Chantel “CiCi” Brooks has been missing for more than three weeks, and her family is asking anyone who may have crossed paths with her or her vehicle to come forward. Her brother, Calvin, reached out directly to OurBlackGirls seeking help keeping his sister’s case in front of the public. For him, that means making sure Chantel is remembered as a woman with a life and people waiting for her.

“Chantel is so much more than a missing person flyer or a picture being shared online,” Calvin told OurBlackGirls. “She is a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit and a really big heart. She is loved, she is important, and there are people who miss her deeply.”

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The 36-year-old Fairfield woman was last seen during the early morning hours of July 17, 2026. Surveillance footage showed Chantel leaving her job in the 700 block of Eddy Street in San Francisco shortly after midnight. Another camera captured her at a CVS on East Travis Boulevard in Fairfield at about 1:45 a.m. She was seen walking toward her vehicle in the parking lot.

Her vehicle is also missing. Fairfield police are looking for a black 2021 Infiniti QX50 with California license plate 9SBB134.

The question of where that SUV went after Chantel left the CVS has become an important part of the family’s search. Her relatives have said a license plate reader detected the Infiniti in Oakland. Kevin Robinson, another of Chantel’s brothers, told the San Francisco Chronicle that a Flock camera recorded the vehicle on 55th Avenue.

However, NBC Bay Area reported that Fairfield police could not confirm the family’s account that Oakland was the vehicle’s last known location.

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Chantel’s Family Knew Something Was Wrong

Concern grew after one of Chantel’s close friends realized she had gone days without hearing from her. Her family also discovered that the location she had been sharing through her phone was no longer available. Kevin told NBC Bay Area that her location simply stopped appearing.

That silence was unusual enough to send her brothers searching across the region. Family members have distributed flyers in Fairfield and other Bay Area communities while trying to retrace Chantel’s movements. They have also sought surveillance footage that could help establish where she or her SUV went after the last confirmed sighting. A vigil was held for Chantel on August 2 as the search entered its third week.

As the days have passed, Calvin said the family’s request has remained painfully simple.

“Our family is worried about her and praying every day that she is found safe and alive,” he told OurBlackGirls. “At the end of the day, that is all we want. We want Chantel home. We want to know she is okay, and we are not giving up hope.”

Calvin also wanted people sharing his sister’s case to understand who they are sharing.

“Chantel has a life, a personality, people who love her, and a family waiting for answers,” he wrote.

NBC Bay Area also reported that Kevin described his sister as “a happy girl” and the “life of the party.” Calvin similarly described her to the station as someone with a good heart who puts other people first.

In his message to OurBlackGirls, Calvin returned to that same picture of his sister while thanking those who have continued sharing her information.

“Thank you again for using your platform to help keep her name, face, and story out there,” he said. “Every share could potentially reach the right person who may have seen something or know something.”

Anyone with information can contact the Fairfield Police Department at 707-428-7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 707-428-7600. Information can also be emailed to investigators at case26-7208@fairfield.ca.gov.

Calvin ended his message with the request his family continues to carry with them:

“Please continue to keep my sister Chantel ‘CiCi’ Brooks in your prayers. We just want her found safe and brought home to the people who love her.”

Chantel Brooks: What To Know

Chantel was wearing a multicolored brimmed hat with a red zip-up sweatshirt when she was last seen. She also had on gray sweatpants and brown furry boots. Police describe her as a Black woman who stands approximately 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs about 180 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information can contact the Fairfield Police Department at 707-428-7300. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 707-428-7600. Information can also be emailed to investigators at case26-7208@fairfield.ca.gov. The agency case number is 26-7208.

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• Case Number: 26-7208

• Agency: Fairfield Police Department

• Phone: 707-428-7300

• Email: case26-7208@fairfield.ca.gov

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Most people recognize an AMBER Alert when it flashes across a phone or highway sign. A Purple Alert is less familiar, and that can make an urgent missing-person notice confusing at the exact moment authorities need the public paying attention.

In general, a Purple Alert is used to help locate a missing person whose disability or other vulnerability may place them in danger. The programs are often intended for adults who do not meet the requirements for an AMBER or Silver Alert. However, there is an important catch, because Purple Alert is not a single nationwide system. States that use the name establish their own eligibility rules, which means a Purple Alert in Florida may cover a somewhat different population than one issued in Maryland.

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What Is A Purple Alert, & Who Qualifies?

Eligibility usually comes down to vulnerability. States that use Purple Alerts generally reserve them for missing people whose disability or impairment could make it harder for them to recognize danger or return home safely.

The exact criteria depend on the state. Florida, for example, uses Purple Alerts for certain missing adults with disabilities who are believed to face immediate danger and do not qualify for a Silver Alert. Maryland’s program covers endangered adults ages 18 to 60 with specified disabilities or impairments. Other states may use a different name altogether for a similar type of missing-person alert. West Virginia allows Purple Alerts for people with cognitive impairments, including dementia.

That difference matters because the same person might qualify for a Purple Alert in one state and a Silver Alert in another. Circumstances of the disappearance can all affect which system law enforcement uses.

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How Does A Purple Alert Work?

Once someone is reported missing, law enforcement decides whether the case meets the alert requirements in that state. Families do not activate a Purple Alert themselves. In Maryland, for example, only law enforcement can request one through the state police. Florida follows a similar process, with the local agency determining whether the disappearance qualifies before requesting broader assistance.

Families should share anything that could help investigators understand the person’s vulnerability. That may include a disability, medical condition, communication difficulty, or history of wandering.

