North American Missing Persons Network
 
Crystal Gayle Dittmeyer

1AP
Above Images: Left: Dittmeyer, circa 1996
Right: Age-progression to age 18 (circa 2002)

Vital Statistics at Time of Disappearance

  • Missing Since: June 13, 1996 from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
  • Classification: Endangered Missing
  • Date Of Birth: April 26, 1984
  • Age: 12
  • Height: 5'2"-5'4"
  • Weight: 113 lbs.
  • Hair Color: Brown
  • Eye Color: Hazel
  • Race: White
  • Gender: Female
  • Distinguishing Characteristics: Hair was tied in a bun.
    May have sustained an injury to her left hand.
  • Clothing: White t-shirt with a ying-yang design with
    a red and blue patch embroidered on the front, blue jean shorts.
  • Jewelry: Ying-yang necklace.
  • NCIC Number: M-937272596
  • Case Number: NCMC819583

    • Details of Disappearance
    Dittmeyer was last seen at her residence at the Pick Wick Apartments in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 13, 1996. She has not been seen or heard from since. Witnesses last saw her at a swimming pool near her home the day she disappeared. Her stepfather, Benjamin Crider had scratches and bite marks on his arm shortly after her disappearance, leading police to believe that he was involved in her disappearance. Her step-brother also testified that he had seen her body lying on a bed the same day, but that later the body had vanished.

    Although no body was ever discovered, a jury convicted Crider of her murder and he was sentence to life in prison in 1999. His conviction, however, was overturned on appeal. A second trial that began in October 2004 was ruled a mistrial by a judge after Crider’s attorney mentioned that a pair of Crystal’s panties found in the house contained semen not connected to Crider, in violation of a court order. Crider now awaits a third trial.

    Investigating Agency
    If you have any information concerning this case, please contact:
    Oklahoma City Police Department
    (405) 297-1000

    Source Information
    National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
    Taken from Our Midst
    The Shawnee News-Star
    KOTV