KFVS TV 12 :CJ Cassidy:Investigators Drain Pond

Poplar Bluff, MO Grobe Search Continues
May 17, 2005, 08:59 AM CD


Grobe Search ContinuesBy: CJ Cassidy KFVS TV 12
Poplar Bluff, MO - As investigators continue draining a sewage pond near the home of Mary Lee Grobe, new details continue to surface about her disappearance.
You'll recall Grobe disappeared in September 2003.
She was 74-years-old at the time.
A massive search at the time, turned up nothing, but the dog she disappeared with returned home a few days later.
Sheriff Mark Dobbs doesn't want any stone left unturned.
"We've initiated several tests trying to eliminate people who have been involved questioned several people. Thus far we've only run into one individual we can't seem to eliminate."
The Sheriff wouldn't say if the person is a family member, but he does say he is a local from Poplar Bluff.
Dobbs also believes the pond might explain why Grobe's dog returned days after she disappeared, looking as if she'd been freshly bathed.
"If the dog followed Mrs. Grobe to a certain location such as this pond, there would be trace evidence like mud and algae on the dog that could tell the story of where to find her and someone may not have wanted that story told," he says.
Grobe's family in Poplar Bluff agree draining the pond may not be a bad idea, but they think she's still alive.
So family members posted petitions at area businesses asking for support from their community and congressional leaders.
"We just want to let people know she's still gone, and as far as we know there aren't any new leads," Tara Walker, Grobe's granddaughter says.
Business owners we talked to say they're glad to help.
"If that was my mother I'd want to know if she was missing or alive," Terry Mizell at Frosty's Drive In says.
The Sheriff says he's not worried about the family's objections; he'll just focus on the task at hand.
"We feel we have sufficient means and persons to take care of the investigation," he says.
Family members in Poplar Bluff say they have no problems being interrogated as long as their family members in St. Louis are questioned as well.
Sheriff Dobbs says that's already been done.
Tuesday crews will be back at the pond to rake through the bottom. http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?s=3352107