Vigil held for missing Cocke County teen

Jul 10, 2009


By ANN KEIL
6 News Reporter

NEWPORT (WATE) -- Family and friends gathered to pray for Megan Maxwell's safe return just as the search hits another dead end.

Last week, police brought cadaver dogs to two different locations, including the spot where Maxwell's burned car was discovered, but they found nothing.

"I forget what a day of just being normal is, and if I'll ever know that again," says Lisa Maxwell, Megan's mother.

It's been nearly 12 weeks since the 19-year-old disappeared. Her mother says the rumors have been hard to hear, but the unknown has nearly broken her heart.

"Some days I can cry all day. Other days I'm so mad, and I'm frustrated, and I don't understand," she says.

It is any parents worst nightmare, and Lisa Maxwell has been living it almost three months. So Friday night she dedicated a vigil to her little girl who she says was never without a smile.

"I'm hoping to find her alive, and well, that's what I'm going to cling to," Lisa Maxwell says.

Beside her stood young kids clutching onto their loved ones, and tears were shed as special messages were written on balloons in Megan's honor then released into the sky.

"I miss her. I miss her so bad. I miss that feeling she gave me," says Maxwell.

Megan Maxwell's friends and family have organized another community search Saturday morning. They will meet at 8 a.m. in the West End Food City parking lot in Newport, and it is an open invitation to all who want to help out.

Among those at Friday night's vigil was the Newport Police Chief. He spoke with 6 News about their investigation.

"We do something every day sometimes several things a day. We had search dogs in here last week. Each lead that comes in regardless of what the lead is we follow it to its end. It might seem minute to the person who calls it in, but it may be that one piece to the puzzle to push this thing over the top," says Maurice Shults, the Newport Police Chief.

There is a person of interest in the Maxwell case, but he has not been charged in connection with her disappearance.

Right now, Jeffrey Stock is in federal custody. A federal grand jury indicted him on charges of traveling in interstate commerce, and failing to register as a sex offender.

Balloon release for missing Cocke County teenager

Jul 10, 2009
Last Updated: 11:54 PM Jul 10, 2009
Reporter: Lauren Davis
Email Address: lauren.davis@wvlt-tv.com

While one family is relieved, another is still holding out hope.
Cocke County held a balloon release for missing 19-year old Megan Maxwell.
She's been missing 2 and a half months.
Family and friends tell us tonight it's a way to keep Megan's memory alive.
Hundreds of colorful balloons are released into the pale blue sky.
They quickly disappear just as Megan did on April the 26th.
Megan's mom Lisa Maxwell says, "I don't know where Megan is. I have no idea where Megan is."
Megan's car was found burned out near the French Broad River the morning after she disappeared.
Maurice Shults, Newport chief of police says, "We keep getting leads daily. We have people call with little things."

Friends, family and police have searched water and woods to find her.
Still no sign of Megan.

That's the reason for the balloon release.

Shults says, "Help to keep Megan's face in the public's eye. Help them to remember she is still missing."

Many people wore shirts with Megan's picture on the front.

Little ones write messages for missing Megan.
"I'm so sad without you."

That's the gloomy message on a bright yellow balloon.
Another reads, "Love you, miss you, never stop praying for you, all my love, Granny.
Lisa Maxwell says, "A lot of people say how can you just keep on and on it's the community."

And Megan's mom says she'll keep on and on until Megan is found.

Balloon release keeps Megan Maxwell search afloat

7/10/2009

Nearly 12 weeks of searching lakes and landfills for the body of Megan Maxwell has resulted in few clues about the Newport teenager's whereabouts. Friends and family released hundreds of balloons Friday to keep the search for Maxwell in the public eye.

Megan Maxwell was last seen Sunday, April 26, after checking in on her father early that morning.

Police later discovered her car burned on the side of the road. There has been no sign of her since then, despite multiple searches by law enforcement officers and members of her family and the community.

Megan's mother, Lisa Maxwell, still clings to some hope that Megan may be alive. But at this point Lisa knows the odds are against her and Megan.

"Just bringing her home, either way, would be good for us," said Lisa Maxwell. "It's the closure. It's not waking up every day to just torture. I just can't imagine going much longer not knowing."

Federal authorities arrested Jeffrey Lee Stock, 41 and of Newport, for failing to register as a sex offender. Although those charges are unrelated to the missing Maxwell, officials have called Stock the "lead suspect" in her disappearance.

Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults said Stock was at the home of Megan Maxwell's father on the morning she disappeared. Police have not charged Stock in the Maxwell case and have not publicly said he is a suspect.

"We're going to try our best to keep Megan's name in the public. Keep her picture in as many places as we can until we bring Megan home," said Chief Shults.

"I know the police have the guy responsible for this," said Lisa Maxwell. "That is the only good thing about this situation is I know his [Stock's] location, I know he is behind bars on other charges, and it gives them time to build their case against him."

Supporters of Maxwell released hundreds of balloons at the Cocke County Fairgrounds Friday. Friends and family wrote personal messages to Megan on the balloons, a gesture that rekindles Lisa's memories of Megan's childhood.

"On Megan's third birthday party, she had taken a birthday balloon outside with her." Lisa added, "And her aunt put her name on the balloon and she always put the date. And when they let it go, I can still remember Megan's face. And I knew that was exactly what we had to do when someone came to me with this balloon idea."

Lisa Maxwell said her thoughts remained with her daughter throughout the balloon release.

"Wishing she could be beside me to see all of those balloons. And she very well may be," said Maxwell.