B’ham Police: Surveillance video in Paighton Houston case does not show 2 men she reportedly left with

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Sergeant Johnny Williams with the Birmingham Police Department said investigators have reviewed surveillance video from a bar where Paighton Houston was last seen and have not found anyone matching the description of the two men she is believed to have left with.

Officers believe Houston willingly left the Tin Roof bar with two heavy set black men on Friday, December 20, based on information provided in the missing persons report.

Houston’s family said she was at the bar that night with friends from work. One of those friends contacted Houston’s family and told them she left the bar with the two men and appeared to do so willing, according to Houston’s brother, Evan.

The friend also shared a text message she said she received from Houston that said, “IDK who I am with so if I call please answer. I feel in trouble.”

After hearing from the friend, Houston’s brother and father went straight to police and filed the report.

In an email, Williams wrote, “A number of persons have been interviewed at this time, but no major leads have developed from that information.” He said officers are still trying to track down the two men and are continuing to ask the public for help.

Friday evening, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a $5,000 reward for credible information in Houston’s case. This comes in addition to a $5,000 reward announced by Crime Stoppers earlier the same day.

“Unfortunately, another female is missing in the state of Alabama. The whereabouts of Paighton Laine Houston have been unknown since Friday, December 20. In the midst of the busy holiday season, it is critical that we support Paighton, her family and law enforcement to ensure we do everything possible to bring her home," the governor said in a statement.

On Good Day Alabama Friday morning, the Chairman of the board of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama hoped the latest reward would lead to a break in the case.

“You will be totally anonymous. No one will ever ask you to the district attorney. Police will never interview you. You will be paid a cash reward in as little time as one week,” Frank Barefield said.

Barefield added no one has to be arrested. If your information helps with the investigation you will get a reward. The chairman says they are seeing a growing number of missing persons cases and since a number of them are adults, at times it’s difficult to determine what their status is.

Also on Good Day Alabama, her brother talked about how her disappearance has affected the family.

“It’s been really tough. We have have to lean on each other and our faith. The support from the community has kind of get us through this right now,” Evan Houston said.

Meanwhile, Houston says his parents and family continue to hope for the best.

“Paighton we are looking for you. We are not going to stop until we find you. If you know anything about Paighton or where she is and the investigation. Please come forward, drop her off. We just need to have my sister back,” Houston said.

Anyone with information about Houston and her disappearance iks encouraged to contact the Birmingham Police Department 205-254-1700 or Crime Stoppers 205-254-7777.

Copyright 2019 WBRC. All rights reserved.