BUTLER, Mo. — A statewide search continues for a Bates County woman who went missing two days before Thanksgiving.
After some of her belongings were found earlier this week, friends and family of Nicole Mallatt gathered for a candlelight vigil.
Saturday marks 11 days since Mallatt went missing, and her mother said she's hopeful for the best possible outcome, but also is preparing for the worst.
"Hopeful, but I know that's not the case because I know Nicole would not do this," Debora Lewis said. "I know she's not alive, I just know she's not. I feel it in my heart."
Lewis said it's a mother's intuition. She wants answers as to where her daughter is, but said she worries she won't be found alive.
"Very confused, very sad, I just want my daughter found so we can take her home," Lewis said. "That's all we want to do is find my daughter and take her home."
Mallatt was last seen Nov. 26 when she left the house in Butler, Missouri, to visit a friend and never returned. She was reported missing three days later on Nov. 29.
The Bates County Sheriff said Mallatt's backpack, phone and shoes were found about 100 yards from the home she lived in with her boyfriend of 18 years.
"She wouldn't just walk away," Lewis said. "She would never do that to her family."
The property was the center of law enforcement's search before expanding it to surrounding farms.
"They're doing the best that they can," Lewis said, "and I know they are. They've been working day and night, staying up for three to four days at a time. They're trying to put together the pieces of the puzzle and we'll take it from there, once they figure it out."
While the search continues for Mallatt, her family is asking everyone to look around, and speak up.
"Check your surroundings for Nicole," Lewis said. "Let us know if you see any like, new burial sights or anything, anything out of the ordinary."
Anyone with information regarding Mallatt or the case should call 911 or the Bates County Sheriff's Office.
