FBI searches for details into fourth missing girl

TORONTO – The FBI confirmed Wednesday that a fourth missing girl could be connected to the Cleveland kidnapping case.

Ashley Summers was 14 years old in July 2007 when she disappeared from the same area where Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus and Michelle Knight were abducted.

According to 411GINA.org, Summers was last seen on West 96th Street near Madison Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio.

She was initially classified as a runaway after it was discovered she had packed a suitcase and called her mother a month after she disappeared to tell her that she was okay and not to worry.

In 2009, the FBI investigation into the disappearances of Berry and DeJesus expanded to include Ashley Summers after no one in her family had heard from her, according to the Plain Dealer.

Ashley’s physical appearance and the proximity of her home to the other disappearances meant investigators had to suspect the cases were linked, FBI agent and spokeswoman Vicki Anderson said Tuesday.

Summer’s aunt said the girl’s mother has spoken with the FBI about the case.

“We’re hoping for our miracle too,” said Debra Summers, who described her niece as not the type of girl who would leave without coming back.

As Berry and DeJesus returned home Wednesday to the cheers of family members, investigators continue to search the Cleveland home for more information regarding other potential victims.