The search for Justin Gaines continues

Metro Atlanta

Family and friends are searching for a missing college student, Justin Gaines, who disappeared Nov. 1 from Wild Bill's in Duluth.

Erika Wilson's job pays nothing, causes unbearable stress and so far has produced no results. But Wilson is determined to pursue what became her life's work exactly six months ago --helping authorities find her missing son, Justin Gaines.

No one has seen or heard from Gaines since he disappeared from Wild Bill's nightclub off Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth during the early morning hours of Nov. 2.

"I never wanted this new life," Wilson said. "I didn't ask for it, but it's my job now."

Working from a garage converted into a home office, she has focused on making buttons and bumper stickers, raising funds for a reward, handing out flyers, setting up a telephone tip line and maintaining a Web site --anything to make sure the public doesn't forget her missing son.

Friends dropped off Justin Gaines at a club on Nov. 1, 2007. At the time, Gaines was 18 and a freshman at the Oconee campus of Gainesville College in Athens. He was home visiting his family in Snellville for the weekend.

Gaines reportedly made several calls later that evening to friends asking for a ride home. None of them were able to pick him up.

Steven Wilson of Snellville concentrates while on the phone as he searches for his missing stepson back in November. Wilson, decided to have a likeness of Gaines tattooed above his heart. Erica said her husband wanted to see his son's face every day in the mirror when he dresses.

During the November search Steven Wilson, of Snellville (center) pores over a map of Duluth with friend Chris Jones, of Buford, as they look for Justin.

Erica and Steve have also hired private investigator Bob Poulnot of Lawrenceville to probe the case. "I know it's been a long time," Poulnot said Thursday, "but we're still working on leads and we don't intend to give up."

The Wilsons are offering a $25,000 reward to anyone with information leading to Gaines' whereabouts. Anyone with information can call 1-877-270-9500 or visit www.justingaines.com.

Until they get the tip they've been waiting for, Wilson's work continues. "Every day I cry, pray and hope for answers," Wilson said. "I can't imagine doing this another six months. I want to quit this job."

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Erika Wilson's job pays nothing, causes unbearable stress and so far has produced no results. But Wilson is determined to pursue what became her life's work exactly six months ago --helping authorities find her missing son, Justin Gaines.

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