The desperate search for missing Virginia mom Mamta Bhatt has seemingly hit a dead end as police say Thursday's investigations "resulted in nothing of evidentiary value being located."
"The Manassas Park Police Department would like to thank the community for being patient and allowing our officers to conduct these searches," Chief Mario Lugo said in a statement, according to InsideNova.com.
Mamta, 28, vanished from the Manassas Park, Virginia home she shared with her husband, Naresh Bhatt, 37, and their 1-year-old daughter, in late July, according to police.
Although her body has not been found, investigators are working on the theory she's dead.
Authorities arrested Bhatt in mid-August, three weeks after Mamta was last seen alive, following an initial search of their residence during which traces of blood were allegedly discovered by investigators.
Detectives said forensic evidence indicated Mamta's body was dragged out of the home, WTTG-TV previously reported, citing court documents.
Bhatt has been charged with concealing a dead body in connection with his wife's disappearance.
A motive remains under investigation.
Also this week, a Virginia judge granted Bhatt's motion for a speedy trial, allowing the defense to bypass a grand jury and laying the foundation for litigation to begin in the next five months.
Prosecutors argued against the move, stating it would be a challenge to have their case ready to go by then, but loved ones said they have faith justice will prevail.
"I have no doubt that the Commonwealth is putting together a very strong case," Mamta's co-worker, Holly Wirth, told reporters Thursday, according to WRC-TV. "Mr. Bhatt thinks he's smart, but I can guarantee you the weight of justice is leaning hard on him and we are going to see this come to fruition."
