SAN ANTONIO — The search for a missing Olmos Park woman entered its fourth day on Friday with search teams converging on a site in Boerne to continue to look for Suzanne Simpson.
But after seven hot and grueling hours, the search came to an end, for now.
A law enforcement official told KENS 5 that the search at the location in Boerne was related to Simpson's disappearance. The Department of Public Safety later confirmed the connection, saying "law enforcement and search teams searched areas in Kendall County."
Teams of searchers wearing orange could be seen in the area, as well as drones providing extra eyes in the air. On the ground, K-9s were deployed to sniff out clues. Trained searchers from Texas Search and Rescue also contributed their efforts.
Just after 3 p.m. Friday, the huge team of searchers from a number of local agencies broke camp because of the heat with no word on if they found anything of value.
Simpson, 51, was reported missing Monday night by her husband, Brad Simpson, who is now in the Bexar County Jail on charges of assault and unlawful restraint.
Olmos Park Police say Suzanne disappeared Sunday night from her home off East Olmos.
They say she and her husband got into a fight at the Alamo Heights club The Argyle earlier that night.
Then when the couple got home, a neighbor told police they saw Brad physically assault her and physically restrain her from getting away.
That neighbor reported later hearing screams from a wooded area nearby, and then said Brad Simpson took off in his truck for an hour or two.
Police have conducted several searches in the area and inside the home. They say Brad Simpson has not been cooperating with the investigation. He has a bond hearing scheduled for Tuesday.
Authorities have not definitively connected him with the disappearance of his wife. They're asking for the public's help to determine where his black truck was seen on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 6, as well as the days prior.
Latest in the search
Authorities on Thursday also released a new photo taken the night Simpson disappeared, from outside The Argyle, where she and her husband were attending a party hours before. The Olmos Park police chief said it's their hope someone will remember seeing Simpson in her dress and heels and will call authorities.
Meanwhile, Police Chief Fidel Villegas said that while there's "nothing concrete" to indicate she's dead, they're pursuing every possible avenue for signs of where she might be.
"We think she was in distress," Villegas said. "She may be somewhere and we don’t know about her. It’s very suspicious, though, that she’s not going to work and she’s not checking in on her children."
Villegas added police have found "possible evidence" in their investigation, including from inside the Simpson residence along East Olmos Drive, but it has yet to be fully analyzed. Search warrants are also being sought so Olmos Park police can access electronic records, and the chief said other properties were being searched, but he wouldn't specify where.
He also said that while Brad Simpson hasn't cooperated with the investigation, other members of the Simpson family are.
"These four kids miss their mom," Villegas said. "We’re doing everything we can.”
At this time, he added, there's no evidence suggesting authorities might upgrade Brad Simpson's charges. He said it isn't uncommon for female victims in domestic violence situations to physically remove themselves from the situation, but said it was "unusual" that Suzanne Simpson would drop all contact.
"(She) was very dependable and loved her children and was always in contact with her children and her family and her friends. Suddenly that stopped after Sunday night.”
Family reacts
Suzanne Simpson's brother-in-law, meanwhile, said in a Facebook post that he appreciated "the outpouring of support" directed at the family as the search for her continues. Barton Simpson said relatives were fully cooperating with law enforcement.
"Our first priority is to find her and bring her home," he wrote. "Our second priority is to surround her children with love and ensure they are protected during this incredibly difficult time. We are desperately seeking answers and pleading for anyone with information to come forward."
The search for Suzanne turned into a visibly large and concentrated effort Tuesday night, when Texas Rangers and the Department of Public Safety started helping to search the area near the Simpsons' home. Close friends have described the woman and local real estate agent as someone who is kind and loved by many.
"We are aligned in wanting answers and resolution," Barton Simpson went on to write. "Anyone with information is urged to contact the Olmos Park Police Department. Your help could make all the difference."
Suzanne's daughter took to social media to spread the call for any information leading to her mother's whereabouts, saying the dress she was wearing the last day she was seen was navy blue. She also requested that the public not "spread false information," adding: "You are so loved, mommy. I can't wait to bring you home."
The bio page on Suzanne's employer's website has been updated to say the "Nix Realty family is devastated by her disappearance and the reports of physical violence towards her. Along with so many others who Suzanne, we will continue to pray for her."
