Federal investigators are joining a search for Erica Lynn Parsons, a teenage girl who was reported missing nearly two years ago, after her parents have become increasingly uncooperative.
The FBI has joined Rowan County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the search, reported WBTV.
Parsons was last seen on November 19, 2011, but wasn’t reported missing until July 30 of this year.
Erica’s step-brother, James Parsons, last saw her, and told investigators that his parents told him that Erica went to stay with other family members when he asked about her.
Now the parents, Casey Stone Parsons and Sandy Parsons, have become increasingly uncooperative, say law enforcement officials.
“The parents have since hired a local attorney and refuse to cooperate further with Sheriff’s Investigators in this case,” deputies told WBTV.
The attorney, Carlyle Sherrill, said that the parents were contacted by Erica’s birth mother, a distant relative, who lives in the Asheville area. Erica visited a couple of times, returning to the Parsons after the visits, but on the third visit she never came back.
“In February 2012, they received a phone call from her and she let them know in no uncertain terms she didn’t want to come back,” Sherrill said. “This is a rebellious teenager who seemed to be safe, seemed to be where she wants to be.”
Sherrill told WCNC: “My clients cooperated entirely with the sheriff’s office for two days, underwent extensive questioning by them, but the sheriff’s office was asking questions they didn’t know the answer to.”
On the other hand, grandfather Steve Parsons said that he’s concerned about Erica.
“If I could just know where she is at, I’ll be alright,” he said.
Investigators told WSOC that Parsons adopted parents have lied for two years about where they are. Also, family members said that she lived a tough life.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen Erica not scared,” said a family member, “You couldn’t speak to her because she was being punished you couldn’t look at her, she couldn’t look at you.”
“I have witnessed some of the abuse myself, yeah I know she was abused.”
If you have information about Erica Lynn Parsons, you are asked to call the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office at 704-216-8700.
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