Mickey Shunick: Latest Update

(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:  6/8/2012, 3:40pm   From Newstalk 96.5's Brandon Comeaux:

Lafayette Police have been in touch with deputies in Hancock County, Mississippi after a white woman's torso was found on a Gulf Coast beach Thursday night. Hancock County investigators say the woman appears to be between the ages of 15-and 22-years-old.

Police were concerned the body part could have belonged to Mickey Shunick, who's been missing since May 19th. Corporal Kyle Soriez with Lafayette Police says it's too early to tell if the body, which has a stab wound to the chest, could be that of Mickey Shunick. Shunick family members have ruled that out, though, because the remains found had body piercings that Mickey does not have.

John Abdella, a private investigator hired by the Shunick's, says he has information on two possible suspects in Mickey's disappearance. Corporal Soriez says they have spoken with Abdella and are treating it like "any information that is coming through the tips line." Corporal Soriez says they're still getting a lot of tips in Mickey's disappearance.

If you have any information on the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, please call 337-291-8633.

(UPDATE: 6/7/2012, 8pm) From NewsTalk 96.5's Nathan Pike:

LAFAYETTE, La. -- A private investigator looking into the disappearance of Mickey Shunick says he has a description of a possible person of interest in that case.

John Abdella, who was hired by the Shunick family the day after Mickey disappeared, said two people have given him a description of someone possibly involved in Shunick's disappearance. Those two people gave almost identical descriptions days apart from each other.

"I found it more than coincidental that they had a similar description," Abdella said.

Abdella said he has handed that information to investigators with the Lafayette Police Department. Cpl. Kyle Soriez, a police department spokesperson, would not confirm whether investigators received such information, but he did say they are continuing to work hundreds of leads.

Abdella said he has received 500 to 600 leads, including some from psychics.

Shunick, who has been missing since May 19, was last seen on surveillance camera on her bike near the Lafayette Consolidated Government building in the early morning hours that day. A white Chevrolet Z-71 was also seen at around the same time, and police continue to search for the driver of that truck.

Shunick's bike was found a week later underneath an Interstate 10 overpass at the Whiskey Bay exit. A second search of the Whiskey Bay turned up no further evidence, police department sources have said. Shunick's bike is currently being processed by forensics experts at the state police crime lab.

If you have any information that could crack this case, you're asked to call the Lafayette Police Department tips line at (337) 291-8633 or Abdella at (337) 235-0270.

(UPDATE: 6/1/12, 12:30 pm) From Lafayette Police Department

Beginning at 7:00 pm this evening, an answering machine will record all tips regarding the Mickey Shunick case for those persons who call 337-291-8633. The number of tips received by the Lafayette Police Department has decreased and it is no longer feasible to answer the tips line 24 hours a day. The tips line will be answered Monday through Friday during normal business hours by detectives. During weekends and after hours, the messages on the tips line will be checked periodically by an investigator.

(UPDATE: 6/1/12, 6am) From NewsTalk 96.5's Nathan Pike:

An article from the Independent, a Lafayette-based weekly newspaper, is increasing speculation that foul play may have had something to do with the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, a University of Louisiana at Lafayette student who has been missing since May 19.

The article apparently confirms a tip that 19-year-old Rocky James McGee, who was involved in an accident two years ago in which a person was killed, has been interviewed by the Lafayette Police Department in connection with the disappearance of Shunick. McGee, who was 17 at the time, was charged with OWI in that accident.

However, Corporal Paul Mouton, a Lafayette Police Department spokesperson, would neither confirm nor deny that McGee was interviewed. Mouton, who sounded incensed on the phone, said many people have been interviewed. No one has been identified as a suspect, he said, and no one has been arrested.

Police have searched the Whiskey Bay area twice this week after finding Shunick’s bike submerged there beneath an Interstate 10 overpass. A search that lasted well into Thursday morning revealed no further clues, Mouton said in a news release. Shunick’s bike is being examined by forensics experts at the State Police Crime Lab.

The investigation into Shunick’s case remains ongoing. If you have any information which police may find useful, you’re urged to call the Lafayette Police Department tips line at (337) 291-8633.

(UPDATE: 5/31/12, 9am) From NewsTalk 96. KPEL's Bernadette Lee:

On Wednesday investigators returned to the area were the bicycle was located and re-examined the area with sonar. Images recorded on the sonar equipment were reviewed and sparked the operator’s interest. Divers from the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office were called in to conduct the search beneath the water, but nothing of evidence value was located. The investigation remains ongoing.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, please call (337) 291-8633.

