Family still seeking answers about missing Ithaca woman

ITHACA, N.Y. — Tuesday, Dec. 11, marks Nicole Dawn Marranca’s 29th birthday. More than a year has passed since she went missing and her family is still hoping someone will come forward with information about her disappearance.

Since she has been missing, family and friends have scoured Ithaca and surrounding areas with search parties, looking for any clues about what happened to her. Loved ones held a vigil Aug. 18 for Marranca on the Ithaca Commons to remember her one year since she was last seen in Ithaca.

The Old Goat Gear Exchange in Downtown Ithaca was the last place Marranca was seen. There have been tips here and there, like that she was last seen getting into a black pickup truck with a man or that she was at the Economy Inn not long before she disappeared. But none have led them to Marranca. Her family has upped the reward amount to $4,000.

Ithaca Police say the case is still open, but there are no new or significant updates.

“It is an open case and an open investigation,” Officer Jamie Williamson said Monday. “We continue to pursue any and all leads that we develop. Sadly, however, there are no significant updates to report.”

At the time of her disappearance, Marranca was addicted to heroin and occasionally worked as an escort. Her father said she began using drugs when she was around 15. When she was younger, Marranca loved horses and began riding when she was 4 years old. She rode in competitions all over the region and at the New York State Fair. No matter what was going on in her life, she kept up with her father, Nick Marranca. During a search last year along train tracks near the Economy Inn off of Elmira Road, Nick Marranca said, “I’m waiting for the worst, but I’d love to hear the best.”

Nicole has a 5-year-old daughter who is in the custody of her father and his wife, Kelley Marranca. Kelley said Nicole’s daughter asked, while pointing at a picture of her mother, “if her mommy is in heaven.” Kelley said they just tell her she’s far away and can’t afford a phone right now to call.

For more information, updates and how to help, visit the Find Nicole Marranca Facebook Page.

Anyone with information that may aid the investigation is encouraged to contact Ithaca police by any of the following means: