BROOKFIELD, Mass. - Twelve months have come and gone, but the question still remains: Where is Brittany Tee?

"It's been a tough year for sure," said Tee's sister, Bethany.

The 35-year-old Brookfield woman was last seen in the area of Lewis Field on Main Street on Jan. 10, 2023. Three days later, her family reported her missing. 

Bethany Tee said they are still actively involved in her case.

"We're in touch with the lead detective quite often," Bethany said. "He just spent a good two hours with us last month. So, they're still very actively investigating."

Wednesday night, family, friends and community members hosted a candlelight vigil. 

"I feel like the unknown has been the most difficult part of getting through," said Matti Sjoblom, who grew up with Tee. "Just try to remain positive, and trust that the state police and detectives and DA's office are still continuously working on her case."

Ann Marie Mires is program director for Anna Maria College's forensic criminology department. She is also part of a search team made up of civilians and law enforcement.

Mires said in the last year, there have been more than 10 searches for Tee which have covered more than 4,700 acres. Search crews were on the ground as recent as last month.

"This is using ongoing tips that are coming in, going back and revisiting areas, making sure the coverage; weather is always a factor," Mires said.

Mires was actively involved in the Molly Bish investigation. She has also spent time educating law enforcement on recovery techniques in heavily wooded areas. Since Bish's disappearance, Mires said law enforcement has put an emphasis on getting the community involved in the investigation, and the Tee case is no different.

"That's what community policing is all about," Mires said. "Engaging the community to find out, or to come forward and say something, even if it might be insignificant."

Those tips are crucial a year later. For Mires, it's never too late to say something.

"We can keep putting tools and resources to it," Mires said. "But, if new information doesn't come in, it can really slow things down."

State Police and the Worcester County District Attorney's Office released a joint statement on the Tee investigation, saying in part, "The police have continued to follow up on all investigative leads and tips in this case. Investigators continue to receive tips regarding Ms. Tee’s disappearance."

"I hope that Bethany and Sue and the community and all of us friends, that we get closure some day," Sjoblom said. "I'm hopeful we will get that, no matter the outcome."