A Missouri Bootheel community came together with one thing in mind: HOPE.
They're hoping, and pleading for the safe return of 3-year-old Breeann Rodriguez, who disappeared from her home in Senath on Saturday.
The community gathered around Breeann's parents, Claudia Ramos and Edgar Rodriguez; both were there, obviously grieving for their young daughter.
Supporters held hands, prayed, sang hymns, and lit candles for Breeann, who was last seen Saturday in front of her home on her bicycle.
Wednesday police announced they discovered three pieces of potential evidence that could be linked to missing 3-year-old Breeann Rodriguez.
"They are items of interest," said Chief Omar Karnes. "We've sent them off to the crime lab for testing. They could be evidence. Right now we can't say they are linked to Breeann, and we can't say they aren't."
The items were discovered in an area south of Senath.
Police found a possible physical piece of evidence around 7 p.m. Tuesday. They found two more possible pieces of evidence Wednesday morning. The items were located on County Road 568 in Dunklin County which is approximately two miles southeast of Breeann's home.
The FBI would give no further details on what they found, but did say crews are searching south of Senath with helicopters and dog teams.
"It's not clothing and it's not the bike," said Chief Karnes.
That announcement comes on the same day that the community came together to hold a candlelight vigil for the little girl.
People in the town gathered around Breeann's parents, who were visibly shaken during the service.
Some say the service brought the community together in a way that it wasn't before. Others say they are praying for the family and for Breeann's safe return.
Breeann was last seen Saturday while riding bikes with her 5-year-old brother outside their home on Ode Johnson Road. Her brother went inside for a few minutes and came back out to find no trace of Breeann, or her pink bike with training wheels.
FBI and Senath Police are looking for a white cargo van that was seen in the area just days prior to Breeann disappearing. The full-size older model van could have a ladder mounted in the back.
At the time of Breeann's disappearance, she was wearing a pink top, and pink and purple shorts
Chief Karnes says for the first time he feels the case it's going somewhere.
"It appears a trail is forming," said Chief Karnes. "I believe she's alive. I feel like somebody's trying to hide something."
Her parents say they are heartbroken and anxious for their daughter's safety. They also believe Breeann is alive.
"I feel like someone has her and they are scared to bring her back," said her father, Edgar Rodriguez. "I don't care. All I want is my daughter."
"We just rely on God and pray," said Claudia, her mother. "I know anytime someone is going to tell me they found her."
The FBI and the Senath police are offering a combined reward of up to $45,000 for the successful recovery and prosecution of whoever is responsible for her disappearance, if she was abducted.
Police ask anyone with information to call the St. Louis Regional CrimeStoppers tip number at 1-866-371-TIPS.
Tips will also be taken at the Senath Police Department at (573) 738-2818 or the Dunklin County Sheriff's Office at (573) 888-2424.
Authorities are still saying they have no suspects in the case.
Digital billboards are now displaying Breeann's picture in at:
- Kingshighway and Broadway (Cape Girardeau, MO)
- 2418 South Caraway (Jonesboro, AR)
- 2610 E. Highland Drive (Jonesboro, AR)
- 2412 Stadium Boulevard (Jonesboro, AR)
Family and friends of Breeann gathered Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil at 7:30 in the city park.
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