I remember this story,and just watched it again on volume 11 about the female doctor Sneha Phillips ,who disappeared on 9/10/01 and police assume was killed in the 9/11 disaster.Her poor husband doesnt know what to think.I found a couple of updates,sort of(no clear answers)Here are links:
Heres a newyork mag article.

http://nymag.com/news/features/17336/
________________________________________________________

Here she is listed as a9/11 Hero:

http://www.pathrestoration.com/drp/images/panels/mem/HeroesSept1101_4.pdf

______________________________________________________

Heres another article stating her name was taken off the 9/11 list:

http://www.newsindia-times.com/nit/2004/02/06/usa8-top2.html
_____________________________________________________________

Heres a blog article stating that she was leading a double life as a lesbian(this could be true as store surveillance pics showed her shopping with an unknown indian woman who was not determined to be a known friend or relative)

http://capitalregionpeople.blogspot.com/2006/06/sneha-philip-alive-but-cloaked.html

___________________________________________________________

This case has taken some weird twists and turns,and her poor hubby hired private detectives to search for info. Can you imagine if your wife disappears on 9/10 or 9/11,and the chaos involved in getting clues? The entire city,was in ruins almost with dirt debris,burning cars,and if there was a crime scene there-FORGET ABOUT IT! ON THE OTHER HAND,if you wanted to fake your death and start a new life somewhere else,IS THERE A BETTER SITUATION THEN TO BE IN NYC ON 9/11?

Yeah, that's a good one. I belived she was a victim of 9/11 for a long time too until I read an article profiling her double life. I'm not sure what happened to her, but I no longer believe that she died in 9/11.

I think the odds would have it that Dr. Sneha Phillip died on 9.11. She lived four blocks from it, and there have been no sightings of her since. I know her husband couldn't account for her whereabouts for a couple of hours on 9.10, but that doesn't mean she had disappeared. And shopping with an unkown woman doesn't necessarily mean she's a lesbian.

I didnt want to insinuate she was a lesbian just by the fact that she was with another woman.I was strictly saying that it was a possibility coupled with the info in the articles and by the fact that her family never could identify this woman-it wasnt a known friend or relative.Her hubby did admit she frequented Lesbian Bars.

another reason I don't think she disappeared voluntarily was that after her husband last saw her, she visited the clothing store. Someone that's going to disappear on their own accord probably isn't going to linger around the city and allow themselves to be seen by numerous people, they're more likely to slip out quietly and ASAP.

Odds are she died in 9/11, but I have always found this story fascinating. I knew the whole story wasn't coming out early on when it was considered not unusual for this relative newlywed to not come home at night. Maybe she crashed at someone's place, was returning home on the morning of the 11th, and it all ended there.

I cannot believe how one sided the show was- I guess her family and husband would only agree to do it if it was presented this way, reading the 6 page article nymag article it reveals a woman who had a drink problem and stayed out all night with people- her husband says family but it sounds like it may have been women in the many lesbian bars she frequented and never phoned home to let him know where she was, had got the push from her job for lateness and lack of interest, had made what seems a false accusation agaisnt a co-worker and the morning of the day she went missing had a court appearance that had led to an argument between her and her husband.

The husband came off as a total sap, if your wife was staying out all hours frequenting lesbian bars and going home with other women, drinking heavily and was ruining her career you would be concerned and put your foot down yet he paints a picture of near marital bliss with the odd small falling out.

Her family seem intent to paint her as a 9/11 victim yet her brother is said to have told police he found her in bed with a woman which he now denies ever saying, I wonder if the woman he found her with is the same one who she was shopping with.

My belief is she was somebody whose life had unravelled- found out she liked women more than men, working different patterns than him, being in a different social scene, alcohol problems, losing the job she had worked so hard for, depression etc and the argument with her husband on the 10th was the final straw- she decided to hook up with her lesbian friend and went shopping and then went back to that womans house with the intention of moving in with her or starting a new life somewhere else, she returned to the apartment the following morning to tell him it was over or to take her things but he was gone and then seeing the planes hit the towers decided to leave with her friend possibly overseas leaving everything so people would think she perished in the tragedy and would not look for her - a fake passport would not be that hard to arrange for a price, the reason I cannot buy her dying is she seemed to be a person who was more concerned with herself than others and could not even bother to phone her husband to tell him where she was at night and I cannot envisage her running into a building to save anybody.

I cannot believe how one sided the show was- I guess her family and husband would only agree to do it if it was presented this way, reading the 6 page article nymag article it reveals a woman who had a drink problem and stayed out all night with people- her husband says family but it sounds like it may have been women in the many lesbian bars she frequented and never phoned home to let him know where she was, had got the push from her job for lateness and lack of interest, had made what seems a false accusation agaisnt a co-worker and the morning of the day she went missing had a court appearance that had led to an argument between her and her husband.

The husband came off as a total sap, if your wife was staying out all hours frequenting lesbian bars and going home with other women, drinking heavily and was ruining her career you would be concerned and put your foot down yet he paints a picture of near marital bliss with the odd small falling out.

Her family seem intent to paint her as a 9/11 victim yet her brother is said to have told police he found her in bed with a woman which he now denies ever saying, I wonder if the woman he found her with is the same one who she was shopping with.

My belief is she was somebody whose life had unravelled- found out she liked women more than men, working different patterns than him, being in a different social scene, alcohol problems, losing the job she had worked so hard for, depression etc and the argument with her husband on the 10th was the final straw- she decided to hook up with her lesbian friend and went shopping and then went back to that womans house with the intention of moving in with her or starting a new life somewhere else, she returned to the apartment the following morning to tell him it was over or to take her things but he was gone and then seeing the planes hit the towers decided to leave with her friend possibly overseas leaving everything so people would think she perished in the tragedy and would not look for her - a fake passport would not be that hard to arrange for a price, the reason I cannot buy her dying is she seemed to be a person who was more concerned with herself than others and could not even bother to phone her husband to tell him where she was at night and I cannot envisage her running into a building to save anybody.


I agree 100% with you. I didn't buy it the moment I saw it; the husband was trying to portray a loving, secure relationship but after reading that same article, I was like WTF? Maybe I'm too conservative and old-fashioned but I don't stay out all night and spend the night with people without calling my husband, hell, I don't even do it if I call him!!!! I'm not blaming her un-traditional lifestyle, that's their business, but it certainly sheds new light on the case. I think it's a direction her rather conservative family doesn't want to approach and hubby knows more than he's letting on about their "problems".

Just my opinion.......

Yes it seems like the family went out of their way to portray Sneha as some sort of a saint. I can't say I blame them as she is missing and they're only going to want to talk about and remember the good things but it doesn't really help in finding out what happened to her if they leave out some important facts. For instance if they would have mentioned some of the bars she had frequented in the past it may have led to some people calling in who saw her on 9/10, maybe even in those bars. I don't really think she ran off though. She was in the area on 9/10 so chances are she didn't leave town before the towers fell and I think she ended up perishing then unless like James T said she had already planned on leaving her husband and thought after the twin towers were hit and all the panic ensued this would be a perfect time for her to leave and her husband would think she died that day.

At the very least, I think this case is a good example of how the real story isn't always presented to the public. The UM victims are often shown in the best possible light.

It has always been the one thing that bothered me about the show was the feel good factor- that somehow people's lives were pretty much perfect and then these horrible things just happen, the truth in a lot of these cases is a lot of the peoples lives are probably nowhere near as happy as they make out


At the very least, I think this case is a good example of how the real story isn't always presented to the public. The UM victims are often shown in the best possible light.

Wow!, I wasn't aware of alot of that stuff, certainly makes me see the case in a different light now.

Regarding the 'certain people being seen in the best light' discussion, here is an article I discovered a few weeks ago. I'm not sure I entirely agree with everything it says, but it does have some valid points:

http://www.criminology.fsu.edu/crimemedia/assignment4sample2.htm

follow-up: that would suck to waste all that time, money and whatever to become a doctor, then realize at 31 that that's not what you want to do with your life.

This was always a weird story. Sounds like she certainly had her share of issues, many of which the family (understandably) seems to want to downplay or ignore.

Without anyone having seen her at the WTC or a specific reason for her to be there, it doesn't seem right to assume she died there.

The one article makes a definite case for the "flee and start over" story.

What a juxtaposition: she either died as a hero or ran out on her family. Unless she turns up alive or they find a piece of her body, I guess we'll never know.

This was always a weird story. Sounds like she certainly had her share of issues, many of which the family (understandably) seems to want to downplay or ignore.

It's very understandable because I think it was generally a matter of the family not wanting to create scandal. Focusing too much on whatever issues that Sneha was dealing with would possibly have reduced any sympathy that viewers may be having towards her and/or her family. I believe that Sneha's family wanted to ensure that the focus was kept on finding her, and that it would be the top priority for the UM segment.

She could be dead. Did you know there is still a large number of human remains taken from ground zero that have not been identified, and are said to be unidentifiable?

I honestly didn't read everything that was said about her being a hero, or being a woman leading a troubled second life. I'm just throwing out thoughts here. If she was indeed leading a double life and ran away, I can understand that. I mean, I wouldn't do it myself, but a person wanting to walk away from it all, OK. I don't understand how someone could do that and not try to communicate AT ALL with ANYONE.

If you rather live with a woman, or if you rather leave it all behind and live alone wandering around who knows where, fine, but at least send a letter to a parent or a sibling. I know if the day ever came where I no longer wanted to be with my husband I wouldn't disappear and not let my parents or brother know. That would kill them.

This is why I can't completely accept the possibility that she was so messed up that she left without any regard to how her blood family would take it. Of course, I'm sure there is something I didn't read that describes her as a heartless person. If there isn't, maybe there will be something to surface saying something to that effect in the future.

Despite my and many others feelings on this case all possibilities are open.

1. Murdered by her huband or family- highly unlikely but maybe her husband had enough of her staying out and hanging with lesbians and her behaviour and snapped or maybe her brother could not deal with finding her with another woman and decided to do her in to avoid her bringing shame on the family.

2. Murdered by persons unknown or female friend- again unlikely but maybe she did meet somebody in a bar & they turned out to be dangerous, both this and the above are unlikely as it is probable she is the woman on the film where she lived that morning unless it was her friend posing as her.

3. Died in WTC- It cannot be discounted as maybe even after everything that had happened she thought she could help some people by running in, just that I have a hard time buying it because of her selfish behaviour towards her husband.

4. Left to start a new life- The most likely scenario for me although usually you get sightings from people all over the world, also you would have thought she would have contacted her family if not her husband but I have little faith in her family so maybe she has and they have kept it from everybody.
3.

I don't think the husband is responsible, he seemed pretty concerned for her safety despite the issues they were having.

Sorry if the following seems harsh, but I'm just throwing different possibilities out there.

At first I thought that her dying in attempt to help victims, because she was a doctor and she might have figured that it was her job to help people, was a very likely scenario. but the more I thought about it, she had grown rather discontented with her job, making it a less likely scenario. Furthermore, when situations like that happen, most people do whatever it takes to save their OWN life, regardless of how they do it.

On the other hand, she may have tried to rescue people knowing the own personal risks involved, and since she was having so many problems in life, didn't care one way or another if she lived or not.

I agree with Wiseguy on the part about discontentment with the job. She had lost one job and was in trouble with another one because of alcohol/chemical use and she seemed to have more pressing matters in her life. That doesn't strike me as the kind of person who would drop everything and become a hero.

Her actions in the weeks before 9/11 showed her as being more selfISH not selfLESS.

But then again, tragedy can bring out the best in people. I just doubt that was the case with her.

Yeah, that's a good one. I belived she was a victim of 9/11 for a long time too until I read an article profiling her double life. I'm not sure what happened to her, but I no longer believe that she died in 9/11.
I don't think she died in 9/11 I am more with the theory of her faking her death and being a lesbian.. The footage of her and the lady shopping together supports that to me

I don't think she died in 9/11 I am more with the theory of her faking her death and being a lesbian.. The footage of her and the lady shopping together supports that to me

How did she fake her death? The 9/11 attacks? I'm sure she didn't know before hand that was going to happen. Faking a death would be more like the person disappearing and leaving behind a suicide letter that they jumped off a bridge or something.

I now have more questions and opinions. Since Ron admitted to her going out, being depressed, drinking, and spending the night at anyones house, how does this automatically equal leading a double life as a lesbian?

I always thought that the second half of a persons "double life" was almost always never suspected or confirmed to any relatives. This is why it's called a double life. Or a secret life. In my opinion, there is nothing secret or double about Sneha Philips. Her family KNEW about her drinking, depression, job loss, and other problems. They KNEW she liked to party and hang out with strange people. They KNEW she frequented gay/lesbian bars. Her family KNOWING means no secret double life.

Do you guys remember the UM segment? Her family was convinced that something happened to her on Sept. 10. It was only speculated that she went into the towers to help people. I think that over time the family accepted the possibility that she perished in the attacks because it was just a better scenario to accept than her willingly running off for whatever reason, or her being abducted or murdered the day before.

How in the hell did this story about her supposed double life come about? Really, ask yourself. Her brother claims to have seen her with his girlfriend. A girlfriend who later bore him a child. How do we know the brother isn't a cold hearted person trying to destroy his sisters name? Then again, maybe he's telling the truth?

The family denies her bad behavior. The police have it documented. Yet, I haven't read anything to the affect of "police came up with this possibility because they have proof that this is what took place. Proof came in the form of .................."

Maybe the family wants her to be a hero because in their mind that's what has to be. I don't think anyone who isn't going through what her husband and parents are going through should rush to judge them as being wrong. In my mind, she could have died a hero on Sept. 11. She may have run off to spend time with a stranger (lesbian or not) who turned out to be a maniac and killed her. Maybe she took drugs and died of a drug overdose and the person she was with disposed of her body. Or maybe she is/was as selfish and cold hearted as many of you believe and she ran off to enjoy a new life far away from her old one.

I'm just throwing things out here. I myself can't draw a conclusion. The possibilities of what became of her are several, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe there was proof in those writings and I just missed it. :confused:

Why didn't this case ever get more attention??? It would've been the perfect story to cover in the weeks and months following 9/11. Could it be the "Missing White Woman Syndrome" again?

I'm sure you know that only white women get the extraordinary wall to wall coverage while non-white women don't get that massive attention. Sure, there have been some non-white women who get attention but not to the level of Natalee Holloway, Laci Petersen, Elizabeth Smart, etc.

Maybe if this case got a lot of attention early on then it could've helped but now the media wouldn't care to get involved since they never cared that much back then.

I think the timing hurt the case, if she had gone missing on the 11th it would have got a lot more publicity, also I expect the media were annoyed that the brother lied to them.

even if a person goes to a gay bar, it doesn't necessarily mean they're gay. Think Roseanne in the landmark episode.

Why didn't this case ever get more attention??? It would've been the perfect story to cover in the weeks and months following 9/11. Could it be the "Missing White Woman Syndrome" again?

I'm sure you know that only white women get the extraordinary wall to wall coverage while non-white women don't get that massive attention. Sure, there have been some non-white women who get attention but not to the level of Natalee Holloway, Laci Petersen, Elizabeth Smart, etc.

Maybe if this case got a lot of attention early on then it could've helped but now the media wouldn't care to get involved since they never cared that much back then.

With the large number of people that went missing, plus the large number of people that are still unidentified, plus the large number that are unidentifialbe, it's kind of hard to just focus one one person.

With the large number of people that went missing, plus the large number of people that are still unidentified, plus the large number that are unidentifialbe, it's kind of hard to just focus one one person.

Come on, don't you think it woud've made a difference to at least some media outlets if she were a hot barbie-doll type of girl?

