Family fears mother of two who vanished while jogging in Northern California was abducted

The disappearance of 34-year-old mother of two on Wednesday triggered a massive search, with fears that she may have been abducted after her cellphone was found abandoned on a Northern California road.

Sherri Papini went for a jog and walk alone about 2 p.m. on Sunset Drive in Mountain Gate, north of Redding, according to Sgt. Brian Jackson of the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. She had texted her husband during the day, but when he returned home from work, Papini and their two children were not home, Jackson said.

Keith Papini later discovered that his wife had not picked up their two children from daycare, as she usually did.

Hoping to find her, he pulled up his Find my iPhone app and found her cellphone at the intersection of Old Oregon Trail and Sunrise Drive, Jackson said. Sherri Papini was nowhere to be found, so her husband called authorities for assistance, according to Jackson.

Deputies searched the area, but could not find her. She was last seen on Sunset Drive wearing a pink running jacket, authorities said.

Sheriff’s officials said she does not have any known medical or mental health issues.

“The Sheriff’s Office is aware of the multiple theories about what may have happened with Sherri Papini,” Jackson said. “The Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to continue to be supportive to family as well as law enforcement efforts as these are stressful circumstances.”

Keith Papini told KRCR-TV that he thinks his wife was abducted.

“Bring her home,” he said. “Bring her home safe.”

Sherri Papini’s family is offering a $50,000 reward for her safe return.

Volunteers scoured the mountain community for days searching for Papini. Police dogs, a sheriff’s helicopters and deputies looked for clues into her disappearance.

Investigators contacted convicted sex offenders who lived in area and reviewed surveillance video cameras.

Anyone with details about the missing mother is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (530) 245-6540 or the Major Crimes Unit (530) 245-6135. Tips can also be submitted at [email protected].

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For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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