The disappearance of UNO student Jessica O'Grady is now being handled as a criminal investigation. Evidence was seized from a west Omaha home Wednesday.
Jessica's car was located Tuesday in a parking lot at 144th and West Center Road.
At 1 o'clock Wednesday morning, police and Douglas County investigators searched a home, a few blocks from 132nd and Blondo where O'Grady's boyfriend lives with his aunt.
Neighbors tell us of seeing investigators removing a headboard, three large pillows and many evidence bags from the house.
Douglas County Sheriff Tim Dunning says the case is now a criminal investigation but few other details are being released.
Dunning says, "I hope that you would be patient. I think we're going to do well on this particular case in a very short period of time, but right now, we don't have a lot."
O'Grady's family was also at the news conference where Dunning made that comment. They tell us that police and sheriff's department investigators have been unable to tell them much at all.
Jessica's aunt, Tami Hansen says, "Obviously, you know, we're very concerned about her. We want her, someone to help us find her. It's hard, you know. We just want her back."
It's also been a rough week for Jessica O'Grady's friends.
Holly Stumme has known Jessica since the fifth grade and she's her roommate.
She says, "You focus on the good times. Keep up hope. That's all you can do."
Kari Peterson has known Jessica since their days at Westside High and she tells us, "Her personality is bubbly. You don't see her down very often. If she was, you knew it and you asked her about it.
"You try to be optimistic but the last two days have been difficult. At first it didn't seem real."
Jessica's friends are finding comfort in family.
Kari tells us, "Her aunt and uncle have been great. They said we could come over anytime to talk about it or don't talk about it."
The Douglas County Sheriff is now heading the investigation and if you have any information that would be helpful, contact the department at 333-1000.
