Erie, Pennsylvania – State and local police are renewing appeals for information in the 2002 disappearance of a 20-year-old woman, offering a $5,000 reward.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police Troop E – Erie Station, investigators continue to seek tips in the disappearance of Sabrina Mae Kahler, who was last seen on June 24, 2002, in western Erie County. The Erie Police Department and the Erie County District Attorney’s Office remain involved in the case, which is classified as endangered missing.
Police say Kahler was last known to be swimming near Edinboro Lake at Edinboro Park with David Sherman Heck, who was 20 years old at the time. Investigators report there was allegedly a confrontation between Kahler and Heck’s former girlfriend while they were at the lake.
After leaving the area, police say Kahler and Heck went to the Tasty Twist ice cream stand, where Heck contacted law enforcement. Heck has told investigators that he later dropped Kahler off at the West Erie Plaza Movie Theater, gave her money to see a film, and expected her to take a bus home afterward.
Authorities have stated they do not believe Heck’s account of leaving Kahler at the theater. He has been identified as a suspect, and Kahler has not been seen or heard from since that day. Her disappearance remains unsolved.
At the time she went missing, Kahler was described as 5 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 130 pounds, with dark blonde hair and blue eyes. She had braces, a pierced ear, and the nickname “Bree.” Police note she was mildly mentally disabled, with the mental capacity of a young teenager.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSP Erie at 814-898-1641, PSP Tips at 1-800-472-8477, or submit tips online. Tips leading to an arrest or case resolution may be eligible for a cash reward.
For commuters and longtime Erie County residents, investigators say even small details from that summer may now be critical.
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