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Wednesday December 04, 2024

FBI announces $40,000 reward for a teenage girl who went missing 20 years ago

Brianna Maitland left restaurant at night and drove her green 1985 Oldsmobile 88 to a friend's house but she never made it

By Web Desk
March 20, 2024
Brianna Maitland, a 17-year-old girl who went missing in 2004. — FBI
Brianna Maitland, a 17-year-old girl who went missing in 2004. — FBI 

A teenage girl disappeared without a trace 20 years ago. The FBI has announced a reward of $40,000 for anyone who comes forward to solve the mystery of the girl's disappearance.

Brianna Maitland, a 17-year-old girl worked as a dishwasher at a Vermont restaurant before she vanished 20 years ago. In 2004, she was last seen leaving work at the Black Lantern Inn. It was late, around 11:20pm, when she left her workplace. Then, she drove her green 1985 Oldsmobile 88 to a friend's house. But she never made it.

Her car was later found abandoned near an old barn. Police investigators believe something bad happened to her but they haven't given up hope for the case.

In a recent development, investigators found a strange clue at the scene. They found her DNA but that doesn't match any known suspects. Police hope the reward money will lead someone with new information to come forward.

Special Agent Craig Tremaroli from the FBI wants anyone who knows anything to come forward. He said, "Even the smallest tip could be a big help." Colonel Matthew T. Birmingham from the Vermont State Police says they're still working hard on Brianna's case. "This is not a cold case, but it is an unsolved one — and we're hoping the announcement of a significant financial reward for information will help change that," Matthew said.

Brianna's family is still waiting for answers revolving around her disappearance. 

Now, with the reward from the FBI, there's hope for new clues. They want anyone with information to call the FBI or the Vermont State Police. Even the tiniest detail could help them bring Brianna home.

Brianna would be 37 now. Last year, her family created a Facebook page in hopes of finding her. Her father, Bruce, pleaded for any information that might lead them to Brianna. "As yet another March 19th approaches, I ask for your prayers for Bri to be found," he wrote on the Facebook page.

Anyone with information about Brianna can contact the FBI on their Toll-Free Tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Vermont State Police Tipline at 1-844-84-VTIPS.