The search has intensified for a missing Manchester mother last seen at her place of employment in Murfreesboro, Rutherford County, earlier this week.
Elizabeth “Brooke” Roberts, 30, was last seen around 11 a.m. Monday at the Harper’s Point Apartments on John R. Rice Boulevard where she worked as a leasing agent.
Her 2005 Toyota Sequoia was found in the parking lot of the Cason Trailhead greenway about three miles away. Her cell phone was found inside the car.
“Finding the phone in the car shocked us because she is hooked to that thing 24/7,” her mother Brenda Ginnett said. “I can't imagine her leaving that behind.”
Late Thursday morning Murfreesboro police said they believe Brooke could be in the company of Noah Bodwell, who also lives at the apartment complex.
Bodwell, 30, was last seen Monday morning by neighbors at 5 a.m. He was reported missing by his mother on Wednesday.
She reported that Bodwell had not reported to work all week. She also said her son has a history of alcohol abuse and mental illness.
She told officers he had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Bodwell last used his cell phone Monday around 5 p.m. when he called an Advanced Financial.
It is unclear if Bodwell and Brooke knew each other beyond her role as a leasing agent at the apartment complex.
Her mother said she did not know anything about Bodwell or why he is being sought along with her daughter.
Area residents like Rodney Bryson were shocked to learn of the woman’s disappearance.
"This is a very safe park. We have had a few small incidents involving teenagers, but normally, everyone feels comfortable walking Cason trail," Bryson told News 2. “We've always had an active neighborhood watch and I know we'll continue to keep an eye on the park.”
Murfreesboro police said they will increase patrols at the trail but warn everyone to exercise caution when walking the greenway.
Brooke lives in Manchester, in neighboring Coffee County, with her mother, stepfather and her 8-year-old daughter.
Ginnett told News 2 Roberts texted her around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon and then spoke on the phone to her 8 year old daughter briefly.
“I said to her that was a short conversation,” Ginnett said. “She told me her mother just wanted to tell her she loved her.”
Ginnett said her daughter had made plans to take her daughter skating this week and Monday afternoon had told a friend she would stop by after work to visit, though she never arrived.
“She has never been gone like this. She would have contacted friends,” Ginnett said. “She has good friends in Murfreesboro and they have heard absolutely nothing from her.”
Roberts is approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Bodwell is 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs 175 pounds. He has brown hair and green eyes.
Anyone with information is urged to call Murfreesboro police at 615-893-1311.
Messages can also be left for Roberts’ parents on their toll-free business line at 1-888-315-7411.