Once an alert is approved, authorities can distribute the missing person’s information to the public. How that happens depends on the state and the case. Meanwhile, families shouldn’t delay making a missing-person report because they are unsure whether their loved one qualifies for a Purple Alert. That determination belongs to the agency handling the case.

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*UPDATE* In 2025, WSOC-TV reported that Emanuel Bedford was convicted of murder and grand larceny. He was sentenced to life without parole. Deidre Reid’s remains have never been located.

Original Story:

A South Carolina woman described as a loving mother has been missing from Pageland since September 3, 2021. Then, Deidre Reid, 41, was reportedly on her way to a Greyhound station in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was driving her 2004 Chevy Tahoe (license plate FXU718) at the time, and neither Deidre nor her vehicle has been located since.

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According to reports, Deidre Reid was driving Emanuel Bedford (sometimes spelled “Emmanuel” in reports), the father of her youngest child, to the Greyhound station, but he never got on his scheduled bus.

She was last seen with Bedford by her other children, and around 10:15 a.m., she called her mother from a dollar store before the line was disconnected. About two hours later, Deidre reportedly spoke with her sister and told her she was in Charlotte, North Carolina. She planned to do some shopping for a relative’s wedding and reportedly stated she would call her sister once she had dropped off Bedford.

James Reid, Deidre’s brother, told reporters that he personally viewed surveillance footage from the station, and it showed Bedford arriving, walking inside, showing his phone to an employee, and seemingly receiving a refund for his ticket.

“The lady handed him some money back so he ended up canceling his bus ticket and came right back out and got in the passenger side of the SUV and it pulls off,” James said back in September 2021. “All the siblings knew that last person Deidre was seen with was Emmanuel Bedford. He told law enforcement that Deidre dropped him off at the Greyhound bus station between 1:50 and 2:00 pm and that he never [saw] her again.”

“If Emanuel is looking, I really do want him to reach out to the law enforcement, and if he didn’t have anything to do with our sister’s disappearance, we just want him to clear his name,” James stated.

Bedford was named as a person of interest before he was reportedly arrested in October 2021 on warrants tied to grand larceny and obstructing justice.

”I just hope Emmanuel tell us where she at whether it’s good or bad,” said Jennifer Reid, Deidre’s sister. “We just want to know where she at.” Family members also told reporters that Deidre and Bedford’s seven-year-old had been suffering from nightmares about his father “standing over” his mother.

Police stated that they have searched via drones, helicopters, ATVs, as well as on foot, but Deidre remains missing.

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Deirdre Reed: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Deidre Reid stood 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 135 to 155 pounds. She had brown hair (styled in a ponytail) and brown eyes. Deidre was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a pink and white shirt, and white Nike Air Force 1s. Her middle name is “Annette.”

The Community United Effort, also known as the CUE Center for Missing Persons, reported that Deidre has these tattoos: right neck that says “Sexxy” with two cherries hanging from it, left arm of an angel that is a little girl, left wrist near thumb with a star, and stars on her left arm.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Pageland Police Department at (843) 672-6437, the CUE Center for Missing Persons at (910) 343-1131, the CUE Center 24-hour tip line at (910) 232-1687, or their local authorities. The agency case number was not listed in the NamUs database.

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• Case Number:

• Agency: Pageland Police Department

• Phone: (843) 672-6437

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A missing person case out of Ohio continues to cause concern as the loved ones of Sacoya Cooper seek answers. The 33-year-old transgender woman mysteriously disappeared from the north side of Columbus on August 31, 2021, after she was last seen traveling in a black Ford Fusion at approximately 11:30 p.m. According to reports, Sacoya was going to the store but never returned.

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It has also been stated that Sacoya didn’t make it to the store. When her loved ones attempted to contact her, they learned that Sacoya’s phone was turned off. They reportedly claimed that it was unlike Sacoya to vanish without a trace. Her vehicle was later recovered on the west side of the city.

Sacoya’s Partner Shares Their Devastation

Richard Harris, Sacoya’s partner, spoke with The Columbus Dispatch in September 2021 about the circumstances leading up to the disappearance.

“She left here to go get some bottled water, and she never showed up,” said an emotional Richard. “I know she had a text message right before she left, and that’s all I know. And she left and never came back... This is something that she never does. This is unreal.”

At the case’s onset, many community members helped pass out flyers and go door-to-door, wanting to assist in the investigation.

“I mean, you see this every day on the TV and on the milk cartons ... but you never really realize the depths of this,” Richard continued. “Because there ain’t never no closure until you find something. This is some of the worst sh*t you can possibly go through. This is bad. Look, I got people in my driveway trying to help. This is bad.”

An Epidemic Of Brutality Against Transwomen

Increasing violence against trans women, especially Black trans women, has plagued the LGBTQIA+ community. Richard said he received information about a possible sighting at a gas station, but surveillance cameras weren’t helpful when investigated. Then, ransom texts demanded $7,000 for Sacoya’s return or $500 to speak with her. That information was given to the police.

“It’s unfortunate that there were a lot of missteps taken, but that seems to be a repeated song for our community,” said Charlie Stewart, an organizer with the Black Queer & Intersectional Collective (BQIC). “Black trans women are subjected to so much violence... Every second that she’s away from her home is being away from safety.”

Stewart added that the BQIC has also been looking into this mystery and mentioned how LGBTQIA+ cases don’t receive as much attention or visibility.

“You can’t do nothing but hope,” said Richard. “I mean, I’m not going to give up hope. ...She’s a loving person. I love her, I want her home. No matter whatever she’s going through, we can work through it.”

