Search Expands For Missing Woman; GBI Suspects Foul Play

Authorities are investigating the disappearance of a woman last seen walking for exercise Tuesday night on Jones Creek Road in Blairsville.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation identified the jogger as Kristi Leigh Cornwell, 38, of Blairsville. Investigators said Cornwell's family filed a report at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday with the Union County Sheriff's Office regarding her disappearance. Investigators said they have a reason to believe that foul play is involved.

Kristi Cornwell missing woman Kristi Cornwell Kristi Cornwell

Thursday morning, searchers geared up with a briefing and headed out for a day in which their focus area spiraled outward.

"As the weather breaks, we're going to bring in air assets like we had yesterday to continue to search from the air and we have K-9 dogs that are coming in to help us search the area around where we believe she was abducted from," said Mike Ayers, GBI special agent in charge.

Investigators believe Cornwell was out walking at 9:30 Tuesday night when someone pulled her into a vehicle. Police have said they believe she was abducted.

"Based on information from people who knew Kristi, it strongly indicates she was abducted from that area by vehicle," said Ayers.

Agents said Thursday they would check a 4-county area for people with a criminal past.

"Anyone who has a significant criminal history we'll be talking to today," said Ayers.

Investigators said Cornwell has three ex-husbands and a teenage son and all are cooperating with the investigation.

Authorities described Cornwell as a white female, about 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 pounds.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the Union County hotline at 706.439.6038.