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Search for Missing Edgemont Girl Enters Fifth Day

Edgemont resident Lauren Spierer is a lively 20-year-old finishing her sophomore year of college at Indiana University and studying fashion. After a late night with friends last Friday, she walked home, but was not been seen since.

Spierer's cell phone and shoes were left behind at a pub as she trekked home early Friday morning. She was wearing a white tank top and black leggings. While Spierer has a small frame, standing 4'11" and weighing roughly 95 pounds, her heart is big.

"She is a very bright, effervescent, bubbly, personable, young lady," said Rabbi Stephen Klein of the Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El, who performed Spierer's bat mitzvah and confirmation. "Naturally, we're all very distraught."

A vigil will be held tonight at Temples Tremont and Emanu-El, located at 2 Ogden Rd. in Scarsdale.

"It's a service of hope more than a vigil," said Klein, who encouraged the Edgemont and surrounding communities to attend and share their stories about Spierer. "The response has been a positive one."

Spierer was last seen at 4:15 a.m. Friday on 11th Street and College Avenue in Bloomington, Indiana. Police said surveillance cameras near her apartment show that she did not arrive home.

A 2009 graduate of Edgemont High School, Spierer's family flew from Westchester to Bloomington Saturday after a college friend called them, concerned about her whereabouts.

"It's every parent's worst nightmare," said Westchester County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D. – Greenburgh), whose district includes Edgemont. "I'm sure everyone in the county has their thoughts and prayers with the family, and we're all pulling for Lauren and awaiting her safe return."

Published reports said Spierer has a heart condition that she takes medication for. In an effort to speed up the search, her parents and Bloomington friends circulated and hung posters around town.

"The situation is really troubling because she's normally aware of her surroundings," childhood friend Laura Zukerman said on The Today Show this morning. "She knows exactly what she's doing at all times. And this is not a normal situation for her to be in."

A Facebook group was created following Spierer's disappearance – "MISSING LAUREN SPIERER" – where followers have posted prayers and suggestions for the police. As of Tuesday afternoon, the group had more than 8,150 followers.

One Facebook poster, current Indiana University student Mariah Srygler, wrote "our police force is honestly excellent. Lauren is in good hands when it comes to the investigation and the people in this community... I want to assure everyone that the police force is dedicated and qualified just as must as the community is resourceful and caring. She is in everyone's thoughts and will be found."

Spierer's family and Lieutenant Bill Parker of the Bloomington Police Department could not be reached for comment.

Additional information can be found through the Indiana Hillel website, including the location and times for search parties.

Those with additional information are asked to call Lt. Parker at the Bloomington Police Department at 812-339-4477.

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