Authorities search for evidence in Amanda Berry case after inmate tip

CLEVELAND - The FBI, police and other authorities are digging on Cleveland's west side Thursday morning after receiving a tip about the disappearance of Amanda Berry, who has been missing since 2003.

NewsChannel5 reporter Paul Kiska is at the scene. He said authorities have blocked off an area around West 30th Street and Wade Avenue, set up a tent and are using a cadaver dog to look for remains. The search could stretch into the night, as crews bring in a bigger backhoe.

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Bill Mason said the tip came from a prisoner who has been at the Southern Ohio Correctional Facility in Lucasville for murder since 2006. He provided information that a body may be buried where authorities are digging.

Mason said they received the tips weeks ago from inmate Robert Wolford.

“Based on the information we have, this is pretty credible information. I think there’s a good likelihood we’re going to find something,” Bill Mason said.

According to Cleveland police second district commander Keith Sulzer, "Wolford claims to be a first-hand participant in Berry's disappearance."

A neighbor said authorities brought Wolford out to the area in his orange jumpsuit and shackles on Wednesday to help point them in the direction of Berry's remains.

"We've had numerous tips over the years," FBI special agent Vicki Anderson said. "Anything that we feel requires a dig, we will go do it."

"It's a slow process," Sulzer added about digging in the vacant lot for clues. "The FBI is going inch-by-inch, but so far, nothing has been found yet."

Officials said Wolford and Berry were friends.

The family of Gina DeJesus is at the search site to show their support for the Berry family. DeJesus went missing in the same area as Berry one year later. DeJesus has never been found. Officials said Wolford has no knowledge of what happened to DeJesus and is not connected in any way to DeJesus's disappearance.

At 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, authorities ended digging for the day. They said the search for clues will resume on Friday with a backhoe.

The Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Office and the Adult Parole Authority joined Cleveland police and the FBI in the investigation.

Berry went missing nine years ago while walking home from her job at the Burger King on West 110th Street and Lorain Avenue. The Cleveland girl was set to turn 17 the next day.