Relatives Launch GoFundMe To Help With The Investigation

Sacoya’s family has set up a GoFundMe, and you can visit that page here and read a message from Sacoya’s brother:

Hello I am Devin’s (Sacoya’s) Biological Brother James Carswell. I currently reside in Ga but I am now in Columbus Ohio searching for my missing sibling. Devin (Sacoya) is Transgendered and has been missing since 8/31/21. Last seen leaving home in North Columbus (Howey Rd) to go to the corner store for Water around 11:30pm any Help with my search to find Devin (Sacoya) outside of the Columbus Police Dept is greatly appreciated. Unfortunately our family has to prepare for the worst but is still keeping faith for a safe return home to Her two Dogs her home her Jobs and her family!!!! Sacoya works as A GM for Popeyes also in North Columbus this is definitely not a runaway situation Sacoya is in Dire need and we are asking for your help. any help will be for Her rent utilities dog food for her two loving Pitt bulls and anything else to continue this search God Bless And Thank you

The Columbus Police Department reportedly told Sacoya’s family that “they are investigating two individuals, but they could not give us any further information.” On the FBI’s website, it is reported that foul play is suspected.

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Sacoya Cooper: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Sacoya Cooper stood 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighed 145 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair (styled in lemonade braids, swept to one side) and brown eyes. Sacoya was last seen wearing a black and white summer dress and black and white Baby Phat sandals. Sacoya’s birth name is Devin.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Columbus Division of Police at (614) 645-4545, the Columbus Police Missing Persons Unit at (614) 645-2358, or their local authorities. The agency case number is 210 659 143.

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• Case Number: 210 659 143

• Agency: Columbus Police Missing Persons Unit

• Phone: (614) 645-2358

• Email:

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Sources
The Columbus Dispatch
Inside Edition
FBI
NamUs

Although several outlets shared information about this case, details regarding the circumstances related to the disappearance of Monisha Harrell have been scarce.

A quick online search turned up several links to news outlets reporting the same information: a 36-year-old woman went missing from Bessemer, Alabama, and police need the public's help locating her. Not much else can be found other than that Monisha was last known to be "in the area of Cloverdale Apartments."

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The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System's database shows that Monisha Harrell was reported missing on July 19, 2021. In an article shared by CBS 42 News just days after the missing persons report was filed, Monisha’s family was said to have told authorities that she had “not been seen or heard from in months.”

Police added that relatives claimed Monisha regularly checked in with them but couldn’t make contact. Unfortunately, Monisha’s personal life, professional career, and relationships haven’t been shared. Considering that her family and friends hadn’t heard from her for some time, it is unclear when authorities believe Monisha actually went missing.

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Monisha Harrell: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Monisha Harrell stood 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 140 to 160 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. Her middle name is “Denise.”

Monisha was last seen wearing black leggings and flip-flops, although her shirt or top is unknown. Information regarding distinguishing marks or scars has not been shared, but Monisha reportedly has a butterfly tattoo on her lower back.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department (can be anonymous) at (205) 428-3541, Det. McCay at 205-565-1320, the non-emergency line at 205-425-2411, or their local authorities.

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• Case Number: 0719210550

• Agency: Bessemer Police Department

• Phone: (205) 428-3541, Det. McCay at 205-565-1320

• Email:

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Alameda County will pay $12 million to the grandmother of Sophia Mason, the 8-year-old girl whose family repeatedly warned child welfare officials that she was being abused before she was found dead in 2022.

The Board of Supervisors approved the settlement with Sylvia Johnson on Tuesday, August 4. KTVU Fox 2 adds that along with the financial award, the county agreed to place a memorial bench bearing Sophia’s name in Hayward. Twenty-five recommendations for reforming Alameda County’s Children and Family Services department will also be made public so their implementation can be monitored.

Sophia, affectionately called “SoSo” by her relatives, spent most of her early childhood in her grandmother’s care. Sylvia enrolled her in school and taught her to read. Family members remembered Sophia as an affectionate child who enjoyed singing and playing with dolls. She also liked to draw and could often be found playing guitar or pretending to cook in her toy kitchen.

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Allegations Of Abuse

That stability ended in January 2021, when Sophia went to live with her mother, Samantha Johnson. Her relatives reportedly soon began contacting authorities with concerns about her safety. According to the civil claim filed against the county, Alameda County received seven emergency hotline referrals involving Sophia. Five were allegedly closed without an investigation.

Some reports accused Johnson of hitting and choking her daughter. Teachers and medical professionals also raised concerns after injuries were found on Sophia’s body. Still, county workers concluded that she could safely remain with her mother. The family’s lawsuit alleged that even the two referrals officials investigated were handled inadequately.

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An independent examination of the county’s response later identified several warning signs that workers missed or failed to address. Staff members did not properly complete standardized assessments used to evaluate possible mistreatment. Problems with supervision and staffing also affected the department’s handling of vulnerable children.

Sophia’s case was not the only evidence of deeper trouble inside the agency. A California state audit released in September 2025 found that Alameda County failed to begin approximately half of its child abuse and neglect investigations within the legally required time limits. The audit reportedly warned that those delays left children in potentially unsafe homes.

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By February 2022, Sophia’s family no longer knew where she was. Her remains were discovered on March 11 inside a bathtub at the Merced home of her mother’s boyfriend, Dhante Jackson. Authorities believed she had been dead for approximately one month. Medical findings and court records documented prolonged abuse and severe malnutrition before her death.

Sophia’s mother was initially charged with murder. In March 2026, she pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter and two counts of child abuse. She also admitted enhancements for causing great bodily injury and received a sentence of 15 years and eight months in state prison.

