Police seek new tips in Amber Hagerman cold case

ARLINGTON, Texas - Arlington police are looking for new leads in the cold case that led to the creation of the Amber Alert system.

Wednesday marks 20 years since 9-year-old Amber Hagerman was kidnapped. She was abducted while riding her bike in a grocery store parking lot near E. Abrams Street and Browning Drive on Jan. 13, 1996.

One witness reported seeing a man in a black truck grab her off her bike and drive away. A man walking his dog found her body in a drainage ditch in north Arlington four days later.

The case inspired the Amber Alert system which has helped to save more than 700 children.

Police meet with the media Wednesday to discuss the case and solicit new tips that might help solve the case. Investigators believe someone out there knows something.

Amber's family said even after 20 years they still haven't given up hope that they'll one day get justice and closure. Her mother spoke directly to the unidentified killer.

"Why did you have to kill my 9-year-old little girl?" she asked.

There is still up to a $10,000 reward available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.