MISSING SINCE '97; COPS BELIEVE ANNA ZIRKLE SLAIN

COPS in Ohio searched a rural property for the body of a Columbus mother who vanished in 1997. Anna Zirkle disappeared Feb. 1 of that year and was 22 when she was last seen. Columbus cops were tipped off recently that her body may be buried on a property in Orwell.  Sadly, no remains were found but the search has triggered new interest in the troubling case.
Published reports say the funny, popular woman lived with Darren Williams, her two young sons and her boyfriend's cousin, Troy Austin. She allegedly told Austin she was "tired of everything" and "had to get away." She left her little boys with Austin. Williams was out of town at the time but the mystery of Anna Zirkle is hazy. She reportedly gave
the cousin money to take her sons north to be with Williams on the bus. But it was a neighbor who reported her missing on Feb. 6, 1997. People who knew the pretty brunette said she would have never left her children.

Detectives would not indicate what info led them to the property but they believe Zirkle was murdered.
If you have any information, call Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-TIPS or cold case squad Det. Kathie Justice at 614-645-4860.