FULTON, Miss. (WTVA) — The FBI has left the Itawamba County property it searched this week in connection with a 26-year-old missing family case. Law enforcement has cleared the scene, but the ground shows where investigators dug for answers.

The property is located off Scenic Hills Drive north of Fulton. Areas of recently disturbed soil are still visible. Federal and local investigators spent days at the property as part of the search for Lesley Anderson and her three children: Rachel, Cameron and Kyle.

David Turner, a resident, said, “Honestly, I’m a little appalling that more wasn’t done with it when it happened.”

Itawamba County Sheriff Mitch Nabors said investigators have taken significant steps forward. He said his office has used every available resource, working with the FBI, Mississippi State, and the District Attorney’s Office. He has not said what those steps are.

Community members said bringing in outside help was a good choice.

Latasha Moore, a resident, said, “Sheriff Nabors was great for getting the FBI involved with it. It’s a good idea and hopefully, they’ll get some good answers now.”

Members of the Anderson family told WTVA in a statement that this week’s search has been a significant and emotional development.

The family said that after more than 26 years of unanswered questions, they are grateful to see new attention and resources going into the case.

They said they have never stopped hoping for answers.

The search at this property has ended, but the investigation has not. Nabors said his office is still asking anyone with information about Lesley, Rachel, Cameron, or Kyle to come forward.