Family members speak out in Parsons' custody proceedings

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Emotions ran high Monday for family members of a missing Rowan County teenager.

Some of them testified before a juvenile court judge as Casey and Sandy Parsons fight to regain custody of their two youngest children.

They were taken from the parsons home when Erica Parsons was reported missing.

Erica Parson's adoptive aunt and grandmother both took the stand in the custody battle.

Her adoptive brother Jamie, who first reported Erica missing, was also there speaking out for the first time about his testimony last week in front of a federal grand jury.

Jamie Parsons said he had nothing to fear when he took the stand in front of a federal grand jury in Greensboro last week.

He, along with his brother, Sandy Parsons Jr., and his sister, Brook Parsons, have all been subpoenaed by the U.S. Attorney to testify in an inquest into Erica Parsons' disappearance, two years ago.

"It's kind of hard because it feels like she's been gone a lot longer," Jamie Parsons said.

Jamie Parsons said it was also important for him to be in Salisbury in the ongoing custody proceedings.

He testified last month and said he just wants the best for his younger sister and brother.

"I'm going to make it to the courthouse no matter what, if I have to walk, because I'm going to support Erica and my family," Jamie Parsons said.

Other family members grew emotional outside the courthouse.

Angela Laubscher, Erica's adoptive great aunt said hearing new details from Department of Social Services workers about what went on inside the Parsons Salisbury home is difficult.

"We all loved Casey and we just never knew things that was happening, and so all of this is new for us too," she said.

Testimony will resume Wednesday.

Read more about the Erica Parsons' case by clicking here.

WSOC