DEBRA CULBERSON

Debra and Carrie Culberson

Debra Culberson's daughter, Clarissa Ann Culberson, (a.k.a. Carrie Culberson) was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend in August of 1996. Her family endured four criminal trials as well as a civil trial. The ex-boyfriend was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life without parole even though, to this day, Carrie's remains have not been found. His brother was found guilty of obstructing justice and tampering with evidence and received an eight-year sentence. The perpetrator's father was found not guilty of helping his sons obstruct justice and there was an eventual plea agreement made with the chief of police. The family then filed a civil lawsuit against the chief of police and the village of Blanchester, Ohio for a series of mistakes made that thwarted the search for Carrie. The Culberson family won that battle, but they continue to search for Carrie's remains.

Carrie's story has been on Inside Edition, Montel (Sylvia Brown), Sally Jessie, Oprah, Court TV, Dateline, MSNBC Investigates, Final Justice with Erin Brockovich, American Justice, Missing Persons Unit, Catherine Cryer, Johnny Cochran and others.

In the aftermath of Carrie's murder, Debra became a tireless crusader against domestic violence speaking locally and nationally. She has been a volunteer victim advocate for domestic violence and missing persons for the past 13 years. Debra is a member of Parents of Murdered Children, Team Hope, National Missing Persons Task Force and the Ohio Missing Persons Task Force. She has received countless awards for her activism and victim advocacy. 

There is currently no law that mandates the testing of unidentified remains. Debra continues to work with Congress to advocate for legislation and changes in this area in the hope that someday she will be able to give her daughter a proper burial.