RICHMOND, Va. (AP) —The search for a missing Virginia Commonwealth University freshman has shifted from a missing-persons case to a criminal investigation involving several law enforcement agencies, police said Thursday.
A task force led by the Richmond police is investigating the disappearance of Taylor Marie Behl, 17, who was last seen leaving her dormitory the night of Sept. 5. Posters featuring the smiling teen have been posted around campus.
There aren't any suspects or evidence of foul play, but a criminal investigation will allow officers to use more resources, including subpoena powers, Police Chief Rodney Monroe said.
The 11-member task force is checking information resulting from growing media coverage of Behl's disappearance. The group consists of officers from Richmond and state police, VCU, the FBI and the state attorney general's office.
Behl's mother, Janet Pelasara, said after the news conference that she's pleased that the investigation is being expanded and said she's "confident that things will start happening."
She has said that she thinks her daughter is with someone, but said she couldn't think of anyone specifically.
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