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11 Years and Still Waiting: The Case of Heather Teague

Reporter: Shannon Samson

Heather Teague turned 34 this year.

Or that's the age she would have been. These are the years her mom Sarah thought would bring grandchildren. Instead, they only brought misery. She continues to hang purple ribbons and host rallies to keep her oldest daughter's name in the spotlight.

Now, Sarah has some help in the form of legal representation. At her request, Madisonville attorney Chip Adams is working for free on the case. "My role here is to help and facilitate getting answers. There is really nothing legal going on."

Another fresh set of eyes comes in the form of Kentucky State Trooper Mark Carter who's been assigned the case since the retirement of detective Tim Rascoe earlier this month.

Many within the department have long believed that any hope of solving the case died when prime suspect Marty Dill killed himself five days into the investigation. Some out-of-state detectives still maintain the evidence points to Chris Below, a suspected serial killer currently serving time for murdering a young woman in Ohio.

Also investigating is New York-based MJA Inc., a company made up of attorneys and various law enforcement officers who say they're experts at tracking missing persons. Founder Mark Harper says, "We have three pliable suspects. We'll try the searching part first and if nothing becomes of it, that's when we'll approach the suspects and go from there."

Sarah Teague says it's hard to believe Heather is still only a memory. She says the truth about what happened to her will come in God's timing.

Sarah Teague is asking everyone to light a candle Saturday at 8 p-m, the 11th anniversary of Heather's disappearance. The gesture will also honor Sueann Ray, Heather's first cousin who disappeared on August 26th of last year. Her husband has been charged with murder.

(Editor's note: Below is a poem by Sarah Teague about her daughter)

How can you be just memory?
I remember the last time that I saw you
I remember the last time that I spoke to you
How can you be just a memory?

I want to see you today
I want to talk to you today
I want to kow how you are today
I need to know where you are today

I didn't want you to be just a memory
Yes, you are in my heart
And, yes, I treasure every memory of you
But...I didn't want you to be just a memory

I wonder if you would be married
Would you have children?
What would you be doing today?
Where would you be living today and I wonder if you would call me today...

I didn't want you to be just a memory
Your 'missing person' poster staring back at me
I haven't known where you are for eleven years now
And my heart aches for the sight of you

I didn't want you to be just a memory
But..what a precious memory you are
My first baby..my first miracle to hold and to love
I was born the day that you were born

I didn't want you to be just a memory
But..I thank God for every memory I have
I watched you drive away that August 24th, 1995 day
I thought we'd have tomorrow to talk and to work our problems out

I am so thankful that you are mine
Memories don't fade with the passing of time
I just didn't want you to be just a memory
But..Oh..what a precious gift they are

I remember you, my precious Heather
I miss you, my precious Heather
I need to know where you are, my precious Heather
How can you be just a memory?

Your Mommy
August 19, 2006
2:06 p.m.