Ep 39 - The Girl Behind the Alert, The Amber Hagerman Story

Welcome back to another episode of Scream and Sugar: Your True Crime Coffee Hour.  Today, we're diving into a case that shook the small town of Arlington, Texas, and eventually, the country.In January 1996, nine-year-old Amber Hagerman was riding her bike near her grandparents' home when a man in a black pickup truck suddenly and horrifically abducted her. Despite a witness immediately reporting the crime, Amber’s kidnapper vanished along the town streets, and the search for her ended in heartbreak four days later when her body was found in a nearby creek. Amber's tragic murder remains unsolved to this day, leaving a haunting void in the hearts of those who loved her.Out of this tragedy came a powerful legacy. Amber's story led to the creation of the AMBER Alert system, a tool that has since become vital in the fight against child abduction. Launched in 1997, just a year after her death, the system broadcasts urgent alerts to the public, harnessing the power of the community to aid in the swift recovery of missing children. The AMBER Alert has saved hundreds of lives, a testament to how one little girl’s story continues to make a difference long after she’s gone. Join us as we sip our coffee from Maple Moon Coffee Company and let’s remember Amber and the many children who have been brought home safely because of the system born from her tragedy.  And remember, to stay spooky, ya'll!This case remains open and unsolved! Any tips can be sent to the hotline at 817-575-8823.Call Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at 817-469-TIPS (8477) for those who wish to remain anonymous.There is up to a $10,000 reward available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.Case Notes: Amber: The Girl Behind the AlertMaple Moon Coffee Co.https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/police-release-new-photos-seek-new-info-unsolved-1996-murder-amber-hagerman/DYCH62JDMVCOZFBRS265GCKCJU/https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2021/still-searching-for-ambers-killerchrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/usao/legacy/2006/02/14/usab5205.pdfhttps://www.nbcdfw.com/news/national-international/cold-case-that-inspired-amber-alerts-still-unsolved-detectives-still-hope-for-break-in-the-case/2527792/https://www.missingkids.org/blog/2021/still-searching-for-ambers-killerhttps://www.reddit.com/r/UnresolvedMysteries/comments/iii674/extensive_write_up_the_murder_of_amber_hagerman/?onetap_auto=true&one_tap=trueBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/scream-and-sugar-true-crime-coffee-hour--6015946/support.This content is not appropriate for all listeners; listener discretion is advised.  PS. Let's just umbrella all our content with a blanket statement: allegedly, supposedly! Stay spooky, squad.