Volunteers search for clues in teen's killing

Hundreds of people gathered in a northeast Dallas park on Thursday to search for clues about the disappearance and killing of an 18-year-old woman.

The body of Zoe Hastings was found Monday morning in a creek next to her family’s minivan.

Dallas police hope someone will come forward with information that will help them find Hastings’ killer.

Late Sunday afternoon, Hastings left home for a meeting at church and made a stop at a Redbox at a nearby Walgreens drugstore. Then she disappeared.

Dallas police and searchers got organized on Thursday at Norbuck Park.

 “Zoe was very special to me, my wife Katy and our three children,” said Hastings’ uncle. He talked briefly about his family’s grief, then showed their determination in spite of it.

Extended family members and friends handed out nearly 170 packets to small groups of volunteers who fanned out across Lake Highlands, in the neighborhoods around the crime scene and Hastings’ route to church the Sunday she disappeared. 

“If someone isn't safe leaving their home in broad daylight, going less than one mile to church, who is safe?” said volunteer Jan Mallett.

Some of the volunteers knew Hastings from school, the YMCA where she was a swim coach or from around the neighborhood.

They say they didn't hesitate to show up and volunteer because the life taken from Hastings took something from them, too.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Dallas police. Additionally, the detective on this case can be reached directly at 214-671-3647.

Hastings’ funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which is located at 10701 E. Lake Highlands Drive. The public is invited to help honor her.