New forensic evidence in search for missing Aurora boy
Forensic test results may help determine areas where Aurora police can search for evidence in the case of a boy who went missing six months ago, authorities said Friday.
A private, undisclosed forensics lab released preliminary results of testing on materials found on the SUV driven by Amy Fry-Pitzen, mother of Timmothy Pitzen, who last was heard from May 13 when he was 6 years old.
Results describe the plants and landscape of an area where Fry-Pitzen stopped her vehicle for a time, but they don't provide enough information for investigators to plan ground searches, authorities said.
The tests indicate the vehicle stopped for a time on a gravel area just off an asphalt road and backed into a grassy meadow or field with few trees. A pond or small stream likely is nearby, results show.
Results suggest the area was not a park or a lawn because the grass was not cut, and not a farm because no corn was growing in the area and nothing indicated it had been used for agriculture in the recent past.
Scientists believe the meadow is most likely in Lee or Whiteside counties in northwestern Illinois; but Carroll, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago counties can't be ruled out.
To narrow areas that could lead to evidence, Aurora police ask owners of meadow-like properties in northwestern Illinois to check for items missing from Fry-Pitzen's vehicle, including a Spider-Man backpack, toys, a tube of toothpaste, a cellphone and an iPass transponder.
Investigators lack solid leads about Timmothy's whereabouts. He is about 4 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 70 pounds and has brown hair and eyes.
Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000 is offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to Timmothy. Anyone with information also can call Aurora police at (630) 256-5500.