In a tragic turn of events, a car belonging to 17-year-old Brissa Romero, who has been missing for a week, was discovered in a retention pond in Vernon Hills, Illinois on Monday. The Nissan Rogue was pulled from the pond by crews in the afternoon, but Brissa's body has yet to be found. According to authorities, it is believed that Brissa was driving the vehicle when it went into the water.

The search for Brissa began after she failed to show up at a holiday party at a bowling alley in Vernon Hills on December 4th. Analysis of cell phone data led search teams to the retention pond on Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills on Monday morning. A witness had initially spotted a backpack floating on the edge of the pond, which was later identified as belonging to Brissa. This discovery prompted authorities to bring in additional search crews, ultimately leading to the recovery of her car in the water.

The vehicle, which had traveled approximately 60 feet into the pond, was pulled out just before 4 p.m. Police have stated that based on the condition of the car, they believe Brissa was inside when it went into the water. However, her body has not been found. Surveillance footage obtained from a nearby fast food restaurant on Monday showed Brissa entering and exiting the establishment by herself. She then drove away about 15 minutes before her cell phone last pinged near the pond.

Vernon Hills Police Chief Patrick Kreis emphasized that the search efforts will continue at the pond, as it is currently the main focus of the investigation. The pond is located near a T-intersection and it appears that Brissa, who was possibly unfamiliar with the area, may have failed to navigate a turn and ended up in the pond.

The search for Brissa's body was temporarily suspended on Monday evening but is set to resume on Tuesday morning. A vigil was held for Brissa on Sunday night, with friends and family gathering at the last known location where her SUV was spotted by traffic cameras. Approximately 50 loved ones participated in the vigil, holding photos of Brissa and hoping to find someone who may have information about her disappearance.

Brissa's family has released surveillance videos of her at work, hoping to gather any additional information that may help locate her. They are asking the public for assistance, urging anyone who has surveillance footage or may have seen something unusual in the area to come forward. Brissa is described as being 5 feet tall, weighing 115 pounds, and was last seen driving a 2008 Nissan Rogue with an Illinois license plate CZ64618. Her family is offering a $14,000 reward for any information that leads to her safe return.

As the investigation continues, Brissa's sister, Dulce Romero, expressed gratitude for the support and assistance from police and volunteers. She remains hopeful that Brissa will be found and encouraged everyone to keep investigating. The community remains devastated by this heartbreaking situation and is rallying together to bring Brissa home safely.