Deputies release timeline in investigation into disappearance of Alexis and Messiah Morales
Posted: May 12, 2022 11:30 AM EDT
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Alexis was found deceased with gunshot wounds in her vehicle in South Bend on April 19. Messiah was found alive and was transported to the hospital.
Full press release from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office
On April 13, 2022, at approximately 6:46 PM the Elkhart County Sheriff's Office responded to investigate the report that Alexis and Messiah Morales were missing. The following information is a timeline of our investigation.
- April 13, 2022, 6:46 PM: Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office responds and begins investigation:
- Initial responding officer requests cell phone ping through our dispatch center
- Dispatch center advised the cell service provider was unable to ping the phone
- April 13, 2022, 9:56 PM: Information regarding the missing mother and child were posted to Facebook requesting the public to contact the dispatch center with any information.
- April 14, 2022, 10:35 AM: Investigator had missing persons and vehicle entered as missing in NCIC and IDACS.
- April 14, 2022, 2:39 PM: Investigator requested dispatch to have the cell phone pinged.
- The cellular ping was unsuccessful.
- April 14, 2022, 2:25 PM: Facebook post was updated with photo of the missing vehicle associated with the investigation.
- April 14, 2022, 5:35 PM: Investigator requests an Amber or Silver Alert from the Indiana State Police Missing Person Clearinghouse.
- The request was denied as the circumstances did not meet the requirements for an Amber or Silver Alert.
- April 14, 2022, 6:35 PM: St. Joseph County Dispatch was contacted to have South Bend Police Department and St. Joseph County Police Department search areas related to cell tower information received by Investigators near Kennedy Water Park.
- April 15, 9:00 AM: Investigators contacted St. Joseph County Dispatch Center and were notified that the vehicle was not located.
- April 15, 2022, Investigators follow-up on tips and information received regarding the investigation.
- April 16, 2022, 4:32 PM: Search Warrant signed for Alexis Morales cell phone information.
- Continued follow-up on tips related to the investigation
- April 18, 2022, 9:10 AM: Investigator contacted Indiana State Police Missing Person Clearinghouse to resubmit a request for an Amber or Silver Alert.
- Silver Alert request was granted for Messiah Morales.
- April 18, 2022, at 3:50 PM: Facebook post was updated with additional information and Silver Alert notice.
- April 19, 2022, 6:30 PM: South Bend Police Department notified the Investigator that Alexis and Messiah had been located.
- April 20, 2022, at 9:55 AM: updated Facebook post cancelling the Silver Alert