Friends Of Missing Durham Cellist Appeal To Public For Help

Janine Sutphen, 57, a cellist with the Durham Symphony, disappeared from a Durham parking deck Tuesday night.

Police found Sutphen's car on the first level of a downtown Durham parking garage across the street from the Durham Arts Council building, where rehearsal was held. Her cello and keys were in the car.

"She would never have left her cello. She would never have gone away on her own and left her cello. That really has us concerned," said Anne Aitchison, Durham Symphony president. Fellow symphony members said Sutphen had talked to police in the past about her concerns about security in the parking deck.

Although there are no new leads in the case, Sutphen's friends are trying to raise money for a reward fund through Durham CrimeStoppers.

They said they hope a reward may encourage someone to come forward with more information.

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.