Documentary returns attention to Orange County cold case

In 1998, the body of a young boy was found near Mebane. The child was about 10 years old, between 4 feet 7 inches and 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighed about 80 pounds, but it was Frank Bender who gave a face to "The Boy Under the Billboard."

It was the final case tackled by a man who had worked with the FBI, Scotland Yard, Interpol and the television series "America's Most Wanted."

Bender was diagnosed with cancer before the Orange County case was solved, and the development of a film about his life gives authorities their best chance in years to gather new clues. Director Karen Mintz posted a trailer for her film on YouTube and said she'd continue to follow detectives working to identify the boy.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Lt. Detective Tim Horne of the Orange County Sheriff's Office at 919-245-2900. Anonymous tips are welcome.