Daughters Plead for Mother's Safe Return

SANFORD, N.C. — The daughters of a missing Lee County woman pleaded for her mother's safe return Monday evening after one of them found their mother's car abandoned in a ditch while the daughter was on her way to school.

Ashley Massa, 19, and her 15-year-old sister, Lauren, said they believed her mother, Sherry Massa, was with her estranged father, Raymond Massa, who authorities say is a person of interest in the case. Investigators said there was a history of domestic violence in the relationship.

"Daddy, if you really love her and love me and Lauren, you'll bring her back home to us as a family," said Ashley Massa. "We want our mom for Christmas. Please bring her back home safe."

Sherry Massa's 1991 Infiniti was discovered abandoned at about 7:45 a.m. near the intersection of Fire Tower Road and N.C. Highway 78.

The vehicle was in a ditch, its engine was still running and a window was broken, authorities said. Investigators believe that Massa's car was forced off the road by another vehicle.

Massa, 38, left for work at Static Control Components Inc. at about 6:30 a.m., the daughters told investigators.

Sherry and Raymond Massa have been separated for about two years, and Sherry Massa had a restraining order issued against him two weeks ago, according to the Lee County Clerk of Courts Office.

Investigators have not been able to locate Raymond Massa either.

"He is a person of interest in this case, and we would like to locate him and speak with him," Lee County Sheriff Tracy Carter said. "There is a possibility (that she is with him)."

Raymond Massa drives a 1991 black Dodge Dakota with North Carolina license plate VTC-9179, authorities said. Anyone with information in the case should call 911.

"We love her, we miss her – we love you, too," Ashley Massa pleaded. "But if you have her, just please bring her back home, please. We'll do anything. I would trade places with her if I could."