Police search for missing Mason student

Bethany Decker, here with her brother Kyle Littlejohn and her child, pose for a photo. Decker hasn't been seen since Jan. 29. (photo provided to C2M by Kyle Littlejohn)

Updated 3/2/11 4:31 p.m. 
 

Family members and police are searching for a Loudoun County woman and Mason senior who was last seen Jan. 29. Bethany Anne Decker, 21, was last seen at her Ashburn apartment where police also found her vehicle.

Decker’s husband is serving with the National Guard in Afghanistan, but was recently home on leave, according to TBD.com.  The husband returned to Afghanistan on Feb. 2.  Decker’s 17-month-old son has been living with family in Richmond and after not hearing from Decker, her family reported her missing to Loudoun County Police on Feb. 19.

According to Mason People Finder, a Bethany A Decker is majoring in Global & Environmental Change.  A Mason spokesman told NBCWashington that Decker was registered for spring 2011 classes and had paid tuition, but did not show up for those classes.

Mason Student Government has confirmed to C2M that Decker served as Undersecretary for Sustainability during the 2008-09 academic year.

Police told TBD there was no sign at Decker’s apartment that she had planned to leave and her cell phone and credit cards have not been used.  Police have also searched the wooded areas near Decker’s apartment for clues as recently as Tuesday, according to TBD.

A Facebook group with over 700 members was recently been created raising awareness about Decker's disappearance .

Decker is believed to be about 5 months pregnant and is described at 4 feet 11 inches tall, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.  Any information as to Decker’s whereabouts can be reported to Loudoun County investigators at 703-777-0475.

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[Update 3/2/11 1:58 p.m.] C2M contacted Decker’s brother Kyle Littlejohn by e-mail. Littlejohn said this about his sister:

“Bethany was a very loving character. She was always up beat, energetic and there for anyone that needed help. She loved George Mason and was very in to the environment. She always strived for perfection and was one of the friendliest and kindest people I know.”

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[Update 3/2/11 4:31 p.m.] C2M received an exclusive photo of Decker from her brother Kyle Littlejohn.

C2M also made contact with Assistant Chief of University Police George Ginovsky who refused to comment on the case, citing that they do not comment on other's departments cases. The Loundon County Police Department is investigating the case and Mason Police are not involved.

*Photo: Provided to C2M by Kyle Littlejohn