CHESTERFIELD, SC – Chesterfield County Sheriff Jay Brooks says the newest leads in the hunt for Alexis Deas and her stepfather point closer to home.
“We’re asking farmers and land owners to check their own property tonight and tomorrow,” Brooks says. “He bought a new tent from Walmart a couple of weeks ago and I think he was making preparations to maybe stay out in the elements.”
14-Year-Old Deas was last seen Friday morning at New Heights Middle School in Jefferson.
Investigators say her stepfather Harland “Donnell” Melton picked her up pretending she had a dentists’ appointment.
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Tonight we’ve learned tonight Melton is a known “survivalist,” meaning he is prepared to survive in the wilderness for long periods of time.
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Investigators also say the two may have been having an inappropriate relationship and may have planned to run away together.
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SLED used a helicopter and thermal imaging to search in the air over Chesterfield County Sunday night.
