In the case of another missing African-American girl whom you may not have heard much about, News One reports that a family acquaintance who did yard work for the family of 15-year-old South Carolina cheerleader Gabrielle Swainson — and who reportedly participated in the searches for her as a way to direct suspicion elsewhere — has been arrested and charged with kidnapping. The suspect is described as being "completely uncooperative" in helping to locate the teen.
Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott called 52-year-old Freddie Grant a "career criminal" in announcing the arrest, according to WACH Fox News in Columbia, S.C. …
Swainson's mother, Elvia Swainson, said she went to work at 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 18 and left her sleeping daughter at their home. When she returned at 7:30 a.m., the teen was missing and the alarm was going off. There were no signs of forced entry and all of Gabrielle's belongings, including shoes, clothes, wallet, and cell phone were still at her home.
Authorities are still hoping that Swainson will be found alive. More than 100 0fficers have fanned out to search a junkyard near the suspect’s home.
NewsOne is partnering with the Black and Missing Foundation and TV One to focus on the crisis of missing African Americans. Black and Missing Foundation, Inc., whose tagline is "Providing an equal opportunity for all missing," is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring awareness to missing persons of color, provide vital resources and tools to missing persons' families and friends and to educate the minority community on personal safety.
Gabrielle was last seen sleeping in her bed on Aug. 18, 2012. Review the essential details of her disappearance from Ebony:
Case Type: Endangered
DOB: Jun 26, 1997
Missing Date: Aug 18, 2012
Age Now: 15
Missing City: Columbia
Missing State: SC
Case Number: 1208014318
Gender: Female
Race: Black
Complexion: Medium
Height: 5-2
Weight: 120
Hair Color: Black
Hair Length: Shoulder Length
Eye Color: Brown
Wear Glasses or Contacts: No
Location Last Seen: She was last seen sleeping in her bed.
Identifying Marks or Characteristics: Braces
Read more at News One and Ebony.com.