FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    May 7, 2001

CARY, NC – The focus of a Cary Police investigation of a missing girl centers on her last confirmed sighting with a friend, Jevon Anthony Ward. Mr. Ward, of 106 Polk St. in Cary, North Carolina, was the last person seen in the company of Amanda. Both Amanda and Mr. Ward were seen inside a ’93 Mitsubishi van, white in color, bearing NC registration JTX 3775 at an apartment building on Sherwood Ct. in Cary. Mr. Ward, aka "Buddha", is described as a black male, light complexion, 23 years of age, 6’0" tall, 159 pounds, brown eyes and black hair styled in shoulder length dreadlocks. He is currently in the custody of the Nash County Jail on unrelated charges. At this time, there is no credible evidence of foul play. Mr. Ward is considered a material witness in the case. Anyone with information concerning Mr. Ward and Amanda’s last known contact, or any other relevant information, is encouraged to call Cary Police at 469-4017.

Amanda Belon Simpson-Deane, 17, has been missing since the late afternoon hours of Monday, September 18, 2000. She is a black female, 5’8" tall, 120 pounds, brown eyes, shoulder length brown hair, and wears glasses. She was last seen wearing an orange and blue pullover, blue jeans, and blue and white sneakers. Her backpack was found in mid-November, 2000 in a small pond off Chatham Street, but no other signs of Amanda were found when officials drained the pond and searched the area.

Cary Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the location and return of Miss Amanda Simpson-Deane. Anyone with information may contact Crimestoppers at 226-CRIME (226-2746); press the "3" prompt for Cary. All calls will be kept CONFIDENTIAL.

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Media Note: Pictures of Simpson-Deane (Picture 1, Picture 2) and Ward (Picture 1) are available.