The media outlets will never admit it but they know that beauty drives their ratings up and beauty and danger drive them up ever higher.

Come on, don't you think it woud've made a difference to at least some media outlets if she were a hot barbie-doll type of girl?

The media outlets will never admit it but they know that beauty drives their ratings up and beauty and danger drive them up ever higher.
Yes, you're right, which is unfortunate. White people get more coverage than minorities (it's been proven) and beautiful white people get even more...especially women.

Come on, don't you think it woud've made a difference to at least some media outlets if she were a hot barbie-doll type of girl?

The media outlets will never admit it but they know that beauty drives their ratings up and beauty and danger drive them up ever higher.

Ordinarily, I might agree with you. There are two reasons, in my opinion, why this didn't get more attention.

1. It happened at the exact same time as the worst terrorist act ever in this nation. That tends to run other things down the priority list, right or wrong.

2. She wasn't living a "perfect life" when she disappeared. She obviously had chemical problems and issues holding a job. If she were living a clean lifestyle, it might be different.

I further agree that going to a gay bar doesn't make one gay. But leaving a gay bar with another woman and not going to your own home... ??? I think there is at least smoke that she had a second life as a lesbian, if not outright fire. Let me add, however, being a lesbian is not a crime. But having an extramarital affair tends to make the authorities not care quite as much if you are missing because maybe you have something to hide.

"But then again, that's just my opinion, and I could be wrong." -- Dennis Miller

I think it is possible she died on 9/11. Do I believe that, no. I think something else happened to her. Either someone else was responsible for her death or she dissapeared intentionally & could still be alive. People dissapear in this world all the time & not a trace of them is ever found. So you dont know if there still alive or not. I think it's a good possibility that the woman who was shopping with her knows what happened to her.

Ok she was not a white barbie ala the girl who vanished in Aruba but she was pretty attractive from the photos I have seen and I am not even really into Asian women that much, The only ones who rarely seem to get much attention from what I have seen are poor kids regardless of what race, her and her partner seemed to be fairly well off professionals.


Come on, don't you think it woud've made a difference to at least some media outlets if she were a hot barbie-doll type of girl?

The media outlets will never admit it but they know that beauty drives their ratings up and beauty and danger drive them up ever higher.

Care to guess how many "Barbie-doll type of girls" died in 9/11 that didn't get exposure?

Yeah, but they died while Sneha Phillip is still missing.

It is true that having the worst CIVILIAN terrorist attack on U.S. soil (Pearl Harbor killed more) took attention away from everything else BUT in the weeks and months following 9/11 after things cooled off then a story of a hot missing barbie doll type who disappeared the day before 9/11 would've most likely gotten more attention than Ms.Phillip.

I don't think lifestyle factors that much into it. All the media and public cares about is that she's hot. Look at Chandra Levy. There were rumors that she could've been involved in prostitution when she was killed but she still got 24/7 coverage. Plus the fact that this woman disappeared right before 9/11 yet no body was found and you have video surveillance of her would've made it all the more intriguing.

Yeah, but they died while Sneha Phillip is still missing.

It is true that having the worst CIVILIAN terrorist attack on U.S. soil (Pearl Harbor killed more) took attention away from everything else BUT in the weeks and months following 9/11 after things cooled off then a story of a hot missing barbie doll type who disappeared the day before 9/11 would've most likely gotten more attention than Ms.Phillip.

I don't think lifestyle factors that much into it. All the media and public cares about is that she's hot. Look at Chandra Levy. There were rumors that she could've been involved in prostitution when she was killed but she still got 24/7 coverage. Plus the fact that this woman disappeared right before 9/11 yet no body was found and you have video surveillance of her would've made it all the more intriguing.

First of all, Pearl Harbor was an act of war on a military base. 9/11 was done by terrorists on a civilian target. We could argue Japanese intent or rights all day, but PH was part of a war when 9/11 was unprecedented.

It is sad but true, 9/11 dominated EVERYTHING for many months. Unfortunately, many people (attractive or otherwise) go missing all the time and it doesn't make news headlines.

I'm not advocating why some get more publicity than others, but you have to look at the circumstances. Laci Peterson: pregnant woman missing from home days before she is to give birth; Natalie Halloway: high school student missing in foreign country on spring break; Chandra Levy: intern for a U.S. congressman missing and said to have an affair with said congressman.

Now you have a doctor who has been having issues at home and work, who is KNOWN to stay out all night and not come home, goes missing. This happens more often than most people know. How do the cops know she did choose to walk away?

I'm not saying don't investigate it. I just don't think their is any racial and/or media bias here at all (even though I know it does happen). Maybe if this hadn't happened right around 9/11 it would get more, but even then I highly doubt it because of what was going on in her life. Sad but true.

I think the family just had incredibly bad luck in having their loved one go missing around 9/11. I can't imagine the frustration her husband must have had just not knowing the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. I think it would have gotten a fair amount of media coverage, a young doctor living in a well to do area of NY going missing, had the attack not happened the next day. I do think UM should have brought more to light considering some things that were going on in her life that could have made her choose to leave. After all isn't the purpose of UM to help find her regardless of where she is?

Any proof that Dr. Sneha Phillips is still alive?

I don't know and I believe she was raised in American but is of Indian decent. Surely she has relatives and friends over there. I wonder how well police have checked to see if anyone is India has seen her since 9/11.

I agree, cd. The goal is to find the person after all, no matter what the outcome.

And I LOVE your new signature. That is great stuff! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-014.gif

And I LOVE your new signature. That is great stuff! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/lachen/laughing-smiley-014.gif

Thanks! A special thanks to Wiseguy as well for making it happen. :)

Thanks! A special thanks to Wiseguy as well for making it happen. :)

What signature?? All I see is your avatar which is picture of that personell manager lady.

What signature?? All I see is your avatar which is picture of that personell manager lady.

A signature is only shown once per page so if you look at my post near the top of the page it will show it.

I've thought about this case for half a day now, and, on balance, my guess is that she was murdered on September 10th.

The two things you've got to balance here are these: on the one hand, well over 1,000 people disappeared within a day and within a square mile of where Dr. Phillips disappeared who have never been officially "found." That, in my mind, makes it a whole lot more likely than it would be otherwise that she disappeared in the same incident, namely the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On the other hand, there is the matter of her credit card use and what she took with her to shop that day. ALL she took was her husband's credit card, and it was never used after the purchases in the department store. If she did survive in the night of the tenth, where did she go on no money and no purchases? Are we to believe a random stranger she just met paid for all her drinks? And her food? Even if this was a friend, apprently this friend insisted that her doctor friend not pay for anything? That's quite a buddy.

This fact alone --- that she never spent another dime of her own money after her day in the department store --- makes me suspect she died before the night was out. The question is: who killed her?

I'd love to know how/why the police eventually cleared her husband. Most of what we know depends on his account, and he has got to be the likeliest suspect here.

Well I guess they checked to see what times he was working on the 10th- he was working late I think and that he had an early start on the 11th so his window of opportunity to kill her, hide the body and clean up then sleep would be very difficult, if she was murdered then my guess is the killer is the woman on the apartment footage who is probably the one who was with her in the shop from the 10th but personally I think this was Sneha coming back and then either she left for good or did perhaps go into the Towers and perish.



I've thought about this case for half a day now, and, on balance, my guess is that she was murdered on September 10th.

The two things you've got to balance here are these: on the one hand, well over 1,000 people disappeared within a day and within a square mile of where Dr. Phillips disappeared who have never been officially "found." That, in my mind, makes it a whole lot more likely than it would be otherwise that she disappeared in the same incident, namely the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

On the other hand, there is the matter of her credit card use and what she took with her to shop that day. ALL she took was her husband's credit card, and it was never used after the purchases in the department store. If she did survive in the night of the tenth, where did she go on no money and no purchases? Are we to believe a random stranger she just met paid for all her drinks? And her food? Even if this was a friend, apprently this friend insisted that her doctor friend not pay for anything? That's quite a buddy.

This fact alone --- that she never spent another dime of her own money after her day in the department store --- makes me suspect she died before the night was out. The question is: who killed her?

I'd love to know how/why the police eventually cleared her husband. Most of what we know depends on his account, and he has got to be the likeliest suspect here.

TODAY in NY POST,an article saying she WAS ruled to be a victim of the WTC 9/11 bombings by state appeals court.Her name will be added to the victims list

Doctor declared killed in 9/11 attacks
By SAMUEL MAULL , Associated Press Writer

last updated: January 31, 2008 07:59:06 PM

NEW YORK —
A doctor whose disappearance just before Sept. 11, 2001, led her family on a painstaking search for answers was killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, a court ruled Thursday.

The state Supreme Court's Appellate Division rejected a previous ruling that said there was no proof Dr. Sneha Anne Philip, last seen in a department store across the street from the Trade Center on Sept. 10, 2001, was at ground zero during the attack.

"The evidence shows it to be highly probable that she died that morning and at that site, whereas only the rankest speculation leads to any other conclusion," the court wrote.

The ruling could clear the way for Philip's name to be added to the official Sept. 11 death toll, although the victims' list is overseen by the city's chief medical examiner. Spokeswoman Ellen Borakove said the examiner's office would need to review the ruling before a decision could be made.

The decision is the latest episode in a long-running mystery that began the night before the terrorist attacks, when Philip was photographed by a security camera at the Century 21 store carrying two shopping bags.

Her family and friends never saw her again; she left her passport and identification behind, never used her credit cards and left many personal items at home, the court said.

"I am 100 percent sure she perished in the World Trade Center," her father, Philip K. Philip, said Thursday. "We believe that she was there."

Philip told her mother days before the attack that she had planned to visit the Windows on the World restaurant atop the Trade Center's north tower at some point. Her family also said that the Trade Center could have been on her route home and that Philip, a resident at St. Vincent's Hospital, might have stopped to help wounded people before the towers collapsed.

The court said that no evidence was ever found that Philip had run away or had been killed elsewhere in New York.

Philip's husband, Dr. Ronald Lieberman, petitioned successfully to have her declared dead in 2004. But his attempt to have her declared dead in the terrorist attack was denied in Manhattan Surrogate's Court in 2006.

That decision relied in part on a court-appointed guardian's report that Philip put her life at risk by "drug and alcohol abuse," or spent nights with strangers she met in bars. The court said Thursday there was no evidence to support that report's conclusions.

Lieberman's lawyer, Marc Bogatin, said that Philip did not come home the night of Sept. 10, but that she sometimes stayed overnight with friends and usually got home to their apartment in the Battery Park City neighborhood between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

According to Thursday's ruling, Lieberman had said he was upset when Philip didn't tell him where she was spending her nights, calling it a "point in our relationship that we were trying to work out."

Philip's remains have not been found, but the remains of more than 1,100 victims on the victims' list have not been identified. Philip was one of the last three names to removed, in 2004, from the death toll, which once stood at over 9,000.

One name was added in May to the toll; Felicia Dunn-Jones, an attorney who died of lung disease five months after being caught in the twin towers' dust cloud. The addition brought the total to 2,749.

Philip was born in Kerala, India, and moved to the United States as a young child. She was a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and Chicago Medical School.

Philip's family buried an urn filled with ashes from ground zero in her memory and attended Sept. 11 anniversary ceremonies with victims' family members for a few years after the 2001 attacks. Her father said the recent recovery of hundreds of long-buried remains from ground zero gave him hope that she would finally be identified.

"I was hoping that something will come up," he said.

Associated Press writer Amy Westfeldt contributed to this report.

I don't know.... this case has always stuck with me. I don't believe that she died in the Sept 11th attacks. I think she ran away from her life and started a new one. And with the attacks, she had the perfect oppurtunity to do that. Knowing that her family will most likely think she died in the attacks.

Wow...that is a huge development. I think that Dr. Philip most likely died in the 9/11 attacks. Still, in the back of my mind I hope that her husband didn't have anything to do with her disappearance b/c he will be getting monetary compensation. It probably helped their case that the family seems united behind this claim.

I am really surprised about that ruling.

I'm not saying she didn't or couldn't have died in the WTC, but there is very little evidence to put her there at the time of the attack/collapse. She was near or possibly near there but you can't pin it down.

This is one of those "if almost everything else is eliminated then it was probably that" cases. But without more concrete proof (like her actually working there, having a confirmed meeting there, saying she was going to be there that day at that time, etc.) I'm surprised they ruled that way.

I feel bad for the family. I would hope they would find a body part just so the family would know for sure. (I don't hope she's dead -- I'm just hoping for closure.)

Based on the other evidence given by her husband, I think I'll always wonder until she turns up alive or they find her body.

Well, actually, the husband wont be getting compensation for her death. While Dr. Phillips has been officially declared a 9/11 victim, the 9/11 victims compensation fund actually ran out of money back in 2003, so her husband will not be benefiting from this in terms of compensation because she was a 9/11 victim although this year I believe, if he hasnt already, he will be able to declare her legally dead and benefit financially if he was the beneficiary of a life insurance policy out on her.

This just seems odd to me, while it was pretty much agreed on all accounts that Dr. Phillips had a rather serious drinking problem and an escalating drug problem as well, that she was still a very good doctor despite this although the substance abuse issues reaked havoc in her personal life, mostly with her marriage it seems, I have always had concern here.

She was last known to be alive the evening of Monday, September 10th, 2001 in the evening hours when she was caught on survillence tape, I cant remember the exact time, but I want to say it was 7 or 8 PM, it might have been as late as 10 pm.

However, for her to be at the scene of the 9/11 attacks, she would have had to have been at the World Trade Center site at 8:45, 9:00 AM, in that area of time. She was across the street from the trade center, but this was around 12 hours at least if not more before the attacks happened, so why would she still be at the trade center site 12 hours later? You know, I just dont know what to make of this.

She could have met with foul play in the hours after she was last seen but before the attacks, her husband could have killed her, there is just something about him that never sat well with me, it is nothing that proves murder certainly, but there was is just something about him that seems off.

I think regardless of what happened, her husband got off lucky if he is involved in her disappearence, because the attacks happened, of course Dr. Phillips disappearence was overshadowed and never given proper media attention and the cops were certainly busy with the 9/11 disaster and helping at the World Trade Center site.

The problem I have with her running off to start a new life is, while it isnt impossible that she did this, on 9/11, air traffic was halted around 11:00 AM, maybe even before that, any plane in the air at that time was told to land at the nearest airport possible and no planes were allowed to take off. Air traffic was shut down for the next 3 days or so I believe where there was no commercial traffic at all going out of or into the United States.

It is possible she could have died on 9/11, but I just think it is more likely she is murdered but that is just my opinion. The husband acting like everything was sweet as apple pie was very unconvincing. It could be that she came home from her girlfriend's house and her and her husband got into an argument and he ended up killing her. Or it could even be that her and her girlfriend got into an argument and she ended up being murdered.

It was well known she was at least bi, leaning towards full blown lesbian, nothing wrong with that, but when you are married to a man, I imagine in the man it would ignite feelings of jealousy, it would be bad enough if your wife was leaving you for another man but if she was leaving you for a woman, that could drive a guy to kill if he is already on the edge.

Basically, while at one time Dr. Phillips was a good doctor, it sounds like at age 31 she was burned out. She wahted a career change after going to school all those years then realizing being a doctor wasnt what she thought it would be. She also at the very least was severely confused about her sexuality and this whole thing with her sexuality along with the stress of her profession plus a bad marriage on top of it, led to her increasing substance abuse problems and her frequenting bars.

