When Derek VanLuchene calls -- you take the call. You take the call because he has been through the pain. On August 31, 1987 his 8 year-old brother Ryan was kidnapped, raped and murdered by a repeat sex offender. From that moment, Derek dedicated himself to helping other victims of violent crime. That's why when Derek calls -- you take the call.
On this particular call -- Derek relayed to me the case of Molly Dattilo. She was a vibrant 23 year-old full of life when she disappeared on July 6, 2004. Police believe she was murdered. The day she went missing she took care of some work she needed to do for college, and bought a toy for her nephew's birthday party which was to be later in the month. She went to apply for a job and was never seen again.
She had so much to look forward to. She had already enrolled for her fifth year at Eastern Kentucky University after completing her four-year running scholarship the previous year. One of the classes she was taking was a voice class to help her prepare for an American Idol audition in August. She was an avid runner and athlete.
And her family has no answers. Sure, they have a court judgement for $3.5 million against two men they claim were involved in her disappearance. But they don't have her. And, no one has been charged with any crime related to Molly's presumed murder.
The days go on, but the pain remains for all of the Dattilo family. There are thousands of people out there just like them -- who yearn for answers. Derek called and asked if I could help get the word out nationwide that this family needs answers. They strongly believe someone knows something. And that something could bring them a small sense of justice.
Molly's family will join Jon and Derek on Thursday May 8, 2014 at 8:30 p.m. E.T. Please tune in below and help her family find Molly.