Friends, family hold prayer vigil for missing Vallejo teenager Pearl Pinson

Byby Melanie Woodrow KGO logo
Monday, May 30, 2016
Friends, family hold prayer vigil for missing Vallejo teenager
Family and friends of a missing Vallejo girl held a vigil Sunday to pray that she returns safe and sound.

VALLEJO, Calif. (KGO) -- Family and friends of a missing Vallejo girl held a vigil Sunday to pray that she returns safe and sound.

A man accused of kidnapping Pearl Pinson Wednesday was killed in a shoot-out with police.

A steady stream of family and friends gathered at the footbridge above Interstate 780, with flowers and words of hope.

WATCH VIDEO: Search for missing teen on Sonoma County coast ends

Pinson has been missing since last week.

A witness reported seeing Fernando Castro dragging her over the footbridge early Wednesday morning as she was headed to school. That witness also reporter Pearl was bleeding. More than one witness, including a woman ABC7 News spoke with reported hearing a gunshot.

Castro was killed during a shootout with police. He is the one person who could know where Pearl is.

RELATED: Police kill only person who may know whereabouts of missing Vallejo teen

Search crews had high hopes Friday as the focused on Jenner, acting on what they said was a strong lead, but crews called off the search there Saturday saying they were certain Pearl was not in the area.

Friends are offering their support to Pearl's family. "My heart just goes out to the family. I have children and grandchildren, I would not want anything like this to happen to them, I have faith, I have faith no matter where she is or what condition she's in, God has her," Theresa Hughes said.

Many friends and family said they strongly believe Pearl is alive and are ready for her to come home.

A GoFundMe account has been set up by the family to help find Pearl.