Louisiana headlines have been busy with the disappearance of a 22-year-old college student who went missing under mysterious circumstances. New evidence recovered in the case suggests she may very well have been the victim of a car accident. She was last seen in the early morning hours of May 19, riding her bicycle back home after spending time with a friend in Lafayette.

Investigators found the missing student's bicycle approximately 27 miles from where she was last seen. It was discovered under a bridge inside of a muddy basin. A police spokesman stated they believe whoever had the bike drove it down towards the edge of the basin and dumped it in the water, likely hoping that it would never be found.

A former Federal Bureau of Investigation agent suggested that because the bike was found to have sustained damage and that it had been dumped close to a highway, the student may have been struck by a vehicle. He went on to state that evidence gathered from the bike could help investigators determine whether the act was intentional or an accident.

Police continue to search for three drivers that were seen on surveillance video driving around the area at about the same time the student was last seen. It is stressed the vehicles in question are only of interest and the drivers are not considered suspects in the ongoing investigation. The family is hopeful that their loved one will be found.

The fact the bicycle was found damaged and hidden could suggest this woman was the victim of a hit-and-run car accident. As Louisiana investigators continue to unearth more clues, they will hopefully get closer to finding the driver who may have either witnessed what happened to the woman or who may be responsible for hitting her, if that is indeed what happened. In the meantime, the family remains hopeful for a break in the case leading to the discovery of the young woman.

Source: Good Morning America, "Missing Louisiana Student Mickey Shunick's Bike Suffered Significant Damage," Christina Ng, May 30, 2012