Vigil remembers Laynee Westbrook's disappearance at two year anniversary

Laynee Westbrook has not been seen in two years, but she remains a constant presence in the hearts and minds of family, friends and law enforcement officers who gather monthly for vigils to keep alive hopes she will be found.

Westbrook, who worked at the Anacortes Safeway, disappeared the night of Sept. 10, 2020 after leaving the Chevron station near Swinomish Casino & Lodge.

Westbrook was with a man who is believed to have driven her to his campsite at the Thousand Trails Lone Tree Point RV Resort near La Conner. According to published accounts, he told investigators that he dropped Westbrook off at Causland Memorial Park in Anacortes later that night.

"There are lots of unanswered questions," Westbrook's sister-in-law, Emily Pepper, told about 35 people attending a candlelight vigil at the park Sept. 10 in observance of the second anniversary of her disappearance.

The one-hour event included a slide show tribute to Westbrook.

"Not a day goes by," Pepper stressed, "that Laynee is not missed."

Pepper praised the efforts of the Anacortes Police Department in its ongoing investigation.

"The APD is still working hard," she said. "The APD has done an amazing job trying to find Laynee."

Anacortes Police Detective Sgt. Jackie Nations assured the group, "This case is open and active. I want you all to know that this case is close to my heart.

"We can't make promises," said Nations, "but we'll never stop. This case is very active."

"Anacortes Police Department detectives continue to investigate and search for answers regarding what happened to Laynee and who might be involved in the case," APD Community Service Officer Brent Lindquist said in a statement issued Sept. 9.

Lindquist said that the probe has included an excavation of a rural Skagit County site in July and relevant reports entered into the case file last week.

"Current investigatory pieces," said Lindquist, "include analyzing digital data, obtaining search warrants for both digital and physical evidence and a recent collective case review that included the APD, Skagit County Prosecutor's Office, the FBI and other agencies with a vested interest in this case."

Recent major developments in the case have come from people providing information, said Police Chief Dave Floyd.

More information is needed.

"There are not a lot of factors that are in our favor with this case," Floyd said. "The ones that we have could be extremely key pieces when we get to the point that those factors come into play. For now, releasing those pieces could jeopardize the case as it stands. We understand and share in the frustration regarding this case felt by Laynee's loved ones and her community."

Those loved ones, meanwhile, cling to hope that there will be justice for Westbrook. Until then, they will remain vigilant.

"I hope we don't have to be here again," Pepper said. "But we will if we have to."