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FBI joins search for missing 11-year-old N.H. girl Celina Cass

FBI joins search for missing 11-year-old N.H. girl Celina Cass
Celina Cass Personal Photo

(CBS/AP) STEWARTSTOWN, N.H. - The search for missing 11-year-old New Hampshire girl Celina Cass has been joined by FBI child abduction specialists.

Pictures: Celina Cass

Cass was last seen at her home Monday night. Investigators say there's no indication she ran away or someone took her, nor are there signs of a struggle.

Her stepfather, Wendell Noyes, said Wednesday Celina is a quiet girl and would not leave home on her own.

State police, fish and game and the U.S. Border Patrol have been helping search the area looking for the girl.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Jane Young said it is still being treated as a missing persons case.

"We are still desperately looking for her," Young said.

She wouldn't comment when asked why an Amber Alert was never issued for the girl, even though the FBI said it had enlisted a four- to six-person "child abduction rapid deployment team" to pitch in.

Police were going through phone and computer records at Celina's home, he said.

Friends, family and neighbors held a vigil Wednesday and handed out photos and posters of Celina.

Those who know Celina say it's unlikely she ran away.

"She never went anywhere without her mom or sister," said family friend Rebecca Goodrum, 30, fighting back tears and holding a lit candle at the vigil held in a park in neighboring Canaan, Vt., about a half-mile from the girl's home.

"She is very shy," said Kayla Baglio, 18, who knows her, too. "If she doesn't know you, she'd look at her sister to see if it was OK to talk to you."

Celina's friend, 11-year-old Makayla Riendeau, described the girl as very athletic and a stickler about getting her school work done on time.

"She's a very good friend, and she never lets anybody down," Makayla said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the state police at 603-846-3333.

More on Crimesider
July 27, 2011 - Police search for missing 11-year-old N.H. girl Celina Cass

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