Lauren Susann Smith, 22, was last seen in Madison, Virginia, on January 21, 2011. A Longwood University student who was normally in close contact with family and friends, she was captured on surveillance at a nearby 7-11 about 3:00 p.m., speaking with a friend who worked there and leaving on foot while her car remained in the lot. That is the last confirmed sighting.

Accounts of her final hours conflict. A cousin initially said he dropped her at a house where she had a cleaning job, but the homeowner said nothing had been cleaned and reported a revolver missing from the property. Investigators publicly questioned the cousin’s timeline; he moved out of state after an interview. The homeowner was later convicted on unrelated stalking charges but has not been named a suspect in Lauren’s disappearance.

There are mixed indicators about whether she left voluntarily. A sizable amount of cash intended for a car purchase was found on her, her passport stayed at home, and her cell phone has not been used since. A suitcase was reported missing from her residence and friends recalled conversations about disappearing, yet the abrupt end to all communication and the inconsistencies around her last known hours have kept foul play under consideration.

Anyone who knew Lauren, saw her that day, or has information about her movements or the house where she was supposed to work is asked to come forward with tips.