Mom's Disappearance "Pure Hell"

Chester County woman went missing after Main Line party

By VINCE LATTANZIO

Updated 5:47 AM EST, Tue, Sep 8, 2009

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NBCPhiladelphia.com

Friends and family of Toni-Lee Sharpless stood in vigil Monday night, praying for her safe return. The single mother disappeared more than two weeks ago after a night out with a friend.

"There's been no phone activity, no bank activity, nothin'...her and her car are completely gone," said her mother Donna Knebel. Sharpless and her 12-year old daughter live with Knebel in West Brandywine Township, Pa.

The 29-year old nurse was last seen after attending a private party in Gladwyne, Pa. on August 23, according to police. Sharpless' family last heard from her around 3 a.m. when she sent several texts to her daughter.

Sources said Sharpless sped off two hours later around 5 a.m. after kicking her friend out of the car following a fight over whether she was sober enough to drive.

Vigil Held for Mother's Safe Return

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Vigil Held for Mother's Safe Return

Fighting back tears, Knebel called the situation "pure hell." She believes foul play is involved, but police say otherwise. The family did admit the woman has "issues."

Still, friends of the missing woman vowed to keep searching for her. "We'll continue to hand out fliers and look for her until we find her," Gigi Harvey said. They plan on taking to City Avenue Tuesday morning, hoping to gather a lead.

Sharpless was driving a black 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GT with license plate number DND-7772. Anyone with information is asked to call Lower Merion detectives at 610.649.1000.