Kettering, Ohio (WDTN) — Erica Baker went missing near the Kettering Rec Center on February 7, 1999, and the community, along with investigators, has not forgotten her after 25 years. Over time, search tools and forensic Technology have evolved to aid in investigations like Erica’s disappearance.
Searches began immediately after Erica went missing, with initial efforts involving boats and K9s to comb the area. As time went on, crews utilized ground penetrating radar and resources from EquuSearch Midwest to cover new ground and revisit old sites. Kettering Police Detective Amy Pedro, who now leads Erica’s case, emphasized the importance of EquuSearch Midwest’s resources and the willingness of volunteers to provide boots on the ground and assist in digging locations of interest.
Additionally, Kettering Police Sgt. Vincent Mason mentioned the use of Google Earth to go back in time and analyze how things were. Technology continues to play a significant role, with modern advancements providing new avenues for pursuing cold cases like Erica Baker’s.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost formed Ohio’s Cold Case Unit in 2020 to stay on top of cases that have gone cold over the years. The unit’s purpose is to keep cases alive and utilize new forensics to help bring closure and justice to families of missing persons and victims of unsolved crimes.
Inside Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation, cutting-edge forensic technology supports local law enforcement in their efforts to solve cold cases. This technology has led to successful closures in cases like the murder of Tiffany Chambers, whose remains were found in Greene County in 2016.
Samantha Molnar, a Criminal Intelligence Analyst and Forensic Artist for BCI, highlighted the access to information and advancements in technology that have improved the investigation process. Despite challenges posed by aging evidence and the passage of time in long-standing cases, Molnar remains dedicated to doing her best with the available resources.
In the case of Erica Baker, who was reportedly hit by a van and buried by Christian Gabriel, the search for her body continues. Detectives and law enforcement are hopeful that advancements in technology will lead to new leads in the investigation, bringing closure and peace to Erica’s family.
The Ohio Cold Case Unit is actively investigating over 100 cases and encourages anyone with information about Erica Baker to contact the Kettering Police Department at (937) 296-2555. Your small piece of information could be the missing puzzle piece that cracks the case and brings Erica home.
Read More Technology News
