Texas search team hands search for Sidney Randall back over to l - KAIT-Jonesboro, AR-News, weather, sports

CONTINUING COVERAGE

Texas search team hands search for Sidney Randall back over to local police

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Sidney Randell (Source: Walnut Ridge Police Department) Sidney Randell (Source: Walnut Ridge Police Department)
John Cornell (Source: Walnut Ridge Police Department) John Cornell (Source: Walnut Ridge Police Department)
(Source: Arkansas State Police) (Source: Arkansas State Police)
Search area off Lawrence County Road 438 Search area off Lawrence County Road 438
(Source: Lawrence County Sheriff's Department) (Source: Lawrence County Sheriff's Department)

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WALNUT RIDGE, AR (KAIT) – The Equu-Search team from Texas has handed the search for missing 14-year-old Sidney Randall back over to local police.

According to Walnut Ridge Police and the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department, the search team from Texas handed over copies of search volunteer information and search maps they covered since arriving last week.

Both the Walnut Ridge Police and Lawrence County Sheriff say they are committed to continuing the search for missing 14-year-old Sidney Randall. Randall was last seen Saturday March 9th around 10pm by her mother.

Walnut Ridge Chief Richy Thatcher said they are nowhere near giving up on the search for Sidney Randall. "When this team gets done, I've already got a list of people that waiting to come and help," Thatcher said. 

Arkansas State Police seized the computers John Cornell, Sidney's step-dad and suspect in her disappearance, recently bought with tax refund money looking for any kind of evidence. 

The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department says John Cornell was found dead Monday March 11th, on a farm road just off Lawrence Road from what appeared to be a self inflicted gunshot wound.

Police say his body was found about 200 yards away from his truck. Police say Cornell was the main suspect in Randall's disappearance, and was wanted for questioning.

After Cornell's death, the Arkansas State Police issued a level 2 Morgan Nick Amber Alert for the 14-year-old Monday afternoon.

Region 8 News spoke with Randall's mother prior to John Cornell's body being discovered. "She has an upcoming pageant in April, and that's how I know she wouldn't have left willingly," Randall's mother, Denise Cornell told Region 8 News.

Denise Cornell said all signs point to Randell having been forced from the house sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning. "She would not have just got up in the middle of the night and take off without her makeup," Cornell said. 

Cornell said she won't stop until she finds her daughter. "Sidney, I love you, we miss you. I want you to come home," Cornell said. "We are not going to give up. I'm gonna fight. And I'm gonna search as long as I breathe."

Police say Sidney Randall was last seen wearing a brown Aeropostale jacket, stands 5'4'', weighs about 85 pounds with brown hair just below shoulder length, and green eyes. Her cell phone and all of her personal belongings were left behind.

If you have seen or know anything about her whereabouts contact the Walnut Ridge Police Department at 870-886-3568.

You can also e-mail your tips to: tips@lawrencecountysheriffsoffice.com.

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