Aurora Parents Plead for Missing Teen’s Return as FBI Joins Search
The parents of 14-year-old Erica Long, who has been missing from her Aurora home since June 15, are pleading for her safe return in an emotional public letter. Erica—also known as “Ember”—left her home near East Dry Creek and South Gartrell roads and hasn’t been seen since. Her disappearance has prompted a widespread search involving the Aurora Police Department, FBI, and Homeland Security, and community concern continues to grow.
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children released the heartfelt message from Erica’s parents on Tuesday, which reads:
“Erica, we love you! We are so worried about you, and we miss you—your card tricks, your artwork and your insight, your pats on dad’s hat and even your pats on my head. We also see you and know you’re in pain. Qbert. We call Qbert. Please come home. We hope you’re safe. We love you, forever and always, Love Mom and Dad.”
— Parents of Erica Long
The family is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to Erica’s safe return. Aurora Police Agent Matthew Longshore emphasized that the department is following every lead but needs help from the public: “Any tip, as small as it might be, could be what we need,” he said.
Erica is described as having brown hair and a distinctive henna tattoo on her left arm. Community members have also taken to social media platforms like Nextdoor to spread the word and show support.
If you have any information that could help locate Erica Long, please call 303-627-3100.
