Related Coverage <\/p>\n
GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) Even though shes been missing for 15 years, a recent tip could lead authorities to answers aboutwhat happened to Rachel Cooke. <\/p>\n
The Williamson County Sheriffs Office confirms a deputy received a tip approximately three weeks ago about possible human remains buried on the property at 221 Chaparral Dr. in Liberty Hill. Rachels mother, Janet Cooke, tells KXAN she has received a phone call from local authorities but says she cant elaborate on the conversation in fear of jeopardizing the investigation. <\/p>\n
The tip was not only specific to the fact that there were possible remains of a human in that area and the name Rachel Cooke was brought up one time, explained Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody in a briefing Friday morning. We had no other evidence related to that one tip that Rachel Cooke was involved. <\/p>\n
Chody said they are currently excavating a 15-by-20-foot area, about 18 inches deep, but nothing has been found as of noon. However, prior to digging, cadaver dogs did detect the scene of human remains in the area. <\/p>\n
While the tip may or may not lead to anything, Chody said the department owes it to the family to not leave any stones unturned. I felt we had a duty to go and use all our resources to make sure, said Chody, and whether its RachelCooke or any other person that we are trying to locate, that we can check this one off the box and move on. <\/p>\n
Rachel,who was 19 years old at the time, vanished during her morning run in Georgetown on Jan. 10, 2002. Janet says a neighbor saw Rachel walk past their driveway around that time, during her cool down. She had earbuds in at the time. <\/p>\n
Ever since Rachels disappearance, her family became very active in missing persons causes. Rachels father, Robert, passed away in November 2014. According to his obituary, Robert made a promise on the day his daughter disappeared that he would never stop looking for her. <\/p>\n
During a recent memorial run, organizers were hoping the community would call in any and all tips regarding Rachels disappearance. <\/p>\n
One day Im going to have closure, whether it be on earth or in heaven, said Janet. <\/p>\n
The Federal Bureau of Investigations confirms they are assisting WCSO with the case. <\/p>\n
According to chargleyproject.org, witnesses told authorities that an unidentified man was driving a late-model white or blue Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Trans Am in the area where Cooke was last seen. Some witnesses also said there were two men inside the vehicle. Sketches were originally released of three unidentified men. <\/p>\n
In 2006, convicted murderer Michael Keith Moore admitted to investigators that he killed Rachel with a hammer blow to the head.Moore also detailed dropping her body in the Gulf of Mexico, confessing on videotape from prison, the source said. In the end, Moore said he had nothing to do with her disappearance. <\/p>\n
This is a developing story and KXAN News will have an update on KXAN News at 5 and 6 p.m. <\/p>\n
View as list View as gallery Open Gallery <\/p>\n
File photo of Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Rachel Cooke's mother has been active in the search for her daughter ever since she went missing. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Equusearch teams searching for Rachel Cooke during the first year she went missing. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
High school photo of Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Vigil for Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
File photo of Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Rachel Cooke's mother has been active in the search for her daughter ever since she went missing. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Equusearch teams searching for Rachel Cooke during the first year she went missing. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
High school photo of Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
Vigil for Rachel Cooke. (KXAN File Photo) <\/p>\n
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Tip regarding human remains in Liberty Hill could be tied to Rachel Cooke case - KXAN.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Related Coverage GEORGETOWN, Texas (KXAN) Even though shes been missing for 15 years, a recent tip could lead authorities to answers aboutwhat happened to Rachel Cooke. The Williamson County Sheriffs Office confirms a deputy received a tip approximately three weeks ago about possible human remains buried on the property at 221 Chaparral Dr. in Liberty Hill Continue reading