Drexel case brings hope to other families of missing kids

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — News10NBC has learned that the man suspected of kidnapping, and murdering Brittanee Drexel 13 years ago confessed to the crime.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that bit of information Tuesday to News10NBC’S Brett Davidsen. Investigators did not share many details during a Monday news conference announcing the arrest of Raymond Moody, who was a person of interest early on in the case. The recent discovery and positive identification of her remains has helped bring some closure to her family.

News10NBC’s Patrick Moussignac talked to the New York Regional Office of The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children about Drexel, and what this means for other families who are still searching for their children.

Local team members from the Center have been working on the Drexel case soon after she went missing, and they never gave up hope or their search after all these years.

"There was a lot of concern that she was deceased, but what this does bring are answers for the family, and it will be comforting I think for Brittanee’s parents, and family to have her come home," said Rochester Office of The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children Executive Director Ed Suk.

Suk said the diligence, and work of law enforcement need to be recognized in the discovery, and quick positive identification of Drexel’s remains should be applauded.

"It’s a bittersweet finality to this. We’ve all been hoping to find out what happened with Brittanee so that there could be answers given to the family," Suk said.

Drexel traveled from her Chili home to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for spring break, and was last seen alive on April 25, 2009. Her disappearance led to massive searches in, and around the beach community. Human remains were discovered late last week after 62-year-old Raymond Moody was arrested on an Obstructing Justice charge.

"To have someone who has apparently confessed to this now who can be held accountable, and brings a deeper level of justice for the family I think speaks volumes," Suk said.

We asked Suk will the end of Drexel’s case bring any hope to other families with missing children?

"This type of outcome in Brittanee’s case gives tremendous hope for other families who have been searching for a short period of time, or for a very extensive period of time, and it really kind of reinforces why we don’t give up. Why we don’t stop," Suk said.

To see the list of other active missing children cases from our area, click here.