Missing N.J. Woman, Great-Granddaughter Found In Virginia Days After Disappearance

By Greg Hambrick and Kara Seymour

A 71-year-old New Jersey woman and her 5-year-old great-granddaughter who had been missing since Christmas Eve have been located in Virginia, according to police.

Barbara Briley and her great-granddaughter, both from Mays Landing, are being treated by medical personnel after they were located near their car in Dinwiddie County, Virginia on Wednesday evening.

Barbara Briley was flown by helicopter to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, Va. for treatment, according to police spokesperson Corinne N. Geller. La’Myra Briley, 5, was alert and appeared unharmed. She was transported from the scene for medical evaluation.

According to authorities, an alert Dinwiddie County resident spotted Barbara Briley's silver Toyota Rav4 parked on private property. The two were found sitting together against a tree approximately 45 feet from the car, according to Geller.

"The property owner had spotted the vehicle from afar and went to check on it, when he found the woman and child," she said. "Ms Briley was unconscious at the time of her discovery. No foul play is suspected in their disappearance."

The Hamilton Police Department in Atlantic County initially received the report of the missing pair, who were last seen at a gas station on Christmas Eve. They were traveling to Morven, N.C., for a planned holiday visit with family.

Authorities say Barbara Briley turned onto a dirt road, which she followed a short distance before pulling off into the woods, Geller said. Briley's car reportedly got stuck in a remote area.

"Based on evidence recovered at the scene, it appears the two were there for several days, but had enough drinks and snacks to sustain them for the duration of that time," Geller said.

Virginia law enforcement assisted New Jersey authorities in the hunt for Briley and her great-granddaughter.

Image released by Virginia State Police