Search continues for Elaina Steinfurth

6/9/2013

Nearly 60 people in white shirts with the words "Search Team" and "Bring Elaina Home" written on them met near the former Eastside Central School at noon Sunday to organize search parties for Elaina Steinfurth.

The site at Leonard and Berry streets, just a few houses away from the home at which the missing 18-month-old was last seen a week ago, was the base location for Steinfurth family, family friends, and members of the community to meet and break up into search teams.

The Steinfurth family walked to Navarre Park, while friends and community traveled to Pearson Park and the Marina District. They were prepared to search wooded areas and railroad tracks.

The event was organized on Facebook by Dan Clay, 53, who said he is a concerned and caring neighbor and grandfather of 13 who wanted to help the Steinfurth family search areas the police had not already checked. He said the search teams would look for any evidence they could find.

Ms. Steinfurth disappeared one week ago, shortly before her father was to pick her up from the house where her mother, Angela Steinfurth, was staying at the time with a boyfriend. Although Toledo police and the FBI searched the Maumee River on Thursday and Friday, there were no extended search efforts Saturday.

Terry Steinfurth Sr., the missing girl's grandfather, said he spoke with Detective Vince Mauro todayon Sunday morning, but declined to comment further. He added, "I thank everyone looking and I hope they find something."

Angela Steinfurth was not present at the search today.