CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Authorities in Tennessee said late Wednesday they are suspending until further notice the search for the body of Gladis Russell, the elderly woman believed murdered by Samuel Littleton, because all likely places where she could have been were checked.

The Chattanooga Police Department said it conducted the extensive search, based on a confession by Littleton, with the help of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Air Unit, the Hamilton County Special Tactics And Rescue Service and Chattanooga Police Department Academy cadets and a cadaver dog.

The search Tuesday from the air spanned from the Hamilton County line south to the Georgia state line. The Chattanooga Police Academy Class started its search Wednesday on foot. The special tactics service, along with their cadaver dog, “searched a vast area from Interstate 75 west” police said, near areas surrounding the location where her husband Richard Russell was found.

“The Chattanooga Police Department has exhausted all resources and have searched all areas that fit into the parameters given by the suspect” Littleton. There are no plans to resume the search.

Littleton reportedly told authorities that he “dumped Gladis Russell across town” from where her husband Richard Russell was found Saturday in Chattanooga. On Tuesday, Chattanooga authorities used dental records to identify Russell.

Bellefontaine police believe the Russells, both in their 80s, were murdered at their rural Logan County home Feb. 16 and their bodies taken in their own car by Littleton, 37. Littleton has not been charged in the case involving the Russells, but faces four charges in the murder of Tiffany L. Brown, the 26-year-old daughter of Littleton’s longtime girlfriend.

Logan County authorities, along with Ohio FBI agent Harry Trombitas, are encouraging residents living along I-75 in southern Tennessee and northern Georgia to check their properties for any evidence that would help authorities find Gladis Russell.

Those who find evidence are asked to contact their local law enforcement agency.

“The problem is, we really don’t have a specific location to check for,” Trombitas said of the search for Gladis Russell.

Richard Russell, 84, died of a stab wound to his chest, police said.

Littleton disappeared the same day as the Russells. A nationwide manhunt began for him and he was captured Feb. 23 in West Virginia. Authorities used a police helicopter to spot him in a wooded area behind a Walmart, where he abandoned the Russells’ car.

Investigators are still asking the public to call the Chattanooga Police Department at 423-698-2525 with any information that might be helpful in this case.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2414 or kwynn@DaytonDailyNews.com.