All JMO
I too participated in the search on Saturday. I spoke to Ciera’s mother and grandmother for a couple of hours (I was unable to get there by 10:00, but was able to arrive by 10:40). It was just the three of us handing out flyers in front of Crunch Fitness, discussing information, timeline, and possible search locations. I then headed out to Abbott’s Bridge Recreation area to search.
I now have a much better understanding of many things related to the case. Kelly and her mom are very very sweet people who just want Ciera back. They are absolutely heartbroken. I offered to help in any future searches.
Among other locations, two areas near the Chattahoochee river were searched: the Medlock Bridge access / boat ramp, and the Abbott’s Bridge Recreation area and access / boat ramp. Luke’s mom showed up while I was at Abbott’s.
There were two Parks Dept LE vehicles there, and one rescue boat (not in use) at the time. We talked to both rangers/officers about when someone goes missing in the river. They stated that that area of the river (downstream of Abbott’s) sees a good bit of traffic, and that if she’d been put into the water there, she likely would’ve been found by now. They also mentioned two other areas which I later searched. Just FYI, apparently it is thought that a black duffle bag may be missing (one that Ciera may have brought down from Indiana with her)
Some of the flyers that were being handed out showed dates, times, and routes (in blue) when the Tiguan was on certain roads in the area (they must have gotten this info from JCPD). Problem was, none of the days/times shown were later than when Ciera was last seen on cctv at RB’s house at 7:17 on Thursday night. So much depends on the accuracy of the time of that spotting, as there’d been no family communication with CB since earlier in the week (the 21st, and there’s some question even as to whether that was actually Ciera).
CB’s mom had a possible explanation for the other (subdivision) driving - some of which headed out almost to Alpharetta, which I thought were unlikely be related to the search (because they happened prior to 7:17 pm on the 24th.
I think additional info will be needed about the specific location(s) of the Tiguan (or possibly even RB’s SUV?) between 7:17 pm Thursday night (the 24th) and 2-3 pm on Friday (the 25th). I am hoping that JCPD and FBI have license plate reader info, other cctv, and are investigating whether any location data can be obtained from the vehicle. If the vehicle was out at that time, I am assuming whoever was driving did not bring a phone.
I have not yet been able to determine which “two specific neighborhoods off of Medlock Br Rd” that JCPD chaperoned the first search groups to (or find out what day and times the Tiguan was seen in those neighborhoods). I think if those sitings were prior to 7:17 Thursday night (when CB was seen at RB’s), they also are of relatively little value (jmo).
Still don’t know why electric signs we’re put out by JCPD on Kimbell Br Rd (one at the intersection of Kimbell Br Rd and Jones Br Rd Chevron). This road is not on the most direct route one would take if going from Parsons Rd to Indiana. Again, maybe that was a vehicle siting that was pre - 7:17 , 2/24 - which I don’t think would mean much.
I think one possible area left to search (that has not yet been searched) is any remote locations that XB mightve been familiar with from fishing small lakes and ponds with his best friend. In particular, these would be down where they used to live in Fairburn.
Going down there and back in the dark before RB woke up and went to work would have been possible - you wouldn’t even have had to bring a maps app (phone). The baby could probably have been left at RB’s, but who knows. I think Luke and his mom (who I met at Abbott’s Br Rec Area on Sat) tried to go down to Fairburn a week or so ago but got stopped when Luke got bit by a snake. Plus, there was limited access due to the number/layout of homes. But that was just three close small ponds, and may not have been the ones they frequented the most. Hopefully another search can be organized down there with some pre-arranged access.
Also, I wonder if LE has talked to XB’s best friend and his sister (the one who had reportedly stayed with RB for some time along with her two daughters). Need somebody to talk.
Prayers for Ciera and her family.
