In a 20-minute conversation with Lower Bucks Source Tuesday morning, Cassandra “Casey” Johnston’s parents, Carolann and Joe said the hiring of a private detective was offered to them recently and now 17-days into the search for their missing daughter, they said it was offer they could not pass on.

“We’re just trying to access all the help we can get with finding our daughter” they said, “Lower Southampton Police have been wonderful and we know they are doing all that they can to find her.” Casey’s mother said.

Cassandra, 26 was reported missing on the morning of July 10 to Lower Southampton Police as she was last seen in Philadelphia.

Private investigator, Kevin Ryan, with his 22 years of experience and successes of finding missing people weighed in this morning, with some of his thoughts, on what he thinks happened.

“This is not a run away case, its not a normal missing persons situation” he said, “I really believe this is a motor vehicle accident we have yet to locate.”

Her car didn’t have the modern amenities, Ryan said, it didn’t have a locator on it or something like On Star, explaining his car accident theory.

He also helped explain some of the mystery surrounding Casey’s cell phone being found in Philadelphia too.

She was captured on video surveillance stopping for a moment in the area of 10th Street, where she puts her cell phone down for a second and then forgets it as she begins to walk to her car, Ryan said.

The 2016 Ford focus sedan, displaying PA registration KSA8807 was last seen on Vine Street approaching I-95 at around 6 a.m.

There is no dress rehearsal for this kind of situation you go and search for answers, he said.

“Its not a normal situation” speaking of the circumstances surrounding Cassandra’s missing status.

The response from the community is simply beautiful. Strangers offering to help in any way they can.  Is just amazing!, the Johnston’s said.

On Facebook #SandraJon has over 3000 tags with friends, family, and local volunteers spreading the word about Casey’s disappearance.

As of this morning, over $11,000 has been raised to pay for billboards and signs like the one that at the intersection of New Falls Road and Levittown Parkway.

The Johnston’s since the beginning of this traumatic episode, have had to suppress a myriad of rumors concerning Cassandra’s boyfriend Matt, and social media commenters opining on their daughter’s disappearance is drug related.

“Matt had nothing to do with this,” Carolann said.

My daughter is not a drug addict, Joe said emphatically.

“I need to find my child. I try not to cry cause its not productive. I need to hear her voice. I need as many people out there helping” Casey’s mom said as she tried valiantly to control the surge of emotions and tears welling up.

“We just need her home” she said through tears.

Casey works for a locally based child care center and is a much loved counselor in the program, police said.

If you know the whereabouts of Johnson  or have seen her or her vehicle please contact Detective Stephen Brookes at the Lower Southampton Police Department by calling 215-357-1235 ext 339 or email sbrookes@lstwp.org

You may also contact the police department direct number 215-357-1234 and ask to speak with an officer or submit a confidential tip at this link

You can also reach out to Ryan by calling (803) 993-8477or e-mailing him with tips at kryan134825@yahoo,com

“We just need her home” her parents said.

Lower Southampton Police were unavailable for comment for this story.

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