COLUSA (CBS13) - The body of a missing postal worker was found in a ditch west of Colusa. ", "Somebody knows something other than the person that did whatever happened," she said. Arbeitman said Thursday night that officials remain optimistic. "We are not seeing as many missing persons reported in the media, however our caseload has increased dramatically," she said. Coles first wanted a good job, and after years with the post office she had saved for a car and a home. As for whether Athena could be in danger, Arbeitman said "there's not anything to indicate that other than she's a little child and she's missing. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Chicago police told ABC News, "At this point, anybody with knowledge of her last whereabouts is asked to contact the Chicago Police Department as we are seeking any and all information in an attempt to locate her and we won't stop until we do.". Athena Brownfield was reported missing earlier this month after a postal carrier found her sister wandering alone outside, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Is she being harmed? While the cause of death in this case has not been determined, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) records instances of injuries, illness and fatality in the workplace across the U.S. Please contact the U.S. Athena's sister was placed in protective custody with the state after she was found, Arbeitman said. There is no evidence at this point to suggest foul play. One of the main forms of evidence in the case was surveillance footage obtained from a neighbour's residence, which appeared to show a woman resembling Kierra walking in the area of 81st Street and Vernon Avenue. '", "Any small lead can lead to what really happened," Phillips said. Amid the search, Brook Arbeitman, a spokesperson for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, said that authorities were finding items in town that "could be relevant" and helpful to the case, though did not elaborate. Each day brings more pain and frustration for Coles' mother, Karen Phillips, who is "begging for anybody to come forward" with information. The girls' biological parents have been interviewed by agents and are "cooperating with the investigation," the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said. The U.S. Chicago police Tuesday released some of the last images of her before she vanished. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol issued a missing and endangered person alert for Athena on Jan. 11 to people in a 15-mile radius of Cyril, located about 70 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Her baby would be a toddler. Authorities have also used tools including search dogs and helicopters equipped with infrared, the state bureau said. She went on to ask locals to search their properties and any potential abandoned neighboring properties. CHICAGO -- Chicago authorities have released new information in the unsolved disappearance of postal worker Kierra Coles, including footage of a "person of interest" in Coles' car, who police say gave "varying accounts of the last time he saw her.". Coles' family and the USPS have offered a reward of over $6,000 in return for information on her whereabouts. "A man who police identified as a person of interest also arrived and entered the residence. On Oct. 2, 2018, Coles, who was 26 years old and about three months pregnant, vanished on Chicago's South Side. A caregiver of a missing 4-year-old Oklahoma girl has been arrested, two days after a postal worker found the child's older sister wandering alone near their . TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - A body found in Monroe County on New Year's Eve has been identified as a missing Toledo letter carrier, according to the Monroe . She would be a mother of a young child now. This year, "other competing priorities" -- like the pandemic and the presidential election -- are "definitely hampering the awareness" of missing persons cases, Wilson noted. Coles had a plan for her life and so far "everything was going according to plan," her mother said. Tally was pronounced dead at 11:45 a.m. Sunday by . ", For Coles' mother, as each day passes, she's "looking for leads, just hoping somebody will come forward. Fatalities due to violence or injury by persons or animals increased to 761 in the year, while exposure to harmful substances or environments led to 798 workplace fatalitiesthe highest figure since 2011. "The next day, the person of interest is seen parking Kierra's vehicle near her residence before entering the building and exiting with unknown items," Svilar said. She . In that last conversation, Coles also told her mother that her boyfriend was planning to come over the night of Oct. 2, Phillips said. "The person of interest exits the passenger side of the vehicle, but nobody exits the driver's side.". Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The 26-year-old was about three months pregnant and was eager to meet her first child, according to her mother, Karen Phillips. "I could never reach nobody. Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation via Facebook, Search underway for missing Oklahoma 4-year-old. It's been two years since Kierra Coles, a young, pregnant U.S. postal worker, disappeared from her Chicago neighborhood without a trace. "Kierra and the man later got into her car and drove off -- with Kierra in the driver's seat.". In its most recent update, OSBi said that "Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) Emergency Response Team (ERT) concluded a grid search with local volunteers. "We are finding things that we hope might give us clues," she said. The person of interest gets out of the passenger side of the car, but no one exited the driver's side. Her vehicle was located outside her apartment with . Authorities believe this is her last known sighting. Asked about the girls' parents, she said that the investigation is "active and outgoing.". For Coles' mother, Karen Phillips, having no answers is torturous. Authorities in Oklahoma are searching for a little girl after a postal worker found her 5-year-old sister alone and wandering around. "I would love to see her with her child, Karen Phillips, Kierra's mother, said. I just wish somebody would have a heart to say, 'I'm gonna give this family some justice. And were asking and pleading with them for that information., 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Kierra Coles disappeared in 2018 while three months pregnant, Newly released footage shows Coles withdrawing money from an ATM, Coles, a USPS worker, was last seen wearing her uniform despite calling out of work that day, Her family and the USPS have offered a reward for information on her whereabouts. Booking photo of Alysia Adams who was arrested at the Grady County Sheriffs Office on two counts of child neglect. Girl, Caretaker Accused of Killing 4-Year-Old on Christmas, Alligator Pulled from Lake in Brooklyn's Prospect Park Is 'Too Weak to Eat on Its Own', 3 Dead, 5 Injured After Gunman Opens Fire in Multiple Buildings on Michigan State University Campus: Police, Urgent Search Continues in Australia as Tiny Radioactive Capsule Remains Missing, Calif. Police Pause Search for 5-Year-Old Boy Who Was Swept Away in Severe Flood, Bodies Believed to Belong to Rappers Missing Since Canceled Gig Found: 'They Didn't Deserve This', 7 People Killed in Half Moon Bay in California's Second Mass Shooting This Week: 'Our Hearts Are Broken', 'Loving, Friendly' 7-Year-Old Girl Vanishes from Her Texas Home and a Search Is Underway, officers and volunteers looking for Athena. By Minyvonne Burke and Claire Cardona. "Connie" Johnson, 51, was reported missing on Nov. 10 after she failed to show up for work. A year ago, Kierra Coles, a young, pregnant U.S. postal worker, disappeared from her Chicago neighborhood. During a court appearance in Maricopa County a day after his arrest, Ivon Adams waived his right to an extradition hearing. That was the last thing she was waiting for.". Yeah. Nebraska authorities are investigating the death and an autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death. Calvin Berry's body was found floating in a canal along SE Fallon Drive near Starflower Avenue around 1:30 p.m. "Suspended means the case cannot be continued further at this time," Bown told ABC News. Authorities became aware of Athena's disappearance after a postal worker found her 5-year-old sister walking alone on Jan. 10 outside the Adams' home, where they were watching over the two girls. High number of mail-in ballots could delay Chicago election results, Michael Madigan's attorneys seek to dismiss part of his indictment, Major change coming to North Side's city council representation. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation shared Facebook post that they and the Cyril Police Department are looking for Athena Brownfield, 4. There's still no sign of her, with the mysterious case classified by Chicago police as "a high-risk missing person investigation with potential foul play suspected.". Athena was last known to be wearing a pink butterfly sweater and pink pants, according to a missing person poster. The youngster was reported missing on 10 January after a postal worker found her five-year-old sister alone outside the family home in Cyril, Oklahoma. So, when Rogers disappeared on the job, they . In the video briefing, Arbeitman would not provide details on the postal carrier's interaction with Athena's sister or where she was found. A four-year-old girl has been reported missing after a postal worker found her sister, 5, wandering alone near her home. Those who live or own a business in Cyril, Oklahoma, that could potentially have doorbell camera footage related to Athena are urged to go to the authorities' search site at Family Life Church and contact police, the agency said. If you have information that will help us locate Kierra Coles, please contact the U.S. Kierra and the man later got into her car and drove off with Kierra in the driver's seat.". That's yet to be determined. Newsweek has reached out to the Nebraska State Patrol for comment. "They don't even reach out and say, 'Well, Ms. Phillips, we're still going through this' or, 'We don't have any new leads.' Kierra was last seen on surveillance leaving her apartment on 81st St and Vernon Ave. Workers in transportation and material moving occupations reported the highest number of fatalities. Authorities did not comment on how the Adams' became the primary caregivers of the children. 