TRIAD, NC -- For parents, there's nothing like the feelings of joy and love you get from your newborn.
But there's no nightmare like when a child goes missing.
At any given time, there are 80,000 missing people in the U.S. -- many from right here in the Triad.
Martin Roberts has been missing for 104 days -- since April 21.
Police say his case is considered a "cold case" because they currently do not have any new leads or updates to work with.
When cases go cold, they become much more difficult to solve.
Roberts is originally from Kernersville but was last seen in Boone -- where he went to school.
His father, John, says investigators have made great progress but they just don't know where to look next!
"It's just a situation that you take one day at a time and sometimes one hour at a time,” said Roberts. “We definitely rely and depend on family and friends and faith and prayer and well wishes coming from all different people."
The lead detective in the search for Martin Roberts was in Kernersville Wednesday.
He's gathering up medical records and school records and any other documented information they can get their hands on.
When cases go cold like this one, police collect that information for two reasons.
First, so that it won't be destroyed later by mistake.
Secondly, investigators are looking for documentation of scars or surgeries -- something that would help identify a person if they are located.
They're looking to find any medical needs this person may have or in some cases, dementia or cognitive impairment.
Authorities want to know if perhaps the missing person once asked their doctor or therapist about a particular vacation destination or getaway spot -- something that small could lead to their whereabouts.
Corporal J. Palmenteri with the Greensboro Police Department has investigated several missing persons cases over his 11 years with the department.
Palmenteri says even the tiniest little nugget of information could potentially go a long way.
“When you're looking through medical records, you've come to the point where there are no more active leads to go on,” said Palmenteri. “You are looking for anything to try to jog the investigation further.
Police in Greensboro are also looking for Tyarra Williams.
She's been missing for over 200 days.
The 19-year-old was last seen leaving her home in Greensboro back in January.
Unfortunately right now, police don't have any new updates or leads.
Palmenteri says the best way for them to solve a missing persons case is through tips from the public.
"If a person is an adult and is willfully missing, it can be very difficult to find them,” he said. “A lot of times, we have to rely on the public for help through CrimeStoppers trips and social media hits and things like that."
Both the Williams family and the Roberts family asks everyone to keep sharing their story and keep praying.
“We worry so much about him and his safety. We want to know that he is healthy and safe and sound. There are a lot of people that want him to be home, back with family and friends. We care for him and love him and miss him more than we could ever express,” said Roberts. “It's something I would never wish on anybody. It's a terrible thing to go through. But it has strengthened our faith in family and friends and of course, our religious beliefs. It's brought us closer to people than we've ever been.”
In a statement sent to WFMY News 2 on Wednesday, Tyarra Williams’ mother, Danielle, said the following:
As of today, unfortunately we do not have any viable updates or leads. GPD still considers it an on-going case, and we are following up on any tips or calls we receive. We are currently still working social media to keep the word out and her face prevalent. Our family asks everyone to still continue to keep sharing and praying. Also to keep their eyes and ears open for any information in regards to her or anyone involved in her disappearance. No info is too small. We want her home and we know she wants to be home. No one deserves this kind of pain or anguish. Our family has remained in prayer and hope for her safe return. Someone knows something, the silence has gone on entirely too long. I would like to urge anyone who knows anything to please speak out so we can get her home to us. Also the family would like to thank the community for all of their help, love, and concern with my daughter's disappearance.
Right now, Police in Greensboro are investigating 12 missing persons cases.
If you have any information on the whereabouts of Martin Roberts, Tyarra Williams, or any other missing persons, contact CrimeStoppers or your local police department.