I have never seen the UM segment but this case baffles me nonetheless. These days, whenever I see a program on TV about 9/11, I often think about Sneha and what happened to her. I don't really buy the theory that she died in 9/11 either as she would have had to run into one of the buildings to die and I am sure that there were people coming out of the buildings who needed medical assistance so one would think that she would be more concerned with treating them than running into one of the buildings (how do you like that run-on sentence? ;) ). Would it have been likely that she would have just gone to Windowns on the World for breakfast on that Tuesday morning? Is that something that New Yorkers commonly did (i.e. go to that restaurant for breakfast in the middle of the week)? I don't really buy that her husband had anything to do with her disappearance either. In any case, this has to rank up there with one of the most baffling cases in UM history.

I don't think there is any real evidence to point towards any of the theories about what could have happened to Dr. Phillips. I don't really understand why there hasn't been more talk of homicide. If she was into drugs around the time she disappeared, she probably wasn't hanging around a great crowd. Maybe something happened that led to her being murdered. Or, she could have been the victim of a random crime, late on the night of September 10th. Was she seen late that night? I really don't think we'll ever find out what happened, but I just don't buy the theory that she went into the towers to offer medical assistance and died while doing so. Who knows.

I say again, I'm really shocked they now call her an official 9/11 victim since it is almost impossible to prove a negative like this.

"How do you know she DIDN'T die in the WTC on 9/11?" At this point, no one can prove it either way without a body. You could make the same argument for almost anyone who went missing about that time. If someone went missing in Syracuse the day before and said they wanted to go shopping in Manhatten on 9/11, could they be added to the victims list?

I mean no disrespect to Ms. Philip or her family, but with ZERO physical evidence linking her to the WTC when the attacks occurred, how can it be said she died there?

This case continues to bug/baffle me.

Here is the latest update: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/10/the-toll-from-911-grows-again/

This case still bothers me though and I am not convinced that this is what happened to Sneha.

I'm surprised at the ruling as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm about 95% sure she died in/near the towers, but that nagging 5% when they've been so strict about certain other rulings bugs me. 4.99% of me that thinks/hopes she took the opportunity of that day to get out of her marriage without bringing shame on herself or her husband/family. I've also got about .01% thinking some random murderer got REALLY lucky picking a day/victim.

:2bump

Interesting info in this thread, but no updated news. :(

I got to tell you this case really bothers me. At first I felt like she could have died at the WTC but then after reading her issues she was having and the weirdness of the time leading up to her missing, I think she either left to start a new life or met with foul play.

I have always been perplexed at the question of who the girl she was with that night at the store. NOBODY knew who this girls was, not her husband, not her brother (who she was very close to) and not her family. Makes me think she had some part of her life hidden from everyone. I just can't think of one person in my life that no one else knows about. Could she have had a affair with this woman. Of course...but then I think this woman caused harm to come to her. We know for a fact she was with this woman that no one knows late Monday night.

However, I will say there is another story like this that I recall reading about ont he internet. Actually a guy who was working like 3-4 blocks away from the WTC never came home that day and they never found his body for years. Then like a year or so ago I remember reading they found a part of his body and matched it with him with DNA. THey think he went to assist in helping and got killed. So she could have done that as well....but something just has never sat well with me.

I am not suprised that Dr. Philip's family has won their bid to get her included as one of the victims of 911. As they were determined in their efforts and there is no conclusive evidence to the contrary. However, there is one unanswered question, which puts this scenerio in doubt for me. Who was with Dr. Phillp's the night of the 10th? Dr. Phillips clearly had an alternative life which she was living. Her husband states she spent frequent nights away from home which are unexplained. Assuming she was not spending those nights alone on a park bench, she was with other people. Under the cirumstances I find it very suspicious that no one has come forward to the authorities and, or her family to state she was with them. The fact no one has come forward ,and after all this time her "other life" remains unclear is a big question mark for me. Until she can be clearly accounted for the night of the 10th I think it is only an unproven hypothosis that she died in the towers.

mjak

I am not suprised that Dr. Philip's family has won their bid to get her included as one of the victims of 911. As they were determined in their efforts and there is no conclusive evidence to the contrary. However, there is one unanswered question, which puts this scenerio in doubt for me. Who was with Dr. Phillp's the night of the 10th? Dr. Phillips clearly had an alternative life which she was living. Her husband states she spent frequent nights away from home which are unexplained. Assuming she was not spending those nights alone on a park bench, she was with other people. Under the cirumstances I find it very suspicious that no one has come forward to the authorities and, or her family to state she was with them. The fact no one has come forward ,and after all this time her "other life" remains unclear is a big question mark for me. Until she can be clearly accounted for the night of the 10th I think it is only an unproven hypothosis that she died in the towers.

mjak


Hi, mjak -

Welcome to the forum! :wave:

Your comments are good. The one thing I've said before in this thread, and I'll say it again, how could they have made the decision she died there without evidence? You said mjak, there is no evidence to the contrary. That is true but we could say that for any missing person. We could say "Prove ___________ (Johnny Gosh, Adam Hecht, Jodi Huisentruit) didn't die in the World Trade Center." Granted those people were missing before 9/11 but you can't prove they didn't die there.

The problem is that you can't prove a negative. You can't say "Prove someone didn't die at the WTC on 9/11." Without a body, you can't but that in and of itself is not proof that they DID die there.

Anyway, good comments mjak. And once again, WELCOME!

Hi, mjak -

Welcome to the forum! :wave:

Your comments are good. The one thing I've said before in this thread, and I'll say it again, how could they have made the decision she died there without evidence? You said mjak, there is no evidence to the contrary. That is true but we could say that for any missing person. We could say "Prove ___________ (Johnny Gosh, Adam Hecht, Jodi Huisentruit) didn't die in the World Trade Center." Granted those people were missing before 9/11 but you can't prove they didn't die there.

The problem is that you can't prove a negative. You can't say "Prove someone didn't die at the WTC on 9/11." Without a body, you can't but that in and of itself is not proof that they DID die there.

Anyway, good comments mjak. And once again, WELCOME!

Didn't the family only have to prove it on a balance of probabilities? By that standard, it seems more reasonable.

Didn't the family only have to prove it on a balance of probabilities? By that standard, it seems more reasonable.

Thank you for the warm welcome. I completely agree with you Todd Mueller.
My personal opinion is that Dr. Phillp should not be listed as a 911 victim simply because it can not be proven she died elsewhere. One of the arugments by her family is that if she died elsewhere her body should have showed up. Sadly, many people go missing do to foul play and their bodies do not show up. Just ask the family of Etan Patz, or puruse the doe network. Tighthead, if the family needed to prove it on a balance of probabilites I find that rediculous. The entire hypothesis is based on conjecture and is not backed by a single fact. I would just hate to think this women was a victim of a crime which has been ignored.

mjak

Where was she the night of the 10th??? That's something that's never been answered. That companion that was shopping with her could have been someone from work, and they just decided to shop together. Regardless, no one knows where she spent that night. And if she was PO'ed with her husband, leaving without telling him where she was for the night wouldn't have been that big of a deal to her.

Also, I think the timing of the hotel clerks sighting is a little off too. According to the UM segment, he saw her at around 5:15. But on the surveillance video, the time when she was seen shopping 16:57 (4:57). And from what I can make out, it looks as if she left 17:09 (5:09). Somewhere around there. Did she go back to her apartment shortly after? If so, when did she really leave again? Maybe the clerks times were off. Maybe he meant 4:15. Maybe UM got it wrong. :confused:

something that has occured to me is that if Dr. Phillips is considered a victim of 9-11, then it will be difficult to prosecute a suspect. How can you convict someone of murder if there is legal prescendence that the victim was killed by terrorists in the 9-11 attack? :mad:

In regards to the "mysterious female companion", there are several reasons why this person has not come forward.

1. The companion may have been a closeted lesbian, who may be married or has a lot to lose if it was found out she was a lesbian.
2. She could be a drug dealer or addict who feared authorities.
3. The companion may have been a legitimate victim of the 9-11 attack.
4. This may be remote, but this companion could also have been a prostitute.

It should also be noted that Dr. Phillips can be BOTH a murder victim AND be among the 9-11 victims. They are not mutually exclusive.

Also the killer could very well be amongst the 9-11 victims.

This case is one of the most compelling that UM ever featured, IMHO.

There were two details that I believe were mentioned in the New York Magazine article (toward the end as I recall) that may be important. First, I believe her husband said that when he checked his cell phone, he noticed that a call had been made from inside their apt. (presumably on the land line) in the early morning hours of 9/11 while he was asleep. No VM was left, however, the thinking was that who else but his wife would have access to the apt. and make the call. Second, a surveillance tape in the lobby of their apt. bldg. showed that 20 - 30 minutes before the 1st plane hit the WTC, a woman walked up to the elevators, hesitated, and then walked out of the bldg. While there was no positive ID, several people felt it looked like Sneha.

Assuming (obviously) this all is true, it suggests strongly that she was not the victim of foul play. Given that she was at their apt. near the WTC at the time of the attack. It seems quite possible that somehow she was in one of the towers when they collapsed. I think my problem all along with the theory that she died in the WTC collapse is that she would likely have called or texted someone and told them what was happening. If not her husband, then other family members.

I think the voluntary disappearance theory is possible, however unlikely. It appeared from all that we know is that her life was spiralling out of control and the she appeared self-destructive. That type of behavior does not suggest that one is in the mindset to plan a clandestine escape. Also, given how often she communicated with her family it would be difficult for me to see her leaving everyone completely in the dark to start a new life.

The most plausible scenario is that she took her own life, possibly by drowning. That would explain why no body was found. I believe Spaulding Gray commited suicide by jumping off the Staten Island Ferry.

Just my thoughts.

The most plausible scenario is that she took her own life, possibly by drowning. That would explain why no body was found. I believe Spaulding Gray commited suicide by jumping off the Staten Island Ferry.

Why couldn't she have just vaporized in the fire? You don't think it's possible that there are still unidentified people that have died in 9-11 attacks?:confused:

I find it hard to believe that after surviving the horrific 9-11 incident, that Sneha felt so depressed that she decided to committ suicide in a way that leaves no trace of her body.

Was the ferry even working that day? All ports and harbors were watched like hawks by military. I have to imaging that a women committing suicide would have been noticed and observed. I'm not sure she would have gotten that far, without some panicky people yelling "hey there's a sucide bomber jumping into the resevoir to poison us all!!!!!!!!"

If Sneha committed suicide it would have to be days after the incident.

First, I believe her husband said that when he checked his cell phone, he noticed that a call had been made from inside their apt. (presumably on the land line) in the early morning hours of 9/11 while he was asleep. No VM was left, however, the thinking was that who else but his wife would have access to the apt. and make the call

Did phone records confirm that a call was made. I wonder if the phone troubles and the chaos of the day, makes it even possible to verify this call. I imagine a phone call made in the early morning of 9-11-01 might not even have been recorded by the phone company.

Perhaps the husband is lying about this call.

showed that 20 - 30 minutes before the 1st plane hit the WTC, a woman walked up to the elevators, hesitated, and then walked out of the bldg


The FBI and authorities were investigating the possibility that there might have been terrorists working inside the WTC. They would have been actively looking for a women that suspiciously left the building 20-30 minutes. That is one of the reasons her disappearance become such a high profile story.

Perhaps she saw something she wasn't meant to see. Goes out for a drink with friend/s into the wee hours of the morning, walks back along by the WTC to get back to her apartment and sees something odd. Goes over to check it out and ...well, you know what happens to the cat.

This was the missing woman who might have been a lesbian?

Maybe its because I'm not as familiar with this case as most are and I don't meant o sound harsh, but just because a woman lived close to the WTC, doesn't mean she died in them. I understand that she went missing the day of the attacks but this woman didn't work in the WTC, she just lived near there. I think its just as likely that she used this attack to mask her leaving her husband and possibly the country.

Maybe its because I'm not as familiar with this case as most are and I don't meant o sound harsh, but just because a woman lived close to the WTC, doesn't mean she died in them. I understand that she went missing the day of the attacks but this woman didn't work in the WTC, she just lived near there. I think its just as likely that she used this attack to mask her leaving her husband and possibly the country.

I agree.

The only reason to believe that Sneha died in the attacks is that she went to provide medical help to the situation.

To me the big question in this case is where was Sneha the night of 9/10/01? She was practically a missing person that day.

The only reason to believe that Sneha died in the attacks is that she went to provide medical help to the situation.

Is this confirmed? The way I remember the segment, the husband thought that she would render aid because that's the type of person she was. Well that's a nice assumption but do we know for sure that she was helping victims?

I was going to Columbia U when 9/11 took place, and I actually shopped at century 21 on the 10th, just like Sneha (although I was there in the morning hours). Needless to say, I have always found this case interesting.

I can tell you that after the planes hit, the whole city shut down. I was interning in the bronx, and to get back to Columbia dorms (which are on the upper west side), I had to take a bus down to 14th street, and then WALK from 14th street to 118th street, b/c the subway was shut down. I did notice that there were several "darker skinned" people who were being screamed at and harrassed on the streets.

I always had this idea that perhaps Sneha (who is Indian and could be mistaken as Arab/Muslim by some psycho) may have been attacked or harmed sometime on the day of the 11th. It's only a theory, but I will tell you that there were MANY reports of this, and I witnessed several just in my walk home that night. The streets were also eerily empty, and I doubt that too many witnesses would have seen such an attack.

On the other hand, I don't think it's off base that she did try to offer help to the 9/11 victims. Remember, when she did stay out, she would normally head back to her husband around 7-9am, and she would have passed through the WTC area. I know a lot of us are saying she seemed selfish and what not, but haven't you heard the principle that even altruistic gestures are done for selfish reasons (to make one look and feel good and like a hero)?

I just don't think that she went to start a new life, because it didn't seem like she really needed to do that. She had a ton of friends in NYC (not to mention a drug connection). Presumably if she did have a girlfriend, she also lived in the city. Why would she have left the city? Get a divorce, keep cheating on your husband (he honestly didn't seem like he had given her an ultimatum or anything). Plus, for all we know, she and her husband had an open marriage, which would not be something he would have admitted to after this happened, due to embarrassment, etc...

I feel that of all the theories, running away is the least likely scenario personally.

I agree.

The only reason to believe that Sneha died in the attacks is that she went to provide medical help to the situation.

To me the big question in this case is where was Sneha the night of 9/10/01? She was practically a missing person that day.

Just to add, we don't know exactly where she was on the night of the 10th, but she was with a woman in the early evening at century 21, and her husband said that it was not unusual for her to stay the night at another woman's house.

If something happened to her on the night of the 10th, such as a drug overdose, or alcohol poisoning, etc, I feel that someone, over the last several years, would have come forward and said something, even anonymously. Perhaps I'm wrong, but of course, if she was murdered on that night, I doubt the murderer would have come forward.

So, these are the options:

1) Killed in the 9/11 attack that morning.
2) Killed based on an accident on the night of the 10th (too much partying, etc).
3) Murdered on the night of the 10th (either by husband or girlfiend-or perhaps stranger).
4) Attacked sometime on the day of 9/11, perhaps as a hate crime.
or.
5) She ran away to start a new life.

Number 5, which seems to be the theory a lot of posters here are going on, seems to me to be the least likely. IMO of course.

5) She ran away to start a new life.

Number 5, which seems to be the theory a lot of posters here are going on, seems to me to be the least likely. IMO of course.

Communication was viurtually nill. There would have been a long period of time that Sneha would have had to consider her actions after the attacks. I think that may be enough time to consider the opportunity she had here. To simply walk away and be presumed dead. Sneha's medical skills would be useful. She could easily get a job anywhere. With her looks she could blend into United Kingdom, Canada, Central America the Carribean, India, Pakistan...etc.

