GREELEY — Police and the FBI today upped the reward for any information into the disappearance of 12-year-old Kayleah Wilson to $20,000 in hopes of generating viable leads into a case that is becoming grimmer each day.
“Our concern that she is safe increases by the day,” said Greeley Police Chief Jerry Garner. In nearly every case, runaways generally call someone a few days after they left home, Garner said.
No one has heard from Kayleah since she left her mother’s apartment on March 28 to attend a birthday party near the Greeley Mall, he said.
While not eliminating the possibility Kayleah decided to leave her home and family on her own free will, police are “definitely leaning that this is not a runaway situation,” Garner said. “This is something more serious.”
Jim Davis, FBI Special Agent for the Denver office, said his office has scaled back in the number of personnel working the case because the number of leads has also dwindled.
“We are certainly not getting the leads that will break this case,” Davis said. “We’re looking for any help we can get.”
To that end, the FBI’s Behavorial Analysis Unit produced some psychological indicators that might point to the person responsible for Kayleah’s disappearance.
Since the evening of March 28 the person:
* Could be coming up with an excuse to leave the area unexpectedly for what may sound like a good reason (work-related, visit a distant relative or friend, etc.)
* May have missed work, called in sick, asked to change shifts, particularly on days close to the night Kayleah went missing (Sunday night, Monday, Tuesday…)
* May have unexplained recent injuries (cuts, bruises) particularly on his head, hands, or arms.
* May have an unexpected or sudden interest in the status of this investigation, paying very close attention to the media or avoiding participation in any conversations or activities related to the case.
* Minimize or deny a known acquaintenance with Kayleah.
* May display nervousness or irritability.
* May show a recent increase or decrease in expressing religious beliefs.
* May have changed routine sleep patterns.
* May have changed “usual” consumption of alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
* May have shaved off facial or head hair, or, started growing a mustache or beard.
* May be no longer driving, or changing the appearance of, his personal or work vehicle for no obvious reason. Including suddenly keeping it in a shed or garage, covering it, painting it, selling it, reporting it stolen or giving it away.
The person also is likely to live in the Greeley community and has ties to the area around the Greeley Mall, the FBI said.
However, Davis said, he would be suprised if the person who may be holding Kayleah would still be in Greeley. “We have scoured the area pretty well,” he said.
People with tips about Kayleah’s whereabouts are asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907
