They are the mysteries that can haunt a family and stick with an investigator for years. They are also, too often, cases that slip through the cracks because of a lack of evidence or a lack of resources. They are missing persons cases. Some of them are criminal in nature and some are not, but all of them are important to our community. This month, agencies from across Maricopa County and Arizona will work to gather new evidence to solve these disappearances and provide answers for loved ones.
Top investigators from the Maricopa and Pima County Sheriff's Offices, Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson Police Departments, and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office will be on hand for the 3rd annual "Missing in Arizona Day" event. The sole objective of this event, which started in 2015, is to learn more about the missing and, if possible, to collect DNA or other identifiers such as dental records. Those attending are offered a private meeting with an investigator and support staff to guide them through the process of filing missing person reports. All services are available in English and Spanish. Over the past two years, "Missing in Arizona" has led to 14 case resolutions with half of the missing individuals found alive.
This year's event takes place Saturday, October 21 from 10AM to 4PM at Arizona State University West, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road in Glendale, AZ. There will be a Family Support Group Meeting from noon to 2PM with a candle lighting ceremony for the missing at 3PM.