HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — It has been more than five years since Jesus Mancilla-Velez, 22, disappeared after leaving for a trip with friends in September 2020 . His family continues to search for answers in what they describe as a painful and frustrating wait.

For Gisela Mancilla, Jesus’ sister, the emotional toll has been overwhelming.

“It’s a lot of feelings that come out when you think about our situation,” she said.

The family has grown frustrated with what they believe is a lack of progress from investigators . The pain of waiting has turned to frustration, convinced investigators aren’t doing enough.

This year, Gisela said, her family plans to start their own search efforts. They are determined not to let his case fade away.

“For them it’s just a number. For me, for my family

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