WATERVILLE — A day after Maine State police removed crime scene tape from 29 Violette Ave., a new sign appeared.

A no-trespassing sign was posted Sunday afternoon to a tree outside the home where 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds was reported last seen.

Maine State Police ended their investigative work Saturday at the home, which is owned by Ayla’s grandmother, Phoebe DiPietro. Police also “released the house back to the occupants,” according to Department of Public Safety Spokesman Steve McCausland.

Throughout the day Sunday, several cars were parked in DiPietro’s driveway. Earlier in the day, before the no trespassing sign was posted, a reporter knocked on the door on two separate occasions, but no one answered.

McCausland said there were no updates in the case Sunday.

Ayla was reported missing Dec. 17 by her father, Justin DiPietro.

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For the next five days, multiple law enforcement agencies conducted an exhaustive search of Waterville.

On Dec. 22, police cordoned off the Violette Avenue home with crime scene tape.

On Friday, the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit assumed the leading role in the case and announced that the search for Ayla had evolved from a missing person case to a crime investigation.

On Saturday, Ayla’s paternal grandfather, Ronald Reynolds of Portland issued a public plea, according to the Associated Press.

“We’re all out here begging and pleading for the return of our baby girl, safe and sound,” he said outside his home.

Ben McCanna — 861-9239

bmccanna@centralmaine.com


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