One Year Later, The Search for Lauren Spierer Continues

It has been one year since of Edgemont disappeared. And those who love the Indiana University student are still searching for answers.

One year ago today, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, 20-year-old vanished after a night of partying with college friends in Bloomington, Indiana.

An entire year has passed since her parents, , and older sister, Rebecca, have heard her voice. Yet, the voicemail message at the family’s Edgemont home remains the same, greeting callers with a you’ve reached “Rob, Charlene, Rebecca and Lauren,” can’t-get-to-the-phone-now message.

The New York family has spent the past year holding press conferences, updating websites and blogs, and speaking with national news media and police.

There have been several tips, but still no answers.           

Corey Rossman and Jay Rosenbaum, the last two men to see Lauren before she disappeared, are persons of interest in the case, but have not provided helpful information, according to her family.

Spierer was reported missing to Bloomington Police on June 3, and last seen at about 4:30 a.m. June 3 at 11th and College Avenue in Bloomington, Indiana, according to Bloomington Police.

To date, the department has received over 2,600 tips on the case, and has been assisted by the FBI, Indiana State Police, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana University Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, according to BPD.

"The case of is still considered to be a very active investigation," Captain Joe Qualters said in a statement to media. "Detectives remain assigned to the case with it being classified a “priority” case for them as it has since Lauren was reported missing. On average, two to three credible tips come in on a weekly basis and they can require extensive follow up by the investigators."

"Some place significance on the date marking one year since Lauren disappeared, but the passing of time has not deterred the effort or commitment on the part of the Bloomington Police Department to provide answers to Lauren’s family and the Bloomington community," Qualters said.

On Friday, Rob, Charlene and Rebecca Spierer went on the TODAY Show and spoke about Lauren, the search and their quest for answers.

Rob told the TODAY show that the family is being “realistic” about finding their daughter alive.  “’You have to be realistic ... you always have that small element of hope, but of course, as time goes by, you become more and more realistic about the possibility of her being alive,’“ he told the TODAY Show Friday.

Lauren’s 25-year-old sister, Rebecca, told TODAY, “’We could’ve never imagined still a year later and not having the answers that we so desperately want. But every day we’re just trying to stay together, we’re leaning on each other and we’re doing the best we can.’”

The Spierer’s were unavailable for an interview with Patch this week, according to their spokeswoman.

Lauren Spierer was last seen on 11th Street and College Avenue in Bloomington, IN, on June 3, 2011. Lauren is 4'11" tall, 95 pounds, with blonde hair, blue eyes, and last seen wearing black pants and a white tank top with a white top.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477 or by email at policetips@bloomington.in.gov