LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A Luzerne County woman left her home 21 years ago on Tuesday and was never seen alive again. Her family says they will never stop searching for her and for justice.
It's the cold case mystery of 22-year-old Phylicia Thomas.
I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick has worked this story since the very first day and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) told 28/22 News the investigation into the Thomas disappearance and apparent murder is ongoing.
The Thomas family tells 28/22 News they know that someone out there has the key to "unlock" this 21-year cold case mystery.
"It's a nightmare. Every day, I wake up and think of her," said Pauline Bailey, the mother of Phylicia Thomas.
Bailey says her daughter, Phylicia, is always on her mind.
On the night of February 11, 2004, the 22-year-old went to work and then party and never returned to the Sweet Valley home.
"She was such a great person. If anybody was down she was there bringing them back up. She had this aura about her that everybody just loved her. She was always happy-go-lucky," Bailey explained.
State police have conducted searches of properties over the last two decades, as did the Thomas family, who brought in their own cadaver dogs to search for the remains of Phylicia.
Property search gives missing girl’s family renewed hope
Candlelight vigils have been held every February 11 to bring attention to the cold case.
On this day, Bailey once again appealed to the public for help.
"Please, we will not say your name. We will not give your name. You don't even have to tell us your name. If you know any idea where she is or who did it, just leave us a message," Bailey said.
For family and friends, this is yet another day without a person they loved.
$5,000 reward in missing case of Phylicia Thomas
"Well, we're very sad, heartbroken that it is 21 years later, but we never give up hope. We're going to continue to look for her. We're going to follow every lead that comes in," said family friend Judy Lorah Fisher.
"Phylicia's death has ripped our family apart, and it has caused so much headache in our family. and Aunt Pauline is a trooper still fighting to find what happened to her daughter," said Lani Confletti, a cousin of Phylicia.
Mehalshick can say from working this case for 21 years, PSP has interviewed hundreds of people as part of this investigation, and even had a few people they had considered potential suspects.
A $7,000 dollar reward is also being offered for information that leads to an arrest in this case.
