IN JA'NIYAH McMICHAEL: Missing from Gary, IN - 11 Aug 2024 - Age 13

13-year-old girl from Gary, Indiana missing for nearly 2 months; FBI now investigating

Saturday marked 55 days since 13-year-old Ja'Niyah McMichael went missing in Gary, Indiana. Family members told ABC7 they were pleased to see the FBI is now involved in the investigation as a search warrant was executed.

abc7chicago.com

13-year-old girl from Gary, Indiana missing for nearly 2 months; FBI now investigating​

Saturday marked 55 days since a 13-year-old girl went missing in Gary, Indiana, and her loved ones have not stopped their efforts.

Family members told ABC7 they were pleased to see the FBI is now involved in the investigation as a search warrant was executed Saturday at Ja'Niyah McMichael's home.

"We're not gonna stop until we find her and bring her home," McMichael's grandma Dalia Guerrero said.

McMichael's loved ones continue an emotional and relentless search for the 13-year-old girl, who was last seen August 11 in Gary, Indiana.

The FBI and Gary police executed a search warrant Saturday on the home where McMichael stayed.

A local community activist provided photos to ABC7 as he's been helping the family search for the teen for weeks now.

"It's a victim, and we finally have people's attention, so we're still searching for Ja'Niyah," said Kevin Collins with KC Body Guard Services.

That public attention is what McMichael's grandmother is asking for as she continues to follow every tip in hopes of finding her granddaughter.

"Ja'Niyah is very outgoing she lights the room up she's very loving to be around... it's been too long... the not knowing is the worst," Guerrero said.

The Gary Police Department confirmed it is continuing to work with the FBI in searching for McMichael, but it is are urging the community to report possible tips to them rather than posting rumors on social media.

"There has been a slew of bad information that has been going around that can possibly hurt or hinder this case," said Lisette Guillen with Case Files Chicago.

Loved ones continue to pray for McMichael to come home.

"If Ja'Niyah is listening, just know your nonna loves you... your family loves you... you have the world looking for you," McMichael's grandmother said.

NCMEC - Have you seen this child? Ja'Niyah McMichael


Media - JA'NIYAH McMICHAEL: Missing from Gary, IN - 11 Aug 2024 - Age 13

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Facebook group - Ja'Niyah McMichael Missing in Indiana

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ABOUT: Ja’Niyah Aubrielle McMichael was reported as a runaway by her mother on 8/11/24 in Gary, Indiana. However, multiple family members say they haven’t seen her since the end of school year and she is possibly 4-5 months pregnant. Ja’Niyah is 13 years old, 4’3” tall, approx 110 lbs and allegedly last seen wearing black pajamas, black hooded sweatshirt, black and red shoes. Any information leading to her, please call Detective Gregory Fayson 219-881-1201 or 911. A Silver Alert was issued on Sept. 5, 2024.

 

[Guess Who]

Facebook group - Ja'Niyah McMichael Missing in Indiana

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ABOUT: Ja’Niyah Aubrielle McMichael was reported as a runaway by her mother on 8/11/24 in Gary, Indiana. However, multiple family members say they haven’t seen her since the end of school year and she is possibly 4-5 months pregnant. Ja’Niyah is 13 years old, 4’3” tall, approx 110 lbs and allegedly last seen wearing black pajamas, black hooded sweatshirt, black and red shoes. Any information leading to her, please call Detective Gregory Fayson 219-881-1201 or 911. A Silver Alert was issued on Sept. 5, 2024.

13 and "possibly" 4-5 months pregnant and now missing

 

[Kimster]

Oh my gosh, this poor girl. Sweet little girl.

I have no words.

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

$10,000 Reward Offered by USPA for Information on Missing Teen Ja'Niyah McMichael

USPA Nationwide Security offers $10,000 reward for information leading to the location of missing Gary, IN teen Ja’Niyah McMichael, last seen August 11, 2024.

www.wicz.com

$10,000 Reward Offered by USPA for Information on Missing Teen Ja'Niyah McMichael​

USPA Nationwide Security has announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the location of 13-year-old Ja’Niyah McMichael, who has been missing since August 11, 2024. Authorities and private investigators continue to search for Ja’Niyah amidst conflicting reports and limited updates.


Ja’Niyah was last seen at her home in the 1300 block of Malcolm X Drive in Gary, Indiana. According to police, she was wearing black pajamas, a black hooded sweatshirt, and black and red shoes. A Silver Alert was delayed by almost three weeks, with the Indiana State Police issuing the statewide alert on September 5, 2024

On October 5, 2024, the FBI and Gary Police executed a search warrant at the residence where Ja’Niyah was last seen. The search was conducted by the Gang Response Investigative Team, but no updates have since been provided. Family members have expressed concern over conflicting timelines, with Ja’Niyah’s grandmother, Dalia Guerrero, stating that the family has not had contact with her since June.

“Where was Ja’Niyah all summer? Someone must have seen her before the school year began,” said Brian Fitzgibbons, lead missing persons investigator for USPA Nationwide Security.

