Loved ones share hope, look for answers on Missing Persons Day
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The 22nd Annual Missing Persons Day was held at the New York State Museum Saturday to honor and raise awareness for those who are still missing throughout the state.
Dozens of families and friends with missing loved ones joined the over six-hour event Saturday, hosted by Mary Lyall with the Center for Hope. Lyall began this event after her daughter Suzanne Lyall went missing nearly 30 years ago.
"My husband and I did not have any organizations to call," said Lyall. "The state police, the police, were the only people we could talk to. And finally we said look, and we started learning a lot of different things that we can do to help investigate our case and now, we want to share it with other people," said Lyall.
Other people such as Rose Cobo and Yvonne Harbers, who were among the many people present on Saturday that had missing loved ones. Cobo's daughter Chelsea Cobo went missing in 2016 out of Brooklyn.
"I don't want any revenge, it is what it is and it will become what I make it, but I'm trying to figure out how to be somewhat like Mary Lyall and make something positive out of this nightmare," said Cobo.
According to New York State Police, Chelsea was last seen near 68th and Bay Parkway in Brooklyn in the confines of the 66th precinct.
"Her smile was so beautiful, and I’m very fortunate to be able to raise her and call her my daughter and I'm hoping to continue to count what I have, and be okay," said Cobo.
Harbers' brother Jeff Coonradt also went missing. After 38 years since his disappearance, his case has recently been reactivated by investigators in Virginia.
“Right now, I'm just happy that it's being looked at," said Harbers. "That’s the most important thing for a lot of families with missing loved ones, is getting the word out there and keeping it going."
The event featured speeches and PowerPoints from all different types of investigative professionals including police detectives, forensic anthropologists, the New York City Office of Medical Examiners (OCME), Rensselaer County's OCME and more. Everyone agreed that the most important message is to never give up.
“And if Chelsea’s out there, you know, I’ll never stop looking for you pumpkin, no matter what," said Cobo.
Anyone with any information, even just a small detail on any of missing persons' cases, is asked to contact state police at 518 -457-6811 or crimetip@troopers.ny.gov.