Missing Bend woman’s sister searching, praying for good news

Sara Gomez, 24 of Bend, has been missing for about a week now, the subject of a police investigation, searches by family and friends — and lots of prayers.

Since then, her ex-boyfriend, Bryan Penner, has been arrested for violating a restraining order Gomez filed against him last year.

Family and friends of Gomez have spent the past week searching Central Oregon. They’ve received tips from all over the place, including East Highway 20 and even as far away as Roseburg.

Gomez’s older sister, Elizabeth Fennell, has been heavily involved in the search efforts. On Monday, she spoke with NewsChannel 21 about how the family is doing

“I’ve never seen so much community support and love in my entire life,” she said, “I’ve not seen half these people together in over 10 years. She brings us all together like that. It’s just amazing. Our family is trying to stay as strong as we can for her. We’re just not going to stop until she is home again.”

Over the weekend, police released photos of a sea-foam green 2004 Chevy Malibu that they say is involved in the case, as investigators seek public tips on where it was seen between Sunday, Feb. 18 and last Wednesday.

According to Fennel, the car belongs to Penner. Fennell said that Penner and Gomez dated for five years. They met because the two families were friends.

Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said Penner is believed to be directly involved in Gomez’s disappearance.

Fennell described Gomez as “silly and fun.”

“She’s just an amazing person all the way around, so dedicated to every little thing she’s ever done –school track, work, being an auntie. She’s just amazing. I’m ready for my girls to have her home,” Fennel said.

Gomez had been working at Albertsons in Bend for several years. Her sister said she started out stocking shelves but quickly worked her way up to a management position.

“I cannot, still, to this day, believe how much support and help and phone calls I have received, looking and actively out in the snow looking for her. I just talked to her (a week ago) last Friday, and I just hope and pray that she’s OK,” Fennell said.

The family of Gomez has set up a fundraising account at Selco Community Credit Union. If you’re interested in donating, you can check out the Finding Sara Facebook page.