Cadaver dogs with the GTR K9 Search Team out of Columbus searched Jefferson Davis Lake and the surrounding area last Thursday in an effort to solve the case of a missing Jefferson Davis County woman.

Laneka Longino, 30,  has been missing since May 17.

The K9 team, consisting of three Belgian Malinois and one Border Collie, searched most of morning and early afternoon, but never made any indication of evidence in the area.

The dogs work both on and off-leash and are trained to detect the scent of decomposition that rises from the soil or water.

The GTR K9 Search Team is a non-profit organization providing immediate call-out status to the Southern United States of America and is available to law enforcement agencies day or night 365 days a year.

The search team does not charge for its services, and responds at no cost for all types of search emergencies.

The Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Department set up the search after  receiving information that Longino’s body could possibly be in the lake.

“We are following each and every lead that comes into our office,” said Jefferson Davis County Sheriff Ron Strickland.

“We know the family is desperate for this to be over.”

Members of Longino’s family waited tearfully at the lake during the search, praying for answers.

“I just need closure, one way or another, said Longino’s mother Vanessa.

“She never stays gone this long.”

Longino resides in the Springhill community and has six children.

“The children need to know where their mama is.”

According to family members, she was last seen with a male leaving Bassfield.

Sometime afterward, witnesses saw her at the Pit Stop on Columbia Avenue in Prentiss. That was her last known appearance.

Longino is 5-foot-6, weighs around 110 pounds and has a short haircut. She was last seen wearing blue jean capris, a white T-shirt and pink and white flip flops.

Anyone with information on Longino’s whereabouts is asked to call the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office at 601-792-5196.