CLEVELAND, Ohio – A family member of Keshaun Williams cried Wednesday as authorities again asked for help finding a Cleveland teenager who has been missing for 16 months.
Keshaun’s grandmother, Mary Williams, said she prays that someone comes forward with information about her grandson because her family needs closure.
“It’s been very painful,” Williams said, as her eyes welled. “I miss that big wet kiss he gives me every time I drop him off at home. I miss that. I miss him. We’ve been going through it for over 16 months.
She spoke Wednesday as Cleveland police and U.S. marshals again sought the public’s help in finding the youth.
Keshaun was 15-years-old when he went missing from a house party on Fleet and Gertrude avenues on June 17, 2023. Authorities believe the teen was abducted. He has not been seen or heard from since the night he went missing, authorities said. He is 16 now.
Witnesses told police that Keshaun was in a black Jeep with temporary tags in the rear window on the night that he went missing. U.S. Marshal Vincent Piccoli, however, said that information has been ruled out. Police said Keshaun got into a black SUV with at least two to four other teen boys.
Piccoli said authorities have received tips that Keshaun may not be in the Cleveland area, but law enforcement groups have ruled it out and have based their search specifically in the Cleveland area.
“We’ve received numerous amounts of information and tips since his disappearance, and we’ve vetted every single one of them thoroughly, and none of them are accurate,” Piccoli said. “So no, he has not been seen.”
The people who live at the home where the youth was last seen have been cooperative with the investigation, authorities said. Investigators have unsuccessfully searched several homes and abandoned properties throughout the city
Officials have not been able to obtain any surveillance or track Keshaun’s cell phone to gain additional information.
“Our detectives have been working tirelessly throughout this investigation,” Cleveland Police Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz said. “If you’re not aware, there’s been an extensive, long Amber alert in regard to Keshaun Williams.”
Cuyahoga County Crimestoppers increased the reward for information on the teen’s whereabouts from $22,500 to $27,000.
“There are people out here who know what happened to Keshaun, and I pray that you come forth and give the information that you have,” Mary Williams said. “I’m not asking you if you have it, I know people have it, and so we’re just prayerfully asking you to come forth.”