I just don't think that she went to start a new life, because it didn't seem like she really needed to do that. She had a ton of friends in NYC (not to mention a drug connection). Presumably if she did have a girlfriend, she also lived in the city. Why would she have left the city? Get a divorce, keep cheating on your husband (he honestly didn't seem like he had given her an ultimatum or anything). Plus, for all we know, she and her husband had an open marriage, which would not be something he would have admitted to after this happened, due to embarrassment, etc...

1.Well, one advantage of running away is that you don;t have to pay your bills. Which is a huge consideration for lamming it. Think about it. complete clean slate...no credit card, medical school bills, mortgage, etc..;)

2. getting a divorce is not a very optimal situation. It's one reason why a lot of people choose t

3. If they had an open marriage...there is no reason to hide a relationship. Not to be chauvinist but I am sure that her husband would have no problem "joining" Sneha and her friend.

4. If it was an open marriage...that leads to a possibility of a sexual predator that Sneha accidently picked up. A sexual predator who got lucky that the 9-11 attacks happened to cover up the case.


I can tell you that after the planes hit, the whole city shut down. I was interning in the bronx, and to get back to Columbia dorms (which are on the upper west side), I had to take a bus down to 14th street, and then WALK from 14th street to 118th street, b/c the subway was shut down. I did notice that there were several "darker skinned" people who were being screamed at and harrassed on the streets.

I was also in NYC, near grand central station.
Phone and cell service was nill at the time. Absolutely no way to communcate with friends or family.

I always had this idea that perhaps Sneha (who is Indian and could be mistaken as Arab/Muslim by some psycho) may have been attacked or harmed sometime on the day of the 11th.

1. Here body would have been found, though.

2. Also I imagine considering her looks, that several people would have been keeping an eye on her. Including cops. These people should have come forward.

3. If Sneha was alive and not lamming it..i think she would have gone back to the hospital or tried to be part of the emergency services. She would have been in view and watch of several people.

I believe that all three theories are valid.
1. Sneha was murdered.
2. Sneha ran away.
3. Sneha perished in 9-11 attacks.

some points of interest.

1. Am I the only one that finds it curious that the mystery companion was the same ethnicity as Sneha?

2. Buying bedsheets is usually a sign of someone about to have an affair. But it usually is done in heterosexual relationships (for "obvious" reasons ;) ) I don;t know if a lesbian relationship would warrant the same paranoia. How could a spouse differentiate his wife's "residue" from another women's?
(i'm trying not to get x-rated here....I think you guys get where I'm going with this...:D )

3. I'm not trying to be stereotypical here..but arranged marriages are very common in Indian culture. I don't know why this is relevant yet...but something about the practice piqued my interest in regards to this case.

4. i think we may all be misnterpreting the prescence of the "mystery woman". I don't know why..but I have a feeling that she may not be that mysterious at all and that her actions may be ordinary and have nothing to do with this case. This could be simply someone she met at a wedding at ran into in NY city. They may have left their separate ways just a little after the were noticed in the store.

Here's a theory of mine:

Huge amounts of debris fell from WTC BEFORE it fell. Perhaps somehow something fell on her leaving her unconscious or even dead.

This is a fact...several people died from falling debris...a man even died when a jumper landed on him.

Huge amounts of debris fell from WTC BEFORE it fell. Perhaps somehow something fell on her leaving her unconscious or even dead.

Nobody in the busy downtown area noticed a dead woman on the pavement?

Nobody heard the sound of a huge block of debris hitting a busy area?

You ever walked in NYC? I find it hard to imagine only one person got hit with the debris.

Nobody would have reported a "Islamic looking woman" being killed close by before the attacks? FBI wouldn;t be interested in this?

Frankly, if two skyscrapers were in flames above me, I'd be running.

I imagine people were just scared and didn't try to help her or if she was beneath something or hit, maybe they felt they couldn't do anything.

I'm surprised Sneha Phillips disappearance hasn;t sparked any 9-11 conspiracy theories.

No nutcases have said "Sneha was a member of the plan who used a homing device or ignited the bomb" type of garbage.

I'm surprised Sneha Phillips disappearance hasn;t sparked any 9-11 conspiracy theories.

No nutcases have said "Sneha was a member of the plan who used a homing device or ignited the bomb" type of garbage.

Careful...you'll give them more ammo.:rolleyes:

I'm surprised Sneha Phillips disappearance hasn;t sparked any 9-11 conspiracy theories.

No nutcases have said "Sneha was a member of the plan who used a homing device or ignited the bomb" type of garbage.

Thankfully, Rosie O'Donnell doesn't post on here.

Thankfully, Rosie O'Donnell doesn't post on here.

That goes without saying.:D

some points of interest.

2. Buying bedsheets is usually a sign of someone about to have an affair. But it usually is done in heterosexual relationships (for "obvious" reasons ;) ) I don;t know if a lesbian relationship would warrant the same paranoia. How could a spouse differentiate his wife's "residue" from another women's?
(i'm trying not to get x-rated here....I think you guys get where I'm going with this...:D )



Not only did she buy sheets, she also bought lingerie, shoes, and a dress. Sounds about right for an overnight jaunt. The sheets were a HUGE red flag for me.

My guess is Sneha spent the night at someone's place, saw the disaster unfold, then tried to get back to her apartment to rescue her cats. She probably died en route to her apartment from the collapse of the towers.

Not only did she buy sheets, she also bought lingerie, shoes, and a dress. Sounds about right for an overnight jaunt. The sheets were a HUGE red flag for me.

My guess is Sneha spent the night at someone's place, saw the disaster unfold, then tried to get back to her apartment to rescue her cats. She probably died en route to her apartment from the collapse of the towers.

I think that's a very plausible scenario but why wasn't her body found then? There were bodies found that were killed by the debris, towers, etc.. but why wasn't hers one of those bodies if that's how she was killed?

Quote:
Originally Posted by MissFit29
Not only did she buy sheets, she also bought lingerie, shoes, and a dress. Sounds about right for an overnight jaunt. The sheets were a HUGE red flag for me.

My guess is Sneha spent the night at someone's place, saw the disaster unfold, then tried to get back to her apartment to rescue her cats. She probably died en route to her apartment from the collapse of the towers.

I think that's a very plausible scenario but why wasn't her body found then? There were bodies found that were killed by the debris, towers, etc.. but why wasn't hers one of those bodies if that's how she was killed?


Agreed.

1. On the whole they have done an outstanding job of identify victims in the attacks. I could be wrong..but is Snsha the only person not identified yet?

2. If Sneha went to help I don't think she would have gone into the buildings. She would have been on the ground. I find it hard to believe that a surviving first responder did not recognize her as someone that offered assistance.

I find this case sad. There is no evidence that Sneha's dissapearance had anything to do with 911. In fact the evidence points to her having dissapeared on the 10th. What is known is she left home, did something shopping on the 10th and dissapeared. Since her two shopping bags of items were never found in her home it can be inferred that she never made it home on the 10th. This would mean the known facts having her missing as of the 10th. Everything else is all speculation. I think her being listed as a 911 victim is a disservice because if she was a crime victim there will be no justice. If she is sick, lost on the streets ect, her family will not find her. They have stopped looking. They made up a scenerio that can not be disproved and made it fact because it is the most palatable outcome for them. As someone here allready pointed out no one can now ever be found guilty of a crime againts Sneha because any good attorney will just use the 911 theory as reasonable doubt. There is no justice here and a women remains missing.

mjak

I find this case sad. There is no evidence that Sneha's dissapearance had anything to do with 911. In fact the evidence points to her having dissapeared on the 10th. What is known is she left home, did something shopping on the 10th and dissapeared. Since her two shopping bags of items were never found in her home it can be inferred that she never made it home on the 10th. This would mean the known facts having her missing as of the 10th. Everything else is all speculation. I think her being listed as a 911 victim is a disservice because if she was a crime victim there will be no justice. If she is sick, lost on the streets ect, her family will not find her. They have stopped looking. They made up a scenerio that can not be disproved and made it fact because it is the most palatable outcome for them. As someone here allready pointed out no one can now ever be found guilty of a crime againts Sneha because any good attorney will just use the 911 theory as reasonable doubt. There is no justice here and a women remains missing.

mjak

I agree. I think her family wants to believe that she perished in the 9/11 attacks and not that she left her husband. But even if that's the case, have there been any reported sitings of her?

Since her two shopping bags of items were never found in her home it can be inferred that she never made it home on the 10th. This would mean the known facts having her missing as of the 10th.

Good assumption.

The only problem with that is that were assuming that the items purchased were for Sneha, and not her mystery friend.

If the items were for the friend, then they would be left at that friends house and not Sneha''s home.

If she is sick, lost on the streets ect, her family will not find her

I don;t know if i buy the idea of her being a homeless derelict on the streets.

If she's alive, i think she is out of the country and living her live normally under a different name.

There are tons of Indian communities all over the world.
It's ridiculous how easy it would be for her to hide in one of these communities. If she went to India, we would never hear from her.

As someone here allready pointed out no one can now ever be found guilty of a crime againts Sneha because any good attorney will just use the 911 theory as reasonable doubt. There is no justice here and a women remains missing.

1. Assuming that her body is not found. Her body may not have perished in the 9-11 attacks, it may be floating in the East River someplace or buried in a lot on Pelham or Staten Island. It is not a given that Sneha';s body would not be found.

Keep in mind that the killer does not know the 9-11 attacks would occure, so he can;t depend on those attacks to hide the body or evidence. He may have had a plan on disposal of the body that was commenced before the first plane hit the tower.

2. If the "mystery woman" was found and her story was told, that may provide some leverage. Who knows, maybe she witnessed the murder and disposable of Sneha;s body.

3. The "mystery woman" may be a murder victim herself!!!:(

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's posts...I've only been (re)watching UM for a little bit, but I consider this one of the most compelling cases.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but Sneha's south asian heritage/culture may be worth considering, especially regarding any "secret" activities she may have been engaging in.

While this is certainly an extreme generalization, it does seem like south asian culture is somewhat less tolerant of extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and even going nightclubbing than typical american culture, esp. the type found in NYC.

As for her activities on the night of 9/10, perhaps Sneha was going out on the town with a girlfriend and wanted to keep it a secret? Perhaps she was having some sort of tumultuous affair, maybe even some sort of same-sex relationship? Maybe she (either alone or with a friend) was in a seedy section of the city that night, and became the victim of random violence?

Of course, these theories have all been suggested before, but I think (if any of them are true) her heritage, as well as her prestigious profession, may have ensured that these activities were *not* made known to those close to her.

As lame as it sounds, I have a "gut feeling" that she did not perish in the 9/11 attacks. It just sounds too easy to assume she got caught in the rubble, when her whereabouts on the night of the 10th are shrouded in so much mystery.

Ooh, and I thought her husband seemed a little weird. To me, it sounded like there were some problems in the marriage that he may not have been admitting to UM...

I've really enjoyed reading everyone's posts...I've only been (re)watching UM for a little bit, but I consider this one of the most compelling cases.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but Sneha's south asian heritage/culture may be worth considering, especially regarding any "secret" activities she may have been engaging in.

While this is certainly an extreme generalization, it does seem like south asian culture is somewhat less tolerant of extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and even going nightclubbing than typical american culture, esp. the type found in NYC.

As for her activities on the night of 9/10, perhaps Sneha was going out on the town with a girlfriend and wanted to keep it a secret? Perhaps she was having some sort of tumultuous affair, maybe even some sort of same-sex relationship? Maybe she (either alone or with a friend) was in a seedy section of the city that night, and became the victim of random violence?

Of course, these theories have all been suggested before, but I think (if any of them are true) her heritage, as well as her prestigious profession, may have ensured that these activities were *not* made known to those close to her.

As lame as it sounds, I have a "gut feeling" that she did not perish in the 9/11 attacks. It just sounds too easy to assume she got caught in the rubble, when her whereabouts on the night of the 10th are shrouded in so much mystery.

Ooh, and I thought her husband seemed a little weird. To me, it sounded like there were some problems in the marriage that he may not have been admitting to UM...

I really hate to accuse someone of murder, especially when there isn't any evidence of such. However, has anyone given thought to the possibility that her husband killed (for whatever reason) and is pushing the 9/11 story because he wants her death ruled that she died in the 9/11 attacks so that he cannot be charged and the case will be forgotten? Just a theory.

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned yet, but Sneha's south asian heritage/culture may be worth considering, especially regarding any "secret" activities she may have been engaging in.

While this is certainly an extreme generalization, it does seem like south asian culture is somewhat less tolerant of extramarital affairs, homosexuality, and even going nightclubbing than typical american culture, esp. the type found in NYC.

1. Was Sneha a Sikh Indian? or was she christian? etc..:confused:

2. I would think the fact that Sneha was married to an "outsider" would mean that her family was okay with it or Sneha didn;t care what her famiy or communit thought.

Sneha even married him in ethnic dress and what appears to be an Indian religious wedding. ( or a mix of Indian and Christian)

As for her activities on the night of 9/10, perhaps Sneha was going out on the town with a girlfriend and wanted to keep it a secret? Perhaps she was having some sort of tumultuous affair, maybe even some sort of same-sex relationship? Maybe she (either alone or with a friend) was in a seedy section of the city that night, and became the victim of random violence?

Were was the evidence of this "tryst"?

Why was there no email, email, phone call or message arranging this "date".

Even if she erased the email or the v-mail. There should be a trace of it. A number or an email that could be traced to someone.

That's the thing that puzzles me...

As lame as it sounds, I have a "gut feeling" that she did not perish in the 9/11 attacks. It just sounds too easy to assume she got caught in the rubble, when her whereabouts on the night of the 10th are shrouded in so much mystery.


The theories in this case are not mutually exclusive of each other.

Ooh, and I thought her husband seemed a little weird. To me, it sounded like there were some problems in the marriage that he may not have been admitting to UM...

There is a good reason to hide such problems from the viewing audience in the UM segment. But ther eis no reason to hide such infor from the police.

If he wanted to find Sneha, why not bring up marital problems to the police.. It's not like he would be an immediate suspect in the case.

While we may never know what really happened to Sneha, it seems a higher court seems to think its more likely Sneha died on Sept. 11, thus reversing the ruling of lower courts: http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2008/01/for_the_family_of_sneha_ann_ph.html

I am sorry if this offends anyone, and maybe its the broadcast journalist in me, but I have serious problems with the husband lying to reporters about his last conversation with his wife in the hopes of getting his wife's story out there. What about all the folks who had real, truthful conversations with loved ones who tried to get their stories out there?

As for the whole situation of the family wanting to believe she died a hero, well I guess that's along the lines of the families UM profiled over the years who refuse to believe their loved ones committed suicide. That said, those other families had a much more convincing case than the Philips'.

You know, she was just starting a 3 day break from work. Maybe she had planned something ahead of time and actually got out of town before 9/11, with new identification and everything. Charging sheets and lingerie to use for a tryst with another person to her husband's credit card may have been a final gesture.

Does anyone else think it's odd she left all her id/credit cards behind if she was going shopping? Doesn't everyone bring their id with them wherever they go?

1. Was Sneha a Sikh Indian? or was she christian? etc..:confused:

2. I would think the fact that Sneha was married to an "outsider" would mean that her family was okay with it or Sneha didn;t care what her famiy or communit thought.

Sneha even married him in ethnic dress and what appears to be an Indian religious wedding. ( or a mix of Indian and Christian)


Well her name suggests that she was Christian (European names almost always mean the person is Christian) and she was born in the state of Kerala in India which is home to one of the biggest Christian communities in India so I think she was Christian. Just thought I'd clarify.

I have to say after watching the UM segment, I thought it was open and shut. No doubt about it that Sneha died in the towers on 9/11. Now after reading more into the case, I'm not so sure.

