Day 2 Of Digging At Townhome Of Woman Who Vanished Over 30 Years Ago
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – For a second day, Miami-Dade police investigators and workmen in coveralls and masks dug up the rear concrete patio, and the dirt beneath it, of a townhome in Northwest Miami-Dade's Lakes of Acadia neighborhood.
Police refuse to confirm that they are looking for evidence in the disappearance of Behdokht Behnia Pyke who went missing 32 years ago.
Public records indicate her last known address was the townhome on NW 55th Place.
A neighbor said the home is now occupied by Kevin and Maria Pyke, who share the same last name as the long missing woman.
"They are great people, I've known them for 20 years. I've never had a problem with them, I know Kevin very well," said neighbor Terry O'Brien. "They have two children."
Police have said the homeowners will not be allowed in the house until their investigation, based on a sealed search warrant, is completed.
It is unclear if the Pykes lived in the home when Behdokht Pyke disappeared more than three decades ago.
County property records show the home was bought by a man named Bradford Pyke in the late 1970s. Bradford Pyke, according to various records, would now be 76. The relationship of the missing woman to the various Pykes who have lived in the home is not clear.
Police won't say what they are looking for beneath the rear of the home – a body, a weapon or other evidence. Because the operation is being coordinated by homicide detectives, it is assumed they believe the woman to be dead.
Behdokht Pyke was 29 years old when she vanished. Ronald Reagan was in his second year in office as president. She would be 64 years old now.
The circumstances of Behdokht Pyke's disappearance are not known. Her life is a mystery. There is no record of her employment, if she was a student or unemployed.
A search of multiple archives shows her disappearance did not make news at the time, and hasn't since investigators with shovels and digging machines showed up at the townhome on Tuesday. They are expected to return Thursday.