Corrie Anderson's Family Remembers Missing Mom on Anniversary of Disappearance

October 28, 2009

Think of the person who means the most to you in your life. Now, think of what your life would be like if he or she suddenly vanished without a trace. That pain – the type of heart wrenching pain you can't truly know unless you have been in a similar situation - is all too real for the family of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Chautauqua County, NY, who went missing exactly one year ago today.

"It's been a very difficult year," Corrie's mother, Vickie Acquisto, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We're a close knit family, and we really miss her every day.

Corrie was last seen at about 1:00 p.m. on October 28, 2008, when she visited her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership in Jamestown. Family members reported her missing at about 3:45 p.m. that day, when she failed to show up at her son's school for a meeting. Items found at Corrie's house suggest that she made it home some time prior to her disappearance; however, whatever happened to her after that remains a mystery.

Two days later, on October 30, 2008, a hunter discovered Corrie's minivan abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti. The location is approximately two miles from Corrie's house.

"There's a hole in our lives and in our hearts," Corrie's cousin, Laurie Keefe, said. "Not knowing where she is or what happened to her is horrible. We cannot move forward with our lives, and yet life continues to move on around us."

The pain of not knowing has had not only a negative effect on Corrie's family, but also on the traditions that they once shared together.

"We can't do any more family gatherings in the dining room because it's too difficult without her," Vickie said.

While local authorities have conducted several searches for Corrie, her family has also taken it upon themselves to do everything in their power to locate her. In addition to hiring a private investigator in the weeks following her disappearance, they also enlisted the help of Texas EquuSearch, a nonprofit search and recovery organization headquartered in Dickinson, Texas. The group initially promised to lead a community search for Corrie in April 2009; however, just three days before the search was set to take place, they pulled out, leaving the family scrambling to find a replacement group to lead the hundreds of volunteers who had preregistered for the search. Luckily, 3 View Search Services, a new search and recovery group from Indiana, was able to step in and take over. Ultimately, they found no sign of Corrie, but it was certainly not for lack of effort.

"Corrie's case was the first one we worked together as a team after forming our organization," said Mandy Albritton, co-founder of 3 View. "We were disappointed when, despite the efforts of over 400 community volunteers, the search effort failed to turn up any sign of Corrie, but we remain committed to Corrie and her family."

According to Albritton, her organization is already planning a second search for Corrie, scheduled to take place in the spring.

"Corrie's children need to know where their mother is and that she would never have left them on her own," Albritton said.

Local and state officials have released very few details in Corrie's case and have declined to comment on the status of the investigation, other than to say that it remains a top priority. Despite the lack of comments from police, Corrie's family has no illusions as to the reason she is missing.

"It is a criminal investigation," Laurie said, adding, "We seek justice toward the person(s) responsible for taking her away from her family."

In the meantime, Corrie's family must continue to move on with their lives. They must also ensure that her children are cared for and that her youngest son, 7-year-old Zachery, never forgets his mother.

"Zachary saw her picture in the local paper this morning," Vickie said. "He looked up and said, "I remember that day -- we played in the leaves."

The investigation continues…

Corrie Anderson is 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, with green eyes and blonde hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. Corrie's family is offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. For more information, please visit: www.findcorrie.com.

Anyone with information regarding Corrie's disappearance or whereabouts is asked to call the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Click here to read an article on the one year anniversary that was written by my friend and collegue, Robert Rizzuto.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credits: Contributed

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Human Skeletal Remains Found in NY Not Corrie Anderson

October 01, 2009

Last weekend a fisherman in Cattaraugus County, NY, found human skeletal remains along the edge of the Allegheny Reservoir. According to a source close to the investigation, a skull and miscellaneous bones were recovered from the scene. For the past several days family members of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Ashville who went missing in October 2008, have been waiting and wondering if their search was finally over. Unfortunately, that was not the case and the family received word this afternoon that Corrie's dental records did not match the remains. A source within the NY State Police has also confirmed that they do not belong to Corrie.

The remains are currently in the hands of Doctor Dennis Dirkmaat, a forensic anthropologist at Mercyhurst College in Erie, PA. According to local authorities, they have provided pertinent medical information regarding several other missing person cases to Dirkmaat and his team. Among those cases are Lori Ceci-Bova and Damien Sharp.

