15 replies to this topic

[Dan]

Originally posted on 02/03/07
by Kelly






Erica Bradley

DOB: Jul 13, 1989
Missing: Nov 6, 2006
Age Now: 17
Sex: Female
Race: African American
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
Missing From:
Allendale, North Carolina
United States

Erica's photo is shown age-progressed to 22 years. She was last seen at a Hardee's restaurant in Allendale, South Carolina on November 6, 2006. Erica may still be in the local area.

Contact Information:
Allendale County Sheriff's Office (South Carolina)
1-803-584-2361

Print a poster

[Dan]

Originally posted on 02/11/07
by Kelly




WIStv.com Columbia, SC: Relatives of missing teen think boyfriend might be hiding something

Relatives of missing teen think boyfriend might be hiding something

(Allendale) February 10, 2007 - There's been no sign of 17-year-old Erica Bradley, who's been missing for three months. However, her grandmother says Erica's boyfriend knows more than he's letting on.

According to the Allendale Sheriff Department, 18-year-old Derek Maynor, Erica's boyfriend and the father of her nine-month-old son, remains a suspect. They say they don't have enough evidence to charge him.

Now, Erica's grandmother makes a plea for justice.

"Derek, we loved Erica and we loved the baby. Whatever you did to Erica, would you please let law enforcement know," pleads Annie Wright, Erica's grandmother.

Wright says Erica was with Derek the night she went missing. She says they were fighting because Erica thought he was seeing another woman in Appleton.

The two were supposedly on their way there so Derek could prove her wrong. But according to Derek, while on the way, Erica jumped out of the car into the woods and disappeared.

Wright believes a different story.

"I think on the way to Appleton another fight break out. To my feeling he would have taken her somewhere in those woods and really went for it," Wright told News 10.

Erica's mother thinks it went even further than that, saying she thinks he killed her.

News 10 tried contacting Derek to get his side of the story, but he didn't return the call. Now, as the search continues, all Erica's family can do is wait.

"My belief and hope is that she is still somewhere alive," says Wright.

Erica Bradley was last seen at the Hardee's in downtown Allendale where she works. Maynor remains a suspect in the case, but the Allendale County Sheriff's Department says they don't have enough evidence to arrest him.

Erica's family is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who knows anything about her disappearance. Investigators may be releasing the results of some new evidence they're testing as early as next week.

[Kelly]

http://www.wistv.com...43&nav=0RaPDgs0

Family of missing Allendale 17-year-old still looking for answers

Updated: Nov 6, 2007 10:34 PM CST

CLINTON, SC (WIS) - Right now a vigil is underway for 17-year-old Erica Bradley. She was last seen one year ago in Allendale.

In her family's Allendale home, a candle burns for Erica Bradley. More will be lit as her loved ones mark a full year of waiting for Erica's return.

Her father, Henry Bradley, says, "We're just praying .... want an answer."

Erica hasn't been seen since the night she got into a fight with her boyfriend, Derick Maner, at the county courthouse. Her family is convinced Derick knows exactly what happened to Erica. And they believe he should go on trial.

But Maner - who is the father of the couple's young son - has not been charged. And law enforcement authorities disagree over whether he should even be named as a suspect.

Sheriff Tom Carter believes there is enough evidence, including DNA, to make an arrest.

The solicitor for Allendale County says it's too early to charge anyone. Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone tells WIS News 10 the case is "moving forward." Stone says he's waiting for SLED to finish testing unspecified evidence. And he says Bradley's disappearance is "too important" to do a sloppy job of assembling the case.

The family has done what it can to keep Erica's story from disappearing. More than 1,000 t-shirts have been printed and distributed, and even keychains that ask "Would you help me find her?"

The case is especially complicated because with no body found, prosecutors also have to prove to a jury that Erica was killed, then show the killing involved malice aforethought. They can't rule out the possibility of accomplices.

Stone says it simply won't help the family, his office or the public to risk blowing the case and allow a killer to walk.

So at this hour, Erica's family is together, praying. And the solicitor and other authorities are continuing efforts to help the family find answers to those prayers.

The number for the Allendale Sheriff's Department, if you have information, is (864)-833-7512. The Clinton Police Department's number is (864)-833-7512.

