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Missing 23-Year-Old's Mother Makes Plea For Her Return

PLANO (CBSDFW.COM) - The search ramped up Tuesday for Christina Morris, 23, who was last seen at The Shops at Legacy in Plano on Aug. 30.

The rough terrain was fit for 4-wheelers and volunteers on foot, but Morris' mother was left behind when Houston-based Texas Equusearch, a volunteer search and rescue organization dedicated to searching for missing persons joined the effort.

"I just want her to just come home alive and be safe," said Christina's mother, Jonni McElroy.

Texas Equusearch was involved in other high-profile cases, including the search for Alabama teenager Natalie Holloway and Florida toddler Caylee Anthony. The group used ATVs and a drone to help find Christina.

"I really feel they're going to find her, still. I really know somebody out there who has her, I know there's people out there that have information," said McElroy.

Christina's step-father said he shares her mother's hope and resolve. He flew to their home in Tulsa overnight to spend some time with his own girls, ages 10 and 13.

"It's good to get home and hold them tight. Just for a night. They're wanting answers, stepsister -- they really want to know some answers themselves," he said.

Late Tuesday, Christina's boyfriend arrived at the command center. McElroy says Morris' boyfriend is helping to search and will be talking to the media Tuesday afternoon.

McElroy says the couple had an argument before her disappearance, but police say he has been cooperative with the investigation.

Crimestoppers is now offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Morris is a graduate of Allen High School.

(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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