(Newser)
–
The father of one of two missing girls in Iowa is a suspect in their disappearance, the girls' aunt has told ABC News. Police "have accused" Daniel Morrissey, said Tammy Brousseau, sister of both girls' moms. Police told family members "they had proof" that he played a role in the disappearance of his 10-year-old daughter, Lyric Cook-Morrissey, and her cousin, Heather Collins, 8, added Brousseau. The girls' bikes were found near a lake last week. When the FBI turned up at a hotel this week to question Morrissey and his wife, Misty, he told investigators he needed to sleep, which made them increasingly suspicious, Brousseau said.
Both Daniel and Misty Morrissey have extensive criminal records linked to alcohol abuse and drugs. Misty, who was released from her latest prison stint just over a month ago, has also been convicted of manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine, and Daniel has also been convicted of burglary and theft, notes ABC. Authorities have reportedly seized a computer belonging to the couple. The two, who are about to get a divorce, have told the press they're becoming frustrated with the deluge of questions from law enforcement authorities, and have hired an attorney who has advised them to stop speaking to police, reports the Los Angeles Times. Morrissey has said he "feels like a suspect." Heather's parents are continuing to cooperate with authorities. Officials haven't publicly released any information about suspects in the girls' disappearance.