(UPDATE: 5/3012, 11:30pm)

From our sister-station, Newstalk 96.5 KPEL's Nathan Pike:

LAFAYETTE, La. — Lafayette Police confirm something has been found in the waters of the Whiskey Bay that could be potential new evidence in the case to find Mickey Shunick.

However, they are not releasing any information on what that evidence may be.

(UPDATE: 5/30/12, 9:30pm) From our sister-station, NewsTalk 96.5 KPEL:

(UPDATE: 5/30/12, 6:15pm) From our sister-station, NewsTalk 96.5 KPEL:

The Shunick family has hired a private investigator to assist them in their search for Mickey Shunick, the UL Lafayette anthropology student who went missing nearly two weeks ago.

The Find Mickey Shunick Now Facebook page announced Wednesday afternoon that anyone with information pertaining to the case is asked to call John Abdella at (337) 235-0270 in conjunction with the Lafayette Police Department tips line at (337) 291-8633.

(UPDATE: 5/30/12, 3:00pm) From the Lafayette Police Department:

Lafayette, LA – Lafayette Police have identified the operators and occupants of both the older model 4-door car and the white 4-door pickup truck with the bed cover, which were captured on surveillance video. Investigators have ruled out any involvement by these individuals and they offered no additional clues for the investigation. Investigators continue to seek information on the newer model white Z-71 pickup truck. The investigation remains ongoing.

Detectives with the Lafayette Police Department have released the condition of Mickey Shunick’s bike as it was found. The bike was found to be submerged except for a small section of the frame. The bike’s rear tire was found to be damaged. It is currently being processed by the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab. Detectives are hopeful that forensic experts can find evidence on the frame, handle bars and handgrips that were recovered at the scene.

If you have any information about this case, please call 337-291-8633.

(UPDATE: 5/29/12, 4pm)

According to the Lafayette Police, the rear tire on Mickey Shunick's bicycle showed signs of damage. Police believe the bicycle was 'dumped' in the water near the Whiskey Bay exit off of I-10 on the day she disappeared, but have sent the bicycle to the Louisiana State Police Crime Lab for analysis. Authorities are hoping that the analysis will reveal 1) how long the bicycle had been in the water, 2) how the damage to the rear tire occured, and 3) other evidence useful to the case.

If you have any information about the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, please call the tip line at (337) 291-8633.

(UPDATE: 5/29/2012, 1:45 p.m.)

-- Police in Lafayette do not believe there is a connection with the disappearance of Mickey Shunick and that of a University of Indiana girl who went missing more than a year ago.

Corporal Paul Mouton with the Lafayette Police Department says they are not releasing any information as to why they don't think the two cases are related.

He says police in Bloomington, Ind. contacted police here because of similarities in the two cases. Both women are nearly the same age and are of the same build, shape, and hair color. Both women went missing after a night out with friends.

Shunick's bike was found Saturday in a swampy area off of Interstate 10 near the Whiskey Bay. If you have any information that could crack this case, you're urged to call the Lafayette Police Department tips line (337) 291-8633

(UPDATE: 5/29/12, 9:43am)

Investigators in Bloomington, Ind. have teamed up with their counterparts in Louisiana to discuss a missing persons case they’ve been working on for almost two years–a case similar to that of Mickey Shunick.

Twenty-year-old Lauren Spierer of Greenburgh, N.Y. disappeared June 3, 2010 shortly after a night out with friends in downtown Bloomington.

Shunick and Spierer are nearly the same age and are of the same size, build, and hair color. In both cases, security cameras captured white trucks where the women were last seen at the time they disappeared.

If you have any information, you’re once again urged to call the Lafayette Police Department tips line at (337) 291-8633.
(UPDATE: 5/27/12, 5:55pm)

Bernadette Lee of News Radio KPEL 96.5 has informed me that Mickey Shunick's bicycle has been located. It was reportedly found by fisherman near Whiskey Bay

Police have been gathering evidence at the scene. mickey has been missing since the early morning hours of Saturday, May 19th. Anyone with additional information is asked to call 337-291-8633, or 337-232-TIPS.

(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)

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 am. 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: 7:50pm) URGENT UPDATE: Police believe that they have found video of Mickey Shunick on her bicycle in the downtown area. Please click on this link to study the white pick-up truck in the photograph. Police would like to speak to the owner of the white late-model pickup. If you have any information, please call 337-291-8633 immediately.

