Joey Lynn Offutt
SYKESVILLE - The family of a woman who has not been seen since the remains of an infant were found in her burned-out home created a Web site to bring in tips on her whereabouts, according to The Associated Press. Joey Lynn Offutt, 33, of Sykesville, hasn't been seen since a fire destroyed her home July 12.
On the Web site - http://findjoey.org - Offutt's family writes that they have reason to believe she may have been missing since the day before the fire, which occurred around 4 a.m. July 12 at 90 Dr. Fugate Drive in Sykesville, AP said.
Her family said that it hopes additional media coverage will generate leads as to her whereabouts.
Offutt's red Saturn coupe, bearing Virginia plates, was found July 16 in State College, authorities said. Offutt had previously lived in Warrenton, Va.
On the site, her family said they believe the remains found in the fire could be those of Offutt's six-week-old son.
Authorities haven't been able to confirm the identity of the remains, and autopsy results are not complete, state Trooper Bruce Morris said Tuesday.
No charges have been filed related to the fire or the infant remains.
Offutt's family said she had two other children, ages 2 and 9, who were not home at the time of the fire. They are safe and staying with relatives, Morris said.
Morris said police were still trying to find Offutt, primarily out of concern for her welfare.
"That's the big issue," Morris told AP. "She's disappeared from the planet."
Late last month, Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers announced that it is offering a cash reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to Offutt's whereabouts.