Silent Observer launches new campaign

KENT COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – In Kent County, a group dedicated to solving open cases launched a new campaign asking for help.

Those who have lost their loved ones to a murder know an awful lot of pain. On Thursday, Silent Observer launched a new campaign to help some of those who have felt the pain of now knowing who is responsible.

You could soon be hearing new public service announcements, heartfelt and with a clear message.

Silent Observer is putting forth a new effort in Grand Rapids to generate tips on several murder cases that have gone cold in recent years.

Columbus and Vera Stewart spoke on Thursday about the 1996 case involving their daughter, Sherry Stewart. Sherry went missing in 1996, her body was found three years later in Walker. On Thursday, they spoke of the pain they’ve felt every day for the last thirteen years.

“As long as I got breath in my body, whether it’s here or whatever, it’s an opportunity to speak to my daughter, that’s what we are going to do until just is done,” said Vera.

Carolyn Priester has a similar story to share, Priester is about to mark the second anniversary of the murder of her son, Lee.

Newschannel 3 met Carolyn just after her son’s murder, in the time since then she’s put together a group called The Conquerors to help family members of victims of crime get through the aftermath of horrible situations. Carolyn is hoping that getting her story aired will prompt someone to come forward and finally give her peace.

“You know these hearts can’t be stone,” said Carolyn, “they have to be stone, they have to have some sense of remorse and those that are keeping silent, this stupid code of silence you know.”

Silent Observer can be reached in many ways, and in all the cases there is reward money to help solve the crimes.