ESSEX, Vt. -
For the first time in months, some new developments in the Bill and Lorraine Currier investigation.
The Essex couple vanished last June, baffling investigators. But Thursday police were digging at a crime scene in Essex.
Ten months after Bill and Lorraine Currier vanished from their Essex home, police say they have a new investigative lead that's led them to a lot off Route 15 in Essex. The dig site was active all day and investigators haven't said when they plan to call it quits.
The search began around 9 a.m. About 20 investigators from both local and State police sifted through mounds of dirt and debris unearthed by excavators. The Vermont State police mobile crime lab was on scene as well as two canine units. A few times throughout the day detectives took their dogs down into the hole to sniff out evidence. Police bagged and measured a few unidentifiable objects, but it does not appear that the search has turned up any major breaks. Then again, it's unclear what investigators are looking for and they're not talking to the media.
Staffers at a neighboring business say they've noticed a constant stream of police activity at the property over the years and a ramped up effort in the last two weeks.
"Since the house has been vacant a couple of years, the Essex police coming and going just for homeless people being there and checking on it," said Jeanne Dufresne who works nearby.
The address where police are digging is 32 Upper Main Street in Essex. There used to be a vacant home here until last fall, when it was demolished. According to the town clerk the property was purchased in October by Betty Atkins. Neighbors say it was a known hangout for squatters.
Bill and Lorraine Currier disappeared from their Colbert Street home on June 8. The dig site is not far from the couple's home. Over the past ten months police have conducted several searches in the area with no major developments.
Related Stories:
Police want fingerprints from Currier home burglary suspect
Currier ground search resumes
Police hope DNA will bring new leads in Currier case
Search warrants released in missing Vt couple case
New lead prompts another search for missing couple
Police release information in Currier case
ACLU to file paperwork requesting Currier info
Police expand search for missing Essex couple
Outside DNA test ordered for missing Essex couple
Police: Foul play suspected in Currier disappearance
One month later, couple's disappearance still a mystery
Tribute to missing Essex couple
Documents in Currier case to remain sealed
Decision raises ante in public information request
Police launch another search for missing Essex couple
Investigators probe disappearance of Essex couple
Reward offered in Essex missing couple case
Sketch brings tips on missing Essex couple
Police release sketch of man seen driving missing couple's car
Police K-9 teams search Essex woods
Essex couple's relatives plea for help
Police want info about missing couple's car
Police find missing Essex couple's car
Police: Missing Essex couple's disappearance suspicious
Bill and Lorraine Currier