Click here to continue reading this story >

Human Skeletal Remains Found in Upstate NY

September 28, 2009

A fisherman in Cattaraugus County, NY, made a gruesome discovery Saturday afternoon when he stumbled upon human skeletal remains along the edge of the Allegheny Reservoir.

According to a source close to the investigation, a skull and miscellaneous bones were recovered from the scene. No word yet on who they belong to; however investigators have said that they appear to have been there for "quite some time."

No missing persons have been reported in Cattaraugus County, but the remains are located roughly 20 miles from the home of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three from Ashville who went missing in October 2008.

Authorities say it could take several days for an identification to be made. Forensic specialists from Erie, Pennsylvania are expected to assist in that process.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Getty

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NY State Police Renew Search for Corrie Anderson

June 25, 2009

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. Press release - The  New York State Police in conjunction with the New York State Forest Rangers, Chautauqua County Sheriff's Department, Town of Lakewood/Busti Police Department and the City of Salamanca Police Department are conducting a ground search of an area in the Town of Busti, Chautauqua County, NY. in relation to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Corrie Anderson. 

Ms. Anderson was last seen on October 28th, 2008.  After Ms. Anderson did not pick up her children from school that day family members of Ms. Anderson contacted the New York State Police who have, along with other law enforcement agencies, been actively investigating the circumstances of her disappearance. 

The New York State Police are requesting anyone who may have information they feel would be helpful in locating Ms. Anderson to contact SP Jamestown at 716-665-3113.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Contributed

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Into Thin Air...

May 28, 2009

Some have vanished without a trace while others left a string of mysteries in their wake. Learn more about some unsolved cases and see what you can do to help.

Visit Investigation Discovery's new Missing Person information and resource page at:
http://investigation.discovery.com/investigation/missing-persons/missing-persons.html

Unsolved: The Missing and Murdered Women of Chautauqua County

May 13, 2009

Situated in the southwestern corner of New York State, Chautauqua County is the westernmost of New York's counties. The Web site of the visitors' bureau describes the area as a "gateway to the west," where visitors can enjoy "grapes, wineries, cultural, culinary, and resort centers." What you won't find on that Web site is information about the county's unsolved abductions and murders of women - some of which date to the 1980s.

Jane Doe: On Dec. 6, 1983, utility company employees discovered the partially clad body of a woman in a ditch along Route 17 in Ellery. The victim, who has never been identified, had been shot once in the back, twice in the chest, and once inside the mouth. Based upon the victim's characteristics, investigators believe she was a European; however, all attempts to identify her have been unsuccessful. She is described as a white female, 33-37 years of age, 5'4" and 128 lbs., with grayish brown hair and brown eyes. She had a wart above her left eye and a mole behind her left ear. The autopsy revealed that the victim had given birth to at least one child, some 15 years prior to her death.  The victim had bridge work on the right side of her mouth, which is believed to have been done in Europe. A handwritten note found with the victim was from the Blue Boy Motor Lodge in Vancouver, British Columbia; however, investigators have been unable to decipher the abbreviations and numbers written on it.

Kathy Wilson: Last seen on May 18, 1988, Kathy disappeared after an afternoon trip to Quality Markets in Falconer. Her vehicle was later found at another grocery store on the opposite side of town. On Sept. 24, 1989, Kathy's remains were found in a wooded area along Lindell Road in Warren County, Pennsylvania.  Her case remains unsolved.

Judith Lynn McElheney: The body of 27-year-old Judith McElheney was found on Oct. 8, 1990, at a rest stop on Route 5 in Sheridan. According to police, she had sustained a single gunshot to her head close to her left ear. Investigators have been unable to determine a motive in the case, and no suspects have ever been identified.

Rebecca Nicholson: On Dec. 13, 1990, Rebecca's body was discovered inside her Westfield home. According to police, she had been shot. To date, no one has been arrested in the case.

Melinda Juul: An on-duty police officer discovered the body of 32-year-old Melinda Juul on the morning of Jan. 20, 1993, along Marion Street in Jamestown. The victim had been shot, and a .40-caliber shell casing was found at the scene. Neighborhood residents reported being suspicious of a black car that had driven through the area, but it remains unclear if the vehicle was connected to the crime. Melinda's body was approximately two blocks from a resource center, where she had helped care for the developmentally disabled. Melinda was last seen when she left work to go on break. According to police, she used her bank debit card at a plaza shortly before her murder. She also purchased a magazine at the Foote Avenue Quality Markets. Melinda's husband and four children were at home during the incident. The motive behind the murder remains unknown, and police have yet to name a suspect in the case.

