Deputies combed the wooded area, and seven officers searched the river by boat, employing sonar technology in hopes of finding answers for Whitted's family.
Laniyah's grandmother, Viola Spencer, remains steadfast in her belief that her granddaughter is still alive.
"They won't find my baby in no water," Spencer said.
Whitted, Spencer's first grandchild, was 17 years old when she was last seen on Nov. 16, 2021, after being dropped off at Cape Fear High School.
"I dropped her off right in the front door. When I left, she was walking up toward the building, only about five steps away from pulling the knob. So after a certain day, she went inside," Spencer recalled.
The two-day search also includes drones and canine units.
"The main goal today is to find Laniyah and bring her back home safe to her family," said Senior Sgt. Hannah Hurley of the Cumberland County Sheriff's Department.
Hurley added that drones have become an essential tool: "Drones are a great tool. They're able to cover more area and see things that we can't necessarily get to. They have thermal imaging, which is proven to be pretty successful."
For Spencer and the family, the search is a painful reminder of the years spent waiting for answers. "We are waiting for you to come home. And Grandma, we miss our talks," Spencer said.
She hopes the community remembers her granddaughter for who she truly is: "She was very friendly. Very friendly. Um, she, there was this song out when she was little, about three, I think, and she used to sing it. It was, um, chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup, chicken noodle soup with soda on the set."
The case has weighed heavily on Laniyah's younger sister, Stevee Whitted, who is now the same age as Laniyah was when she disappeared.
"I remember her saying she was coming, and she didn't come. She went to another party, and I haven't seen her since," Stevee said, her voice breaking.
"When she first went missing, nobody was talking. It was just quiet. And now it's been so many years and everybody's coming out about what they know. And I don't I don't know how to feel about it."
At first, Stevee struggled to accept the news. "I don't think she was. I thought it was just people saying stuff because I know my sister. She just ain't go missing."
Spencer, meanwhile, finds comfort looking at Laniyah's photo. "This photo brings me much joy because that's my love."
Even as deputies search the water, Spencer's hope remains unshaken. "God has told me he will bring my granddaughter home and she is. I feel her."
Laniyah Whitted would now be 22. Investigators urge anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward as the search continues.
The sheriff's office tells ABC11's Penelope Lopez that a tip and evidence led them to the area.
Anyone with information regarding Laniyah Whitted's whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact Lieutenant R. Brinkley with the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-677-5462 or Crime Stoppers at 910-483-TIPS-8477 You can remain anonymous tips can also be submitted online by visiting the Crime Stoppers website.
Traffic Alert
Drivers traveling in the area may experience minor traffic delays on Deep Creek Road. The sheriff's office is asking drivers to use caution and remain alert, as law enforcement personnel will be working near roadways throughout the search.
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