Updated: 9/26/2008 7:46:30 PM
It's been a week since missing Alabama woman, Jennifer Lee Hampton, 21, was last seen at the Days Inn on Lovell Road. Hampton was in town helping to open a restaurant.
The investigation into her disappearance began Saturday when Hampton never showed up for breakfast with co-workers.
Police first combed the Turkey Creek wetlands near her hotel Monday. Thursday, tips pointed them toward the Cedar Bluff and Winston road areas. And today, they continued in boats on Fort Loudoun Lake, staging their command post in Carl Cowan Park.
Two dozen search and recovery members equipped with sonar and recovery dogs hit the water in five boats early Friday morning and searched 14 miles of river front. But all they found was more water. Despite a search that continually comes up empty handed, officials haven't given up hope.
"We feel confident that we're going to be able to break this case but it's taking time," said Knoxville Police spokesperson, Darrell DeBusk.
Hampton's family hired attorney Eddie Daniel to help them get the word out about her disappearance.
"Her employer said that at 21 years old, she's one of the best employees they've ever had.That's why she was up here. That's why she was brought here to open this new restaurant. Because she was such a good person and such a good employee," Daniel said.
After a week filled with more questions than answers, the family is pleading for information and prayer.
"What we're asking for is for everybody to have Jennifer and her family in their thoughts and prayers. Please pray for her safe return," Daniel said.
Daniel also asked for financial help for Jennifer's family. They want to stay in town until she is found, but have limited resources.