[Kelly]

http://www.nbcaugust...a/11060691.html

Allendale Teen Erica Bradley Still Missing One Year Later


By Danielle Johnson
Story Published: Nov 6, 2007 at 5:13 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 6, 2007 at 7:14 PM EST

One year ago today Allendale teen Erica Bradley went missing. After several intense searches, DNA evidence and a prime suspect, investigators still have not solved the case or made an arrest.

Give them faith to let them know that Erica will come forth; that we are going to find out exactly what happened to Erica, oh God, said Annie Wright, Ericas grandmother.

Erica Bradley's family is still praying and hoping for her safe return. The honor roll student, mother and daughter has been missing since last November. No one feels the loss more than her mother, Jackie.

It hurts not knowing where she is at; if she's dead or alive. I am just praying and hoping that she is, said Jackie Bradley.

On the night Erica disappeared investigators say she was last seen with Derick Manor her boyfriend and father of her child. Investigators say Erica had just finished her shift at Hardee's and met up with Derick at the Allendale County courthouse just blocks away.

They say the two got into an argument outside the courthouse but later drove away together in Derick's car. He was the last person to see her alive. Investigators found DNA evidence of Erica's blood, tissue and hair underneath Derick's car seen in this picture.

Im just sitting here watching him walk the streets free. I mean it could be somebody else's child that he could do the same thing to, said Jackie Bradley.

Allendale County Sheriff Tom Carter, whose department is investigating the case, says Manor is and remains the only suspect in this case. But he says Manor has not been cooperative.

The frustration is not knowing where this girl's body is, the feeling that the boyfriend did something to her not get this case to court, he said.

And it's the South Carolina solicitor who's kept that from happening so far.

In a statement South Carolina Solicitor Duffie Stone said, Yes, I am the hold up in this case. I am currently meeting with SLED investigators and we are still collecting evidence. We only get one shot to prosecute a case. I don't just want an arrest but a conviction, he said.

And until that happens, it's this family's faith and Erica's memory that will keep them hoping.

[Kelly]

http://www.wrdw.com/...s/11027571.html

Special Assignment: Erica Bradley

One Year Later 

Posted: 3:45 PM Nov 5, 2007
Last Updated: 7:20 PM Nov 5, 2007
Reporter: Lynnsey Gardner

News 12 First at Five, November 5, 2007

ALLENDALE, S.C. -- One year ago an Allendale teenager disappeared.
The mystery of what happened to 17-year-old Erica Bradley still baffles her family and investigators.

There is a primary suspect in the case, her boyfriend Derick Maner, but he has never been charged.

Erica Bradley was a 17-year-old with a bright future. An honor roll student with dreams of college. A young mother to a five-month-old baby boy. The Sheriff and her family agree, Erica Bradley had everything to lose and nothing to gain by leaving town.

"I don't think she would just walk away like that. Something happened to her," says Allendale Sheriff Tom Carter.

After a full year of searching, what exactly happened to Erica is still a mystery.

"Every day is a different day. Everyday the pain is different. The wondering. It's mind-boggling," says Bonnie Myers, Erica's aunt.

Investigators feel the same. "It's a strange case. Ms. Bradley's been missing since last November and we are no closer to finding her body as we was on day one, " adds Sheriff Carter.

Adding to that frustration, Sheriff Carter says there is a prime suspect-Erica's boyfriend and father of her child Derick Maner. News 12 went to his home to talk with him, but there was no answer.

"I believe the suspect is the murderer. I also got 2 outside agencies helping me with this case feel the same," explains Sheriff Carter.

On the night of her disappearance, Erica Bradley was working the closing shift at the Allendale Hardees. Her family says Derick Maner was supposed to pick her up, but he never showed, so she called her cousin to take her home. And on their way, authorities say, they passed Derick Maner and they pulled over in front of the County Courthouse.

Next, investigators say Erica Bradley got in a fight with Derick Maner in front of the courthouse. The time was about 11:30. Her cousin says Erica then got in the car with Maner and left. It would be the last time anyone reported seeing Erica Bradley alive.

Sheriff Carter: "We know for a fact it's her DNA under the car, that's our strongest evidence."

News 12: " What do you think that shows?"

Sheriff Carter: "That she was ran over. At some point in time, she was ran over." He says that DNA includes Erica's blood, tissue, and hair. The Sheriff says that's enough evidence to arrest and charge Derick Maner with Erica's murder.

