BY SUSAN VELA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GERMANTOWN, Ky. -- A local resident probably knows whether Erica Lee Fraysure is dead or alive, but that person isn't talking, says Kentucky State Police Detective Robert Scott, lead investigator in the missing-person case.
There's a $25,000 award awaiting the tipster who could shed light on Erica's whereabouts since last October.
Shane Simcox, 21, was the last person to see Erica on the night of Oct. 21, about 24 hours before her unlocked car was found.
In February, Mr. Simcox began serving an 18-year sentence for forging checks and probation violation at Mason County Jail.
Investigators have questioned him about Erica's disappearance and Detective Scott said he remains a suspect.
Another person questioned about Erica's disappearance was Christopher Dean Mineer, who shot his fiancee and then himself Sept. 25.
Police ruled him out as a suspect a long time ago because he had an alibi that checked out, Detective Scott said.
The lead investigator would not say how many suspects there are in the case. But he said he has known since the start that a local probably knows what happened to Erica. However, he's not sure why that person hasn't spoken to investigators.
Tipsters can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children in Arlington, Va., 1-800-THE-LOST; the Bracken County Sheriff's Department, (606) 735-2700; or Detective Scott, (606) 428-1212.
