Remembering a missing Marshall woman

MARSHALL, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Family and friends gathered on Friday to remember a woman who disappeared six years earlier in Calhoun County.

Investigators are still searching for clues in the disappearance of Mary Lands, they've yet to find any sign of her.

Friday was a somber reminder that Lands has been missing for six years now, but the family isn't giving up hope that she will be found.

“She would be 45 today,” said Cliff Marshall, Lands' father.

“We keep plugging along to make sure no one forgets her,” said Anita Marshall, Lands' mother.

Friday's event wasn't a celebration, but rather a reminder that the Marshall woman, and loving daughter, is still missing.

In 2004, Lands' fiancé, Christopher Pratt, claims she went for a walk at 10:00 pm. Lands was never seen again.

Investigators and Lands' family believes she was murdered, but they have been unable to find her body.

The search for Lands continues, and while they wait, they remember, year after year at the Brooks Memorial Circle Fountain in Marshall.

“They are not vindictive,” said Chief James Schwartz of the Marshall Police Department.

Chief Schwartz has only been on the job six months, but he's made finding Lands one of his top priorities.

“She's been missing for six years,” said Chief Schwartz, “and it will take some more time.”

Police and Lands' family continues to reach out to anyone who may know anything about the case.

“However trivial that information may seem it is really important to us,” said Chief Schwartz.

As for closure, Lands' parents say they will never give up the search, and if they have to, they will be back at the fountain again in a year.

“We do not want to be here next year,” said Cliff Marshall.

Search crews will be going out again in the springtime to continue the search for Mary Lands.