Jackson also faced murder and child abuse charges, but prosecutors dismissed them in October 2025 after determining they could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. He pleaded guilty to being an accessory for failing to contact authorities or report Johnson. A judge sentenced him to three years, but he was released immediately after receiving credit for the time he had already spent in custody.

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Alameda County officials say changes have been made since Sophia’s death. The department has introduced new procedures for evaluating suspected physical abuse. Workers may seek search warrants to secure medical examinations when abuse is suspected, and the county says it has strengthened training requirements.

The agency has also reported reductions in staff vacancies and unresolved cases. However, the California State Auditor’s Office listed some of its recommendations as not fully implemented during its six-month review, with additional work expected through September 2026.

Supervisor Lena Tam said Sophia “deserved protection and a full life.” The county’s payment acknowledges what her relatives maintained from the beginning, that Sophia was in danger. The people responsible for protecting children received repeated warnings, and intervention came only after she could no longer be saved.

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A Houston man has been charged with the murder of his wife, but her remains have still not been located. Around the Thanksgiving holiday, relatives of Keysha Preston tried contacting her, but their calls went unanswered.

This was a time of year that Keysha's family looked forward to, so it was unlike the 41-year-old not to be reachable. Later, her son reported her missing, not knowing that his mother may have already been deceased.

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According to reports, Keysha was last seen with her estranged husband, Sean Preston, at a motel in Houston, Texas. It wasn’t an unfamiliar area, as the motel was just miles away from Keysha’s mother’s residence, where she was scheduled to join her family for the holiday.

Surveillance footage at the motel reportedly showed the couple at the location, and more importantly, cameras captured Keysha Preston entering Room 120 on November 24. However, she was never seen exiting the room.

Instead, reports state Sean was later captured carrying what looked to be heavy duffel bags out of the room. After he checked out, the motel’s cleaning crew recalled an alarming odor of bleach from the area. Keysha Preston has never been seen or heard from again.

“She would have been here for Thanksgiving,” said Sheryl Blakes, Keysha’s mother. A news report described Keysha and her estranged husband’s two-decade marriage as being fraught with trouble. “(Should have come) even the day after because her auntie had cooked. She’d been here, she’d been here.”

Another disturbing component of this case is that before going missing, Sean Preston was accused of sexually assaulting a child. The Daily Beast claimed that Keysha spoke with officers just weeks before she disappeared. Keysha reportedly mentioned that she believed the child was “embellishing” the allegations against her husband when she first learned of them, but she changed her mind when she witnessed the abuse.

When questioned by investigators over the abuse allegations, Preston denied wrongdoing and accused his wife of making “false CPS reports in hopes of stopping the divorce.” It was only five days later that Keysha’s son received a call from someone who told him that Preston had admitted to killing Keysha. Her son reported her missing that day.

Authorities reportedly believe that Sean Preston killed his wife, dismembered her body, and possibly destroyed those parts in acid. These speculations were brought on by the person who called Keysha’s son.

They claimed Preston asked them for “muriatic acid” and a car that could be disposed of. The person stated they refused his requests, but when they saw Preston later, he had scratches on his face. The witness also told police that Preston said Keysha was “no longer a problem“ and added, “If you don’t want to end up like Keysha, then keep your mouth shut.”

Sean Preston has been charged with murder in addition to aggravated sexual assault of a child relative. He is being held on over $2 million bond.

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Keysha Preston: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Keysha Preston stood 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 300 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. Because she is believed to be dismembered, it does not seem that authorities are looking for a whole body.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Houston Police Department at (832) 707-1284 or their local authorities. There was no agency case number listed.

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• Case Number:

• Agency: Houston Police Department

• Phone: (832) 707-1284

• Email:

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At the top of December 2019, a mystery began to unravel in Benton Harbor, Michigan.

According to local reports, it was December 1 when police became involved in a case after performing a welfare check on the residence of Willie Lark Jr., 38. He lived in the same neighborhood as 30-year-old Jessica Gray, who was said to have last been at his home.

A relative of Lark's reportedly called the authorities after stating they saw his door open, blood in the doorway, live ammunition inside, spent shell casings, and no one home.

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Benton Charter Township Police Chief Brian Smit made a plea to the public in hopes of receiving helpful tips that could aid in locating Willie Lark Jr., because they believed he may have met with foul play.

Almost immediately, the family of Jessica Gray contacted investigators and told them that she, too, was at that residence and may have been the victim of a crime. Neighbors told reporters that they were shocked to learn there were two missing people in their area and one—or both—may have been injured in a shooting.

A Mother’s Tireless Search For Her Daughter

Jessica’s mother, Carolina Gray, spoke with local news reporters and told them she had a good relationship with her daughter. She added that this behavior is unlike Jessica and that the mother-daughter duo would stay in regular contact with one another.

“Hurt, sad, and confused, and just don’t know why,” Carolina said of her emotional state. “Just one phone call is all I’m begging for. Just one phone call just to hear your voice say, ‘I’m OK, mama... I miss her. I just want her to come home. She never hurt anybody... I’m not going to stop looking for her, and I’m not going to stop asking questions about her until we find her,” said Caroline. “So please just let her come home. If anybody knows anything. If you’ve seen anything, just call the police station.”

Willie Lark Jr. Is Found, But Unhelpful

Eight days later, on December 9, Lark was arrested in Columbus, Ohio. He reportedly fled Michigan and was nabbed in its neighboring state, not in connection with the investigation into Jessica Gray, but due to a parole violation.

