Theories fly in acid-burning case; interview set with Oprah

Speculation about what happened to Bethany Storro before she suffered acid burns to her face is flying — amid nationwide news coverage of the case and an announcement that she’ll be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey next week.

Among a number of speculative theories raised by Internet commenters and callers, one person who commented on Wednesday’s story on The Columbian’s website said Storro had claimed she’d been the victim of a similar, earlier attack by another woman in another state.

However, Detective Sgt. Scott Creager with the Vancouver police Major Crimes Unit said late Wednesday afternoon that he was aware of no such incident, and that he’d like to know about it if there was one.

Storro had recently moved back to her native Vancouver from Priest River, Idaho, her family members have said.

Storro’s mother, Nancy Neuwelt of Vancouver, said Wednesday night that her daughter was not attacked in another state, and declined to comment about other speculations.

Creager said detectives continue working on tips and leads.

Detectives have declined to answer some questions about details in the case. They’ve also said they are aware of speculative theories, but they have declined so far to discuss them.

As of Wednesday evening, Creager said detectives had identified no suspect in the case of Storro, 28, who was found burned about 7:15 p.m. Aug. 30 on Columbia Street just north of Esther Short Park. Storro said a woman she didn’t know threw acid in her face in a random attack and fled.

Asked about her daughter’s situation, Neuwelt said, “She’s doing better and she can go out a little bit. She’s just really blessed by the community support. It’s unbelievable.”

A number of folks have stepped up to help Storro, including with a contribution account in her name at Riverview Community Bank branches, established by her Safeway co-workers. Riverview has locations in Camas, Hazel Dell, Orchards, Salmon Creek, east Vancouver, downtown Vancouver and Washougal.

Also, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, employees at Anytime Fitness at Esther Short Park will hold a women’s self-defense seminar and fundraiser for Storro at 710 Esther St. in downtown Vancouver.

They plan to collect $20 per person, with all proceeds going to the Bethany Storro Fund at the nearby Umpqua Bank branch at the corner of West Eighth and Esther streets, said the fitness club’s co-owner, Tracy Pax.

Presenters will address being aware of one’s surroundings and “how to get out of a situation before it goes bad,” Pax said.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing, preferably work-out clothes, and should bring a water bottle. Women are asked to register before the event at http://www.paxfitness.com, by clicking on a fundraiser link on the home page.

Neuwelt said Storro doesn’t plan to be at Friday’s event. But Neuwelt said she and Bethany’s father, Joe Neuwelt, plan to attend.

News reports say Oprah Winfrey will interview Storro on Thursday, Sept. 16, during her show’s premiere week.

Storro and her family will be there, Neuwelt confirmed.

Storro described her attacker as “pretty” and said she thinks she had three piercings at the top of her left ear. She said the young woman was black, wore no makeup, and had black hair pulled into a ponytail. Storro said the woman was approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall. She was wearing a green top and khaki shorts.Police said the assailant may be slightly built.