The family and friends of a missing Grambling State University student are asking for help to locate her.
Michelle McMullen, 27, went home to Harrisburg, Pa., during the weekend of Sept. 26 to drop off her 6-year-old son Jayden to be cared for by her family. McMullen left on Sunday, Sept. 28, at around 9 p.m. to return to the area. McMullen was to have returned to GSU around Monday evening to go to classes and work on Tuesday, according to her father Michael McMullen.
However, Michelle didn't show up to work or to her classes, prompting the family to file a missing persons report.
[Update: According to news reports, a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to MIchelle's whereabouts.]
Michelle, a business major, was last seen wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt.
In an interview with CBS 21, her father told the station Michelle is wanted by authorities in connection with more than $2,000 missing from the Progress-Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Susquehanna Township.
After more than a week, Michelle's 2002 Honda Accord was found yesterday Oct. 8 in Hagerstown, Md. "It was parked two blocks off the Interstate (81)," her father said. "It was kind of out in the middle of nowhere."
Michael McMullen said the police haven't determined any immediate signs of foul play. Michelle's cell phone was still in the car.
He also said that the police saw no blood in the car. "We are not sure what that means yet," he said. "(The police) are going to do a forensics investigation tomorrow."
News of Michelle's disappearance spread quickly, as local news media have reported the story through their respective outlets.
"We need to continue to push our efforts," Michael said. "Someone may have seen her. I don't want people to just read; I want them to respond."
Fliers with Michelle's information hit the campus early this week, and the Voter Empowerment team were also handing out fliers. MaDonna Awotwi, Michelle's best friend, has formed a Facebook group entitled, "Help Find Michelle Shelby McMullen" to help with efforts.
In the Facebook group, pictures have been added, showing the various ways Michelle wears her hair. In a Christmas picture, Michelle is posing with her son, Jayden.
"He's very concerned," Michael said of Jayden. "He's only six years old, but he knows something is wrong."
After news of Michelle's disappearance, the McMullen family was swamped with support, something Michael greatly appreciates.
"We continue to express our appreciation to people that are showing their concern and interest," Michael said.
"We are thankful for that and glad people continue to work with us."
Darryl D. Smith writes for The Gramblinite, the Grambling State University student newspaper, which originally published a version of this article.