QUANTICO, Va. –
The Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Cold Case Unit is offering a $50,000 reward for credible information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the 1993 murder of Pfc. Erica D. Holder.
On Jan. 16, 1993, Pfc. Holder was discovered deceased in her barracks room at the now closed Carl Schurz Kaserne in Bremerhaven, Germany. An autopsy revealed Pfc. Holder’s death was caused by asphyxiation due to strangulation and the manner of death was homicide.
Pfc. Holder was 17 when she joined the Army and grew up in a small town in Michigan as the oldest of four siblings. She loved the Army and was proud of her service. Her commitment to service inspired two of her siblings and her high school best friend to also join the Army.
“Over 30 years ago at the age of 19 our sister, Erica, was taken from us and our lives were changed forever,” said Jennifer Crane, the oldest of Pfc. Holder’s siblings, on behalf of her family. “Years of experiences, memories, love, and laughter never to be had. Instead, we’ve lived with an indescribable emptiness and sadness. We think of Erica constantly and what life would be like with her in it. She deserves justice and we deserve peace.”
During a recent review of the initial investigation, the CCU identified several new leads. Investigators also coordinated with the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory to reexamine previously submitted evidence.
CCU investigators have been in contact with the Holder family.
Army CID is asking for the public's help in identifying suspects and/or witnesses of her murder. CID urges anyone with any information aiding in the progression of this investigation to please come forward.
The Cold Case Unit can be reached at (571) 305-4341 or by email at usarmy.belvoir.hqda-usacid.mbx.cid-death-investigative-unit@army.mil.
Anonymous reports can also be made through our online Submit-a-Tip form at www.p3tips.com/tipform.