Dozens search for missing Granville County mom

Stem, N.C. — Authorities and dozens of volunteers continued a ground search Tuesday for a missing Stem woman whose car was found about a mile away from her burning home last week.

Family members and friends of Kelly Morris, also assisted in the search and distributed fliers in the neighborhood while holding onto hope that the 28-year-old mother of two will be found alive.

"We are turning anything over. We're looking in wells, ponds – anything, anywhere," Truitt Thompson, a family friend, said.

Police found Morris's burgundy 2005 Honda Accord (North Carolina license plate TXP-5917), keys, purse and cell phone Thursday in an undeveloped subdivision, shortly after firefighters responded to a fire at her home, 3220 Tump Wilkins Road.

Investigators say there was no sign that Morris was in the home when it burned.

Granville County sheriff's investigators are asking anyone with information about the fire or Morris' disappearance to contact them at 919-693-3213.

Yellow crime scene tape encircled the home Monday as investigators continued their examination of the scene. Authorities say they have not ruled out arson and are awaiting lab results to determine the fire's cause.

Morris' husband, Scott Morris, was at work at the time of the blaze; their two children were at school, authorities said. He told sheriff's investigators the family last saw her Wednesday night.

"I guess it's rough on them," Thompson said. "I'll be honest with you. It's a challenge, you know?"

Family members said Tuesday it was unlike Kelly Morris to leave her two children.