Missouri police digging near area where teen disappeared in 1989

BOLLINGER COUNTY, Mo. – Dozens of police investigators were digging and searching an area Tuesday near the place where a 13-year-old girl disappeared in 1989.

NewsNation affiliate KTVI flew over the scene filled with law enforcement in southeast Missouri’s Bollinger County. Investigators could be seen digging in a remote area 15 miles from Fredericktown.

Investigators have not released much information, but Fredericktown is known for the 1989 disappearance of teenager Gina Dawn Brooks. Brooks was 13 years old at the time of her disappearance and was last seen riding her bike a few blocks from home. At the time, police came up with empty answers, including later searches in places like an Iron County quarry.

Law enforcement in the area of Tuesday’s operation did not answer what case they’re working on now and would not allow KTVI to drive up to the property, as the only way to reach the scene was a private road.

Neighbors did not want to talk on camera, but one man said he woke up to see a long line of unmarked police vehicles pile into the area of the property and he has not seen them leave since.

It appeared there was equipment and vehicles from the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bollinger County Sheriff’s Department. Neither agency responded to calls about their operation.

From the air, investigators were seen focusing on multiple areas, digging with heavy machinery behind a home. Investigators were looking at areas all around the property with a tent set up as an apparent command post.

The search appears to be so massive that investigators won’t likely be leaving the area soon. Stay with KTVI for developments.

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