Hoping for closure after five years

MARSHALL, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - March is going to mark a grim anniversary for one Marshall family.

It was March 12, 2004 when Mary Lands went missing from her home in Marshall. Since then, the case has grabbed headlines and the support of national groups eager to bring some closure to the Lands family.

Now, the family and the Marshall Police have put aside their differences and agreed to work to bring the case to a close.

It is a change of attitude and a change in course, one Cliff and Anita Marshall hope will solve the case of their missing daughter, Mary Lands.

For five years, the Marshall family has been at odds with Marshall Police over how to solve the mystery, but those differences seemed to end on Wednesday.

"It's no secret that we've had our ups and downs with some members of law enforcement," said Jim Carlin, a private investigator hired by the Marshall family.

"Instead of bickering all the time, it's best that we work to get Mary and bring her home," said Cliff Marshall, Mary's father.

Mary Land's disappearance is nearing the five year mark, and though a massive searches followed her disappearance, nothing lead to Mary.

At a press conference on Wednesday, a $5,000 reward was offered, and the Marshall's matched it.

"We hope that someone cares enough that they'll come forward and we can find her," said Anita Marshall, Mary's mother.

Mary's family still believes that her ex-boyfriend Chris Pratt may be responsible for Mary's disappearance.

"I feel he murdered my child," said Cliff, "that's what I feel."

Pratt has never been arrested or charged in connection with the case, and police wouldn't comment on him Wednesday.

"I don't want to comment on charges," said Det. Sgt. Scott McDonald of the Marshall Police Dept. "That will be up to the court system, we do have a suspect that we continue to focus on, I'll leave it at that."

Cliff and Anita Marshall did receive word in late 2008 that the Attorney General's office would look into Mary's case.

"We just want to bring our daughter home and put her to rest," said Cliff.

Anyone with information on the disappearance of Mary Lands is urged to contact the Marshall Police at 269-781-2596.