New details have emerged in the mysterious dissapearance of a Kansas preacher's wife and her friend, a mother of two, who were last heard from while traveling across state lines to pick up children.
27-year-old mother Veronica Butler, and a preacher's wife, Jillian Kelley, were traveling 16 miles from Elkhart, Kansas to Eva, Oklahoma to pick up young children together before they disappearing completely, 3 miles away from their destination.
A person close to Butler, who wished to remain anonymous, has revealed that Butler was supposed to pick up her 6-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son to celebrate her daughter's birthday, according to ABC 7.
Their car had been found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, about three miles north of Eva, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
"Really hard to deal with knowing that someone I've been in contact with since I was 16 years old (is missing), its been real difficult," said the person.
The Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) stated the case is still under inquiry, leaving many questions unanswered, including the condition of the car when it was found, what was found inside, whether there are any suspects, and the whereabouts of the children.
The community is hoping for the best but also understands the odds of a positive outcome diminish the longer the women are missing.
"I know the first 24-48 hours are the most crucial time to try to find someone, and knowing that it's been longer than that, it's taking a toll on us," said the source.
