‘When someone is missing, every available resource matters’: Investigation into Brittany Shank’s disappearance continues in earnest
Earlier this week, investigators began digging at a property in Leonidas Township after they received information that there could be evidence at the property related to the disappearance of Brittany Shank.
Earlier this week, investigators began digging at a property in Leonidas Township after they received information that there could be evidence at the property related to the disappearance of Brittany Shank, according to a press release from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s office.
The investigations were done in collaboration between St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police (MSP), and the FBI Detroit Field Office. The collaboration comes after an announcement in August of last year that the county will begin working jointly with MSP detectives to re-examine the case file from the beginning with “fresh eyes,” Sheriff Chad Spence previously told Watershed Voice.
“When someone is missing, every available resource matters. FBI Detroit personnel, including members of our Evidence Response Team, are on scene supporting the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office as they continue their search efforts,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “We are proud to stand alongside our local partners and provide the technical expertise and resources needed to support this important work and the families awaiting answers.”
Shank has been missing almost eight years after she vanished on November 30, 2018, following a crash along Fawn River Road near Sturgis. After the accident, Shank fled to a nearby home where the homeowner says she was barefoot and scratched. It was then that the homeowner, with Shank, called 911. Soon after, Shank left the house and has not been seen since. In October 2024, the Sheriff’s office released the 911 audio from that night and a sketch of the man believed to have been last seen with Shank. The WMU Cold Case Program has assisted by organizing the case filing and building timelines.
The digging is occurring about 17 miles from where that accident occurred. Authorities have wrapped up the digging, however, have yet to release any findings of the investigation.
“This remains an active and ongoing investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation, no additional details are being released at this time,” the release states.
This is a developing story and Watershed Voice will provide updates as they become available.
Anyone with information related to the disappearance of Brittany Shank is encouraged to contact the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office.
Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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