WESTON — Federal and state agencies are treating the disappearance of 3-year-old Aliayah Lunsford, who has now been missing for five days, as a crime.
A press conference was called Tuesday afternoon to inform the public of a change in leadership. The FBI, U.S. Marshals and State Police are now “fully involved,” FBI Special Agent John Hambrick announced.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department and surrounding agencies and volunteers are still actively involved as well.
Crews are searching for the child “as if she is still alive,” using a more “comprehensive, scientific search,” Hambrick said.
“We are able to bring in more experienced experts who are more specialized and equipped to address these kinds of crimes,” he said.
Pressed on his use of the word “crime,” Hambrick replied that nothing is being ruled out and the girl’s disappearance “is best addressed as a potential crime at this time.”
The agent declined to release information about the child’s father or the background of other family members living in the home.
Previous interviews with local law enforcement revealed that Lunsford lived in the Bendale community with her mother, who is eight months pregnant for twins, and four siblings, ages 11 years to 9 months.
When questioned about registered sex offenders living in the area, Hambrick said they are “aware.”
“We have an awareness of a variety of things,” he said.
Dive teams and volunteers continued to search the river and surrounding woods Tuesday.
Hambrick declined to comment on when search efforts would discontinue.
“The investigation will continue,” he said, stressing the word “investigation.”
The FBI’s involvement and leadership allows the search to be much more “structured,” Lewis County Sheriff Michael Gissy said.
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http://www.cpubco.com/articles/2011/09/29/news/01.txt
