The search for Ja’Niyah McMichael, the Indiana teen who vanished from her Gary home one year ago this week, remains active.
Now both the Gary Police Department and the FBI are working to uncover what happened and bring her home.
Ja’Niyah, who was 13 when she disappeared on August 11, 2023, is now 14. Despite months of searches, interviews, and investigative work, authorities say they still have no clear answers about her whereabouts. A $30,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to her safe return.
“This is an active and ongoing investigation,” the City of Gary said in a statement, noting that police have been in constant contact with Ja’Niyah’s family.
Officials confirmed that detectives recently secured and executed a court-approved search warrant at a Gary residence with the assistance of federal agents.
Her grandmother, Dalia Guerrero, has been at the forefront of the search, making repeated public appeals for anyone with knowledge — no matter how small — to come forward.
“Keep sharing anything little to the public that you see or hear,” Guerrero told ABC 7 Chicago. “It could be something big for us. We’re not gonna stop until we find her and bring her home.”
The emotional toll on her family has been immense. Guerrero described Ja’Niyah as “very outgoing” with a gift for lighting up any room she entered.
“The not knowing is the worst,” she said, addressing her granddaughter directly: “If Ja’Niyah is listening, just know your nonna loves you… your family loves you… you have the world looking for you.”
Authorities are urging the public to avoid spreading unverified claims about the case on social media, warning that misinformation could harm the investigation. They also caution against donating to individuals or groups claiming to represent the McMichael family without proper verification.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Gary Police Department or the FBI.
