Jul 9, 2008 4:25 pm US/Central
Missing Teen's Family Wants More Done To Find Her
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Yasmin Acree, 15, has been missing since January 15, 2008.
Family members of a missing teen are looking for answers. They say the 15-year-old's case isn't getting the attention it deserves.
"We love Yasmin, we miss Yasmin and we just want Yasmin at home," said 15-year-old Yasmin Acree's mother, Rose Starnes.
Yasmin vanished from her West Side house in Austin on January 15. Her family and friends say the honor student's disappearance isn't receiving enough attention in the media and from police.
"We want the same sense of urgency as a case would get if it were in Bridgeport, Wrigleyville, Winnetka or Wilmette," said Yasmin's cousin the Rev. Ira Acree.
Starnes said, "I want the police to work harder so Yasmin can get home, so we can really know what's really going on with Yasmin."
The teen's mother says at the center of what she's talking about is a padlock that was cut from a door that leads directly into her house and Yasmin's room.
"This door was forced open, to get into the basement," Starnes said.
Her mother says police were told about the lock, but they didn't take it into evidence until about two days later. Police say evidence technicians had processed the scene and were looking at other pieces of evidence, aside from the lock.
Police also say they've been working consistently on the case since January. They've looked in shelters for the teen, searched Greyhound Bus records, video and have had the help of police in other states.
"This investigation deserves and has received attention from detectives, just as any other missing person's case," said Area 5 Detective Division Cmdr. Joseph Salemme.
Police say they've interviewed countless people and some refuse to cooperate. They also say there's the possibility Yasmin is a runaway.
"I'm glad I don't cuss. 'Cause I would tell you what kind of lie that is," Rev. Acree said. "She's never run away before."
The family is offering a $2,500 reward for information - call (773) 378-3300.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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