Police in Indiana are appealing for information after a mother of two disappeared the day before a fire broke out at her home, which investigators have described as 'suspicious in nature'.
Britney Gard, 46, from Putnam County, was last seen on 30 September. The following evening, firefighters attended a blaze at her house. No one was found inside, and Gard has not been located, although her car and purse remain on the property.
Her sister, Stephanie Bowen, told local media: 'Who took her? How does someone just go missing these days? It doesn’t make any sense.' Bowen said the alarm was raised when Gard failed to attend her daughter’s volleyball game, describing her as 'her kids’ biggest cheerleader'.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said a drone was used to search the area on the night of the fire, and the Community Emergency Response Team continued searches the following day. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources was also contacted to search a pond on the property, but Gard could not be found.
Detectives are working on the case 'round the clock' and using 'technology-based investigative tools'. A relative has dismissed suggestions that Gard may have run away, stating: 'Definitely not a runaway.' Anyone with information is urged to contact Putnam County Emergency Operations Center at 765-653-5115 extension zero, or the anonymous tip line at 765-653-3211 extension 699.