We know she told her father she was going to be dining in a restaurant at the Towers on 9/11. What I have a problem with is why did she not make ANY type of communication with her husband and/or family from the time she was last seen (the evening of the 10th) until the towers were attacked and collapsed? We have about a 12 hour window of absolutely zero sightings of her, and also no communication to her husband. I thought I read one of the articles that she would always call her husband to let him know where she was staying for the night. Why was this day different? Another thing that bothered me was this "martial bliss" portrayed by the husband. If your wife is going out to ANY bar (gay or straight) and going home with ANYONE other than their SPOUSE, they are having an affair. IMO even if nothing happened sexually, I would still consider this a form of betrayal/cheating. If Sneha and her husband were suffering from severe marital problems, I think this would be the most likely scenario:

The fact that she bought lingerie, sheets, etc. with her HUSBAND'S credit card seem to indicate that she was blatantly advertising the fact (a big "SCREW YOU", if you will) that she was cheating on him. And the fact that she frequented lesbian bars would seem to suggest that the woman seen with her could very well have been her lover. So let's say Sneha goes back to this woman's place where she stays all night, and the next morning they both decide to go to breakfast at the Towers. The 9/11 attacks happen and both women die when the towers collapse. It would account for the reason why this "Mystery woman" has never came forward, and if she did in fact die in the attacks, it would explain why Sneha's body was never found/identified. Actually the more I think about it, the more I think this is the most likely scenario. The husband's depiction of their marriage (and the portrayal of Sneha going to the towers with the intent to help the victims since she was a doctor) just seems like a way to gloss over what was really going on, in attempt to make her a hero and also cover-up her extramarital affairs and possible homosexuality.

I think she died somehow in the 9/11 tragedy.

The solution to many cases on U.M. and many other missing persons cases, is in my opinion, is to look at the simplest most obvious explanation. So many of these cases, the facts seem to get overshadowed by all the stuff and innuendo dug up about the missing person's life, after they go missing. Many possible scenarios are invented, when I think the simplest scenario is and was always probably true. We all love a "mystery" even when there isn't one, and hate to let it go!

I think she died somehow in the 9/11 tragedy.

The solution to many cases on U.M. and many other missing persons cases, is in my opinion, is to look at the simplest most obvious explanation. So many of these cases, the facts seem to get overshadowed by all the stuff and innuendo dug up about the missing person's life, after they go missing.

Agree agree agree! I think it's highly unlikely that she decided to run away and start a new life. And even more unlikely that she saw the WTC crashing down and thought "hey, here's my chance!" Not to mention that Manhattan was closed off on 9/11; it would have been very difficult for her to get anywhere.

Earlier in the thread, someone pointed out that no one had noticed her at the towers or seen her body lying in the rubble or in the street. I think you're forgetting the massive amount of confusion that was going on that day. Not to mention all the dust. If she was at the base of the tower and something fell on her, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if no one noticed. Her body could have been buried in the rubble after that.

I get that she had affairs and had drug problems and stuff, but that still doesn't mean she wouldn't have gone to the towers to help people if she saw the need. The idea of her running away to start a new life, without taking money, credit cards, clothes, etc is really really far-fetched to me. Plus, isn't there secruity footage of her going into her building on the morning of the 11th, then going right back out? At least, the person on the tape resembles her. If we assume it is her, then we know she was a few blocks from the towers when they fell, making her death there pretty likely.

I could also buy the theory that something happened to her on the night of the 10th. She could have met with foul play. Unfortunately, the police would have been too busy in the days following the attacks to really investigate. But I don't think she ran away on her own.

I also think Sneha died in the towers. I read several articles on Sneha and her troubled life but I think it possible she could have went into the towers to try and help people in the heat of the moment while not thinking much about the risks.

I really think Sneha was meeting her lover (possibly the other woman seen in the surveillance video) at the restaurant she told her father she was going to be eating at on 9/11 (located in one of the towers). She told her father she was going to be there around nine in the morning which also just so happened to be around the time of the terrorist attacks so in all likelihood she died at the World Trade Center.

I find it mind bending that people would even consider her leaving for another country and new life when the terrorist attacks were happening. Remember 3,000+ people died that day, she could have easily been one of them.

yeah i also heard about this victm......he is an innocent but that 9 11 tragedy takes him with it's self

Still no resolution in this case::( I feel strongly that without knowing her wearabouts for Sept. 10th it is an unsubstantiated theory that she died in the Towers. Iif she did go to the Towers for breakfast with her secret lover and they both perished why has no one come forward to substantiate this. The kind of activities that Sneha was alledged to be participating in her secret life, revolved around drinking, clubs and lesbian encounters. This according to the articles I read. She was not having a quite secret clandestine affair. There has to be other people, probably women who know who she was hanging out with. Who she might have been spending the night with. Why has no one from her partying circle come forward? Until the activities of the 10th can be brought to light I do not see how it can be concluded she died in the towers. As far as her father putting her in the towers for breakfast on the 11th, nothing I have read said this. It said she had expressed a desire to have breakfast at the towers but not a specific date for going. It is also inconsistant with the brother lying. Has he would have had no reason to lie because he would have believed she was at the towers having breakfast. Obviously, he did not believe this to be true so he admittingly lied about her missing on the 11th.

mjak

I really think Sneha was meeting her lover (possibly the other woman seen in the surveillance video) at the restaurant she told her father she was going to be eating at on 9/11 (located in one of the towers). She told her father she was going to be there around nine in the morning which also just so happened to be around the time of the terrorist attacks so in all likelihood she died at the World Trade Center.

Wait, so she was supposed to go to Windows on the World on 9/11? I always thought she was visiting that restaurant on 9/10/11 as she had been off from work on 9/10 and had told her mother during an online chat that she was going to go to the restaurant later that day to check it out for her friends wedding in Spring 2002.

I'm not so sure about this case. I used to think that she probably died in the attacks but there is just so many other things that cast doubt on that. Supposedly she was fired due to tardiness and alcoholism but the family says that was not the case. She also liked to frequent gay and lesbian bars but her husband claims that she never had sex with anyone she met there and left with and would only paint and listen to music with people she met there? WTF?? Then why even go? She also supposedly had an affair with her brother's girlfriend which the family denies. I'm sorry, I just find it hard to believe that everyone is lying about all of this stuff that the family says is untrue. She was also charged with 3rd degree falsely reporting an incident to the police over the alleged sexual assault at work (which is why the family says she was fired) so if she was charged with falsifying a report, it would lead me to believe that it never really happened and thus, she was not fired because of that as the family maintains. She was also arraigned on this charge on the morning of 9/10/11 and police officers witnessed Ron and Sneha arguing loudly outside of the courtroom, which again, the family denies.

One last thing is that the family believes she was wearing a necklace called a minnu on 9/11 and that if she were killed in the terrorist attacks, the diamond in her minnu would have survived the high temperatures and fire yet it has never been recovered.

Iif she did go to the Towers for breakfast with her secret lover and they both perished why has no one come forward to substantiate this.


I know this sounds harsh, but wouldn't most/all of the people who could substantiate this most likely be dead? I mean, other restaurant patrons would have died in the attack as well.

If you mean her secret lover's family, there is a reason it's called a "secret." Even if those people knew their family member was having a relationship with another woman, they wouldn't necessarily know it was Sneha.

The kind of activities that Sneha was alledged to be participating in her secret life, revolved around drinking, clubs and lesbian encounters. This according to the articles I read. She was not having a quite secret clandestine affair. There has to be other people, probably women who know who she was hanging out with. Who she might have been spending the night with. Why has no one from her partying circle come forward?

Just because she wasn't being secretive doesn't mean the other women weren't. Maybe they don't want their own activities made known. Besides, even if they did come forward and say "yeah, she was at such and such bar on the 10th," it doesn't really prove how or when she died or went missing.

One last thing is that the family believes she was wearing a necklace called a minnu on 9/11 and that if she were killed in the terrorist attacks, the diamond in her minnu would have survived the high temperatures and fire yet it has never been recovered.


That's a MASSIVE amount of rubble to search for to find one diamond. Even if it was found, how would they be able to prove it was hers?

That's a MASSIVE amount of rubble to search for to find one diamond. Even if it was found, how would they be able to prove it was hers?

I realize that it was a massive amount but due to the incredible attack/tragedy, NYPD/NYFD have conducted extensive searches through the rubble to help to identify artifacts and such to help provide closure to families. If this necklace had been found, it would be conclusive evidence that Sneha did in fact perish int he rubble. Pictures of it have been sent to the proper agencies that went through the rubble to find information.

I'm having a hard time remembering a detail that I read somewhere.

At some point on the night of Sept 10/11 and into the next morning, wasn't the answering machine in the apartment checked by someone other than the husband?

I seem to recall this detail but not where I read it and it has always left me with the thought that she came and went and was already gone the next morning.

I'm having a hard time remembering a detail that I read somewhere.

At some point on the night of Sept 10/11 and into the next morning, wasn't the answering machine in the apartment checked by someone other than the husband?

I seem to recall this detail but not where I read it and it has always left me with the thought that she came and went and was already gone the next morning.


Hhhhmmm, I don't remember that detail but you could be right. This case is just very odd to me and I have a hard time understanding why she has been officially ruled as a victim of the 9/11 attacks with little to no proof of that.

Thinking of her and the many victims today.

Thinking of her and the many victims today.

really no evidence she died there...most likely it was a suicide the night before.....

really no evidence she died there...most likely it was a suicide the night before.....

A suicide after buying 3 pairs of shoes, new sheets and lingerie? Ok, the lingerie I could understand in a suicide (that whole make sure you're wearing nice underwear thing people's grandmothers always said) but 3 pairs of shoes? That shoes forward thinking, not suicidal tendencies.

Thinking of her and the many victims today.

Same here. I hope that Sneha's loved ones will learn what really happened to her on that day. I also send my prayers and condolences to all those families that lost their loved ones during the September 11th tragedy.

Just saw Sneha's name on the new memorial they have at ground zero (pictures from yahoo). There were many flowers, possibly put there by her husband, or other members of her family. I pause to remember her and the other victims today. 10 years is a long time to go without answers and I hope one day Ron and Sneha's family will get some conclusive ones.

I cannot believe how one sided the show was- I guess her family and husband would only agree to do it if it was presented this way, reading the 6 page article nymag article it reveals a woman who had a drink problem and stayed out all night with people- her husband says family but it sounds like it may have been women in the many lesbian bars she frequented and never phoned home to let him know where she was, had got the push from her job for lateness and lack of interest, had made what seems a false accusation agaisnt a co-worker and the morning of the day she went missing had a court appearance that had led to an argument between her and her husband.

The husband came off as a total sap, if your wife was staying out all hours frequenting lesbian bars and going home with other women, drinking heavily and was ruining her career you would be concerned and put your foot down yet he paints a picture of near marital bliss with the odd small falling out.

Her family seem intent to paint her as a 9/11 victim yet her brother is said to have told police he found her in bed with a woman which he now denies ever saying, I wonder if the woman he found her with is the same one who she was shopping with.

My belief is she was somebody whose life had unravelled- found out she liked women more than men, working different patterns than him, being in a different social scene, alcohol problems, losing the job she had worked so hard for, depression etc and the argument with her husband on the 10th was the final straw- she decided to hook up with her lesbian friend and went shopping and then went back to that womans house with the intention of moving in with her or starting a new life somewhere else, she returned to the apartment the following morning to tell him it was over or to take her things but he was gone and then seeing the planes hit the towers decided to leave with her friend possibly overseas leaving everything so people would think she perished in the tragedy and would not look for her - a fake passport would not be that hard to arrange for a price, the reason I cannot buy her dying is she seemed to be a person who was more concerned with herself than others and could not even bother to phone her husband to tell him where she was at night and I cannot envisage her running into a building to save anybody.
well-said,I agree.

Just saw Sneha's name on the new memorial they have at ground zero (pictures from yahoo). There were many flowers, possibly put there by her husband, or other members of her family. I pause to remember her and the other victims today. 10 years is a long time to go without answers and I hope one day Ron and Sneha's family will get some conclusive ones.

Do you have a link? I can't find it.

Do you have a link? I can't find it.

I saw it elsewhere, but I just found another article as well:

http://news.yahoo.com/america-mourns-sept-11-dead-somber-ceremonies-004425979.html;_ylt=AvSuEFqgdKSnBPIn2dLGXfnQc.J_;_ylu=X3oDMTNpYTUzN2U5BG1pdAMEcGtnAzM0ZmU2ZWViLTQ1NjItMzI5ZC1iODVlLTYwNDgyNTExOGRhNQRwb3MDMQRzZWMDbG5fTGF0ZXN0TmV3c19nYWwEdmVyAzE4MmMwMDcwLWRjZjUtMTFlMC05ZmZmLWM5YTZhMjhiZjhiOQ--;_ylv=3

Her name is listed in the picture to the left.

i find it odd that theres no evidence she died there, yet they still put her name there??????

i find it odd that theres no evidence she died there, yet they still put her name there??????
me too.it seems out of place,imo.whatever was going on with Sneha started the night before,and it just so happened 9-11 was the next day,unbeknowest to her at the time.
JMO and I don't care to debate it.

wow this is the first ive heard of this case, im really interested now lol. i havnt read any new articles or anything so i dont know any facts. but the family sounds REALLY suss!! i mean come on, she goes to lesbian night clubs to meet painting buddies?!?! lol. what..the... do they honestly believe that?!
they are either lying or REALLY gullable. im a lesbian and thats like me going to straight clubs to find fishing buddies. lol. not gonna happen.
she was for sure living a double life. whether she had a girlfriend or not i dunno
i guess it will always a be a mystery, unless she turns up somewhere.

Yeah heard about this too. She also has a wikipedia page too.

I too just find it very strange that whoever is in charge of the 9/11 memorial, would add Sneha's name to it with all that was going on with her personal life. There is just as good a chance, if not better that she DIDN'T die in the terrorist acts of 9/11. The strangest thing about this case is the decision to add her name to the memorial IMO.

I too just find it very strange that whoever is in charge of the 9/11 memorial, would add Sneha's name to it with all that was going on with her personal life. There is just as good a chance, if not better that she DIDN'T die in the terrorist acts of 9/11. The strangest thing about this case is the decision to add her name to the memorial IMO.

It's not strange at all. Sneha has been ruled (by the courts) to have been a 9/11 victim. Accordingly, she would belong on a memorial to the victims.

I too just find it very strange that whoever is in charge of the 9/11 memorial, would add Sneha's name to it with all that was going on with her personal life. There is just as good a chance, if not better that she DIDN'T die in the terrorist acts of 9/11. The strangest thing about this case is the decision to add her name to the memorial IMO.
I've a feeling that her husb. believes her to still be alive,and thus,he pushed for her to be a 'victim' of 911 in order to help coax her out of hiding,ie-she would feel safer about being out and about if she were declared dead in such a very public way.JMO.

It's not strange at all. Sneha has been ruled (by the courts) to have been a 9/11 victim. Accordingly, she would belong on a memorial to the victims.

That's what I'm saying. I find it strange that she was deemed to have died int he 9/11 attacks despite all the evidence that could support her still being alive or even murdered by someone else. I just don't agree with saying she was a victim of 9/11 simply because she COULD have been near the towers and COULD have helped the survivors and COULD have died.

That's what I'm saying. I find it strange that she was deemed to have died int he 9/11 attacks despite all the evidence that could support her still being alive or even murdered by someone else. I just don't agree with saying she was a victim of 9/11 simply because she COULD have been near the towers and COULD have helped the survivors and COULD have died.


alhough i agree with you, i believe the 9/11 commission only needed proof beyond reasonable doub that she died there. not necessarily actual evidence even though that would help.

