JESSICA’S STORY

This was originally intended to be a page of dedication written by Jessica’s parents, Suzy and C.H. Cain. Although Jessica disappeared over a decade ago, they still feel the anguish of this tragedy as if it were yesterday.  Writing Jessica’s story proved to be too painful for them so we decided that I would write this page, as a family member and one of the founders of the Missing Hearts Foundation.

My fondest personal memory of Jessica was about 6 years prior to her disappearance.  We were at a family wedding, and while my wife Lisa was talking with family and friends, Jessica asked me to dance. Even though I have two left feet when it comes to dancing, I couldn’t refuse.  There’s nothing like the unconditional smile of a child to make you forget how ridiculous you look.  Throughout the evening, Jessica continued to ask me to dance. We had so much fun, that from that day forward she always referred to me as her “dancing partner.”

My family and our in-laws were enjoying a beautiful Texas summer weekend by the lake in Marble Falls when we first heard of Jessica’s disappearance. All we knew was that Jessica’s truck was found on the shoulder of I-45, just north of where she lived in Galveston.  She was with friends the evening before, but she never came home, and no one knew where she was.

Our family immediately checked out of the hotel and raced from LBJ Lake toward Galveston, Texas.  It was one of the worst trips I’ve ever had to make.  We tried not to think about the horror stories we’ve all heard so much about.

My children were twelve and nine at the time.  They knew something horrible had happened to Jessica.  They could hear it in our voices. They could see the fear on our faces. There was no hiding what Lisa and I were feeling.

We dropped the kids off with a trusted neighbor on the way, and continued our drive to Galveston.  We spent most of the drive in silence, our minds running wild with speculation.  It was at that moment I learned that the fear of the unknown can produce some of the worst moments in a person’s life. 

When we arrived at the command center for the search efforts, everything appeared to be in chaos.  People were everywhere attempting to coordinate the search.  Within ten minutes, however, it was clear that there was a plan and groups of searchers were sent out.

We located Suzy and C.H. There were no words to describe the sorrow, worry and fear I saw on their faces.  My heart sank.  I couldn’t think of anything to say that would bring comfort to them.  I could only hope our being there gave them some relief.

Most of Jessica’s family was there, including nieces, nephews and cousins.  They were all in shock.  Conversations were strained and awkward. 

In the days ahead, the search teams walked in lines through large areas searching every square inch for any sign of Jessica.  There were no signs of violence in or around Jessica’s truck, which we hoped meant Jessica was still alive, wherever she was.

The story consumed the evening news.  I’ll never forget the picture that was broadcast of Jessica’s truck parked on the side of I-45, pointing in the direction of home.  That image has been burned into my mind.  I don’t have a photographic memory, but when I think of her truck, I can actually see that picture in my mind.  Lisa and I have never been so consumed with a sense of helplessness.

The third day of the search, a couple of us picked up on the unmistakable odor of rotting flesh.  My heart sank as I conjured up unimaginable images in my mind. I did not want to be there; I did not want to be the one to find Jessica’s body.  Within minutes, which seemed like an eternity, we came across the carcass of a dead animal.  While it felt like a thousand pound weight had been lifted off my back, we were no closer to finding Jessica.

We learned that the area Jessica went missing is known as the “Killing Zone.” Girls have been abducted and murdered on this stretch of road for the past ten years.

After a week of searching, there was still no sign of Jessica. She disappeared without a trace. 

We all went back to our day jobs, but things would never be the same. Suzy and C.H. became somewhat withdrawn. C.H. took an early retirement and now spends most of his time with Suzy.  It is difficult for them to attend family events where children are present. Our family has not shared the joy of Christmas with them in almost a decade.

We all hold out hope that Jessica is alive and well and one day, she’ll come back to us. 

Jessica’s Aunt and Uncle have moved several times since then but have kept their old phone number hoping that she’ll call.

For the suffering of Suzy and C.H. and the suffering of so many other parents and loved ones who have experienced the loss of a missing child, we have created the Missing Hearts Foundation.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated and someday may help a missing child return home safely. Registration is free, so please register your children today.

Jim Di Carlo

Missing Hearts Foundation

Co-Founder / President

Even now, my mind wanders to what happened to Jessica, where she is today and if I will ever see my dance partner again…