Warren County authorities are continuing their search for a Natchez man wanted in the assault of his girlfriend who was beaten and thrown off a cliff on U.S. 61 North in July.

Edward D. Wells, 28, has been eluding capture since July when a warrant was issued for his arrest after 29-year-old Patricia Rabb was thrown off a 25-foot embankment, Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said.

Rabb, who is also a Natchez resident, spent two months in a Jackson hospital recovering after being found by construction workers July 22 about two miles north of Vicksburg.

“She has suffered permanent disability,” Pace said.

He would not discuss Rabb’s location or give any more information about her injuries.

Wells, who has family in Louisiana and Natchez, came to Vicksburg to work a construction job, and Rabb joined him, Pace said.

“This woman was beaten badly and thrown off a cliff,” he said. “There is no doubt in my mind he thought she was dead.”

There were no signs of sexual assault.

Pace said his office has been in contact with Natchez and Louisiana authorities but to no avail.

“He is obviously not here right now, but I am confident he will resurface somewhere,” Pace said.

He said anyone with information should call the Warren County Sheriff’s Department at 636-1761.