Father Of Missing N.C. Teen Issues Plea
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Ten days have passed since 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes vanished without a trace from Northwest Baltimore.
Mary Bubala talked to her father.
He issued a plea you will only see on WJZ Eyewitness News.
"We just want you to please just release her, just let her go," said her father Russell Barnes.
In six days, Phylicia Barnes will turn 17.
Her father says marking Phylicia's birthday without her will be unbearable.
"It's grueling to me, definitely. But to the people that really reared her, it's really even much grueling. I'm missing her. I miss her. It's indescribable," he said.
Mary Bubala: "What do you have to say to the person who may have taken Phylicia or may know where she is?"
Russell Barnes: "Please return our child. She has such a bright spirit."
Phylicia was last seen at 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2010. She sent a text message to her sister about getting food.
The 16-year-old honor student from North Carolina was in Baltimore staying with her 27-year-old sister for holiday break.
Mary Bubala: "What do you think happened to Phylicia?"
Russell Barnes: "I really do not know what happened, but we know that she would not just leave."
Baltimore City Police say they have people of interest in Phylicia's disappearance, and they have searched 11 different locations based on tips.
Mary Bubala: "Do you believe Phylicia is still alive?"
Russell Barnes: "Oh, yes. Yes. I have no inklings. My faith is positive. Nothing negative."
Mary Bubala: "She's a smart, smart girl. She's resilient based on how you described her. How do you think she's coping with this situation she may be in?"
Russell Barnes: "She's strong. I believe, I feel in my heart and mind, she's strong and she knows we are looking for her."
Russell Barnes says he is grateful to the Baltimore Police Department for its efforts so far in trying to find his daughter.
Police have established a tip line for information on Phylicia Barnes' whereabouts. If you know anything, you can call 1-855-223-0033.
