The family of Emma Baum, a 25-year-old woman who was nine months pregnant at the time of her disappearance on October 10, is desperately seeking public help to find her. Emma was last seen at the home of her boyfriend near the intersection of 25th Avenue and Connecticut Street, approximately two miles south of downtown Gary, Indiana. This harrowing case of missing persons has sent waves of concern throughout the local community as relatives and friends rally to keep hope alive.
Emma's family reported her missing to the Gary Police Department on October 28, 18 days after her last known sighting. They described her as standing 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 136 pounds, with distinctive brown hair and brown eyes. Emma's physical appearance is accentuated with several tattoos and scars on her arms, and she is known for sporting different colored wigs.
Her sister, Hailey Baum, expressed her anguish and determination during various media appearances, saying, "I have stopped people walking. I've talked to anybody I could. We're searching every abandoned house we can find." Her emotional plea highlights the reality of how much the family has been impacted by her sudden disappearance. Hailey also remarked on the urgency of the situation by stressing, "We're always going to look for her. I'm never going to stop."
Emma has three other children, and her family constantly fears for her well-being and the fate of her unborn child. "We love you, Emma. And if you can hear us, there is nothing you could have done to make us stop loving you," said Abigale Smith, Emma's other sister, reaffirming the family's commitment to finding her.
The investigation surrounding Emma's disappearance involves her boyfriend, who is currently detained for unrelated legal issues, but he has not been charged with any crime pertaining to Emma's case. Gary Police Commander Jack Hamady stated they are actively exploring several leads but have yet to determine his involvement or whether foul play occurred.
Local authorities have been combing through video footage and investigating three specific locations tied to Emma's last known whereabouts. This thorough investigation has included the use of K9s and traditional search efforts. Commander Hamady noted the importance of engaging with the community to gather any potential leads, urging anyone with information to reach out.
Meanwhile, Emma's mother, Jamie Baum, has been vocal about her suspicions concerning her daughter's boyfriend. She openly stated, "I would like my daughter home." Despite the heartbreaking scenario, Jamie remains hopeful, emphasizing, "Her babies need her. Her family needs her." The desire for clarity drives Jamie and others to call for information from the public to help solve this mystery.
Emma’s case has garnered attention beyond her immediate community. Posts and flyers circulated on social media aim to raise awareness and encourage anyone with tips or relevant information to come forward. Community members have joined the search efforts, and there is hope their collective climb could lead to breakthroughs.
Anyone with any leads on Emma’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Gary Police Department at 219-881-1209 or reach out to The Crime Tip Hotline at 866-CRIME-GP. The urgency for information grows with each passing day as the search for Emma Baum continues.
Emma's story speaks not just to her family's struggle but also shines a light on the broader issues of missing persons and the desperate need for community vigilance. Each flyer distributed, each social media post shared, and each conversation held can potentially be the turning point leading to Emma's safe return.
Although the current timeline seems bleak, her family's unwavering belief fosters strength against the unknown. The community stands together, united by the hope of bringing Emma Baum home safely.