As of the time of his arrest, Lark was not cooperating with authorities regarding Jessica’s disappearance. Police have reportedly cast wide search efforts that included drones and cadaver dogs. Jessica’s loved ones have offered a reward for information and have continued to hold “Justice for Jessica” rallies.

“Somebody knows where she’s at,” said family friend Frances Davis. “Somebody needs to come forward... Jess is a bubbly, friendly, loving woman. She’s got two kids that she loves dearly. Her whole family misses her.”

After dreaming that Jessica told her to search around the former Martindale School, Carolina believed she found clothing items there that belonged to her daughter.

“Blue pants with green on them that I remember her wearing, a scarf with a lot of polka dots on it,” she said. “I had Benton Township police come out, and one of the pillows we found, he took the case off, and there was a bloodstain.”

The bloodstain was confirmed to be Jessica’s. The status of the investigation is unknown. However, in 2023, police shared that they are actively investigating Jessica’s case.

“I still have faith, I mean, I still have faith that she alive. You know? So until I can see with my own eyes, she is always going to be a life to me,” said Carolina in 2023.

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Jessica Gray: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Jessica Gray stood 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 200 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair (may have been styled blonde) and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Benton Charter Township Police Department at (269) 926-8221, Crime Stoppers at (574) 288-STOP, or their local authorities. The agency case number is 19-10259.

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• Case Number: 19-10259

• Agency: Benton Charter Township Police Department

• Phone: (269) 926-8221

• Email:

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Last month, there was a break in the case involving Tammy Fortson, a 28-year-old woman who went missing from Conyers, Georgia, back in 1997.

I first covered Tammy’s case back in 2022, and now, The Charley Project reports that her remains were identified in July 2026. They were first discovered in 2016, but took 10 years to bring closure.

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Additionally, the little information that has been shared leaves inquirers with more questions than answers; according to the National Missing Persons and Unidentified System (NamUs), Tammy vanished on or around October 2, 1997. However, her mother didn’t report her as missing until November 15.

Tammy was reportedly last seen in the area of Christian Circle and was said to have told someone she was leaving to go to the store. She reportedly traveled on foot, but it is unclear what store she intended to visit, what she may have been shopping for, and how far away the location was from her beginning destination. It was stated that Tammy simply never returned from her trip.

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Tammy Fortson: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Tammy Fortson stood 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed between 80 and 125 pounds. She has black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. Tammy is said to have had a scar on her abdomen, a scar on her right hand (on one of her fingers), and a panther tattoo on the front of her upper right thigh with the name “Raymond” underneath.

All that was shared about what she was last seen wearing was that she had LSW “used” brand-name jeans on. Her middle name is “Brena.” Tammy would be 53 years old at the time of this publication.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Conyers Police Department at (770) 483-6600 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 97-004875.

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• Case Number: 97-004875

• Agency: Conyers Police Department

• Phone: (770) 483-6600

• Email:

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A version of this article was first published in 2022.

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A community in South Carolina rallied around a worried family as Skylar Baker fought for her life. The Pageland Police Department stated Skylar was sleeping at home around 1:17 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025, when gunfire erupted.

Sadly, authorities say Skylar was shot in the head and was quickly airlifted to a nearby hospital with “life-threatening injuries.”

Later, Skylar was said to be in critical condition and was on a ventilator, as her loved ones stayed vigilant by her side. Skylar now has a plate in her head and reportedly endured a craniotomy. Investigators also speculated that the incident was a product of a drive-by shooting, calling it a “careless act of violence.”

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Essence Chambers, Skylar’s mother, revealed to ABC News that the little girl was hit on the right side of her brain.

More About “Happy Kid”

“Before all of this, she was completely healthy,” Essence told the outlet. “I want everybody to keep praying for her.” She also described Skylar as a “happy child” who was a “ball of energy.” Shawn Christopher Moore, Skylar’s grandfather, also told WSOC-TV that the family had recently returned from a Disney cruise.

“She was always happy,” said Shawn. “I mean, she’s just a happy kid, you know, four-wheeler riding, just a happy kid.” He added, “What if this was your own personal family? You definitely would want them brought to justice. It’s just not about my situation, it’s about anybody that ever has to go through something traumatic like this.”

Melissa Massey, the family’s neighbor, also spoke fondly of little Skylar. “That’s my son’s friend. They play ball together and it just hurt his hear to hear about that. She was always sweet. She’d smile. She’d wave at me.”

Skylar Baker: What To Know

There has not been much information released regarding the shooter, who remains at large. Police reportedly shared they hoped “someone will come forward with answers as to who was involved in this case.”

The incident took place on Brewer Circle. The investigation is active and ongoing, yet police admitted they have few leads. A description of the suspect or vehicle is unknown at this time.

Pageland is described as a small community where drive-bys are “unheard of.”

“What matters is we come together, support one another, and take a stand against this type of violence,” Pageland Police Department Chief Dean Short said at a press conference.

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A press release from local police additionally stated:

“We are heartbroken that this little girl is suffering due to the actions of someone who had no regard for the life of others. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the family.“

Anyone with information regarding the shooting of young Skylar Baker is urged to contact the Pageland Police Department at 843-672-6437 or their local authorities.

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• Case Number:

• Agency: Pageland Police Department

• Phone: 843-672-6437

• Email:

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A version of this article was first published in 2025.

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Years ago, I covered the story of Erica Hunt, who was last seen on July 3, 2016, at a relative's house in Opelousas, Louisiana. She was enjoying time with family members, including her young daughter, and was looking forward to her 21st birthday.

