Authorities focusing on Midwest in search for 2 missing New Hampshire children

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) -- Investigators looking for the bodies of two children missing from New Hampshire since July Fourth focused their search Sunday along the route their father traveled across the Midwest, authorities said.

A search by Ohio state police and the FBI of open areas and parks in the Toledo area turned up nothing and was called off after more than seven hours, authorities said.

The FBI obtained information that Sarah Gehring, 14, and brother Philip, 11, may have been dropped off in the area, said Special Agent Robert Hawk in Cleveland.

"We'll continue the search if warranted," he said. "We've looked every place that we think logically these children could or might be."

The children were last seen at a fireworks display in Concord with their father, Manuel Gehring.

Gehring was arrested Thursday at a hotel in Gilroy, Calif., and authorities announced Saturday they were treating the case as a double homicide.

Officials gave few details about why they believe the children are dead except to say that evidence found Friday night and early Saturday led them to that conclusion. Assistant Attorney General Jeff Strelzin would not discuss the evidence or say if Gehring was cooperating with police.

At a news conference Sunday, Strelzin would not confirm the search was focused in Toledo, but said investigators were targeting the Midwest. He said the children had not yet been found.

"There are areas we've already searched, and we haven't located the bodies," he said. "We have other areas to search."

According to court documents in Concord, the children were in tears when they and their father left an Independence Day fireworks display. The documents also say Gehring was opposed to a new custody arrangement between him and his ex-wife that had been reached a week earlier.

The children's mother, Theresa Knight, has not spoken to reporters. Her husband, James Knight, thanked investigators Saturday, saying: "Everyone has done a good job. We'd like to thank them for their efforts throughout the country."

According to credit card charges, authorities say, Gehring apparently traveled along Interstates 84 and 80, stopping July 5 at Newburgh, N.Y., and Emlenton, Pa.; July 6 at Joliet, Ill., and Iowa City, Iowa; July 7 at Greenwood, Neb.; July 8 at Winnemucca and Sparks, Nev.; July 9 at Rocklin, North Highlands and San Francisco, Calif.; and July 10 in Gilroy.

Gehring was jailed Sunday in Santa Clara County, Calif., and was scheduled to appear in court Monday on charges of being a fugitive from justice in New Hampshire. He was charged in New Hampshire last week with interference with child custody.

Meanwhile, friends of the children recalled them as talented and well-liked.

Sarah, who lived with her father and had just finished her freshman year at Concord High School, was one of the few people in her class to make the varsity cheerleading squad.

"She has like a million friends. That's why it's going to affect a lot of people," said Ray Popsie, a fellow student.

Her brother attended school in Hillsboro, and had appeared in a movie produced by the New Hampshire Actors Guild called "The Lemonade Stand."

Dana Myskowski, the scriptwriter, said he made the film shine. "He's a good kid, a great kid. Now all we can do is pray," she said.