Overview of Amber Hagerman
Amber Hagerman had her whole life ahead of her. She was a third grader and attended Berry Elementary School located in Arlington, Texas. She loved to play with Barbies and ride her pink bicycle, it was her favorite color. Amber had gotten the bicycle for Christmas the month before. Her favorite Disney princess was Pocahontas. She adored her mother, Donna. Amber had a younger brother, Ricky, and loved to act like his 'little mommy'.
"OK Mommy, I will. I love you, Mommy" The last words Amber said to her mother. On January 13, 1996, Amber and her brother Ricky were visiting their grandparents' home. They were outside riding their bikes, and Amber asked her mom if she could ride around the block, to which her mother agreed. Her mother told her to stay close to home, to which Amber replied, "OK Mommy, I will. I love you, Mommy."
By 3:10 PM, Amber and Ricky had made their way to a nearby empty parking lot which was located two-tenths of a mile from their grandmother's home. There was a loading ramp that looked fun. Ricky was nervous about his mother's rules and decided to head back. Amber stayed at the parking lot riding her bike.
Eight Minutes By 3:18 PM, Amber was abducted, and her pink bike was left in the parking lot. local neighbor witnessed Amber's kidnapping through his chain link fence. The neighbor could hear Amber screaming and crying for help. He was able to call the police and reported seeing a black pickup truck possibly a 1980s or 1990s model. The truck had a short wheelbase, a single cab, and a clear rear window. The suspect is considered to be a white or Hispanic man who was in his 20s or 30s in 1996. This individual is believed to be shorter than 6 foot and had a medium build and black or brown hair.
Police arrived within minutes. The family didn't know Amber was abducted until Ricky went to check on Amber at the request of his mom, and found her pink bike. At this point, the police were already on scene.
Four days later, on January 17, Amber's body was found. Authorities believe that Amber was kept alive for two days before she was killed. Her autopsy revealed that she died of cut wounds to her neck. Since Amber's body was found in a creek, there is limited evidence, but some DNA was obtained.
Where the case stands today Over 25 years later, Amber's case remains unsolved. There have been no arrests made in Amber's murder. However, Amber's legacy lives on. On April 30, 2003, the PROTECT Act was signed into federal law by President George W. Bush. This law establishes a framework for local authorities in the event that a child is abducted.