This browser does not support the Video element.
FBI releases new age progression image of missing girl to try to generate new leads
The FBI releases a new age progression image of 2 1/2 -year-old girl who disappeared more than 8 years ago. Law enforcement and her family say the same person(s) responsible for the girl's disappearance may be the same people who killed her mother.
San Francisco -
The FBI released a new age-progression image of a missing girl from an unsolved case in San Francisco in 2016.
Her single mother was found dead, buried in a park.
The FBI said a team of investigators has been working on the case of the missing girl since day one.
It has partnered with the San Francisco Police Department, which is trying to solve the murder of the child's mother.
Investigators hoped the release of a new age progression image of the girl would lead to a break in both cases.
When Arianna Fitts went missing more than 8 years ago, she was 2 1/2 years old. The new image released showed what Arianna may look like now at 11 years old.
"We are working this case aggressively and we need the public's help,:" said Bob Tripp, FBI Special Agent in Charge .
The FBI and Arianna's family said the persons responsible for her disappearance are likely responsible for killing the child's mother, Nicole Fitts, of San Francisco.
Fitts' body was discovered buried at McLaren Park just days after Fitts was last seen in April 2016.
"The reason for Arianna's abduction and my sister's murder is because someone wanted Arianna as their own," said Contessa Fitts, the missing girl's aunt.
"The coincidence of having a daughter not being seen by the public, to have a mother found dead is simply too great of a coincidence to think they're not connected," said Tripp. .
A crime bulletin issued by the SFPD offers a $250,000 reward for information leading to a conviction of those responsible for both crimes. The same bulletin pointed a finger at the child's babysitter and her husband. It said that Fitts was lured to meet the babysitter, and she was never seen alive again.
Now, law enforcement will only say they have persons of interest but declined to name them or say what their relationship is with mom and daughter.
For Arianna's aunt Contessa, precious memories captured in photos and videos give her strength, and the new image renews hope that her niece will come home and be reunited with their family.
"I can't give up. I can't stop searching," said Contessa,"Catch the people who are responsible. Have some justice for the innocent lives they took," said Contessa.
"Forensics has been a very big part of this investigation. The DNA is never going away. We're looking for technological innovation to get additional information leads that can crack the case,"said Tripp. Contessa said her wish is to have her niece celebrate the holidays with their family once again.
The FBI hoped the new image would generate new leads.
Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at Amber.Lee@Fox.com or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU