Intensified search for missing Amelia grandmother kicks off Saturday
AMELIA, VA (WWBT) - Investigators plan to intensify their search Saturday for an Amelia County woman who was abducted more than a week ago. It comes as 43-year-old Dana William, the man accused of abducting Brooks and killing her husband, was taken off life support.
Amelia's Sheriff says it's not just authorities that can aid in the search.
Friday marked eight days and still no sign of Olene Brooks, who turned 68 years old this week away from her loved ones.
NBC12 asked if authorities are now searching for a body.
"Well, for me it's always hopeful. You've always got to have hope but you also have to prepare yourself if things don't turn out in the positive way," Sheriff Rick Walker said.
Saturday's search will start at the last place Brooks was seen, her home.
"It's just a place to start. We don't have any information into her whereabouts," Walker said.
The one person who may know for sure of her whereabouts, the suspect, is now dead. Police say William turned the gun on himself while being apprehended by authorities in Massachusetts after he was spotted in Brook's mini-van.
"At the very least, he may would have divulged what he did with Ms. Brooks or where he left her," Walker said.
Now he is calling on Amelia neighbors to assist in finding clues.
"He had to get to 95. Folks that live fairly close to the road, if they have any out buildings, if they have places where they have barns that they don't visit very often, if they've got some equipment stored, check all these places," he said.
Earlier this week, Brook's daughters sent a message to their beloved mother.
"Know that we are waiting and we are not giving up because we know you're coming back to us," said Sherri William.
We know that you belong to God but we sure would like to have you back with us," Stephanie Caudill added.
NBC12 asked the Sheriff what evidence was found inside of Brook's stolen van, but he's keeping quiet on that for now due to the investigation. Relatives say there is an additional $500 reward being offered to find her. That's on top of the $3500 already on the table.
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