It's been 20 years since 17-year-old Crystal Lee Higgins disappeared from her down east main town,

only to be found dead a week later. Her death was ruled an accident,

but her sister has questioned that ruling since day one.

I'm Kylie Lowe, and this is the case of Crystal Lee Higgins part Jessica Worcester's big sister, but even from a young age

Crystal took on an even greater role in her life.

Crystal was not only just a sister, but she was also like a mother figure to me.

Our childhood wasn't the best. Our biological mother left us when we were

seven and eight. For part of their childhood, Jessica, and their brother lived with their father and

stepmother in Down East Main. However, things got rocky when in January of 2003,

their father was charged again for driving without a license.

Because he was a habitual offender, he was sentenced to about two years in state prison,

which left the kids at home with their stepmother.

Crystal and her stepmom didn't get along, and as Jessica explained to me,

their stepmother wasn't always able to take care of them, and she and their father were headed for divorce.

These circumstances eventually landed Jessica and her brother in foster care,

and Crystal, at almost 16 years old filed for emancipation.

Emancipation is when a young person deems legal independence from their parents or

guardians before reaching the age of adulthood. It means they can make their own decisions

about things like where to live, medical care, and managing their finances.

Emancipation is usually granted by a court after considering whether the child is able to handle these responsibilities on their own.

Crystal proved herself to be mature and capable enough, and she was granted emancipation around May of 2003.

She left the home but she never actually left my brothers and I.

...