Search Continues for Missing College Student Eight Years Later

OAKLAND, CA (KCBS)  -- A missing persons case that has baffled Bay Area law enforcement has received a renewed sense of hope.

In June 1997, Kristin Modafferi a student North Carolina State University was last seen leaving her job at a coffee shop at the Crocker Galleria in San Francisco. She never returned to her Oakland apartment and police were called.

She was taking summer school classes at UC Berkeley.

A bloodhound picked up Modafferi's scent at the Cliff House but she has never been seen again.

Now Oakland Police Sergent Arturo Bautista says a new detective is looking at the case. "Fresh new eyes are always good to review the case and look at it fresh from a different perspective and consider other possible theories related to the case," he said.

In addition a large billboard has been erected at the 9th Street exit off the Bay Bridge.

Modafferi mother Debra hopes that will generate interest especially of a blond woman who was last seen with her daughter. "We have repeatedly asked for this blond haired woman to come forward with any kind of information," she said.

A $50,000 reward is being offered in the case. The FBI now considers the case a criminal kidnapping.