RCMP still seek 'key piece of information' in Bali search

The renewed search for a missing Yorkton, Sask., teenager has come up empty, the RCMP told reporters at a news conference in Regina on Thursday.

Mekayla Bali, now 18, has been missing since April 12, 2016.

For two days, approximately 20 searchers scoured an area near Sacred Heart High School, one of the areas where Bali was last seen and video-recorded.

"So we were searching that area for any evidence or anything we could find to confirm she had been in that area," Supt. Jennifer Ebert said. "We haven't been able to corroborate information on the timeline or fill in those holes."

Ebert told reporters the latest search has renewed interest in Bali's disappearance, resulting in "a couple additional tips."

"This helped remind people of the investigation, remind them of what they saw," she said. "We still need that critical, key piece of information to find out what happened to her that day."

Police have a list of tasks to "close the loop on," and continue to pursue leads, Ebert said..

Mother thanks searchers

Mekayla's mother, Paula Bali, issued a statement Thursday afternoon, thanking volunteers "who have given so much of themselves unselfishly."

"You are the heroes to our family," she said of the searchers.

Bali also thanked police for their continued investigation into her daughter's disappearance.

Police are asking the public to contact Crime Stoppers if they have any information about Bali.