By Joshua Huff, sports editor
BIRMINGHAM — The disappearance of a Trussville woman from a Birmingham establishment on Dec. 20 has confounded authorities and the family alike as the search stretches past its first week.
Paighton Laine Houston, 29, who was last seen around 10:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20, at Tin Roof with two heavy-set black males, has vanished with few leads to discern where she went or what happened to her.
“We’re pretty much at the same spot that we were in when we started the investigation,” Birmingham police sergeant Johnny Williams said. “We’re trying to develop new leads. Investigators are trying to gather any video that they can to review to get possible clues. We’re pretty much at the same place we were.”
What is known, is that Houston allegedly left Tin Roof willingly with the two unknown black males. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage of the bar, which detectives have yet to release to the public as they review the material.
Several hours later at around midnight, Houston texted a friend saying, “idk who im with so if I call please answer. I feel in trouble.”
That was the last time anybody has heard from Houston.
Since her disappearance, Houston has not withdrawn any money from her bank account and her phone is going directly to voice mail.
The family of Houston met with detectives on Monday. They have been advised not to release information on the investigation to the media but they did say they are doing all they can to find her.
The Birmingham Police Department is the lead investigating agency in the case. The Trussville Police Department has offered assistance if needed.
“We just need a Christmas miracle,” Charlaine Houston, Paighton’s mother said. “Everyone loves Paighton. She has always kept in touch with us or her really close friend. We just want to find her.”
At the time of her disappearance, Houston was wearing ripped blue jeans, a coral colored tee-shirt and blue Converse shoes. She is described as a white female, 5-feet-2 and weighs 123 pounds.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the whereabouts of Paighton Laine Houston, please contact the Birmingham Police Department at 205-297–8413 or 911. If you have additional information on this investigation, contact Crime Stoppers (205) 254-7777.