From the famalies view, to me, it brings a false sense of closure because theres really no evidence that she is dead. It is possible that she ran off or maybe met foul play based on her lifestyle.

That's what I'm saying. I find it strange that she was deemed to have died int he 9/11 attacks despite all the evidence that could support her still being alive or even murdered by someone else. I just don't agree with saying she was a victim of 9/11 simply because she COULD have been near the towers and COULD have helped the survivors and COULD have died.
Here's the appellate court opinion (In re: Philip, 50 AD.3d 81 (App. Ct. 1st Dept.. 2008). I think her situation meets the standard set forth. Is is absolute? No, but it doesn't have to be...

Dr. Sneha Anne Philip, a young physician who lived with her husband in the shadow of the World Trade Center, left her home on the evening of September 10, 2001, and never returned or was heard from again. Her husband, having done everything he could to investigate her disappearance, finally accepted the conclusion reached by professional investigators that she had died in the inferno of September 11, and sought a court declaration to that effect. The evidence he submitted was based upon circumstantial evidence, habit, and his wife's predisposition to help others according to the highest calling of her medical profession. The Surrogate declined to issue the requested decree, assessing the evidence to be insufficient to establish her presence at that [*2]time and place. We believe that the record properly supports the position advanced by petitioner, and we therefore reverse.

This is a disturbing case. The central difficulty is that there is no direct evidence establishing that the decedent was at the site of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. It is therefore understandable that the Surrogate applied EPTL 2-1.7 (a), which creates a presumption of death three years after a person's disappearance, or on such earlier date as clear and convincing evidence establishes, if that person has been "absent for a continuous period of three years, during which, after diligent search, he or she has not been seen or heard of or from, and whose absence is not satisfactorily explained." However, upon consideration, despite the absence of direct evidence, we agree with petitioner that it is appropriate here to apply subdivision (b) of EPTL 2-1.7, which authorizes a decree of death for a date earlier than the end of the three-year period based upon "[t]he fact that such person was exposed to a specific peril of death."

Although petitioner had to rely solely on circumstantial evidence to establish his claim that the his wife's death was due to the "specific peril" of the attack at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, we find that his claim was nevertheless successfully established by the showing that EPTL 2-1.7 (b) requires. Notably, although the Surrogate applied the "clear and convincing" standard set forth in EPTL 2-1.7 (a), subdivision (b), unlike subdivision (a), does not specify that a clear and convincing showing is required to establish that the absentee was exposed to a "specific peril of death." But, even assuming{**50 AD3d at 83} that the clear and convincing standard is applicable, the standard does not require an absolute certainty; it merely requires that the evidence make the conclusion "highly probable" (PJI 1:64). Even without direct proof irrefutably establishing that her route that morning took her past the World Trade Center at the time of the attack, the evidence shows it to be highly probable that she died that morning, and at that site, whereas only the rankest speculation leads to any other conclusion.

Petitioner and his wife resided very near the World Trade Center. He established with his testimony that his wife was away from home overnight on September 10, 2001, which was a common occurrence in their marriage, and that whenever she was out overnight she consistently returned home between 7:00 and 9:00 the following morning. Consequently, it may be inferred that she was returning home on September 11, 2001 within that time frame. He also established that his wife was a physician whose outgoing personality made it likely that she would volunteer to aid injured people, which takes on particular importance in view of the testimony of the police detective that the first responders at the World Trade Center had called out for the assistance of any medical professionals nearby.

It was established by videotape from the surveillance camera in the lobby of the couple's building that she left their apartment the evening of September 10, 2001 at about 5:00, and credit card records and store surveillance camera videotape show that she had been shopping at the Century 21 department store during the evening of September 10, 2001. However, substantial investigation found no leads as to where she went thereafter. There was also videotape taken at 8:43 a.m. on September 11 by the surveillance camera in the couple's building, which showed a woman with some similarity to the decedent leaving the building just five minutes before the first [*3]attack, but the quality of the footage was too poor for petitioner to identify the woman as his wife. Petitioner was particularly unconvinced since, as far as he knew, she had not returned home by the time he left at 6:30 that morning, and there was no subsequent indication in the apartment that she had ever brought home the packages containing the items she bought the night before at Century 21. Nevertheless, the investigating New York City police detective, Richard Stark, who observed the videotape from that morning, tended to believe that it was her, based upon her dress style, hair style, mannerisms, height and weight, and based upon his recollection that her mother told{**50 AD3d at 84} him that she had been planning on shopping in the World Trade Center mall that morning.

Although the decedent's mother did not testify to having made the statement attributed to her by Detective Stark, she testified that on September 7, 2001, her daughter said that during the coming days she planned to visit Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of one of the World Trade Center towers, in advance of a relative's plan to hold her wedding reception there.

There is no claim, or evidence, that the decedent voluntarily absconded. She had left behind in their apartment her glasses (she was wearing contact lenses), her passport and her identification. Nor were there any unusual financial transactions prior to her disappearance, or any transactions at all on her accounts thereafter. In addition, the mother's testimony established that she and her daughter were very close, and spoke by telephone at least once a day, but that she had not heard from her daughter since their final conversation via instant message on the afternoon of September 10, 2001. It was also established that the decedent used her credit card to purchase items at the nearby Century 21 store the evening of September 10, 2001, but never used that card or any other thereafter.

Since there is every reason to conclude that the decedent did not remain alive after September 11, 2001, the only question is whether there is a clear and convincing showing that she met her death through the terrorist destruction of the World Trade Center rather than by some other means.

While it is logically possible that the decedent died by some other means on that date, either by random violence or at the hands of someone she met the night before, there is no factual basis in the evidence for that conclusion, while the demonstrated facts strongly support the inference that her death occurred in the context of the World Trade Center attack. The testimony powerfully suggests that she was in the area at the time of the attacks, either returning home, or having just left home again five minutes before the first attack at 8:48 a.m., whether on her way to shop at the mall, to look at Windows on the World, or do some other errand. Petitioner's testimony regarding his wife's personality tends to establish that, as a responsible physician in the area when the attacks occurred, she would have gone in and volunteered to provide medical assistance to the victims.

Importantly, thorough investigations by a police detective and a private investigator turned up absolutely no evidence of foul{**50 AD3d at 85} play, and both the detective and the investigator independently concluded that the decedent must have died in the World Trade Center on [*4]September 11, 2001. As Police Detective Richard Stark reasoned, if she had died on that date by some other cause, "she would have turned up by now." He explained that in his experience, while bodies may occasionally turn up years later, they almost always turn up.

The Surrogate seems to have given undue credence to the suggestion of the court-appointed guardian ad litem (GAL) that aspects of the decedent's lifestyle sufficed to support the conclusion that she met her death through some other cause. The GAL and the court also seem to have relied upon the substance of multiple hearsay statements in police reports that were attributed to petitioner, but about which no inquiry was made of petitioner at the hearing. Indeed, it does not appear that those police reports were even introduced at the hearing.

For instance, the GAL's report makes reference to "drug and/or alcohol problems" and, even more insistently, to "the absentee's persistent drug and alcohol abuse" (emphasis added). However, facts to support the bulk of these assertions were never developed with a proper evidentiary showing. While the police detective acknowledged in his testimony his conclusion that the decedent appeared to have a "personal problem" involving drinking, in that "she liked to go out and have a good time; and she would drink possibly all night long and then come home," he did not consider the drinking to be a factor in her disappearance. Similarly, private investigator Ken Gallant also explicitly made a point of rejecting the notion that petitioner's wife was "out there drinking six nights a week." Indeed, there was no evidentiary basis for the suggestion that her drinking posed the type of "problem" that should be viewed as potentially causative of her death, either medically or due to a lack of judgment. Furthermore, the detective testified that he found no proof that she had a "drug problem" as the GAL asserted.

As to the GAL's implicitly value-laden assertion that the decedent "frequented bars (including several bars which cater to women customers) and spent the night with individuals she met there," which individuals "tended to be strangers rather than persons with whom she developed relationships," here too the evidence completely failed to establish that the decedent engaged in conduct endangering her safety. The unacknowledged implication of the GAL's assertion in this regard, namely, that the decedent recklessly engaged in extramarital sexual relations{**50 AD3d at 86} with dangerous strangers she met in bars, is not a conclusion permitted by the evidence. Petitioner did acknowledge being upset when his wife did not tell him where she was spending the night, and that it was "a point in our relationship that we were trying to work out." But, his testimony was somewhat oblique as to specifics on the subject of his wife's nights away; he explained, "it was never a question if we were ever unfaithful to each other. . . . It was always a question of being independent people, living together, trying to have independent lives and being together." Notably, the GAL never asked petitioner to clarify exactly what occurred. But regardless of whether petitioner was completely forthright in his testimony regarding his wife's nights out, there is no question that they had a happy marriage, and, importantly, there was no evidence that his wife's nights out involved any risky behavior.

To the extent a police report contained in the record included inflammatory and provocative assertions accusing the decedent of "abusing drugs and alcohol and . . . conducting bi-[*5]sexual acts," these aspects of the report amounted to multiple hearsay that, even if the report had been properly admitted, could not be properly relied upon as established fact (see State Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co. v Langan, 18 AD3d 860, 862-863 [2005]). Notably, although the GAL had the opportunity to cross-examine both Detective Stark and petitioner, to confirm or clarify the statements purportedly relayed by Detective Stark to the officer who prepared the police report, she failed to do so, and their testimony did not bear out any of those inflammatory hearsay statements. Indeed, it appears that these police reports were not offered or admitted as evidence at the hearing, but were instead simply appended to the GAL's post-hearing report. As such, any reliance by the court on purported facts asserted in those reports but unproved at hearing was improper.

Those aspects of the GAL's report regarding the conduct of the decedent that were supported by actual evidence, such as the assertion that she had on occasion gone home with people she met at bars, did not alone support the GAL's conclusion that the decedent thereby "engaged in risky behavior." There was simply no showing that she took risks in doing so. Accordingly, although it is possible that the decedent met "some other unfortunate fate," the evidence clearly made it highly probable that she died in the World Trade Center attack, while it failed to point to any other inference.

The dissent's characterization of the decedent's personal and professional life as "unstable" similarly implies that some vague{**50 AD3d at 87} alternative possibilities exist to explain her disappearance, although no such alternative possibilities were proved, or even expressly suggested.

The Surrogate questioned petitioner's credibility based upon so-called "disparities" between his testimony and remarks attributed to him in the police reports. However, absent any questioning of petitioner about those purported remarks contained in the police report, or even any questioning of Detective Stark, who is said to have related the remarks to the officer who wrote up the report, it was simply improper to rely on those multiple hearsay statements to make a credibility finding. Moreover, even if petitioner was chargeable with failing to acknowledge discord in his marriage, that missing information had no impact on the relevant facts.

The Surrogate's observation that the court had not been provided with "a cohesive picture of the circumstances leading up to [the decedent's] disappearance" serves to impose on petitioner a standard beyond that to which he should be held. The missing information as to where his wife spent the night of September 10-11, 2001, like the missing acknowledgment of marital discord, does not preclude, or even undermine, a determination, based upon the evidence petitioner presented, that it is highly probable that his wife died in the World Trade Center's destruction. All the evidence points to that conclusion, whether she passed the disaster area on her way home from her night out, or whether, as Detective Stark seemed to conclude, she had returned home earlier and left the building again at 8:43 a.m. on September 11.

While Matter of Lafuente (191 Misc 2d 577 [2002]) is not controlling, the parallels are interesting. There, while it was proved that the absentee got on the number 4 subway line at Grand Central at 8:06 a.m. on September 11, 2001, which line he normally took to the Wall Street station to get to his job at Citibank, the only evidence connecting him with the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, [*6]was (1) testimony of an acquaintance of the absentee who said that the prior weekend, he overheard the absentee tell someone else that he intended to attend a meeting in the World Trade Center some time the next week, and (2) evidence that a client of the absentee's employer was hosting a trade show at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Similarly, in the case now before us, the decedent lived near (rather than worked near) the World Trade Center, and, as the decedent's mother testified, the decedent had told another{**50 AD3d at 88} individual that she had plans to visit the World Trade Center within the time frame of 9/11. The similarities are striking, and the distinctions drawn by the dissent regarding the length of the absentees' respective marriages and places of employment, and the existence of a criminal prosecution, are irrelevant. I particularly note that all the testimony indicated that the criminal matter had no impact on the decedent's actions or state of mind. Consequently, like the court in Lafuente, we conclude that the evidence is sufficient to support the finding that the decedent was present at and killed in the World Trade Center attack on September 11, 2001.

Accordingly, the decree of the Surrogate's Court, New York County (Renee R. Roth, S.), entered June 29, 2006, which to the extent appealed from, found that Sneha Anne Philip, petitioner's wife, died on September 10, 2004, should be reversed, on the law and the facts, and the petition granted insofar as it seeks a declaration that Sneha Anne Philip's death occurred on September 11, 2001, at the World Trade Center.

Malone, J. (dissenting). Under the clear and convincing evidence standard required under EPTL 2-1.7 (a), petitioner, as the bearer of the burden of proof, must establish that "it is highly probable that what he . . . has claimed is actually what happened" (Matter of Cella [Appeal No. 1], 261 AD2d 870 [1999], lv denied 93 NY2d 814 [1999]). In my view, the evidence does not support petitioner's claim that his wife fell victim to the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Accordingly, I would affirm the decree declaring Sneha Anne Philip dead as of September 10, 2004, three years after her disappearance.

Petitioner's sole argument on appeal is based on his testimony that his wife was away from their Battery Park City home the night of September 10, 2001 on one of her frequent unannounced overnight absences, and that she always returned home from wherever she went between 7:00 and 9:00 the next morning. Thus, petitioner argues, on September 11, 2001, his [*7]wife was "exposed to a specific peril of death" (EPTL 2-1.7 [b]), namely, the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. However, as the majority correctly points out, there is no direct evidence tying the decedent to the 9/11 attack and the circumstantial evidence does not allow a clear and convincing inference that she was in fact at the site of the World Trade Center at the time of the attack. Since it is not known where the decedent spent the night of September 10, it requires speculation{**50 AD3d at 89} to say, as petitioner does, that her route home, which was located at 225 Rector Place, southwest of the World Trade Center, took her across or dangerously near the World Trade Center grounds, or that at 8:48 a.m., when the attacks began, she was even in the vicinity of the World Trade Center. Nor can I concur in the majority's reliance upon Matter of Lafuente (191 Misc 2d 577 [2002]), which involved an absentee who enjoyed a long-term marriage with his wife, was gainfully employed near the World Trade Center, and was not the subject of a criminal investigation. While the Lafuente absentee's predictable morning routine placed him in the North Tower just before it was attacked at 8:48 a.m., the degree of speculation is greater here, where the decedent's morning routine was less predictable, her professional and personal life more unstable, and her connections to the World Trade Center more tenuous. In my opinion, the decedent's plan to visit Windows on the World in the "coming days" or to shop in the World Trade Center mall the morning of 9/11 falls far short of the clear and convincing evidence standard. Indeed, under the evidence presented, which demonstrates that the decedent's close contact with her mother ended abruptly on September 10, 2001, that she has not been heard of or from since that time, and that a diligent search for her was fruitless, it is equally probable, in light of evidence concerning her professional and personal problems, that the decedent died on or about September 11, 2001 by some other unfortunate fate.

Seems pretty cut and dried to me. She most likely spent the night with the woman she was seen with on the video surveillance cameras, then on the morning of 9/11 went shopping/dining in the World Trade Center and died in one of the crashes.

really no evidence she died there...most likely it was a suicide the night before.....