USPA is urging anyone with information about Ja’Niyah’s whereabouts to come forward. “This reward is about getting the community involved and helping a family in distress,” said Dan Manning, a representative for USPA.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Gary Police Department at (219) 881-1201 or submit anonymous tips to USPA’s Missing Persons Unit via their secure online form. Tips can also be submitted by calling or texting (786) 509-7135.


Background and Controversy Surrounding the Case

Ja’Niyah’s case has drawn national attention, including advocacy from the media outlet Missing Lost & Trafficked. Through their investigation, estranged father “Wooda Rasta Rogers” revealed a child services report from earlier this year alleging Ja’Niyah had been raped.

The family’s history of involvement in organized crime has further complicated the case. In 2015, both Ja’Niyah’s mother and grandmother were charged with witness intimidation related to a murder case involving her uncle, a member of the Latin Kings gang.

Volunteer searchers have also faced resistance, including alleged gang activity near abandoned properties close to Ja’Niyah’s home. “Warning shots were fired, making this case even more dangerous to investigate,” noted Pebbles Wilson, founder of Missing Lost & Trafficked.

 

[Tresir]

Who is her Uncle, the gang member? Is there a name.

 

[Tresir]

This might explain why noone is coming forward to help find her.

Gary man charged for brawl during search party for missing 13-year-old girl

A Gary man was charged this week for starting a large brawl during a search party for a 13-year-old girl missing since Aug. 11.

www.chicagotribune.com

Gary man charged for brawl during search party for missing 13-year-old girl​

Meredith Colias-Pete, Post-Tribune (Merrillville, Ind.)
September 13, 2024
2 min read

A Gary man was charged this week for starting a large brawl during a search party for a 13-year-old girl missing since Aug. 11.

Darnell Compton Jr., 31, is charged on Sept. 11 with three counts of battery, one count of strangulation and three misdemeanors.

He is not in custody, ordered held without bail.

Merrillville Police responded around 4 p.m. Aug. 24 to the 5300 block of Broadway Avenue for a large fight between several people.

Cops separated Compton and Dequan Jones, who were on the ground fighting.

Compton screamed at an officer, elbowed him, then tried to punch him as he was arrested.

Jasmine McMichael, the mother of the missing girl Ja’Niyah McMichael, said Compton showed up uninvited with several family members and wanted to take their other children with him.

He hadn’t been in their lives for about two years, she told police, according to the affidavit.

Compton started choking McMichael.

He tried to attack her again but was separated by McMichael’s aunt. Compton then put on brass knuckles and punched the other woman.


Jones, the woman’s son, started to fight Compton.

Police noted Compton appeared as if he was drinking with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, documents show.

As he resisted arrest, cops stuck a K-9 “Blue” on Compton.

The affidavit states the dog bit Compton in the right leg, then in the left fist as he was punching the animal to get it off him.

Compton was arrested for two outstanding theft warrants.

Ja’Niyah McMichael is 4’3″, weighing 110 pounds. She was last seen near the 1900 block of Malcolm X Drive in Gary wearing a black hoodie, black pajamas and red and black Air Jordans.

Anyone with information, please call Gary Police Det. Gregory Fayson at 219-881-1229.

 

[Tresir]

So if she was 4-5 months pregnant in August when she went missing, she could be close to full term by now. I wonder if they are checking maternity hospitals and know who the father is. Perhaps she is with him?

 

[GrandmaBear]

This might explain why noone is coming forward to help find her.

Gary man charged for brawl during search party for missing 13-year-old girl

A Gary man was charged this week for starting a large brawl during a search party for a 13-year-old girl missing since Aug. 11.

www.chicagotribune.com

Gary man charged for brawl during search party for missing 13-year-old girl​

Meredith Colias-Pete, Post-Tribune (Merrillville, Ind.)
September 13, 2024
2 min read

A Gary man was charged this week for starting a large brawl during a search party for a 13-year-old girl missing since Aug. 11.

Darnell Compton Jr., 31, is charged on Sept. 11 with three counts of battery, one count of strangulation and three misdemeanors.

Merrillville Police responded around 4 p.m. Aug. 24 to the 5300 block of Broadway Avenue for a large fight between several people.

Cops separated Compton and Dequan Jones, who were on the ground fighting.

Compton screamed at an officer, elbowed him, then tried to punch him as he was arrested.

Jasmine McMichael, the mother of the missing girl Ja’Niyah McMichael, said Compton showed up uninvited with several family members and wanted to take their other children with him.

He hadn’t been in their lives for about two years, she told police, according to the affidavit.

Compton started choking McMichael.

He tried to attack her again but was separated by McMichael’s aunt. Compton then put on brass knuckles and punched the other woman.


Jones, the woman’s son, started to fight Compton.

Police noted Compton appeared as if he was drinking with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, documents show.

As he resisted arrest, cops stuck a K-9 “Blue” on Compton.

The affidavit states the dog bit Compton in the right leg, then in the left fist as he was punching the animal to get it off him.

