150 officers search woods for pregnant woman's body

23-year-old last seen with man now jailed on domestic battery charge

ALACHUA COUNTY, FLa. – Law enforcement officers from nine agencies searched a wooded area near U.S. 301 and State Road 26 in Alachua County Thursday after forensic evidence led Gainesville police to believe that 23-year-old Hannah Brim is no longer alive.

"We're in a recovery operation, trying to find additional evidence, including Ms. Brim's body," Alachua County Sgt. Ben Tobias said.

Brim was last seen on Jan. 19 riding in a vehicle driven by Nelson Armas, 28. She was reported missing by her family four days later. She was 5 months pregnant.

Armas, 28, has a history of domestic battery and is currently in the Alachua County Jail on a domestic battery charge unrelated to Brim's disappearance. On Thursday, police said Armas is considered a person of interest in her disappearance and likely death.

Police said physical and electronic evidence gathered during a search of Armas' home on Monday led them to the 75-100 acres near Orange Heights where they were searching Thursday. At 2 p.m., authorities said they had not found anything related to the case and couldn't say how long the search would continue.

"It’s disheartening when you work a case and the evidence leads to an indication that the individual is no longer with us," Sgt. Brandon Kutner said. "At the end of the day, based on what we find today ... we'll decide on a strategy moving forward."

Gainesville police, the Alachua County, Clay County, Jacksonville, Union, Marion, and Broward County sheriff's offices, Miami-Dade police, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Florida Department of Corrections are among those involved in Thursday's search. K-9 and cadaver dogs were among the resources being used.

During an initial interview, police said Armas seemed to be cooperating, but he denied knowing where Brim might be.

“He indicated that she got out of the vehicle at some point in Alachua County," Tobias said. "We did a thorough search of that area and we did not find evidence of her being there."

Pastor Aaron Morgan’s Orange Heights Baptist Church overlooks the command post where law enforcement has been set up for the past 48 hours.

“I think it’s tragic that it’s come to such an outcome," Morgan said. "This morning a group of pastors met in the fellowship hall just to pray for the family, to pray for the outcome, to pray for the officers.”

Brim's father gave Gainesville authorities a handwritten note saying the family did not want to speak to the media, but wanted to thank the men and women involved in the investigation and recovery efforts. 

Anyone with information about Brim is asked to call GPD Detective Tom Mullins at 352-393-7619.  You can also text keyword GPDFL plus your tip to 274637 to provide anonymous information.