Ja’niyah Mcmichael, a 13-year-old Black female, was last seen in Gary, Indiana, on the late evening of August 11, 2024. She was at her home near 19th Avenue and Virginia Street and reportedly left the house after a disagreement at about 11:00 p.m. Her description at the time: 4 feet 3 inches, 101 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pajama pants, and black and red shoes. The initial missing-person report was filed by her mother on August 12, 2024.

The Gary Police Department later partnered with the FBI and the Department of Child Services; the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is also involved. A silver alert was issued on September 5, 2024. Detectives executed a court-approved search warrant in October, and authorities have said they strongly suspect foul play. A $30,000 reward from the FBI, the City of Gary, and an anonymous donor has been offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Ja’niyah’s family, led publicly by her grandmother, has held events to keep attention on the case and appeals for tips remain active.

If anyone saw Ja’niyah on the night of August 11, 2024, or has information about her whereabouts, please come forward and share what you know.