Missing Student's Family Hires Investigator

HAYWARD, Calif. (AP) -- The family of a Northern California nursing student who disappeared last month has hired a private investigator to help search for her.

The family of 26-year-old Michelle Le says investigator Michael Frame will offer anonymity, protection and possibly relocation to anyone with information who has been afraid to come forward and speak to police.

Hayward police Lt. Roger Keener said Wednesday authorities are in daily contact with Le's family and support the decision to hire Frame.

Keener says Frame's firm will not conduct its own investigation.

Le was last seen May 27 leaving Kaiser Hospital in Hayward during a break from a clinical rotation. No suspects have been identified.

Police have classified the case as a homicide, but family members still hope Le will be found alive.

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