Missing Woman's SUV Found Abandoned

$26,000 Reward Offered For Information On Lynda Meier

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – Police announced Monday that they have identified a person of interest in the case of a Hallandale Beach woman who has been missing for more than a week.

Lynda Meier, 40, left her home in the 1800 block of South Ocean Drive in Hallandale Beach on June 4. Police said surveillance video showed Meier leaving her building at about 5:20 a.m. She has not been seen since.

Recommended Videos



Watch:

"She's separated from her property -- her car and her credit cards, as well. There's no explanation as to why she would be separated from her property and her cards. And other facts and circumstances that I can't share right now -- it would be inappropriate -- but we are confident that her missing person status is directly connected to foul play," said Dwayne Flournoy, of the Hallandale Beach Police Department.

The next day, police said two women used Meier's credit card at a Miami Lakes Walmart store. On Friday, Hallandale Beach police said they had identified and interviewed the two women. The women have not been charged in connection with Meier's disappearance.

In a news conference Monday morning, police said they found Meier's Cadillac Escalade abandoned in a parking lot in the 13400 block of Aswan Road in Opa-Locka on Sunday. A woman who lives in the apartment complex said the SUV had been there about a week.

A detective said the vehicle was "in pretty good condition."

"Was there anything inside the car that would lead you to believe that foul play is suspected?" Local 10's Jeff Weinsier asked.

"At this point in the investigation, we would rather not share that information other than that the vehicle was located in the city of Opa-Locka," Flournoy said.

Investigators said they suspect foul play in Meier's disappearance. Police said they are questioning a person of interest, about whom they released no information. That person is not in police custody but is cooperating, according to police.

Including the person of interest and the two women suspected of using Meier's credit card, police said they have interviewed a total of seven people in the case, although none have been charged.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is examining the SUV.

Meier is a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and North Miami Beach High School. Her twin brother, Eric Meier, spoke to reporters Monday.

"I haven't slept in days. I feel violated. It's just a lot of pain. We just want her back," Eric Meier said.

Meier's family has added $25,000 to the reward money for information in the case, increasing the reward to a total of $26,000.

Anyone with information is asked to call Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477).