Family still looking for answers in missing woman's case

The search continues for a missing Mount Pleasant woman.

24-year-old Jackie Douthart was last seen May 22. But just over a month ago, this case took another turn.

For over two months, Tammy Haynes has been hoping for some answers, or even a few leads on where her daughter might be. "It's just like running around in a circle, never getting anywhere," Haynes said.

She and others keep searching the area for Jackie. "We go there, we search, we've been looking for clues but we haven't been finding anything at all," Haynes said.

Calls to the Henry County Sheriff's Office, the Mount Pleasant Police Department and the Department of Criminal Investigation failed to find anyone who's handing this case.

But just over a month ago, 24-year-old Ben Briggs, a person of interest in the case, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. When Haynes heard the news, she said all she could do was cry.

"He was the most interested party and he's not here any more to keep questioning," Haynes said. But she was hoping that it would at least bring some more answers. "I just figures that since he was gone, somebody might step forward, but nobody has," Hayes said.

A $2,000 reward is now being offered for any information that could help bring Jackie home. Until then, Haynes will keep searching, waiting, and posting signs.

"You try to do it patiently without ripping your hair out, and pray a lot," Haynes said. She said she can't explain the feeling. "Empty, numb, waiting. Hoping she will knock on my door and say, hey mom," Haynes said.

Hearing the survival stories of other missing women, like Jaycee Dugard and Elizabeth Smart, remind Haynes there's still a chance.

"That's hope for me," Haynes said. "I don't want to believe that she's gone from here."

She describes her daughter as a friendly person, someone who will make you laugh. "She would give the shirt off her back to you, that's why I don't understand why this would happen," Haynes said.

There is a Facebook page with information about upcoming group searches. The link is: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jackie-Douthart-is-missing/125625224184316. People can make donations to help increase the reward money at Henry County Credit Union.

If you have any information, please call Burlington Crime Stoppers at 319-753-6835.