No DNA results on blood yet

HANFORD - Police Friday confirmed investigators were conducting a follow-up interview with the ex-husband of missing Hanford resident Debbie Hawk at his rural Lemoore home Thursday.

The divorced mother of three, whose 47th birthday will be marked by friends and family Monday, has been missing since June 13.

Hanford police Lt. Darrell Smith, who was one of the two investigators seen at David Hawk's 16th Avenue residence Thursday, said they were just seeking more information from Hawk but nothing more.

Smith would not say what information they were seeking from Hawk. Police investigators just conducted an extensive seven-hour-long search on Hawk's 60-acre ranch Saturday.

"During the course of the investigation, we'd normally talk with several people on more than one occasion," Smith said.

Smith described David Hawk as one of a "handful" of persons of interest. What that means, however, virtually changes from day to day depending on the way the investigation progresses, Smith said.

"The number can change every day depending on how many people we interview," Smith said. "It could grow or decrease overtime."

Smith reported no update on the case late Friday.

Police say Debbie Hawk is believed to be the victim of an assault because her house was found ransacked with blood stains inside.

Her van, which was also missing after her disappearance, was later found in southwest Fresno. Blood was found on the back seat of the van, police said.

Despite assistance from the state Department of Justice and FBI, Hanford police still have not announced whose blood was found in house and van. DNA forensic analysis on the evidence found both at the Hanford house and the van is being handled by the Department of Justice.

Results of the DNA analysis on the blood have yet to arrive, Smith said. It's been more than two weeks since the evidence was taken to the lab. Police are treating Debbie Hawk's disappearance as a missing-person case with suspicious circumstances, although concerns for her life grow greater with time, Smith said during a press conference Monday.

(July 1, 2006)