The entire state of Tennessee is growing deeply concerned as the search continues for a missing teenager. According to a report issued by NBC on Monday (March 20), 15-year-old Elizabeth Thomas disappeared on March 13 along with 50-year-old Tad Cummins, a former teacher.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation believes that Cummins may have been planning to kidnap Elizabeth prior to their disappearance. He has been charged with aggravated kidnapping and sexual contact with a minor. The TBI revealed that Cummins is believed to be armed with two handguns, and they are worried “about his intentions” for Thomas.
“Nothing investigators have learned about Cummins or his intentions for the young girl…calms the imminent concern for Elizabeth’s well-being. In fact, it only heightens it,” the TBI said on Sunday (March 19).
There has only been one credible sighting since Thomas and Cummins disappeared. That sighting occurred on March 13, when Thomas was seen in Decatur, Alabama, which is about 30 miles from the Tennessee border. Since then, the TBI has only received 250 tips, none of which have led them to Thomas so far. “Cummins may have taken her, frankly, anywhere,” the TBI said.
Now, one country singer is reaching out to his fans in the hopes that they’ll be able to help find Thomas.
Keith Anderson first made a name for himself in country music as one of the songwriters behind Garth Brooks and George Jones’ duet “Beer Run (B Double E Double Are You In?).” Anderson is also well-known as one of the co-writers behind the CMA and ACM nominated song “Lost in This Moment,” which was recorded by Big & Rich.
As a solo artist, Anderson has had his fair share of hits. Perhaps his most recognizable song is “Pickin’ Wildflowers,” which peaked at the eighth spot on the country chart.
Anderson’s success led to the development of a loyal fan base. Reaching out to his 227,000 followers on Twitter, Anderson shared the news of Thomas’ disappearance, begging them to help spread the word about her.
This is a big story right now in Nashville and it seems like they are not getting many leads so far! Please help spread the word! https://t.co/smx480IO1k
— Keith Anderson (@KAcom) March 19, 2017
Anderson also retweeted a message from Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, which includes images of Thomas and Cummins and provides information for people to contact authorities if they have any tips.
Your RT may just get this information in front of the one person who needs to see it. Help us spread this across the country! Thanks! pic.twitter.com/c5jI8ER816
— Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (@TBInvestigation) March 17, 2017
If you’ve seen or know of anything pertaining to Thomas’ disappearance, the TBI encourages you to call the number listed on the photo above. Even if you don’t know anything about the case, please help to spread the word by sharing information about it.
We’ll be praying for Thomas’ safe return home.