RRSpin - Families of missing unite at site where remains found

Monday, 27 March 2017 09:35

Families of missing unite at site where remains found

Written by Lance Martin

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Balloons are released in honor of the missing. rrspin.com

Leann Bryant believes human remains found last week behind a vacant beauty salon are those of her friend Gary Joe Youngblood.

She declines comment on what makes her feel that way, but said, “You just feel it in your heart. I don’t want it to be him. I feel it is him.”
Bryant joined with other advocates for the missing Sunday afternoon to hold a brief prayer vigil and balloon release near the site off Highway 158 beside First Baptist Church in the Hodgestown area.
It is a community of people who have warmly embraced her quest to find out what happened to Youngblood, who was reported missing from the old airport area on August 6. “I know I have their support. I have them no matter what,” she said.
Joining her Sunday were the family members and friends of Shonda Stansbury and Amy Wells Bridgeman. Pastor Russ Collins delivered the opening prayer as some held photos of their missing loved ones or wore T-shirts showing their support.
“It’s kind of a show of unity to keep the missing in the spotlight,” said Kim Wallace, a friend of Bridgeman. “We have adopted each other as family. We always hold out hope. We’re always going to hold out hope. We don’t want anyone to forget them.”

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The process of determining the identity of the remains found behind the building Tuesday could take weeks to months, said Captain Bobby Martin of the Roanoke Rapids Police Department, who attended with Chief Chuck Hasty.
Hasty said the process involves reviewing medical records and DNA samples. Hasty has declined speculation on the identity of the remains until the process is completed
Chris Martin of the Project LIFT mentoring program, told those gathered, “We want to give the Roanoke Rapids Police Department time to investigate. It’s a difficult time.”
Hasty also called for time to let the investigation run its course. “It’s not like CSI. There’s a lot of things going on Facebook that are not true.”
Wallace said she appreciated the support of law enforcement in the missing cases. “Everything you do everyday we appreciate it. We’ve adopted each other. We share a bond.”
Captain Martin said family members stay in contact with investigators. “I appreciate the families’ patience and understanding. I can’t say I know how you feel, but I see it in your faces and tears.”
Chief Deputy Scott Hall of the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office said, “We don’t want to build false hope. Trust the process. Whatever the results, trust the process. It may not be the person you think it is, but each family needs one another.”
Phyllis Burgess of First Baptist Church told the group, “I want to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our church doors are open for you.”