Authorities have increased a reward for information leading to an arrest in the abduction of a Delaware mother nearly a year ago.
The FBI and New Castle County Police said Tuesday they’re launching a media blitz with hope of drumming up new leads in the disappearance of Nefertiri Trader. The mother of three, called Neffe by family, was last seen being pulled from her Freedom Trail porch and into her silver 2000 Acura RL around 4 a.m. on June 30, 2014. The witness, a neighbor, didn’t report what he had seen until hours later after a missing persons report was filed by Trader’s family.
Since her believed kidnapping, police and federal investigators have followed up on a number of leads, but none have panned out. A $10,000 reward was announced in February and that number was increased by $20,000 Tuesday with the addition of funds from the FBI. Special Agent-in-Charge Steve Vogt hopes the additional money will entice people to come forward as the anniversary nears.
“We’re looking for any member of the public, just do the right thing,” Vogt said.
Corey Trader, the victim’s cousin, said a number of people have reached out to the family claiming she had been abducted by a gang or sold into sex slavery, but they believe it’s just people sharing rumors instead of providing real details.
“It’s like we’re chasing a ghost,” Corey Trader said adding that the family would like closure. “The pain is unbearable. I told my family I’m not going to shed a tear today because I’m mad.”
Since his cousin’s car was taken as part of the abduction, Corey Trader also asked people who own land in the area or hike in wooded areas to keep their eye peeled for her car.
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Billboards featuring Nefertiri Trader’s photo and reward information are being posted along the Interstate 95 corridor between Connecticut and Maryland starting Tuesday as part of the renewed effort.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI tipline at 800.CALL.FBI or New Castle County Police at 302.573.2800.
