Local

New search launched for missing teen Justin Gaines

WALTON COUNTY, Ga. — Walton County Sheriff's deputies are searching for the body of Justin Gaines, after a tip that his remains may be in a well in Walton County.

Gaines, 18, disappeared in November 2007 after a night out at Wild Bill's club in Gwinnett County.

Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman told Channel 2 Action News his deputies have been searching for Gaines' body in the High Shoals area near the Apalachee River for two days.

Channel 2's Matt Johnson spoke to Gaines' mother Erika Wilson Tuesday night after news of the new search. She said she is grateful for the support she has received since Justin's disappearance.

"It means the world to me that people haven't forgot about Justin," Wilson said. "We want closure, we want our son, we want answers."

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources is pumping several wells to help in the search.

"I hope they find something, but deep in my heart you always hope they don't because you want your child to walk back in," Wilson said. "You gotta keep the faith and stay strong."

In March 2014, sheriff's deputies dug up an abandoned well near Dacula after a tip led them to believe they'd find Gaines' remains. The tip came up empty.

Walton County deputies plan to resume the search Wednesday.

"You've gotta stay focused, stay positive, and trust the people out there and maybe we'll have closure coming up. If not, we're not going to give up," Wilson said.