ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF) – The Arlington Police Department announced on Wednesday new details surrounding the abduction and subsequent murder of Amber Hagerman that occurred on January 13, 1996. The day marked the 25th anniversary of the abduction.
According to APD, Amber was riding her bike in the parking lot of an abandoned grocery store in East Arlington when a man driving a black pickup truck grabbed her from her bike and kidnapped her by driving away in the truck. The primary witness in the case, Jimmie Kevil, reported that Amber screamed and tried to kick her abductor. Tragedy struck when Amber’s body was found in a rain-swollen creek approximately four miles from the location where she had been riding her bicycle.
“We remain committed with the utmost resolve to bring Amber’s murderer to justice,” said Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye. “Our detectives believe that someone still has knowledge of this horrific crime and we need them to come forward.”
The Arlington Police Department has set up a dedicated tip line for the public to provide any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem 817-575-8823.
Within the years that followed Amber’s death Police said her legacy lives on through the nationwide AMBER Alert system. Experts believe that hundreds of children have been found safe with credit given to the alert system that has continued to evolve over the years.
Oak Farms Dairy has agreed to provide a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.
The most updated suspect and vehicle description from detectives include:
- Suspect: White or Hispanic male, 20s to 30s (as of 1996), under 6’ tall, medium build, brown or black hair.
- Vehicle: Black 1980s or 1990s full size, fleet side pickup truck, short wheel base, single cab, rear window was clear, no sliding window, no chrome (solid black in color), no striping, truck was in good condition with no visible damage.
Police believe new technology could lead to a DNA sample in months to come. The department didn’t specifically identify the evidence that would be tested.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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