Search for missing Polk County woman intensifies as investigators focus on mobile home park
AUBURNDALE, Fla. - A family in Auburndale is facing their own nightmare as they search for a missing loved one.
Tonya Whipp, 38, has been missing since June 6. But now, officers with the Auburndale Police Department focused in on an area behind a mobile home park on Rose Street.
Pictured: Tonya Whipp
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement was on scene Thursday with a fleet of vehicles, personnel and a tent that blocks the view of their search.
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"We don't even know what the possibility of the evidence could be," said Billy Lane of the private search group, "We Are the Essentials." "It could be something as small as a shoe or something much larger."
"We Are the Essentials" has been focused on Whipp's case for several weeks now, as her family has clamored for answers. They told Auburndale police they believe she was last in the area around Rose Street June 6 and may have been visiting a friend in one of the trailers.
"We pray for the best but prepare for the worst," said Lane.
Pictured: Tonya Whipp
Neighbors said flyers pleading for information on Whipp's whereabouts have been posted around town for weeks. Intrigue has grown, given her car and other prized possessions have been found nearby.
"[It's] very disturbing," said neighbor Robert Reynolds. "I have lived here for three years. I learned what goes on here, and I learned to mind my own business."
Auburndale police confirmed that the search was in connection to Whipp's disappearance and ended just after 5:45 p.m. They said she was not found.
Evidence that was collected during the search is being examined by the FDLE Crime Lab,
"We hope that no matter what happens, that hopefully soon, we can give this family answers to the questions they have been asking for a long time," said Lane.
Whipp's case is actively being investigated and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The Auburndale Police Department said Detectives Chris Wall and Kevin Seymour can be reached at (863) 965-5555.
If you would like to remain anonymous, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477.