On January 31, 17-year-old William Van Croft went missing from his home. City Desk wrote about this case when the police finally posted a missing-person’s release, We’ve talked to William’s mother Jackie and last posted an update at the end of February. There now appears to be a significant break in the case. D.C. Police sent out a release asking for information relating to “a person of interest.” This person is Erica Laws.

The department writes:

“The Metropolitan Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 17-year-old William Vancroft, who was last seen at about 4:30 pm on Thursday, January 31, 2009 in the 1300 block of G Street, SE.

William may be in the company of a known acquaintance, Erica Laws, his deceased father’s girlfriend. Ms. Laws is described as a 40-year-old black female, 5’3” in height, weighing 125 pounds, with black and brown hair and brown eyes.

William is described as a medium complexioned black male, 5’8” tall, weighing about 168 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a burgundy sweater. He is in need of medication and may appear to be disoriented.

Anyone who has information regarding the whereabouts of William Vancroft or Erica Laws is asked to call police at 202-727-9099.”