Reward up to $50,000 for information in case of Little Rock woman missing since 2015

Ebby Steppach, left, and a display set up for her at Chalamont Park in west Little Rock.
Ebby Steppach, left, and a display set up for her at Chalamont Park in west Little Rock.

A reward of $50,000 is now being offered for information in the disappearance of Ebby Steppach, who was reported missing in Little Rock nearly two years ago.

Steppach,18 at the time, was last seen Oct. 24, 2015, in Arkansas’ capital city, according to police. Her 20th birthday was March 31.

The latest reward amount is an increase from the $15,000 previously announced in January 2016 and the $3,000 initially offered in November 2015.

Steppach’s stepfather, Michael Jernigan, spoke at a news conference Tuesday afternoon in front of the Little Rock police headquarters, thanking law enforcement officials and those sharing his stepdaughter’s story.

“So many have contributed to our efforts in so many ways,” Jernigan said as family members and friends stood beside him, some with “#findebbyjane” printed on T-shirts.

“There is overwhelming support through prayer. Many have given their time and donated services. Many have made financial donations,” he added.

Lead investigator Tommy Hudson with the Little Rock Police Department told reporters that new leads are being looked into in the disappearance. It is being investigated as a missing persons case and not as a homicide.

"Not all of the leads have been exhausted yet. It's a long, drawn-out case," he said.

The FBI, which is also part of the ongoing investigation, met with Little Rock police last week to receive updates, Hudson said.

Hudson declined to provide additional information regarding those leads as well as the possibility of an additional search.

The case, initially brought to the homicide division, is now in the hands of the cold case division, at which four retired homicide detectives are poring over new information as it comes in.

The latest reward amount, Hudson said, could get authorities one step closer to determining Steppach's whereabouts.

Last year, a three-day search in a wooded area of Chalamont Park on Little Rock’s west side yielded no clues in her disappearance by the time it ended Dec. 1, 2016.

The search, in which bloodhounds and archaeologists combed over a area of about a square mile, was led by the Little Rock Police Department and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Steppach’s silver 2003 Volkswagen Passat was found less than a week after her disappearance.

In the 20 months since Steppach vanished, a campaign has grown on social media seeking any tips that could lead to her location.

Nearly 8,000 members had joined a Facebook group as of Tuesday afternoon, where users routinely post messages of hope and share stories of others who have gone missing.

Before Tuesday's news conference, Steppach's mother, Laurie Jernigan, posted to group members that the event would “provide some new information in the search,” noting that Steppach had not been found.

Authorities described Steppach as standing about 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 105 pounds. She has hazel eyes and blond hair.

Anyone with information regarding Steppach’s whereabouts is asked to call (501) 371-4829 or (501) 404-3059. Information can also be sent via email to findebbyjane@gmail.com.

Read Wednesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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