Psychic Gives Tip on Possible Location of Body

Detectives hoped they had a break in a missing person's case from nearly six years ago after they get a phone call with a tip.

A psychic had a vision that a hill of lime was the location of Amber Hoopes' body. A detective was shown the exact spot. But after digging, nothing was found.

On Tuesday morning, five detectives with the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office arrived in unmarked cars and S-U-V's at the old sugar mill off Lincoln Road just a few blocks from Classic Truck and Auto Body, where Amber was abducted in 2001.

They were trying not to draw attention to what they were about to do: Search for the body of Amber, said to be buried in a specific 4 by 6 foot location on top of a lime pile.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf, Bonneville County Sheriff's Office: "We received a tip that Amber Hoopes' body was possibly buried up here in the old sugar factory, Evans Grain area in the lime pits."

Amber's dad, Brent, says the sheriff's office informed them of the search, and where the tip came from. Knowing a search was going on just down the road, it didn't really phase him.

Brent Hoopes, Amber's Dad: "Nothing against them [psychics], but I don't show a lot of credibility in them, so I don't get my hopes up too much."

The family and sheriff's office has used psychic information in the past on this case. One tip involved a day-long search at Ririe Reservoir after a psychic had an impression that Amber's body was in the water. Nothing turned up.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf: "We take every tip seriously. Any information we're gonna follow up on and make sure to see if it's credible, and that's 'cuz you never know on the tips."

This area was searched shortly after Amber's abduction, and back then no -- there were no signs of freshly disturbed dirt. After digging down several feet and sifting through the lime, the search was called off with no new information.

Sgt. Doug Metcalf: "It would be nice to have the closure of bringing the body home and that, and that's the ultimate goal right now."

Brent Hoopes: "If we could put closure to this all the way that would be great. And I appreciate the law enforcement, detectives that go out and do this; I appreciate all they do because it takes a lot of time."

The psychic did not want to talk, feeling bad that her impression didn't pan out. This September will be six years that Amber's family has lived without all the answers.

Although nothing was found here, the sheriff's office hopes this will bring attention to this unsolved case. They and the family want closure. Call Crime Stoppers at 522-1983.