Family of Murdered Teenager Gets Help from Local Businesses

DULLES, VIRGINIA—Dulles Town Center, with the help of other local businesses, is hosting a silent auction on Saturday, August 27, 2005 from 7PM to 10PM at the Ashburn Ice House. The event will raise money for a reward fund to assist in solving the murder of Erica Heather Smith. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will go toward the reward for information about Erica Heather Smith's killer.

Erica left her family's town home in Ashburn on July 29, 2002, and never returned. Her body was found in a shallow grave 11 days later near Loudoun County Parkway. It has been three years and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is convinced that a break in the case is only a phone call away.

The Second Annual Erica Heather Smith Fundraising Auction will take place at the Ashburn Ice House on Saturday, August 27, 2005 from 7 to 10pm. All of the proceeds from the auction will go to a reward fund that will aid in solving Erica's case.

There are individuals who have information pertinent to the investigation. A larger reward may encourage those individuals to come forward. "Erica Smith's father, William Smith has been a part of the Dulles Town Center family for years. The entire shopping center supports the Smith family in finding justice for their child. We are honored to help," states Allison Fischer-Stasiowski, Director of Marketing at Dulles Town Center. "Last year we were honored to help the family raise almost $10,000 through this event. As the three year anniversary draws near, we are anxious to help."

"Erica’s voice is silent and we have to be her voice," William Smith said.

The event will consist of a silent auction featuring items donated from the 180 stores at Dulles Town Center, food & beverages, and entertainment. Some items include Redskins tickets, jewelry, memorabilia from the Redskins, gift baskets, airline tickets and much more. Entertainment includes the popular blues group Piece by Piece. Tickets to attend the auction are $10 and can be purchased at the Dulles Town Center Management Office or by calling 240-393-3151. Ticket cost includes auction number, rental skates, food, entertainment and fun.

Area businesses interested in donating an item for the auction can contact May Canete at 703-404-7100 ext. 223.

Persons with information contact Investigator Bobbie Ochsman of the Sheriff’s Office at 703 777-0475. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Solvers at 703 777-1919.