Maine Police Still Tracking Down Leads In Disappearance Of Ayla Reynolds

WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) — Investigators on Saturday continued tracking down leads in the disappearance of a 20-month-old Maine girl a week after her father reported her missing.

Detectives are continuing to work the case, but there's still no word on the whereabouts of Ayla Reynolds, Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey said. Ayla's father, Justin DiPietro, told police he last saw his daughter last Friday night when he put her to bed in his Waterville home, but that she wasn't there the following morning.

Police have gathered an immense amount of information over the past week, Massey said in a statement.

"Our team of investigators and searchers have spent the past week working in the glaring spotlight of national attention that has rightly focused on the tragic event which befell Ayla and her family on Dec. 17," Massey said. "Now, detectives need the opportunity to continue their work for a few days outside of the microscope."

Family and friends held a candlelight vigil in support of Ayla on Friday evening in Portland, where Ayla's mother lives. Trista Reynolds said she remains hopeful her daughter will be found safe.

Trista Reynolds' father, Ronald Reynolds, said he can hear his granddaughter in his mind calling to him, "Papa, come and get me."

"Somebody knows something and I ask and I beg and I plead and ask everybody if you know anything please bring her home to us. We want her home," he told reporters.

Hundreds of people have searched for the blond toddler throughout the week, and police have received hundreds of tips.

"We would like to stress that this is still a very active investigation, and we will not cease our efforts until Ayla is located," Massey said.

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.