Daughter of missing Johnstown woman searching for answers

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The case of Kellisue Ackernecht has stumped investigators, community members and family members for the last 16 years, after she never returned home form work one September night. 16 years later, her daughter is still searching for answers and making sure her mother's name lives on.

Ashley Ackernecht, Kellisue's daughter, was only eight years old when her mother went missing.

“I remember being woken up in the middle of the night by a cop with a flashlight," said Ashley.

It was the night of September 30, 2008, 16 years ago this past Monday. That next morning, Ashley said her dad told her the news.

“My dad had just said like 'mommy’s missing we don't know where she is,'” said Ashley.

With little evidence, other than police finding the car Kellisue was driving, up in flames, Ashley has been left with many questions. NEWS10 spoke with Johnstown Police Chief David Gilbo extensively about the investigation, in the story below.

“Now being older, I really just want an answer, I just want an answer, I just want to know is she here, is she gone, like what happened, it's just it's exhausting to have multiple hundreds of scenarios over and over," said Ashley.

Which is partly why Ashley has been hanging up missing person's posters and posting on social media over the last few days. She's hoping to to spread awareness about her mom's case and ensure that anyone who may have information, can find out where to relay it.

“Maybe that one person sees it and they’re like 'Oh my God, I have to do something' or 'Oh my God, I know something," said Ashley.

Ashley believes there is someone out there that knows what happened to her mom. With hundreds of possibilities flooding her mind, she said that finding out the truth would help her put some thoughts to rest.

Ashley also said that no matter what truly happened, she wishes she could tell her mom that it's okay.

“I forgive you, is one of them, I miss you, I love you, it's okay, I understand," Ashley said.

These are words she's holding onto, in case the day arrives when someone comes forward.

“I try to hold on for that person out there maybe that has an answer and they just don't know what to do with that information," said Ashley.

Anyone with information on Kellisue’s disappearance is asked to contact the Johnstown Police Department at (518) 736-4020 or email: crimetip@cityofjohnstown.ny.gov.