5 Years Later and the Search Continues for Keeshae Jacobs
Where is Keeshae Jacobs?
Toni Jacobs has not seen her daughter Keeshae in five years. With no leads and no suspects, Toni is hoping to raise awareness in the community that could lead to a clue on the whereabouts of Keeshae.
Keeshae Jacobs of Richmond, Virginia, 21 years old at the time of her disappearance, texted her mother on September 26, 2016, that she had made safely it to her friend’s house and that she would see her tomorrow.
It turned out to be the last time her mother ever heard from her.
“That was the last time I talked to my daughter or have seen my daughter. I never thought it would be five years and she still wouldn’t be here.” — Toni Jacobs
Media focus on Gabby Petito, while women of color often slip under the radar
As the media brought attention to the missing 22-year-old Gabby Petito, who sadly, was later found dead, families of other missing persons took the opportunity to speak out about their loved ones.
It’s not that Toni doesn’t want Gabby to get the media attention and exposure for her disappearance, however, she wants the same treatment for her child.
Toni told CBS News, “Keeshae and [Petito] are about the same age, her parents are just as concerned about her as I was about Keeshae.
“To lose a child is something that I don’t wish upon my worst enemy,” she continued. “But now, when you look at the news, that’s all I see. …There’s other people missing out here that need the same attention.”
Police suspect “foul play”
Police announced over a year after Keeshae’s disappearance that they suspected “foul play” was involved, and asked the community for their assistance. Major Crimes Det. William Thompson said it was out of Keeshae’s character not to be in touch with her family.
“This is not a young lady that just decided to run away or move to another state,” said Thomspon. “It is not her character to not call her family or friends in 14 months when she would reach out to them every day.”
More family tragedy for Toni Jacobs
In a sad turn of events, Toni’s son, Deavon Jacobs was murdered a few months after Keeshae’s disappearance.
“Emotionally, it’s a struggle because this is the first holiday I had to go through without either kid. To do a holiday without either one of them… it’s so hard. A lot of crying. But I made it through,” Toni told NBC12 in 2017.
Family holds vigil for the five year anniversary of Keeshae’s disappearance
On Sunday, September 26, 2021, Keeshae’s loved ones held a vigil with a balloon release of yellow and blue environmentally friendly balloons. Her family and friends have vowed not to give up until she is found.
Do you have information about Keeshae Jacobs?
According to the family’s Facebook page: “Keeshae was last seen wearing black basketball shorts, pink and black Nike basketball shoes, and a pink scarf. She has tattoos on her right foot, right leg and right hand of a leaf, paws and a flower.”
The family asks anyone with information regarding Keeshae to call the Richmond Crime Stoppers at (804) 780–1000.
You can follow the Facebook page “Help Find Keeshae Jacobs” to keep up with the latest information.
“In my heart of hearts I know Keeshae is still out there, I know she’s out there.” — Toni Jacobs.
Sources: Help Find Keeshae Jacobs (Facebook), Loved ones hold vigil for a missing Richmond woman 5 years after her disappearance, How Richmond mother is ‘still fighting’ for daughter missing nearly 5 years, These families want help finding Keeshae Jacobs, Mary Johnson, Alicia Navarro and hundreds of other missing people. Here’s why you might not have heard of them, Foul play suspected in disappearance of Richmond woman
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