Right: Age-progressed by NCMEC to age 21 years
Right: Age-progressed by NCMEC to age 21 years
Name: Shemaeah Nicole Gunnel
Case Classification: Endangered Missing
Missing Since: February 10, 1989
Location Last Seen: Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona
Date of Birth: November 6, 1983
Age: 5 years old
Race: Black
Gender: Female
Height: 4'0"
Weight: 50 lbs
Hair Color: Black
Eye Color: Black
Nickname/Alias: Gunnell
Distinguishing Marks/Features: Birthmark behind right side of neck
Dentals: Unknown
Fingerprints: Unknown
DNA: Unknown
Clothing: Unknown
Jewelry: Unknown
Additional Personal Items: Unknown
Shemaeah was last seen on February 10, 1989.
After receiving a tip from an anonymous caller, police found the body of Shemaeah's mother in the apartment she shared with her two daughters and boyfriend. The caller also told police the bodies of Shemaeah and her 9-month-old sister, LeCresha, were tossed from a bridge into the Colorado River.
On February 17, LeCresha's body was found in a canal about 15 miles south of the US/Mexican border. Shemaeah's body has never been found.
On July 20, 2000, Alvie Kiles, the mother's boyfriend, was convicted of three counts of first-degree murder and two counts of child abuse. Prosecutor's believe Kiles bludgeoned the mother during an argument. Kiles then killed the children because they began crying as they witnessed their mother's murder. He is currently awaiting execution.
Agency Name: Yuma Police Department
Agency Contact Person: Det. James Frazier
Agency Phone Number: 928-373-4700
Agency E-Mail: ypdinvestigationsdetectives@ci.yuma.az.us
Agency Case Number: 890005387
NCIC Case Number: M-713233121
NamUs Case Number: 8890
NCMEC Case Number: 731859
NamUs
NCMEC
Arizona Daily Star - Feb. 19, 1989
Tucson Citizen - Jul. 21, 2000
Added: 2007; Last Updated: 5/7/22 - By: Doe-NamUs-App
Questions or comments? Please contact appropriate member of the Area Team
** Listed information is from the time of disappearance.
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