At a Glance
- Brittany Locklear was abducted and murdered on January 7, 1998 in rural Hoke County, N.C.
- Her body was recovered the next day, 3 miles from the bus stop.
- Police still seek help to solve the case after 25 years.
Brittany Locklear was a 5-year-old kindergartner who disappeared while waiting for the school bus on January 7, 1998. She never reached her classroom or the McDonald’s she loved. The case remains one of the most haunting cold cases in North Carolina.
The Abduction
On the morning of January 7, 1998, Brittany waited outside her home in Hoke County. Witnesses described a brown pickup truck that drove past the bus stop before she vanished. No one saw the vehicle leave the area, and no one heard her last words.
Police launched an extensive search the next day. The search covered a wide radius around the bus stop and included neighboring farms. The investigation was coordinated by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), which handled evidence collection and processing.
Evidence and Vehicle Description
Physical evidence collected at the bus stop and the body recovery site was sent to the SBI lab. The bureau focused on the suspect’s vehicle, noting it was a full-size pickup truck of an unknown color. Investigators re-interviewed witnesses and reviewed the information they provided. The vehicle’s description has been a key clue, but no match has been found.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age of victim | 5 years |
| Date of disappearance | January 7, 1998 |
| Distance to body recovery | 3 miles |
| Vehicle type | Full-size pickup truck (unknown color) |
| Years since case opened | 25 years |
Investigation History
For more than two decades, police have pursued hundreds of leads. Despite numerous tips, the case remains unsolved. The SBI continues to urge the public to share any information, no matter how small or already reported, that could identify the perpetrator.
> ‘Police continue to seek the public’s help for any information, however seemingly unimportant or already reported, which may identify the person(s) responsible for the abduction and murder of Brittany Lynn Locklear,’ the SBI said.
Family Perspective
Brittany’s sister, Brianna Chavis, has spoken publicly about the lasting impact of the case. She said, ‘I just want it solved. Before I die, I want it solved.’ Chavis remains hopeful that justice will eventually be served.
How to Help
Anyone with information can contact:
- Detective J. Tyner at (910) 875-5111
- Email: [email protected]
- Anonymous tipline: (910) 878-1100
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is available for survivors at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or rainn.org.
Key Takeaways
- The abduction of Brittany Locklear occurred on January 7, 1998.
- Her body was found the following day, 3 miles from the bus stop.
- The suspect’s vehicle was a full-size pickup truck of unknown color.
- Police have investigated for 25 years with no resolution.
- The case remains open, and authorities welcome new tips.
The tragedy of Brittany Locklear’s disappearance continues to resonate with the community. Her family’s unwavering hope underscores the importance of public cooperation in cold case investigations.
