Authorities are stumped in the search for missing Iowa cousins, Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, and Elizabeth Collins, 9. Wednesday’s search of an Elk Run Heights home, which is less than 10 minutes from Evansdale, were unfruitful. The search took about 45 minutes, and no evidence was found. What made law enforcement so confident about this location? They arrived with several officials and searched a camper in the backyard, but found no evidence.
http://liarcatchers.com/missing_persons_investigations.html
Missing Iowa girls prompt local action
Lyric and Elizabeth disappeared on July 13th, last seen by their grandmother as they left her house to go ride their bikes. Surveillance video shows the girls riding away from Meyers Lake, which is where their bikes and purse were found. The lake was drained early in the investigation to assure that the girls hadn’t drowned, and, again, nothing was found. There was another search conducted of a wooded area in Evansdale, still yielding no sign as to the whereabouts of the girls.
However, the authorities want everyone to rest assured, all that can be done is being done to search for these girls. Evansdale Police Chief Kent Smock said, “It’s still our top priority, and we’re using all resources available to find the girls. It’s easy to see why some people get frustrated not seeing action, but there’s plenty being done behind the scenes.” Smock continued to say, “We’ll leave no stone left unturned. There’s no reason to believe a resolution to the case won’t happen to bring the girls back.” He still seems to have hope for a positive end to this abduction. Hopefully he’s right.
Sandy Breault with the FBI stated back in July that it was believed at that time that Lyric and Elizabeth were still alive. This was clarified today, by Smock, that there was no information to show either way.
This situation is causing struggles for the family of the girls, as well. Their uncle, Jeremiah Cook, suffered an alleged drug overdose just a few days after the abduction. Apparently, he had a very close relationship with the girls, calling them his “prized possessions.” That’s kind of strange. Not that it’s unusual for an uncle to be attached to his nieces, but possessions? Like things you often sell? Hmmmm.
Earlier this week, Misty Morrissey also had a visit or two to the hospital, after being found unresponsive at a relative’s house. Apparently her meds didn’t mix well with alcohol. It’s been suggested that this was a suicide attempt, but that’s not at all confirmed, and Misty is now out of the hospital. It could’ve just been an accident. Sadness does strange things to people. So does guilt.
Investigators are watching for other child abductions in Iowa, as well as around the U.S., but they are running out of places to look. Anyone recently arrested for sexual abuse or enticement of a minor also is being looked at, and all family members have been investigated. That essentially knocks out most of the major likely suspects in child abductions. The theory is still out there that the girls disappearance could have something to do with Dan Morrissey’s pending drug charges. Is this at all likely? Maybe.
Tips about Lyric and Elizabeth have dwindled from more than 20 an hour to just 30 to 50 a day. Authorities urge anyone with a tip to come forward, no matter how minor you think it may be. The tip line number is 319-232-6682, should you have some relevant information. There is a $50,000 reward for information regarding the girls’ whereabouts. Hopefully, these girls are returned soon. There’s no telling the horrors that could be on them. Then again, they could be sitting around, eating burgers and waiting for Dan to say “Guilty.”
