BERKELEY, Mo. — A heart-wrenching mystery has lingered in the small town of Berkeley for over a decade, and the use of artificial intelligence may be another resource to help solve it.
Shemika Cosey was 16 years when she went missing just days after Christmas on Dec. 30, 2008.
The circumstances surrounding her disappearance have left her family and community grappling with unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss.
Shemika's mother recalled the last moments she saw her daughter. According to her, Shemika was picked up by her cousin for a casual sleepover at the cousin's house on Napier Street. The night seemed ordinary, with the two teens watching movies until the early hours. However, the next morning, Shemika's aunt made a shocking discovery—Shemika was missing, and the front door was left unlocked.
Shemika's personal items, including her purse and jacket, were gone, while her clothes and overnight bag remained in the cousin's home.
Shemika's family is adamant that she would not have willingly disappeared without a trace, emphasizing her strong connection to her loved ones.
In recent years, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children has utilized artificial intelligence to aid in the search for missing children.
The NCMEC employs advanced techniques such as age progression imaging, utilizing AI to quickly enhance and update photographs of missing individuals.
In Shemika's case, a new age progression image has been released, portraying what she may look like at 31 years old.
AI technologies are employed to remove backgrounds, change clothing, or airbrush out elements that may hinder the clarity of the photograph. This innovative approach expedites the process of creating updated images, offering a lifelike representation of what the missing individual may look like today.
The Berkeley Police Department confirmed that the investigation into Shemika Cosey's disappearance is still ongoing. While details about the progress of the case remain limited, authorities assure the public that they will follow up on any leads that may arise.
Shemika's mother, despite the passage of time, remains hopeful that the updated photograph generated with the help of AI may bring new leads in the search for her daughter.
"I pray every day that you find a way home to your family. I miss you. I love you. I pray that I see you one day in this life. My baby needs to be home with me," she said.
Anyone with information about Shemika Cosey or her disappearance is asked to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or the Berkeley Police Department at 314-524-3311.