Updated: 9/22/2008 7:58:20 PM
Search crews spent hours scouring a wetland area in West Knoxville Monday, trying to find a missing Alabama woman.
Jennifer Lee Hampton, 21, was last seen Friday night at the Days Inn on Lovell Road.
"She's really, really special, and we just want her to come home," said Cynthia Senn, Hampton's mother.
Hampton came to town Tuesday to help open the new restaurant, Mama Blues Buffet, on Kingston Pike in West Knoxville.
The restaurant has now offered a $5,000 reward for any information that leads to Hampton being found.
"I'm very worried," said Leslie Barnhill, the owner of Mama Blues Buffet in Knoxville.
Barnhill said she knew Jennifer Hampton as an outstanding employee. That's why her boss asked her to come to Knoxville to help train employees here.
"She's not the type of person that would run off with somebody. She doesn't go out, she doesn't drink," Barnhill said. "She's just a really down to earth quiet girl, who is just you know sweet and trusting." When Hampton was late meeting a group of co-workers at the Days Inn Saturday, and didn't answer her cell or room phone, her co-workers contacted police.
"We did recover some evidence that indicates she may be a victim of foul play which greatly concerns us, and that is why we are desperately trying to get her picture out there," said DeBusk.
Barnhill said she searched the area around the hotel too.
"I walked all around the hotel myself and all the surrounding areas, and we're waiting to do some more we're just waiting for the police to tell us what to do," said Barnhill.
Her co-workers are also asking for the public's help. "Please everybody watch the news and tell everybody that you know what she looks like because we want to bring her home," said Barnhill.
KPD's Search and Recovery Team conducted searches in the area throughout the night.
Hampton is described as 5 feet, 3 inches tall and about 110 pounds with a slim build. She has straight brown hair and brown eyes.
If you have any information on her whereabouts or saw any suspicious activity in the area, please call KPD at (865) 215-7014.
Stay tuned to 10 News for more information as this story develops.
