CARLSBAD — One week after police discovered the lifeless body of 68-year-old Lisa Thorborg on November 23 at Hosp Grove Park, more than 100 Carlsbad residents came together to honor her life.
“Lisa’s Walk” was organized by Angela Derby, who invited residents of all ages (wearing masks) to walk and bring flowers to remember Thorborg, who was found stabbed to death last week on a hiking trail near the 2600 block of Monroe Street in Carlsbad.
The group met at Hosp Grove Trail East, laid flowers on the path where Thorborg’s body was found, Derby said. Thorborg’s son-in-law, Derek Andre, briefly spoke to a small group of locals who said a prayer for Thorborg. Andre told the group the family wanted to convey a message of “being good to each other.”
Andre posted on Nextdoor saying his mother-in-law would have loved the affection.
“What a beautiful gesture the walk with you all was this morning,” Andre said. “I know Lisa would have been very touched and felt the love. Let’s please all take care of each other and be kind to each other in this time of grief and healing.”
Thorborg, a widow and native of Sweden, recently moved to Carlsbad with her daughters and their husbands, Derby told The Coast News. Shy by nature, Thorborg posted to Nextdoor on Nov. 11 asking if anyone wanted to join her for a walk.
Twelve days later, an unknown person fatally stabbed her between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., according to Carlsbad police. Law enforcement is currently investigating Thorborg’s death but no arrests have been made.
“We wanted to make our presence known and seen,” Derby said, adding that many people have started phone trees and walking in groups. “It was something to finish her walk and be there for the family.”
Judy Bliss, a 20-year Carlsbad resident, spoke of fear and uneasiness within the community following Thorborg’s death. However, Bliss said the community gathering sent a message to area residents that the community will not tolerate this type of violence.
Bonnie Schmiege, 69, who lives alone near the trails, said she had passed Thorborg several times while walking at Hosp Grove and they exchanged friendly waves.
Schmiege said she hoped the walk showed the community’s support for the family.
“I walk that same loop maybe five times a week,” Schmiege said. “This makes me very anxious now because we don’t know who this was. I’m leery about going on it now, or at least until someone is found.”
As for the investigation, the CPD received a tip about a man who may have been in the area around the time of Thorborg’s death. The man was described as a white or Hispanic adult, 5-foot, 10-inches, husky build with a tan complexion and dark hair.
He was seen wearing a black shirt and shorts and possibly a black hat, walking with a slight limp or shuffle. If you have any information related to this case, please contact Lt. Jason Jackowski at 760-931-2218.