Lori Ceci Bova: On the evening of June 7, 1997, 26-year-old Lori Bova, her husband Tyrone Bova, and her sister went to dinner at Red Lobster in Lakewood. Lori and her husband left the restaurant at about 10:30 p.m. and returned home together. According to the initial statements Tyrone gave to police, he last saw his wife shortly after their return home, when they got into an argument and she went outside to smoke a cigarette. What happened to her after that remains a mystery. Lori is described as a white female, 5'4" tall, 106 pounds, with long curly brown hair and green eyes. She was last seen wearing gray sweatpants and a gray sweatshirt printed with the words "Freeport Bahamas."

Yolanda Bindics: Twenty-five-year-old Yolanda was last seen on the night of Aug. 10, 2004, when she left her job at the Family Dollar store in Jamestown. The following day, police found Yolanda's car in the parking lot of an Arby's restaurant on Fluvanna Ave., about half a mile from the Family Dollar store.  On Sept. 8, 2004, police found Yolanda's purse, keys, and other personal items in two separate storm drains in Jamestown. The search for Yolanda continued until Sep. 10, 2006, when hunters discovered her remains in a state forest in the Town of Charlotte. Yolanda's death has been ruled a homicide, and at least two persons of interest - both of whom maintain their innocence - have been named in the case; however, no one has been arrested, and the case remains unsolved.

Corrie Anderson: On Oct. 28, 2008, 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a mother of three from Ashville, disappeared after visiting her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown. Items found at Corrie's house suggest she made it home before her disappearance. On Oct. 30, a hunter discovered Corrie's car abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti, approximately two miles from Corrie's house. Multiple agencies have participated in a search effort. Authorities and members of the search and recovery group 3 View have used ATVs, helicopters, and dogs to inspect areas of interest; however, no sign of her has been found. Corrie Anderson is 5'11", 170 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. Her keys and black, 8" x 8" square purse, with a G.H. Bass & Company logo, are also missing.

Though investigators do not believe any of the cases mentioned here are connected, they have acknowledged that some of them have similar characteristics. Unfortunately, County Legislatures have repeatedly turned down funding requests for a cold case squad. As a result, it is unclear if any of these cases will ever be solved.

Anyone with information on any of the cases listed here should contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at 716-753-2131 or the New York State Police at 716-665-3113.

Related Links:
Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson, Needs Your Help
Who Killed Yolanda Bindics?

Photo Credits: Contributed

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

Volunteers Use Helicopter in Search for Corrie Anderson

April 27, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a 36-year-old mother of three who disappeared in October 2008, took to the skies in Chautauqua County, N. Y. yesterday, when a group of searchers (click photo to enlarge) boarded a Robinson R44 helicopter and shot photos of the area from above.

The group consisted of Bill Jones, a pilot from H&L Enterprises; Corrie's cousin, Chris Keefe; local photographer Amy Hudson; Post-Journal reporter/photographer Robert Rizzuto; 3 View Search Services team member Walter Perkowski; and Investigation Discovery's David Lohr.

Using high-resolution digital cameras, the group hovered at 500 to 3,000 feet over several areas of interest in the case, and they took some 1,000 photos of the landscape. Those images will be uploaded to a computer at the Aerial Image Corporation in the Purdue Research Park. There, experts will digitally enhance and filter the photos in an attempt to identify anything that looks out of place, such as shapes that might be a body or a new dig site.

The same technology has been successful in other missing person cases, including the search for 36-year-old Charles Rickey - a man who went missing in Carmel, Ind., two years ago. In that case, the search team knew that Rickey was wearing a blue jacket and blue jeans, so they used a computerized photo imaging system to make the color blue in the pictures show up as red. As a result, they were able to locate Rickey's remains in a quarry near 96th St. and the Hazel Dell Pkwy.

Corrie's family is now hoping that the same technology can be used to help them determine what happened to their missing loved one.

"We're crossing our fingers," Corrie's cousin Laurie Keefe told Investigation Discovery. "Hopefully these images can put some pieces of the puzzle together for us."

