For Dalia Guerrero, a new update in the investigation to find her granddaughter gives her hope.
“We’re happy that they’re doing something and just not doing anything,” Guerrero said. “We don’t want this to be a cold case, by any means.”
The Gary Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation announced Monday that the two agencies are working together to find Ja’Niyah McMichael, a 14-year-old girl who has been missing since Aug. 12, 2024.
The two agencies are also offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those involved with McMichael’s disappearance. The city of Gary and FBI are both offering $10,000 each.
A news release from the two agencies said investigators believe McMichael might be the victim of foul play, and the search remains an active and ongoing investigation.
McMichael’s 14th birthday was Monday, Guerrero said.
“She should be like any other 14-year-old today,” Guerrero added. “She should be having a birthday party with her friends and family.”
Jasmine McMichael, Ja’Niyah McMichael’s mother, first reported her daughter missing from their home in the 1900 block of Malcolm X Drive in Gary. McMichael was seen wearing a black hoodie, black pajamas and red and black Air Jordans.
The city of Gary first released an update on McMichael’s disappearance on Oct. 5, 2024. In October, the city said it was working with the FBI and Department of Child Services to investigate the case, reported tips and leads, according to the city’s website.
“We strongly urge the public to refrain from sharing unvetted information as this can severely impede the ongoing investigation,” Gary’s October news release said. “Our actions to date have been aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and preserving the integrity of the investigation.”
The city of Gary has not included another update on McMichael’s investigation online since October.
In September, Darnell Compton Jr., 31, was charged with starting a brawl during a search party for McMichael, according to Post-Tribune archives. He was charged with three counts of battery, one count of strangulation and three misdemeanors. Darnell has a hearing scheduled for the end of May, according to online court records.
Jasmine McMichael said Compton showed up uninvited with several family members and wanted to take their other children with him, according to Post-Tribune archives. Compton fought multiple people, including Jasmine McMichael, her aunt, Dequan Jones, and tried to punch an officer as he was arrested.
McMichael was originally reported as a runaway, according to Post-Tribune archives. Guerrero said in January that the family didn’t believe that theory.
Representatives from the city of Gary did not immediately respond to requests for comment Monday, including about why the reward money was now announced.
Police Chief Derrick Cannon has continually communicated with Guerrero, she said Monday.
“They’re still working on (McMichael’s investigation),” Guerrero said. “We’re just missing her and wish someone would speak.”
Anyone with information is urged to come forward, according to the release from the FBI and city of Gary. Tips can be anonymously submitted to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