Erica reportedly left her two-year-old daughter with relatives for the evening and planned on picking her up the next day to take a day trip to the lake with friends, but she never arrived. Recently, there was a break in her case.

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For almost five years, Erica Hunt remained a missing person, but it was shared that the 20-year-old’s remains were identified through DNA testing. Back in 2018, a team of volunteers was searching for a missing boy when they just happened to stumble across a human skull under a shed in Evangeline Parish, Louisiana.

The LSU FACES Lab and the DNA Doe Project partnered in the quest to identify the skeletal remains—a long process that hopefully, though sorrowful, gives Erica’s family some answers.

Later, investigators pieced together what happened to Erica Hunt. Her death was being investigated as a homicide, and last year, an arrest was made in connection with the case.

Per Fox 15 News:

“Jail records show Jordan Barnes, 33, of Church Point, was arrested by Louisiana State Police and booked into the St. Landry Parish Jail on a charge of second-degree murder.

“Troopers with Louisiana State Police said Barnes confessed to killing Hunt, who disappeared in 2016. Remains found in Ville Platte two years later were identified as hers in 2021.”

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“She was always smiling, and she just loved being around family and friends,” Shantashia Isaac, Erica’s sister, told Dateline in July 2020.

“And we were as close as sisters could be. I mean, of course, we fought like crazy. But we could be arguing and then if something happened and I needed her, it didn’t matter, she would be right by my side to help me. That’s who she was.”

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• Case Number:

• Agency: Crime Stoppers

• Phone: 948-TIPS or text “TIPS 6-2-5”

• Email:

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A version of this article was first published in 2021.

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Often, the police classify missing persons as endangered due to their high-risk lifestyles, and Daphne Hope is one of those cases. Again, we're confronted with a story with little to no information; however, it doesn't preclude Daphne from receiving the attention she deserves.

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The specific circumstances regarding Daphne’s disappearance aren’t entirely clear. However, several agencies report that the 34-year-old was last seen on August 2, 2001.

Daphne was reported missing weeks later on August 16, but once again, it is unknown why it took so long for someone to contact the authorities. Her last point of contact was somewhere around the 2000 block of Fulton Street in Aurora, Colorado, where she lived with a man named Gary Lynn Sterling. It’s reported that Sterling was Daphne’s boyfriend and denied knowing her whereabouts.

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Daphne was initially reported missing to the Denver Police Department. Yet, it would take seven years for the department to revisit the case and determine that it should have been handled by authorities in Aurora.

What led to this mix-up hasn’t been shared publicly, but it raises concerns about investigation efforts from the onset.

Additionally, Daphne’s “high-risk” lifestyle involved both drug activity and prostitution. Police did issue a search warrant on her residence, but they were unable to find evidence that could help in locating her.

Sadly, Black women who come from risky lifestyles often find their cases dismissed by investigators. That isn’t to say that was the case here, but there hasn’t been an update on Daphne in decades.

Daphne Hope: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Daphne Hope stood 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 150 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair, brown eyes, and a scar on her right arm. Reference DNA was taken by investigators from a family member.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Aurora Police Department at (303) 627-3100. The agency case number is 2008-49456.

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• Case Number: 2008-49456

• Agency: Aurora Police Department

• Phone: (303) 627-3100

• Email:

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Unfortunately, this story about one of our elders has gone without movement for decades. There wasn't much to find when searching for information about this cold case.

Marilyne Chamberlain and her missing person case have only been documented within a few sentences that speak about her last movements before she mysteriously vanished from Maryland on November 2, 1998.

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Like hundreds of the other cases covered here on OBG, Marilyne’s personal life is unknown. Yet, it was stated that she was a former federal employee. What she did exactly wasn’t shared in reports, nor were there details regarding how long it had been since she held that position.

The Missing Woman’s Last Known Movements

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) reported that on a Fall day in 1998, Marilyne Chamberlain went to the Federal Credit Union at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where she completed a transaction. There have been no reports of anything out of the ordinary about that interaction, and once she left the bank, she was tracked to a nearby Sears and Roebuck department store, where she stopped to pay a bill.

What happened next is speculative, as it has been stated that there was a possibility that Marilyne was seen traveling on a Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority subway, or the Metro, in Landover Hills, Maryland, later on in the day. The exact timings of her movements have not been shared; that was the last contact anyone had with the 65-year-old.

The ins and outs of the investigation are also unclear, but it has been suggested that authorities believe foul play may have been involved. The circumstances related to her case are considered to be suspicious. If any persons of interest are connected with this case, that information has not been shared publicly.

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Marilyne Chamberlain: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Marilyne Chamberlain stood 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighed 145 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair that was partially gray and brown eyes.

Marilyne had pierced ears, a scar on her upper left arm, and she wore glasses with a round frame that was brown or burgundy. She was last seen wearing a black or blue dress, a black trench coat, a watch, and a black handbag. She possibly had two upper molar teeth missing. It is unclear if her DNA or fingerprints are on file.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact Prince George’s County Police Department at (301) 352-1200 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 620372.

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• Case Number: 620372

• Agency: Prince George’s County Police Department

• Phone: (301) 352-1200

• Email:

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It is a parent's worst nightmare to learn that their child has gone missing—whether they are a youth or an adult. In early 2022, Beverly Logan's family faced an experience that no one could have prepared for when they were no longer able to get in contact with the 32-year-old.

The last time anyone saw or heard from Beverly was on January 25 in Montgomery, Missouri, near her boyfriend's home, but she wasn't officially reported missing until February 13 after weeks of silence. Friends told the Belleville News-Democrat that it was unlike Beverly to up and leave without making contact, so unsurprisingly, they are concerned for her safety and well-being.

