Brittany Smith's 'Big Brown Eyes' Are What Saved Her

Brittany Mae Smith, the 12-year-old girl who was missing for more than a week, is safe with her family in Virginia today because of the help of a California woman who recognized the abducted girl's "big brown eyes."

Theresa Shanley spotted the seventh grader and her alleged kidnapper, 32-year-old Jeffrey Scott Easley, last Friday outside of a Safeway supermarket in San Francisco.

"Because Virginia was so far away, I thought it couldn't possibly be her, but the brown eyes is what got me...her big brown eyes," Shanley said.

Smith and Easley were reportedly panhandling near the grocery store. Shanley ran into the supermarket and asked a clerk to call the police. Police quickly took the pair into custody without resistance

Shanley said that she recognized Brittany after seeing her on cable television. Police first issued an Amber Alert for the girl on Dec. 6. after discovering the body of Brittany's murdered mother, Tina Smith. Easley, her alleged abductor, is also a suspect in the murder.

The search for Brittany spanned eight states with police sifting through over 700 tips, but it was Shanley's alertness that made the difference.

"I am happy that she will at least be home to say goodbye to her mom," Shanley said.

Benjamin Smith, Brittany's father, spoke last night to reporters, saying he couldn't describe how grateful he was for his daughter's safe return.

"I thought that the happiest day of my life was when my daughter was born. Tonight has taken the number one spot," Benjamin Smith said.

The father, a police officer in South Boston, Va., was grateful to Shanley for her help.

"It's not anything that I could say to describe you the way my heart feels about you," Benjamin Smith said. "A simple thank you and God bless you."

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