The tragic case of Gabby Petito being covered extensively in the national media has placed new emphasis on how we think about missing person cases across the United States. The 22-year-old’s remains were found in a remote area of a Wyoming national park last month and her fiancé is currently being sought as a ‘person of interest’ in the case.

Petito’s family has announced a foundation in their daughter’s name that they said will help families of other missing people. It’s commendable that they want to use their experience to help others.

Local families of the missing in our communities know all too well the pain and grief of having to live without answers. Most of them don’t have the influence or large media presence that can draw the necessary attention to their case, but they never give up hope. As some cases go cold and leads dry up, the families and friends of those missing remain the biggest advocates to find answers and, if need be, justice.

As the Democrat reported on Tuesday, September 28, the remains of Narrowsburg resident Selina Hoheusle have been identified after being found off a dirt road last year. Before being identified, Hoheusle had been missing for 17 years after leaving the Narrowsburg Home for Adults in 2004.

It’s extraordinary for someone to be found after all this time and the Wayne County Coroner’s Office has ruled Hoheusle’s death as a homicide.

Hoheusle’s family has not found justice yet, but at least now they can live with one less unanswered question. If anyone has information regarding this case they are encouraged to contact State Police in New York at (845) 252-3665 or in Pennsylvania at (570) 253-7126.

Others hoping and praying for the safe return of a loved one is the family of Shaniece Harris, who was last seen on May 29, 2017 in Rock Hill. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information and anyone who may know something is asked to call the FBI’s New York office at (212) 384-1000.

Harris is in her mid-30s with brown hair, brown eyes and standing around 5’8”. She has a tattoo on her right forehand that reads “Sparkz” and a tattoo on her left arm of hands folded in prayer that reads “Rest in Peace.”
The Democrat reported in August how Shaniece’s mother, Elvia Crump, joined with Hope Alive 845 during an event at Morningside Park to raise awareness about missing person cases in our area and surrounding communities. Hope Alive is a nonprofit group dedicated to helping families, friends, victims and law enforcement with support for finding missing, kidnapped or exploited children and adults.

There are many more cases of missing people in our area that deserve attention. Nobody should have to live without knowing what happened to a family member or loved one. With perseverance and determination, we can all work to ensure no case is forgotten or slips through the cracks.