One Year Later, No Sign of Amber

Saturday marks the one-year anniversary since Escondido teenager Amber Dubois mysteriously vanished while walking to school. But her family has not given up the search.

"In a way you feel like you failed even though I know I didn't. There's nothing either one of us could have done," Maurice Dubois said.

The anguished parents are desperate after 12 tireless months and still no sign of the 14-year old. The Escondido High School student was last seen February 13th walking to school. Her parents are determined to keep her case in the spotlight.

β€œIf we don't keep the word out there and don't keep doing fliers and everything else she's never going to be found," Dubois said.

The community has held vigils praying for Amber's safe return.

"I can hardly believe it's a year," Lorna Suter said.

Searching for any sign of the teenager.

"We're all trying our hardest.  I know what she looks like and I look.  I think most people do," Lorna Suter said.

The discovery of Jaycee Dugard brought renewed hope. Dugard went missing from Northern California 18 years ago and was held captive by her abductor for nearly 2 decades.

Amber's mother believes her daughter is still out there.

"I feel strongly someone is holding her and keeping her and I feel strongly that it could be within 20 miles because most of the time it is," Carrie McGonigle said.

It's a scenario that frightens parents a year later.

"I don't want to imagine what it would be like because with my three kids, I have one daughter and I would cry just thinking about it," Lynn Abadeen said.

An electronic sign outside the school flashes a message about Amber's disappearance. It’s a reminder that the North County community hasn't forgotten.

"It's that that drives me every day you know. That I have to find her, bring her home," McGonigle said.

A walk-a-thon is being held Saturday at Escondido High School to mark the anniversary. It runs from 8 a.m. until noon at the school's football field. All money raised will go to the Amber Dubois search fund.

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