"When we presented it to our Solicitor, he said that wasn't enough evidence. We needed a body. The case started going downhill from there," Sheriff Carter says.

News 12 called Solicitor Duffie Stone for some answers. "If you're asking if I'm requiring law enforcement to do everything they can to find out what happened to Erica Bradley then yes, I am the hold up," he says. "In Allendale County we have had one murder conviction in the last 30 years. I haven't been the solicitor long, but I've been a prosecuting attorney a long time and i can tell you that is unacceptable."

We asked about the evidence against Maner and if it was enough.

"First of all, I won't even confirm there is a main suspect in this case," says Solicitor Stone.

Stone says ethically, he couldn't discuss evidence with us, but he did say it's what this case boils down to; and that it must be strong enough to get a conviction.

News 12: "Do we hope for a resolution and would you go forward if you had the evidence even though you had no body?"

Stone: "Absolutely. It's rare in South Carolina but if we have the evidence we will go forward. What we need to do is we need to work harder, we need to investigate everything we possibly can and put every bit of effort that we have into it and we're not finished with this yet."

While he asks for patience from the community and her family, those closest to Erica say they still hold out hope she will be coming home alive.

"In my heart, she's not dead. She can't be," says Myers.

"God is telling us to wait and be still. That he is going to bring it to pass. And it shall come to pass." adds Erica's Grandmother Annie Ruth Wright.

And as the wait continues, the other victim in this case, the couple's son Ty Derrius grows older. At 17-months-old, he's walking and talking, and Erica is missing it.

"Derick, you know and first and foremost god know. Bring her to us. Bring her to us right now. It's enough. This is enough," pleads Myers.

"We're still hoping for a conviction in this case. Like I said, as long as I'm the Sheriff here, this case will never go away. I keep this file on my desk as a reminder that I'm still looking for ms. Bradley and I'm going to keep on looking," promises Sheriff Carter.

Maner has full custody of Ty Derrius. Erica's family says they see him about every two to three months. The family says they would like to have more custody, but there is no money for legal fees.

Solicitor Stone and Sheriff Carter both tell News 12 there is new evidence SLED is looking at right now. Stone says it's undergoing testing in Columbia right now.

[Denise]

http://www.wjbf.com/...03-06-0038.html

New Developments In Erica Bradley's Disappearance
There are new developments in the disappearance of Allendale, SC teen Erica Bradley

Thursday, Mar 06, 2008 - 07:25 PM

The WJBF-TV News Channel 6 Crime Tracker reports new developments in the disappearance of Erica Bradley. The 17-year old was reported missing from Allendale, South Carolina back in November 2006. Investigators say she was last seen leaving work at Hardee's, and they say she got into an argument with her boyfriend Derek Mayner, and that's the last time anyone saw her alive.

Allendale, SC -- Last week, a woman contacted the Allendale County Sheriff's Office with an unusual tip. Investigators say she had a dream about where they should search. The woman told investigators about her dream...and they decided to revisit the case of Erica Bradley's disappearance.

Fraendy Clervaud, reporting: "And, at this point, do you feel you'll ever find your daughter?"

Jackie Bradley, Erica's mother: "I don't know...praying and hoping."

Erica Bradley's mother tries to hold back tears as she talks about her daughter. This past weekend, the family and Allendale County investigators were part of another search, trying to find the missing teen's body.

Jackie Bradley: "It was hard not seeing her face, everyday, and knowing if she's dead of alive. I mean, it's painful."

Sheriff Tom Carter says the tip tied into things they already knew about Erica's disappearance..

Sheriff Tom Carter, Allendale County Sheriff's Office: "Some things she said went along with some things I was already looking at."

They looked around the Martin area. They searched in creeks, under bridges, and even in the woods...but no sign of Erica.

Although Erica's body was not found, search crews did find a pair of keys. Investigators say they're waiting for the family to verify if the keys belonged to Erica. The search opens up painful wounds for her family.

Jackie Bradley: "Because, if you look all over the world, everyday somebody is being snatched by someone and we asking everyone to keep us in prayer, no one can imagine what we going through."

Sheriff Carter says, based on evidence found underneath her boyfriend's car, he is a strong suspect.

Sheriff Carter: "Her blood, some hair and some tissue."

Meanwhile, the family waits and holds onto their faith.