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Willie and Trina Logan, Beverly’s parents, have made repeated public pleas for help.

“We want to know one way or another if Beverley is here with us,” Willie Logan reportedly said. “We want to know and if she’s not with us, we want to know so we can put this thing to rest in our mind and in our spirit.”

Trina added, “It could be your loved one or it could be you, but we are soliciting help from the public to help us to resolve this. This is torture. This has caused a lot of pain, restlessness, and we are looking for closure. So, if you know anything out there well, if you have any type of connections with anyone that you have heard something, please contact St. Clair County.”

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The investigation would lead police to a home in nearby Bellflower, approximately 10 miles away from Montgomery. It was reported that Beverly’s personal items were located at the property, including the missing woman’s cellphone.

“Several residences have been searched, along with areas on both sides of the river in Montgomery County and St. Clair County and no leads have been developed at this time as of the location of Beverly or why she has gone missing,” Sheriff’s Department Capt. Bruce W. Fleshren said.

In June 2022, it was reported that Charles Story, an Illinois man, was arrested in connection with the disappearance of Beverly Logan. According to reports, Story, 40, was wanted for questioning about the ongoing case, and when police visited him, they were engaged in a standoff.

After obtaining a search warrant, investigators went to Story’s Bellflower home, where he was said to have barricaded himself inside while making threats to shoot himself and anyone else who attempted to make entry.

The exchange was “brief,” and after police took Story into custody, he was admitted to a hospital where he needed to be treated for a gunshot wound. It is reported that he sustained that injury days prior in a separate incident. Story has a history of run-ins with the law, including at least three restraining orders against him, battery charges, threats to public figures, and resisting arrest. He is also a registered sex offender in Illinois.

There haven’t been updates on Charles Story or Beverly’s case since his arrest. Beverly’s child was seven years old when she disappeared. It is unclear who Beverly’s reported boyfriend is or if there are any other persons of interest. Some reports state that Beverly is originally from Illinois.

Beverly Logan: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Beverly Logan stood 5 feet to 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 100 pounds (described as “very small”). She had black/dark brown hair (described as neck length, thick hair, naturally curly) and brown eyes.

Beverly was said to have had thick sideburns. She has a tattoo of the name “A’Ryah” on her right arm and an animal on her back. She reportedly has dark spots on her face. Her middle name is “Jackee.” She was last seen driving a blue Nissan Versa, Alabama license plate 2CH1060.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the St Clair County Sheriff’s Department at (618) 277-3505 and (618) 825-5204, or their local authorities. The agency case number is 22-01318.

Please share this story about Beverly Logan to help reignite interest in her missing person case. She is our sister and her life matters.

• Case Number: 22-01318

• Agency: St Clair County Sheriff’s Department

• Phone: (618) 277-3505 and (618) 825-5204

• Email:

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This is another "one-sentence" case that has been on the books for decades. When I say "one sentence," I mean that in any report I could find, there is only one sentence to explain the case's circumstances.

There are thousands of these within databases, especially those involving Black women, as details are either unknown or the authorities haven't shared any information that could help with the investigation. The story of Wardi McDonald reads like several others, as she vanished from Detroit, Michigan, on February 1, 2001.

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It has already been established that not much is known about this case, but it has been shared that the 34-year-old’s siblings were the last to see her.

Where she was, who she may have been with, if she was traveling to or from another location, or any information about her personal or professional life remains a mystery. Sadly, nothing has been revealed about Wardi besides her physical attributes that could help her identify.

Wardi is listed as an endangered missing person, but it is also unclear why the police decided on that classification.

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Wardi McDonald: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Wardi McDonald stood 5 feet 3 to 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 120 to 130 pounds. She had brown hair with a red/auburn tint, kept short, and brown eyes.

What she was last seen wearing is unknown. She reportedly has a mole on her nose and burns on half of her back. Wardi’s nickname is “Jackie,” and her middle name is “Jemilla.” Her dental records, fingerprints, and DNA are unknown.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Detroit Police Department at (313) 596-1800 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 1109260130.

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• Case Number: 1109260130

• Agency: Detroit Police Department

• Phone: (313) 596-1800

• Email:

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For decades, no one has known what happened to Jennifer Reidy. Often, when teens vanish, investigators first assess if they have run away or possibly left home temporarily without telling their parents.

It is something that even concerned loved ones face today as the authorities regularly dismiss missing person cases because they've determined that a child has left of their own free will. Revisit Monica Bennett's case for more on how the system can fail our youth.

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It is unclear what happened to Jennifer, but the 15-year-old hasn’t been seen or heard from since July 6, 1993. Finding updates about this is nearly impossible, as there are only brief mentions across databases, with no substance that could possibly help with public visibility of this case.

Additionally, although Jennifer Reidy was a young teen, there hasn’t been information shared about her parents/guardians, home life, friends, or school activities.

It has only been reported that Jennifer was last seen in Redding, California, and may have traveled to the San Francisco area (almost 200 miles away). The latter’s police department is handling this case.

A digitized age progression photo from the National Center of Exploited and Missing Children shows what Jennifer may look like as an adult.

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Jennifer Reidy: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Jennifer Reidy stood 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighed 98 pounds. She had brown hair and brown eyes. Any distinguishing features are unknown, as are what she may have been wearing when she disappeared.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the San Francisco Police Department at (415) 553-0123. The agency case number is 160052256.

