Finding Donna Barnhill: Billboard and $5K reward reignite hope in 44-Year-Old Lexington cold case
A new billboard now stands over Highway 64 in Lexington, bringing fresh attention—and urgent hope—to the 44-year-old cold case of Donna Barnhill, who vanished in 1981 at just 13 years old.
The bright red display sits directly across from the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, showing childhood photos of Donna alongside a bold plea: "Missing Since 1981" and a $5,000 reward for any information that could help bring her home. No questions asked.
The renewed push comes from the CUE Center for Missing Persons, a Wilmington-based nonprofit with deep local roots. Founded by Monica Caison, CUE—Community United Effort—was built to ensure that no missing person is forgotten, no matter how much time passes.
"It is our hope that this will help continue to get Donna’s case back in the public eye and bring forth someone who can aid us in finding Donna,” Caison said in a statement.
The reward began on April 11, 2025, and will expire July 10 at midnight. It was made possible by a generous donation to the CUE Center. The group also thanked Capital Outdoor, Inc. for its help securing the prominent billboard space.
Barnhill disappeared on March 18, 1981, while walking to a friend’s house. She was last seen near Hemstead Street and Jamaica Drive, just a short walk from her home at 208 Hemstead. Her disappearance came after the unsolved homicide of her older sister in 1966—leaving a family with two unanswered tragedies.
CUE members, law enforcement, and family members gathered for the billboard’s unveiling on April 11. They then hit the streets with flyers in hand, knocking on doors near the area where Donna was last seen.
"Missing since 13 years old last seen on Hemstead near Jamaica Drive here in Lexington. We have folks here today actively hitting the streets!" said a CUE Center post.
"No info is too small! We need your help let's bring her home!" the group emphasized in another message shared from the walk.
For the family, it’s about long-overdue answers—and peace.
"Regardless of how she is brought home, as long as she is, that’s all that matters to us," said Summer Goodwin, Donna Barnhill’s cousin.
“To be able to bring her home … would mean the world to me and my family,” Goodwin added.
Childhood friend Lee Hedrick joined the walk, remembering the girl she once played with on the same street. “She was funny. She was really, really funny.”
CUE has followed leads from North Carolina to Florida over the years. “After exhausting every type of search sector, all types of technology—everything—we still do not have her home,” said Mary Messer, a longtime volunteer and searcher with the group.
Even after decades, the team’s determination hasn't wavered.
"We must Be a Light to the Darkest Places we are actively looking for Donna even after 44 years," CUE shared in a post. "CUE Center For Missing Persons Bryan Queen and I will never give up! Someone please come forward lead us to where she is!"
Captain Luke Davis of the Lexington Police Department echoed hope for new momentum: “This definitely has a potential to increase the number of tips and potential leads. We’re looking forward to that.”
“Every piece of information in this case is important and we want to remind the public of that. Every missing person is somebody’s child,” Caison added.
Tip lines remain open:
Lexington Police: (336) 243-3302
CUE 24-hour line: (910) 232-1687
https://ncmissingpersons.org/donna-barnhill/