Minister Annie Wright, Erica's grandmother: "Praying, praying, praying everyday, and asking God to keep the family strong."

Sheriff Carter tells me that although they have some evidence, they will not be able to prosecute without Erica's body.

SLED has also been called to help with this investigation.

[Deborah]

http://www.wistv.com...95&nav=menu36_2

Arrest made in Ericka Bradley case

Posted: April 3, 2008 02:24 PM EDT

Updated: April 3, 2008 02:45 PM EDT



ALLENDALE, SC (WIS) - An arrest has been made in the Ericka Bradley case.

She was last seen a little over a year ago, on November 6, 2006, with her boyfriend, Derek Maner.

20-year-old Derek Maner was arrested this morning, authorities said.

Numerous searches for the teen have been organized, with no success.

Authorities have said in the past they considered Maner a suspect, but did not have enough evidence to charge him.

Maner was booked at the Allendale County Detention Center.

More information as it becomes available.

[Denise]

http://www.wpde.com/....aspx?id=117076

Ex-boyfriend charged with murder

Posted: Friday, April 04, 2008 at 9:56 a.m.

(AP) -- ALLENDALE, S.C. (AP) - An Allendale man has been charged with murder more than a year after his ex-girlfriend disappeared.

Authorities arrested 20-year-old Derek Maner Thursday. He was being held at the Allendale County jail.

A State Law Enforcement Division agent says then 17-year-old Erika Bradley was last seen alive in Maner's car in November 2006.

The agent says her body has not been discovered, but Bradley's DNA was found under Maner's car.

Authorities told WIS-TV that Maner has been a suspect for much of the investigation, but it took them more than a year to collect enough evidence for prosecutors to feel comfortable charging him.

A call to the county sheriff's office was not immediately returned Thursday and a number for Maner was not published.

[Jenn]

http://www.nbcaugust...l/39339392.html

Murder trial begins for Allendale girl who's been missing for two years

By NBCAugusta Reporters

Story Published: Feb 9, 2009 at 9:05 PM EST
Story Updated: Feb 9, 2009 at 9:13 PM EST

Allendale, S.C. - Her body has never been found, but two years after an Allendale teenager went missing, her boyfriend is standing trial for killing her.

Derek Maner is charged with the murder of Ericka Bradley. Bradley went missing in November of 2006, but Maner wasn't charged until April of 2008.

The jury has been set for Derek Maner's murder trial. It’s made up of two white females, six African American females, and four African American males.

Also in court, bond was revoked for Maner. His attorney says that's standard procedure for someone charged with murder. He had been out of jail since posting bond in December. Now Maner will remain in jail during the entire trial.

Court begins Tuesday at 9:00 A.M.

Ericka Bradley was last seen leaving her job in November of 2006.

In May of 2007, DNA evidence proved her blood was found under Derek Maner's car. Maner was not charged with her murder until April 2008.

In May, another man Jonathan Lee Caps, the Second was also charged in the case. Investigators say he helped Maner get rid of Bradley's body. Investigators say Capps burned Bradley's body in an incinerator at a lumber company the night she disappeared.

[Lori Davis]

http://www.wjbf.com/...der_case/10850/
Day 1: Erica Bradley Murder Case

By Fraendy Clervaud
WJBF News Channel 6 Reporter
Published: February 10, 2009

Allendale, SC—- Opening arguments started with the defense saying that the case should not be classified as a murder trial but a missing person’s case. That’s because Erica Bradley’s body hasn’t been found. Bradley’s 2nd cousin Peter Carter was the first to take the stand.  He said he picked Erica up after work on November 6, 2006. He says they both ran into Maner near the Allendale courthouse and Bradley got into an argument with Maner.

Peter Carter, Victim’s Cousin: “She got a bat out of who’s truck… Derek’s truck and what happened.. he blocked it and threw it on the ground.. Then I picked it up and placed the bat back into the truck.“

Carter says he then left his cousin because the argument was over and about an hour later he got a call from Maner.

Peter Carter: “Derek called to the house saying she would not get back into the car so he said go look for her.”

Carter says he did just that but never found Erica that night. The defense argued that Carter’s previous written statements may have errors because of differences in time sequences. Erica’s other sister Jessica Bradley was next up. She says after three days of not hearing from Erica she ran into Maner at Wal-mart. She says Maner was with another woman, and he didn’t seem concerned that Erica was missing.  Jessica says she later confronted him.

