At a press conference on Tuesday, the Alma Police Department in Arkansas provided a major update in the Morgan Nick case, revealing that DNA collected from a truck previously owned by the prime suspect in her disappearance has been connected to Morgan.
Morgan Nick was just 6 years old when she disappeared on June 9, 1995, from a parking lot near Wofford Field in Alma during a Little League game. Her mother, Colleen Nick, recalled her panic when she couldn’t find Morgan, emphasizing that they were in an unfamiliar place and that her daughter would never wander off alone.
In 1995, the police gathered accounts from witnesses present that evening. Chief Jeff Pointer mentioned that a suspect description along with details of a red truck with a white camper shell was reported. The focus quickly shifted to a man named Billy Jack Lincks, who was interrogated in 1995 but denied any involvement.
In July 2019, the Alma Police Department reinvestigated Morgan’s case. They located Lincks’ truck, which had changed hands multiple times since 1995. The current owner allowed police to search the vehicle, resulting in the collection of vacuum canisters that contained hair and other materials, which were later submitted to the FBI for analysis.
A year later, the FBI indicated they were closer to identifying the person involved in Morgan’s abduction but sought further information about Lincks’ background, stressing that every detail could be critical.
In 2023, Alma PD learned of advanced DNA analysis techniques from Othram Labs. By the end of 2023, they received evidence back from the FBI for further testing. Chief Pointer announced that on September 27, 2024, Othram confirmed that the hair in the evidence belonged to Colleen Nick or one of her family members.
Upon reinterviewing the Nick family, it was confirmed that none had connections with Lincks or had been in a truck resembling his. Pointer highlighted that the evidence strongly suggests Morgan had been in Lincks’ truck. Lincks passed away in 2000.
Chief Pointer emphasized the extensive efforts put into the case, stating that authorities have worked on more than 10,000 leads but reiterated that Morgan Nick remains missing. He stated that the investigation is zeroing in on a singular suspect to unveil the circumstances of her abduction.
The investigation continues to be active, with authorities reinterviewing associates of Lincks and appealing for anyone with further information to come forward by contacting 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).
At the close of the press conference, Colleen Nick addressed the audience, expressing gratitude to the numerous supporters working to uncover the truth behind Morgan’s disappearance. She poignantly stated, “He stole Morgan from me… But he didn’t see that he could never win. Because our love for Morgan — her memory and her voice — outlasted his life.” Colleen affirmed that their love for Morgan perseveres, stating, “Morgan’s heart shines on.”
Anyone with information regarding Morgan Nick or Billy Jack Lincks is urged to call 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).