Tuesday Marks 6 Months Since Phylicia Barnes Disappeared

BALTIMORE — Purple ribbons are still tied to the mailbox and tree at the entrance to Phylicia Barnes' former home on the outskirts of Monroe.

SLIDESHOW: Photos Of Phylicia Barnes

The home is now vacant and up for sale. Barnes' stepfather, Raheem Mustafa, told Eyewitness News the family removed the remainder of their things from the house over the weekend. It was another emotional milestone for the family now facing the six-month anniversary of the teenager’s disappearance.

Marie Hadden lives nearby and is a friend of the family.

"There (are) a lot of people that still feel for her, even people that didn't know her,” Hadden said.

Barnes was reported missing in December while visiting relatives in Baltimore. In late April, her body was pulled from a Maryland river about an hour north of Baltimore.

Police ruled her death a homicide but have yet to make any arrests. Greg Shipley, a spokesman with the Maryland State Police, told Eyewitness News that this is a very thorough investigation that has also included assistance from police in this area.

"The investigators involved in this case have not given up," Shipley said. "There is a lot of detail work, a lot of reviewing information (and) seeking information."

Mustafa said Tuesday the family remains confident in the work of the police.

Hadden shares the same hope for answers in the case.

"I feel like there's going to be justice, definitely," she said.

Investigators in Maryland ask that anyone with information about Phylicia's disappearance and death call their tip line at 855-223-0033.

WSOC