SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Police and the FBI have ended their latest two-day search for Lina Sardar Khil, who went missing more than two years ago, after concluding a newly received tip "was not credible."
The search was conducted in a well-known wooded area near a northwest-side apartment complex less than a mile from the Fredericksburg Road area where Lina went missing, bringing investigators, FBI agents, detection equipment and heavy machinery to the scene.
Police said they were acting on a new tip from someone in the community. The tip led them to the 4000 block of Gardendale Road.
Lina Sardar Khil Case: Police conduct new search in wooded area in February 2024
Early Friday morning, some special equipment arrived that officials said was capable of detecting objects underground. Shovels also were brought to the scene.
Lina’s family and friends were at the location as well, anxiously waiting for any updates on progress from investigators. the young girl's father met with law enforcement a couple of days ago to address concerns about receiving regular communication regarding his daughter’s disappearance.
Pam Allen of Eagles Flight Advocacy & Outreach, who’s been advocating on behalf of Lina’s family over the past two years, still has many questions about the investigators' actions and communication throughout the case.
"All of a sudden there’s a tip, and all of a sudden we’re going to go search an area that they even said that they’ve been there themselves, myself and Lina’s father had been there, so it’s just curious as to why it’s this area again," she said.
Lina's family was told just before 1 p.m. of the news that the search was going to end and nothing was found. Overwhelmed with frustration, Lina's father Riaz Sardar Khil said he's lost confidence in current law enforcement leadership tasked with the investigation.
“I hope and I want from everyone that they change the detective or case manager for Lina’s case," Riaz said. "I wish they can find my daughter Lina."
Frank Trevino, who has helped families find their loved ones for decades, expressed disappointment over yet another false lead.
“There a lot of people who have an interest in this case," he said. "There are a lot of search groups, a lot of people who care. To be put through this only for it to be false information is sad, heartbreaking."
SAPD couldn't elaborate on the nature of the tip they initially received regarding Lina. In a statement released Friday, the agency said it would "continue to follow up thoroughly on every tip received, as we continue the search for Lina Khil.
SAPD still encourages anyone with any information or tips to contact their Special Victims Unit at (210) 207-2313.
Lina's sixth birthday is Tuesday.