BUNA, Texas — Federal and county officials are searching a property connected to the disappearance of Southeast Texas woman, Cristi Ruso.
Ruso was last seen on October 21, 2021 in the 1800 block of County Road 777 in Buna.
On February 23, 2023, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Jasper County District Attorney's office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, executed a search warrant at a residence where Ruso was last seen.
Lead investigator in the case, Captain Jason McClelland, says information received recently, along with other confirmed information, has led them to the property, according to a news release from the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
The property is being searched for any evidence pertaining to her disappearance.
County Road 777 was shut down at the 1700 block and at County Road 786 north of the search area.
"Several pieces of evidence have been collected, and they will be processed. And the search is ongoing. We all have the same goal. We want answers. We want the family to have closure," said Karli Cherry with the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with any information to contact deputies at (409) 384-5417.
RELATED: 'We're not giving up' | Family, friends hold vigil for Buna woman missing since October 2021
On April 28, 2022, the Buna community gathered for a night of prayer.
"You don't give up hope,” Debbie Wilson previously told 12News. “I'm still waiting on a phone call. She would call me every week, and that hadn't happened in six months."
Wilson is the aunt of Ruso who went missing October 2021.
Since then, her family has done everything they could to bring Ruso home.
"We're not giving up. We're not giving up until we get some answers," said aunt Debora Williams.
They've organized searches, and even raised a reward fund hoping for a lead that will guide them in the right direction.
"I'm just overwhelmed with how this community has come together,” Wilson said. “And the money that's been raised for reward, leading to you know, finding Cristi, appreciate all the people and hopefully you know, we'll get some answers soon from our law enforcement."
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.