New Suspect Identified in 29-Year-Old Arkansas Missing Child Case

In a significant development in a nearly three-decade-old case, Arkansas law enforcement officials have identified a new suspect in the disappearance of Morgan Nick. The 6-year-old girl vanished from a Little League ballpark in Alma, Arkansas, on June 9, 1995, while chasing fireflies with friends.

Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer announced that Billy Jack Lincks, who passed away in prison in 2000, is now considered a suspect in Morgan's abduction. This marks the first time authorities have publicly named a suspect in the case that has captivated Arkansas for 29 years.

The breakthrough came after forensic analysis revealed that hair found in Lincks' truck matched the DNA of Colleen Nick, Morgan's mother, or one of her close relatives. However, the Nick family has stated they had no prior knowledge of Lincks and had never been in his vehicle, adding a layer of mystery to the case.

Lincks had previously been arrested for attempting to abduct another girl months after Morgan's disappearance. In 2021, the FBI identified him as a person of interest in the case, leading to further investigation.

The Morgan Nick case has had a profound impact on Arkansas. In 2001, the state implemented the Morgan Nick Amber Alert system, named in her honor, to aid in the swift recovery of missing children. The Morgan Nick Foundation, established in 1996, has since assisted in the recovery of hundreds of missing children and continues to raise awareness about child safety.

Over the years, the case has garnered national attention, featuring on shows like "America's Most Wanted" and most recently in a 2023 Hulu documentary series. The FBI has offered a $60,000 reward for information leading to Morgan's recovery, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to solving this case.

Colleen Nick has become a prominent advocate for missing children, tirelessly working to keep her daughter's case in the public eye. The foundation she established hosts an annual event called "Morgan's Wonderland" to raise awareness and has initiated various campaigns, including a statewide billboard effort in 2010.

The investigation into Morgan's disappearance has generated one of the largest case files in Arkansas law enforcement history. Authorities have received thousands of tips, conducted extensive searches, and continue to pursue leads. In 2021, based on a tip, the FBI conducted a search of a nearby lake, showcasing the ongoing efforts to resolve this case.

As the investigation continues, the identification of Lincks as a suspect brings new hope for answers in this long-standing mystery. The case of Morgan Nick remains a poignant reminder of the importance of child safety and the enduring impact of unresolved missing persons cases on families and communities.

"As of today, for the first time I'm aware of, I'm calling Billy Jack Lincks a suspect in her abduction."

This development serves as a testament to the persistence of law enforcement and the Nick family in their quest for truth and justice, nearly three decades after that fateful summer evening in Alma, Arkansas.