KETTERING — A candlelight vigil was held Saturday night to remember the birthday of Erica N. Baker, a child who has been missing for more than three years.

Misty Baker stands in front of a photograph of her daughter, Erica, who has been missing three years. (Enquirer file photo) | ZOOM |

        “Thirteen Candles for Erica” was the family's way of honoring Erica, as well as the more than 600 volunteers who continue to help in her search.

        “Giving up that hope is not something we can do,” said Pam Schmidt, Erica's grandmother. “Unless someday, someone can prove without a doubt she's not coming home, we're going to believe she will be coming back.”

        Erica, then 9, disappeared on Feb. 7, 1999, near a recreation complex a few blocks from her Kettering home. She was walking her dog, a Shih Tzu named Jaime, who was later found trailing his leash.

        Dayton area police, with help from the FBI and other local, state and national agencies, have chased thousands of leads. Mrs. Schmidt said the case is still open as the recovery center continues to get new leads every week.

        Saturday's vigil was at the recovery center, 2286 S. Smithville Road, a donated storefront. The facility will be closing in about a month because costs of utilities were escalating.

        The center will continue to operate, but without a physical location. Donations cover its costs.

        Along with Mrs. Schmidt, Erica lived with her grandfather, her mother and three brothers in a one-story house. Her father, Greg Baker, lives in another Dayton suburb.

        Erica has blond hair, hazel eyes and was just under 4 feet tall and about 65 pounds when she disappeared.

        Anyone with information is asked to call (937) 254-0242.
       “We still believe we're going to get Erica home,” Mrs. Schmidt said.

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