Erica Parsons adoptive parents to Dr. Phil: 'Erica is not missing'

By Eric Philips

SALISBURY, N.C. —The search for a missing teenager from Rowan County is in the national spotlight.

Erica Parsons' parents told Dr. Phil McGraw on Tuesday that she is safe, but no one has seen or heard from the 15-year-old in nearly two years.

The Parsons did not report her missing until July.

Casey and Sandy Parsons said they went on Dr. Phil to set the record straight, but their explanation of what happened to Erica has perhaps left more questions than ever about their judgment as parents.

In an interview with Dr. Phil that they sought out, Casey and Sandy Parsons explained why they do not think their 15-year-old adoptive daughter Erica is missing, even though law enforcement is searching for her.

On Tuesday night, Eyewitness News worked to fact check the story with what police said.

The Parsons said Erica is with her biological grandmother, Irene Goodman who they call Nan, but investigators said Nan does not exist.

Casey Parsons told Dr. Phil that she met Nan first on Facebook in July of 2011, by the end of September she agreed to let Erica spend the weekend with Nan.

By the time the teen went for a third visit they said she didn't want to come back and no one has heard from her since.

The Parsons said they do not have an address or working telephone number for Nan.

Sandy Parsons said he trusted his wife to handle all communications with Nan.

"I just didn't make an effort to talk to this woman," he said.

Last week investigators searched the Parsons' Salisbury home removing drywall, carpet, knives and Jon Benet Ramsey magazines. Her adoptive parents said there is a good reason they did not go after her for nearly two years.

"I thought it was just a rebellious teenager. She's mad at nan she'd back."

On Wednesday, Dr. Phil looks into the truth behind what the Parsons are saying and asks them to take a polygraph test at 4 p.m. on Channel 9 followed by Eyewitness News at 5 p.m.

Erica's neighbors in Salisbury told Eyewitness News they plan to hold a candlelight vigil later this week to pray for Erica's safe return.

The vigil is set for 8 p.m. Friday night on Miller Chapel Road in Salisbuey.