43-year-old Jamie Balluch was reported as a missing person on Feb. 2. But no, it has increased. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service's hotline at (877) 876-2455, if they have any information related to her disappearance," a spokesperson said. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. Local authorities began searching for Athena on Jan. 10, when the postal worker discovered her 5-year-old sister wandering alone and notified police, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. Chicago police told ABC News that the case remains a "high-risk missing person investigation with potential foul play suspected.". Caretaker Faces Murder Charge While Police Search for Missing Oklahoma Girl's Remains in 'Recovery Operation', Caretaker of Missing Oklahoma Girl, 4, Arrested as Search Continues for Child, Authorities Identify Remains as Missing Athena Brownfield 2 Weeks After Sister Was Found Wandering Alone, Second Caretaker of Missing Oklahoma Girl, 4, Faces Murder Charge, Remains Found amid Search for Missing Okla. On Tuesday, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. "I try to stay strong for the other kids, I try to not really break down in front of them. While initial surveillance video released by CPD was not Coles, investigators and Coles' family hope everyone will stop to check out these new images to try and close this cold case. US Postal Service _2963935641348344-159532. Just say something. ", Some days Phillips said she "really can't function because my mind just, you know, keeps wondering -- where's my child? Kierra Coles has been missing since October 2, 2018, when she was 26 years old. PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) The body of a man who wasrecently reportedmissing was found in a canal Saturday afternoon, Port St. Lucie police said. "Right now our top priority is locating her and sorting out who's responsible will come next. "That's all I'm really praying for.". NEW video has been released in the mysterious disappearance of a US Postal Service worker who vanished seemingly without a trace. Is she hungry? When a reporter asked whether Athena's parents were home at the time she was reported missing, Arbeitman said the focus remains on finding the child. The young postal worker went missing from Chicago, Illinois in early October 2018. Phillips urges anyone with information to come forward. Chicago police Tuesday released some of the last images of her before she vanished. Wilson asks anyone with information to submit an anonymous tip to the Black and Missing Foundation, Inc at 1-877-97BAMFI or at bamfi.org. A missing Utah mother-of-four was found dead on July 4, and a man described by authorities as her "acquaintance" is accused of murdering her. Postal Inspection Service distributed thousands of reward flyers," the Postal Inspection Service said. Tuesday afternoon, community organizers prepared for the fifth annual march We Walk for Her at 5 p.m. at 35th Street and King Drive. Police won't identify their person of interest. "The person of interest exits the passenger side of the vehicle, but nobody exits the driver's side.". Kierra Coles was last seen on Oct. 2, 2018. Kierra Coles missing for nearly 3 years, but family still looking for answers, "At approximately 10:43 p.m., Kierra Coles was seen on surveillance video making two ATM withdrawals at a business in the 8600-block of South Cottage Grove," CPD Homicide Lieutenant William Svilar said. The man was then seen driving off in his vehicle parked on the street overnight. "We are seeking any and all information in an attempt to locate her and we won't stop until we do," police said. Calvin Berrys body was found floating in a canal along SE Fallon Drive near Starflower Avenue around 1:30 p.m. Is she cold? asked Karen Phillips, who added that her daughter was excited to be a new mom. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. The boyfriend could not be reached by ABC News for comment. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. CHICAGO ( NewsNation Now) Two weeks ago, Kierra Coles would have turned 29. "There are many possibilities such as having exhausted all the available evidence. The video revealed surveillance footage of Coles entering her home on Oct. 2, 2018. NEW video has been released in the mysterious disappearance of a US Postal Service worker who vanished seemingly without a trace. C.B. Mom Vanished 6 Weeks Ago, Car Found Abandoned with Phone Inside, She did not confirm reports that Athena is autistic, however, she stated that the child "has limited verbal skills.". The search has covered the town, with the state bureau, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, volunteers and other agencies looking in vacant homes and waterways. