Michelle Parker Update: New team taking a "fresh approach" in missing Fla. mom investigation, police say
The so-called "dream team," which consists of detectives, lawyers, crime lab technicians and volunteers, met at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Orlando Thursday for an hour to discuss the case. CBS affiliate WKMG reports that Parker's mother attended the forum and addressed the room.
"My frustration lies in the fact that I'm a mother, this is my firstborn child and I don't know where she is and I don't know who did it for sure," Yvonne Stewart said tearfully.
Police say the missing mother of three was last seen on Nov. 17, which is the same day an episode of "The People's Court" aired in which Parker and her ex-fiance Dale Smith argued over who was responsible for the cost of a missing $5,000 engagement ring. Orlando police have named Smith as a suspect in Parker's disappearance, but he has not been charged with any crime. He is the father of her twins.
Detectives recovered Parker's phone and car, but nothing else.
Homicide Detective Michael Bailey from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office says forums like the one on Thursday help shed light on the case and possibly catch something police may have missed.
"They're looking for any way to move the case forward," Bailey told WKMG. "When you have very limited information or limited evidence, it's a very good thing to do."
The station did not report what was discussed during the Thursday meeting, but the team plans to meet again in the future.
Parker is described as a white woman, about 5 feet 6 inches tall with short dark brown hair. Anyone with information about Parker's whereabouts is urged to call the Orlando Police Department at 321-235-5300.
Complete coverage of Michelle Parker on Crimesider
