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Friends of missing Florence couple organize search party

Posted at 4:30 PM, Jul 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-13 18:38:24-04

LOVELAND, Ohio -- Friends of the Florence couple who went missing are organizing a search party to help locate their remains.

A.J. Aerni, of Loveland, has been organizing a volunteer effort to search for the bodies of Bobby Jones and Crystal Warner, who were last seen around 7 p.m. July 3 on Texas Road in Springfield, Kentucky.

RELATED: Kentucky state police searching for missing Florence couple

The pair were Jeep enthusiasts, and Aerni said several Tri-State Jeep clubs have already made a commitment to join the search efforts.

"Part of the 'Jeeping' mentality is we don't leave anybody out on the trail when something happens to somebody, whether it's first aid or it's to their vehicle,” Aerni said. “We all gather together and we help get them home safe, and I know that I would want my friends and family to do the same for me.

“We just want to help as best as we can to bring them home to their family."

He said the group is willing to assist authorities in their search efforts. 

"We've contacted the investigator in charge and have left him messages to tell him if they need additional resources we're here to help," Aerni said. 

Kentucky State Trooper Billy Gregory said they are following up on leads that should pinpoint a location. He also said the police department will allow others to help search under their supervision. 

"I think we would all be willing to accept any amount of help that we could get under the supervision of Kentucky State Police because the last thing we would want to do is destroy evidence," Gregory said.

RELATED: Man facing murder charges in Florence couple's disappearance

Kentucky State Police officers arrested 52-year-old Craig Pennington, of Springfield, Friday in the disappearance of the Florence couple. Pennington is facing murder charges.