Brittany Mae Smith Update: Missing Girl is in Grave Danger, Say Police

ROANOKE, Va. (CBS/WDBJ) Authorities in Roanoke County believe 12-year-old Brittany Mae Smith is still in grave danger and are appealing to her friends for information.

PICTURES: Brittany Mae Smith Missing

Brittany is believed to be with 32-year-old Jeffrey Scott Easley, a friend of Brittany's mother, who the woman met online.

According to CBS affiliate WDBJ, Easley moved into Tina Smith's home in October.

Tina Smith was found dead Monday in her home. The medical examiner is still conducting the autopsy of Tina Smith. Authorities hope to have a cause of death by Tuesday afternoon.

Easley was last seen in Southeast Roanoke Friday night. Tina Smith and her daughter were seen leaving their home Friday morning.

When asked if Brittany was abducted, Roanoke County Police Chief Ray Lavinder answered that they feel confident that she is with Easley.

Easley has family in Eastern North Carolina and Alabama. Police are checking in both areas for any recent sightings of Easley.

Lavinder is asking for people to be on the lookout for the 2005 Silver Dodge Neon, with Virginia plate number XKF-2365, Tina Smith's missing car.

Hundreds of tips have been coming in to Virginia State Police and local authorities. Chief Lavinder says these tips have been helpful and asked the public to continue to call.

Chief Lavinder is hoping people outside of Virginia who may have seen the missing girl or car will contact authorities.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Roanoke County Police Department at 540-562-3265 or the Virginia State Police at 800-822-4453.

COVERAGE OF BRITTANY MAE SMITH ON CRIMESIDER