Meanwhile, Sean Henady, founder of 3 View Search Services, is expected to return to the area within the next two weeks to conduct a sonar search of local waterways. In addition to that search, Corrie's family is planning a second community search, to be announced in the near future. Anyone interested in helping can visit the family's Web site, www.findcorrie.com, or join an Internet group devoted to the case located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/findcorrie.

Corrie Anderson was last seen about 1:10 p.m., on Oct.28, 2008, when she visited her boyfriend at the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown.

Family members reported Corrie missing at about 3:45 p.m. that day, when she failed to show up at her son's school for a meeting. Corrie's blue Dodge Caravan, New York license number CX404, was also missing; however items found at Corrie's house suggest she had made it home some time prior to her disappearance.

On Oct. 30, 2008, a hunter discovered Corrie's car abandoned at a gas well off Kortwright Road in the town of Busti. The location is approximately two miles from Corrie's house. State police recovered the vehicle from the field, and sent it to Batavia for forensic testing.

That night, the New York State Police searched the Celoron, N.Y. home of Corrie's estranged husband, Kenneth Anderson. Investigators reportedly questioned Anderson for several hours; however, what – if anything – they learned is unknown, as the state police has denied a FOIA request for copies of the search warrant.

Police have not called Kenneth Anderson a suspect or person of interest in Corrie's disappearance.

Corrie Anderson is 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, with green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing black corduroy pants, a black leather jacket, and small wire-rimmed glasses. In addition, her keys and purse are also missing. Her purse is described as black, 8” x 8” square, with a G.H. Bass & Company logo.

A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to call the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Group photo, Group in helicopter and Helicopter: Carla Lohr; Corrie Anderson: Contributed

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

The Ongoing Search for Missing NY Mom, Corrie Anderson

April 20, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a 36-year-old missing mother of three who disappeared in October 2008, took place in Ashville, NY, this past weekend.

Roughly 400 volunteers showed up to help search for Corrie. According to Corrie's family, the turnout was great, especially given the fact that the entire search was up in the air at this time last week, when another search group pulled out of the search effort. Despite those problems, another group - Indiana-based 3 View Search Services - was able to quickly mobilize and dispatch a team into the area to help manage the search effort.

"We are so grateful for all the support we have received from both the community and this wonderful group of people that came here to assist us on such short notice," Corrie's mother, Vicki Acquisto, told Investigation Discovery. "Without them, I don’t know what we would have done."

On Saturday, the first day of the search, some 250 volunteers showed up at the command center. Those individuals were then broken up into smaller groups of 5-10 people and assigned to pre-qualified team leaders.

Search coordinators began to dispatch teams at 7:30 a.m., and within an hour, each team was on the ground in one of the 31 search zones that had been identified previously as possible areas of interest. By 6:00 p.m., nearly all of the zones had been covered.

Sunday's turnout was somewhat smaller, with approximately 150 volunteers turning out; however, those teams were able to successfully clear several of the remaining zones.

During both days, several teams flagged various items that team leaders considered of interest; however, at this time there is no indication that any of them are related to the case.

In addition to community volunteers, several members of Websleuths.com, an Internet based "Crime Sleuthing Community," showed up to join in the search. Members of that same group were also present during both searches for missing Florida tot Caylee Anthony.

"We searched our hearts out again today, and it was NO picnic," Websleuther "Torsade" wrote on the group's message board. "I think it's safe to tell you that we did NOT find Corrie. I'm so sad about that. Thinking positively, we found areas that Corrie is NOT in. And there were lots of findings that may be forensically important in the future."

Corrie Anderson Search Set to Begin this Weekend

April 15, 2009

The search for Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., is scheduled to take place this weekend. However, despite previous plans, the search will no longer involve members of the search and recovery group, Texas EquuSearch.

The sudden change in plan remains unclear, but the family is adamant that they will continue forward, as is evident in a press release they sent out late last night.

"Although this news is disappointing to the family, they would like the public to know that all search plans and the schedule remain the same and they still need community support," the press release reads. "It will be a more local effort, not as grand-scale, but still the mission is the same, to search for Corrie. The hunters, farmers, firefighters and citizens that make up our community know this land and we need their help. We truly value and appreciate their support."

