This browser does not support the Video element.
'Somebody knows something': Northwest Indiana families plead for answers in missing persons cases
Families of several missing people in northwest Indiana are calling for answers in cases dating back as far as 2015 and as recently as last fall.
GARY, Ind. - Families of several missing people in northwest Indiana are demanding answers in cases that span nearly a decade, with some dating back to 2015 and others as recent as last fall.
Among the cases is Lisa Wright, who disappeared in 2021 after meeting someone in Hammond. Her mother says she has not been heard from since.
In October, 25-year-old Emma Baum, nine months pregnant at the time, vanished without a trace. Despite multiple tips and interviews, Gary police say their investigation has yielded no results.
Ja'Niyah McMichael, a 13-year-old girl who went missing last August, was also highlighted Monday as her grandmother, Dalia, issued an emotional plea for information.
"Somebody knows something. Please speak. She's a child. She was reported as a runaway. My family does not believe that," said Dalia, grandmother of Ja'Niyah McMichael. "Ja'Niyah, if you're out there, wherever you may be, please, Ja'Niyah, reach out to us. This is your nana. We love and miss you so much."
In response to a press conference held by the families, Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon released a statement addressing a widely circulated list of missing persons.
"The Gary Police Department is aware of a list of missing people circulating on social media. Much of the content of this publicized list is inaccurate, due to outdated information."
The department said it is working with state partners to review the list and plans to release an updated and accurate version by Friday.
Among the cases is that of King Walker, who was just a toddler when he disappeared in 2015. His case remains unsolved.
The Source: FOX 32 Chicago spoke to families of missing persons in northwest Indiana to construct this article.