The disappearance of Emma Baum, a 25-year-old pregnant mother of three from Portage, Indiana, has cast a long shadow of worry and uncertainty over her family and community. Nine months pregnant at the time of her vanishing on October 10th, 2023, Emma was last seen being dropped off at her boyfriend’s residence in Gary, Indiana. The ensuing weeks have been marked by a frantic search for answers, spearheaded by her family and supported by local law enforcement. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance, coupled with the impending birth of her fourth child, have heightened anxieties and fueled speculation about her whereabouts.
Emma’s sister, Hailey Baum-Waddell, has been instrumental in organizing search efforts and raising public awareness about the case. She describes the search as a grueling ordeal, both mentally and physically, but emphasizes the family’s unwavering determination to find Emma. Hailey recalls the initial days after Emma’s disappearance, filled with unanswered messages and growing concern. When their attempts to reach Emma through friends and her boyfriend proved futile, the family realized something was amiss and reported her missing to the Gary Police Department on October 28th. The delayed reporting stemmed from Emma’s occasional habit of being out of contact for several days, a pattern that ultimately proved drastically different from her current prolonged absence.
Law enforcement, including the Gary Police Department and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department, have conducted extensive searches using K9 units, covering various locations including a house, an apartment, recreational vehicles, and other properties. Parallel to the official investigation, Hailey and other family members have mobilized community support for the search. A social media post by Hailey garnered overwhelming responses from individuals willing to assist in finding Emma, highlighting the widespread concern and desire to help. The search efforts have been extensive, yet Emma remains missing, leaving her family desperate for any information that could lead to her safe return.
A significant point of contention in the case revolves around Emma’s boyfriend. Hailey expresses suspicion that he might be withholding information, while Emma’s mother reportedly believes he is directly involved in her disappearance. While the boyfriend was initially in custody on unrelated charges, he has since been released from Lake County Jail pending his court date. Gary Police Cmdr. Jack Hamady confirmed that no charges have been filed against anyone in connection with Emma’s disappearance and that the investigation is ongoing, involving interviews with individuals associated with the case. The boyfriend remains a person of interest, though his exact role in Emma’s disappearance remains unclear.
Emma’s disappearance is particularly distressing given her devotion to her children, especially her eldest son, with whom she shares a close bond. The thought of Emma missing significant milestones, like holidays and birthdays, with her children is agonizing for her family. They emphasize that it is entirely out of character for Emma to be absent for such an extended period, especially given her impending motherhood. The absence of a working phone at the time of her disappearance further complicates matters. Emma had intended to activate her phone with her boyfriend on the day she went missing, but this never occurred, severing a vital communication link.
Emma is described as being approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing around 136 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. Distinguishing features include several scars and tattoos, and she is known to frequently wear colorful wigs. Hailey paints a picture of her sister as a warm and generous individual, always willing to uplift others and bring joy to those around her. The family’s plea for help reflects their deep concern not just for Emma but also for the well-being of her unborn child. The dual disappearance adds a layer of complexity and urgency to the case, as time continues to pass with no definitive answers. The uncertainty surrounding Emma and her baby’s fate weighs heavily on the family, who cling to the hope of finding them safe and sound.
The search for Emma Baum continues, with her family and the community desperately seeking answers. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance, her advanced pregnancy, and the lack of concrete leads have created a complex and emotionally charged situation. Law enforcement continues its investigation, and the public is urged to come forward with any information that may help locate Emma and her unborn child. The family’s plea for assistance underscores the urgency of the situation and the profound impact this disappearance has had on their lives. The hope remains that Emma and her baby will be found safe, bringing closure to this agonizing ordeal.
