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Family of Missing Lexington Teenager Seeks Closure

Candlelight vigil for Lydia Perkins

Lexington, Kentucky, October 23, 2025

News Summary

As the anniversary of Lydia Perkins’ disappearance approaches, her family continues to search for answers. Nearly 28 years since she vanished, her brother and mother remain committed to uncovering the truth, despite the absence of substantial leads from law enforcement. They are advocating for renewed interest in the cold case and planning memorials to keep Lydia’s memory alive.

Lexington, Kentucky – The family of Lydia Perkins, a Lexington teenager who disappeared almost 28 years ago at the age of 14, is still seeking closure as the anniversary of her mysterious vanishing approaches. Lydia was last seen in October 1997 on Linwood Drive in the Cardinal Valley neighborhood, and despite countless searches and tips over the years, her whereabouts remain unknown.

Justin Perkins, Lydia’s brother, expressed that the pain of losing his sister has not lessened with time. He reflects on his struggles with the ongoing case, highlighting the frustration due to a lack of substantial leads and perceived inaction from law enforcement. He feels that navigating the investigation independently has been particularly challenging, as he often encounters resistance when seeking information or assistance.

As each year passes without any resolution, the Perkins family remains committed to uncovering the truth about Lydia’s fate. Despite receiving various reported sightings and tips throughout the years, these have led to no substantial developments in the investigation. The family has called for resolution, hoping to learn about Lydia’s whereabouts without having to pursue confrontations with potential suspects or engaging in legal action.

The Lexington Police Department has encouraged anyone with new information to come forward, emphasizing that there have been no recent breakthroughs in the case. While still remembering and advocating for Lydia’s story, Justin Perkins, who was just 12 years old when she disappeared, continues to push for increased action from city leaders regarding her investigation.

Lydia’s mother, Sherry Thompson, shares her enduring grief and keeps her daughter’s memory alive by lighting a candle each year around the holiday season. Both she and Justin reflect fondly on the close bond they shared with Lydia and have expressed deep love for her, with Sherry noting the heartbreak of having passed nearly three decades without her daughter.

In a bid to ensure his sister’s story is not forgotten, Justin Perkins is planning to create a memorial dedicated to Lydia. The Perkins family articulated that the experience of having a loved one missing is immeasurable and they wish for no other family to endure the same distress.

The community remains hopeful that renewed interest and outreach may lead to new leads in this cold case. As they reflect on their past memories of Lydia and advocate for justice, the Perkins family stands firm in their quest for closure.

Background on Lydia Perkins’ Disappearance

Lydia Perkins went missing under unclear circumstances nearly three decades ago. Despite various leads and community engagement, law enforcement has struggled to bring the case to a conclusion. The lingering mystery surrounding her disappearance has left her family in prolonged anguish, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and support from the community.

Continued Advocacy for Lydia Perkins

Justin Perkins and Sherry Thompson consistently engage in efforts to bring attention to Lydia’s case, demonstrating resilience in their pursuit of answers. Initiatives such as memorials encourage community remembrance and foster hope for future breakthroughs as the search for closure continues.

FAQ Section

What happened to Lydia Perkins?
Lydia Perkins disappeared in October 1997 when she was 14 years old from her neighborhood in Lexington, Kentucky.
How long has Lydia Perkins been missing?
Lydia Perkins has been missing for nearly 28 years.
What have the police done about her case?
The Lexington Police Department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward, but there have been no significant developments in the investigation.
How is the Perkins family coping with Lydia’s disappearance?
Justin Perkins and Sherry Thompson continue to search for answers and remember Lydia by lighting candles and planning memorials. They express frustration over the lack of progress in the investigation.
What initiatives are the Perkins family taking?
The Perkins family plans to create a memorial for Lydia to keep her story alive and raise awareness about the ongoing search for closure.

Feature Details
Case Duration 28 Years
Year of Disappearance 1997
Age at Disappearance 14
Family Members Involved Justin Perkins (Brother), Sherry Thompson (Mother)
Community Involvement Memorial creation, remembrance activities

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Family of Missing Lexington Teenager Seeks Closure

STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF

The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.

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