Family members say missing 15-year-old had painful life

By Trish Williford

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. —Investigators told Eyewitness News that Erica Parsons' adoptive parents lied for two years about where she was.

Casey and Sandy Parsons told their family Erica was going to live with her grandmother in Asheville.

Eyewitness News checked and that grandmother died about five years ago.

Now, investigators said the Parsons are lying and family members said they know why.

On Wednesday night, family members of 15-year-old Erica sat down only with Eyewitness News to express their hurt, sorrow and disgust over the disappearance of the young girl nearly two years ago.

They said they found out a week ago on Wednesday that Erica was missing, but since 2011, family members said they were told the adopted girl was living in Asheville with her birth family.

"I don't know of any family member she could go and visit. Never been made aware of any family member that ever existed," said one family member.

Family members said Erica has had a painful life for as long as they can remember.

"I don't think I've ever seen Erica not scared," said a family member, "You couldn't speak to her because she was being punished you couldn't look at her, she couldn't look at you," the family member said.

"I have witnessed some of the abuse myself, yeah I know she was abused."

Family members said although it pains them to think that Erica is no longer alive on Wednesday night, they do have some sense of peace.

"Sad but at the same time I feel like that Erica where she's at now is in a much better place than what she had here on earth," said a family member.

Anyone with information on Erica Parson’s case is asked to contact the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office and ask for Lt. Chad Moose at 704-216-8687 or Investigator Clint Mauldin at 704-216-8710.

The SBI and FBI are also now investigating the case.