UPDATE – AUGUST 14, 2019 – Sidne-Nichole has been found deceased.
Seeking Person Of Interest In Death Of Missing Gary Woman
The FBI in Illinois are leading the search for a missing woman, Sidne-Nichole Buchanan. Sidne-Nichole was last seen at a Wiz Khalifa concert in Tinley Park, IL on July 27, 2019.
She was reported missing July 29. As of Monday, she is still missing.
Authorities believe she was kidnapped and could be in danger. The FBI is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
“Our investigation has revealed that Sidne was last seen in Illinois but we have evidence that she was in Indiana after that,” FBI Supervisory Special Agent Mike Peasley said. “The presumption is she was taken across state lines against her will until we find evidence to the contrary. The FBI is dedicating all of the resources available to us to find Sidne”
Buchanan’s mother, Kaneka Turner, said she believed someone Sidne-Nichole knows could be responsible for her disappearance, but declined to elaborate further on the investigation. She last heard from her daughter via video chat from the concert, Turner said. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, she said.
“It’s difficult,” said Turner, 44, of Gary. “We’re staying prayerful and hopeful for a safe resolution to all of it.”
Until recently, Buchanan worked as a dance instructor at Gary’s Beach Front Dance School, 427 S. Lake St., Turner said, teaching ballet, tap and modern dance. Her daughter also loves new experiences and traveling, she said.
She is “very happy, sweet, very good person,” Turner said.
Buchanan is the oldest of five siblings, Turner said. The family is trying to protect her two children, an 11-year-old daughter and son, 9.
“She knows what’s going on,” Turner said of Buchanan’s daughter. “Her son, we’re shielding him from everything.”
Turner urged those responsible to release her daughter safely.
“I just urge you to do the right thing and let her go,” she said. “You can drop her off at a safe place, a public place. You can call the hotline, you can reach out to me.
“She is deeply missed and truly beloved,” Turner said. “I have never been away from my children for this amount of time. We have a very strong bond. This is truly devastating to our family.”
Turner also asked for any tips from the public.
“Be aware and be on the lookout,” she said. ‘Even the smallest amount of information is important, please call the hotline. Please call the authorities and let them know what you know.”
Buchanan is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 135 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple tank top dress, denim jacket and clear wedge shoes.
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 219-942-4655.