Age-enhanced photo of Brandon Wade.

VALDOSTA — After five years, authorities are still investigating the disappearance of a Valdosta woman and her son, who were last seen Oct. 12, 2002.

Paula (McGrath) Wade, then 25, and her son Brandon, then 3, were reported missing Oct. 14, 2002, after Wade did not show up for her morning shift at Sam’s Club, where she worked. A fellow employee was sent to search for Wade at her home at The Commons Apartments and found her ‘98 Chevrolet Blazer parked in the driveway, but no sign of Wade or her son.

A previous article in the Times stated that the child safety seat had been removed from the vehicle, according to a statement made by the family.

The Valdosta Police Department continues to work on the case and follow leads as they develop. Numerous agencies, which include the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, Polly Klass Foundation, and the National Center for Missing Adults, have assisted in the investigation.

Reward money is being offered by the family of Paula and Brandon as well as the Valdosta Police Department. A State of Georgia Governor’s Award is also being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Wades’ disappearance.

Wade is described by her family as 5 feet 7 inches in height, weighing 150 pounds. She has brown/auburn hair and brown eyes. Brandon, at age 3, was 33 inches tall, 32 pounds with hazel-blue eyes and brown hair.

Age progression photos, provided by the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children, can be seen of Brandon Wade at www.paulawade.com.

Anyone with any information about the location of Wade or her son is urged to call the Valdosta Police Department crime tip line at 229-293-3091 or the Investigations Department at 229-293-3145.