'Friends of missing mother offer reward' 10.03.07

Friends of missing mother offer reward
By Dwayne Bremer
Oct 3, 2007, 09:06

Brandi LaurentFriends and family members of missing mother Brandi Hawkins Laurent are not giving up their efforts to bring Brandi home and are now offering a cash reward for any information leading to her safe return or recovery.Laurent, a mother of two girls, has not been seen since she apparently vanished without a trace from her Kiln home on Aug. 3. She allegedly left on foot, taking none of her personal items with her."We are doing everything possible to try to find out what happened to Brandi," friend Andrea Dominach said Friday.Brandi's friends and family have worked non-stop in their search efforts.The group has conducted numerous searches, passed out flyers, contacted media, printed t-shirts, held a vigil prayer service and even enlisted the help of a psychic.She said the group is now taking donations for a reward account."We are hoping this will lead to any information," she said.Brandi has been missing for nearly two months now. Recently there have been reported sightings of a woman fitting Brandi's description at two truck stops in Alabama and Texas, but investigators say they still do not have any concrete leads on the disappearance.Investigator Rita Blaize-Watson said Monday that her department has received dozens of tips so far that have not panned out. She said the case has become very time consuming, but the sheriff's department is still investigating every lead.Watson said foul play has not been ruled out.Several clues to the case have been provided by web postings and logs on myspace.com. Investigators have seized several computers from the Laurents' home.Dominach said friends and supports are holding out hope that Brandi will be found alive."Each day gets harder and more gloomy," she said. "You want answers and to not have any its tough," she said.Brandi's husband Leo said last week he is thankful for all of the support and, hard work from friends of the family."I'm amazed that Brandi's friends are coming through for us," he said. "We are thankful for all the prayers and support."Dominach said the group has accumulated more than $600 so far and more people have pledged money towards the reward.She said anyone who wishes to donate or just find out more information on Brandi can go to www.myspace.com/missingbrandi.

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