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As the search for missing Edgemont resident Lauren Spierer continues into its 10th day, police are still optimistic about finding the Indiana University student.
Spierer's father, Rob, a resident of the Greenburgh community, said in Monday's press conference that his hope is still as strong as it was during the first week of searching. He asked the people of Bloomington to volunteer their time if available.
Charlene, Spierer's mother, said that the person with knowledge about her daughter's disappearance is out there. "What are you waiting for?" she asked, citing that even if the perpetrator is worried about self-preservation, all tip lines are anonymous.
"Lauren, I love you, your dad loves you," said Mrs. Spierer. "We're here for you forever and ever and ever."
Bloomington Police have expanded their interviews to a second tier of individuals as a way of gathering more information, said BPD's Joe Qualters. A national search expert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Lee Manning, recently arrived in Bloomington to assist.
Police will be looking into one or two vehicles seen on security footage. They are currently waiting to get the video enhanced, said Qualters. Police are looking to question the owner or driver of the vehicle(s). Qualters reiterated that these people will not be classified as suspects; police are simply looking to gather additional information from parties that were caught on camera in the area at the time of Spierer's disappearance.
Helicopters flew over the greater Bloomington area to check for bodies and clues in waterways and rooftops. This inspection also provides an aerial view for archives, said Qualters.
Published reports show that searches have turned up a bra and part of a cell phone. Both have been taken by the police, but no comment has been made regarding the findings.
At the press conference, a reporter asked about a rumor stating that Spierer overdosed on cocaine and that her friends tried to get rid of the body. Qualters said that police will not focus on that information until it can be corroborated.
"There is no shortage of information coming in," he said. "And no shortage of information that's being pursued."
Volunteer searches meet twice per day, at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Tips should be directed to the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477 or the America's Most Wanted line at 800-CRIME-TV.
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