During a press conference on Tuesday, the Alma Police Department in Arkansas revealed a crucial development in the Morgan Nick case. DNA collected from a truck previously owned by the primary suspect has been connected to Morgan.
Morgan, who was just 6 years old, went missing on June 9, 1995, from a parking lot near Wofford Field in Alma while attending a Little League game. Her mother, Colleen Nick, recalled in a 2019 interview with Dateline how her heart raced when she could not find Morgan, emphasizing that they were in an unfamiliar place and that Morgan would never wander off alone.
In 1995, the police collected eyewitness accounts, including descriptions of a suspect and a red truck with a white camper shell believed to be involved, according to Chief Jeff Pointer. Billy Jack Lincks soon emerged as a key figure in the investigation. Although he was questioned back then, Lincks denied any involvement in Morgan’s disappearance.
In 2019, the Alma Police Department reopened Morgan’s case. The following year, they located Lincks’ old truck, which had changed hands several times. The current owner permitted a search, leading investigators to collect vacuum samples from various spots inside the vehicle. Chief Pointer reported that these samples contained multiple forms of matter, including hair, which were sent to the FBI for analysis.
In 2020, the FBI indicated they were making progress but required more information about Lincks’ background, urging the public to provide any details related to his life.
In 2023, an Alma PD detective learned about advanced DNA analysis techniques from Othram Labs, which had successfully created DNA profiles from hair samples. Later, the evidence returned from the FBI was submitted to Othram for analysis. On September 27, 2024, Othram confirmed that the hair found in the samples likely belonged to Colleen Nick, a direct relative of Morgan.
Upon re-interviewing the Nick family, police found no connections to Lincks or his truck, leading Chief Pointer to assert that this evidence strongly suggests Morgan had been inside Lincks’ vehicle. Lincks passed away in 2000.
Pointer highlighted the extensive effort invested in the investigation, noting that over 10,000 leads had been followed. He reiterated that Morgan is still missing, emphasizing the need to focus on this key suspect to unravel the circumstances of her abduction. Key unanswered questions remain, including how Morgan was taken and whether Lincks acted alone.
The investigation continues actively, with authorities revisiting known associates of Lincks and encouraging anyone with information to reach out to 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).
At the close of the press conference, Colleen Nick addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support in seeking answers about her daughter’s disappearance. She poignantly reflected on the loss caused by Lincks’ actions, expressing unwavering love for Morgan and the hope that their love will endure.
For tips about Morgan Nick’s case or information regarding Billy Jack Lincks, the public is urged to contact 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678).