BROOKLYN, Iowa (AP) — Authorities investigating the disappearance of an Iowa college student are focusing on five areas in and near her hometown.
Mollie Tibbetts, 20, was last seen July 18, jogging in Brooklyn in central Iowa.
The areas of interest: her boyfriend’s home in Brooklyn; a carwash; a truck stop; a farm more than 3 miles from downtown Brooklyn; and another farm more than 6 miles away.
Special agent Rick Rahn of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation said officials hope mentioning those areas will jog residents’ memories.
Investigators have asked anyone who was in any of those five areas when Tibbetts disappeared to remember that evening and leave tips on a website.
Crime Stoppers of Central Iowa said a reward fund has grown to more than $366,000.
Meanwhile, investigators are also launching a new website to generate tips from potential witnesses.
The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation unveiled FindingMollie.Iowa.gov at a press conference Monday.
Tibbetts’ disappearance has sparked an enormous search involving local, state and federal authorities and volunteers.
Assistant DCI Director Mitch Mortvedt said investigators were considering all scenarios but that it’s “possible that Mollie has come into contact with someone who has caused her harm.”
He asked the public to report information about anyone who has recently displayed odd behaviors.
The site seeks tips from people who were in specific Brooklyn locations on July 18.
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