Compton was arrested for two outstanding theft warrants.

Ja’Niyah McMichael is 4’3″, weighing 110 pounds. She was last seen near the 1900 block of Malcolm X Drive in Gary wearing a black hoodie, black pajamas and red and black Air Jordans.

Anyone with information, please call Gary Police Det. Gregory Fayson at 219-881-1229.

Well he sounds like a real prize. Brass knuckles?? HIts a woman with them??

This sentence must be an error: He is not in custody, ordered held without bail.

Surely they meant he is in custody?

13 is pretty young, if the boyfriend is older, it would be considered "rape". He could have a motive or she could be with him BUT he is not mentioned as missing, etc., no hint of such. IF pregnant.

That's a pretty low weight for being that pregnant, BUT she is not very tall either, so hard to say...

I wasn't looking at new ones but saw you posted so came in. I know you don't do all cases.

They searched the home where she stayed, did she live with her mother? Grandmother? Doesn't seem clear either.

I guess I'd also add if she is pregnant, that's IF it was a bf and not some other inappropriate thing like a stepdad or some such. Let's hope not. No reason to think that but she's 13... One reason it crossed my mind I guess.

That's what happened in Soto, no hint she was pregnant but she had just turned 13 and the mom's bf killed her and had been molesting her for years, another reason I guess it crosses my mind.

There also seems to be a possible discrepancy of when last seen and when actually reported missing...

I'd also wonder if she had any history of running away.

Seems like there's a number of kids as the dad came to take the rest but mom claimed he'd been out of their lives for two years... Do the siblings know of any plans she had, etc...

Not sure why they dance around the pregnant thing but I guess she is a minor and maybe don't want it out there, but it can make a difference in finding her. Are people looking for a clearly pregnant young girl or one with no belly? Are they looking for someone at some point who might have a baby with her?

Those are my initial thoughts anyhow...

 

[GrandmaBear]

So if she was 4-5 months pregnant in August when she went missing, she could be close to full term by now. I wonder if they are checking maternity hospitals and know who the father is. Perhaps she is with him?

Good points. Checking hospitals. IF she was pregnant. She's young enough she may well not seek out a hospital even when time is possible too though, depending on who she's with. She almost has to be with someone IF ALIVE, she's too young to work or to manage..

I'm not even sure a homeless shelter can take in a juvenile without some permission, etc., no idea. or if not with parents and so on.

Many family members claim to have not seen her since May though, or was it June, end of school year. Whether true or not, or perhaps these were members that didn't see her daily anyhow, hard to say, but that seems to be a red flag whether true or not. So she never attended at all the next school year whether She went missing in May or August... Most likely.

That would lead me to a suspicion something perhaps happened at home BUT no reason to think that at this point either...

Mom reported right, was it? When did she claim she'd last seen her and can that be documented...

Lots of questions here...And why did dad, drunk or not, all of a sudden think the rest of the kids needed to be taken...

I can only imagine things like FB with this right now.

 

[Kimster]

This is an active and ongoing investigation. This investigation has led Gary Detectives to secure a court approved search warrant which was executed today in partnership with the FBI. To preserve the integrity of the case, the Gary Police Department is limited in additional details that can be shared publicly. ‍

The Gary Police Department wishes to address the significant misinformation circulating on social media regarding the current case. We strongly urge the public to refrain from sharing unvetted information, as this can severely impede the ongoing investigation. Our actions to date have been aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and preserving the integrity of the investigation. ‍

We encourage the public to exercise due caution if solicited for donations from individuals or vigilante groups claiming involvement with the police department or family. If anyone has any information concerning the disappearance of Ja’Niyah McMichael, please use the following official channels:

Contact the Gary Police Department at (219) 881-1229 or gfayson@gary.gov, the Department of Child Services Hotline at (800) 800-5556, or the FBI at (800) 225-5324 or submit tips online at www.tips.fbi.gov. Thank you for your cooperation and support in this matter.

Greater Gary 2024

www.gary.gov

 

[SheWhoMustNotBeNamed]

Families push for justice in northwest Indiana missing persons cases dating back to 2015

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.

www.yahoo.com

Families push for justice in northwest Indiana missing persons cases dating back to 2015​

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.


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.

 

[Kimster]

I watched a documentary on Gary, Indiana last weekend. I had no idea it was suffering from high levels of crime. I want to rescue all the kids who live there! What happened to Ja'niyah?

 

[GrandmaBear]

On coming in to see the recent post, I saw the first post and was reminded that a search warrant was executed for her home. While not accusing anyone, that would mean whatever family member/s could have granted permission to search the home refused to do so if LE was forced to get a warrant.

A later post says the search was conducted by the Gang Response Investigative Team.

A child services report of rape of her.

A mother and grandmother charged with witness intimidation and family ties to organized crime.

An estranged father.

Differing timelines and not reported missing right away.

Pregnant.

It's grandma that speaks the most or wants her return.

Just nothing some key things.

Again, who did she live with and whose home was searched?

Did the alleged report of rape relate to the pregnancy.