Money is on the line in the search for Amy Wroe Bechtel, apparently spirited out of the Lander mountains 12 days ago.
The disappearance of the 25-year-old daughter of Duane and Joanne Wroe of Powell is being treated as a criminal abduction, and her parents hope reward money may help bust the case. She has been missing since July 24 when the marathon runner drove west of Lander to go on a training run.
After an intense search of the mountainous area for eight days, authorities now believe it is more likely that she was snatched rather than injured or lost.
A $10,000 reward was established Monday by The Amy Wroe Bechtel Recovery Fund in Lander, which was set up to receive donations to aid in her recovery. As of Monday morning, the fund at Central Bank & Trust in Lander contained approximately $10,000. When it reached that level, the reward was announced.
"We had to be able to say we've got the money," said Joanne Wroe, Amy's mother. "Hopefully it will be enough of a reward that if someone has her or knows about her, it will be enough to turn her in."
The reward is offered for any valid information leading to the recovery of Amy Wroe Bechtel. People can either call Crimestoppers at 1-800-442-8477 or the Fremont County Sheriffs Office at 307-332-5611.
The recovery fund has been built entirely with private donations.
Money collected beyond the $10,000 reward will defray costs of the search.
Continuing costs mount for the Amy Wroe Bechtel search effort. There are volunteers to feed and gasoline to buy for search vehicles, as well as supply materials needed for posters and flyers, and phone bills to pay. Early in the search, helicopter rental costs of $500 per hour were incurred.
Family members and volunteers remain in Lander doing anything they can to spread the word about Amy's disappearance. More than 10,000 flyers have been distributed around the country.
If Amy is not found, any money left over after paying costs will go to a college scholarship in her name, her family said.
People can assist the Wroe family by making contributions to The Amy Wroe Bechtel Recovery Fund in care of Central Bank & Trust, P.O. Box 70, Lander, Wyo. 82520. Money can also be donated at Powell financial institutions.