Family of missing Benton Harbor woman searching for answers two months after disappearance

BENTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. --- A Benton Harbor family is searching for answers in the case of Jessica Gray after she disappeared in December 2019.

Loved ones rallied at the Benton Township Police Department holding signs and chanting “Justice for Jessica”.

Family and friends said that they hope more can be done in the long search for Gray.

30-year-old Jessica Gray disappeared two months ago in early December after police were dispatched on a welfare check to the residence of Willie Lark Jr., 38, of Benton Harbor.

“And still no answers,” Eula Omar said, who is Jessica’s aunt.

When officers arrived at Lark’s residence, they discovered blood in the doorway along with live ammunition and spent shell casings inside.

“We miss her so much, we miss her so much,” Carolina Grays said, who is Jessica’s mother.

Family members said that they have tried to be patient through the investigation, but two months later they just want answers and to find Jessica.

“You know something is like missing from me,” Carolina Gray said. “It’s like one part of my heart it’s like it’s just dying and the other part is trying to stay up and be strong but it’s so hard.”

Willie Lark Jr. was later arrested out of state on unrelated charges, but Jessica Gray’s whereabouts are still unknown.

With every passing day, the pain is constantly present for family members and Carolina feels guilty every day for doing the simple things without her daughter.

“Before I wake up, you know, sometimes I try to eat and you know, I feel guilty because I’m eating, sleeping or watching TV and I feel guilty because I’m doing that and she’s not here to do it with me,” Carolina Gray said.

Carolina said that no matter what it takes she needs to find her daughter and that she is absolutely desperate.

“I’m preparing myself, you know, to be strong with what I hear and what I’m not going to hear but I just want some answers for her that’s all,” Carolina Gray said.

It has been nearly a month since the last update from police in the investigation and they are still awaiting DNA results from the blood found at the Lark residence, according to Carolina.

Family and friends plan to have another demonstration on February 18 at 4:30 in hopes of pushing for answers in the case.