Alma Police: DNA linked to Morgan Nick discovered in truck that once belonged to suspect | White River Now

ALMA, Ark. — At a press conference Tuesday morning, the Alma Police Department reported a development in its investigation into the 1995 kidnapping of 6-year-old Morgan Nick from a Little League ballfield.

DNA matching Morgan’s mother Colleen Nick, one of her siblings, or one of her children was confirmed to be found in the vehicle of an early suspect in Morgan’s kidnapping.

Morgan was kidnapped from the parking lot of the Alma Little League ballfield at approximately 10:45 p.m. on June 9, 1995. A description of the suspect was provided, as was the description of a red truck with a white camper shell that was allegedly involved.

Alma Police detectives, in cooperation with local, state, and federal law enforcement officials, have spent thousands of hours investigating more than 10,000 leads. That investigation continues to this day.

One of the early persons of interest was Billy Jack Lincks, a resident of Van Buren, Ark. Lincks was arrested on Aug. 29, 1995 — roughly 12 weeks after Morgan’s disappearance — for sexual solicitation of a child. Lincks used his red truck during the offense. Police questioned Lincks regarding Morgan on Aug. 31, 1995. He denied any knowledge of Morgan’s abduction and appeared to be truthful. Investigators moved on.

In July 2019, Alma Police detectives began reviewing the early stages of the investigation. In doing so, their attention was drawn, once again, to Billy Jack Lincks. They located the truck he owned in 1995, which had been sold several times in the following years. The current owner of the truck was not acquainted with Lincks and permitted detectives to conduct an in-depth examination of the vehicle for evidence.

On July 28, 2020, the FBI Evidence Response Team examined the truck. Among the collection methods the team used was that of vacuuming various locations within the vehicle. In doing so, they produced several “vacuum canisters” containing various forms of matter, including hair. The FBI retained custody of the evidence.

In July 2023, Alma Police Detective Shawn Taylor learned of advanced analysis processes available at Othram Laboratory, based in Texas. Detective Taylor retrieved evidence collected from the truck by the FBI and, on Dec. 1, 2023, submitted it to Othram Laboratory for analysis.

On Sept. 27, 2024, Othram Laboratory sent a report to Detective Taylor, stating, in essence, that they determined that hair contained in the evidence he submitted for analysis was that of Colleen Nick, one of her siblings, or one of her children.

Follow-up interviews of members of the Nick family revealed that none of them knew Billy Jack Lincks and that none of them had ever been in his truck.

Physical evidence collected from the truck that Lincks owned when Morgan was abducted strongly indicates that Morgan had been in his truck.

Billy Jack Lincks died in the year 2000. Morgan Nick is still missing. Alma Police detectives have reached a point where they can concentrate on a single suspect to determine the circumstances surrounding Morgan’s abduction.

“An army of supporters, advocates and heroes have rallied to uncover the truth about her disappearance,” said Colleen Nick, Morgan’s mother.

“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. And that love continues to shine. Morgan’s heart shines on.”

Alma Police asks that anyone with information that could help resolve this case, please call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

---

Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.

Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.