This story sites that Rachel's mother was contacted prior to the dig, but doesn't give much more detail.
Few details of Georgetown dig, but Sheriff called Rachel Cooke's mom
From the above link:
Map of the area near the Williamson County Sheriff's Office dig Dec. 18, 2018 (KXAN Map)
“The excavation happened just south of Farm to Market Road 971, along the eastern edge or State Highway 130.”
“Sheriff Chody said the dig was initiated after his office received a tip...”
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“At age 19, Cooke disappeared early in the morning on Jan. 10, 2002, when she went out for her daily four-mile run. Cooke did not return and was last seen around 200-yards away from her home, walking towards the residence.“
This sounds very similar to Mollie Tibbet’s case.
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Car recovered tests positive for 'presence of blood' in Rachel Cooke disappearance
The results from the car are back.
The Williamson County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday tests indicate the possible blood was found on an item on the passenger floorboard and on an item on the passenger door of a 1998 Pantiac Trans Am.
Also from the above link:
“Sheriff Robert Chody said in April 2017 he was creating a cold case team to work on Cooke's case to help create new leads.“
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RACHEL LOUISE COOKE
[video=youtube;hZiNcsuSuH0]
RACHEL LOUISE COOKE
January 10, 2002 Georgetown, Texas
Photo taken in 2002
DESCRIPTION
Photo taken in 2002
Date(s) of Birth Used: May 10, 1982
Place of Birth: Georgetown, Texas
Hair: Blonde with high/low lights
Eyes: Blue/Hazel
Height: 5'3" (At time of disappearance)
Weight: 115 pounds (At time of disappearance)
Sex: Female
Race: White
Scars and Marks: Rachel has two heart-shaped cherries tattooed on her left shoulder and a black star tattooed on her left foot near her pinky toe. Rachel also has multiple ear piercings and a naval piercing.
REWARD
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the location of Rachel Louise Cooke.
REMARKS
Rachel was wearing a gray running outfit, a green sports bra, and Asics running shoes. She was also wearing a yellow Walkman on her arm with sports-style headphones.
DETAILS
Rachel was visiting her parents' home in Georgetown, Texas, in early 2002. She was on winter vacation from her school at San Diego Mesa College in San Diego, California. She was last seen by her family in the early morning hours on January 10, 2002, when her mother left for work. It is believed Rachel departed her family's residence at approximately 9:30 a.m. for her daily four-mile run. Rachel was last seen approximately 200 yards away from her residence walking towards her residence.
If you have any information concerning this person, please call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
You may also contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. Field Office: San Antonio