Dr Phil: Young, Beautiful & Missing
Dr Phil used his show to provide updates on the cold cases of two missing young women. Though Ashley Summers and Michelle Parker have been missing for years, their families may have reason to cling to new hope.
Dr Phil: Ashley Summers
Dr Phil shared updates on the cases of missing women Ashley Summers and Michelle Parker. Find out why their families are still hopeful and how you can help. (eddi_07 / flickr)
Ashley Summers was 14 years old when she disappeared in 2007. She was last seen near the home of Ariel Castro, who infamously kept women trapped in his Cleveland, Ohio, home for several years. Though Ashley did make a short phone call to her mother in 2008, she has not been seen since.
However, a new photo released by the FBI may be proof that Ashley is still alive, now at age 22. Her mother Jennifer and step-grandmother Linda spoke with Dr Phil about the case. “I’m not sure, but it’s the closest picture I’ve seen that resembles her,” Jennifer said.
Dr Phil: What Happened To Ashley Summers?
A photograph of a young woman at a drive-up ATM has sparked a lot of conversation. Linda received the picture and thought it looked enough like Ashley to send it on to the FBI. Since Summers disappeared near the home of Ariel Castro, the family initially hoped she might have been rescued with the other women in that home. But unfortunately she was not there.
Linda thought that she spotted Ashley shortly after her disappearance, but they were unable to catch up with the woman to confirm their suspicions. Jennifer briefly spoke to her mother on the phone in 2008, but that was the last contact the family has had with her. Though there have been some tips, no sightings have been confirmed.
Dr Phil: Ashley Summers ATM Sighting
Linda stressed that people who think they spot Ashley (or any other missing person) should alert the authorities by calling 911. It’s better to report the lead than to let it slip away, even if it proves to be the wrong person in the end.
An expert explained to Dr Phil’s audience how they used Animetrics computer technology to compare the ATM photograph with a known image of Ashley to determine whether the facial features were similar or identical. Following this analysis, Dr Marc Vaillant concluded that there is an 80% likelihood that the pictures are of the same person. A facial recognition expert agreed that there were a great number of similarities.
Jennifer and Linda appealed directly to Jennifer, inviting her to come home and offering their help with anything she needs. If you think you may have seen Ashley Summers, or you have some information about the case, there are a few ways you can get in touch with authorities.
- Cleveland Police Department – 216-623-5005
- FBI Cleveland Office – 216-522-1400
- Warwick Police Department – 401-468-4254
Dr Phil: Missing Woman Michelle Parker
Dr Phil also highlighted a second case, that of Michelle Parker. The mother of three disappeared in 2011, after she dropped off two of her children with their father. That was the day Michelle and her ex were seen on TV in an episode of The People’s Court.
Brad, Michelle’s father, is convinced that Michelle’s ex had something to do with her disappearance, but there was very little to go on in the investigation. “Until I find her bones or her body, I’m not giving up,” Brad said. He thinks that the ex is behind the disappearance in one way or another.
Dr Phil: Was Michelle’s Ex Involved?
Dr Phil said he would be interested in speaking with the ex, whom police named as a suspect early in the investigation. Brad also shared the last voice mail message he received from his daughter, at 8:40 a.m. on the day she disappeared.
In a statement through his attorney, Michelle’s ex Dale Smith denied any involvement in Michelle’s disappearance. The statement said he had been cooperative with authorities and was focusing on providing a stable home environment for the children.
If you have any information about the disappearance of Michelle Parker, contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crimeline at 1-800-423-8477.
These are just two of many missing persons cases that are ongoing in the United States. For information on other active cases, visit The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or the FBI’s Kidnappings and Missing Persons Investigations.
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