Bassett, VA - It's been nearly two weeks since a Henry County teenager went missing. His mother, Carla Thomas, says she feels deep down that her 19-year-old son, Cory, is alive, but that he needs help.
He's been missing since Halloween. Officials say they found the SUV Cory was driving abandoned in the Oak Level area. Police say there are no signs of foul play, but they do think it's highly suspicious he hasn't been in contact with his family or friends.
Carla Thomas says the night her son disappeared started off like any other. Cory told his mother he loved her and went to meet his friends. He never came home. She says it kills her not to know what happened to Cory.
"Sometimes I just wander off in my mind and when I come back to reality, I realize he's not here... he's not here," said Thomas. "You don't know what it's like to be a mother and your child is out there, and you don't know if they're cold or they're hungry."
The family believes something or someone is preventing him from reaching out to them.
His aunt Darlene Calloway says they're trying to stay strong, but they worry Cory's suffering.
"I would prefer that than to think that maybe he's thrown in the ditch or buried," said Calloway. "I would like to have my Cory back. We miss him, we love him. If you took him, we love you too. Just send Cory back."
Carla says she's holding on to memories and to hope that her son is still alive.
"I just want him to come home," said Calloway.
Police say they've received reports of a tan or gold Corolla that was last seen with Cory's van. They want to hear from whoever was inside that car. If you have any information, call the sheriff's office at 276-656-4200.
