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Investigators follow tips in search for Tennessee woman

Investigators revisited key areas on Thursday in the search for 20-year-old nursing student Holly Bobo, who disappeared from her home in rural Decatur County more than a week ago.
/ Source: Reuters

Investigators revisited key areas on Thursday in the search for 20-year-old nursing student Holly Bobo, who disappeared from her home in rural Decatur County more than a week ago.

They downplayed media reports about a woman whose boyfriend had chased away a man who attempted to abduct her in the early morning hours in January. That incident happened in Hickman County, about 50 miles or more from where Bobo disappeared.

"It is one of the many leads we are working," said Kristin Helm, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. "Yes, an agent has spoken with her.

"We've received more than 300 and we're looking at all of them," Helm said of the leads police have received since Bobo's April 13 disappearance. "This is just one that the media has picked up on."

Investigators gave the hundreds of volunteers the day off on Thursday from their search for Bobo, the cousin of country singer Whitney Duncan. The state highway patrol, investigation bureau and other state and local agencies continued searching.

"We are currently revisiting every area of interest and planning on a massive effort over the weekend," said Highway Patrol Lt. Brad Wilbanks, who has been helping to coordinate search efforts.

Volunteers are expected to return on Friday, he said.

Bobo was last seen by her brother, who reported that a man in full camouflage led her into the woods near the family home.

He has told authorities that he thought it was her boyfriend and didn't suspect anything until he went outside an hour or so later and saw blood.

A prayer vigil for Bobo was held at the Decatur County Fairgrounds Wednesday night. Area churches canceled regular services and asked their congregations to gather to offer support for the Bobo family.

When a thunderstorm blew through, knocking out power, those at the vigil used their candles for light.