Missing Temple Couple's Car Found In Austin

AUSTIN, TEXAS — The car of a missing couple from Temple was found in Austin this weekend, prompting the local force to assist in the investigation toward finding the individuals involved.

Michael Swearingin, 32, and Jenna Scott, 28, were last heard from on Jan. 4 at 3 a.m. They were last seen together in a gray Hyundai Genesis. Swearingin's health problems have heightened concern over the couple's safety.

On Monday, local police confirmed the car was found in Austin over the weekend. Given the high number of requests for information from the media, the Austin Police Department issued a brief statement confirming the car was found. Police add they are working with their Temple counterparts to locate the missing couple.

"A number of you have inquired about Jenna Scott and Michael Swearingin, two missing individuals from Temple, Texas," the APD wrote in a statement. "We can confirm that their vehicle was located in Austin this weekend and that we are working with Temple Police Department as they continue their investigation. All other inquiries regarding the case should be directed to Temple PD."

Other media outlets have reported the vehicle was found at East 12th and Poquito streets in East Austin.

Austin police did not specify the part of the city in which the vehicle was found in Austin. Patch reached out to police to ask the question, but a spokeswoman referred any further questions to Temple police," she wrote in an emailed response. "You might check with Temple PD."

For their part, the Temple Police Department urged anyone with information as to the couple's whereabouts to call them at (254) 298-5500. Temple police posted photos of the two missing people on their Facebook page.

The missing couple's loved ones have since launched a GoFundMe campaign designed to raise funds for the services of private investigator and grief counselors. At last check, the fundraiser had collected $4,285 toward a $10,000 goal. To donate, click here.

On the crowd-sourcing page, the missing woman is described as mother to a 9-year-old child named Emerie Scott. "Please help reunite Emerie with her mother," the creator of the page wrote. "Both of these kids have parents that are searching and praying for their safe return. Donations will be applied toward the private investigator fees and applied to related search efforts to find these two and reunite them with their families. Prayers and contributions are greatly appreciated."

Temple is located about 68 miles north of Austin.

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>>> Photos of Michael Swearingin and Jenna Scott via GoFundMe, a Patch promotional partner