A pair of Quinn searches(...........)
But the Quinn investigation has more recently included a search in the Bent Creek Experimental Forest, one that was spurred by a tipster who has not been publicly disclosed.
When law officers took to Bent Creek and blocked access to an oft-traveled forest road, Owens — the last known person to see Quinn alive — had been in jail for about 11 weeks, charged with the murders of the Codds and their unborn child.
Officials will not say if the Bent Creek tip came from Owens or if he has spoken with investigators about any knowledge he may have of Quinn's disappearance. The information, however, was credible enough to draw officers from the Asheville Police and the Buncombe County Sheriff's departments to the popular forest, just southwest of Asheville.
On the last Saturday in May, hikers and bikers arrived in the Bent Creek area to find law officers had blocked a forest road. At the time, a police spokeswoman said the department takes tips it receives seriously. A U.S. Forest Service official called the area an active crime scene.
Unlike the fish pond information from a family member, the Bent Creek tip — one that prompted a response and at least a cursory search five months ago — has not led to an excavation request by the Asheville Police Department, which is charged with the Quinn investigation.
To dig on Forest Service land requires that a permit be issued, according to that agency, and none has been sought or granted.
