Parents Plead for Tips to Find Missing Daughter

Eastern Connecticut State University student, Alyssiah Marie Wiley, has been missing for more than a week and her parents and state police are asking the public to provide information to help find her, no matter how insignificant that information might seem.

The last time Wiley was heard from was on Saturday, April 20 and her cell phone and credit card have not been used since, officials said.

Police received a report on that day that Wiley had not returned to her dorm room, Lt. Paul Vance, of state police, said during a news conference on Thursday, and police began searching for her.

Dogs were brought in, the missing persons unit was contacted and a Silver Alert was issued.

"It was learned by detectives that Miss Wiley was last seen in the area of the Dairy Queen on Main Street in Willimantic enroute to the high-rise apartments here on campus," Vance said.

Alyssiah's mother, Corrinna Martin, said this is a very difficult time for the family. 

"Alyssiah is a very brilliantly bright young woman who has her whole life ahead of her," Martin said.

Wiley, a sophomore at ECSU, is studying psychology and biology with with the intention to get ready for medical school to get a doctorate in psychology, Martin said.

"This is not a young lady who would walk away from such a life," Martin said. "This is not a young lady who would put her family through this much grief. This is, however, a young lady who is full of life, full of energy, and full of the hope that her future is bright."

Martin pleaded, with tears in her eyes, for help finding her daughter.

"I am asking, I am pleading with the public, as a mother who wants her child home, she has her family who wants her home, she has friend who want her home. We need your help, "Martin said.

She pleaded with anyone who has information to come forward.

"You will not be labeled as a snitch. You can do it anonymously," Martin said. "Please, please, please, find it in your heart to open up your mouth and speak. Anything is better than nothing.  ... From a mother to the public, please help us bring our loved on, my baby, home."

Vance said this appears to be an isolated incident. There are some leads and police will be conducting spot checks in Willimantic on Main, Valley and Prospect streets on Saturday night.

Wiley was reported missing last Wednesday and a silver alert for the 20-year-old woman was issued last Thursday morning.

"The State Police Major Crime Squad and Missing Person Detectives working with Eastern Connecticut State University Police and the Windham County States Attorney continue to work together following each lead and examining any piece of evidence related to this investigation," a news release from state police said.

Police said last week that they found a car they have been looking for in connection with her disappearance.

The black 2009 Nissan Altima with four doors and tinted windows, with Connecticut license plate 297-ZOY was found in Bridgeport, said Lt. Vance, spokesman for  the Connecticut State Police.

Wiley's friends said she does not drive and does not have a car. Police have provided no additional information about the car or whose it it.

Wiley is 5-feet 6, weighs 150 pounds and has black hair and brown eyes.

"I know that someone out there knows where Alyssiah is," Patricia Froehlich, the Windham County State's Attorney, said. "Any bit of information that anyone can share with us, even if you think it's insignificant, might be helpful to us in our investigation."

Froehlich said the state's forensic lab will be prioritizing any forensic evidence found in this case.

She is urging anyone with information to call 860-685-8190 or  visit the Windham CT State's Attorney's Office Facebook page and share information.

Anyone with information on Alyssiah or on the car should call State Police Troop K at 860-537-7500 or text a tip anonymously to CRIMES -- 274637 Text a tip, 711, or call the missing persons clearing house at 860-685-8190.

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