FBI leads search for missing Oregon girls

Miranda Gaddis, left, and Ashley Pond

OREGON CITY, Oregon (CNN) -- The FBI is leading the search for two 13-year-old girls who disappeared from the same Oregon City apartment complex almost exactly two months apart.

Authorities believe the disappearances of Ashley Pond and Miranda Gaddis were related and that "foul play" was involved, FBI spokeswoman Beth Anne Steele said.

Ashley was last seen walking outside her apartment on the morning of January 9 on her way to school. She was 12 years old when she disappeared.

The FBI Web site describes her as white, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 110 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She also has a birthmark on her right hip.

Miranda's mother last saw her Friday morning in their apartment when she left for work.

Miranda's backpack was missing, leading investigators to believe she also was on her way to school when she disappeared, Steele said.

The FBI Web site describes Miranda as white, 5 feet 4 inches tall, 110 pounds, with brown eyes and dyed blonde hair. Her navel and her tongue are pierced.

Steele said authorities have not "ruled out hope" that the girls had run away, but she said that is becoming increasingly unlikely.

Neither of the girls had taken any clothes, makeup or other personal effects, and no one has heard from them.

Miranda had used the Internet at a close family friend's house, family members told CNN, and investigators have taken the computer to see if it could provide any clues.