Jessica Bradley, Victim’s Sister: “I asked him what happened he kept saying I don’t know. He kept crying saying he’s sorry for what happened. I kept asking him what happen he just kept on crying.“ 

Allendale County Sheriff Tom Carter also took the stand and is now required to turn in any information that he has pertaining to this case.

[Jenn]

http://www.wjbf.com/...f_murder/10945/

Derek Maner Found Guilty of Murder
A jury has found Derek Maner guilty of murdering his girlfriend Erica Bradley.

By Felicia Snider
Published: February 12, 2009

Allendale, SC—After a three day trial, a jury in Allendale County has found Derek Maner guilty of murdering his girlfriend and mother of his child, Erica Bradley.

According to Allendale County Sheriff Tom Carter, Maner faces life in prison.

Bradley disappeared in November 2006 after investigators say she and Maner got into an argument after she left her job.

Even though her body has not been found, officials say they relied on witness testimonies to convict him.

[Jenn]

http://www.wjbf.com/..._to_bury/10974/

Bradley Family Gets Guilty Verdict, Wants Body To Bury

An Allendale man may spend the rest of his life in jail for the murder of 17-year-old Ericka Bradley. Last night, a jury found 20-year-old Dereck Maner guilty of her death. News Channel Six’s Joy Howe spoke with Bradley’s family today, who says—still—with no body to bury, the verdict is bittersweet.

By Joy Howe
WJBF News Channel 6 Aiken County Reporter
Published: February 13, 2009

Allendale, SC—It ends where it all started…

17-year-old Ericka Bradley left work, in November of 2006. Witnesses say she ended up in front of the courthouse, in an argument with her boyfriend, and son’s father, Dereck Maner.

It was the last time she was seen alive.

Jackie Bradley, Ericka Bradley’s Mother: “Very good Mom, very independent too.“

The entire town turned out to help look, but her body was never found.

Annie Wright, Bradley’s Grandmother: “I don’t think there was a person in Allendale who wasn’t concerned about this case and what happened to Ericka.”

Cherry Jones, Allendale, SC: “It’s been the biggest talk in Allendale, and it’s been going on a long time.“

Maner was named as a suspect, and this week, put on trial for murder. Thursday night, he was found guilty.

J. Bradley: “It lifted a big burden off me, I know that much and I’m glad the judge did what he did, because he deserved it, because he didn’t have to do what he did.“

Jones: “But I think the worst part about it, both sides lost a family member.“

Now, the family’s attention will turn away from the past two years, towards the couple’s son Ty, now 2 year’s old.

Wright: “One day, I don’t know how we’re going to sit down and tell him, because I’m sure he’s going to sit down and ask questions about his mother. One day, and I pray that when we get to that point, it won’t be a rough time for him.“

Jones: “He lost his mother, and father. Which one? He isn’t going to know either one of them now.“

The Thanksgiving after Ericka disappeared, her family left a place at the table for her. This year, they plan to let Ty fill in.

J. Bradley: “At least he can take her spot at the table. I’ll be able to raise him, and take care of him like she would want me to do.“

Bradley says she is now sharing custody of Ty with Dereck Maner’s parents. They go back to court next month; Bradley is asking for full custody.

It is not over yet for the Bradley family. Johnathan Capps is accused of helping Derek Maner cover the crime, and is charged with accessory after the fact. He will go to trial as well, but that date has not been set yet.

The Allendale Sheriff tells this is the first time in Allendale County a guilty verdict has been reached without a body being found. It’s believed to only be the second time this has happened in South Carolina’s history.

We were unable to reach anyone in the Maner family for comment.

[Jenn]

Charley Project profile for Erica: http://www.charleypr...dley_erica.html

[Jenn]

NamUs Profile: https://www.findthem...g/cases/5872/0/

[Deborah]

Erica has not been located, a murder conviction in 2009 has given no clues to her location.

The number for the Allendale Sheriff's Department, if you have information, is (864)-833-7512. The Clinton Police Department's number is (864)-833-7512.

[Deborah]

Erica has not been located.

 

Allendale Sheriff's Department (864)-833-7512.

                   or

Clinton Police Department (864)-833-7512.