Linda Stoltzfoos

Linda Stoltzfoos: Hundreds search for Amish teen who vanished while walking home from church

On Saturday, 600 volunteers participated in a countywide search for a Pennsylvania teen who vanished in late June.

The latest search for Linda Stoltfoos, 18, was unsuccessful. Middle Creek Search and Rescue (MIDSAR) led the 11-hour search, which spanned areas of Lancaster County — specifically East Earl and West Earl townships, PennLive reported.

During Saturday’s search, crews combed an area covering 2.5 miles, including the Welsh Mountains. MIDSAR’s chief engineer, Charles Hamberger told Lancaster Online that, in terms of hours, Saturday’s search was the largest of the six searches for Stoltfoos that they’ve participated in. Hamberger estimated that MIDSAR has covered over 25,000 acres in search of the missing Amish teen.

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Stoltfoos reportedly disappeared on June 21 while walking from a church service to her home in Upper Leacock Township.

On July 11, Justo Smoker, 34, was arrested and charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment in connection with Stolfoos’ disappearance. Smoker was linked to the case after witnesses claimed they saw Stolfoos inside a red Kia the day she disappeared. Smoker drives a 2007 red Kia Rio, according to PennLive.

While the Amish teen’s whereabouts remain a mystery, a Lancaster County judge ruled earlier this month that the case against Smoker can go to trial.

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[Featured image: Linda Stoltzfoos/FBI]