DNA evidence links 1995 disappearance of 6-year-old to suspect, officials say

ALMA, Ark. (KAIT/Gray News) – Police in Arkansas said DNA evidence has linked a suspect to the abduction of a 6-year-old almost 30 years ago.

On Tuesday, Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer said the abduction of Morgan Nick was linked to a dead man.

Billy Jack Lincks was arrested for sexual solicitation of a child 12 weeks after Morgan disappeared, according to police.

Officials said Lincks denied any involvement in Morgan’s disappearance at the time.

In 2020, evidence was taken from Lincks’ vehicle and sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Pointer said the FBI’s search found “various forms of matter” in Lincks’ truck, including hair.

In December 2023, the trace evidence was sent to a laboratory for DNA testing.

On Sept. 27, the laboratory reported the hair matched that of Colleen Nick, Morgan’s mother, or one of her children.

Pointer said “the bottom line indicates” that Morgan was in Lincks’ truck.

Lincks died in 2000, and Morgan has never been found.

Despite this breakthrough, Pointer said the case was not over.

“Where is Morgan now?” he said.

Pointer said police plan to interview and re-interview possible witnesses and asked for the public to call 1-800-THE-LOST with any information that could help in the investigation.

Morgan was last seen on June 9, 1995, at the Alma Little League Ball Field after going to catch fireflies with other children.

The FBI said Lincks was being investigated as a person of interest in the case in 2021. In April of that year, Alma police released a photo showing a truck with a camper known to be at the ball field at the time of Morgan’s disappearance.

An age progression photo showing what Morgan might have looked like at the age of 31 was released by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in June 2020.

Morgan’s disappearance led to the creation of the Morgan Nick Foundation, which intended to help find her along with other missing children.

Because of this, Morgan’s mother says her daughter’s light still shines on.

“He stole Morgan from me, her dad, Logan and Taryn. He didn’t see that he could never win. Because our love for Morgan – her memory, her voice –outlasted his life,” Colleen Nick said. “That love continues to shine. Morgan’s heart shines on.”

She added that “an army of supporters, advocates and heroes” have dedicated their lives to uncovering the truth about Morgan’s disappearance.

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