Authorities search lake for missing Fla. mom Michelle Parker
(CBS/WKMG/AP) ORLANDO, Fla. - Authorities on Thursday continued to search a Florida lake for any evidence of Michelle Parker, the mother of two who disappeared the same day her episode of "The People's Court" aired on television.
Authorities discovered a raised section of ground yesterday near Lake Ellenor in southern Orlando, prompting officials to clear the area to further investigate, although nothing was found, CBS affiliate WKMG reports.
Police say Parker was last seen on Nov. 17, the same day an episode of "The People's Court" aired in which Parker and her ex-fiancé Dale Smith argued over who was responsible for the cost of a missing $5,000 engagement ring.
A judge ruled on Wednesday that Parker's 3-year-old twins must be returned to Smith, their father, who is the prime suspect in the woman's disappearance.
Authorities used divers, boats and a K-9 unit to search the lake on Wednesday, which is close to the last location Parker was known to use her cell phone. Authorities have not said what prompted the search of the lake area, which is also located near Smith's parents' house and his workplace, WKMG reports.
Complete coverage of Michelle Parker on Crimesider