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation said on Jan. 16 that the search was now considered a "recovery operation" and that its agents and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol were searching areas of Caddo County for the child's remains. The family's home was searched, which Arbeitman said is a standard procedure. Anything they may know, even if they don't think it's important enough -- any small thing could lead to breaking this whole case," she said. For Phillips, the daily pain of not knowing what happened to her daughter is unbearable. Coles' boyfriend could not be reached by ABC News and the Chicago police declined to comment about him, citing the ongoing investigation. Her parents have not given up hope, but all this time handing out flyers and keeping the search . And not knowing if she's out there, the baby's out there, if they're together -- it's hurting," she said. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) The body of a man who was recently reported missing was found in a canal Saturday afternoon, Port St. Lucie police said. Athena was determined to be missing after a postal worker . These are the last recorded images of Kierra.". "I miss him -- he or she -- even though they wasn't born yet. OHP also shared photos of its officers and volunteers looking for Athena. "Kierra Coles is a member of our Postal family and we will continue looking for her and following up on all leads," the agency continued. But is she a victim of physical harm? No foul play is suspected. The body of a man who went missing from Bruning, Nebraska, has been discovered in a grain bin at his place of work . A postal worker spotted Athenas 5-year-old sister by herself near Adams house in the town of Cyril about 2 p.m. Tuesday and called police, the state bureau said. We receive calls from family members many times during the day asking for assistance finding their missing loved ones. By Alice Gibbs On 2/17/23 at 4:54 AM EST. "I can't let her down," Phillips said. Example video title will go here for this video. People with information or security camera video that could help in the search are asked to call the tip line. Kierra Coles was last seen on Oct. 2, 2018. CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police announced Friday that the investigation into the disappearance of a pregnant postal worker has been suspended. Rickher says the workers are a tight-knit group and during the overnight shift that clocks in at 1 a.m., there are no more than a half-dozen employees. ", Wilson added, "If you don't feel comfortable reporting it to law enforcement, please come to our website and report the tip anonymously. The Postal Inspector's Office is currently investigating this case. "I have to do all that I can to bring her and her child home safe.". PORTSMOUTH, Va. Portsmouth Police are working to learn how a postal worker died after she was found dead on her route. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. According to police, Kenley worked with the United States Postal Service for 20 years. I just miss him because she would've been a great mother," she said. Svilar said in the video, "When officers questioned the person of interest after Kierra was reported missing, he gave varying accounts of the last time he saw her.". You may be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Construction and extraction occupations had the second most occupational deaths in 2021, followed by protective service occupations including firefighters, law enforcement workers, police officers and railroad police. Phillips said the last time she saw the boyfriend was when she filed the missing person report, and after that, he "vanished." Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation A couple who were the caretakers of a 4-year-old girl who went missing in Oklahoma have been arrested and are expected to face charges that include child. Dispatchers said they got a call before 10:30 p.m. Monday night about a postal worker who had gone missing. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. The search became a "recovery operation," the agency said on Jan. 16, several days after one of her caregivers was arrested on a murder charge in connection with the child's disappearance. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. "Not even my worst enemy would I wish this type of pain on," she said. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Alysia Adams, 31, was arrested on Jan. 12 in Grady County, Oklahoma, on two counts of child neglect, the agency said. "Since October 2018, Postal Inspectors have tracked down and vetted nearly 400 leads across the country. The Milwaukee Police Department responded to a call just before 6 p.m., where they found the 44-year-old worker. The postal worker notified the. "You would think with the pandemic, people are home. 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