Family of Erica Baker still searching for answers

KETTERING, Ohio (WDTN) - It's been 14 years since 9-year-old Erica Baker disappeared while walking her dog near a Kettering park February 7, 1999

"There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her," said Greg Baker, who is Erica's father.  "There will always be that glimmer of hope that one day we will find her.

Investigators said Christian Gabriel, who is now 41, and Jan Franks were in a van that struck and killed her that February afternoon.

Kettering Sergeant Bob Green responded to the scene of the accident and remains the lead investigator of the case.

Sergeant Green said it was until 2004 that Gabriel confessed to running over Erica.  To this day he has not revealed where or how he disposed of her body. 

Franks died of an overdose in 2001.

Christian Gabriel was convicted in October 2005 for abusing Erica's corpse and tampering with evidence.  He was sentenced to six years in prison.

In June 2011, Gabriel was released from prison.  It was Erica's grandmother who picked him up and took him to a Celina restaurant in the hopes that he will confess where Erica is buried but to no avail.

"My daughter is not at rest where she is now," said Greg Baker.  "We just want to bring her home and properly bury her."

Sergeant Green said Erica's case is very much open and on-going.  If you have any information you are asked to contact Kettering Police immediately at (937) 296-2555.