Katharina Buczek
Investigators also searched a neighborhood located near Garland and Shoemaker on February 14, but the significance of this location remains unclear. Finally, authorities also announced that they began interviewing suspects on February 20. But, there have not been any arrests in Na’Ziyah’s disappearance.
In a mid-February press conference, Detroit Police Chief James White admitted that authorities are “very, very concerned” about Na’Ziyah’s well-being. Kari Sloan, the Detroit Police Deputy Chief, also said the department is “not ruling anything out at this point” and continues to “aggressively” search for Na’Ziyah.
“We have deliberated on a number of different factors. We hope we find her well,” detailed Labrit Jackson of the DPSCD Department of Public Safety.
“But we can’t operate on hope, and we have to operate on information, investigation, and work. That’s what we’re here to do today.”
Still, Na’Ziyah’s grandmother has continued to hold onto hope and is urging anyone with information in the community to come forward and speak out.
“When a child is missing, you gotta look everywhere. I don’t want to think the worst about it– about her being abducted. I’m hoping and praying that that is not the case. I’m standing on my faith that God is going to bring my baby home,” Annette said.
“We’re asking anybody with information, any information, I don’t care who it is, please come forward and contact the police. Her life could be in danger.”
At the time of her disappearance, Na’Ziyah was five foot two, weighed 130 pounds, and had her hair braided into two puff balls. She was last seen wearing light blue jeans, a white, pink, and black jacket that had a brown fur hood, and blue and white Nike shoes.
If you have any information regarding her disappearance or whereabouts, you are urged to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Major Crimes Division at (313) 596-2260.
