New lead for Lina? Retired FBI agent discusses missing toddler’s case

SAN ANTONIO — On Thursday, the FBI and San Antonio police followed up on a new tip to find Lina Sardar Khil.

The little girl disappeared a little more than two years ago at her apartment complex. Authorities spent the day in a wooded area less than a mile where she was last seen near Interstate 10 and Wurzbach.

Police are not saying much about the tip, but a retired FBI agent, Gregory Pratt, said that is normal until they can confirm it is credible.

Pratt works alongside the organization, Project Absentis. It helps families of missing persons. The group has assisted Lina’s family in the past.

Pratt said there is no reason to give up hope.

“There are cases that go on for decades and they are eventually resolved,” Pratt said.

Lina’s father, Riaz Sardar Khil was at the search area, standing just feet away from investigators.

Alongside Khil was child advocate and founder of Eagle’s Flight, Pamela Allen.

“They are looking for a body,” Allen said Thursday.

Allen said Khil was not up for speaking with the media. She pointed out that Lina will soon be turning six.

“Dad is very frustrated,” Allen said. “The family is really saddened the fact that she has been missing two years.”

Last year, the family released an update sketch of what Lina might look like now that she is 5-years-old.

On Wednesday, they met with investigators to discuss the case and demand transparency. The next day, they got a phone call about a new tip.

“This is one of the first areas that we searched,” Allen said.

Police living at the apartment complex next to the search area said police were out there Wednesday night as well.

“I can’t imagine them out there trying to find my daughter or knowing or thinking she’s that out here just buried somewhere, so, my heart goes out to them,” Veronica Martinez said. “I will pray for them. Just sad, very sad.”

Pratt said it is important police follow up on every tip. He said if there is a body to recover, it may be difficult if they do not know exactly where to look.

“It is difficult to find a clandestine grave if the killer doesn’t want you to find it,” Pratt said.

But, he said it is not impossible. Allen said police told her Friday morning, they are bringing in an x-ray type of machine to help search for objects underground.

Pratt is familiar with this type of device. However, he said it has proven to be ineffective in some cases.

“I’ve done numerous body recoveries during my time on the evidence response team and I don’t recall that equipment ever being out there,” Pratt said. “If it works, great. But I think people put a lot of stock in it and I don’t think it’s a magic wand.”

However, he said it is crucial law enforcement use every tool to find Lina.

“Children are our most precious resource, right?” Pratt said. “So, I don’t think anyone ever gives up hope.”

If you know anything about this case, you are urged to call SAPD’s Missing Persons Unit at (210) 207-7660. 

There is a reward being offered from Crime Stoppers of $55,000 and the Islamic Center of San Antonio of $250,000 to help find her.