Phoenix police to search landfill for missing woman

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Phoenix police say they will begin searching a landfill this morning for a missing Phoenix mother.

Phoenix police say they will begin searching a Buckeye landfill near State Route 85 for Christine Mustafa, who disappeared in May and is feared dead.

"We have various law enforcement agencies that have donated resources and supplies," said Alan Pfohl with Phoenix Police. "Coordinating that takes some time. This is going to be a very tedious search."

Mustafa's family and friends had always hoped for the best and feared the worst. They say they want to find Mustafa for a sense of closure and proof.

"I pray, that's all we can do, and with the help of the police I just hope they find something."

That was Mustafa's sister Jennifer back in May, praying that her sister was found. Five months later, the Phoenix mother of two's body hasn't been recovered and the search will continue next week.

Police say they've allotted nine weeks to conduct the extensive search, which will include 30 officers from various agencies. The search members will canvass the area, wearing protective suits, gloves, and boots.

Meanwhile, officials believe the prime suspect in the disappearance is her live-in boyfriend, Robert Interval.

Interval was arrested in June on first degree murder charges after police searched the home. Interval told police he had to clean the place and Mustafa's car was also in the driveway.

Friends and family had been searching on their own for months, but turned up nothing.

Mustafa's neighbor spoke on her disappearance back in June.

"We really need to have that proof, that's just going to finish this off, and help with any of the evidence they've already collected," said Diane Strand.