Mickey Shunick Update: Additional Vehicles Sought
(Due to the evolving nature of this story, we will have 'updates' as new information becomes available. Newest information is at the top of this story, with earlier postings, chronologically, to follow.)
(UPDATE: 5:45pm, 5/26/12)
Chief Jim Craft and the Lafayette Police have issued the following press release:
UPDATE V: Additional Vehicles Sought in Search for Mickey
Lafayette, LA – Detectives have provided an updated picture of the initial vehicle of interest and the pictures of two additional vehicles that were in the area during the same time frame when Mickey Shunick was last captured on surveillance footage. The first truck (Picture1) drove from the area that Mickey had traveled. It is evident from the new photo that the vehicle has a bed cover and tinted windows. The second truck (Picture2) is a white 4 door Chevrolet Z71 that traveled in the same direction of Mickey on St. Landry Street. The third vehicle (Pictures 3 &4) is an 80’s or 90’s 4 door vehicle with body work on the rear right quarter panel. Detectives are interested in locating the vehicles and speaking with the occupants to obtain further information on the case.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tips line at 337-291-8633.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tips line at 337-291-8633.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tips line at 337-291-8633.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the tips line at 337-291-8633.
UPDATE IV: Mickey Captured on Video, White Pickup Sought
Original Release: May 25, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
Lafayette, LA – Detectives were able to identify a bicyclist believed to be Mickey Shunick traveling on Versailles Blvd and Saint Landry Street. At approximately 1:47 am the bicyclist is captured on Versailles Blvd traveling towards St. John Street. She then traveled on St. John Street and crossed over University Avenue, continuing west on St. Landry Street where she was captured on video at approximately 1:48 pm. Investigators are seeking information regarding a white newer model four door pickup truck, which was captured on video after Mickey Shunick traveled on both streets.
Anyone with information about the case of the pickup truck is encouraged to call the tips line at 337-291-8633 or Crime Stoppers at 337-232-TIPS.
UPDATE III: Police Request Citizens to Search Video
May 24, 2012 @ 4:00 pm
Lafayette, LA – Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department are asking business owners and those residents with video surveillance equipment to review footage from May 19, 2012, between the hours of 1:30 am and 3:30 am. Being that there is no confirmed route that was taken by Mickey Shunick on her bike, she could have been possibly captured by equipment not checked by police. Anyone finding any footage of interest is asked to call the tips line at 337-291-8633.
Beginning tomorrow, Friday, May 25, 2012, a press briefing will be held at the volunteer center on St. Mary Street at 3:00 pm daily to discuss any updates in the case.
UPDATE II: Police Continue to Seek New Information
Original Release: May 23, 2012 @ 4:00 pm
Lafayette, LA – Police continue to receive tips and follow up leads in the case of Missing Michaela “Mickey” Shunick. There is no new information pertaining to the case. The investigation continues.
UPDATE: Police Open Tips Line for Information on Missing Woman
Original Release: May 21, 2012 @ 6:15 pm
Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Police have established a “Tips Line” for citizens to call with information pertaining to the case of the missing woman, Michaela “Mickey” Shunick. Those citizens with information about the case are encouraged to call 337-291-8633. Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department will be monitoring the phone for at least the next 24 hours.
Search Continues for Missing Lafayette Woman
Original Release: May 21, 2012 @ 4:20 pm
Lafayette, LA – Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department continue to search for clues which would assist them in locating Michaela “Mickey” Shunick (21). Shunick went missing after leaving a friend’s residence in the 100 block of Ryan Street at approximately 2:00 am on Saturday, May 19, 2012. She was wearing a pastel, multi-colored striped shirt, light wash skinny jeans and grey shoes. Shunick departed the residence on a black Schwinn bicycle with gold handle bar grips and wearing a brown leather backpack purse. It is believed that she was going to her residence near the intersection of Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Congress Street. Shunick is described as a white female, blonde hair, 5’1” tall and 115 pounds.
The Louisiana State Police and the FBI have offered their resources and assisting in the investigation. Below is a photo of Michaela Shunick and the bicycle she is believed to have been riding when she went missing.
Detectives are asking anyone with any information about the case to contact the Lafayette Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 232-TIPS.
(UPDATE: 4:30pm, 5/26/12)
Lafayette City Police cancelled the press briefing that was to be held today at 3pm. They are still asking residents and business owners to review any surveillance footage from early Saturday morning (5/19/12), between 1:30 and 3am, for any signs of Mickey Shunick or a white, four-door, late-model pick-up truck.
Volunteer organizers are moving the search headquarters to Blackham Coliseum at 7pm today. Any able-bodied volunteers who can assist in the move are asked to show up at Our Lady of Wisdom Center on campus before 7pm to help with the move.
Remember, all search volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Organizers are asking that all search volunteers wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and bring some type of backpack/bag to carry water/sunscreen/supplies, etc., and any type of tool that can be used to 'clear' or 'move aside' brush/bushes.
Organizers remind all volunteers that you must present a valid id/driver's license and get signed in before heading out to search or lending a hand at the command center.
In an effort to decrease the number of false rumors and to help authorities concentrate on credible leads, Mickey's sister, Charlene Shunick, posted the following on Facebook yesterday:
PLEASE REMEMBER: until a member of my family, me or the police release a statement/fact/lead the other information is FALSE. We need to make sure everyone gets the facts right so that we can be as efficient as possible! We did find some footage of the Mick, and we noticed a few large 4-door white trucks in that area at that time to see if they saw or know anything, even what street she got on next! Again we cannot thank every single one of your for your love, concern and support! We couldn't be where we are without all of you! ♥
Anyone with any information can call the Mickey Shunick Tip Line at 337-291-8633.
There will be a benefit show at Parc International tomorrow to help raise funds for search efforts. Gates open at 5pm, Vagabond Swing and Givers will be performing. There is a suggested $15 donation for entry.
(UPDATE: 7pm, 5/25/12)