The command center for the search will be located at the Ashville Firemen's Training Grounds, in Ashville, NY. Search teams will start getting dispatched at 8:00 am and the search will continue each day until dusk.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the search is asked to show up at the command center or to sign up at www.findcorrie.com.

A $15,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Corrie's whereabouts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Police at (716) 665-3113.

Related Link:
Investigation Discovery: Full Coverage: Corrie Anderson

Photo Credit: Contributed

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission from Discovery Communications. All quotes must include a link back.

New Search Date Announced in Corrie Anderson Case

March 31, 2009

Texas EquuSearch and the family of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., held a joint press conference in Jamestown, N.Y. today to update the media on the case and to announce new search dates.

Corrie's mother, Vickie Acquisto, said that she initially had been discouraged when the search, which was originally scheduled to begin this weekend, was canceled, but that she has since realized that the decision was for the best.

"There is a reason for everything. Everything happens for a reason," Vickie said. "To see how it's all coming together now -- I'm really very thankful. Our hopes are that we will find Corrie. I would like to say I want to find her alive, but we have to have closure."

According to Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, the search will now be held on April 18 and 19. The command center will be located at the Ashville Firemen's Training Grounds.

"We have cooperation from law enforcement," Miller said. "They have done a wonderful job. I went all over the areas that they searched yesterday and I had a two-and-a-half-hour meeting with them myself. We're going to go ahead and spread the search out a little bit farther. We've got some resources that we can bring to the table if needed. We've looked at some areas where we might possibly use sonar. We know law enforcement used sonar and divers also. We've got a small drone airplane that we might also be using on this search."

Miller said that his trip to New York was essential because he was able to drive around and familiarize himself with the area.

"We're doing a lot of mapping," Miller said. "We're going to do more mapping today. The snow kind of hurt us in some areas that we wanted to look at, but we are going to have another look at those today."

Search for Corrie Anderson Postponed

March 26, 2009

Press Release
From: Texas EquuSearch
March 27, 2009

Texas EquuSearch and the family of Corrie Anderson announced today that they have postponed the search for Corrie due to forecasted weather conditions. With the prediction of rain lasting late into next week and beyond, search conditions will be hampered during the weekend of April 3-5. 

A family spokesperson had this to say:

"As a family, we are tremendously grateful for the support of the community and TES in our search for Corrie. We are truly inspired by your kindness, and by the number of volunteers that want to help.
 
"Earlier today, as the number of volunteers continued to increase and we realized next weekend would bring more harsh weather to the region, we came to a decision with Texas EquuSearch to delay the search. This was an extremely tough decision, as we’ve waited and prepared for five months to do this. 

"Thank you for providing such a great foundation for this search. We graciously ask that you remain with us as we work with Texas EquuSearch to determine a new search date, to better accommodate the community and make for a more successful search."

Texas EquuSearch Founder and Director Tim Miller will still be in Jamestown on Monday to meet with the family and law enforcement regarding the search effort. An announcement will be made on Monday afternoon regarding the new search dates. Mr. Miller and Texas EquuSearch would like to thank the community for the overwhelming response regarding the search for Corrie. Inquiries regarding the search can be directed to Tim Miller at tim.miller@texasequusearch.org or Carolyn Todd at Carolyn.todd@texasequusearch.org . Information regarding the search can also be found on the organization’s website at www.texasequusearch.org.

Community Shows Support for Missing NY Woman

March 16, 2009

Family and friends of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., organized a spaghetti dinner and Chinese auction to raise money for the family's reward fund and an upcoming search that is being planned by volunteers from the search and recovery group Texas EquuSearch.

Approximately 500 people showed up at the event, which was held at the Ashville Fireman's Training Grounds on Cedar Avenue.

"We are really appreciative of the support we have received from everyone," Corrie's cousin, Laurie Keefe, said in an interview with Investigation Discovery. "We've had a lot of people come forward and offer to help in any way that they can. We are so grateful. We wouldn't be able to get through this without them."

Texas EquuSearch volunteers were also present at the spaghetti dinner to sign up individuals who were interested in joining in the search effort.

"It's been a long winter for all the families of missing people and it has been even longer to endure for the family and friends of Corrie Anderson," Texas EquuSearch spokesperson Gary Peterson told Investigation Discovery.

