CLEVELAND, Ohio — More than a decade has passed since two-year-old Nevaeh Holton was last seen, yet law enforcement continues to search for answers in her disappearance.
Nevaeh was last documented at a doctor’s appointment at MetroHealth Medical Center in November 2012, but her disappearance did not come to light until nearly six years later when a social worker officially reported her missing. Despite extensive efforts, investigators have yet to determine her whereabouts.
“We had some different information on where she could possibly be, but we weren’t able to pin down exactly where she was at that point,” said Detective Kevin Callahan, the missing persons liaison for the Cleveland Police Department.
Recognizing the complexity of the case, Callahan sought assistance from the FBI, which subsequently classified the investigation as a potential kidnapping.
“We opened the investigation as a kidnapping because we weren’t certain about where she is,” said FBI Special Agent Cristin McCaskill. “So, you want to take it as seriously as possible.”
Investigators have learned that Nevaeh primarily lived with her mother but also spent a brief period in foster care. Police reports indicate that the child’s mother told a social worker she may have given Nevaeh to a relative in another state, further complicating the search.
Adding to concerns, Nevaeh was born with Waardenburg Syndrome, a genetic condition that affects pigmentation in the hair, skin, and eyes and can also cause hearing loss. She had additional medical conditions that required ongoing care.
“This is a child that had some medical issues, so she needed constant care—doctors, family,” Callahan noted.
Authorities have not had the opportunity to speak with Nevaeh’s mother directly, but they remain hopeful she will come forward.
“Law enforcement hasn’t had an opportunity to speak with her as of today, but we would welcome the opportunity,” McCaskill said.
The FBI and Cleveland Police urge anyone with information about Nevaeh’s disappearance to come forward. Investigators are seeking the public’s help to bring her home and provide long-awaited answers to this unresolved case.