Family and friends of a missing teen from Gary came together on Saturday to organize a search party for her.
Dalia Guerrero is filled with concern as she reveals that her 13-year-old granddaughter, Ja’Niyah McMichael, has been missing for almost two weeks.
Guerrero pleaded, “Please reach out to us. We are desperate to know that you are safe. If someone is holding her captive, we urge them to release her immediately.”
Ja’Niyah’s family reports that she was last seen on the evening of August 11 at their residence in Gary, Indiana. She lives there with her mother, Jasmine McMichael, and her siblings.
The teenager was last seen at her residence on Malcom X Drive in Gary, according to the Gary police. She stands at a height of 4’03” and weighs approximately 110 pounds. At the time she went missing, she was dressed in black pajamas, a black hooded sweatshirt, and black and red shoes.
Jasmine woke up early the next morning to wake up the kids for school. To her surprise, she found the front door of their home slightly open and the back door unlocked. On top of that, her oldest daughter was nowhere to be found.
It’s a needle in a haystack, especially when there’s no cellphone pings, no communication through social media.
Lorenzo Longoria, dog trainer helping search
Jasmine pleaded, “All we want is for you to come home.”
Ja’Niyah’s mother expressed her concern, mentioning that some of the teenager’s clothing items are also nowhere to be found.
On Saturday, family and friends took the lead in organizing the latest search for the teenager, with the valuable assistance of dedicated volunteers.
Lisette Guillen from Case Files Chicago expressed uncertainty about the whereabouts of Ja’Niyah, stating that due to the close proximity of Gary and Chicago, it is unclear whether she is still in the area or if she has moved elsewhere.
Chicago police are currently searching for 13-year-old Marrayalean Salgado, who has been missing since June.
Sylvia Galvan, representing Circle of Love of Northwest Indiana, emphasized the collective goal of ensuring Ja’Niyah’s safe return and called upon the community for assistance in achieving this objective.
Lorenzo Longoria, a dog trainer, and his faithful companion, Thor, also joined the search party. Thor, a 5-year-old Shepard mix, is one of two K-9 search dogs dedicated to working on this case.
According to Longoria, finding something without any cellphone pings or communication through social media is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
On Saturday, a team of seven members was sent out to 12 different areas in Gary and Merrillville. Their main tasks were conducting searches and distributing flyers to raise awareness.
Ja’Niyah’s family reassures everyone that this is the first time she has ever gone missing. As the days pass, their concerns only intensify. However, they remain determined to never lose hope, knowing that they have the unwavering support of those who know and love the teenager.
“Ja’Niyah, please come home,” pleaded Yolanda Walker, the missing teenager’s other grandmother. “We all miss you dearly and want you to return to us.”
If you have any information about her whereabouts, please get in touch with The Dock Ellis Foundation tip line at 888-222-6050. You can also reach out to Gary Police Department Juvenile Division Detective Gregory Fayson or call 911 to share any information with the Gary police.
