ALLEN – Armed with boots, hiking poles, and determination, dozens of volunteers gathered on a misty Saturday morning for one of the largest, longest searches since Christina Morris went missing.
They spread out from Allen High School to comb fields and wooded areas in Collin County.
"I will continue to fight," said Jonni McElroy, Morris' mother. "I feel you reaching for me, I know you feel my hand reaching for you. We will connect very soon. I can feel it."
McElroy is still holding out hope her 22-year-old daughter will be found safe, one day after investigators revealed they found Morris' DNA in the trunk of Enrique Arochi's car. He is the last known man to see Morris alive in the parking lot of the Shops at Legacy on Aug. 30, and is charged with her kidnapping.
McElroy has no doubt Arochi knows where her daughter is.
"God will forgive you, but you have to forgive yourself and you have to make the right choice to give us these answers that we need as a family," McElroy said.
Plano police helped loved ones decide where to search. Morris' family asked News 8 not to reveal exact locations. If they turn up anything, volunteers were asked to only share those details with police.
Some of the volunteers have never met Morris, but were moved by a mother's plea for answers.
"I have my children, I have them for Christmas," said volunteer Christine Robnett, with tears in her eyes. "She needs to know something. She needs to know."
There's a stocking waiting for Christina Morris, McElroy said. And in a season of miracles, her family is hoping one will bring her home for Christmas.
If you have any information about the case, please call Plano police.
