Blood evidence points to murder in Michelle Le missing case, say cops

(CBS/KPIX/AP) HAYWARD, Calif. - Family of missing Northern California nursing student Michelle Le say they are holding out hope for her safe return even though police believe the 26-year-old is dead.

Pictures: Calif. nursing student was murdered, say cops

CBS affiliate KPIX reports that Michelle's father, Son Le, said Tuesday that he feels Hayward police have given up on finding his daughter alive without providing conclusive evidence she's dead.

Investigators say the decision to reclassify the case as a homicide was based on blood evidence from her car, surveillance footage outside the hospital, cell phone records and evidence collected during search warrants.

The nursing student was last seen May 27 leaving a Hayward hospital during a break from a clinical rotation.

Investigators have questioned more than 25 people and identified several persons of interest, but no arrests have been made.

The reward for information leading to Michelle's safe return increased to $65,000. She is described as 5-feet-6-inches tall with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Hayward Police Department at 510-293-7000.

Complete Coverage of Michelle Le on Crimesider