Humboldt County Sheriff William Honsal tells the Journal that with nightfall approaching, the search and rescue effort for two young sisters believed to be missing in the woods south of Benbow is shifting gears.

Honsal said search and rescue crews have been brought back from the field — steep, rugged terrain near Twin Trees Drive south of Benbow — and the effort tonight will consist of crews working the area’s network of dirt and rural roads with flood lights. If needed, foot crews will be standing by ready to deploy.

The girls — Leia and Caroline Carrico, 5 and 8 respectively — were last seen at about 2:30 p.m. yesterday. When their mother went to check on them at 3 p.m. they were gone, believed to have wandered into the woods adjacent to the family’s home. Friends and family searched for several hours before contacting authorities at 6 p.m. yesterday. (Read a description of the girls here.)

Search efforts have been underway since. Earlier today, crews reported finding granola bar wrappers matching some kept in the family’s house and boot prints believed to be from the girls. Honsal said there are absolutely no signs of foul play but that — out of an abundance of caution — he has criminal investigators on scene, too, searching nearby residences and cars leaving the area.


See prior Journal coverage of the search effort here.