Student reported missing
January 7, 2008 by TAMARA BEST
Filed under News
Authorities continue to search for a University graduate student, first reported missing on New Year’s Eve.
Cayle Bywater, 29 was last seen Saturday, Dec. 29, around 6 p.m. That day, she also spoke to her mother, Valery Bywater.
“In cases like this, you have to get pictures out as fast as possible, and we are hoping someone will recognize her photo,” said Bob Sleppy, an employee at Nu�i’s Space, where Bywater volunteers in her spare time.
Neighbors became concerned about Bywater’s whereabouts after seeing her dog, Oliver, running loose outside her 2004 S. Milledge Ave. home.
According to a news release issued by police, Bywater was last seen with her dog in Memorial Park on the afternoon of Dec. 29. She did not go to work that night or the following morning.
Upon arrival at the house, police found the back door open with her purse, wallet, keys, cell phone and car at the residence, according to a police report. Detective Dustin Smith, lead investigator on the case for the Athens-Clarke County Police Department said in a telephone interview there was no sign of forced entry or struggle at Bywater’s home.
“We are not ruling out anything – there are just a lot of factors we don’t know because there is no trail to follow – everything was left at the house,” Smith said.
“We have been talking to people at the park who saw her on the 29th. Small bits of information may seem unimportant, but we may be able to put them together and establish a timeline.”
Volunteers hung flyers with Bywater’s picture around Athens. Those who knew Bywater mentioned her work at Nu�i’s Space and love for her dog.
“She used to come to the dog park to walk Oliver, especially in the last year and a half,” Christopher Weaver, a volunteer, said. “We saw a lot of each other, but she became busy and came less often.”
Bywater’s parents are staying in her home and caring for Oliver as the search for their daughter continues.
Family members, law enforcement, volunteers and Bywater’s dog have been searching the area around her home, focusing on Memorial Park.
Authorities searched the woods of the park, lake and the trails near the Intramural Fields at the University.
“We were hoping maybe she would turn up, and at this point, we are expanding our search,” said Sgt. Brad Collinsworth of the ACCPD.
Anyone with information is asked to contact ACC Police Central Communications at (706) 613-3345 or Det. Dustin Smith at (706) 613-3888, ext. 795.