(UPDATE: 3pm, 5/25/12) The Lafayette Police Department held a news conference today at 3pm and the Find Mickey Shunick headquarters site on UL's campus. Corporal Paul Mouton said that there was no new information to disseminate regarding the Mickey Shunick case.

Charlene Shunick, Mickey's sister, spoke about the condition of the family, relaying that they were getting rest and were in high spirits.

One of the volunteers mentioned that they have plenty of food and office supplies, but that they were still in need of monetary donations as well as physical volunteers.

Authorities are asking that everyone search their own property for any clues in the disappearance of Mickey Shunick, and if you think you find anything, do not hesitate to call. All leads are being followed up on. Also, if you have a security/surveillance camera at your home or business, they are asking that you review the footage from 1:30 am - 3:00 am Saturday morning, 5/19/12. If you see anything that may be related to the case, call the hotline at 337-291-8633

(UPDATE: 7pm, 5/24/12) Scott Brazda from our sister station NewsTalk 96.5 KPEL interview Lafayette Police Chief Jim Craft this afternoon. (Some of the gaps, pauses, and other portions of this interview not pertaining to Mickey Shunick have been edited).

Here is Part 1:

Here is Part 2:

(UPDATE: 11am, 5/24/12) Good Morning America, Headline News Television (HLN), Yahoo! and CNN are just some of the national news agencies that are picking up on the Mickey Shunick story, and the exposure is helping to spread the word of her disappearance.

Celebrities are beginning to Tweet and re-Tweet pictures and links about Mickey; donations are pouring in from all over the world, an official website has been launched, and local organizers have put together a benefit concert for Sunday, May 27, at Parc International in Lafayette.

As of 10am today, the official headquarters will move from 100 Ryan Street to the Our Lady of Wisdom Center at the corner of St. Mary and McKinley Street on the UL campus. The new headquarters location provides more room for the growing number of donated items and volunteers, but also affords volunteer workers a respite from the heat and sun.

The new website is www.findmickeyshunick.com

There are several things that you can do to help, even if you are nowhere close to Lafayette, Louisiana. For those who are near Lafayette, please check YOUR OWN PROPERTY! Please, walk the entire area of your property to check for clues. If your property covers several acres, get in touch with the command center for the search team and ask for volunteers to help you search. If you own a business, organize your employees to search TODAY! It is imperative that every square inch of this parish is searched for clues which might help authorities piece together what happened to Mickey.

We can only hope that everyone will do SOMETHING to help with the search. At the very least, please share this link on your website, Facebook/Social Media site, or email it to friends and family. We need to continue to get the word out about Mickey Shunick. Someone, somewhere, knows something.

(UPDATE: 6:00 p.m., 5/23/12) The founder and director of Texas Equusearch, a nonprofit group that specializes in missing persons cases, is en route to Lafayette to meet with the Shunick family and police. The group has been asked to assist with the search.

(Update as of 2pm, 5/23/12)

Here is the latest information, compiled today at 2pm:

Just got back from their base camp on Ryan Street. Many of you may already be aware of some of these things:

* The reward money has gone up to a 'capped' amount of $25,000. We understand that the reward will not be increased after today.

* They were scheduled to be on Good Morning America this morning. They were pre-empted by breaking national news. A reporter is on her way from New York City, and a producer is on her way from Houston. Both will be in town this afternoon.

* There will be a Solidarity Bike Ride tonight at 7:00 p.m. starting at Parc Sans Souci. They will go down the route Mickey may have taken. Good Morning America will be on hand for this event. GMA will film search and rescue efforts.

* Will be on with Nancy Grace live tomorrow.

* Port Barre Fire Team were there this morning to help with search efforts.

* Efforts are underway to begin searching Lake Martin. They are looking for boats, canoes, dredging materials, etc. They’re meeting at the lake tonight at 5:00 p.m.

* The group has plenty of water and food. They need things like post-it notes, legal pads, printing paper, pens, markers, power strips and other office materials.

* They need a few generators.

* They need caps with bills on them.

* Gator Water for skin.

* The Lamar Advertising for putting missing notices on digital billboards throughout the state.

* UL Student Government Association is working with the group.

* Live appearance on CNN today and everyday until Mickey is found.

* Nurses are on hand to watch over the health of the search volunteers because of the hot weather.

* Installing 20 X 10 tent so volunteers can stay the night if they have to.

