Thanksgiving

Search for Missing College Student Shane Montgomery Enters 2nd Week

Parents make plea for clues on NBC's "Today"

The parents of a Philadelphia-area college student who disappeared while out with friends early Thanksgiving morning appeared on the "Today" show Thursday as the search for him entered its second week.

Shane Montgomery's parents, Kevin and Karen Montgomery,  spoke to "Today" host Matt Lauer about the massive search effort for their son and how his disappearance is weighing on them.

"I always knew Shane was a very special kid," Karen said. "Your kids are always very special to you. I've kind of always questioned my parenting skills and I've come to the conclusion that I didn't do such a bad job with Shane and I hope that we find him soon."

"They are working very hard on the case, these are the top people in the nation that are on this case... I can't tell you enough how appreciative we are of all the help and support," Shane's father, Kevin, added.

The Montgomerys appeared on "Today" the morning after friends and family held a candlelight vigil for the West Chester University student.

Shane was last seen leaving Kildare's Irish Pub on Main Street in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia. Karen said her son was escorted out of a bar at about 2 a.m. Nov. 27 and hasn't been seen since. There are no new leads in the case, she said.

Volunteers put up posters, shared the #HelpFindShane hashtag on social media networks and searched for Montgomery while the FBI and Philadelphia Police searched for clues.

Karen said that surveillance video could hold the ultimate clue in what happened to her son.

"[Authorities] are combing every inch and every frame of every video that they have had the opportunity to do, and that takes time,'' Karen said. "I'm sure that on Main Street in Manayunk, there's probably a hundred or more kids that look exactly the same as Shane."

A reward in the case rose to $40,000 on Thursday after Kevin Montgomery's employer, Bimbo Bakeries USA, added an additional $9,000 to the pot.

Shane, who weighs about 140 pounds and stands 5-foot-11-inches tall, was wearing a buttoned- down gray shirt, gray hoodie and jeans when he left the bar. He also has a unique Celtic cross tattoo on his shoulder.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-3353/54 or the FBI at 215-418-4000.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us