Helena Area News

New details emerge in search for missing Helena woman

Posted: Dec 18, 2012 5:10 PM by Melissa Anderson - MTN News
Updated: Dec 18, 2012 5:10 PM

HELENA - The search for a missing Helena woman has turned up some new clues, but not enough to take her off the missing person's list.

Angelica Gray, 22, was last seen in Helena one week ago. Gray's two children are safe with relatives, and the search continues for Angelica.

"And that morning, when the babies were both freaking out because she wasn't in her room, I think this whole house went into shock." said friend and housemate Vivian Jackson.

Local authorities are cutting back on their search for Gray. The mother of two who lived at the YWCA has been missing since Dec. 11.

The most recent information surfaced after authorities received a video that placed Angelica at a convenience store and motel in Drummond, Montana early the morning after she was reported missing.

"She came into the motel between 2 and 3 Wednesday morning, tried to barter for a motel room. She could not get one and made sure it was OK for them to sleep in their car in the parking lot," explained Helena Police Chief Troy McGee.

On Monday night, authorities received information that the man she was seen traveling with, James Alexander Lee of Helena, was stopped in California. But, Angelica wasn't with him.

"Mr. Lee, driving the vehicle, had indicated that Angelica Gray had been with him and he had just dropped her off on Broadway and Stockton streets outside of Medera," said McGee.

Lee was out on bond in Helena for charges including unlawful restraint and intimidation. This has others who are involved in looking for Angelica wondering if she even made it to California.

"We think she may have traveled to California with this male, but that's according to him. He's provided that information. So, basically she's still missing." said Derek VanLuchene of Ryan United.

"Someone made those footsteps take place and it wasn't her," said Jackson.

"She would never walked away from those children her own accord, ever for any reason," said housemate Carole Solomon. "She lived for them."

Residents at the YWCA are hoping that the new clues will open up the doors to finding their missing friend and housemate.