Suspect in Custody But Teen Alexis Murphy Still Missing

Aug. 12, 2013— -- As classmates of Alexis Murphy head back to school today, the missing high school senior's mother made an emotional plea for her daughter's return.

"I want her to come home because today would've been her first day of school," Laura Murphy, the teen's mom said at a news conference today. "I carried my youngest son to school this morning but I didn't have my daughter to take."

"Please, if the public knows anything, please, please let us know. Please," Murphy tearfully begged.

The sobbing plea came as the authorities announced today Randolph Taylor, 48, had been arrested and charged with abduction in the disappearance of Murphy, 17.

"We continue to ask the public for tips, particularly if you have information on Randolph Taylor," Anthony Martin, the Commonwealth's Attorney for Nelson County, said at the news conference.

Authorities did not elaborate on what led them to arrest Taylor, however, they are asking for anyone who believes they saw the suspect or his late model GMC Suburban just prior to and after Murphy's disappearance to come forward with any information they may have.

Murphy was last seen on Aug. 3, 2013, at a Lovingston, Va., gas station. Her white Nissan Maxima was located three days later in the parking lot of Carmike Cinemas in Charlottesville, Va.

Jeff Mazanec, special agent in charge of the FBI's Richmond Division, said authorities are hopeful they will find Murphy soon.

"I know this is some speculation if this case is related to other disappearances. We continue to look at all possibilities," he said without elaborating on what those other cases might be.

Taylor is being held at the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail and has not yet entered a plea.

More than 50 officers and analysts from the FBI, Nelson County Sheriff's Office and the Virginia State Police have joined the effort to locate Murphy.

Murphy was last seen wearing a pink blouse, floral-patterned spandex pants, brown boots and was carrying a dark and light gray colored purse.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nelson County Sheriff's Office at (434) 263-7050.