Search Area for Missing Boy Expanded to 16 Square Miles

Riverside County Sheriff's deputies and rescue teams are searching a 14.7 square-mile area for a missing Menifee boy and plan to expand that to 16 square miles, a Sheriff's official said.

Deputy Albert Martinez said police have not ruled out foul play in the disappearance of 11-year-old Terry Smith, but there is "no direct link" that would lead them in that direction.

In addition to dozens of Sheriff's rescue team members on foot, horseback and with search dogs, nearly 500 Menifee residents are searching areas throughout the city. Throughout the day, they have come and gone at the volunteer command post at Menifee Market on Scott Road, asking which areas to search and donating food supplies for those searching.

Originally, the search focused on the area on both sides of Scott Road near Murrieta Road. The boy lives with his mother and 16-year-old brother on Helen Lane, on a dirt road about 100 yards uphill from Menifee Market. Now, however, the search has expanded in all directions and on both sides of Interstate 215.

Bill Gillette, coordinator of the volunteer command center, said he is now sending volunteers to Menifee Marketplace, where an unconfirmed sighting of Terry at the Target store was reported. Volunteers are also spreading out as far as Sun City, going door to door with fliers. Volunteers estimate about 5,000 fliers are being circulated and more than 50 large posters are being held up a major intersections.

Martinez said he has not heard of a reported sighting at Target. He did say, however, that police are following up on several tips of possible sightings. So far, however, there has been no confirmed sighting of the boy, who hasn't been seen since Saturday night.

A prayer circle will be held in front of Menifee Market at 7 p.m. today. Additional volunteers are needed for the search.