An anonymous donor has put up a $3000 reward for information leading to a missing Fairfield college student. 22 year old Katelyn Markham was last seen on Saturday, August 13th.
Local 12 has also learned that the cyber crimes unit of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) is now working with Fairfield Police as they try to find Markham.
Fairfield Police admitted for the first time on Wednesday that they suspect foul play in the case of a missing woman. Markham was reported missing on Sunday, August 14th. The night before, her fiance John Carter says she sent a text message-which included a photo of herself-to him. That was the last time anyone heard from Markham. She didn't show up for work the next day at either of her two jobs-at the Art Institute of Ohio or David's Bridal.
Friends and family spent the early part of last week passing out fliers and searching the wooded area near her Dorshire Drive condo. Then on Wednesday, investigators sealed off the condo, changed the locks, and began combing the place for new clues, like a missing coat or pair of shoes. Katelyn's father and sister carried out boxes of her belongings after they were released by police. Lt. Kevin Haddix told Local 12, "Its logical to infer that foul play is involved here. That is something the police department has considered from day one."
A helicopter hovered over a wooded area near the condo and along the river.
Katelyn's fiance John Carter toled Local 12's Deb Dixon that he recalled the moment he realized Katelyn was missing. "Driving in between these two buildings here, I could see that her car was still here and that, my heart just dropped immediately because I knew she'd have to be at work."
He says there is no logical explanation for Katelyn's disappearance and that it's out of character for her to leave without telling anyone. "We were excited, happy. We want to go to Colorado and live life." Her friends have
opened a Facebook page to keep each other updated on new information in the search for her.
Katelyn's father, Dave Markham, says "She was one who has always planned, has had a goal for three years and is achieving it daily. Parents worst nightmare. I want her home."
Dave Markham says when he entered Katelyn's condo, it appeared to him that she had been asleep. John Carter says there didn't appear to be any signs of a struggle at the home- her car is still out back and her keys, purse, and pet dog were in the house. Police tell the family that Markham's cell phone was turned off, as is the GPS on the phone.
Markham is five feet three inches, has green eyes and brown hair with blonde streaks.
If you know where she is, call Fairfield Police at 513-896-8243 or Crimestoppers at 352-3040.
