CORDELE, Ga. (WALB) – The search intensifies for Nyeasha Pickens, a 19-year-old Cordele woman who has been missing since the early morning hours of July 5, 2025. As of now, multiple law enforcement agencies are actively working the case, following new leads in hopes of bringing her home.

WALB has confirmed that Cordele city surveillance cameras were not functioning on the night Pickens disappeared. However, investigators have obtained store security footage from the Enmarket on 7th Street, where she was last seen around 2:03 a.m. The video reportedly shows Pickens and a vehicle, but authorities have chosen not to release the footage publicly at this time.

Cordele Chief of Police Jalon Heard confirmed the footage has been decoded and contains new information, but details like if Pickens was alone, what vehicle she entered, or a description of that vehicle have not been disclosed.

“This is really hurting me,” said Ms. Barbara, a close family friend. “Because ‘Mama’ is like a daughter or a granddaughter to me.”

Pickens, affectionately known as “Mama” by those close to her, is described by friends and family as reliable, responsible, and not the type to disappear without notice.

“When I heard she was missing, I didn’t want to believe something happened to her,” said Eryn McKinney, a close friend. “She always comes home. She doesn’t stay out like this.”

Chief Heard emphasized that while there is no direct evidence at this point suggesting Nyeasha is in danger, each day without contact raises concerns.

“There’s nothing to lead us to believe she’s not safe,” said Chief Heard. “However, every day that goes by without hearing from her amps things up a bit more.”

As search efforts continue, the department has not deployed dogs or helicopters yet, explaining that such resources are only used once a specific area of interest is identified.

“We can’t just walk a dog around hoping to find something,” Chief Heard explained. “We need a defined search area for it to be effective. Helicopters are also an option, but they can interfere with scent trails.”

While the lack of city camera footage is a setback, Chief Heard reassured the public that investigations have been successfully solved without that technology before.

“The cameras would have been helpful, but this case is far from hopeless. We are following every possible lead.”

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Family members say they have been searching since Monday, and the search team is growing with the support of concerned neighbors and community members. Crisp County deputies are also on the scene. The family says they chose this specific area because they are desperate for answers.

“I would like to make sure it is communicated that the Cordele Police Department has been searching several ‘backwoods’ and out-of-the-way areas in Cordele,” said Cordele Police Chief Jalon Heard, “not because of any credible information, but simply to look and see if anything turns up.”

Anyone with information regarding Nyeasha Pickens’ whereabouts is urged to come forward.

Stay with WALB for continued updates on this developing story.

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