Fifteen years ago, a high schooler from Scotia, New York disappeared and hasn’t been heard from since. A vigil was held for the student Thursday evening.
On June 27th, 2004, Craig Allen Frear, then a 17-year-old student at Scotia-Glenville High School, disappeared.
Frear was last seen walking into the woods behind a friend’s apartment complex in the Village of Scotia. Frear’s car was found by his father at the complex shortly after Craig spoke to his mother by phone.
Despite dozens of searches over the last 15 years, Frear’s whereabouts remain unknown. But his name and photo are still familiar to local residents.
Melisa Deland helped organize a candlelight vigil Thursday evening in Collins Park. She’s part of a local group called Team 6.
“Just living here. You walk into the market or you walk into the local ice cream shop and you’re seeing his poster there. And they’re still there, and there’s still no answers. And here we are 15 years later.”
Those who know him gathered for prayer and remembrance. “Amazing Grace” was sung and Frear’s favorite songs were played on a portable PA system.
Paul Lukasiewicz was friends with Frear in high school.
“I have talked to people about Craig. I have gone through Facebook trying to get clues and everything about Craig, and everything like that…but also trying to keep my distance and keep as much privacy and respect for the family as possible.”
The members of Team 6 are using Facebook to spread the word about Frear’s disappearance. Team 6 member Mike Hilton hopes social media will help reveal new information in the cold case.
“This is an opportunity for it to reach not just our community, but also to reach other parts of the globe, the country, and get the message out there that if Craig is still out there he has family here, they still care about him. People in the community care about him. But if not, then it also gives us that opportunity to reach out with hopes that somebody may have some piece of information or part of this puzzle that we can put together to help solve this case,” said Hilton.
Those who knew Frear, like Lukasiewicz, say they won’t lose hope.
“Craig and I were friends and no one wants to ever lose a friend. Especially when you grew up with him through high school. You watch him grow as a person. You don’t ever want to lose hope.”
Anyone with information on Frear’s whereabouts is asked to contact the New York State Police. The case is still open, with details and photos on the state police website.
