INKSTER, Mich. – As each day goes by, the heartache grows for the family of 17-year-old London Thomas.
Thomas disappeared nearly two weeks ago, last seen on April 5 after being dropped off at a house in Inkster.
The family is growing increasingly anxious as the 17-year-old’s cell phone last pinged near Hines Park in Westland.
People have been looking for her all day Thursday (April 17), and they will not stop until she is back safe and sound.
Jasma Bennett, Thomas’ mother, expressed her desperation, saying, “I don’t care about money. I don’t care about anything besides my daughter being back in my home alive, safe, and well.”
Update: ‘All will be forgiven’: Tearful mother of missing 17-year-old from Inkster sends heartfelt message
The pain of not knowing her daughter’s whereabouts gets harder to deal with every day for Bennett.
“All of this is strange. We haven’t talked to her. We haven’t seen her. We know nothing. Nobody has heard any plans. She has never ever run away,” said Bennett.
The 17-year-old has been missing since April 5, and her mother said she was last seen with a significant other.
“My daughter was supposed to be leaving with her sister. She ended up getting dropped off at her boyfriend’s house. She’s 17. Who she was actually dating is 23 years old,” Bennett said.
As of now, it appears that police did not question Thomas’ boyfriend. But the family is taking matters into their own hands.
“We’ve been scouring all of the area, mostly Inkster. We did do Westland from the beginning, and now we think that it’s time to come back,” Bennett said.
Family members, friends, and classmates all came together on Thursday to search Hines Park, the area near where Thomas’ cell phone last pinged.
“It just breaks my heart. So I had to do something,” a volunteer shared.
“We’re going to bring her home. We’re going to bring her home safe,” another volunteer added.
The Detroit Police Department has now taken over the case.
The investigation is ongoing, but officers are looking into a person of interest.
Thomas’s stepfather, Darnell, hopes that she will return.
“I still have hope. But at this point, the only thing I can do is leave it in God’s hands. It’s whatever His will is. I have to accept that. I just want her home,” said Darnell.
Regardless of what led to Thomas’ disappearance, loved ones just want her back.
“Please just come home. I don’t care for what reason, just come home,” Bennett said.
The Detroit Police Department, with assistance from our federal partners, is conducting a second search at a residence in Inkster related to the missing person case of London Thomas.
Throughout this investigation, DPD has searched numerous locations as part of our continued efforts. At this time, we are unable to provide further details as the investigation is ongoing.
Detroit Police Department
| London Thomas | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 17 |
| Height | 5′6″ |
| Hair | Red hair in a ponytail |
| Weight | 115 pounds |
| Eyes | Brown |
Anyone with information should contact the Detroit Police Department’s 8th Precinct at 313-596-5840 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-Speak Up.
All tips to Crime Stoppers are anonymous. Click here to submit a tip online.
READ: More Missing in Michigan coverage
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