The RNC say new information is what has led to a massive new search near the Bellevue Beach area today.
Some 50 or so searchers are scouring the Smallwood Farms property in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of Cortney Lake.
Search and rescue volunteers can be seen combing area around Smallwood Farms Bellevue Beach. @VOCMNEWS #CortneyLake pic.twitter.com/UlbgxTP9ts
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) December 1, 2017
Searchers first scoured an area near Bellevue Beach in early November after Philip Smith, Lake’s former boyfriend and a man RNC later identified as the only suspect in the case, was found dead. No evidence of Lake was found at that time.
Lake was last seen June 7th getting into Smith’s black GMC pickup on Michener Avenue in Mount Pearl.
When asked, an RNC Officer on the scene, says he doesn't have an exact number of how many are involved in today's search effort, but he agrees, definitely over 50 volunteers. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/iMqrkOcvFc
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) December 1, 2017
The Avalon Rovers and Avalon Wolverines, the Triple Bay Eagles from Clarenville and the Burin Peninsula Ground Search and Rescue are all involved in today’s effort. Officials are asking the public to stay clear of the area to avoid interfering with searchers.
VOCM’s GerriLynn Mackey is on the scene and will have updates throughout the morning.
Earlier Story
Searchers have returned to a wooded area near Bellevue Beach to resume the search for Cortney Lake, a 23-year-old woman who went missing June 7th and who police say was murdered.
Steady stream of search and rescue personnel at Smallwood Farms, Bellevue Beach. The location of they’ focused on is just minutes away from the area where police located the body of Phillip Steven Smith, who was identified as the sole suspect in Cortney Lake’s murder. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/WNg9bewaki
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) December 1, 2017
Searchers first scoured the site in early November after Philip Smith, Lake’s former boyfriend and a man RNC later identified as the sole suspect in the case, was found dead. No evidence of Lake was found at that time.
Today, search groups started around the area of Smallwood Farm.
Searchers at Smallwood Farm, no longer mustering and appear to be starting their efforts. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/LrBWqABjim
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) December 1, 2017
A number of ground search and rescue groups from around the Avalon and Clarenville areas are involved in today’s search which is being led by the RNC. That includes the Avalon Rovers and Avalon Wolverines, the Triple Bay Eagles from Clarenville and the Burin Peninsula Ground Search and Rescue team. Officials are asking the public to stay clear of the area to avoid interfering with searchers.
If the search fails to yield any discoveries today, searchers will return to the site tomorrow with an even bigger effort.
VOCM’s Gerri Lynn Mackey is on the scene and will have updates throughout the day.
Cortney Lake Dinner & Vigil Tonight in Marystown
A dinner and vigil to honour and remember Cortney Lake is planned for this evening in Marystown.
Remembering Her is being held at the Grace Sparkes House.
Cortney’s aunt, Glenda Power says there are two goals for the event, one is to raise awareness about violence against women, which is a cause that Cortney’s family has been very involved in.
The second goal is to raise funds for a bursary, initiated by Grace Sparkes House, to support the families of women who are missing or murdered. She says it can help go towards the costs of holding searches or funeral expenses.
The dinner and vigil starts at 6:00 p.m. at the Marystown Hotel and Convention Centre.
