No evidence found in Cortney Lake search, will resume Saturday at dawn

As the sun set over sprawling farmland near Bellevue on Friday afternoon, dozens of searchers packed up and went home without Cortney Lake.

But they'll be back, and in larger numbers, at first light on Saturday to continue looking for anything related to her disappearance and suspected killing.

More than 80 people searched the area, located near where Philip Smith — Lake's ex-boyfriend and the police's only suspect — killed himself last month.

Unfortunately for the Lake family, Day 178 without Cortney came to a close the same as all the days previous.

"Right now, we're coming up with a lot of things but nothing to do with her," said co-ordinator Harry Blackmore of the Search and Rescue Association of N.L.

Police say they found no evidence related to her homicide, but did identify areas of interest to peruse on Saturday.

Search stems from new information

RNC Sgt. Paul Didham told media early Friday afternoon that the search was the result of new information the police received. 

He would not reveal what the new information is, however, as it's part of an ongoing investigation.

Blackmore said five teams — every team east of Clarenville — were brought in because it's such a large area.

In total, 86 people were covering a total of 15 acres.

"It's to make sure that we cover this area as methodically as we can, to make sure that if there's anything here to do with her disappearance, we find it," he said.

The number of searchers could top 125 on Saturday, as they fight against shortened days and the threat of winter weather destroying potential evidence.

Structures in the area were also searched, turning up nothing, Blackmore said. 

But they'll keep trying.

"All we can do is hope we help the family," he said. "That's all we're here for … We're looking for evidence and her."

Smith's body was found near his family cabin on Nov. 1, dead of an apparent suicide. The police later said he was their only suspect in the case and launched ground searches in the area.

Search used drone, helicopter

Starting at first light Friday, searchers were seen focusing on wooded and grassy areas surrounding Smallwood Farms.

Some of those involved were also seen inspecting equipment and buildings around the farm, such as a shed and fuel tank.

The volunteer searchers were divided into groups throughout the morning, breaking the search area into grids. A drone and helicopter were also seen overhead assisting with the search.

Lake has been missing since June 7, and police have classified her disappearance as a homicide.

Police and Lake's family have pleaded with people who may be withholding information to help investigators.

Lake's family has never stopped the search for her body.

Her aunt, Glenda Power, said she can't speak on the specifics of what prompted the search Friday morning, but the heavy presence of searchers at Bellevue beach is giving the family hope.

"We're praying today is the day Cortney is found," she told the St. John's Morning Show. "It looks like there's a huge team out there with multiple resources, so we are always hopeful."

A dinner, vigil and fundraiser was held in Marystown on Friday night to honour Lake and put the spotlight on violence against women.