Missing girl's extended, biological family speaks at vigil

By Catherine Bilkey and Tina Terry

SALISBURY, N.C. —Erica Parsons' extended and biological family joined community members at a vigil on the street where she lived. They spoke out for justice and love for the now 15-year-old girl who disappeared.

"Call somebody, call anybody. We love you," Carolyn Parsons, Erica's biological mother, said.

Those were the words she had for Erica Parsons. She only spoke for a few moments, having trouble even finding the words.

Erica Parsons' biological father's family on the other hand, sought Eyewitness News out. They wanted to talk about Erica at the vigil Friday night.

"I want to know what happened to her, and I want her found no matter what the scenario is," Christina Goodman said.

They said they desperately want to find Erica and want answers about where she's been for the past two years. They said Casey and Sandy Parsons' claim that she's with Nan, her biological grandmother, isn't true.

"This is Chloe, this is the real grandmother, biological grandmother," Goodman said, holding up a picture.

Eyewitness News reporter Catherine Bilkey asked if she's ever been called "Nan." Goodman answered "no."

Erica's biological family was also supported by Erica's adoptive family. While parents Casey and Sandy Parsons were noticeably absent, a man who said he doesn't support his brother Sandy spoke loud and clear.

"The truth is going to come out sooner or later; the truth is going to come out," Scott Parsons said.

Friday all of the family thanked neighbors and community members for lighting candles, holding signs, and drawing attention to the 15-year-old girl.

"Erica is out there, I hope," Scott Parsons said. "I pray she's out there. I just continue to hope on that."

An unmarked police car showed up at the Parsons' home Friday afternoon.

The patrol car and two other vehicles were not at the home long and wouldn't say why they stopped by.

Channel 9 was outside the home when an officer and two other people walked up to the door carrying a manila folder.

They would not comment on why they were there.

Since Erica was reported missing three weeks ago, the Parsons have defended themselves to detectives and talk show host Dr. Phil McGraw.

They said they let Erica move in with her grandmother in Asheville in 2011 and they haven't seen her since.

Investigators said none of that information is factual.

Channel 9 learned some extended family members won't be at the vigil because the FBI will be interviewing them about Erica's disappearance.

Fmaily members also told me the Department of Social Services has ordered Casey Parsons' parents and Erica's siblings to stay away from any event where the media is while the custody battle over the kids continues.

Many people who show up Friday night will wear T-shirts with a picture of what Erica would look like today.

They plan to march down the road and end up in front of the Parsons' home.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office said starting Monday, Erica's photo and age-progression photo will be featured on 15 digital billboards throughout Charlotte area.

Anyone with information on Erica's whereabouts is encourage to call the Rowan County Sheriff's Office at 704-216-8700.