TBI marks fifth-year mark of Summer Wells’ disappearance with new plea for help

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation marked a somber anniversary on Monday–the fifth year of Summer Wells disappearance after she was reported missing from her Ben Hill Road residence.

Theories and thousands of leads have packed social media and webpages, capturing nationwide attention on major cable news and an episode of the syndicated series “Dr. Phil” where Summer’s parents were featured in an interview where Summer’s mother Candace Bly became emotional and left the taping.

“From the very beginning, our focus has been on Summer and finding out what happened to her,” TBI Director David Rausch said in a recorded video posted to their social media platforms on Monday. “We never imagined her case would remain unsolved five years later. We have made progress over the last year, but there are still many unanswered questions.”

Missing children experts from federal agencies along with hundreds of law enforcement officers and volunteers have taken to the Hawkins County hillsides and points in-between, trying to find any clues that could lead to Summer’s discovery.

Rausch also said that anyone with information about Summer’s disappearance can still come forward with just the slightest details possibly providing a breakthrough. Tips can be anonymous and reported at 1-800-TBI-FIND.