Morgan Nick case still affecting others 2 decades later

ALMA, Ark. (KTHV) – Morgan Nick is Arkansas’ most well-known missing person’s case and a story that captivated the entire country. On June 9, 1995, 6-year-old Nick was believed to be abducted by an unidentified man from a little league ball game in Alma. More than two decades later, the story of her disappearance still resonates in people's hearts.

“I think people see her face, her precious face, and I think they are captivated by her story of being at a baseball field and chasing fireflies, and I think that is why people continue to pay attention to her story,” said Morgan’s mother, Colleen Nick. “In those early days, I couldn't even begin to imagine that 21 years down the road we would still be sitting here, searching for her.”

The Morgan Nick case has generated tens of thousands of leads. At the Alma Police Department, an entire room is dedicated to it, and it is still considered an active case, with new leads coming in each week.

“I’ve spent 21 years worrying about it, thinking about it, trying to find a girl that I've never met,” reflected Police Chief Russell White. For White, the Morgan Nick case is personal. White had only been chief for a year when the little girl disappeared. Two decades later, he's still searching. “Over the years we have had many, many good leads. Over the years, we have put many to rest, and we still have a handful of leads that still have a lot of substance, just not enough evidence to go forward and pursue.”

The fight is also far from over for Colleen. Through her journey of searching for her own daughter, Colleen created the Morgan Nick Foundation, helping families like Laurie Jernigan bring their children home. Jernigan’s daughter, Ebby Steppach, disappeared in October from Little Rock.

“Ya'll sent me a book. I mean there was someone at my door within 12 hours with this book, and you had everything tabbed and underlined. I can’t tell you, I can’t tell you how that helped us,” Jernigan told Nick during a meeting.