Barbie West Torres 32 Years old October 21, 1973 ~ September 12, 2005
Domestic Violence
Barbie West Torres Murdered 9/12/2005
Barbie was so full of love & life, had a large loving family & many friends. Her life came to an abrupt end, when the man she loved & married in 2004 took it all way.
Barbie West-Torres, 31, moved out of their home and was granted a protection order against her husband three days before she was killed.
On Sept. 12, 2005, Barbie's estranged husband waited in her SUV until she left work at a downtown Reading bank. As she walked into the parking lot with a friend just after 4 p.m. in broad daylight and in front of witnesses, he got out of the vehicle and shot her in the back as she tried to flee.
He then shot her in the head and drove off in the SUV. He ditched that vehicle in a parking garage near City Hall, then drove off in a rented van that was found a year later at LaGuardia Airport in New York.
On the morning of the slaying, Torres had placed a large advertisement in the Reading Eagle with the couple's wedding portrait. The ad read: "Mike & Barbie Torres - Always & Forever. I love you."
Investigators said he also withdrew a large amount of money.
Barbie
♥
Please light a candle...
Please light a candle for Barbie, her family and friends
Arrested this morning in Bologna, Italy, law enforcement officials confirmed. He is in Italian custody, but local officials are working to bring him back to Berks County.
Article dated 3/15/2013
Reading man wanted in wife's murder captured in Italy
He was named to the marshals' list of 15 most-wanted fugitives in 2011.
Berks woman killed weeks after seeking divorce from husband in 2005
Report dated 3/15/2013
Mom elated, aunt has mixed emotions over Barbara "Barbie" Torres killer's capture
The family also expressed appreciation to the various local, state, federal and international law enforcement agencies' work over the last seven years.
Report dated 3/18/2013
DA begins preparing case for prosecution
Reading homicide suspect captured in Italy last Friday
According to Adams, the extradition process is very tedious, and it could take awhile before Torres is back in Berks County.
Article dated 3/19/2013
Treaty rules out execution
Under the U.S. extradition treaty with Italy, defendants cannot be extradited if the offense is punishable by death, unless authorities are assured the death penalty won't be carried out.
Article dated 3/29/2013
Officials sure man in Italy is Reading murder suspect
7 1/2 years have passed, and he has lost 20 pounds, a scar and two tiny moles visible in an old photograph gave him away.
Reading Eagle Article dated 6/10/2011
Berks murder suspect on most wanted list The U.S. Marshals Service has added Barbie's husband - to its 15 most wanted fugitive list. Investigators said he had withdrawn a large amount of money before the slaying and they believe he fled the country, possibly to the Dominican Republic. A reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading directly to his arrest. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office or the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 800-336-0102.
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Barbie's Fugitive Husband Is The Subject of a Manhunt And Can Be Seen On America's Most Wanted Barbie & her family deserve JUSTICE!
Berks County Sheriff Dept. Most Wanted List
Berks Sheriff Seeks Most Wanted Barbie's husband tops the list. He's wanted for the murder of his wife, Barbara. She was gunned down as she left her Reading office in 2005. If you have any information, please call the Berks County Sheriff's Department at 610-478-6390.
Most wanted men on Berks sheriff's list remain at large
There have been no tips to sheriff's office about 4 men wanted in Reading slayings Anonymous tips call 610-478-6390
Report Dated 5/21/2010
Man Wanted For Murder In Berks On Telemundo
A Vigil - In Memory of Barbie 9/12/2006
God Bless You Barbie.
The human heart feels things the eyes cannot see, and knows what the mind cannot understand.
Barbie's husband became mentally and physically abusive. Barbie moved out of their house and filed for divorce.
Barbie filed for a Protection from Abuse Order. Three days later on Sept 12th, 2005 Barbie's husband placed a "wedding picture" ad in the newspaper.
Always & Forever, I Love You.
That very same day, # went to the bank where Barbie worked and hid inside her vehicle. As Barbie pulled out her key to open the door # jumped out of the passenger side with 9mm pistol and killed her.
# has not been seen since. He is the subject of a nation wide man hunt and has been featured on America's Most Wanted.
Your family has been devastated. Barbie's family has been devastated. All the hurt and pain so many people are feeling can only be eased by you turning yourself in.
If anyone knows where Barbie's husband is hiding please contact 1-800-CRIME-TV Berks Crime Alert @ 1-877-373-9913 or you can write to us here tips@yearsoftears.org Barbie deserves JUSTICE!
Article dated 9/8/2008
Police still hunting husband as third anniversary of Reading killing nears
Barbie West Torres - Reading Eagle article dated 11/16/2010
In wrongful death case, victim's co-worker tells of witnessing murder Authorities in the United States and the Dominican Republic are searching for Barbie's husband, who has been the subject of television shows that feature fugitives
Article dated 11/17/2010
Jury awards parents of slain woman $46 million "Hopefully, this case will bring awareness to the public that he was not caught yet, It makes you feel that he is being punished. He's not here, but he is still being punished. He is not getting away with this crime. This is some kind of punishment."