What evidence is there to suggest suicide?

What evidence is there to suggest suicide?

I don't think there is any evidence whatsoever to suggest suicide.

I don't think there is any evidence whatsoever to suggest suicide.

Agreed. She purchased lingerie the day before the attacks, and that alone IMO shows she had no intention of killing herself.

I don't think there is any evidence whatsoever to suggest suicide.

I know that. But the poster of the original quote said there was no evidence to suggest she died at the towers, but said it was "most likely" a suicide. I would love to know what "evidence" he is using to come to that "likely" conclusion.

well, suicide is a largely irrational act. People can be doing seemingly normal things and then boom....they commit suicide. Again, no evidence she died there and i admit, there is no evidence of suicide, so both angles are still possible. I mean, its not like her life was perfect, infact, more likely, it was in shambles. Straight people do not go to gay bars or even if they do, they do not stay a night with someone they met.

in my view, the family is caught in a self-fulfilling prophecy. It is very easy to accept that she died when the trade centers were attacked. Heck, even saying she tried to help makes her seem noble.... However, she most likely was bisexual, had substance abuse problems, and may have hung around the wrong crowd a bit, all tough things for a conservative family to comprehend. In my view, its still 50-50. However, the family seems quick to accept the most noble answer while somehow discrediting every other posssibility.

A man was trailing a battalion chief of FDNY filming the response during the attacks. After things went bad and the man got separated from the chief, he tried to stay in the area and got this reply from a police officer:

Take your camera and your letter from the [fire] commissioner and get outta here. This isn't f---ing Disneyland!
I don't care what the family says. After watching again on the ten-year anniversary various documentaries with footage from that day, I just cannot believe that NYPD and the Feds would allow a civilian woman to enter the area based on her own claim to be a doctor. Her family can claim whatever it wants, but unless it has /proof/, I have to go with the circumstantial evidence and that evidence is telling me Law Enforcement was TELLING civvies to leave the area pronto, doctor or not.

A man was trailing a battalion chief of FDNY filming the response during the attacks. After things went bad and the man got separated from the chief, he tried to stay in the area and got this reply from a police officer:


I don't care what the family says. After watching again on the ten-year anniversary various documentaries with footage from that day, I just cannot believe that NYPD and the Feds would allow a civilian woman to enter the area based on her own claim to be a doctor. Her family can claim whatever it wants, but unless it has /proof/, I have to go with the circumstantial evidence and that evidence is telling me Law Enforcement was TELLING civvies to leave the area pronto, doctor or not.

she had medical credentials, so it's very possible she could get on scene (her husband did the same thing to get back to their apartment) and as the court decision says, first responders were calling out for doctors.

after watching this again,I suspect Sneha met with foul play on the afternoon/evening of the 10th.Robbery (her jewelry,and the items she bought-over $500,may have been a factor),a jealous lover,or any number of things could have happened.It's odd the friend she was seen with never came fwd.Also I don't believe her husb. when he said he didn't recall getting up to ck his voicemail-I think they weren't getting along and he suspected she wasn't going to call when she stayed out late,even though he'd probably asked her to.
I also noticed her husb. wouldn't let the reporter into the files the P.I. had...what does he have to hide about that? any little clue might help.
I found it odd he and her family were SO quick to want Sneha added to the 911 memorial and have that declared as her cause of death.There is obv. much more that was going on,and if she were my relative,I would want the case open until if and when it could be really solved.What good is a false closure? I find that really odd.It's giving the possible perp(s) a free pass.
JMO.

What good is a false closure? I find that really odd.It's giving the possible perp(s) a free pass.
JMO.

I completely agree.

Plus for me, the smoking gun is the stuff she bought the night before. Her husband says that stuff never made it home and I highly doubt that if she raced to the WTC, that she took them with her so that stuff is out there somewhere. If she simply rant to WTC and died helping people, then why hasn't someone come forward with her stuff?

I completely agree.

Plus for me, the smoking gun is the stuff she bought the night before. Her husband says that stuff never made it home and I highly doubt that if she raced to the WTC, that she took them with her so that stuff is out there somewhere. If she simply rant to WTC and died helping people, then why hasn't someone come forward with her stuff?


If she dropped her shopping bags, I don't think it would have contained anything traceable back to her, not to mention if she was near enough to the WTC, the dust and tumbling building surrounding the area would have coated the items (even their apartment 4 blocks away had blown up cars and pieces of the building on the ground). I doubt anyone would have noticed a bag in the chaos of it all. Even if she dropped her purse, it probably would have been destroyed if she was in such close vicinity.

I completely agree.

Plus for me, the smoking gun is the stuff she bought the night before. Her husband says that stuff never made it home and I highly doubt that if she raced to the WTC, that she took them with her so that stuff is out there somewhere. If she simply rant to WTC and died helping people, then why hasn't someone come forward with her stuff?
yes and it appears the person spotted in the vid a few mins bf the attack was not carrying any bags..IMO,I don't think it was her.if it were her-then why didn't she go on up to the apt? I suspect it was just a lost person,or someone looking for the wrong apt building.
and yes,good point w the bags...she bought over $500 worth of stuff and would have had her purse w her.even if ppl need help,by virtue of her living so close to the trade center,I would think she would have taken them home,maybe even changed out of her dress and heels,and went back to help in more comfortable,more moveable attire.(JMO).I know that's arguable but I don't care to debate.

well, suicide is a largely irrational act. People can be doing seemingly normal things and then boom....they commit suicide.

I disagree. Rarely do people just commit suicide out of the blue. I do agree that her life wasn't perfect and she seemed to be living kind of a double life, but I don't think anything points to suicide. Although there isn't a lot of evidence in any one direction, I think dying in the towers or meeting with foul play the night before are more likely that suicide.

she had medical credentials, so it's very possible she could get on scene (her husband did the same thing to get back to their apartment) and as the court decision says, first responders were calling out for doctors.

Or she could have already been on the scene, if she was dining at the restaurant or shopping in the mall there.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what floor the restaurant was on? And which tower it was in?

If she dropped her shopping bags, I don't think it would have contained anything traceable back to her, not to mention if she was near enough to the WTC, the dust and tumbling building surrounding the area would have coated the items (even their apartment 4 blocks away had blown up cars and pieces of the building on the ground). I doubt anyone would have noticed a bag in the chaos of it all. Even if she dropped her purse, it probably would have been destroyed if she was in such close vicinity.

What I'm saying though is that she would not have even had those items the morning of 9/11 since she purchased them the previous night. Sneha's husband said those items were never brought to their home by Sneha or anyone else which leads me to believe that since she stayed with someone else the night before, those items would be at that person's residence.

What if that person lived in one of the residences very close (perhaps even closer) to the WTC than Sneha and her husband did? Those items could have been destroyed inside and the witnesses gone. If it was a foul play case, then that person would simply not have come forward, I get what you're saying.

If it was a foul play case, then that person would simply not have come forward, I get what you're saying.

That's part of what I'm getting at. My whole argument is that there is jsut as much evidence, if not more, that Sneha either was kidnapped/killed on 9/10 or ran away to start a new life as there is that she died in the 9/11 attacks. The shopping bags could be a big clue if they would have been found.

That's part of what I'm getting at. My whole argument is that there is jsut as much evidence, if not more, that Sneha either was kidnapped/killed on 9/10 or ran away to start a new life as there is that she died in the 9/11 attacks. The shopping bags could be a big clue if they would have been found.

It's really too bad the catastrophe of the attacks was so monumental, destroying any evidence around the buildings, as well as taking attention away from any crimes that could have occurred in the night before of day of. I used to think that there was foul play, but hearing that she told her father she would be at the WTC makes me wonder. However, I'm still on the fence between her dying in the attacks or being hurt the night before by someone else. If those shopping bags could have been found it would have been a great help to the investigation.

What I'm saying though is that she would not have even had those items the morning of 9/11 since the purchased them the previous night. Sneha's husband said those items were never brought to their home by Sneha or anyone else which leads me to believe that since she stayed with someone else the night before, those items would be at that person's residence.
why wouldn't she have brought them home though? her husb. said they were items that she would have bought (for their apt,I presume,like the sheets),and she always returned the next morning bet. 7-9am.so by the time the first plane hit the WTC,if she were alive,she would likely have already been home,with the items she purchased there as well.
I just think she was engaging in risky behavior (such as going home w strangers from bars) and that most likely led to her death.She was wearing a minnu (sp?),wasn't she,and probably not a cheap one,and perhaps some other expensive jewelry as well.Combined with the over $500 worth of items she bought,she may have been a target for someone who wanted to steal.Get her home w someone under the guise of sex,and she may have been an easy target for murder and theft.It's not difficult to think she was.
JMO.

why wouldn't she have brought them home though? her husb. said they were items that she would have bought (for their apt,I presume,like the sheets),and she always returned the next morning bet. 7-9am.so by the time the first plane hit the WTC,if she were alive,she would likely have already been home,with the items she purchased there as well.
I just think she was engaging in risky behavior (such as going home w strangers from bars) and that most likely led to her death.She was wearing a minnu (sp?),wasn't she,and probably not a cheap one,and perhaps some other expensive jewelry as well.Combined with the over $500 worth of items she bought,she may have been a target for someone who wanted to steal.Get her home w someone under the guise of sex,and she may have been an easy target for murder and theft.It's not difficult to think she was.
JMO.

I don't think you're understanding me. I agree with what your saying which moves to my point. If Sneha's purchased items never made it home, then it means they were (IMO) left at whoever's house/apt that she stayed with the night before. My issue is why hasnt this person come forward to truly say that Sneha was with him/her the night before? If that person came forward, it would lend more credence to her having died in the WTC attacks since she would have been on her way home when the planes struck the towers and may have volunteered to help. As it stands now, we do not know her whereabouts the night before and there isn't a ton of evidence to make anyone beleive she died at the WTC attacks.

I don't think you're understanding me. I agree with what your saying which moves to my point. If Sneha's purchased items never made it home, then it means they were (IMO) left at whoever's house/apt that she stayed with the night before. My issue is why hasnt this person come forward to truly say that Sneha was with him/her the night before? If that person came forward, it would lend more credence to her having died in the WTC attacks since she would have been on her way home when the planes struck the towers and may have volunteered to help. As it stands now, we do not know her whereabouts the night before and there isn't a ton of evidence to make anyone beleive she died at the WTC attacks.

There's always the possibility that the person's house Sneha stayed at the night before 9/11 died in the attacks as well, especially if Sneha went to breakfast with this person at the Towers.

I don't think you're understanding me. I agree with what your saying which moves to my point. If Sneha's purchased items never made it home, then it means they were (IMO) left at whoever's house/apt that she stayed with the night before. My issue is why hasnt this person come forward to truly say that Sneha was with him/her the night before? If that person came forward, it would lend more credence to her having died in the WTC attacks since she would have been on her way home when the planes struck the towers and may have volunteered to help. As it stands now, we do not know her whereabouts the night before and there isn't a ton of evidence to make anyone beleive she died at the WTC attacks.
I get you,and I agree. :)

she had medical credentials, so it's very possible she could get on scene (her husband did the same thing to get back to their apartment) and as the court decision says, first responders were calling out for doctors.
But do you think it is likely Police and Fire would let a civilian doctor wander around the vicinity of the World Trade Center when a jumper had already killed one firefighter? Realistically, if she had shown up and flashed her credentials, I think it more likely they would have diverted her to the EMS holding area where they were preparing for the mass casualties that never came.

But do you think it is likely Police and Fire would let a civilian doctor wander around the vicinity of the World Trade Center when a jumper had already killed one firefighter? Realistically, if she had shown up and flashed her credentials, I think it more likely they would have diverted her to the EMS holding area where they were preparing for the mass casualties that never came.
agree and look at the way she was dressed..she was dressed to go out in heels and a dress,carrying $500 worth of items and her purse.to think she would stop like that and try to help,when she wouldn't even bother calling her own husb.,isn't logical.I'm not saying there wasnt a chance she wasn't already in the building,shopping or eating,but I doubt she just came upon it all and stopped to help.
I think either might be a longshot though.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know what floor the restaurant was on? And which tower it was in?

"Windows on the World was a complex of venues at the top floors (106th and 107th) of the North Tower of the World Trade Center" (Wiki)

You can search for names inscribed into the memorial here, including Sneha Philip, and see the location on a map;

ht tp://namesDOT911memorialDOTorg (replace the DOTS with dots!)

"Windows on the World was a complex of venues at the top floors (106th and 107th) of the North Tower of the World Trade Center" (Wiki)

If she was there eating breakfast when the attacks occurred, there's no question that she died when the towers fell or when the planes struck the buildings.

With another anniversary of 9/11 approaching, it is an opportune time to discuss this case further. What in the world happened to Sneha?

This is one that I don't think will ever get answered...

But personally, I think that she was killed when the towers collapsed, and that the reports of (lesbian) affairs, drink/alcohol abuse, etc., etc. distracted the story of onto a tangent.

The "not seen since the day before" scenario posed by the her husband does cause me intermittant doubts in my views, but I seem to recall that she wasn't averse to staying away from home (and her husband?).

:(

May have been posted...http://nymag.com/news/features/17336/ talks about how her brother saw her with his girlfriend..I'm thinking if she woke up on the 11th on her way home from her girlfriends or whatever, she died from the rubble and was to appear at the courthouse on the 10th....

I watched the repeat of this again last week and have been thinking about it.

Has anyone changed their opinion recently on what they think really happened?

I watched the repeat of this again last week and have been thinking about it.

Has anyone changed their opinion recently on what they think really happened?

Where did you see the segment? Watching UM in Canada is next to impossible and I have never seen this segment although I desperately want to.

I tend to like the simplest explanations and the simplest one in this case is that Sneha died in the WTC on 9/11 and yet I feel quite uneasy concluding that in this case. My gut tells me that something else happened to her but this will probably always remain an unsolved mystery.

I think she died when the towers fell. She was a doctor and likely went to help out. I suspect that whoever she was with either died as well OR left town afterward and never knew she was missing.

Where did you see the segment? Watching UM in Canada is next to impossible and I have never seen this segment although I desperately want to.

It was a repeat on the Lifetime channel!

It was a repeat on the Lifetime channel!

We have the Canadian Lifetime channel but, unfortunately, they don't have UM. :(

We have the Canadian Lifetime channel but, unfortunately, they don't have UM. :(

Really? Shame on them! :mad:

I’m currently in NYC on vacation and I stopped by to see our girl like I always do. I’ve visited the memorial many times but this was the first time I’d gone at night. Totally different type of atmosphere altogether. 🥲

I’m currently in NYC on vacation and I stopped by to see our girl like I always do. I’ve visited the memorial many times but this was the first time I’d gone at night. Totally different type of atmosphere altogether. 🥲

I just visited the memorial myself for the first time. No matter how many pictures you look at or videos you've seen, I don't think you can comprehend just how huge the buildings were until you've been there yourself. The giant size of the pools and how high they extended in the air (only a few hundred feet shorter than the new WTC 1) is remarkable. It was a profound experience I won't soon forget.

I just visited the memorial myself for the first time. No matter how many pictures you look at or videos you've seen, I don't think you can comprehend just how huge the buildings were until you've been there yourself. The giant size of the pools and how high they extended in the air (only a few hundred feet shorter than the new WTC 1) is remarkable. It was a profound experience I won't soon forget.

By any reasonable measurement the original WTC towers were actually the same height as the new WTC 1. Although they constantly refer to the building as being 1776 feet high, that includes a spire, which has nothing to do with real building height.

By a more meaningful measure of roof height old WTC 1 is the same height as new WTC 1.