Texas EquuSearch will begin searching for Corrie on April 3 and will continue the search until April 5. According to Peterson, the group is in need of searchers on foot, ATV’s and horseback; in addition to volunteers to work in the command center.

Peterson said they are also in need of volunteers with prior law enforcement, fire department and military backgrounds to work as team leaders during the search.  A training class for team leaders and command center volunteers will be held on April 2.

"Dozens of our volunteers from all over the country will converge on Jamestown to help search for Corrie," Peterson said, adding, "We pray that we are successful in bringing Corrie home and putting her disappearance to rest. We express our heartfelt "Thanks" to all of you that we know and the friends we have yet to meet."

The command post for the search will be at the Busti Fire Department, which is located at 886 Mill Rd. Jamestown, NY 14701. Search teams will start getting dispatched at 8:00 am and the search will continue each day until dusk.

Texas EquuSearch Plans Search for Corrie Anderson

March 12, 2009

Texas EquuSearch will be in Jamestown, NY, to search for Corrie Anderson on April 3-5, 2009.

Corrie, a 36-year-old mother of three, was last seen on Oct. 28, 2008, when she went to visit a friend at an automotive dealership in Jamestown.  Her car was found by a hunter on Oct. 30, 2008, in a field near Busti.

Due to extreme winter weather conditions, a large scale search effort by Texas EquuSearch was delayed until now; however advance teams have been in the area several times over the last few months doing advance planning and reconnaissance to identify areas of interest.

Texas EquuSearch is in need of searchers on foot, ATV’s and horseback; in addition to volunteers to work in the command center. They are also in need of volunteers with prior law enforcement, fire department and military backgrounds to work as team leaders during the search.  A training class for team leaders and command center volunteers will be held on April 2.

All volunteers are welcome. You must be 18-years-old and present a valid photo ID. Plan to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, good walking shoes or boots, and dress appropriately for the weather. Searchers should also carry a walking stick.

Those interested in participating as a horse searcher must bring an up-to-date Coggins Report with them on the day of the search.

Dice Run Benefits Search for Missing NY Mother

February 24, 2009

Family and friends of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., organized a snowmobile dice run on Feb. 21, to raise money for the family's reward fund and an upcoming search that is being planned by volunteers from the search and recovery group Texas EquuSearch.

Over 50 people registered for the event, which began at the Chautauqua County Snowmobile Club's headquarters on Hannum Road and ended at the Maple Springs Fire hall, where participants enjoyed a buffet of food and entertainment by the Mayville band Disorderly Conduct.

In addition to gift certificates and a slew of other accolades, two cash prizes were handed out during the event, totaling $800. The recipients of both those awards graciously turned their winnings over to the family.

''We have really been overwhelmed by the support that the community has shown for us over the past few months,'' Corrie's mother, Vicki Acquisto, told post-journal.com. ''And with the event today, we've had so much help from everyone and we are so thankful for the opportunity to have a fun day- we needed this.''

Vigil Held for Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson

January 28, 2009

Family and friends of Corrie Anderson, a missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., held a prayer vigil for Corrie last night at the Panama Baptist Church.

"It remains the strongly held belief that she is still very much alive and waiting to be found," Rev. Andy Cook said during the vigil. "Some of us, perhaps many of us, share that belief and all of us deeply respect that belief. I find myself not wanting to say, but needing to say that Corrie may not be found and that Corrie may not be coming home. What I just said I say with much difficulty and yet with the upmost love and respect for everyone seated here. If Corrie is not to come home, it is only because she has already been home and perhaps for some time. As of this moment, Corrie has been missing for some three months. It has been a harrowing passage to be sure and in ways the rest of us cannot possibly hope to understand and in ways that we would not want to understand. No one here, least of all this preacher, is qualified to declare what is or isn’t the case, so we go on praying with the hope for Corrie's return."

Corrie's mother, Vicki Acquisto, did not speak during the vigil; however she did express her feelings to the media.

"I just miss her a lot. I really miss her a lot," Vickie said.

Click here to watch video of the vigil

Mike Ray and Walt Perkowski, members of the search and recovery group Texas EquuSearch, were also on hand to show support for Corrie's loved ones. Earlier in the day, Ray and Perkowski conducted additional reconnaissance and identified at least one new area of interest in the case. According to Ray, the search is currently set to begin in March or April, depending on the weather.

