ESSEX, MD—The Baltimore County Police Department is asking for help from the community in solving the murder of 9-year-old Alva Parris.  The killing happened sixty-four years ago.

Alva disappeared on June 10, 1960. The child left home and was on her way to a relative’s house a few blocks away. Five days later, her body was found in a shallow grave in Essex near an abandoned home. Alva’s body was covered in lye.

While the person responsible for this crime may be deceased, clues to the case may be hidden among items passed down to family members. Anyone who may have information on this case is asked to contact the Baltimore County Police Department.

Anyone with information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000. Metro Crime Stoppers, an organization that is separate from the Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County Government, offers rewards for information in connection with felony offenses. The cash reward is awarded if your tip leads to the arrest and charges of a suspect for a felony crime.

Tips may be submitted to Metro Crime Stoppers by calling 1-866-7-LOCKUP (1-866-756-2587), or by texting to “CRIMES” (274637), then enter the message starting with “MCS.”  Tips can also be submitted to Metro Crime Stoppers online here.

Callers can also call the Homicide & Missing Persons Unit at 410-887-3943, or by texting to 443-862-9426.  Email tips can be sent to [email protected].

Photo via BCoPD