DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — It’s been more than 26 years since Erica Baker disappeared, but a new program could bring detectives closer to solving her case.
On Feb. 7, 1999, 9-year-old Erica Baker left her home to walk her dog, and never returned.
Investigators, friends and family never gave up the search for her, and with a new cash reward available, officials hope to finally get the information they need to close her case.
Crime Stoppers is once again partnering with the Kettering Police Department to offer a cash incentive for any information that would lead to Erica.
KPD says they’ve worked with Crime Stoppers like this in the past, but not recently. A detective on the case hopes this cash reward will be an incentive for those who may not have shared information previously.
“If you have any information, any credible information, we want you to contact us and reach out,” said Det. Amy Pedro, KPD. “Or if you have any information about Christian Gabriel, we’d like to hear any information you have on him, especially if you knew him back in 1999, through the time he spent in prison.”
Gabriel was previously identified and arrested in connection to Baker’s disappearance. While he spent 6 years in prison on charges of tampering with evidence and gross abuse of a corpse, Gabriel has refused to cooperate further in the investigation.
“Detectives believe Gabriel knows where Erica is, but that he knows her discovery would lead to evidence linking him to her murder, adding more charges against him,” said Crime Stoppers in a release.
With the new cash incentive, detectives are hoping those who knew him will come forward.
Erica’s father says he is grateful for the continued efforts of local law enforcement and the entire community to search for his daughter. He hopes this next step will bring her home.
“We have a place to put her at David’s Cemetery. And then just to put an end to this page that has been ripped open out of our history, our family life,” said Greg Baker, Erica’s father. “We would be greatly appreciative if somebody could come forward and give that information, so that way, we can put this to rest.”
Those with information are urged to contact Detective Pedro at 937-296-2460. Anonymous tips can be shared with Crime Stoppers at 937-222-STOP or online at MiamiValleyCrimeStoppers.com.
Media: On Feb. 7, 1999, 9-year-old Erica Baker left her home in Ketterling, OHIO to walk her dog, and never returned.
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