Search widens for Y. student

CORVALLIS, Ore. — Oregon police expanded search efforts Wednesday for missing Brigham Young University student Brooke Wilberger but say they still have no solid leads.

"We've had in excess of 300 tips so far, and we're trying to check up on all of then," said Corvallis Police Capt. Bob Deutsch, a spokesperson for the department.

Wilberger disappeared Monday morning from a Corvallis, Ore., apartment complex where she worked during the summer. Police have been searching for her since Monday night and believe she was abducted.

Her purse, keys, cell phone and car were left at the complex, and cleaning items she had been using were found near where she had been working.

The FBI is involved in broadening the search, as well as neighboring police departments. Those departments have been questioning known sex offenders in their jurisdiction.

Wilberger's parents, Greg and Cammy, appeared on NBC's "Today Show" Wednesday morning, in hopes that viewers might have information about their daughter.

The family also contacted a spokesman for the Elizabeth Smart family, seeking advice on how to proceed with their own volunteer search.

"They asked about working with the press," said Mike Grass of Salt Lake PR firm the Intrepid Group. "It was more of just a quick analyzing the situation."

The firm told the family that getting information and pictures out in the public eye was the most important thing they could do, along with having volunteer resources.

"Volunteers are vital," Grass said. "They're what keep her image out there; they're the eyes and ears of the community."

Grass commended the Wilbergers for their efforts thus far. "They're a very bright family, much like the Smarts," he said. "They're doing a great job already, putting the wheels in motion. They were just contacting us to see if there was anything they were missing."

The Smarts themselves have not been in contact with the Wilbergers, however. As in the Smart search, an LDS Church building is being used as the center of operations.

Volunteer search teams worked throughout Wednesday, coordinated by law enforcement. The Corvallis area has been plastered with fliers and posters, according to one volunteer.

"We're just moving ahead, and praying a lot," said volunteer Susan Williams.