Nicole Shalonda Johnson was 16 when she disappeared from her Bronzeville home in Chicago in the winter of 2002. Family last saw her on December 9, 2002; friends reported possible sightings on December 13 in two South Side locations, near 87th and Cottage Grove and near 79th and King Drive. Those early leads were the last potential traces of her whereabouts.

At the time she was 5 feet 7 inches and 115 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes, pierced ears and shoulder-length hair extensions. She was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue jean shirt, a black jacket with a red hood and red and white jump shoes. Friends said she had told them she did not intend to return home and that she suffered from mild depression and had not been taking her medication.

The Cook County Sheriff’s Office and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have worked the case and produced age-progressed images. Investigators say any piece of information could be crucial. If anyone remembers Nicole, saw her in December 2002, or knows anything that could help, please come forward.