The Disappearance of Amber Renee Barker: An Enduring Oklahoma Mystery

On a cold Thursday evening in Oklahoma City, December 18, 1997, ten-year-old Amber Renee Barker did something ordinary—she called her mother from a friend’s house to say she was heading home. The bike ride was less than half a mile. She never arrived.

What followed was a harrowing investigation that spanned decades, included a suicide, raised haunting questions, and remains unresolved to this day.

A Child Vanishes

Amber Barker was a bright, sweet-natured fifth grader. She had long brown hair, stood about five feet tall, and weighed around 80 pounds. That evening, she was last seen wearing a beige long-sleeved sweater with a brown collar, black jeans with light blue accents, and No Excuses brand sneakers. Her ears were pierced, and she was riding a blue 10-speed bicycle. Around 6:00 p.m., Amber left her friend’s home on NW 45th Street, riding south down Drexel Boulevard. She was supposed to reach her home nearby, but she never made it. By the following morning, police were called and a search began. Her bicycle was found abandoned in Denniston Park, near NW 27th Street and Drexel—still upright and undamaged, leaning against a tree. That location was off her usual route, raising immediate suspicion.

Clues on the Road

Two days later, on December 20, several of Amber’s belongings were found strewn along Drexel Boulevard between NW 12th and NW 15th. Her sweater, one sock, her sneakers, and a ring were discovered. All were damp, possibly due to recent rain, and scattered across multiple blocks.

Forensic analysis of the sweater revealed potential biological evidence—blue fibers, a small amount of vomit, and what appeared to be semen. One of her shoes also had a speck of blood. Investigators were able to develop a partial male DNA profile from the sweater, but it has never been matched to a known suspect.

The case quickly shifted from a missing persons report to a suspected abduction and homicide.

A Troubling Lead: Daniel John Smith

Police soon turned their attention to a man named Daniel John Smith, the common-law husband of Amber’s older sister. Amber reportedly feared him, and his criminal history was alarming—past charges included kidnapping and attempted rape. Smith left his home the night of Amber’s disappearance. When questioned by police the next day, he denied involvement. Authorities were preparing for a second, more formal interview—but they never got the chance.

On December 22, four days after Amber vanished, Daniel Smith was found dead in Ray Trent Park in Del City. He had hanged himself from a tree. In his possession were items unrelated to Amber’s disappearance, and no confession was left behind. His death further complicated the investigation—was this a sign of guilt, or unrelated despair?

New Questions, Old Wounds

Years passed, and in 2015, new attention was brought to the case when investigators looked into another potential suspect: Forrest Jay Rice, also known as Steven Brent Henley. Rice was a former acquaintance of Smith and reportedly admitted that Smith had been at his apartment the night Amber vanished. Detectives sought a DNA sample from Rice in hopes of comparing it to the biological evidence found on Amber’s sweater, but no arrest followed. What’s more, forensic experts believe that the scene and distribution of Amber’s belongings may point to more than one person being involved in her disappearance. Despite these developments, Amber’s case remains unsolved.

A Case That Still Cries Out for Justice

Amber Renee Barker would be 37 years old today. Her family has never stopped hoping for answers. Although decades have passed, investigators continue to review forensic evidence and follow up on new leads. The partial DNA profile remains in CODIS (the Combined DNA Index System), ready for a match if one ever comes. Her case is classified as an endangered missing person and suspected homicide.

Case Summary

• Name: Amber Renee Barker

• Age: 10 (born Oct 14, 1987)

• Last Seen: Dec 18, 1997, around 6 p.m., riding her blue 10‑speed bicycle down Drexel Blvd after leaving a friend’s house at NW 45th St, OKC pinterest.com+12charleyproject.org+12truecrimediva.com+12.

• Clothing: Beige long-sleeved sweater (brown collar), black/light blue jeans, No Excuses sneakers; ears pierced 

How Can You Help?

If you or anyone you know has information regarding the disappearance of Amber Renee Barker—even something that may have seemed minor in 1997—it could be the piece of the puzzle investigators need.

Contact the following:

• Oklahoma City Police Missing Persons Unit: (405) 297-1000 or (405) 297-1129

• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

  • NCIC Number: M-084085341

  • NCMEC Case Number: 841456

Amber’s memory continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew her. As time stretches on, her case remains a painful reminder that for too many families, closure never comes easily. But even now, hope persists—that someone knows something, and that Amber’s story might still find justice.