Mickey Shunick vigil
photo by KPEL

LAFAYETTE, La.–Hundreds gathered Tuesday night at Park Sans Souci in Lafayette for a candlelight vigil in honor of 22-year-old Mickey Shunick, the UL Lafayette anthropology student who went missing early Saturday morning. Her disappearance has sparked an intense search effort by family, friends and law enforcement, and her story has garnered the attention of national and international media outlets, including ABC’s “Good Morning America,” who was on hand for the event.

“We just can’t say enough about how appreciative we are–how amazed we are at the huge turnout, the community support,” said Brettly Wilson, a close friend of Shunick’s and the last person to see her. “It’s really manifested here tonight.”

That support was given a number in terms of the volunteers who have stopped by the Ryan Street home that is being used as an unofficial base of operations for the local search effort. More than 450 people have stopped by the home to volunteer their time, whether that time is spent in canvassing neighborhoods and businesses with flyers or in searching areas where Shunick may have ridden past on her bicycle, the group announced.

It was also evident in the generous contribution of an unnamed donor; the reward for any information that leads to the return of Shunick now stands at $20,000, up from $10,000 thanks to that donation.

A panel of Shunick’s family and closest friends also called on the community at-large to continue talking about her, especially on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.

“Everyone has been asking all of us, ‘What can I do?’,” said Josh Coen, another of Shunick’s close friends. “And that’s talk, connect. Tell everyone you know. Facebook has been an amazing tool…Re-blog it, re-post.”

The speed at which the group’s Find Mickey Shunick Now Facebook page has gained followers has been nothing short of amazing. Monday morning, just over 900 users had ‘liked’ the page. As of Tuesday night, that number was more than 7,000. The passion and fervor of Shunick’s supporters can be seen by simply viewing the news feeds of even the most disconnected Facebook profiles. Many users have changed their profile pictures to images of Shunick. Many more have shared the literally hundreds of posts and links about the case.

The quick spread of information has led to the story being picked up by the Huffington Post, Fox News, Nancy Grace, CNN, “Good Morning America”, and many others. A crew from the ABC morning show arrived toward the end of the event; they are in town to interview the Shunick family for a segment that will air Wednesday morning.

Many members of Lafayette’s cycling community also made their presence known at the vigil. Around the perimeter of the park, bicycles dotted nearly every light and sign post, and as the crowd dispersed at the end of the event, the sheer number of bikes on the road was noticeable.

Shunick vigil 2
(photo by KPEL)

But just as the vigil served as a public session for the most up-to-date information on the search for Shunick, it was even more so an emotional outlet for the many who confidently believe that she is still alive and that she will be returned safely.

Ashely Says, another of Shunick’s friends (she has many), poured out her heart and her feelings about Shunick. Moved to the point of tears, she needed the help of friends to complete her thoughts.

Says described Shunick as a dependable friend whom she could approach with any topic, no matter how personal. Shunick is also an avid cyclist, is extremly athletic and is a lover of horses. According to the group, she works on a horse farm, and she owns two of her own horses.

“It’s been a very long and grueling few days,” she said. “We haven’t lost hope, and we know that we’re going to find her very soon.”

A Catholic priest led the vigil in prayer, while a Methodist pastor started the candle lighting ceremony. Probably the most palpable moments, though, followed. A singer and guitarist duo played an emotionally stirring rendition of the Beatles “All You Need Is Love.” The many in attendance joined in singing the chorus, their lit candles gently swaying in front of them. By the end of the song, tears were flowing from the eyes of several in the audience and of those on the stage.

Shunick vigil 3
(photo by KPEL)

Shunick was last seen when she was leaving Wilson’s home on Ryan Street at about 2 a.m. Saturday. Her home near the intersection of Ambassador Caffery Parkway and Congress Street would have taken about 30 minutes to reach on bike, but she never made it there. Her family became even more worried when she didn’t make it to her brother’s graduation Saturday night.

An unofficial search by friends and family began the following day. Officials from several agencies, including Lafayette Police, Louisiana State Police, and the FBI, began a search in earnest Monday, sweeping Shunick’s presumed bike path on foot, horse, car, and helicopter. So far, there has been no break in the case, though police say they are following up on all leads. Police have set up a telephone tipline, 337-291-8633, for any information that may lead to the discovery of where Shunick may be.

As the investigation continues, though, friends and family say they will not give up in their search for her, and they refuse to believe a worst case scenario may have occurred.

“Mickey loved this community, and obviously this community loved Mickey,” Says said, “and we just want our friend back–we just want her home.”