Forty Years Later, Amy Billig is Still Missing
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| Amy Billig was kidnapped while hitch hiking in Coconut Grove, Florida on March 5, 1974. (Photo Credit: CharleyProject.org) |
Amy was described as being so kind, that mosquitoes would not even bite her because they loved her too much to (Without a Trace, Greg Aunapu and Susan Billig). She was thought of as a "flower child" or a "hippie". She loved anything to do with nature, and one of her favorite places to be was at Grove's Peacock Park. People would often play music and serve free food there. Amy was also very artistically talented, which may have run in the family since her father worked at an art gallery and her mother was a singer. (Not to mention, Coconut Grove itself is a very artistic place that attracted many tourists.) Amy could also play the flute and guitar, in addition to writing poetry. She loved sunsets, and would often write poetry about them. She also found rain and rainbows to be of inspiration. She dreamed of one day becoming an actress, and planned to spend her summer in Manhattan to achieve her dreams. Originally from New York, this would be an exciting opportunity for her.
Amy was a volunteer at The Dolphin Project, and had two dolphins she loved dearly. Amy was described by many as having a maturity beyond her years. "Amy was also convinced that, if she saw only the good in people, no one would harm her" (pg. 7, Without a Trace, Greg Aunapu and Susan Billig). On March 5, 1974, everything would change forever.
Amy was last seen with her thumb out , trying to hitch a ride along the Main Highway. Hitch hiking was common years back, and Amy often did it all throughout the neighborhood. She was heading to her father's art gallery to pick up some money to hang out with a couple of friends she was going to meet at the park. When Amy never showed up, everyone was alarmed. This was not like her. At first, authorities were convinced she was a typical run away teenager. They waited too long to collect finger prints from her room and other DNA samples. Her family knew better, and knew she would never have left of her own accord. Amy's disappearance would send her mother into 25 years of chasing down leads all over the country until her death in 2008. From the biker gang theories to the thought she was taken by some tourists passing through, there turned out to be many sightings of her across the country.
Forty years later, I sit here writing the 40th anniversary entry for Amy Billig's disappearance. If there was one case in all the world I feel I NEED closure to, it's Amy's. If she was taken to a party or taken by bikers, there had to have been multiple people who knew who she was and where she was. I am asking you today, forty years later, to give what information you have to the authorities. ANYTHING you know will be of help. Please don't let there be anniversary #41. Too many years have already gone by, and all her family wants is to know where she is. So, please, if you have any information about the disappearance of Amy Billig, please contact the Miami Police Department at 305-579-6530.
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| A memorial built by Amy's brother, Josh. |
#AmyBilligMovement
#BringAmyBilligHome
Sources:
Facebook
Website:
http://www.findamybillig.webs.com/
Without a Trace: The Disappearance of Amy Billig
Charley Project
Missing Angels Cold Cases
I have been fascinated by Amy's story myself. I discovered the Doe Network several years ago and read her mother's book. It amazes me that someone can just disappear into thin air. I pray that someone can come up with verifiable answers, even though it is too late for Amy's parents.
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