Family of missing Cocke Co. girl marks Crime Victim Rights Week

04/21/10
As the one-year anniversary of her daughter's disappearance closes in, Lisa Maxwell found comfort inside the Cocke County courthouse Wednesday. Maxwell's daughter, Megan, has been missing since April 26, 2009.

Her family was among dozens taking part in an event through National Crime Victims' Rights Week.

"We invite them to come together for encouragement and support and to let them know that we have not forgotten them," District Attorney General Jimmy Dunn said.

"At times, especially when a lot of time goes by, you tend to think that you're forgotten or the person is forgotten, but this right here lets you know that they're not," Maxwell said.

While the Maxwells have a lot in common with others at the event, they are still looking for answers.

A suspect has been identified in Megan's disappearance, but no one has been charged. Still, Wednesday's event came with good news.

"Last week and even this week, we've gotten some good intelligence that we're following up on. I'm encouraged and believe that we will bring some closure to that matter," Dunn said.

"It lets me know that they're working on this. It's easy to feel like 'Well, they're not doing anything,' when I know they are," Maxwell said.

While investigators pursue new leads, Maxwell plans to continue the search for her daughter.

"We're going to be starting searching again. We're just going to start over again. It will be another summer like last summer. We're not going to stop until we find her," she said.

Maxwell said she plans to mark Monday's anniversary by spending the day with family and planting a tree in honor of Megan.