Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent held a press conference Friday afternoon to announce the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the case of a missing Bucyrus girl, 15-year-old Rebecca “Beccy” Kemper.
Kemper was last seen by her mother on Sept. 23 at approximately 10:30 p.m. at their residence on Crestline Road in Bucyrus. When her mother noticed a window was open and Kemper was not in the home, she contacted local authorities.
Kemper is not thought to be a runaway, the sheriff’s office stated in an email to press, and has no history of running away.
Kent announced that the search had broadened and that his office has requested the assistance of not only the FBI but the Marion Police Department, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Bucyrus Police Department, and the Galion Police Department.
“We received some information that could be sightings or some information that led us to the Marion area. We were down there last night looking around for any evidence. As of today, we have been working on following up on internet leads along with cell phone information, talking to family, canvassing the area, and we’re still not able to find Rebecca at this time,” said Kent.
“We’re asking that anyone that has any information on her whereabouts to contact the sheriff’s office, and all those leads will be followed up on,” he added.
When asked what led the investigation to the Marion area, Kent replied that investigators know Kemper had been in contact with a person, which he later intimated to be male, from that area.
Kent was asked about why a vehicle had been removed from the home by authorities on Friday, but he replied that he could not say at this time.
“We are currently speaking with all parties involved, family members, neighbors,” Kent said in reply to questions about two teenagers that had been seen speaking with investigators.
Kent noted that the family had been very helpful in the search.
When asked if he had a message for Kemper, Kent replied, “A message for Rebecca would be to contact her family, contact the sheriff’s office; we at least need to know that she’s ok.”
FBI Special Agent Todd Wickerham stated, in reply to a question about what led investigators to believe Kemper did not run away, “Until we have a clear indication one way or the other, whether it was voluntary or involuntary, we explore all avenues.”
“We provide assistance like this when we don’t have a clear answer as to whether it’s a runaway or some type of involuntary situation,” continued Wickerham, explaining the FBI involvement.
Kent said the family is very upset, “They want their daughter back, they want to know who, when and why. Is she safe.”
Kent confirmed that a cell phone believed to be Kemper’s was left behind at the scene, but said that there is a possibility of a second phone that she “may or may not be in possession of.”
He said that investigators will continue to gather evidence and move forward.
“Again, if anybody has any information, we’re encouraging them to contact the sheriff’s office,” Kent said.
The Crawford County Sheriff’s office may be reached at 419-562-7906.