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• Case Number: 160052256

• Agency: San Francisco Police Department

• Phone: (415) 553-0123

• Email:

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*Updated May 2023* I received an unexpected update about Lillian Williams from a young lady named Tikiera, Lillian’s great-granddaughter. Her grandfather is Lillian’s son. According to Tikiera, she didn’t know much about Ms. Lillian. However, she writes to OurBlackGirls (shared with permission):

“She vanished before I was born, but my family has always speculated that her boyfriend during the time had something to do with it. He was [abusive] and soon after my great-grandmother was reported missing, her boyfriend soon disappeared after too. Thank you for shedding light on her case 🙏🏾 My grandpa has never forgotten his mom and he has this exact same picture hanging in his living room in the center of the wall. ❤️.”

I appreciate Tikiera for sharing and allowing me to update the article.

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Original story:

It is unfortunate when little information about a case is shared, but it is downright upsetting when there aren’t even descriptive stats about a missing person.

Once again, a case from Louisiana captured my attention because so little information was given about Lillian Williams. The 41-year-old disappeared from Grambling in the 1960s; however, it is unclear what year she last made contact with friends, colleagues, or loved ones.

According to databases, Lillian Williams was last seen at her home at Grambling State University in Lincoln Parish. It was reported in either 1967 or 1968—and sadly, that is all we know about the missing woman. She has never been seen or heard from since that time.

Further, there wasn’t any information about Lillian’s family, whether she was married or had children, or the search efforts related to this case.

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Lillian Williams: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Lillian Williams stood between 5 feet and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed 90 to 200 pounds (these stats suggest that her height and weight were unknown). She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. No other descriptors were given. Her middle name is “Culbert.” Lillian’s dental records and fingerprints are reportedly not on file, but her DNA profile is available. She would be well into her 90s if still alive.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 251-5111 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 14080153.

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• Case Number: 14080153

• Agency: Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office

• Phone: (318) 251-5111

• Email:

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Little is known about Regina Dye, and there has been next to nothing shared about her missing person case. The 29-year-old mysteriously vanished from Memphis, Tennessee, on September 4, 2004, and since then, there has been little information shared with the public.

Her family life, relationships, and workplace information are unknown, much like many of these cases, as is the extent of the investigation into her disappearance.

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According to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs), Regina was last seen at her Memphis home on the 600 block of Dunlap. Her last movements are unclear, and it is unknown if she was in the company of another person.

Sadly, only one photo of Regina has been made publicly available, and I’ve included it at the top of this article. It is unfortunate that there isn’t much more to share, but reports such as these plague marginalized communities, especially considering our cases have often gone ignored or dismissed.

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Regina Dye: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Regina Dye reportedly stood anywhere from 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighed 175 to 180 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes. Both of her ears are pierced. Her middle name is “Lafaye.”

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Memphis Police Department at (901) 636-3700 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 0412003436ME.

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• Case Number: 0412003436ME

• Agency: Memphis Police Department

• Phone: (901) 636-3700

• Email:

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There are several rumors and theories about what happened to Scarlett Blanco. Although she was reported missing in June 2021, the 19-year-old was last seen on May 7, 2021. Information about this case is scarce, including details regarding the status of the Kankakee Police Department investigation.

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The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System reported Scarlett was spotted leaving a known residence on Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee, Illinois. She was said to have been traveling to the next town over, Momence. Police do not believe she ever made it to her destination.

Moreover, before she vanished, Scarlett did not have a known address. She would stay with friends or at local hotels and was known to frequent Kankakee, Bradley, Manteno, Momence, and Hopkins Park.

Unfortunately, this is all that can be publicly discovered about Scarlett Blanco or her case. On NamUs, it shows that what she was last wearing, the vehicle she was traveling in, and the belongings she may have had with her are “unknown.”

Scarlett Blanco: What To Know

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Scarlett Blanco: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Scarlett Blanco stood 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 115 pounds. She has brown eyes and medium-length, curly brown hair. She is biracial, Black and white.

Scarlett has two piercings in each ear and a nose stud in her left nostril. She also has several tattoos: a rose on her left front shoulder, a tiny sun on her right front shoulder, and the word “DEANDRE” on her right breast. Further, Scarlett has freckles on her face. Her middle name is Joy.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Kankakee Police Department at (815) 933-0425, Detective Lt. Tim Kreissler at (815) 933-0427, or their local authorities. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 815-932-7463. The agency case number is 21-29709.

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• Case Number: 21-29709

• Agency: Kankakee Police Department

• Phone: (815) 933-0425

• Email:

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Grand Rapids, Michigan resident Robin Sue Scott disappeared from the Midwest city in 1995, but like many other cases, there is next to nothing known about her. Her sister reported her missing on January 18 of that year.

Details about the 37-year-old’s disappearance have been scarce. Unfortunately, there is very little known about Robin’s last movements before she went missing. The Doe Network stated she left for work and never returned. It is unclear if she ever made it to her destination.

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Robin Sue Scott: What To Know

At the time of her disappearance, Robin Sue Scott was 5 feet 1 inch tall and 100 pounds. She had black/dark brown hair and brown eyes.

It’s reported that she had a molar tooth (#30) on the bottom right side of her mouth removed in 1970. What she was last seen wearing is unknown, as is her last specific location.

There was only one photo of Robin available; it is included above.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Grand Rapids Police Department at (616) 456-3400 or their local authorities. The agency case number is 95-7051.

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Please share this story about the case of Robin Sue Scott to reignite the investigation into her disappearance. She is our sister, and her life matters.

• Case Number: 95-7051

• Agency: Grand Rapids Police Department

• Phone: (616) 456-3400

• Email:

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A version of this article was first published in 2020.

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