Agents in Kristi Cornwell case interview N.C. jogger

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

GBI agents are investigating the attempted kidnapping of a jogger one town over from where Kristi Cornwell was abducted.

The failed kidnapping occurred on July 26 in Murphy, N.C., roughly 20 miles from Blairsville, where Cornwell disappeared Aug. 11.

“There aren’t any real similarities, but there is proximity,” said GBI spokesman John Bankhead.

The attempted kidnapping occurred at 9:30 p.m. -- right about when Cornwell, 38, was grabbed while walking along Jones Creek Road, not far from her home. She was chatting on her cellphone with her boyfriend at the time of her disappearance, authorities say.

The GBI identified a large-size white SUV, and a tan or gold subcompact car, as vehicles possibly driven by Cornwell’s abductor. In the Murphy case, witnesses say the man was driving a red Ford Ranger.

“We’re following up on it, but right now there is no connection,” Bankhead said.

Cornwell’s case remains a mystery, despite national media coverage and a $50,000 reward.