Tuesday 12PM Update: Investigators Tape Off Larger Section of Lake As Search for Missing Girls Continues

KCRG/Gazette/Courier Staff Reports

Authorities have taped off a larger area around Meyers Lake, which is being drained, as authorities continue to search for Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook, 10, who were last seen on Friday. The girls' bicycles and a purse were discovered found near the lake, in Evansdale, Iowa, on Friday afternoon. (Dave Franzman/KCRG-The Gazette)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Jul 17, 2012 at 12:52 PM CDT

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2012 at 12:11 PM CDT

EVANSDALE, Iowa – Authorities taped off a larger section around the shoreline of Meyers Lake Tuesday morning, stepping up search efforts in the area around the lake for any sign of the two Evansdale girls who disappeared Friday afternoon.

Earlier authorities had only marked off sections of the biking and hiking trail around the lake, where bicycles belonging to Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook, 10, and a purse were discovered Friday. The two girls haven’t been spotted since then, leading to massive search efforts through the weekend and into this week.

The lake level had dropped several feet Tuesday morning, after authorities decided Monday to drain the lake, apparently to aid in a shoreline search. Officers on the scene would not comment about their activities, but it appeared they were planning a more intensive search in areas now uncovered by the dropping water.

Members of Cook’s family are at the lake Tuesday, appearing on national network news programs to talk about the search. Tammy Brousseau, the aunt of both girls, said the family is not expecting the draining of the lake to reveal any new information.

Family members said they agree with Evansdale firefighters that dragging operations should have uncovered any evidence of the girls in the lake, but said they do support the draining decision to support their assumptions.

The next news briefing for the media is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m.

Video


The Life & Love of Elizabeth Collins Celebration


Parents of Elizabeth Collins Speak to the Media on 12/13


Authorities Confident Remains Belong to Missing Girls


Authorities Announce Discovery of Two Bodies

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Tip Line

Authorities are asking anyone who has any information on the case to call the tip line, at 319-232-6682 or send an e-mail to ourmissingiowagirls@dps.state.ia.us.

A reward of $150,000 has been established for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.



Timeline

Friday, July 13, 2012
  • 2:48PM Cousins Lyric Cook & Elizabeth Collins are reported missing      
  • 2:50PM Law enforcement begin searching the girls
  • 4PM Firefighters find the girls’ bike at Meyers Lake
  • 4:30PM Search of Meyers Lake begins
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