Search for missing Enterprise child taking emotional toll

ENTERPRISE, Ala. (WTVY) - Enterprise Police Chief Michael Moore nearly wept when talking about the emotional toll the search for a missing toddler has taken on him and others.

“90-something percent of us have children,” Moore said at a Thursday afternoon press briefing about the disappearance of Genesis Reid, a 2-year-old reported missing by her mother four days ago.

“Lack of sleep, emotional trauma, yeah, it gets to you,” Moore, a father, said.

His words speak for dozens of officers who joined the search and they speak about a city tested by this bizarre case.

The last time Enterprise suffered like this was in 2007 when nine people — eight of them students — died during a tornado.

Adrienne Reid told police early Monday that she discovered her daughter missing from their Apache Avenue apartment, which started an intense search of the neighborhood.

However, within a couple of hours, officers began to doubt her account and soon charged Reid with false reporting, jailing her on a $1 million bond, though they have not publicly named her a murder suspect.

District Attorney James Tarbox said his office is considering every possibility when answering a reporter’s question about whether he would press murder charges against her if Genesis is not found alive or if she isn’t found at all.

“Right now, we are focused on bringing Genesis home,” Tarbox said. “That does not mean our office has not discussed if x happens, we’ll be prepared to do this, if y happens will be prepared to do (that).” He would not comment on the specifics of his options.

Moore said daily media briefings would end on Thursday afternoon until new and significant information is available to report.

He again dispelled what he called inaccurate social media posts, including the search for “Mariah,” a mystery woman who may not exist, though he name has been bantered around social media.

Moore said much of that online gossip pointed to one woman, whom he said is a cooperating witness, not a suspect.

“We ask the public to refrain from speculation and allow innocent individuals to go about their lives without harassment,” he said.

Though media briefings are no longer part of the daily process, Moore emphatically said the search for Genesis is not being scaled back at this point.

Beyond the police, elected officials are stressing the seriousness of the situation.

“The eyes of the nation are on Enterprise, and our hearts are with little Genesis,” Mayor William E. Cooper Sr. said. “This story has touched people far and wide, and we all pray for the same thing, that God protects her and brings her through this safely.”

A vigil is planned Friday night at Bates Memorial Stadium, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and the vigil beginning at 7 p.m.

“Attendees are asked to come in a spirit of unity and reflection and bring only a light source, nothing more,” Enterprise public information officer Emily Glasscock said in a statement.

According to Glasscock, the city is not sponsoring the event but supports it.

The full press briefing can be viewed below.

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