By Wednesday afternoon, the area had been scoured at least three times.

“It’s still an open investigation,” Harding said. “It’s just this component that we’re shutting down for now.”

Santiago’s family didn’t leave the side of Albemarle’s mobile command center during the search.

“We can’t make them stay,” said Terry Simpson, Santiago’s brother. “I know she didn’t walk off this mountain.”

County police said they will continue with the investigation, calling it a “high priority.”

“We have about seven detectives actively working on the case now and following up on all the leads,” said county police Lt. Tim Aylor. “It’s not likely for her not to make contact with her family.”

Police said Santiago typically stayed either at Carter Mountain Orchard with her boyfriend or with family in Waynesboro. Aylor said some evidence or items of interest were gleaned from the search, but he declined to provide details.

Authorities have not identified the boyfriend but said he has been cooperative.

“I just want her to be found, she needs to come home,” Adams said. “She would never do this to us, never.”