Police Suspect Foul Play In Missing Teen Case
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Police say they are starting from scratch in their search for 16-year-old Phylicia Barnes.
Mike Schuh explains the new efforts being used in the search.
Officers, the FBI and an academy class hit the streets again. It's the ninth day in the search for Barnes.
"It's extremely unique and extremely rare and we're doing everything in our power to make sure we bring Phylicia home alive," said Anthony Guglielmi, Baltimore City Police.
"I have not slept. My whole family, from Atlanta to New York to Baltimore, everyone who knows me, has not slept. People are crying all over this country," said Phylicia's father, Russell Barnes.
Volunteers are stepping in. Twelve Baltimore-area motorcycle clubs are getting together to pass out flyers in Northwest Baltimore in order to help police get the word out.
"Right now, our main concern is to bring her home, so we want to get the information out to everyone," said volunteer Shawna Prior.
And a message for whomever is responsible.
"Whatever happened, whatever went wrong, come clean with it. Just let her go. That's all we want is her safe return," said volunteer Vikki Carter.
The FBI used heat sensors on its helicopters to check dumpsters around Reisterstown Plaza.
Detectives believe the most likely theory is abduction.
"We have nothing to suggest that Phylicia Barnes is off on her own free will in some other part of the country," said Major Terrence McLarney.
"She loved her sisters and her family in Baltimore very much," Russell Barnes said. "She was excited every time they talked. We even had countdowns when she was coming to Baltimore."
Police will go into the neighborhood Thursday, walking the streets, handing out flyers and talking to neighbors. They set up a special tipline just for information on this case. If you know anything about Barnes' disappearance, please call 855-223-0033.
