(Update) – The case of a teenager who went missing nearly 13-years-ago from St. Joseph remains open after authorities conclude a search of several properties on the north end.

As we previously reported, on Tuesday The St. Joseph Police Department in connection with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children began conducting an operation related to the ongoing missing person’s investigation of Ashley Martinez. The operation originally began in the area of Huntoon Road and West Highland Avenue and later moved to several acres of private land. Capt. Jeff Wilson with the St. Joseph Police Department said the operation was based on historical information related to the case.

“Investigators with the assistance of search experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children conducted a ground search of several properties utilizing specialized equipment and cadaver dogs,” Wilson said. “The search was of value to investigators, but at this time the case remains open with investigators continuing to conduct follow up related to the investigation.”

According to past reports in the case, Martinez was last seen on July 6, 2004 when she was dropped off at a public pool in St. Joseph. The Center for Missing and Exploited Children said Martinez was 15-years-old when she went missing, she would now be 28-years-old.