DETROIT – The family of Na’Ziyah Harris is holding onto hope that they will see the missing teen who has been missing for more than two months.
Over the last 10 weeks, there have been multiple searches but they are no closer to bringing her home.
Harris, a student at J. E. Clark Preparatory Academy on Detroit’s east side, was last seen Jan. 9. She was last seen getting off a school bus at Cornwall Street and 3 Mile Drive, near Warren Avenue and Outer Drive.
“They have footage of her getting on the school bus and the bus driver said that she got off at her regular stop she normally,” said Anette Harris, her grandmother and guardian.
Harris reported Na’Ziyah’s disappearance to Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), who launched an investigation the very next day, Jan. 10. After hitting a roadblock, they brought the case to the Detroit Police Department in February.
Police got to work immediately and canvassed the east side community where Na’Ziyah lived and was last seen. It was the first of many searches.
More than a dozen local, state and federal departments have searched all over Detroit, Clinton Township and around Ann Arbor. Specialized water rescue and recovery teams have assisted in some of the searches.
“We had active gang members -- people deemed to be the worst of the city -- viciously out looking for her, passing flyers out, going door-to-door, canvassing,” said Detroit Police Commissioner Tamara Smith. “We all want the best. We want Na’Ziyah home in the living.”
Her father, Murvin Jennings, had been in the hospital for weeks recovering from a stroke when he learned of his daughter’s disappearance. He suffers from congestive heart failure, but has been out searching every single day he’s well enough to, with his wife by his side.
“It’s been very trying, taxing and empty but we’re not going to stop,” said Nakia Harris.
They’ve been moved by all who have turned out to help, especially since her disappearance has caused a rift within the family.
“You have moments in your life when you do think you are standing alone and without anything they come through,” Jennings said. “They come through and they’re there.”
Na’Ziyah’s family is still waiting and wondering what happened to her after she got off the school bus.
“I want to see her again,” Jennings said. “My son and my daughter want to see her again.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department’s Major Crimes Division at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. Tips can be made anonymously and can be submitted online.
More: Missing in Michigan