"The community is behind us 100% and the assets they are offering will make the recovery of Corrie much easier," Ray told Investigation Discovery. "We currently have over 60 horses, as well as over 500 searchers ready to deploy as soon as conditions are ready. Obviously, the safety of the horses and the searchers will be a priority, so ground conditions are holding us back right now. Many in the community have offered lodging and supplies, as well as vehicles to searchers who will be coming from the Texas area. It is great to have this type of support. As always, our main goal is to bring Corrie home."

In addition to the vigil that was held last night, Corrie's family members are also planning at least two other events – a snowmobile poker run and a Chinese auction – in order to raise donations for the search effort and also for a reward fund the family has established for information on Corrie's whereabouts.

Corrie Anderson's Family Plans Prayer Vigil and Fundraiser

January 23, 2009

The family of Corrie Anderson, missing mother of three from Ashville, N.Y., is holding a prayer vigil for Corrie on Tuesday, January 27, at the Panama Baptist Church in Panama, N.Y. The vigil will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. The prayer vigil is open to all who wish to attend. 

Although the winter weather has temporarily suspended the physical search for Corrie, the family asks that everyone keep Corrie and her family in their prayers.

In addition to the prayer vigil, the family is planning several fundraiser events to help in the search for Corrie. A snowmobile poker run is scheduled for February 21 and a dinner/Chinese auction is being planned for March. 

If you would like to donate to the Corrie Anderson Family Fund, to assist with ongoing expenses in their search efforts, please send your donation to Affinity One Federal Credit Union (formerly MRC), 545 E Second Street, Jamestown, New York 14701-5617.

For further details, please visit the family's website at www.findcorrie.com.

Photo Credit: Contributed by family

Texas EquuSearch Joins Search for Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson

December 08, 2008

The search and recovery firm Texas EquuSearch is in Chautauqua County, New York, looking into the disappearance of Corrie Anderson, a mother of three who went missing in October.

"We were contacted by the family of Corrie and asked to join the search," EquuSearch spokesperson Barbie Tarr told Investigation Discovery. "Members of our group arrived in Jamestown on Sunday to begin going over the case."

Earlier today, I traveled to Ashville, NY, where I met with Mike Ray, one of the EquuSearch team members that is on the scene to coordinate the search effort. According to Ray, he has visited areas of interest in the case and has identified specific grids to conduct searches in.

"We've been working close with the family and police, gathering information and reviewing satellite data," Ray told Investigation Discovery. "We are confident this is a case that can be solved."

Unfortunately, weather conditions in the area are hampering a full scale search effort, something which will most likely have to be put on hold until the spring.

"The conditions here are not favorable, so we are currently trying to come up with a feasible search date," Ray said. "Once we have ascertained when that will occur, we will need the community's support in moving forward. The more volunteers we can get, the quicker we can clear the search grids."

In the meantime, EquuSearch will continue to gather logistical data.

"The family is not alone in their search," Ray said. "We are committed to this case and we will do whatever we can to assist them."

In related news, EquuSearch team member Gary Peterson is in Rochester, Minnesota, testing cadaver dogs to see if they can track scents deep in the snow. In a telephone conversation with Investigation Discovery, Peterson said that the field tests were successful. A team of dogs is currently on standby and could be brought in as early as next week for a small scale search.

Missing Mother of Three, Corrie Anderson, Needs Your Help

December 06, 2008

Unless you have been in a similar situation, chances are you cannot fathom what it is like when someone you love goes missing. You see the cases on the news all the time, but how often do you actually take the time to contemplate what the families are going through? It is not easy, nor is it pleasant; however, it is something everyone needs to do, for that person could easily be your own spouse or relative.

One of the families experiencing the pain and the frustration of the unknown is that of 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a mother of three from Chautauqua County, New York, who went missing in October of this year. Since that time, investigators with the New York State Police have released few details regarding the status of the case, and it has all but slipped off the radar of many local media outlets.

"Our hearts ache. How could this happen? It feels as though time is standing still," Corrie's cousin, Laurie Keefe, told Investigation Discovery. "While we struggle to be heard and tell all who will listen, the real world moves at its normal rapid pace, preparing for the holidays, oblivious to our pain. Did this really happen? It is surreal."

