The Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office held a news conference Wednesday asking the public for any information about Jennifer McCormick, a 55-year-old woman with Down syndrome who has been missing from the Otsego area since May 13.

Sheriff Richard Fuller said deputies have exhausted their initial search efforts but will not stop looking.

"We're asking the community to help as much as you can. We will trace down any tip that people have for us."

McCormick was last seen around 5:30 p.m. on May 13 at her home on West AB Avenue near Ravine Road in Alamo Township, just south of Otsego. Her brother, Michael McCormick, reported her missing around 8:25 p.m. after returning home and finding her gone, according to WOODTV.

A routine disrupted

Michael McCormick has cared for his sister since their mother died in 2022. He said Jennifer follows a daily routine and is considered "high functioning" by authorities, though she depends on family for support.

"She does her little routine that she has every day and she's a good kid," Michael McCormick said.

Fuller said there were no signs of foul play and no evidence of family disputes. Investigators believe something may have disrupted Jennifer's normal habits, prompting her to leave the house unaccompanied.

"All, including the guests at the residence that evening, would indicate that everything appeared normal," Fuller said.

Community joins the search

Residents in the Otsego area have joined the search effort. Community members walked a path starting at Ruppert Lake in Otsego Township back toward McCormick's home, following tracks identified by search dogs.

Nancy White, Michael McCormick's ex-wife, said the community has been supportive throughout the search.

"We walked the entire path from what we were told from the dogs. You know, just to see if our eyes, if our eyes could spot something. Because the more eyes you have, maybe something missed something. Maybe a drone missed something. Maybe a dog missed something," White said.

What investigators know

According to Fuller, deputies have used drones and dogs to search the home and surrounding area repeatedly. Investigators have also checked with local hospitals and spoken with homeless individuals in the area.

Key details from the sheriff's office:

  • McCormick is 4-foot-8, approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes
  • She is not believed to be carrying cash or a cellphone
  • There has been no activity on her credit card
  • Two tips about her whereabouts have been received so far, but neither has led to a sighting

Fuller urged anyone with information to come forward, even if they are uncertain.

"I don't want anyone discouraged to think, 'Well, I'm not going to call in because I'm not sure it's her.' I would much rather have to trace 100 different calls saying, 'I think she's here, I think I saw her, maybe this was her,' than to not get any calls."

How to help

Anyone with information about Jennifer McCormick's whereabouts should call 911 or Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch at 269-488-8911.

Michael McCormick said his sister needs help.

"She's not thinking right right now and she probably doesn't know what's happening or where she is. She needs help. She needs help."