Four months into Ayla’s investigation we were told as much as $500,000 may have been spent so far. Twenty two months later, how much has that increased?
The cost of investigating the disappearance of toddler Ayla Reynolds has been substantial.
“I would say it’s in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it exceeded $500,000,” said Police Chief Joseph Massey.
Four months ago, on the morning of Dec. 17, the child, 20 months old at the time, was reported missing by her father, Justin DiPietro. Since then, multiple law enforcement agencies have been heavily involved in the search, which included hundreds of searchers on the ground, dive teams and boats on the water, planes in the air and a mobile forensic lab at the Violette Avenue home where Ayla was last seen.
“It is one of the more intense investigations that have taken place (in Maine) in decades,” said Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland. “As a result, there is a cost factor there.”
During a March 24 press conference, McCausland said the three agencies involved — Waterville police, state police and the Maine Warden Service — have spent about $100,000 in overtime costs.
We’ve been told over and over that people know more than they’re telling.
“The case continues to be open and active, but there are no new developments,” Steve McCausland, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, said Wednesday.
He added: “Any birthday of a child is a milestone, usually filled with joy and hope. Today is a sad reminder this is not the case in Waterville, and that on Ayla’s third birthday we still do not have the complete story of what happened inside that Violette Avenue home from those who know what occurred. Ayla deserves better.”
Do you think if anyone is found guilty of hindering the investigation, obstructing justice or withholding information, that they should be ordered to reimburse the numerous agencies involved in the investigation?
Maine State Police Tip Line – 207-624-7076
Friends For Ayla 