The family of missing Indiana University student Lauren Spierer issued a heartfelt, emotional message on Friday, the five-year anniversary of her disappearance.
"You can feel the anxiety build as June 3 approaches," a post on the "Official Lauren Spierer Updates from Her Family" Facebook page begins. "The pall that surrounds every room in our home and the unspoken words between Robbie and me again bring that all too familiar silence that has become an unwelcomed visitor in our lives."
Lauren was 20 years old when she vanished in June 2011 after a night out with her friends. Her disappearance generated national headlines, and her mother Charlene Spierer has made countless pleas for information that would help authorities uncover what happened to Lauren.
Charlene's post gives a heart-breaking look into the family's years-long nightmare.
"Each milestone since her disappearance is accompanied by an awful weight of missing someone so loved it is palpable, but no day is as paralyzing as June 3," her post reads. "Physically, my throat tightens, my temples pound, my heartbeat quickens and I wonder how I am going to get through the days leading up to the worst day of our lives."
The Bloomington Police Department also issued a lengthy statement on Friday, revealing that authorities have combed through more than 3,500 tips related to Lauren’s disappearance.
“Even though it has been 5 years since Lauren disappeared, the case continues to be a priority for the investigators assigned and there is work being done on the case literally every day,” a Facebook post said. “The investigation into Lauren’s disappearance has never been considered or labeled a ‘cold case’ by the Department.”
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The BPD said the Department has worked with multiple agencies, including the FBI and Indiana State Police. Detectives have traveled throughout Indiana and to other states during the investigation, authorities said, and officers have documented more than 2,505 hours of overtime over the past five years.
“Remember: Anything small could be big,” the post ends, asking for further information from the public.
As of Saturday afternoon, Charlene Spierer’s post had been shared nearly 1000 times, with many supporters commenting to express sympathy, personal stories of loss, and even their own experiences with the search.
“Indescribable, unbelievable, unconscionable,” Charlene writes. “Will we ever know the truth of what happened to Lauren? I still believe we will. Will those responsible ever be held accountable? I still believe justice will be served. Will we ever be able to bring Lauren home? I am just not sure anymore.”
“Hoping today is the day,” her message ends, with information on contacting the authorities conducting the search for Lauren.
Anyone with information on Lauren's disappearance is asked to call the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477, or email policetips@bloomington.in.gov or helpfindlauren@gmail.com.
