GARY, Ind. – The house where a 13-year-old girl was allegedly last seen over two months ago was the target of a search warrant executed by local and federal officials on Saturday. Later in the afternoon, city officials issued an update, expressing their “deep concern” over Ja’Niyah McMichael’s absence.
The identical message was repeated by family members who told WGN that they have been searching for her nonstop. According to reports, Ja’Niyah was last seen in the 1900 block of Malcolm X Drive on Sunday, August 11. When her mother reported her missing to the police, they said she had pierced ears and was last seen wearing black pyjamas, a black sweatshirt, and black and red sneakers.
Ja’Niyah is about 5’2″ and weighs about 110 pounds, according to family members who talked to WGN. Only a few days after she was discovered missing, she would have begun eighth grade. According to Guerrero, her daughter, Ja’Niyah’s mother, has a strained connection with her and other family members.
She told WGN that April 28, her granddaughter’s birthday, was the last time she was permitted to see her. Guerrero told WGN that she has taken a leave of absence from work and has been searching for her oldest granddaughter nonstop since learning of her missing. Their family won’t give up until she gets home, she added.
She was Injured
The Gary Police Department “began to work proactively to partner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well as the Department of Child Services to investigate this case and all reported tips and leads” after the initial report was made, according to Gary officials. According to GPD, the teen’s family has been in constant contact with the agency and has assisted with the inquiry.
Ja’Niyah may be a runaway, according to the department’s initial statement on August 16, but city updates show a greater concern for her wellbeing. Officials said that GPD requested that Indiana State Police issue a Silver Alert for Ja’Niyah. Then, on September 5, a Silver Alert was issued. Additionally, GPD collaborates with the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Persons.
According to authorities, Gary police worked with the FBI to get a court-approved search warrant, which was carried out at Ja’Niyah’s residence on Saturday. Whether anything was discovered is unknown.
Agents from the Gang Response Investigative Team (GRIT), an FBI-led task force, aided Gary police at their request and carried out the search warrant at the residence, according to an FBI Indianapolis spokesperson.
Despite the task force’s name, it should be noted that gangs are not always involved in the crimes they investigate or assist with; these cases can encompass a wide range of items.
Ja’Niyah’s mother’s side of the family, including Guerrero, told WGN they don’t know where the girl is or why investigators would have been called to the house. They stated that they trust authorities to provide additional information when they are able to do so.
In an update posted on Saturday, the Gary Police Department stated that it wanted to address the serious false information that was making the rounds on social media about the present case. “Up until now, we have taken steps to maintain the integrity of the investigation and ensure legal compliance.”
Authorities warned that disseminating unconfirmed information could seriously hinder the ongoing investigation and urged the public to refrain from doing so. Additionally, the public is advised to proceed with care if they get a donation request from a person or vigilante group claiming to be associated with the police agency or family.