Evansdale police get large public response after missing cousins news conference

EVANSDALE - Police in Evansdale said phones have been ringing off the hook after a plea for public help to track down those behind the abduction and murder of two Black Hawk County cousins.

In a Tuesday news conference, investigators said they think the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area in Bremer County holds some answers. Hunters found the bodies of Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins there in December 2012.

Police asked the public to call in and identify people familiar with the rural area. Authorities think those responsible knew Seven Bridges well.

Evansdale police chief Kent Smock said the call response was very positive. He said as of seven Wednesday morning. more than 100 people had called - so many that police used city staff, retired officers and other help to answer ringing phones.

Smock said data will be compiled, evaluated, and then given to investigators.

'We've made it known from the beginning that there's going to be no stone left unturned in this,” said Smock. 'We follow up on every lead that comes in.”

For Heather Collins, the mother of Elizabeth, the large call volume brought some renewed hope of getting justice. She said the last couple years have been tough.

'Hell,” Collins said. 'Just pure hell.”

Collins has been waiting for answers since the girls disappeared riding their bikes in Evansdale in July 2012. No arrests have been made in the case.

Police said at this point they don't have any suspects, but do have theories about the girls' abductions and deaths. They, like Collins, hope the calls will finally be the key.

'I just really hope and pray that one of these leads ... gives us that one piece that is missing,” Collins said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Evansdale Police Department at 319-232-6682.