In order to help you connect to this family – to understand who Corrie was and to relate to the situation at hand - I asked Corrie's closest family members to give us a glimpse into her life. I wanted to give you, the reader, a connection that you cannot obtain from a photo on a flyer. As expected, the family's response was both genuine, and heartfelt.

"Corrie is strong, resilient, loving, generous and kind," her older brother, Scott Barker, told Investigation Discovery.

Scott's wife, Jenny Barker, agreed, and went on to describe Corrie as someone who always put others before herself.

"She has a really great smile," Jenny said. "She has a way of making everyone feel comfortable. She is never the center of attention and always puts herself last. First and foremost, she is a mom to her three children."

Corrie is the second of four children. She and her family enjoyed life, growing up on a dairy farm in western New York. According to Corrie's mom, Vicki Acquisto, her daughter has always been full of life and adventure.

"She would spend many hours outdoors with her brother Scott, exploring the creeks and woods," Vickie recalled with a smile.

When they were young, Corrie and her sister, Autumn Boardman, had their share of sisterly spats, but, as the years went by, they became very close and grew to rely upon on each other.

"Every Christmas season, with everything getting hectic - all those different family personalities and all - we would always buy a bottle of wine or something to drink when the holidays were done, but would never get to it," Autumn told Investigation Discovery. "We always seemed to get through by laughing instead. Corrie and I just enjoyed being able to talk about everything and anything, what life was and is currently handing us and listen to each other and gossiping. It seems it is just the simple things in life that we enjoyed and made us laugh.

"She loves watching my kids grow.  She was at the hospital for their births, so eager to meet them.  She loves holding them, watching their first teeth come in, starting to crawl, first steps, and just becoming their own persons.  I am hoping that I am at least half the mom she is."

Corrie married Mike Hillerby when she was 18. Her daughter, Kaitlyn, was born a year later, followed by Shannon, a year and a half after that. Although Corrie tried her best to make the marriage work, it didn't.  After seven years, she and the girls moved back home with Vicki and stepdad, Mickey. Her parents, along with her sister, Autumn, provided support and love to Corrie and the girls, and Corrie provided the same in return.

In 2000, Corrie met Ken Anderson, and they married soon thereafter. The couple's son, Zack, was born a year later. Corrie became discouraged early in the marriage, but continued to try to make the relationship work. Unfortunately, Corrie soon came to find out that Ken had not divorced his previous wife, something which made her marriage to him invalid.

The Search for Missing Mother of Three Corrie Anderson

November 02, 2008

I was on the scene in Jamestown, N.Y. today looking into the case of 36-year-old Corrie L. Anderson, a southern-tier mother of three who went missing early last week.

According to police, Corrie was last seen on the afternoon of October 28, leaving the Lake County Dodge dealership on Washington Street in Jamestown. Family members reported Corrie missing later that day when she failed to pick up her 6-year-old son from school. Investigators with the New York State Police opened a file on the case and issued an APB (all points bulletin) for Corrie's blue 2005 Dodge Caravan, New York license number CX404.

"We're appealing to people who have large parking lots... hotels or motels that this vehicle could be left abandoned where it wouldn't soon be noticed, so if people can, please check lots to see if any vehicles were left abandoned," State Police Major Christopher Cummings told WIVB.com.

On October 30, a hunter discovered Corey's car abandoned at a gas well off of Kortwright Road in the town of Busti.

"I was working outside, when an old fellow I know came walking out of the woods and said that he had found the woman's car on my property," the landowner, who does not wish to be identified, told Investigation Discovery. "He said he did not want any part of it, so I took my farmhand up there to have a look. The van was just past the gas well, out of site from the road. I walked up to it and looked inside, but I did not see anyone or any sign of trouble. We compared the license plate numbers to the one listed in the paper, and sure enough, it was her car. I phoned the police and within an hour they had the whole area cordoned off."

State police recovered the vehicle from the field, and sent it to Batavia for forensic testing.

That night, investigators searched the Celoron, N.Y. home of Corrie's second husband, Kenneth Anderson. It should be noted that several outlets are reporting that the Andersons are divorced; however, neighbors with whom I spoke said that their divorce had not yet been finalized.

Investigators reportedly questioned Anderson for several hours; however, what – if anything – they learned is unknown. Police have not called Anderson a suspect or person of interest in his wife's disappearance.