By any reasonable measurement the original WTC towers were actually the same height as the new WTC 1. Although they constantly refer to the building as being 1776 feet high, that includes a spire, which has nothing to do with real building height.

By a more meaningful measure of roof height old WTC 1 is the same height as new WTC 1.

Good to know! The new building is massive not even counting the spire. It was wild to stand right in front of it and see just how far upward it extended.

I've always been fascinated by this case and was always certain that she died either in the towers (she had mentioned to her mother on sep 10th that she planned to go to the windows on the world restaurant, likely to have breakfast) or because she iived so close by and because she was an ER doctor she rushed to help people and died maybe due to the towers falling. i mean a lot of people are actually shocked by how many died outside rather than inside the towers.

But after watching an ABC7 documentary on her i'm not so sure now. It seems she wasn't seen since 5.30pm on sep 10th, she didn't return to her apartment, no friends claim to have seen her, her family neither... on sep 10th NY was hit by rain storms, I know she used to stay out late a lot but i dunno.

Her brother went and spoke various times to a NY detective who investigated her case, he told him that he had caught Sneha having sex with his girlfriend. later he denied the entire conversation and said it didn't happen. which is strange. When someone she worked with, another doctor found out she had disappeared, she said "seems like she finally took her chance to disappear"

That's interesting because in 2015 a spanish doctor who worked in a hospital in Barcelona claimed he had been working with an indian woman called "Saanvi" after seeing pictures of Sneha didn't just think it was her, but "it is her" she had spoken about being married before, living in the US and alluded to a former life that would match Shenas perfectly...

My guess is she died in the towers, but it makes you think....

I've always been fascinated by this case and was always certain that she died either in the towers (she had mentioned to her mother on sep 10th that she planned to go to the windows on the world restaurant, likely to have breakfast)

It's been a while since I've seen the segment, but is this mentioned in the UM segment?

or because she iived so close by and because she was an ER doctor she rushed to help people and died maybe due to the towers falling. i mean a lot of people are actually shocked by how many died outside rather than inside the towers.

But after watching an ABC7 documentary on her i'm not so sure now. It seems she wasn't seen since 5.30pm on sep 10th, she didn't return to her apartment, no friends claim to have seen her, her family neither... on sep 10th NY was hit by rain storms, I know she used to stay out late a lot but i dunno.

Her brother went and spoke various times to a NY detective who investigated her case, he told him that he had caught Sneha having sex with his girlfriend. later he denied the entire conversation and said it didn't happen. which is strange. When someone she worked with, another doctor found out she had disappeared, she said "seems like she finally took her chance to disappear"

That's interesting because in 2015 a spanish doctor who worked in a hospital in Barcelona claimed he had been working with an indian woman called "Saanvi" after seeing pictures of Sneha didn't just think it was her, but "it is her" she had spoken about being married before, living in the US and alluded to a former life that would match Shenas perfectly...

My guess is she died in the towers, but it makes you think....

I've never been convinced that she died in the attacks. There simply isn't enough to conclusively say she did.

It's been a while since I've seen the segment, but is this mentioned in the UM segment?



I've never been convinced that she died in the attacks. There simply isn't enough to conclusively say she did.


She did a videocall with her mother on the 10th and told her during the call that she was planning to go to windows on the world, although we're not told if she specified a date. it could have easily been the 11th if she felt the need to mention it to her mother.

the thing is although there isn't any DNI evidence it will always be the most realistic theory, that day people were getting on boats to flee lower manhattan, i think some people underestimate how much of lower manhattan was affected and how many people died who werent even in the towers, there are many people who have been claimed as victims of 911 yet no physical evidence has been found.

Unless something is found, we'll never know 100%

A troubled individual, encompassed in a smorgasbord of lies. I think she met her lover on the Monday evening, leaving her store purchases at that apartment, and returned the following morning to the marital home to feed the cats. She then either saw the attacks on television and went to help the victims, or was the victim of an honour killing within the family. I think it's unlikely she disappeared voluntarily as she would have maintained contact with her mother had she done so. https://youtu.be/PvahgzDzHvQ

A troubled individual, encompassed in a smorgasbord of lies. I think she met her lover on the Monday evening, leaving her store purchases at that apartment, and returned the following morning to the marital home to feed the cats. She then either saw the attacks on television and went to help the victims, or was the victim of an honour killing within the family. I think it's unlikely she disappeared voluntarily as she would have maintained contact with her mother had she done so. https://youtu.be/PvahgzDzHvQ

Yeah, thats the most likely scenario, anyone can go missing or be involved in something like this and most people do have things going on in their private lives that although make you think one way, could have nothing to do with their disapparance.

it is strange though, if she was with her lover from 5.30pm onwards, knowing how big this case was and is and how much the family was worried, even though it could be embarrassing for this person, you would have thought there would be maybe some annoymous call or something put into the police to explain where Sneha was on the 10th.

but who knows...

Yeah, thats the most likely scenario, anyone can go missing or be involved in something like this and most people do have things going on in their private lives that although make you think one way, could have nothing to do with their disapparance.

it is strange though, if she was with her lover from 5.30pm onwards, knowing how big this case was and is and how much the family was worried, even though it could be embarrassing for this person, you would have thought there would be maybe some annoymous call or something put into the police to explain where Sneha was on the 10th.

but who knows...

Unless that person died in the attacks or has died since the attacks (the husband of my mom's friend made it out of the towers that awful day, but had a heart attack while running for his life to escape the dust cloud that formed when one of the buildings collapsed).

If the person with Sneha on Sept 10 was new to the area or had no family or friends has since died and somehow this person and Sneha were able to keep their friendship/relationship from everyone in their lives, then the secret died with them.

Not likely, but you never know.

A troubled individual, encompassed in a smorgasbord of lies. I think she met her lover on the Monday evening, leaving her store purchases at that apartment, and returned the following morning to the marital home to feed the cats. She then either saw the attacks on television and went to help the victims, or was the victim of an honour killing within the family. I think it's unlikely she disappeared voluntarily as she would have maintained contact with her mother had she done so. https://youtu.be/PvahgzDzHvQ

I agree with this pretty much entirely. The simplest explanation often is the best and/or most likely. The fact that almost 22 years later, zero remains have been found, makes me believe she was a victim of the attacks ... although I would like to know more about the theory of "an hono(u)r killing."

I agree with this pretty much entirely. The simplest explanation often is the best and/or most likely. The fact that almost 22 years later, zero remains have been found, makes me believe she was a victim of the attacks ... although I would like to know more about the theory of "an hono(u)r killing."
There have been several that I know of amongst the Islamic community in the UK, though more prevalent in Muslim countries in the Middle East. Basically a female who brings shame on the family can be killed. I'm not saying it's commonplace but it does happen.

There have been several that I know of amongst the Islamic community in the UK, though more prevalent in Muslim countries in the Middle East. Basically a female who brings shame on the family can be killed. I'm not saying it's commonplace but it does happen. https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/arranged-marriage-murder-honour-killing-15060893

The background information I've seen on Sneha Philip seems to point to her being from an Indian Christian background, so honor killings are probably not likely here. However, I suspect she was a closeted lesbian and hated being a doctor, and maybe her traditional Indian family and her husband were in denial about this.

I also don't think she died while attempting to give medical aid as doctors are not first responders and would be much more effective in the ER preparing for casualties to arrive. My guess is she either left town to start a new life, or she might have been killed while patronizing the restaurant in the tower.

You'll never convince me that Sneha Philip saw the attacks and said "Okay, I will just run away and start a new life now, I'm sure they'll think I was killed in this." Even in 2001, this would have been extraordinarily difficult without someone aiding her. And even with aid, getting a new identity is easier said than done. I've written about this in the other big thread on this case, but my money is on her going to the Windows on the World, just as she told her mother she planned to do. A friend was planning to get married there. She had wanted to see it. It was a popular place with an amazing view. And though there's been some debate about it being open to the public that morning, the restaurant took up two floors. It does seem it would have been open to the Port Authority, a conference being held, and the general public.

I find it extremely doubtful that Sneha would have rushed inside after the chaos began. If you watch footage, authorities are telling people to keep back. Many people were hurt outside--why would she rush inside and past people who needed aid in this case? I believe she was already at the top of the building.

The only other theory I would believe is that something happened to her on 9/10, but I find this much less likely.

Link to the other thread: https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=244773

And though there's been some debate about it being open to the public that morning, the restaurant took up two floors. It does seem it would have been open to the Port Authority, a conference being held, and the general public.

Juan Lafuente was another man who vanished without a trace on 9/11. He worked 8 blocks from the World Trade Center but had no reason to be at the towers that day. His family successfully argued in court that he died on 9/11 because he was frugal with his money and would often take advantage of trade shows that offered free food. Walk-ins were permitted for a trade show being held on the 106th floor...which is where Windows on the World was located. Which is where I think Sneha was with (possibly with her female companion). I think it's the most likely and reasonable scenario.

I think it's the most likely and reasonable scenario.

I agree. We have nothing substantiating foul play on 9/10 or Sneha running away, but we do have some evidence that the restaurant scenario is more likely: Telling her mother she was going and having a reason to go besides the food/view (friend's upcoming wedding). While Sneha's family hoped that a signature piece of jewelry could have been recovered from the rubble to prove her presence, my bet is that it was destroyed in the collapse.

There was also a mall at the Trade Center. She could have been in the area for that as well. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westfield_World_Trade_Center

There was also a mall at the Trade Center. She could have been in the area for that as well. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westfield_World_Trade_Center

And a hotel was located right under the towers and was estimated to have had 50 casualties. Could have been staying there with whoever she spent the night with.

You'll never convince me that Sneha Philip saw the attacks and said "Okay, I will just run away and start a new life now, I'm sure they'll think I was killed in this." Even in 2001, this would have been extraordinarily difficult without someone aiding her. And even with aid, getting a new identity is easier said than done. I've written about this in the other big thread on this case, but my money is on her going to the Windows on the World, just as she told her mother she planned to do. A friend was planning to get married there. She had wanted to see it. It was a popular place with an amazing view. And though there's been some debate about it being open to the public that morning, the restaurant took up two floors. It does seem it would have been open to the Port Authority, a conference being held, and the general public.

I find it extremely doubtful that Sneha would have rushed inside after the chaos began. If you watch footage, authorities are telling people to keep back. Many people were hurt outside--why would she rush inside and past people who needed aid in this case? I believe she was already at the top of the building.

The only other theory I would believe is that something happened to her on 9/10, but I find this much less likely.

Link to the other thread: https://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=244773


I agree, Based on everything i've read on this case, Sneha staying out overnight at a "friends" was pretty normal, people don't like you saying this but it's never been denied and even talked about by the family, maybe not in these words, but there was some "arangement" going on there, an open marriage...

The last verified sighting of Sneha was at 5.30pm on september 10th at century 21, theres an intense thunderstorm in NY at this time, she has bags full of shopping. She obviously went somewhere, she wasn't going to walk around in the rain and it was more than likely to this "friends" apartment.

Like she often did she stayed the night, Now theres various options in my opinion, 1. like she mentioned to her mother she went to windows on the world to have breakfast, 2, being an medic, she runs over to the towers trying to help people or 3, just being around lower manhattan could have put in her danger when the towers fell, i think a lot of people underestimate how many died who weren't actually in the towers. i mean the first official death on 911 (not on the planes) was a firefighter who was killed by a jumper, he hadn't even set foot in the towers...

It could be any one of those, but she didn't run away, although it's not impossible i find it hard to believe she would survive with no money, no ID, passport and not much chances of working when the only thing she had done in her life would have required ID. her bank accounts are untouched...

I agree, Based on everything i've read on this case, Sneha staying out overnight at a "friends" was pretty normal, people don't like you saying this but it's never been denied and even talked about by the family, maybe not in these words, but there was some "arangement" going on there, an open marriage...

The last verified sighting of Sneha was at 5.30pm on september 10th at century 21, theres an intense thunderstorm in NY at this time, she has bags full of shopping. She obviously went somewhere, she wasn't going to walk around in the rain and it was more than likely to this "friends" apartment.

Like she often did she stayed the night, Now theres various options in my opinion, 1. like she mentioned to her mother she went to windows on the world to have breakfast, 2, being an medic, she runs over to the towers trying to help people or 3, just being around lower manhattan could have put in her danger when the towers fell, i think a lot of people underestimate how many died who weren't actually in the towers. i mean the first official death on 911 (not on the planes) was a firefighter who was killed by a jumper, he hadn't even set foot in the towers...

It could be any one of those, but she didn't run away, although it's not impossible i find it hard to believe she would survive with no money, no ID, passport and not much chances of working when the only thing she had done in her life would have required ID. her bank accounts are untouched...

Wasn't that the.. I'll use the term priest, but that's not right.. I think his name was like Mike Judge or something.

yeah.. here you go. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mychal_Judge

I thought it was debris, not a jumper.. And, reading the wiki article, it was actually a heart attack.

Assuming we're talking about the same person here.

FWIW.. I agree she died in the attacks.. Just a matter of how/why. I haven't looked lately to see the numbers for people who are still officially 'missing' from 9/11.. But, last I did, it was.. Kinda a shockingly high number. 1106 as of about a year ago.

Wasn't that the.. I'll use the term priest, but that's not right.. I think his name was like Mike Judge or something.

yeah.. here you go. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mychal_Judge

I thought it was debris, not a jumper.. And, reading the wiki article, it was actually a heart attack.

Assuming we're talking about the same person here.

FWIW.. I agree she died in the attacks.. Just a matter of how/why. I haven't looked lately to see the numbers for people who are still officially 'missing' from 9/11.. But, last I did, it was.. Kinda a shockingly high number. 1106 as of about a year ago.

Fr Mychal Judge (a saint now in one church) was the chaplain of the FDNY, so in a way he was both a priest and a firefighter. Yeah, there were stories that a jumper hit him or debris, but it seems he had a heart attack.

The firefighter who got hit by a jumper was named Danny Suhr. There are some pictures out there of him that are pretty graphic. An interesting thing about it is him getting hit by the jumper saved the lives firefighters he was with. They were all going into the South Tower which collapsed shortly afterwards, but when he got hit they went with him in the ambulance instead.

Fr Mychal Judge (a saint now in one church) was the chaplain of the FDNY, so in a way he was both a priest and a firefighter. Yeah, there were stories that a jumper hit him or debris, but it seems he had a heart attack.

I didn't think "Priest" was the right term.. But, maybe it is. I was thinking it was more "Pastor" or something like that. Most religions have a slightly different term for the head of the church and.. Quite frankly.. I can't remember them all and which one is right for which religion.

So, my confusion about the proper term was the reason for saying I didn't think Priest was right, not that he wasn't a 'man of the cloth'.

Being NY.. I assume he was catholic, so.. If "Priest" is the proper term..

I didn't think "Priest" was the right term.. But, maybe it is. I was thinking it was more "Pastor" or something like that. Most religions have a slightly different term for the head of the church and.. Quite frankly.. I can't remember them all and which one is right for which religion.

So, my confusion about the proper term was the reason for saying I didn't think Priest was right, not that he wasn't a 'man of the cloth'.

Being NY.. I assume he was catholic, so.. If "Priest" is the proper term..

He was Catholic and priest is the correct term. He was also a Franciscan friar. That’s a distinction that I wouldn’t expect anyone not raised Catholic to make.

There have been several that I know of amongst the Islamic community in the UK, though more prevalent in Muslim countries in the Middle East. Basically a female who brings shame on the family can be killed. I'm not saying it's commonplace but it does happen.

Honour killings in North America are extremely rare. Why would one even suggest an honour killing took place in this case, without racism being an underlying reason.

PS....Sneha was from a Christian background in India.