LIMA, Ohio -
A missing teenager from Lima is dead after city crews found the teen's bones in the crawl space of a city home. Over the weekend, the Lucas County coroner's office identified the bones as those of 14-year-old Nicholle Coppler, missing since 1999.
Investigators think the teen could be a victim of a human trafficking case.
Police found Coppler's bones in the home that once stood on South Elizabeth. With the home now gone and the owner dead, investigators hope someone comes forward with answers.
"I believe, from the get go, that she never left that house," says Nicholle's mother, Krista Coppler.
May 31, 1999 was the last time anyone saw Coppler alive. The teen was reported as a runaway, but now police think the teen could be a victim of human trafficking.
Krista describes her daughter as outgoing and strong-willed, but years ago she knew her daughter wouldn't leave home willingly.
Sixteen months after the initial report police started investigating Glen Fryer.
Investigators searched Fryer's home and recovered Nicholle's ID and diary, but he was never charged. Police say there simply wasn't enough evidence.
"She got mixed up and it led to glen Fryer's house," says Krista. "Why she was never found the first time, I don't know, but I know she never left."
During demolition of Fryer's former home earlier this month, city crews found Coppler's remains.
Investigators are now left picking up the pieces to a 13 year old homicide case.
Glen Fryer, the main suspect, is dead. He committed suicide in 2002, just days before agreeing to talk to police about Coppler's disappearance.
Investigators now believe Coppler's case could have ties to the sex trade.
"Human trafficking is what were looking at," says Sergeant Paula Strickler. "Not just for her but for every involved."
After 13 years and without answers, Krista says the news brings some closure. She hopes the investigation into her daughter's death saves another young girl's life.
"I believe there several out there," she says. "I hope they can all be brought to justice."
If you have any information about Coppler's disappearance or death, you're asked to please call Lima police.
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