine days ago. When co-workers notified relatives, they told News 13 they found newspapers piled up at her condo door.

Her cell phone, keys and van were missing.

Even more telling, they found her dogs—Pikachu and Little Nicky—unattended and unfed.

"She would never leave them," Fedoravicius said. "It was like her family, and so she would never."

The people she worked with also told News 13 that Roth kept to herself.

"She was reserved," Fedoravicius said.

Fedoravicius met Roth 20 years ago when she took over her class at Chelwood so Roth could adopt a baby boy. She said they played bridge together and had spoken two weeks ago.

Fedoravicius said she knows her friend would not disappear on her own.

Crime scene investigators have carefully searched her apartment. Her missing van was found last weekend in a Southeast Heights apartment parking lot.

Relatives said the keys were still in the ignition and someone had removed her license plates and attached someone else's.

However APD said the search of her condo and van found nothing.

Relatives told News 13 they're now relying on the public to remember if they've seen Roth. They're also hoping her computer will provide clues.

In the past, Roth filed domestic violence reports against a close family member but that man seems to have an airtight alibi.

Still police said they will question everyone and said nothing has been ruled out.

For now, friends and family can only wait and worry.

"I'm really, really sad about it," Fedoravicius said. "I wish that somebody would find her, I really do."

Anyone with information on Roth's disappearance or whereabouts can call the Albuquerque Police Department nonemergency number 505-242-COPS (242-2677).